Rickshaw pullers celebrate anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17 2012: All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers' Welfare Association celebrated its 13th foundation day at Rup Mahal Theatre today with Wangkhei AC MLA Y Erabot gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

While addressing the gathering, the chief guest remarked that inspite of various welfare schemes under the union Labour Ministry such benefits are not being provided to the un-organised sector in Manipur.

citing lack of effective mechanism as the bane for the rickshaw pullers in Manipur continuing to languish under poverty, he expressed that only through unified movements condition of the rickshaw pullers could be expected to improve.

Noting that many rickshaw pullers stay in rented quarters and continue to occupy the lowest strata of the society in terms of economic status, the MLA assured that he would work for lifting the socio-economic condition of the rickshaw pullers.

He also described as unfortunate frequent harassment of rickshaw pullers by greedy security personnel and strongly advocated that the Government work out effective measures for the welfare of the rickshaw pullers.

UCM president Dilip-kumar yumnamcha, who also attended the event, lamented that no proper parking slots are being earmarked for rickshaws in the commercial areas.

Noting that number of commercial motor vehicles have increased exponentially in the last few years resulting in the shrinkage of rickshaws and their source of income generation, he desired that the State Government ensure parking provision for rickshaws within the commercial pockets to enable the working class people sustain their livelihood.

Among others, the celebration was also attended by the Association president Th Basanta Singh, former Manipur Human Rights Commission Member Lt Col (Retd) RK Rajendra Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee's management and publicity committee chairman Naba Sharma, advocate Md Heshamuddin, advocate E Amujao and social worker Md Saffiullah alias Sadam.

A musical event was also organised to celebrate the occasion.

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