Union alleges violation of workers' rights
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 15 2022:
While condemning alleged non-release of benefits assured under welfare schemes to registered workers under Manipur Building and other Construction Workers' Welfare Board for a long time, Valley and Hill Labours' Union has demanded the authorities concerned to release the same at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Tuesday, Union convenor Th Sakhi recounted that Manipur Building and other Construction Workers' Welfare Board was set up in 2010 for the welfare of workers and provided numerous benefits and schemes to registered workers.
After extending benefits for 6/7 years regularly, the board failed to continue the same benefits by citing one reason or another.
Such act is unfortunate and is suppressing the workers, she condemned.
Informing that the board provided benefits for educating children of workers, she said that such benefits have ceased since 2016.Moreover, welfare benefits including medical facility, assistance to family of deceased worker and maternity benefits have all been halted till now.
No process has been initiated for pension facilities to workers above 60 years of age, she added.
Sakhi said that application forms for benefits regarding education for 2016 were submitted but the same process for 2018 to 2022 was stopped.
Though wheelchair and tailoring machines should be distributed under skill development scheme, most of the registered workers are denied the benefits, she informed, while condemning politics involved in the distribution by MLA.
Demanding release of education related benefits for 2016 within this month, she urged the government led by CM N Biren to look into the matter and ensure the rights of the workers.
The union will not only take legal help but will definitely launch protest if authorities remain as mute spectator, she cautioned.