May Day celebrated across State as CM reasserts on ‘dignity of labour’

ITANAGAR, May 1: Along with the rest of the globe, Arunachal Pradesh went on to celebrate the International Labour Day in a suitable way with the workers from across the State thronging the Mopin/Solung ground here today to be a part of their day.

Addressing the workers, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki once again emphasized on ‘dignity of labour’ and urged them not to judge themselves by the work or profession he or she is into.

“No work is big or small. We are all workers here. We have to respect our jobs, no matter what, and be sincere towards it. If all – from the Chief Minister to a Group D worker – do their jobs sincerely and seriously, no one can stop Arunachal Pradesh from becoming the number one state in the country,” he pointed.

Recalling his earlier days, Tuki informed that he too started as a casual worker and said he never felt bad or inferior to anyone.

“I even worked as a dak-runner. I used to carry dak, and at times staff salary, from Sagalee to Ziro. In my school days, I also worked as casual labour during vacations. I found dignity in the pettiest of works I did,” he said.

The Chief Minister, however, expressed concern on the lackadaisical attitude of local people towards ‘dignity of labour’. He felt the tribal people of the state are reluctant to pick up petty group-D jobs like sweeper, cleaner, barber, sanitation helper, etc.

“The Government had made 100% reservation in group C and D posts for locals. But because of this avoidable reluctance on part of our people, the Government is facing shortage of manpower in this work-group. We are being compelled to amend the recruitment rules,” he informed.

Urging the working class of the state to be sincere and not feel lonely anytime, Tuki informed that a welfare board with Jalley Sonam as chairman was in place to look after their welfare. He, however, appealed them to get abreast with the provisions of the Board and get themselves registered to avail the benefits.

The CM expressed concern that money for utilization in welfare measures was getting accumulated in the Board’s coffer but no one was coming forward to avail it.

Referring to three memorandums – submitted by All Arunachal Pradesh Worker’s Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Motor Transport Workers’ Union and All Arunachal Pradesh Anganwadi Workers & Helpers’ Union – the Chief Minister assured to look into all genuine grievances and demands in a phased manner.

To the demand for grant of six months’ maternity leave for women workers, who do not have this facility till date, he admitted it was humanly necessary to keep the provision.

However, he felt that six months was a long time to be absent from duty but assured that the govt would consider keeping a provision for maternity leave of at least three months.

To various demands like promotion, TA/DA, ex-gratia, compassionate employment, parking facilities for public transport, relaxation in mandatory qualification, modification in pay fixation etc, the Chief Minister assured to bring up the issues in the coming Cabinet sittings for discussion and recommendations.

He also assured that wherever necessary, he would direct the concerned departments to study the issues and send their recommendations to the govt for further action.

“I am a part and parcel of the working class. Never feel me as far away. My eyes and ears are always open for you and for your welfare,” Tuki announced.

The May Day celebration was also joined by Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy, INTUC

State unit president and Parliamentary Secretary Padi Richo, Arunachal Pradesh Builders & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board chairman Jalley Sonam and leaders of other working class organizations besides AAPWU and INTUC representatives from various districts.

The celebration was marked with cultural programmes by women members of the working class.

Meanwhile, the May Day was also observed by the All Arunachal Pradesh Government Departmental Labours Union at IG Park, Itanagar. Local MLA Techi Kaso and Labour Commissioner Ojing Darang attended the programme as chief guest and guest of honour respectively. The MLA called upon all the departmental labourers to perform their duties sincerely for development of the State.

At TEZU: The International Labour Day was celebrated with much gusto at the AAPWU, Lohit district unit office today with a huge procession taken out by thousands of workers that went through the township to show their unity and strength as slogans like ‘Majdoor Union Jindabad’, ‘Hum Sab Ek Hain’ and ‘Long Live Labour Day’ reverberated in the air.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for PHE & WS termed the day as historic for the workers and said that the workers being the backbone of development should not get deprived off their basic benefits.

He exhorted them to dissuade from various agitations like strike, dharna, bandh or any sorts of movement that paralyze the normal activities while asserting their demands or grievances, and assured that any demand of such would be looked into.

W Khimhum, ADC urged the workers to discharge their duty honestly and instill the dignity of labour to prove them as good workers.

Ojing Rukbo, L&EO spoke on the essence of May Day and realized them their rights.

The president of AAPWU district unit,S Khrotongand GS Yalu Ama spoke on the grievances of the workers.

Meanwhile, the AAPWU unit also announced three medical benefits and four death benefits for the workers recently, and felicitated Sadhan Bhattachajee W I PHED as best character worker to mark the occasion.

At SEPPA: The international Labour Day was celebrated at the general ground here with Parliamentary Secretary Kumar Waii and East Kameng DC Tope Bam gracing the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

The programme was hosted by AAPWU,East Kamengdistrict unit.

In response to theUnion’s demands, the Parliamentary Secretary assured to take up the same with the Chief Minister.

Among others, the demands included timely release of salary/wage of casual/contingency workers and ad-hoc bonus for year 2009-2011 besides construction of theUnion’s office at Seppa.