Steps for Separate Welfare Board for Hamali Workers: Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy
Hyderabad, June 16: Labour, Employment and Mines Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy said that the State Government would initiate steps towards the establishment of a dedicated Welfare Board for Hamali workers. He said a special committee comprising experts, government officials and representatives of labour unions would be constituted shortly to examine the issues and welfare requirements of Hamali workers and recommend a comprehensive framework.
The Minister was addressing the “Telangana Hamali Workers Welfare Board Achievement Meeting” organized by the Telangana Hamali Workers Union at the Press Club, Basheerbagh, on Monday.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said Hamali workers play a vital role in the functioning of markets, warehouses and the transportation sector. “The economy moves on the strength of workers. Only when labourers are happy and secure can society progress,” he remarked.
The Minister said the proposal for a separate Welfare Board for Hamali workers would be examined from all angles. Based on the recommendations of the proposed committee, the government would formulate an action plan covering workers’ welfare, social security, insurance coverage and other benefits.
He urged Hamali workers to make full use of the insurance schemes being implemented by the government. Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy announced that eligible worker families would soon receive insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the Indira Jeevan Bima Scheme, providing financial security in times of distress.
The Minister also assured that the government is committed to extending the benefits of the Indiramma Housing Scheme to all eligible Hamali worker families. He said the State Government is implementing several welfare initiatives for workers, the poor and those employed in the unorganized sector.
Advising workers to utilize government healthcare facilities, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said public hospitals are providing improved medical services and cautioned against unnecessary financial burden caused by treatment in expensive corporate hospitals.
Speaking at the event, MLC Prof. Kodandaram described Hamali workers as people who earn their livelihood through hard physical labour. He emphasized the need for a dedicated Welfare Board to provide social security, insurance and pension benefits to Hamali workers and urged the government to give greater priority to the welfare of unorganized sector workers.
Leaders of Hamali workers’ unions, labour representatives, public representatives and workers from various parts of the State participated in the programme.
