A proper mechanism was lacking for implementation of workers welfare schemes, as even Unorganized Workers Social Security Act, 2008 is not being adopted and constitution of Social Security Boards was awaiting both at the centre and the state, said CPI(M) senior leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is also State President CITU.Addressing one day conference of Bhavan Nirman Kamgar Union(BNKU) Kathua at Haripur, Kathua today he said that complexities are created in the implementation of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Act at various stages especially in the registration process creating a room for corruption being extremely against the interests of the workforce. No advisory council has been put in place to guide and supplement the functioning of Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, besides, the Board was devoid of representation from the unions of the working class.The BJP-RSS Govt. at the centre is desperately trying to undermine the rights of workforce and disintegrating their strength through divisive politics. The working class shall have to unitedly withstand this onslaught and safeguard the rights guaranteed to them. There is nothing substantial from this dispensation except tall claims, long promises and rhetoric to offer to this deprived and neglected section of our population, he lamented.The condition of the workforce especially in unorganized sector engaged in construction of projects, roads & buildings is pitiable, being deprived of social security benefits. The same should be extended to this section on time and in a hassle free manner.
A need was also to amend the labour laws to make them more flexible and labour friendly. He also suggested for extension of benefits to workers working in brick kilns, stone quarries, stone crushers and other units as available to the Building and other construction workers. He also cautioned against the diversion of funds of the Board for other purposes.In his address Om Prakash, General Secretary, CITU, J&K, said that unnecessary hurdles are being created in the registration of genuine labourers which need to be simplified and labour cards issued within a stipulated period of time. Red tapism is coming in the way of disposal of scholarship, marriage and death files of labours that puts the workers and their dependants to economic distress and demanded time bound disposal of such files.Raj Kumar, General Secretary, BNKU District Kathua while throwing light on the work report of the union said that it was committed to champion the cause of the workforce engaged in construction. It has succeeded in getting benefits extended to such workers since its inception and was heading for full restoration of rights to this section.Among others Banarasi Dass, Om Prakash Khajouria, Mohinder Singh, Hari Singh and Natha Singh from Pubjab also addressed the conference and advocated for effective implementation of workers welfare schemes both at the centre and in the states.The conference was attended by hundreds of delegates of BNKU, Kathua preceded by an impressive bike rally of enthusiastic workers through Hiranagar to the venue of the conference. (KNS)