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.
“It is a day of introspection for us all to ponder whether we have succeeded in assuaging their aspirations and urges”, former minister and State Secretary Mr Surjeet Singh Slathia said and complimented the relentless campaign of the Labour Union in fighting for genuine cause of the work force.
Mr Slathia 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.
Mr Slathia 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 added.
Speaking on the occasion, State Secretary Mr Rattan Lal Gupta recalled the crucial role played by labourers in shaping the public movement in Jammu and Kashmir as elsewhere in the world decades ago.
“Labour force are the builders of nation and catalyst of socio-economic transformation”, Mr Gupta said.
Mr Gupta 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. He also lashed out at a senior BJP leader for unleashing malicious campaign against National Conference and described it as a sign of frustration due to rejection by the people.
Addressing the gathering, former MLC and senior National Conference leader Mr B. R. Kundal called for initiation of short and long term measures by the state and central governments for economic emancipation and empowerment of the labour class with special focus on education of their children apart from health care.
Mr Kundal 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.
Mr Kundal, a former Chief Secretary of the state, 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir sought special schemes for the weaker sections of the society so that they lead a dignified life.
Sheikh Bashir 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 SCLU Nar Singh listed several issues, saying these are needed to be earnestly looked into by the government.
Mr Nar Singh also listed various issues of the labour class and called for time bound release of pending DA in Public sector and the Private Sector, implementation of Minimum Wage Act and SRO-43 in Public Sector, 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.
Provincial President Women Wing, Mrs Satwant Kour Dogra , Former legislator Mrs Swarn Latta, Mr Deep Mehra, Mr Vinod Tak, Mr Thoru Ram Mandi, Mr Chain Singh Dehati, Mr Ishfaq , Mr Shiv Kumar Bamotra also spoke on the occasion and dwelt upon the importance of this day for the work forc. The speakers stressed the crucial need of economic emancipation and welfare of the work force.
Those present on the occasion included Mr Qazi Jalal Ud Din Ex-MLA, Vice President Jammu Province, Mr Anil Dhar Vice President Jammu Province, Mr Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary, Mr Abdul Gani Teli Co- Chairman OBC Cell, Mr Vijay Lochan, Co-Chairperson SC Cell, Mr Wali Daad, Mr Riyaz Ahmed Hakala , Mr Karan Singh, Mr Parshotam and others.
