Cong vows to ease labour pains

Announces 11th point of its Gujarat Praja Vikas Darshan-2012, says will set up a labour welfare board

The state Congress, in its 11th point of the Gujarat Praja Vikas Darshan-2012, on Monday promised to bring an end to contractual employment in government departments and set up a state labour welfare board for unorganised sector if the party came to power in December 2012 Assembly elections.

Addressing mediapersons jointly, state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Shaktisinh Gohil and chairman of the party's election campaign committee Shankersinh Vaghela said they would implement the vendor policy-2009 of the Government of India to bring an end to the harassment of hawkers and vendors by police and other authorities. The centre's policy on the issues recommends setting up of special zones for hawkers and street vendors in different towns and cities.

They also announced to start facilities for micro-finance of hawkers and vendors by setting up a special fund of Rs 500 crore initially.

They also promised to come out with group insurance scheme for construction workers, autorickshaw drivers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters etc. and issue them identity cards.

Stating that the minimum wages in the state was among the lowest in the country, they said they would increase it after studying the wages in other states.

Stating that Rs 1,200 crore cess collected annually for welfare of labourers and their children was not being utilised by the BJP government, the Congress leaders said they would use the fund for building houses for labourers, giving scholarships to children of workers and providing them medical services.

ALSO READ

Astronomy buffs geared up for meteor shower

Narendra Modi dials Lalu, enquires about health after car accident

From Ramdev stage in Haridwar, Modi swears by gurus of all hues

PIL puts Tata Motors, state govt in the dock over Nano deal