Trade Union meet criticises Govt policy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04 2012:
A Trade Union Convention held today at Rup Mahal Theatre, BT Road has accused Government of India of pursuing a pro-rich policy while ignoring suffering of the common masses, including the working class people.
All India Trade Union Congress Manipur president Dr M Nara in his address contended that trade unions have been piling on the pressure against the UPA Government's faulty policies along with demand for punitive action against corrupt officials.
Listing demand for befitting punishment of corrupt elements, expeditious implementation of Lokpal Bill, ensure food security through monthly provision of 35 kilogram rice at Rs 2 per kg, amend minimum Wage Act by fixing the lowest monthly salary to atleast Rs 10,000, increase number of working days of NREGS to 200 at the rate of Rs 200 per day, remove ceilings on bonuses and provident funds, increment in rate of gratuity, old age pension to every elderly citizens, provide maternity benefit to all the women and accommodate street vendors as some of the issues being placed before the UPA Government, Dr Nara maintained that the Central Government has failed to act in a positive manner.
Accusing the Centre of giving a free hand to corporate houses under the garb of its privatisation policy, the former CPI legislator also asserted that a detail report on suffering of the people of Manipur would be highlighted at the national level trade union congress.
A trade union delegation of Manipur would also take part in the protest march of All India Trade union Congress to the indian Parliament, he informed.
Contending that corruption has become the hallmark of the UPA Government, Dr Nara also alleged that tax-payers' money are being diverted to meet election expenditures of the ruling party.
Contrary to lacking commitment for redressing economic grievances of the general public the UPA is keen to waive/lessen liabilities of wealthy individuals, claimed the communist party leader who also contended that elections becoming a costly exercise is evident from the huge expenditures by candidates, who are contesting the upcoming Panchayat election.
Emphasising on the need to curb election expenditures, Dr Nara cautioned that failure to reverse the trend will ultimately tarnish the reputation of india being the largest democracy in the world.
State general secretary of AITUC L Sotinkumar in his address to the gathering asserted that economic condition of the common people getting worst with each passing day is due to the Central Government vigorously pursuing liberalisation policy without taking into account the ground reality.
Likening the ongoing liberalisation policy to handing over the country's reigns to the capitalists and influential traders, Sotinkumar lamented alleged lack of concern for the workers in the unorganised sector and marginalised communities by the Centre.
Highlighting that the nationwide general strike called by Trade unions earlier in February received overwhelming response, he conveyed that an intense movement is being planned for October to expose faulty policies of the UPA Government.
Expressing that daily wage-earners could no longer afford to bear expenditures of maintaining a family consequent to incompatible wages, the general secretary opined that economic rights of the working class citizens could be ensured only through unified and concerted movements.
State unit trade union leaders such as Sarat Salam and Khomdram Gyaneshwor, All Manipur Road Transport Motor Workers' union president Manglem, All Manipur ASHA Workers' Union president Okram Thoibi, AITUC Thoubal unit president Thokchom Achouba, AITUC Imphal East president Th Yaiskul and convenor of Coordinating Body of Trade Unions Manipur Kshetrimayum Santa also attended the programme.
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