ITANAGAR, May 2: International Labour Day or May Day was celebrated throughout the state with great fervour on 1 May.
In Itanagar, during the celebration organised by the Joint Working Committee of the Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union (JWCAPTU), its chairman Changma Tajo stressed on the importance of the day, and informed that there are 18 different trade unions under the JWCAPTU “which are committed to the rights of worker community of the state.”
May Day was also celebrated at the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union’s (AAPWU) headquarters in Nyokum Lapang here.
Among others, All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation president Dobing Sonam and All Garku Abu Welfare Society president Tabba Taku attended the programme.
Addressing the function, Sonam termed labourers “the biggest force behind the development of any country,” and urged the workers to be sincere and shoulder the responsibility of nation-building.
Taku elaborated the rights and privileges of the workers.
AAPWU president Tagu Taku, organizing chairman Techi Tara, secretary-general Tadar Chai, and organizing secretary Tinkai Jamik, among others, also spoke.
The programme also featured felicitation of dedicated labour leaders and cultural performances.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) also celebrated Labour Day at its head office in Nirjuli. Labour Commissioner Ojing Darang attended the programme, along with AAPLU president Dana Tadu and others.
Darang in his address urged the registered workers to avail the benefits offered by the labour board.
In Tawang district, the day was celebrated at various locations of the district by different labour organisations.
The North East Border Roads Organisation Labourers’ Union (NE-BROLU) celebrated the day at the Jang outdoor stadium, where Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) Chairman Jalley Sonam urged the BRO labourers to register themselves under the labour welfare board in order to avail the benefits provided by the government.
Sonam also remembered late chief minister Dorjee Khandu for creating the APB&OCWWB during his tenure. He assured to extend his support to the BRO workers, so that they get benefits.
Among others, state BROLU president Leki Tsering spoke during the event, which was attended by labourers from Zemithang, Damteng and Taktsang Gonpa areas.
In West Siang, the JWCAPTU and the NE-BROLU, in collaboration with the District Health Society, celebrated International Labour Day at Gumin Kiin in Aalo.
Attending the function, Deputy Commissioner Swetika Sachan underscored the role of the nation’s workforce in socioeconomic development and exhorted the labour community to “work with renewed zeal and commitment to keep up the good works in nation-building.”
She enumerated the laws and welfare measures enacted by the government over the years to safeguard the interests of the workers.
JWCAPTU zonal secretary Kipa Tame highlighted the efforts of the working committee to “ameliorate the working conditions of the workers in the state,” while DFO Abhinav Kumar stressed on “drawing inspiration from the past to make the institution of the workforce more vibrant in the days to come.”
JWCAPTU president Rinto Ete, BRO Labour Union general secretary Tumge Ete, vice president Kirma Doji and others also spoke.
The district unit of the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union also celebrated the day at its office here, where Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh district president Genya Ete unfurled the union’s flag.
AAPWU district president Tumar Bagra and secretary Gumli Bagra highlighted the role of the union.
Dorjee Khandu remembered
The Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) here organized a workers’ felicitation programme on May Day to mark the 8th death anniversary of former chief minister Dorjee Khandu.
DBYC director Fr Cyriac said the programme was aimed at paying homage to late Khandu and to honour the actual work force of various Don Bosco and private institutions of the capital complex on the occasion of International Labour Day.
“Late Dorjee Khandu was the person who laid the foundation stone for the DBYC way back in 2009,” he said.
Earlier, Don Bosco College Fr CC Jose highlighted the importance of the day, and spoke of the ways in which the late CM contributed to the growth of the DBYC and how his leadership took the state on the path of progress.
Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs Director Yumlam Kaha commended the DBYC for “coming up with effective youth-friendly activities at all times.”
He recalled late Khandu as a “visionary leader who proved his love for the state through hard work.”
Kaha also requested the workers present to be proud of the contributions they make to every institution, and called upon the youths present to imbibe the spirit of hard work.
Itanagar Catholic church parish priest Fr Kamil Horo also spoke. (With DIPRO inputs)
