On 1st May 2010, a Workers’ Meeting (Mazdoor Goshti) was organized by Swabhiman Samiti and Dalit Adhikar Manch with the support of ActionAid India. The event was held at the Block Office, Uska Bazar, Siddharthnagar. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Raju Bharti, President of Dalit Adhikar Manch, and was attended by hundreds of community members from the region.

  1. Objective of the Meeting:

The key objectives of the Workers’ Meeting were:

  • To highlight the issues faced by workers, especially in the context of labour rights, working conditions, and wages.
  • To discuss the current state of labour conditions in the region and identify challenges that workers, particularly Dalits and marginalized communities, face in securing fair wages.
  • To inform and engage the community about opportunities for employment and social security under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).
  1. Discussion on Labour Conditions:

The meeting focused on several crucial issues:

  • Labour Conditions: The participants discussed the prevailing issues concerning labour in the area, including poor wages, inadequate working conditions, and the exploitation of workers.
  • MGNREGA Employment: A key topic was the employment opportunities available through MGNREGA, which provides rural employment as a guaranteed right. The meeting explored the potential benefits of MGNREGA, such as job security, minimum wage, and access to public works.

The discussions also emphasized how the marginalized communities could benefit from MGNREGA and how to ensure that labour rights are respected.

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  1. Outcomes of the Meeting:
  • Increased Awareness: The meeting successfully raised awareness about workers’ rights, including their entitlements under MGNREGA and other labour laws.
  • Community Engagement: The event brought together a large number of community members, empowering them to voice their concerns and be part of the conversation about labour rights and economic justice.
  • Networking: It helped in forming alliances and networks among workers and community leaders to advocate for better wages, better working conditions, and social security.
  1. Conclusion:

The Labour Day Meeting held on 1st May 2010 was a significant step in raising awareness about the challenges faced by workers in Siddharthnagar and discussing the opportunities available to them under MGNREGA. By bringing together community members and activists, the meeting facilitated discussions on improving labour conditions and ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld.

Swabhiman Samiti and Dalit Adhikar Manch continue to work towards empowering workers, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and increased access to employment opportunities for marginalized communities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure economic justice and social equity for all.