Construction labourers stage protest demanding distribution of benefits

Demanding to accelerate the process of distribution of various benefits from the government to construction workers, the labourers under the aegis of Building and Other Construction Workers’ Association staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner’s office on Wednesday.

The protesters took out a procession from Gandhi Maidan to the deputy commissioner’s office and shouted slogans against the officials from Labour department.

Addressing the protesters, association’s general secretary A C Sabu accused the officials of delaying the distribution of benefits citing the reason of shortage of staff.

“By delaying distribution of financial assistance for marriage, pension and other aid, the officials are doing injustice to the labourers’ family.”

The protesters urged to sanction the facilities within one month of submitting application. Even the migrant labourers should be provided with identity card from Labourers’ Welfare Board. The protesters said, “The government should sanction housing scheme for building workers. The federation of construction workers under the aegis of CITU should be given representation in the welfare board.”

Speaking after accepting the memorandum, district labour officer Ramakrishna said, “All the works that can be taken up at district level will be completed within 15 days. The problems faced by the construction workers will also be brought to the notice of higher authorities as well.”