Seeks Ex-Gratia For Kin Of Deceased, Benefits To Unorganized Labor Class
Srinagar, July 3 (GNS): National Conference and CPI (M) on Friday expressed grief over the tragic incident in which four laborers lost their lives while cleaning a well in District Kupwara on July 2.
Party’s district president and former MLC Qaisar Jamsheed Lone while expressing grief over the incident said the unorganized labor force propelled the development activity by working in most challenging conditions and high degree of insecurity. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of four precious lives in an untoward accident that took place in Kupwara the other day. I express my heartfelt sympathies to the kith and kin of those whose lives were devoured in the unfortunate incident. I also pray for peace for the lives of the deceased. I also urge the administration to provide ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased and ensure that their families don’t face any hardships on account of losing their earning hands. I once again express my solidarity with the mournful families. The ex-gratia to the affected should be released without any delay, furthermore the bereaved families should be provided succor through various social security schemes. I pray for courage to the bereaved families in their hour of grief,” he said in a statement to GNS.
Unfortunately the welfare of unorganized both skilled and unskilled labor class doesn’t fall in the priority list of the government, he said while asking the government to provide support to laborers both skilled and unskilled. It is these people who keep the economy afloat with their toil. “Need to the hour is to provide health insurance cover to such laborers and their families besides having an old age pension scheme to help such laborers live a dignified life in their old age. The administration is duty bound to prepare a list of such labor force as is involved in various types of menial labor activities across J&K and ensure their wellbeing both physically and mentally. These people work in highly hazardous conditions without necessary safety gears and other life saving safety gadgets making them susceptible to such untoward incidents. Belonging to the lowest ladder of the society these people have no option but to work in such perilous conditions to ensure two plain square meals to their families. It is the responsibility of the administration to ensure their wellbeing,” he said.
Meanwhile CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami has expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic and unfortunate incident. In a statement issued here, the CPI(M) leader urged the district administration particularly the labour department to take immediate steps to provide compensation to the affected families so that these families are rehabilitated. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. (GNS)
