Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: The International Labour Day also known as May Day was observed by various trade and political organizations besides educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir to pay homage to Chicago martyrs and highlight rights of labour class.
The main function of Labour Day was organized in Jammu at Akhnoor where Labour Commissioner J&K Charandeep Singh graced the occasion. He interacted with members of the labour class, engaging in meaningful discussions about their challenges and aspirations. Subject of wages, safety and health and basic amenities envisaged under labour laws were touched upon. The event also provided a platform for beneficiaries of labour welfare schemes to share their inspiring stories, highlighting the transformative impact of these welfare initiatives in their lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Charandeep Singh reiterated the commitment of the Labour Department towards fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that empowers labourers and ensures their holistic development. “We are committed to enhancing the welfare, safety, health and overall well-being of workers in both the organized and unorganized sectors and also harmonizing the needs of workers and industry” he said. Assistant Labour Commissioner Jammu Rupali Jasrotia was also present.
Under the aegis of JK Legal Services Authority and insightful directions and supervision of Adnan Sayeed, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Samba (also Principal District & Sessions Judge, Samba), DLSA Samba observed International Labour Day by organizing a legal awareness programme on the relevant provisions of Labour laws for the workers of Emcure Parmaceuticals Limited, SIDCO Industrial Complex (Bari Brahmana, Samba) for workers of the Company. Adnan Sayeed in his address greeted the workers of Emcure Pharma, and discussed the historical background and importance of this Day as well as New Codes of Labour Law. Amil Khateeb (Assistant Labour Commissioner, Samba), Hitesh Sharma (Legal Aid Counsel, DLSA Samba) also spoke on the occasion.
National Conference commemorated the Day by organizing a meeting of its Labour Wing headed by Nar Singh. “The 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”, Ajay Sadhotra, additional general secretary of NC said, complimenting 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.
A program was organized by the Congress Party in Samba on the occasion of Labour Day. Many Congress leaders including Youth Congress spokesperson Sandeep Sharma, Congress SC wing vice president Surinder Attri and Congress Mazdoor Union leader Gambhir Singh were present in the program. Many laborers were also honored on the occasion. Addressing the workers, Sandeep Sharma demanded the Government to increase their daily wages and said that there are many industrial units in Samba in which thousands of workers work and in many units they are still exploited and it takes them a lot of time.
The May Day was observed by Northern Zone Insurance Employees’ Association Srinagar Division, representing LIC employees of Jammu and Kashmir in the leadership of Pawan Gupta, Divisional Secretary of the Association. Speaking on the occasion, Gupta urges all the employees to fight unitedly for recruitment in LIC, old pension scheme, for MSP to farmers, against privatization of public sector and against amended labour codes. Others who spoke on the occasion include Rajesh Gupta and Raj Kumar Sharma (joint secretaries), Dinesh Kumar Sharma (vice president), Rajesh Kumar (treasurer) and others.
J&K Co-ordination Committee of Trade Unions (JKCCTU) observed the Day at Union office Srinagar and Miran Sahib in Jammu to pay homage to the May Day martyrs and to take a pledge to carry forward the struggle against exploitation of labour and other down trodden sections of the society. A large number of trade union leaders and activists attended the programmes. The gatherings were addressed by Md. Maqbool (president, JKCCTU) at Srinagar and Gurmeet Singh (general secretary) at Jammu.
Scores of workers from various departments, under the banner of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), protested today on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, highlighting the issues they are facing. A number of workers gathered outside Sher-e-Kashmir Park and attempted to reach Press Enclave, but they were stopped midway by police. The workers stated that they are not being paid wages in accordance with the work they are doing, urging the authorities to wake up and work for their betterment. The protest was led by veteran ‘kisan’ leader Ghulam Nabi Malik, who expressed concern that the Government has revoked labor laws and introduced labor codes, thereby snatching away the rights of the workers.
In a bid to raise awareness about labour laws and rights, an informative camp was organized at Khellani Tunnel in Doda. The event witnessed the presence of DC Doda, Harvinder Singh, Tehsildar Doda, Deputy SP Headquarters Doda and Assistant Labour Commissioner. DC Doda, in his address, highlighted the significance of the Day and commended the relentless efforts of the labour force, particularly those involved in the Khellani tunnel project. He emphasized the implementation of the Vishwakarma Scheme tailored for the welfare of labourers.
All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation organized a programme at Jammu under the chairmanship of Achal Dev Singh (convener of the Federation) to pay homage to martyrs of 1st May 1986 at Chicago. Speaking on the occasion, Achal Dev Singh said that the working class throughout the world is under sheer stress due to wrong policies of the ruling exploiting classes. He said due to wrong policies, rich is becoming rich and poor is becoming poor day by day. He also highlighted several demands of the Federation.
On International Labour Day, Community Information Centre (CIC) operators of the Rural Development Department (RDD) spoke up against what they perceive as a grave injustice. Despite their qualifications and years of service, these CIC operators find themselves at the bottom of the pay scale, paying a mere Rs 333 per day, far below the stipulated minimum wage. In a heartfelt appeal to the LG Administration, the CIC Operators implore the authorities to address their salary hike issue promptly. They call for adherence to the Minimum Wage Act, emphasizing the importance of equitable pay for all workers.
J&K People’s Revolutionary Society (PRS) and J&K Pensioners and Senior Citizens Welfare Society observed the May Day in the honour of working class. Hundreds of labourers gathered in Srinagar as well as Jammu to pay the homage to the martyrs and take pledge to carry forward the struggle against exploitation of labour and other down trodden sections of the society. The gatherings were addressed by Senior Trade Union Leader Mir Ghulam Rasool Botvani at Srinagar and D N Sadhu (senior leader and State secretary P&S CWS at Jammu).
The Teacher Club of Dogra Degree College in collaboration Dogra College of Education observed the International labour Day by organizing a one-day picnic for the multi-tasking workforce of the colleges under Dogra Educational Trust at Tirupati Balaji Temple, Sidhra (Jammu). The picnic was organized for the supporting staff to make them realize that their importance in the institution and the world cannot be overlooked. The whole programme was organized under the guidance of Dr Bela Thakur (Principal, Dogra Degree College) and Dr Vikesh Kumar Sharma (Principal, Dogra College of Education).
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Unit in collaboration with NCC Unit of Government Degree College (GDC) Ramnagar visited village Dehari in tehsil Ramnagar observed the Day under the guidance of Principal Dr Bhavnish Chand. The students and staff first organized a rally and then visited Panchayat Ghar in village Dehari where a plantation drive was organized. Later, literary activities including poster display, poems, slogans and skits were performed by students.
To commemorate the Day, NSS unit of GDC Sidhra under the aegis of IQAC organized a lecture on the theme “Ensuring safety and health at work in changing climate”. The lecture was delivered by Deepak Kumar, Physical Training Instructor of the College. Students were enlightened about the contribution of laborers to our society and how they are the key components of the growing economy. More than 100 students and faculty members were present during the event.
Government Polytechnic Jammu today organized a function to honour all the workers of the Institute on occasion of International Labour Day. Arun Bangotra, Principal of the College in his inaugural speech appreciated the efforts of all Class IV and labour class for their sincere efforts in performing their duties with full dedication and their contribution towards the society. All the workers were felicitated with a token of gratitude for their untiring services to the college.
To mark the occasion, casual labourers and the back end team involved in implementing the PM Vishavkarma Scheme in Government Polytechnic for Women Jammu, were honoured by Suket Gupta (Principal). Naresh Gupta (HoD E&C) while speaking highlighted the need of recognition of contribution of labour class in development of skill ecosystem in the institution. He also highlighted the aims and objectives of the PM Vishavkarma Scheme.
In the spirit of Labour Day, DPS Junior Kathua, radiated warmth and appreciation as it honored the unsung heroes within its vibrant community. The Day commenced with a special morning assembly, where students eagerly expressed their appreciation through various heartfelt gestures. Parmeet Kaur, the Environmental Studies teacher, shed light on the significance of Labour Day, fostering a deeper understanding of the day’s importance among the students. The radiant talents of classes 2nd and 3rd shone brightly with a captivating performance skit, illuminating the stage with creativity and enthusiasm.
The Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School, Jammu observed the Day by acknowledging and honoring contribution of the support staff of the School. The students enacted a parable paying homage to the arduous work done by the support staff throughout the year. The Administrator of the School, in her message, expressed gratitude to the supporting staff for providing their indispensable services to the Institution.
In Shiksha Niketan Senior Secondary School, Jeevan Nagar (Jammu), the day initiated with the special assembly. The teachers briefed the students about the Labour Day and its importance. The students of Primary Wing expressed their gratitude through an Intra-Class Speech Competition, emphasizing the importance of the dignity of Labour. Rameshwar Mengi, Principal of the School, while speaking said that the May Day recognizes the hard work and dedication of people working in various fields to make our lives better.
Nav Adarsh Higher Secondary School Kathua organized an Inter-House Poster Making Competition to commemorate the spirit of International Labour Day. Principal Riti Prakash Singh, in his enlightening address, underscored the significance of Labour Day, imparting its importance to the attentive audience of students. He emphasized the school’s dedication to ensuring the holistic development of its students, with co-curricular activities playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
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