SDF reiterates commitment to working class

GANGTOK,: The SDF on May 1 celebrated the International Labour Day at Garib Uttan Bhavan, Jorethang by adopting a dozen resolutions related to welfare and security of the working class in Sikkim.

A SDF press release shares that it was resolved that workers in organised and unorganised sectors should get a life insurance of Rs. 30 lakh, legal measures for salary hikes corresponding to inflation, hostel for workers, and institutional mechanisms for addressing their grievances.

It was also resolved that the workers should be entitled to a minimum monthly salary of Rs. 27,000 and be provided with an accident insurance of Rs. 20 lakh minimum along with a minimum daily wage of Rs. 1000 for those working as agricultural labourers.

Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, also the SDF president, was the chief guest for the Labour Day celebrations organised by the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chamling stated that the tradition of officially observing May Day as a government holiday in Sikkim began under the SDF government, with the aim of restoring dignity and recognition to the labouring class. He emphasized that the party’s ideological commitment has always been to uphold the value and honour of workers. He added that the SDF, during its government, addressed the concerns of Sikkimese workers without waiting for demands, as its political philosophy is rooted in the upliftment and welfare of marginalized and oppressed sections of society.

Chamling asserted that the SDF party continues to remain committed to these principles. He reiterated that the SDF has consistently stood firm for Sikkim’s freedom, identity, and the rights and ownership of its people without bowing to any external pressure.

Highlighting issues of rights and dignity, he said the people of Sikkim are not tenants but equal partners in India, and deserve their rights as rightful stakeholders of the State’s land and resources.

Chamling further expressed confidence that with the support of the working class, the SDF party would return to power and re-establish a people-centric governance system.

In a key announcement, the SDF president declared that if voted to power in 2029, the party would abolish the labour contractor system entirely in Sikkim and ensure that all workers are directly employed under company payrolls.