Kathmandu, December 3

The Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) has drawn the attention of the government towards predicaments being faced by labourers due to the unofficial blockade by India and ongoing protest in the Tarai, while urging it to create conducive environment for the labourers to eke out a living.

At a press conference in the Capital today, the NTUC urged the government to manage fair price shops across the country for labourers and distribute them with ration cards to cope with the crisis.

“Out of around 11.18 million labourers across the nation, 96 per cent have been rendered jobless due to the blockade and agitations,” said Khila Nath Dahal, chairman of the NTUC. “The government should seek solution to the crisis being faced by the labourers at the earliest.”

Dahal said they will submit a memorandum to respective District Administration Offices, the Nepali Congress’ central office and the government on December 8, demanding that Madhes issues be resolved at the earliest and the blockade be lifted.

Likewise, NTUC General Secretary Mahendra Prasad Yadav demanded that the government implement the recommendations made by the Minimum Wage Board to increase wages of the labourers at the earliest.