PDP activists, industrial workers stage protest

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Feb 12: A large number of industrial workers/ labourers held protest demonstration against the Labour Department and the management of industrial units in the area for their exploitation in the town here today.
PDP’s Youth Wing, Samba led by Sunny Sangral and Bhanu Partap Singh was leading the protest at local stadium here. Besides PDP activists a large number of industrial labourers/ workers participated in the protest programme. They were demanding enhancement in daily wages as per SRO-61. They alleged that in sheer violation of SRO-61, the industrial management is paying the basic labour of Rs 110 per day to these workers instead of Rs 150 while the labourers at some places are even getting Rs 250.
The protesting labourers raised slogans against the State Labour Commissioner and the Minister concerned for sleeping over the issues of the labour force and playing in the hands of wealthy industrialists. They alleged that field officers and their seniors were not doing justice with their job and the poor worker-class. They warned to conduct `Gherao’ of the State Labour Commissioner at Jammu if necessary measures were not taken in this regard. They demanded that SRO-61 with implemented with full spirit.
While alleging exploitation of poor labourers, the PDP youth leaders assured full support to their cause. They also warned the management of Industries against the exploitation of poor labourers.