Sir — Every year, May 1 is observed as labour Day. The idea behind this day is to gain as much as one can — for oneself and not spend the day watching television or playing games. As we celebrate this day today, we must ponder: Have we done something of value for our labour class or tried to resolve their problemsIJ
Our labourers are faced with countless problems, such as poverty, illiteracy, food and water crises among others. A vast majority of them as also daily-wage workers remain outside the field of labour laws, which means that they have no paid holidays, no job security, no medical coverage, no pension or provident fund, no limit on working hours and are paid no overtime. In India the problem is even complex as child labour has become a growing phenomenon. It has its root in the socio-economic environment of the country.
India became a member of the International labour Organization right soon after independence in 1947. However, there is not much change visible. When we look at the present situation, implementation of the labour law is zero. People must be held accountable.