The welfare and the protection of the rights of contract workers is a priority of the Central Government, said former Union Minister for Information Broadcasting Anurag Thakur while addressing a one-day Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) Awareness and Grievance Redressal Camp organised for contract workers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hamirpur on Wednesday. He highlighted the Central Government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening their social security. He lauded the dedication and sincerity of the contract workers and said that they were experienced, hardworking, honest and fully committed to their responsibilities. He added that the NIT and the people of the state recognised their contributions.

Anurag said that while people admired the height and beauty of a grand structure, they often overlooked the strong foundation that supported it. He congratulated the employees for their excellent maintenance of the institution and for ensuring the smooth functioning of its day-to-day administrative affairs.

The Hamirpur MP urged the workers to openly discuss issues related to the EPF and the ESI, work together to find solutions and spread awareness among one another.

Anurag said that the Central Government had consolidated 29 Central labour laws into four Labour Codes, replacing provisions that were inadequate for labourers and contract workers at the grassroots level. He added that the four Labour Codes provided stronger legal protection to workers’ rights and ensured their interests were safeguarded in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution. — OC