Jammu, 14 August (H.S.): Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will hold district-level protest demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir on August 17 against what it termed anti-labour policies and the alleged exploitation of workers in both Government and private sectors.

Addressing a press conference, BMS leaders said the protests were part of a nationwide call given by the organization following its national executive body meeting held at Ranchi. They said memorandum would be submitted to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister through Deputy Commissioners, highlighting issues concerning workers and demanding corrective measures.

The BMS leaders alleged that objections raised by the organization against the implementation of labour codes had not been considered and said minimum wages had not been enhanced in accordance with the new codes. They demanded enhancement of the EPF limit from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 and ESI limit from Rs 21,000 to Rs 42,000. They also sought enhancement of the bonus limit and early implementation of the long-pending demand for a five-day working week for bank employees.

The organization further alleged that salaries of workers engaged under various Central Government-sponsored schemes, including Anganwadi workers through ICDS, mid-day meal workers and NHM employees, had not been enhanced for years.

BMS leaders also raised concerns over alleged exploitation in the private sector, claiming that PF and ESI contributions were deducted from workers’ salaries but inspections to check irregularities had been stopped.

They demanded creation of a Manpower Resources Corporation in J&K on the pattern of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to regulate outsourced employees and curb alleged exploitation by manpower agencies and contractors.

The press conference was addressed by Neelam Kumari (State general secretary), Ashok Choudhary (deputy organizing secretary, BMS North zone), Harbans Choudhary (senior leader BMS), Ravi Hans (State secretary BMS) and Rinku Gill (president, Municipal Workers Union).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar