Congress down but not out, party will bounce back: Dwivedi

Shimla: AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi on Wednesday said that his party was “down but not out” and will bounce back as efforts for its revival have begun. Dwivedi, who was in Shimla to address the meeting of national executive of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), said all the wings of the party would be strengthened and INTUC is an integral part of it. [caption id=“attachment_1673663” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Congress President Sonia Gandhi. AFP[/caption] He said that the movement undertaken by INTUC was associated with the socio-economic and cultural uplift of the working class to ensure their overall development. Addressing the meeting, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh lauded the role of INTUC saying that it was an appropriate platform to take up the grievances of the workers. Singh said that INTUC has emerged as a strong body at the national level, protecting the interest of the working class and State Government was taking various steps for their welfare and protection of their rights. The Chief Minister said, “we are committed to provide better working environment to the workers engaged in various industries in the State and safeguarding their interests and the Government had made it mandatory to provide 70 percent employment to Himachalis in all industrial units in the State.” Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the Government had decided to provide Rs one lakh in case of death of a worker and Rs 50,000 in case of natural death. Besides, housing facility was being provided to those working in industrial belts of the State. A Women Working Hostel, being constructed at Rs 6 crore was coming up at Baddi, he said. The state government is also providing financial assistance upto Rs 15,000 annually for ensuring better education of the working class. The state government was also providing Rs 1,500 per month to the workers and their children for upgrading their skill and Rs 18,000 annually as Skill Development Allowance. Earlier, the chief minister, Dwivedi, Mukesh Agnihotri and other leaders paid tributes to former Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on the 70th birth anniversary. PTI