Workshop to discuss worker problems ends

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 28

A two-day workshop on topic “Workers in the unorganised sector” was concluded at the University of Jammu here today. The workshop was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir State Legal Services Authority (JKSALSA) in collaboration with the J&K Labour Department, under the aegis of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA). It focused on the need for adopting coordinated and holistic approach for addressing the issues of working class in the unorganised sector.

The workshop, which was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India, Justice T S Thakur, on Saturday, witnessed series of sessions touching range of areas pertaining to the welfare of workers in the unorganised sector.

Executive Chairman, NALSA, and Supreme Court (SC) Judge Justice Anil R Dave said it was time to join hands to take the initiative forward for mitigating the sufferings of the labor class, which have huge role in the growth and development of the country. “Workers are the most important factor and if they are paid well and are provided all the facilities, they will give their best,” he said. He also asserted that such workshops should act as a wake-up call for all the government institutions and private stakeholders and that there was urgent need to do something tangible on the issue and finding the best ways to address the grievances of the workers.

Another SC Judge Justice Fakkir Mohammad Ibrahim Kalifulla said, “We all should take a pledge to implement the resolutions adopted and advices given by the speakers during the workshop”. Justice Kalifulla called upon SALSA, the departments of Labour, Law and the trade unions and other stakeholders to join hands and work as a team towards mitigating the sufferings of the labour class.

The Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Patron-in-Chief of JKSALSA, Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar asked the judicial fraternity to set an example by being fair to their employees. “We are all, in some way or other, employers- we have drivers, gardeners and helpers at our homes. I may tell you to begin from your home and be fair to your employees. By this way, we can set an example for the others,” he said.

Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Judge J&K High Court and Executive Chairman JKSALSA, said in today’s session that SLSA would carry forward its endeavor to see the mission is achieved and the problems faced by different categories of workers in the unorganised sector get addressed at the ground level.

The valedictory function was preceded by technical sessions and open-house discussions which were also addressed by the Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof R D Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Kursheed Andrabi, Vice Chancellor, Central University, Jammu, Prof Ashok Aima and Legislator M Y Tarigami.

Legislator M Y Tarigami highlighted in detail the problems faced by the workers in unorganised sector like civic amenities, meager wages, education and healthcare. He also called upon the government to institute effective legislations for safeguarding the interests of the working class. The vote of thanks was presented by the J&K High Court Judge and Chairma, J&K, HCLSC Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey.