JAMMU, Jul 23: Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) units across Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the organisation’s 72nd Foundation Day with enthusiasm, reaffirming their commitment to the welfare of the working class under the motto, “Nation First.”
Foundation Day programmes, including special prayers, were organised at the unit level in Kishtwar, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua. At Acharya Shri Chandra College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS), Sidra, Jammu, hundreds of employees participated in the celebrations under the banner of the ASCOMS Employees Welfare Association (AEWA). Halwa Prasad was distributed among employees and other participants to mark the occasion.
The state unit of BMS also organised a Foundation Day function at its office, highlighting the organisation’s journey over the past 72 years. Speakers noted that BMS has expanded its presence to every corner of the country with a membership exceeding two crore workers. The organisation also represents workers in various statutory bodies and serves as India’s representative at the International Labour Organization (ILO) on labour-related issues.
Addressing the gathering, BMS leader Ashok Choudhary said the organisation’s growth has been driven by its non-political character, the dedication of thousands of selfless workers and its unwavering commitment to the principle of “Nation First.” He stated that BMS began its activities in Jammu and Kashmir in 1975 and has since emerged as the largest labour organisation in the Union Territory, with more than 35 affiliated unions.
Speaking on labour reforms, Harbans Choudhary said that while the Central Government has implemented new labour codes, several suggestions and objections submitted by BMS were not incorporated. He added that the organisation is planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court over the matter.
He also expressed concern over the implementation of the Industrial Relations (IR) Code Rules in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that despite submitting numerous suggestions and objections, no consultation meeting was held and the rules were notified unilaterally without adequate discussion. He said BMS would continue to pursue measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of workers.