Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU MAY 01:
Lauding the resilience and fortitude of work force for their sustained efforts in building Naya Jammu and Kashmir as per the dreams of visionaries, who envisioned a progressive, prosperous and peaceful state, senior National Conference leaders on Wednesday said that May Day is reminiscent of the workers’ rights and societal response towards their well-being. The meeting was organized by Nar Singh President Labour Wing JKNC.
“It is a day of introspection for us all to ponder whether we have succeeded in assuaging their aspirations and urges”, Addressing the gathering Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary JKNC and former Minister, said and complimented the relentless campaign of the Labour Union in fighting for genuine cause of the work force.
The former minister said that National Conference has always fought for the cause of labour-class and said their welfare was an integral part of Naya Jammu and Kashmir Charter. He made a particular mention of interest evinced by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah for the empowerment of weaker sections especially the labour force and said this continues to be a guiding force for the party. “Labour force are the builders of nation and catalyst of socio-economic transformation”, he added
Sadhotra castigated the BJP for ignoring the welfare of labour force, saying but for remaining entangled in divisive politics, the party ditched the people of Jammu, especially weaker sections.
The senior NC leader said that every day is a labour day but observing it on May 1 has a historical significance as hundreds of people sacrificed their lives during the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago nearly two centuries ago while struggling for their rights. “Commemorating this day should not be a ritual but an occasion to pledge for wellbeing of the labour class and strive for dignity and honour of the work force”. He recalled the crucial role played by labourers in shaping the public movement in Jammu and Kashmir as elsewhere in the world decades ago.
Addressing the gathering, former minister and Zone President Udhampur Reasi Mr Abdul Gani Malik referred to the background of this day and said it is being observed on May 1st all over the world to highlight the need for restoration of labour rights with a view to bridge the gap between haves and have nots for harmonious growth of the society.
Babu Rampaul former minister and Central Zone President recalled the great role played by Sheikh Sahib for weaker sections of society especially the labour force and said history of National Conference is replete with steps taken from time to time for overall welfare of the labour class.He said that sought special schemes for the weaker sections of the society so that they lead a dignified life. He said that National Conference will always strive for seeking restoration of labour rights and implementation of welfare schemes to uplift their socio-economic conditions.
Highlighting the problems of the labour class, President State Central Labour Union, Nar Singh listed several issues, saying these are needed to be earnestly looked into by the government.
Nar Singh also listed various issues of the labour class and called for time bound implementation of Minimum Wage, regularization of daily wage employees/ Casual Workers/ Consolidated employees / ITI diploma holders in PSUs and Government Departments, revival of sick/ loss incurring units, abolition of contract system in private sectors, setting –up non –polluting as well as employment generating units and Constitution of Labour Board, DPC of employees in timely, employment to local workers in private sectors, Pension benefits to the public sector employees, enchancement of budgetary support of to PSUs, improvement /up gradation of basic infrastructure of PSUs, un- authorized closing of units, Industries policy, Loss of Interest Paid to CPF amount of employees and Orders of furniture to School Education and other deptt. Joinery Mills, JKI.
The speakers stressed the crucial need of economic emancipation and welfare of the work force.
Those present on the occasion included Qazi Jalal Ud Din former MLA, Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries, Bushan Lal Bhat former MLC, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Jugal Mahajan Treasurer,Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Vijay Lakshmi Datta Senior leader, Rashida Begum, Ashok Dogra, Waris Gill President Christian Cell, Kuldeep Sharma, Master Aslam, M.K Rana, Karan Singh Senior Vice President SCLU, Mahohar Karlopia District President Jammu Urban SCLU, Ajeet Kumar, Pritam Lal, Parveen Kumar President Intex, Sumita Bhan, Veer Ji Bhat, Ajay Kumar, Shiv Kumar Magotra and others.
