Mangaluru: The District Legal services in association with the Mangalore Bar Association, District Labour Department and School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya jointly organized a workshop at the college auditorium, Roshni Nilaya here on April 10.
The programme began with an invocation. Assistant Labour Commissioner B G Naik welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by the MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency, J R Lobo, by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Lobo said that the government has implemented various schemes for the welfare of the labour class. “But they (the labour class) do not have any knowledge of the schemes. The Labour Department with the help of NGOs and the students of social work schools should reach out to the people of the labour. We have train students who are into social work and send them to rural areas to bring awareness among the people. Government officers should take special interest to introduce new schemes to the people so that they can avail the benefits.”
Lobo further said that the labour class can avail the ESI hospital for medical assistance but due to lack of doctors, people do not get proper treatment at ESI hospitals. “It is need of the hour to invite people who can work voluntarily for the welfare of the labour class. Earlier, the Labour Department was regulatory but now it has become the welfare department,” he said.
While concluding, Lobo urged the participants to attend the workshop and educate the people in their respective area so that the people are enlightened about the various welfare schemes by the government for the labour class. “Every year, the government sanctions funds for the welfare of the labourers; if the funds are not being claimed, they will go back.” He urged the concerned authorities to join hands with the leaders, NGOs and the students to bring awareness among the people about the welfare schemes and make use of the same.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred, Senior Civil Judge Ganesh, President of Mangaluru Bar Association S P Chengappa, Community Development Officer Roshni Nilaya, Evelyn Bennis and Mahesh were also present.