Kharge, Parameshwar feted in City

Mysore, February 19, DHNS:

Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mallikarjuna Kharge and President of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Dr G Parameshwara were felicitated at a programme organised by the Federation of Dalit Associations at Kalamandir here on Saturday.

Amidst the rousing reception to the two leaders, a packed audience at the Kalamandir, including pourakarmikas were witness to the grand felicitation ceremony. In his address, Kharge assured the pourakarmikas to bring in a strong legal framework to protect their interest. “We have constituted a five-member committee to look into the grievances of safai karmacharis and recommend to the Government the minimum wage for pourakarmikas and other benefits. The people who are responsible for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of a city is neglected for long time,” he said. He also regretted that the state governments have little interest to implement the Contract Labour Abolition Act enacted by the central government. The states have a greater responsibility in ensuring the interest of labourers and employees working in the organised sector. The Contract Labour Abolition Act bans any companies from employing on contract basis. There is a conspiracy among few companies and firms to keep the employees on contract, the Minister opined. On the occasion, G Parameshwar, KPCC President said Kharge’s political journey was a role model for every politician. “His political career is rid of controversies and any black spot. The senior leader’s clean image has helped him remain undefeated in the assembly elections for nine successive tenures,” Parameshwar said. MLA and former union minister also echoed similar opinion and said a Kharge should occupy the highest executive post, the chief ministers post in state. MP Vishwanath, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, MLAs H C Mahadevappa, H P Manjunath, City Congress president Dasegowda, district congress president Dharmasena, former minister P M Narendraswamy were present.