Mysuru: MP Pratap Simha has said that Skill Development Centre for plumbers will soon be set up in the city, for which he will grant Rs. 20 lakh out of his MP Local Area Development Fund.

He was speaking at the State-level Plumbers Meet organised by Sir M. Visvesvaraya Plumbers, Drainage and Construction Workers Welfare Association at Dasara Exhibition Ground here recently.

Pointing out that the Centre’s ‘MUDRA’ scheme provides many opportunities for skilled workers, he said that there was a shortage of plumbing and water pipeline workers in Mysuru region and as such there was plenty of opportunities for skilled plumbers.

He underlined the need for bringing out a handbook of plumbers as it would be of great help to the people. MLA M.K. Somashekar, in his address, said that the previous UPA Government had come up with many schemes for the welfare of workers in the unorganised sector.

Calling upon the workers to make full use of the facilities extended to them by the Government, the MLA said that BPL card holders can avail medical benefits under Government schemes.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who graced the occasion, said that a bungalow can go waste if it did not have a drinking water facility and an underground drainage system.

Warning that a world war may break out over water if water sources are not conserved, the Swamiji said that the role of plumbers holds key in providing civic amenities. The Seer also urged plumbers to sensitise house owners on the importance of installing rain water harvesting system in their residences.

Senior plumbers and underground drainage workers were felicitated on the occasion.

The Association presented a memorandum to the Government seeking fulfilment of its various demands which included ESI facilities to plumbers, pipeline and underground drainage workers, a monthly honorarium to workers on completion of 60 years of age, housing for shelterless workers and educational assistance to meritorious children of workers.

MLA H.P. Manjunath, Assistant Labour Commissioner Meena Patil, writer Bannur K. Raju, Association President N. Chandru, General Secretary M.S. Suresh Kumar and others  were present.