Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, May 1: District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Labour Day programme and felicitation of senior labourers organised by Dakshina Kannada district congress committee labour unit here at Ravindra Kala Bhavan on Sunday May 1.

Addressing the gathering, Rai said, “I congratulate the labour unit of congress for organising this programme.” 

“Ivan D'souza has raised an issue of beedi workers, I urge the labour unit to take up the issue with government. We will support in getting the issue sorted out. We have our government in the state which works for welfare of the poor and underprivileged.”

“I feel somewhere congress has not done enough in informing people what the party has done for the labourers. Many good schemes like, insurance, pension, beedi workers fund and many other schemes were given for the betterment of labourers by congress.” 

“We have seen the protest by garment labourers for provident fund. The current union government had to budge to their demand. Labour unions should protest against the current COTPA law which has affected the beedi workers adversely. There have been efforts by the BJP of maligning the image of Nehru family members. Since Modi government has not been able to fulfil any of their promises they are doing such acts. All the people should understand who is towards the capitalists and who is with the poor.”

Speaking on the occasion, MLC Ivan D'souza said, “Congress party has always been giving strength to labourers. Today many schemes have been initiated for the betterment of unorganized labourers but somewhere because of the irresponsible behaviour of the officials they are not reaching to all. I urge the state and central governments to take necessary steps so that these benefits reach all.” 

He also urged the district in-charge minister to put forth a proposal with the state government to start garment factories in every taluk as an alternative to beedi workers. “Because of the COTPA law the livelihood of beedi workers has been affected and garment industry can be taken up as an alternative which would generate 25,000 jobs in the district.” 

Senior labourers were felicitated on the occasion. 

MUDA chairman, Ibrahim Kodijal, Congress leaders Lokesh Hegde, Hemanath Shetty, Ashraf and others were present.