* Focuses on ‘social security’ of workers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: The leaders of Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) projected the issues raised and discussed during its 12th national conference which was convened from November 15 to 17, providing a significant national platform for detailed deliberations on major national and international developments in the labour sector, alongside organisational issues and policy initiatives requiring constructive engagement with the Government of India.
Addressing a press conference here today TUCC president for J&K, Ghulam Rasool Geelani said that the delegates from across the country participated actively in the three-day event, which strengthened TUCC’s ongoing efforts toward safeguarding workers’ rights and enhancing labour welfare policies.
He said during the conference, extensive discussions were held on the issues affecting ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, informal and unorganised sector workers, fishermen, construction workers, domestic workers, agricultural workers, contract workers, and regular employees. Special focus was given to the pressing concerns of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, CAMPA workers, seasonal labourers, and fruit buyers and forwarding agents, with participants emphasizing the need for enhanced social security coverage, fair wages, and improved working conditions to ensure dignity and justice for workers across all sectors.
Geelani said conference also deliberated on the implementation of the Wage Code and the Social Security Code. while recommending that the Industrial Relations (IR) Code and Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Code be implemented only after revising provisions that may hinder workers’ interests. It was strongly recommended that ASHA and Anganwadi volunteers be granted worker status with immediate inclusion under ESIC and EPFO.
The forum also urged recognition of domestic workers as formal workers with full social security coverage, extension of ESIC benefits to construction workers through State Construction Workers’ Welfare Boards, and the creation of a National Welfare Board for Fishermen. The need for ensuring minimum wages and social security for contractual, casual, seasonal and CAMPA workers in Jammu &Kashmir was highlighted.
Meanwhile, a 37-member Central Committee and other statutory bodies of TUCC were announced. Hansraj Akela was elected president and SP Tiwari as general secretary. Ghulam Rasool Geelani from J&K was elected National secretary, along with Muzaffar Ahmad Ganie, Molavi Nazir Ahmad, Famidac Akhtar (Anganwadi), and Shaheena Akhtar (ASHA) as Central Committee Members. Ruksana Akhtar was elected as a National Executive Council Member, and Abdul Ahad Bandroo was elected to the Disciplinary Action Committee Member.
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