BHUBANESWAR: Accusing the BJD Government of pursuing anti-labour policies, the INTUC has demanded hiking minimum daily wages to Rs. 200, proper implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and other social security and welfare measures. “Though the Centre has already increased the minimum daily wages, it continues to be Rs. 90 in Orissa. Minimum daily wage should be raised to Rs. 200 by the State Government forthwith,” said INTUC State president and Rajya Sabha member Rama Chandra Khuntia. Their other demands include payment of salary and other benefits to employees of corporations and cooperatives as per Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, regularisation of services of all contractual staff and payment of at least Rs. 6,000 per month to Anganwadi, ASHA and mid-day meal workers. Memoranda have been submitted to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Speaker, Leader of Opposition in Assembly and others to press for the demands. INTUC also staged a demonstration here on Thursday against alleged anti-labour policies of the BJD government. Stating that livelihood of many labourers engaged in mining sector was severely hit due to the closure of several mines, Khuntia said these mines should be reopened. Since agriculture has been badly hit in many areas due to scanty rainfall and drought-like conditions, steps like waiver of farm loans, water cess, electricity duties should be taken, he said seeking farm loan at one per cent interest and free power for agriculture. Orissa Government should also provide at least Rs. 200 crore to the welfare fund of agriculture labourers, forest labourers and those working in unorganised sector, the Rajya Sabha member said.
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