Members of CPM’s CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) on Monday submitted a petition to the labour commissioner demanding that the welfare board registration and membership renewal process of the unorganised sector be streamlined.
CITU district president Unni said the registration was time consuming as the welfare board officials were often absent. Labourers were forced to visit the welfare board many times to chase the officials, losing wages in the process.
“Labourers are allowed to go directly to the revenue official to register, submit petitions and obtain the card. That shouldn’t happen as the welfare board ought to be their lone point of contact,” Unni said. Over 800 CITU members were present to submit the petition. The petition also said labourers who registered before March 1, 2011 and are above 60 years should get pension.