TURA: The district administration of West Garo Hills on Thursday observed May Day at DRDA Conference Hall here.
Welcoming the participants, Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said that it is a day to celebrate the dignity of labour.
Representative of District Legal Services Authority, Advocate Daboo Tulsyan, appraised the gathering of the various acts enacted by the government to safeguard the rights of workers. He said legal aid services are a new concept in Garo Hills and urged the gathering to create awareness of it in their workplaces.
An official from the Labour department informed that child labour is prevalent in the area and the department is trying to put a stop the employment of children below the age of 14 in auto repairing shops, hotels, dhabas, etc.
Project Director, DRDA, Tura, D.D. Sangma highlighted the rights of the workers under the MGNREGS. He informed that under the scheme the workers are entitled to certain rights at the worksite like availability of safe drinking water, first aid and resting sheds. He also informed that the vulnerable groups – mothers, children accompanying the working mothers and senior workers are entitled to certain rights. Ex gratia compensation in case of accidents or injury, medical expenses, etc., are other benefits available for a Job Card holder.
The meeting was attended by heads of line departments, senior officers of the district administration, representatives of Grade IV organizations and NGO representatives.
Ampati celebrates Labour Day
Labour Day or International Workers’ Day was celebrated in South West Garo Hills District on Thursday with a befitting function at Ampati Multi Facility Centre stressing on the dignity of labour. The celebration, which is the first ever in the district, was organized by Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority, Ampati.
The celebration was attended by employees of the district offices, workmen from different sectors, self-help groups, teachers and students. Officials who attended the programme included Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, Superintendent of Police R Muthu, Deputy Labour Commissioner Olivia G Momin and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mary T Sangma.