K'taka: Construction Workers Welfare Board soon

Bangalore, May 1: The Karnataka Government will soon set up a Construction Workers Welfare Board to protect the interests of the labour class, Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari announced today.

Speaking at a function organised to celebrate May Day at the office of the ruling Janata Dal (Secular) here, he said that one per cent cess would be collected from buildings valued above Rs 10 lakh and the amount would be transferred to the Board for taking care of the welfare of construction workers.

He said the government was contemplating introducing various programmes for the labourers in the unorganised sector.

Meanwhile members of the Garment and Textile workers Union formed a human chain here on the occasion demanding restriction of duty hours to eight hours, minimum wage of Rs 150 per day, issuance of appointment letter to all workers and harrassment free environment.

The Members of Karnataka Sexworkers Union took out a procession demanding repeal of Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, fair and safe working condition, social security and old age pension.

UNI