Mysore/Mysuru: Strongly opposing the Government’s move to convert  Medical Services section of ESI (Employees State Insurance) into a Society, the INTUC  (Indian National Trade Union Congress) expressed concern that such a conversion will severely inconvenience the beneficiary employees.

Addressing a press meet here recently, INTUC State General Secretary V. Venkatesh said that the ESI is running from funds that are cut from wages of over 45 lakh employees of the State. Pointing out that over 30 percent of the population is benefitted from this scheme, Venkatesh contended that the conversion of ESI into a society would mean that the Government would be losing a key department that bears a direct influence on the population.

Maintaining that the department officials and Trade Unions alike are disappointed with the Government’s move, he urged the Government to drop the move, which he said was disastrous for the working class.

INTUC District President M. Anil, who also addressed the press meet, said that over 80 outsourced house keeping staff are working at Railway DRM Office and City Railway Station and they are not being paid minimum wages.

He further maintained that these house keeping staff (cleaning staff), apart from being underpaid, are also not  getting other statutory benefits, which is disgusting to note. As such, the authorities must intervene and ensure that the outsourced staff get due wages and other benefits, he said.

State Railway Contract Mazdoor Union President N. Venkatachalapathi and  leader Mahadev Ganiga were present at the press meet.