Dehradun witnessed a protest on Sunday as daily wage earners and labour union members gathered at Gandhi Park to oppose recent changes in labour registration rules. The protesters argued that the new system has made it increasingly difficult for them to access welfare benefits.
Demand for Old Registration System
The demonstrators demanded the reinstatement of the earlier system, under which workers could register through unions. They claimed that the rules were altered approximately eight months ago, forcing workers to register individually and meet new conditions, including obtaining a certificate from a government contractor. This requirement, they said, is particularly challenging for many daily wagers.
Raman Pandit, a daily wage worker, highlighted that many contractors themselves are not registered, while those who are registered often avoid taking responsibility for workers. This has left genuine labourers without a pathway to registration.
Broader Economic Hardships
The protest comes at a time when workers across the country are grappling with gas shortages and rising inflation. One protester revealed that he spends nearly Rs 350 out of his daily earnings of Rs 800 on LPG cylinders. He added, "Those without gas connections are being charged up to Rs 5,000 for a domestic cylinder."
According to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report released last year, only 10 per cent of workers at construction sites were found to be registered with the welfare board. Furthermore, among those registered, more than half were ineligible individuals, indicating systemic flaws.
Union Involvement Crucial
Sunita Devi, another worker, emphasized that removing unions from the registration process has made it nearly impossible for genuine workers to register. She suggested, "Action should be taken against specific unions if there is misuse, instead of removing all unions from the system."
The protesters announced plans to appeal to the chief minister, who also holds the labour portfolio, and warned of further agitations in the coming days if their demands are not addressed.
