Pawan Singh Bara- The spirit of solidarity filled the air in Jitpur as the Madhesh Province Committee of the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) grandly celebrated the 136th International Workers' Day. Following a vibrant morning rally, a formal program echoed with calls for workers' rights and significant societal contributions.
The chief guest, Anil Shrestha, a central committee member and Bara district in-charge of the CPN (Maoist Centre), passionately reminded everyone of the pivotal role the labor movement has played in every transformation the nation has witnessed. He fondly recalled the courageous involvement of workers during the People's War, expressing his firm belief that their ongoing dedication holds the key to shaping a new and better future.
Mr. Shrestha didn't shy away from current affairs, stating that the initial government led by the current Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) saw significant shifts within the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML as it moved towards peace, good governance, and prosperity. However, he now critiqued the present government as being influenced by corruption and middlemen, suggesting that laborers are far from content under the current circumstances and that many industrialists and capitalists still need to change their attitudes towards workers.
Adding to the discussion, the Mayor of Jitpursimara Sub-Metropolitan City and alternate central member of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Rajan Paudel, clarified the division of authority concerning labor issues. While local levels can register workers, the rights related to labor and wages fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. He expressed his commitment to working alongside labor leaders to enroll workers in the social security fund and emphasized the need for leaders to pressure the government to include workers in health insurance schemes.
Echoing the sentiment for proactive engagement, ANTUF Secretary Arjun Chimariya stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights already won by laborers while also fighting for their political rights. Prem Baral, Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Jitpursimara Nagar Committee, urged workers to adopt an interventionist role to secure their rights, highlighting their crucial position not only in society and development but also as the "architects" of ideas.
The program served as a vital platform for discussions and the exchange of suggestions on various crucial topics, including workers' rights, social security, insurance, and political participation. Presided over by the President of ANTUF Madhesh Province Committee, Kedar Dev, the event saw the participation of notable figures such as the President of the All Nepal Industrial Workers Union, Beni Timalsina, central member of CPN (Maoist Centre), Sonalal Sah, and labor leader Min Prasad Apagain, among others. The program was skillfully conducted by Krishna Prasad Poudel of the ANTUF Madhesh Province Committee.
The powerful voices and collective spirit at the event underscored the ongoing struggle and unwavering commitment to securing a more just and equitable future for all working individuals in Nepal.
