JAMMU, Feb 20: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today called for simplifying rules to ensure timely and hassle-free disbursement of benefits under various welfare schemes for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
He made these remarks while chairing a meeting with representatives of different workers’ unions under the banner of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), at Civil Secretariat here today. MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami; CEO/Secretary, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Munir Ul Islam; Labour Commissioner, Charandeep Singh and other officers also attended the meeting. During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister emphasized on the need to enhance outreach, ensure effective implementation of government welfare schemes for workers and their families.
He directed the concerned officers to expedite cases related to death compensation claims, marriage assistance, resolution of wage disputes and other welfare assistance to safeguard the interests of workers. “Need is to simplify some rules and norms for easy disbursal and outreach of benefits to workers,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister further stressed on the seamless functioning of all Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) and called for prompt and amicable redressal of grievances of registered workers.
He underscored need to ensure transparent functioning of trade unions and work as a bridge between workers and the administration to ensure maximum coverage of workers under welfare schemes and pro-workers initiatives. “Transparency is imperative for the Government and Unions shall be entertained on their merit,” he said. During the meeting, among other issues the representatives highlighted issues pertaining to amendments in the constitution of the Kashmir Constructional Workers Union, representation of CITU in the Welfare Board and the introduction of pension and housing loan schemes for registered workers.
Deputy Chief Minister assured the representatives that all genuine issues would be examined sympathetically to strengthen the welfare framework for workers across Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking during the meeting, Mohammad Yousuf Rather (Tarigami) urged for compassionate consideration of genuine demands and steps be taken for socio-economic upliftment of workers.
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