Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SV)
Mangaluru, Apr 27 : MLC Ivan D'Souza on Wednesday April 27 raised issues regarding various schemes, protection, employment rates for labourers and beedi workers.
Addressing a press meet here at the district Congress office Ivan said, "in states, since there is no proper labour policy, these unorganized workers do not have any protection. Also, it is a known fact that central government schemes for these unorganized labourers is confined to the age limit of 18-40 years and labourers between 40-60 years of age do not get any benefits from these schemes.
"The new scheme by the state government has been implemented for private bus drivers, conductors, auto drivers and taxi drivers. If they register their names by paying a fee of Rs 25, they would get an insurance policy worth Rs 2 lac. But as compared to the number of potential beneficiaries in the state, this scheme has reached only 4%. We need to create awareness regarding this scheme," he added.
Ivan also spoke on how the shutting down of the beedi industry due to the centre's health policy, would affect the livelihood of 95% of the women who are dependant on the beedi industry.
"I request the government to provide them land," he said, citing his substitute plan for the employment of these workers. He suggested that the central government start government factories in every taluk which would employ for 4,000 to 5,000 people. "This is the only solution for alternate employment," he explained.
On this occasion, Ivan D'souza announced Labour Day celebration on May 1 by Dakshina Kannada unit of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) at Ravindra Kala Bhavan, Mangalore University at 10 am. In this programme, rickshaw drivers, beedi workers, bus drivers and others will be present. District in-charge minister D Ramanath Rai will inaugurate the event. Health minster U T Khader, sports minister Abhaychandra Jain and MLC Ivan D'Souza will be the chief guests and various other guests will be present.