By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 5: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Meghalaya Muster Roll Workers Union has urged all state government departments to ensure the early implementation of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in line with the assurance given by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
JAC adviser Khroo L Pariat welcomed the government’s decision to enhance the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for muster roll and daily wage workers, describing it as a long-awaited response to the workers’ demands.
He appealed to the workers to actively participate in the process of implementing EPF.
“If EPF is implemented, daily wage workers should come forward and approach the officers concerned to ensure that it is enforced. EPF also provides pension benefits,” Pariat said.
According to him, the JAC had earlier submitted a memorandum seeking the implementation of EPF. He said the Chief Minister had agreed that all daily wage workers, employed in government departments, companies and by contractors with over 20 employees, should be brought under the EPF scheme.
He further said that the Labour Commissioner had already issued written instructions to various departments directing them to implement the EPF provisions.
Meanwhile, Pariat said the announcement made by the Chief Minister on May 1 had addressed concerns raised by the union over the years.
He said the union also welcomed the notification issued by the Labour Department and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for responding positively to issues that workers had been highlighting for a long time.
“The Chief Minister has responded with action,” Pariat said.
The JAC had earlier planned to launch a statewide agitation on May 11 but withdrew it following the government’s decision.
“We had planned to hold protests across the state on May 11, but the government, through the Chief Minister, has listened to our demands,” Pariat said.
He noted that the increase in VDA would particularly benefit elderly workers who have spent many years in service.
On the issue of EPF, he said the Chief Minister had given a verbal assurance during a meeting held on April 9.
