No compromise on workers’ rights, Yogi tells officials

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wed evening directed officials that violations of workers’ interests won’t be tolerated. “Every worker has the right to dignified working conditions, full and timely wages and all statutory benefits, and strictest legal action will be ensured against those found guilty of violating these rights,” he told officials during a video-conferencing on industrial situation and law and order with special focus on recent developments in Gautam Budh Nagar.He directed officials that those who are not genuine workers but are found involved in spreading industrial unrest, causing disturbances or creating disorder must immediately be identified and subjected to strict punitive action. “Such elements should be exposed and, where necessary, their photographs displayed at public places so that the general public can have a clear understanding of the actual situation — and people can know who is behind the conspiracy to obstruct the state’s industrial development,” he added. The CM also directed that a ‘zero tolerance’ policy be adopted against organisations inciting workers, anarchic elements and those spreading rumours. Issuing directions for continuous monitoring of misleading information, rumours and misinformation spreading on social media, he said that in such cases, swift identification must be carried out and strict legal action ensured against the guilty, so that any situation of confusion or unrest can be controlled at the very outset.The CM was informed at the meeting that the recent decision to increase workers’ wages had generated satisfaction among them and the situation in GB Nagar was now largely returning to normal. In view of management-related complaints received from some industrial units, the CM directed that a third-party survey be conducted so that the actual causes of problems could be assessed impartially and effective solutions ensured. The CM also directed the officials that the benefit of the revised wages must reach all workers from April 1.Taking seriously the complaints of possible irregularities in manpower supply agencies, the CM directed the special investigation committee constituted under the chairmanship of the IIDC, along with the labour dept, to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation of all such agencies in the state. During the investigation, a detailed examination of the actual number of workers, payments received from industrial units, actual payments being made to workers, and the ground reality of ESI, insurance and other facilities should be carried out, so that any form of exploitation can be effectively curbed.The CM said that the establishment of robust and active grievance cells be mandatorily ensured in all govt and private industrial units, where workers’ complaints could be resolved in a transparent, time-bound and impartial manner.He also directed all industrial development authorities to prepare and present a detailed action plan at the earliest for dormitory construction and affordable and accessible housing schemes for workers in industrial areas. He said that development authorities should not limit themselves to revenue generation alone but must also effectively discharge their social responsibilities.Additionally, the CM directed that where workers’ wages are being directly transferred to bank accounts, coordination should be established with banks to ensure safety insurance for circumstances such as accidents and untimely death. Special priority should also be given to essential facilities such as education for workers’ children, health services and medical insurance.To maintain a balanced and positive industrial environment, the CM directed the industrial development authorities of all districts to maintain continuous dialogue with entrepreneurs and the management of industrial units, so that problems can be resolved in a timely manner. Directing police and administrative officers to exercise special vigilance, the Chief Minister said that no anarchic element should be able to enter industrial units under the guise of being workers. Dialogue should be established only with genuine workers, and it must be ensured that all industrial units in the state continue to operate smoothly.