Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 18: The members of the Udupi District Building Trade Unions Coordination Committee have voiced their disapproval on the Central government’s proposal to repeal various labour codes and laws including the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.
“The Central government is trying to push the building workers to the streets by amending the Act,” alleged Committee convenor Suresh Kallagara in a press meet held at Udupi on Wednesday, September 18.
"The Central government has already pushed the workers on the streets by implementing GST and demonetisation. Now, Central government is planning to enforce Social Security and Welfare Bill – 2018. If this bill comes into force then Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 will be void. This Act is used to provide various beneficiary services to the building and construction workers. With the enforcement of Social Security and Welfare Bill – 2018, building and construction workers identity cards will be cancelled which will result in non-availability of facilities to them. Central government will take control over the money which is entrusted for the welfare of the building and construction workers which amounts around Rs 8,000 crore," he said.
“The present State Welfare Committees will remain as advisory bodies and lose their power to take decisions with regard to welfare of building and construction workers. The new bill also provides opportunity for an online registration facility. Through this portal, anyone who works as building and construction worker with a minimum age limit of 14 years can register. This will also promote child labour,” he added.
"Labour organisations had protested earlier against the amendment. But the Central Government didn't respond to our agitation. Whenever we faced problems, the other governments would call us for a discussion and try to resolve some of our demands. But the current BJP government has not responded to our agitation and is preparing to implement the act in an undemocratic manner,” alleged Suresh Kallagara.
In protest to the act, the labour organisations will hold a "Delhi Chalo" march during the winter session.
"On September 23, Udupi District Building Trade Unions Coordination Committee will hold an indefinite strike demanding permanent resolution of the sand issue. MLA Raghupati Bhat had said that he will resolve the sand issue very soon, but no development has taken place. Even though MLA has said that the leasing process will begin from today, the district commissioner has not issued an official order for the same yet," said Suresh Kallagara.
Balakrishna Shetty, state vice-president, Ramesh Gulvadi, Shekar Bangera and others were present for the press meet.