59th Workers' Education Day celebrated Parliamentary Secy Subhashchandra underlines role of NGOs in egalitarian society
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 16 2017: The 59th Workers' Education Day organised by Regional Directorate, Dattopant Thengadi National Board For Workers' Education & Development, Ministry of Labour & Employment,Government of India on the theme "Enhancing Effectivenesss of Workers' Education-Role of Trade Unions/NGOs/Social Activists" was observed at Kuki-Inn today .

Parliamentary Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Soibam Subhashchandra; eminent economist & National secretary, AIPP, Prof Dr N Mohendro Singh; Director, ICM Lamphelpat, Dr N Ranjana Devi and Regional Director, DTNBWED, WI Singh graced the occasion as chief guest, special guest, guest of honour and president respectively .

The function started with rendition of Vande Mataram song followed by lighting of the inaugural lamp by the dignitaries .

Addressing the gathering, Parliamentary Secretary Subhashchandra asserted that NGOs have a big role to play in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and added that money is not the only way to happiness .

Recollecting his early association with trade union during his engineering days in Madras, he said that NGOs and social activists can pave the route for a better society by working for the welfare of common people .

Highlighting the three main challenges that workers in Manipur face, Prof Mohendro stressed on collecting, counseling and contribution as the core areas that need immediate concern and thorough revision by the present Government.

He said that in a workshop, meeting the participants, clarity of the syllabus of the workshop and development in context with the local culture and tradition of the State are of immense importance .

He pointed out that the present target is too high and Manipur has a long way to go regarding the issue of effectiveness of workers' education .

Appealing the learned delegates and authorities of Central Board of Workers' Education to focus on capacity-building, he noted that home policy is the biggest problem in spite of huge talent outside the country .

Emphasizing on the total contribution of the unorganized workers as 90 percent and organised workers as 10 percent, Dr Ranjana stressed on the need to conduct awareness programmes for skill development and educate them about the various schemes related to their welfare activities concerning health and human rights .

She said, " The main strength of trade unions is collective bargaining on behalf of a thousand workers and as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2022 Scheme, farmers's income are to be doubled."
In his keynote address, senior education officer, S Ashokumar spoke about the formation of Central Board of Workers' Education on September 16,1958 stating its seven main objectives and recalling the establishment of the sub-division centre at Tinkusia .

President, HMS, Manihar Goswami; secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Union, Manipur, Ksh Santa Singh; NYK District Youth Co-ordinator, L Ibohal Singh; National Member, Khadi Village Industries Board, Pukhrambam Ibochouba and National Trainer, Life Skill, Alena Longjam shared their opinions on the importance and role of the trade unions, NGOs and social activists not only in bringing development of the different sectors of the economy but also in imparting education to both organised as well as unorganized workers thereby helping in the overall integration and Nation-building process .

Advisors of Building Construction Workers' Union, Khongampat, Y Biren Meitei and Chandam Dhiren were presented with certificates as a mark of appreciation for their remarkable contribution in the field of entrepreneurship .

Hindi Diwas was also observed as part of the function.

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