ITANAGAR, May 2: International Labour Day (ILD) or May Day was celebrated across the state by various labour unions and organizations in a befitting manner on 1 May.
The day was jointly organized by nine registered trade unions under the banner of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) state unit here at the Indira Gandhi Park.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Home, RWD, Labour & Employment and Border Affairs, Kumar Waii said that bandh calls have been erased since he became the Home Minister as it affects the labour community’s daily earnings.
He also assured to look into the demands of the BMS and place it before the state government.
Waii also informed that the normal death benefits to the registered workers under APB&OCWWB will be increased in the days to come, but accidental death benefits will remain the same.
Local MLA Techi Kaso and state BJP president Tapir Gao also highlighted the importance of the labour community in building a society.
Others also raised the concerns of the labour community and their families.
Attending the celebration by the All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) at Nirjuli, Power and Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga informed that the state government has already taken a decision to regularize the services of the those casual labourers, who have worked for more than 20 years in any department.
BJP vice president Tame Phassang also described the workers as the backbone any country’s progress.
Phassang also highlighted various schemes and projects meant for the workers’ community.
Informing that there are more than seven schemes, especially designed for the labour communities of the country, the BJP leader appealed to the executive members and leaders of AAPLU to reach out to the unreached ones and disseminate the information about the schemes launched for the welfare of the poor people.
Earlier, the AAPLU president submitted a memorandum to the minister demanding regularization of the services of the senior casual workers; to stop the practices of regularizing the service on pick and choose method; reservation of 75 percent in C & D groups and other such demands pertaining to the welfare of the workers.
Labour Day was also celebrated in Aalo, Roing, Pasighat and various other places.
Former MLA Laeta Umbrey and Bukkong ZPM Starson Saring attended the Labour Day celebration, which was organized by AAPLU’s Lower Dibang Valley unit at Yibuk.
AAPLU district president Ibing Pertin spoke about the importance of the day and why it is celebrated.
Deputy Commissioner Mitali Namchoom attended the Labour Day celebration by the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union, Roing unit.
On the occasion, the DC advised the workers and union members to be united and work for the benefit of the workers as the power to bargain is strengthened if a united front is present.
She explained about the Indian Labour Law and other acts and provisions that are put in place for the welfare of the workers, like equal pay for equal work for men and women, work place benefits, etc.
Stating that only 461 workers were registered in the district and only 135 had got their cards renewed in 2017-18, she informed all about the importance of registering and the benefits provided under the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, like housing loans, maternity benefits, death and accidental death benefits, etc.
She informed about the central government pension and insurance schemes, like the Atal Pension Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, etc, which would secure the future of a worker and his or her family.
IMCLS president Rao Dele urged the workers to maintain unity. He said that development cannot take place without workers and manpower even in this technologically advanced age of machinery, he added.
All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union, Roing Unit president Ita Mimi highlighted about the work done by the union since its formation. He asked the workers not to be misguided, stand united and work together.
International Labour Day was celebrated at Pasighat under the aegis of Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union.
Former education minister Bosiram Siram and PMC Councillor Kangge Moyong attended the programme.
Taking note of the various problems and grievances of the workers, chief advisor to JWCAPTU Tabiram Moyong promised to look into the matters for better solution.
The Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Worker Union celebrated the International Labour Day at the Gumin Kiin in Aalo, West Siang district.
Director Siru Rijo Tea Garden Yayum Gankak dwelt on the history of Labour Day and exhorted the labour force to discharge their duties efficiently.
Tumar Bagra, president of AAPWU highlighted the objectives behind celebrating the day across the world and sought cooperation of all members to claim their rights and duties before the government.
The West Kameng unit of All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union celebrated the day at Bomdila. Advisor to Sajolang Elite Society, Aju Khunjuju attended the programme.
At Dirang, the Labour Day celebration was attended by Parliamentary Secretary and local MLA Phurpa Tsering, Deputy Commissioner Dr Sonal Swaroop, ADC Dirang Dagbom Riba and PRI members.
The Child Welfare Committee, Itanagar Capital Complex organized a legal awareness on child labour and child abuse at Urban Colony, near CRPF Camp in Senki View, Itanagar.
