Karnataka - Bangalore

Workers seek better deal

Staff Reporter

REGISTERING PROTEST: Ruth Manorama (right) inaugurating a torch-light vigil organised by members of the Karnataka State Construction Workers' Central Union on M.G. Road in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Bangalore: Members of the Karnataka State Construction Workers' Central Union staged a dharna in front of statue of Mahatma Gandhi on M.G. Road here on Thursday in protest against the State Government's "failure" to enforce rules for implementation of the Building and Other Construction Workers' (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. The members raised slogans demanding that a welfare board for construction workers be constituted so that various schemes could be formulated. They also demanded that the advisory board be adequately represented by members of the union. The members said the Government should ensure the safety of workers by taking steps to prevent accidents at construction sites.

In the evening, activist and Right Livelihood Award winner Ruth Manorama inaugurated a torchlight vigil organised by construction workers in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

"A comprehensive Bill should be passed by the State to ensure social security and to have welfare schemes for construction workers. There is a need for a welfare board so that they can be provided medical and other benefits," she said. She said women construction workers should be given maternity benefits and Employees' State Insurance scheme. N.P. Samy, president of the union, said though the Central Act came into force in 1996, the State Government formulated rules for its implementation only in 2006. No steps had been taken for the welfare of construction workers. "The Government should ensure that construction workers get relief and medical benefits when they are injured while at work, and welfare schemes should be formulated for them," he added.

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