KATHUA, MAY 01: The Labour Department Kathua today observed International Labour Day with a series of awareness-cum-outreach programmes across the district, including a major event at a local factory, aimed at honouring the invaluable contribution of workers and promoting awareness about labour rights, welfare measures and social well-being.
The programme witnessed active participation of workers from both organized and unorganized sectors and focused on sensitizing them about recent labour law reforms and various welfare provisions available for their benefit.
Workers were provided detailed awareness regarding the newly introduced labour codes, including the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code and the Code on Social Security. The participants were apprised of the key provisions, benefits and legal safeguards aimed at ensuring better wages, improved workplace safety, social security coverage and protection of workers’ rights.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Kathua, Piyusha Khajuria, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the historical significance of International Labour Day and reiterated the department’s unwavering commitment towards safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of the labour force. She stressed the importance of awareness and active participation of workers for effective implementation of labour laws and welfare schemes.
As part of the observance, an awareness session under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was also conducted, during which workers were sensitized about the harmful effects of substance abuse and its adverse impact on individuals, families and society. A collective pledge was administered to all participants to work together for building a drug-free and healthy society.
Recognizing the dedication and contribution of the workforce, workers from different sectors were felicitated with Certificates of Appreciation for their commendable services.
A legal literacy session was also organized by the officials of the Labour Department, wherein workers were informed about important labour laws, their rights and responsibilities and the legal remedies and safeguards available to them, thereby empowering them through enhanced legal awareness.
Additionally, a free medical camp was also organized at the venue by the Health Department in collaboration with the Directorate of AYUSH. The camp provided basic health check-ups, medical consultations and wellness guidance to the workers present.
Meanwhile, similar programmes were also held in other parts of the district. At one such event organized in collaboration with Bhawan Nirman Kamgar Union, a large number of workers from the unorganized sector participated and were sensitized about their rights, responsibilities and welfare entitlements.
Union members, along with Labour Department officials, addressed the gathering and emphasized the need for safeguarding the interests of workers engaged in the unorganized sector, while also strengthening their access to welfare schemes and institutional support.
The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from workers across sectors and reinforced the spirit of dignity of labour.