Representatives of various trade union groups suggested the Central Govt for more budgetary allocation in social sectors including health and education. In a pre-budget consultation meeting which was convened by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday, the trade union groups advocated for minimum wages for all workers as per the recommendation of the 15th Indian Labour Conference. They also seek effective measures to check soaring prices of essential commodities and to increase the MGNREGA fund to create job opportunities for unemployed youths and common people both in urban and rural areas. They suggested that the principle of same wages for same work should be followed, particularly for contract and casual workers who are performing their duties similar to the work being done by the permanent workers.
Hopefully, during the pre-budget meeting, Union Minister Jaitley gave a positive nod while reiterating that “present Government is fully committed to safeguard the interests of the workers especially those working in the MSME and the unorganized sector.”
We only hope that the assurance given to the workers’ representatives during pre-budget consultation meeting be fulfilled and the union budget 2018-19 brings smile on the face of deprived working class of our country.