May Day a low-key affair due to Karnataka election

HUBBALLI: Labour Day is celebrated every year on May 1. Grand events used to be organised by various forums to mark the occasion. However, this year, due to the state assembly election, it is being celebrated in a low-key manner. The labour department has planned to celebrate the event on May 2. In Dharwad district, there are 1.24 lakh construction labourers and 7,800 unorganised workers registered with the labour department who are getting various benefits from the Union and state governments.
Labour Day is celebrated around the world to raise awareness on the rights of working people and to protect them from exploitation. The labourers are categorised into two sections - unorganised and organised workers. The state department for labourers has formed two welfare boards to provide various benefits.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Shwetha Sangam told TOI, “According to sources, 1,24,000 labourers have registered in the district under Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board. A total of 2,62,258 E- shram cards have been provided under Karnataka Unorganized Workers’ Welfare board. A commercial vehicle drivers’ welfare board has been formed for the badge holder drivers.”
She said various labourers’ welfare programmes have been organised throughout the years. “We have worked to provide many benefits to labours. The mobile clinic vehicle was sanctioned by Labour department of Karnataka as part of a pilot project. It has hi-tech facilities. Apart from providing first aid, various tests, including blood and urine tests, life -saving drugs, ECG, and other services will be available in these mobile clinics that will move around in the city.
Shwetha said that the department has organised many awareness programmes, health camps and has distributed food kits.