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Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa sad, there is no point having Unorganized Sector Workers Social Security Act, as not a single worker is given financial assistance for construction of house so far in the district.

He was speaking at distribution of identity card program for construction workers jointly organized by Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) and Sthree Bandhu Vividhoddesha Souharda Sahakari at Kuvempu Rangamandir, here on Saturday June 4, 2014. More than 1000 construction labourers were distributed the Identity Card

Addressing the gathering, he said it’s unfortunate that workers in unorganized sector have failed to avail benefits from Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Act that was implemented in 2006. “If this is the current situation, what’s the use of having such Acts”, he questioned and said that lack of awareness among workers is also the reason for it.

He said, unless they come together and exhibit their unity, they can’t get any facility from the Government. So, they should strengthen their associations for their welfare. He also directed the officials of Labour department to identify land for the construction of houses for labourers in the city. It should be named as labourers colony. The authorities concerned should take suitable steps to ensure that at least 100 workers are allotted houses within a year in the district.
He also directed the commissioner of City Muncipal Commissioner to prepare a list of people, who have constructed houses in an unauthorized sites and issue title deeds to them under Akrama Sakrama scheme.

Earlier inaugurating event, District in-charge Minister Kimmane Ratnakar regretted that the schemes of the government have failed to reach the eligible beneficiaries. Everybody is responsible for this and efforts should be made to reach out the deserving people, he added.

He said, those, who are enjoying luxurious life are claiming themselves as poor and availing the benefits meant for poor people. Both central and state governments have implemented several schemes for the benefit of unorganized sector workers. So, the elected representatives should take suitable steps to ensure that the deserving people are given benefits without fail, he added

Speaking on the occasion, Most Rev Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga and the President of SMSSS urged the people to be united and fight for their rights. He highlighted that SMSSS is always committed towards the cause of the poorest of the poor and downtrodden.  Fr. Veeresh V Moras, Executive Director of SMSSS called upon the beneficiaries to make best use of the facilities offered by the Government and lobby with the government to avail the facilities due for them which is their right.

AICC member Manjunath Bhandary, SMSSS executive director Rev. Fr. Veeresh V Moras, City Corporation Mayor Kursheeda Banu, District Congress Labour Wing President K Devendrappa, Building Construction Labourers Association General Secretary N Ramesh, Sthreebandhu President Precilla Martis, CEO Yesudas and others were present on the occasion.