Saying that National Conference has all along espoused the cause of labour class and strived for their welfare, former minister and Sr State Vice President Surjeet Singh Slathia on Monday 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”, Slathia said while speaking at a function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here this morning in observance of the May Day.

He said National Conference will always strive for seeking restoration of labour rights and implementation of welfare schemes to uplift their socio-economic conditions.

Slathia 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.

The former minister 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 not’s for harmonious growth of the society.

Slathia recalled the great role played by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah 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, State Vice President of National Conference Rattan Lal Gupta expressed grave concern over rising prices and said that this impacts directly the labour class. He sought special schemes for the weaker sections of the society so that they lead a dignified life.

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. The issues inter-allia included  enhancement of minimum wages, release of pending DA in public sector and private sector, release of arrears of 6th Pay Commission, pension benefits to the public sector employees, implementation of SRO-43 in public sector, regularization of daily wage employees/ casual workers/ consolidated employees /ITI diploma holders in PSU’s and government department,  enhancement of budgetary support of to PSU’s, revival of sick/ loss incurring units, improvement /up-gradation of basic infrastructure of PSU’s, employment to local workers in private sectors, abolition of contract system in private sectors, un-authorized closing of units, setting up- non-polluting as well as employment generating units, closure of polluting units and introduction of industries policy.

Prominent among those present and addressed the gathering on the occasion included Karan Singh Deep Mehra, Vinod Tak, Chain Singh Dhatti, Thoru Ram Mandi, Baldev Raj, Isfaq Khan and other Labour leaders.

Guest