NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Railway Maal Godam Shramik Union (BRMGSU) convened a national conference at the Constitution Club of India, bringing into focus key challenges related to labor rights, social security, and implementation of welfare measures in India’s vast unorganized sector. The deliberations emphasized the need to further strengthen the linkage between policy frameworks and ground-level execution to ensure broader inclusion of workers.
The event witnessed participation from key institutional stakeholders, including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Discussions highlighted that ongoing policy initiatives and labor reforms have created a framework for worker welfare, but greater awareness and effective implementation are essential to extend their benefits to all sections of workers.
During the conference, Labour Welfare Assistant Sandeep Chaurasia, ATSEC representative Sanjay Kumar Mishra, and Bishwajit Ghosh underscored the importance of bridging gaps between policy intent and execution. They noted that unorganized workers play a vital role in the economy and emphasized the need for ensuring adequate security and dignity through better access to existing provisions.
Giovanni Soledad, Chief Technical Officer at the ILO, highlighted that strengthening representation and collective mechanisms can enhance the resilience of workers, particularly during periods of economic stress. He noted that improving access to formal contracts and social security measures such as health insurance, pensions, and accident coverage would significantly contribute to long-term socio-economic stability.
Priyank Kanoongo, Member of the NHRC, stressed that labor rights are integral to human rights and underlined the importance of awareness regarding recent labor codes introduced by the central government. He observed that informed participation of workers would play a key role in ensuring the effective implementation of these reforms.
Presiding over the conference, BRMGSU National President Parimal Kanti Mondal highlighted key expectations of workers, including fixed wages, formal appointment letters, and effective enforcement of labor laws. He emphasized that continued collaboration between government bodies, institutions, and worker organizations would be crucial in expanding the reach of social security frameworks.
The conference concluded with a shared view that sustained coordination among stakeholders, along with awareness initiatives and streamlined implementation, can significantly improve the working conditions and livelihoods of millions of workers across the country.
