Mysuru, 31 Aug

Labour Minister Santosh Lad on Sunday called upon all sections of the working class to unite, setting aside individual differences, to collectively press for their rights and demands from the state and central governments.

He was speaking at the Nuliya Chandayya Jayanthi celebrations held at Kalamandira, jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Kannada and Culture Department, and Mysuru City Corporation.

Lad stressed that unification was key for the labour class—including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward and vulnerable communities—to become a strong political force. 

He also urged families from these communities to prioritise education, especially higher education, for their children.

MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah highlighted that the state’s labour department has extended benefits to workers in 91 different unorganised sectors, up from just 26 previously. 

He said the government has introduced a range of welfare schemes, including smart cards, scholarships, pensions, health insurance, bus passes, and educational support for children of labourers.

He urged all unorganised workers to register with the department to access these benefits.