DR. SAHIB SINGH CONVEYS HIS BEST
WISHES TO WORKERS ON MAY DAY
Union Labour Minister, Dr.
Sahib Singh has conveyed his greetings to the workers on the occasion
of May Day. He said "I extend to the workers all over the country
my warmest greetings and best wishes on this memorable day which
is also the International Labour Day. It is the day of struggle
as also of the hopes and aspirations of the working class. Labour
creates capital as capital also creates labour and both jointly
contribute to the well being of the individuals and prosperity
of the individual and Nation.
During the past five decades
or so, several important steps have been initiated for improvement
in the working conditions and welfare of the working class. However,
still much remains to be done particularly for the workers working
in the unorganized sector which provides the major source of employment
in the country. Some important legislations have been enacted
for the workers in the unorganized sector but these could not
meet the requirements of the entire sections of the working class
in this sector. Hence, the government is finalizing an umbrella
legislation for them and it is hoped that this legislation, when
enacted, will go a long way to meet the needs of the working class
in this sector.
We certainly would ensure
that the working class does not disproportionately share the adverse
effects of liberalization and globalization. They must share the
fruits of prosperity as well. I would also solicit the cooperation
of the trade union organizations which must also work for unorganized
sector workers, for eradication of child labour system and for
the improvement of the well being of the women workforce. On this
day, the Government re-assures that it believes in ethos and culture
of tripartism. It is for this reason that largest number of tripartite
meetings were held since last May Day under the aegis of the Ministry
of Labour to discuss a number of issues concerning labour.
The Government, in the
coming years wishes to further focus on workers' education programmes,
make vocational training more relevant in the light of the emerging
needs of the economy, emphasize more and more on occupational
safety and health and extend the purview of the social security
schemes so as to bring a larger number of workers under their
ambit.
With this promise, I again
convey my best wishes on this auspicious day to my brother workers."
