NC took path-breaking initiatives for welfare, empowerment of work-force: Gupta

Jammu, May 1: Lauding the resilience and fortitude of work force for their sustained efforts in building Naya Jammu and Kashmir as per the dreams of visionaries, who envisioned a progressive, prosperous and peaceful state, senior National Conference leaders on Sunday said that May Day is reminiscent of the workers’ rights and societal response towards their well-being.
“It is a day of introspection for us all to ponder whether we have succeeded in assuaging their aspirations and urges”, Addressing the gathering Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta said and complimented the relentless campaign of the Labour Union in fighting for genuine cause of the work force.
Gupta said that National Conference has always fought for the cause of labour-class and said their welfare was an integral part of Naya Jammu and Kashmir Charter. He made a particular mention of interest evinced by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah for the empowerment of weaker sections especially the labour force and said this continues to be a guiding force for the party. “Labour force are the builders of nation and catalyst of socio-economic transformation”, he added
Gupta castigated the BJP for ignoring the welfare of labour force, saying but for remaining entangled in divisive politics, the party ditched the people of Jammu, especially weaker sections. He also lashed out at a senior BJP leader for unleashing malicious campaign against National Conference and described it as a sign of frustration due to rejection by the people.
Speaking on the occasion, former minister and Central Secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra said that every day is a labour day but observing it on May 1 has a historical significance as hundreds of people sacrificed their lives during the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago nearly two centuries ago while struggling for their rights. “Commemorating this day should not be a ritual but an occasion to pledge for wellbeing of the labour class and strive for dignity and honour of the work force”. He recalled the crucial role played by labourers in shaping the public movement in Jammu and Kashmir as elsewhere in the world decades ago.
Addressing the gathering, Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmed referred to the background of this day and said it is being observed on May 1st all over the world to highlight the need for restoration of labour rights with a view to bridge the gap between haves and have nots for harmonious growth of the society.
Sheikh Bashir recalled the great role played by Sheikh Sahib for weaker sections of society especially the labour force and said history of National Conference is replete with steps taken from time to time for overall welfare of the labour class.He said that sought special schemes for the weaker sections of the society so that they lead a dignified life. He said that National Conference will always strive for seeking restoration of labour rights and implementation of welfare schemes to uplift their socio-economic conditions.
Highlighting the problems of the labour class, President SCLU Nar Singh listed several issues, saying these are needed to be earnestly looked into by the government.