JNPT workers demand independent wage pact

Kalamboli traffic police has undertaken a special drive to check violations by two-wheeler riders.

More than 400 bikers have been fined in the drive in the last five days as per the new traffic norms laid down by the government. Fines of over Rs 1 lakh has been collected.

Bikers without helmet, licence, registration documents and insurance are being targeted. Those found violating the norms are having to cough up to Rs3,500 in fines as per the increased penalties under the law.

The central government has hiked the traffic fines to curb accidents.

There has been an almost 10-fold rise in fines. The new norms have been enforced in the state from August 4.

Accordingly senior police inspector of Kalamboli traffic police, Gorakh Patil undertook the drive in his jurisdiction.

Those speaking on mobile phone while riding, travelling triple seat and driving on the wrong side were caught in the act by the traffic police. They were then levied penalties.

The drives were conducted at Kalamboli Circle, Purusharth Petrol pump, Bima school, Khanda Colony signal and Roadpali among others.

"We did not spare anyone. Those who tried to escape by speaking of their influences were the first to be levied penalties," said Patil.

He said, “Motorists often break traffic rules and regulations. Even if they are caught, they care little because the fines have been miniscule. It did not have much effect on them.”

He added, “Now things have changed. The penalties are heavy now. Those who have had to pay fines will be careful the next time. We have begun penalising the traffic offenders under the new norm."

The workers at JNPT have demanded that their wages should be independent of that of other ports’ workers as JNPT is earning huge profit.

The General Kamgar Sanghatana, a workers’ union of JNPT has demanded such arrangement with shipping minister Nitin Gadkari.

The country’s 11 main ports are under the control of the central government’s ministry of shipping. Of these, JNPT earns over Rs 800 crore profit annually.

Sanghatana leader Suresh Patil said, “There should be no comparison in terms of wage payment with ports that are in lossess. Here, JNPT is making huge profit and the workers have a large role to play in it.” Colourful pots on sale for Dahi Handi at a shop in Vashi. Children celebrate Dahi Handi at Shivaji Ground on Saturday. Organised by Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal, the event spread awareness on organ donation. Dahi Handi will be celebrated on August 25.

He demanded, “An independent wage hike agreement should be signed with JNPT workers.”

Patil said, “The functioning of all ports in the country is as per Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. The central agreement signs wage and services agreement with the five workers federation of the 11 major ports of the country.”

He said, “As per the agreement, workers of both the lossmaking and profitable ports get similar wage hike and facilities. Despite helping JNPT earn profit, the workers do not get the corresponding wage hike.”

STABLE BACKGROUND

For the success of this initiative, the parents of these children need to be stable so that they don’t force the kids to work. Sanjeev Jaiswal, Thane civic commissioner, said, “We have decided to give skill-based vocational training to the parents to help them get permanent jobs. We will also give them rental accommodation so the children will have a roof over their heads.”

The civic officials said a wellrounded approach towards this project can let these children either can continue in the signal school or join a proper school

BACHCHAN KUMAR PRAFUL GANGURDE