Pandemic restrictions in lieu of lockdown and the working class of West Bengal

By Harasankar Adhikari Omicron (the latest variant of the Corona virus) spiked its wing and the infection rate shortly became high to higher. The government failed to take proper steps to arrange the required health set-up after the 1st and 2nd waves. We see the government was very casual and its efforts are limited within …

Why condition of NREGA workers is likely to be more difficult this year

By Bharat Dogra* Having just completed 16 years of its eventful existence, it is clear that despite several problems including underfunding, corruption and lack of adequate planning, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the works carried under it have emerged as a significant source of employment and relief to the rural poor in …

Employment and unemployment scenario: Where are we? Where are we going?

By Arjun Kumar The Job Market scenario in India for the last few? years has been quite shaky, to say the least. The Pandemic has further complicated that shaky scenario more intensely. Today, the country remains in a critical position, where on the one hand it is trying to mitigate the risks added båy the …

Open Forum discussion on plight, challenges, rights and privileges of migrant workers

The Open Forum, with the participation of migrant workers, organisations and individuals working among them, provided an opportunity to collectively reflect on what needs to be done to secure a life of dignity for the migrant workers, their children and families. A note:  In solidarity with migrant workers, "Open Forum: Accompanying Distress Migrants” was held in …

Strengthening systems to ensure rights of informal workers: Labour registration and beyond

A Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) note on workshop organised for the need to strengthen systems to ensure rights of informal workers in the backdrop of new labour codes: The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an NGO working on legal empowerment and access to justice, organised a capacity building program on issues facing workers. The …

Working to eradicate manual scavenging, helping workers a dignified job

Bezwada Wilson By Jagath KP* Practise of manual scavenging exists in Indian society from time immemorial. Manual scavenging refers to the "the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling in any manner human excreta from dry latrines and sewers". India banned manual scavenging through the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines …

Journey from being a software engineer to an activist for helping unorganized workers

By Imran Khan* Mr. Ashish Ranjan Jha was born in Motipur in North Bihar. His upbringing has been in Patna, and since childhood, he has seen his surroundings covered under poverty. Being a sensitive human being, he was triggered by the petrified scenario and always wanted to be a part of the change to help …