Assam workers demand wages, not honorarium

Guwahati: Hundreds of labourers such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers and farmers from different parts of Assam gathered in Guwahati on Saturday, demanding ‘mazuri' (wages) and not ‘manoni’ (honorarium) from the government and employers. They also criticised the Narendra Modi-led dispensation at the Centre, alleging that his government has taken away the rights of the working class.They were participating in an open meeting on the first day of the 10th conference of Construction Workers Federation of India at the Sonaram School playground here.Addressing the gathering, veteran CPM leader Hemen Das alleged that the Modi government since 2014 has adopted more anti-worker steps than any other government in the country ever. “So, right from the ASHA and Anganwadi workers to the mid-day meal cooks, has now come out demanding their due. They want their jobs to be regularised so that they can get the associated benefits. They are asking for their mazuri and not manoni,” the former MLA asserted.CPM legislator Manoranjan Talukdar said people from all parts of the state attended the programme. PTI