Social security for unorganized workers sought

Special correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 12: Barak Valley Non-Government Health Workers’ Association has sought extension of social security measure for construction workers in the state of Assam under the provisions of relevant Act as well as to other unorganized sector workers including non-government health service providers of this state. This was the demand of the Association raised in their memorandum submitted to Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, during his recent visit here.

While appreciating the move of the state government to provide security measures to a large number of construction workers, it would like to bring to his notice the plight of thousands of non-government health workers of this valley. These workers are ill-paid despite the fact of their being engaged in sensitive and noble services requiring highest degree of sincerity and integrity. Yet, they have to lead a substandard life with their family and children.

It is in the larger interest of the society, the Association says it is imperative that such a large number of private health workers who remain dedicated round the clock should be neglected. It is a part of the social responsibility of the government that these workers get minimum social security. This will eble them to ward off anxiety and worries about their own wellbeing and future of their children. The Association believes that their representation to him will be considered with all sympathy and extend social security to the health workers.

These health workers justifiably deserve better treatment from the society and the state to which they serve under trying circumstances facing all odds and oddities. Many of these workers contribute towards ESI scheme, but in the absence of any desigted hospital in this valley, they fail to get any benefit when they desire most. Apart from these health workers, there also exist a large number of ESI scheme subscribers serving in other sector of industry and services.

In view of the facts, the Association urges upon the Chief Minister to initiate steps for setting up a desigted ESI hospital here which will benefit a large number of targeted workers. In the absence of such facility, these workers suffer fincially, mentally and physically. The representation signed by Dilu Das, chief secretary, Barak Valley Non-Government Health Workers Association, highlighting these pressing demands expects positive response from the Chief Minister which will go a long way in mitigating the sufferings of the workers of unorganized sectors.