Shimla, May 1
International Labour Day was observed in Shimla on Friday with a programme organised at the historic Gaiety Theatre in association with Himalaya Sahitya Manch.
The event brought together workers, intellectuals, and representatives of labour organisations to reflect on the significance of the day and contemporary labour issues.
DIG of Himachal Pradesh Soumya Sambasiban was the chief guest of the function.
Speakers highlighted that International Labour Day has been celebrated globally on May 1 since 1889, commemorating the struggles and contributions of the working class.India Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas and was first celebrated in 1923 and Labour Union Act was passed in 1926.
In India, the observance of Labour Day dates back to its organisation in Madras (now Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.
Addressing the gathering, Trade Union leader B S Ranjan underlined that labour is placed in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, allowing both the Centre and states to legislate on the subject.
The meeting also discussed labour welfare coverage. It was informed that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) currently has around seven crore active subscribers across the country, while Himachal Pradesh accounts for approximately 3.25 lakh subscribers.
Focusing on the unorganised sector, speakers said that the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has been functioning in Himachal Pradesh since March 2009, with 14 welfare schemes notified to provide financial assistance to registered construction workers.
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Additionally, the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme has now been extended to all districts of the state.
D. K. Manta, while addressing the gathering, shared his experiences from his service career as well as his post-retirement engagements, offering insights into the changing landscape of labour rights and welfare.
The programme concluded with a call for unity among workers and continued efforts to safeguard labour rights in the face of evolving economic challenges.
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