Labour Inspector Manjula Vishwanath explained Labour Day origins in Chicago, eight-hour workday, and India observing it since 1937
KOPPAL
A legal awareness and assistance program was organized in Huvinala village of Koppal taluk as part of International Labour Day celebrations, highlighting the rights and welfare of workers.
The event was held at Shri Anjaneya Temple and was inaugurated by Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Mahantesh S. Dargada. In his address, he said Labour Day should also be seen as “Shramayogi Day,” honoring the dignity of workers. Referring to the teachings of Basavanna and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he stressed that all professions deserve respect and that workers are the backbone of the nation’s development.
Ramesh Ghorpade, President of the Kalyan Karnataka Districts Registered Trade Unions Federation, said various government schemes have improved the living standards of construction workers and helped them build better lives.
Presiding over the program, Labour Inspector Manjula Vishwanath explained the history of Labour Day, noting that the global movement began in Chicago in the late 19th century, leading to the adoption of the eight-hour workday. She said Labour Day has been observed in India since 1937 to recognize the contributions of workers and trade unions.
She also provided detailed information about welfare schemes under the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. She said workers must have completed at least 90 days of work in a year and be between 18 and 60 years of age to register.
Required documents include employment proof, Aadhaar card copies, bank details, and a linked mobile number. She added that registered workers can access benefits such as marriage assistance, maternity support, funeral expenses, education grants, medical aid, accident compensation, and pensions.
She emphasized the need for workers to renew their identity cards regularly to continue receiving these benefits. Information about schemes under the Unorganized Social Security Board was also shared.
The program was attended by Project Director Basavaraj Hiregoudra, Field Administrator Mahibuba Mannur, trade union leaders, and several workers from different organizations.
Officials said such awareness programs are important to ensure workers fully understand their rights and make use of available government support systems.