Cong vows to ease labour pains

Addressing mediapersons jointly,state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia,Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Shaktisinh Gohil and chairman of the party’s election campaign committee Shankersinh Vaghela said they would implement the vendor policy-2009 of the Government of India to bring an end to the harassment of hawkers and vendors by police and other authorities. The centre’s policy on the issues recommends setting up of special zones for hawkers and street vendors in different towns and cities.

They also announced to start facilities for micro-finance of hawkers and vendors by setting up a special fund of Rs 500 crore initially.

They also promised to come out with group insurance scheme for construction workers,autorickshaw drivers,plumbers,electricians,carpenters etc. and issue them identity cards.

Stating that the minimum wages in the state was among the lowest in the country,they said they would increase it after studying the wages in other states.

Stating that Rs 1,200 crore cess collected annually for welfare of labourers and their children was not being utilised by the BJP government,the Congress leaders said they would use the fund for building houses for labourers,giving scholarships to children of workers and providing them medical services.