Criticising Narendra Modi government for “neglecting” labour sector, opposition Congress on Monday announced sops for organised and unorganised workers in the state.
Releasing the penultimate promise of its 12—point “Gujarat Praja Vikas Darshan — 2012 — a roadmap for development” in the run up to Assembly elections in December, the state Congress unit president Arjun Modhwadia alleged that Modi government was insensitive towards the cause of workers.
“BJP government has done nothing for close to 50 per cent of the skilled and unskilled workers in the state. These workers have been left in the lurch,” he told reporters.
“A welfare board will be constituted for workers in unorganised sectors. The Union government’s Vendor Policy — 2009 will be implemented in totality to protect daily vendors,” Mr. Modhwadia said, adding special commercial zones will be created for vendors.
For workers in organised sector, Mr. Modhwadia said the party would increase their minimum daily wages in view of inflation. “Fast-track labour courts will also be set up to ensure speedy disposal of labour cases and strict implementation of labour laws,” he added.
Mr. Modhwadia said colonies will be set up near Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and big industrial houses under Public Private Partnership (PPP) if the party is voted to power.
Stating that development has not reached to the lower strata of society, former chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela said, “almost half of the population has been neglected by the Narendra Modi government.”
Leader of Opposition in Assembly Shaktisinh Gohil said people working in unorganised sectors will be covered under insurance policies. “Group insurance policies will be started for rickshaw drivers, construction workers, plumbers, wiremen, taxi drivers, among others,” he said.
