Jaipur, May 1: Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has expressed serious concern over the conditions of workers across the country, particularly in Rajasthan, on the occasion of International Labour Day.
Addressing the media at his residence in Civil Lines, Gehlot stated that the situation for workers remains “extremely serious.” He accused many employers of failing to provide even the statutory minimum wage, calling it a truly unfortunate situation.
He referred to the recent labor unrest in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, labeling it a “warning” for both governments and employers. Gehlot emphasized that ensuring the welfare of workers is both a legal and moral responsibility, highlighting the alarming state of affairs nationwide.
Focusing specifically on Rajasthan, Gehlot claimed that the state ranks at the bottom in terms of wage rates, which he described as regrettable. He mentioned that he has written to the Chief Minister urging an increase in wages to promote harmony and dignity among workers.
The Congress leader also discussed the legislation brought in by the previous state government for gig workers, calling it a pioneering step that received international recognition. He accused the current administration of failing to implement this law effectively, stating that necessary regulations have not been established, effectively putting the law on the back burner.
Gehlot described the issue of silicosis as “extremely delicate” and urged for strict enforcement of safety measures in mining areas. He insisted that mine owners must ensure that workers use safety equipment and adhere to guidelines.
He raised a critical question: why are workers contracting this disease? During his address, he also recalled the compensation measures initiated during his tenure and highlighted the social impact of silicosis, citing numerous widowed women in affected areas. He announced plans to personally visit these regions to raise awareness and pressure the government for action.
On the topic of caste census reports, Gehlot suggested waiting for official clarity after May 4 before drawing any conclusions.
When asked about the exit polls related to West Bengal, he outright dismissed their credibility, stating that no one truly trusts exit polls, as they can sometimes be accurate but often are not, rendering them insignificant.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
