DMK urged to announce welfare measures in its election manifesto for construction workers and weavers

Construction workers and powerloom units in the region have appealed to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to announce welfare measures in its election manifesto for construction workers and weavers.

The Tamil Nadu AITUC Construction Workers Union has appealed to the DMK to delegate powers to the Construction Workers Welfare Board to take decisions on certain issues and implement them without going to the Government for approval, so that delays can be avoided. There should be a source of revenue for the Construction Workers Welfare Board and the Manual Workers Welfare Boards.

The number of accidents on construction sites is as high as road accidents. While the workers are able to get treatment at concessional rate through the State and Central government insurance schemes, they do not get wages for the treatment period. The members of the welfare board should be linked with the ESI to avail themselves of benefits, it said.

The Tamilnadu Weavers Association’s Federation said the government should announce monthly free power of 1,000 units for powerlooms and 300 units for handlooms. All uniforms for the State government Departments and related associations should be sourced from powerloom units. There should be subsidy for weavers who want to diversify to medical textiles and technical textiles. There should be a separate commissioner for the powerloom sector, it said.