The EditorLabourers Must Stay Aware of Labour Rights Awareness: A Need of the Hour
GuhlaโCheeka โ Under the guidance of the Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kaithal, and on the directions of Akshay Chaudhary, Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) Guhla, a Labour Safety Awareness Campaign is being actively conducted across the region. As part of this initiative, a legal literacy camp cheeka was organised at the Anaj Mandi, Cheeka, where labourers were made aware of their rights, welfare schemes and legal protections.
Knowing Your Rights Prevents Injustice: Advocate Jeewan Singh Nain
Addressing the labourers, Panel Advocate Jeewan Singh Nain emphasised that awareness of rights is the greatest necessity for workers today. Without proper knowledge, labourers often become victims of exploitation and injustice.
He highlighted that labourers play a significant role in Indiaโs development and contribute greatly to the nationโs economic growth. The Indian Constitution also safeguards the rights of workers, ensuring their protection and dignity.
Constitutional Protection Against Exploitation and Child Labour
Advocate Nain informed the gathering that:
- Article 23 and Article 24 of the Constitution strictly prohibit child labour.
- No child below the age of 14 years can be employed for any work.
- Forcing any labourer to work against their will is a punishable offence, which may include imprisonment and fine.
Labour Court Haryana Available for Quick Resolution of Disputes
He further explained that labour courts and labour officers have been appointed at the district level to resolve labour-related disputes. Any labourer can submit an application regarding wage issues, harassment, unsafe working conditions or any labour law violation. If the complaint is genuine, it is forwarded to the Labour Court for further action.
Important Rights Every Labourer Should Know
Advocate Nain outlined several key rights of workers:
- No labourer can be forced to work beyond fixed working hours.
- A person cannot be asked to work more than 6 days a week.
- Labourers are entitled to one paid leave for every 20 days of work.
- Factory owners must provide clean toilets, drinking water and first-aid facilities.
- No employer can pay less than the minimum wage Laws India notified by the state government.
Free Legal Aid Available for Most Labourers
The advocate also highlighted that the income criteria for free legal aid for workers under the Legal Services Authority cover almost all categories of labourers. Eligible workers can obtain free legal assistance simply by submitting a basic application. They are not required to pay any fees, and all expenses are borne by the court. Lawyers from the DLSA panel are provided to them completely free of cost.
Support and Participation
Advocates Sandeep Punia, Gyan Singh and Ravish Kumar were also present during the camp and encouraged labourers to spread awareness among fellow workers.
