Daily wage workers protest registration rules in Dehradun

Dehradun: Daily wage earners and labour union members on Sunday gathered at Gandhi Park in Dehradun to protest changes in labour registration rules, saying the new system has made it difficult for them to access welfare benefits.

Protesters demanded the return of the earlier system under which workers could register through unions. They said the rules were changed around eight months ago and workers now have to register individually and meet new conditions, including getting a certificate from a govt contractor, which is difficult for many daily wagers. Raman Pandit, a daily wage worker, said many contractors themselves are not registered and those who are registered do not want to take responsibility for workers.

This comes at a time when workers across the country are grappling with gas shortages and rising inflation. One protester said he spends nearly Rs 350 out of his Rs 800 daily earnings on LPG. “Those without gas connections are being charged up to Rs 5,000 for a domestic cylinder,” he said.

According to a CAG report, released last year, only 10 per cent of workers at construction sites were found to be registered with the welfare board and of those who were registered, more than half were ineligible individuals.

Sunita Devi, another worker, said removing unions from the registration process had made it nearly impossible for genuine workers to register. “Action should be taken against specific unions if there is misuse, instead of removing all unions from the system,” she added.

Protesters said they will appeal to the chief minister, who also holds the labour portfolio, and warned of more agitations in the coming days.