Himachal Minister Rajesh Dharmani Opposes Centre’s Move to Replace 44 Labour Laws

A meeting of Himachal Pradesh INTUC was held in Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, where Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani stressed the need for strong labour laws to protect workers’ rights. Addressing the state-level INTUC meeting, Dharmani said workers are the backbone of the country’s economy and that protecting their rights and social security is a primary responsibility of the government and workers’ organisations.

Rajesh Dharmani said important work is being carried out through the Labour Welfare Board to provide social security to workers and their families in Himachal Pradesh. He said trade unions have an important role in ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach eligible workers.

The minister said effective solutions to workers’ problems can be ensured through better coordination between the government and workers’ organisations. He stressed that cooperation between the two sides is necessary to identify the difficulties faced by workers and to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive support through the available welfare schemes.

Dharmani opposed the Central government’s decision to do away with 44 labour laws and introduce four labour codes. He said the move had raised several important questions related to workers’ rights and social security. According to him, whenever changes are made in labour laws, the interests of workers, employment security, fair wages and social security must be given priority.

The Technical Education Minister also said that bringing workers in the unorganised sector under the social security system is the need of the hour. He said special attention should be given to the education, healthcare, housing, skill development and future security of workers’ children.

He said the government, trade unions and other concerned institutions would have to work together for the welfare of workers. Dharmani said coordinated efforts were needed to address issues connected with workers’ welfare and to strengthen the support available to them.

During the meeting, he welcomed officials from Sri Lanka and Nepal, along with representatives of workers’ organisations, to Himachal Pradesh. He said the visit of representatives from different countries to understand Himachal Pradesh’s labour welfare model was important for the state.

Dharmani said the visit would give different countries an opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences in the areas of workers’ social security and welfare. He also appreciated the efforts being made by Himachal Pradesh INTUC through the Labour Welfare Board to help eligible workers receive the benefits of various welfare schemes.

The meeting was attended by Kamgar Kalyan Board Chairman Nardev Kanwar, INTUC state president and Nalagarh MLA Bawa Hardeep Singh, Bihar INTUC president C.P. Singh, Jagat Ram Sharma, INTUC general secretary Umesh Sharma and other representatives.