CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and leaders of political parties have greeted the working class on the occasion of May Day.

Conveying his greetings,Mr. Karunanidhi detailed the steps taken by his Government in the past and the present for labour welfare. Labour welfare boards for different trades, which were earlier abolished, were revived. Free land for agricultural labourers, financial assistance to pregnant women among agricultural labour and distribution of colour television sets were among the other schemes being implemented by the Government.

Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said the occasion highlighted the supremacy of labour and rights of labourers.

TNCC president M. Krishnasswamy said the State and Central Governments were implementing various measures for the betterment of the working class. In particular, the Centre had allocated huge money for the welfare of unorganised labour. A programme for providing employment to the rural jobless was being implemented.

CPI (M) secretary N. Varadarajan referred to the ill effects of globalisation and liberalisation. In the present situation, measures, which would come as a big attack on workers rights, were being intensified.

In his greetings, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko said May Day signified that the world belonged to the working class. A vow should be taken to ensure that the rights of workers were not usurped by money and muscle power.

DMDK president Vijayakant said on the occasion efforts should be made to remove unemployment and for the establishment of a society where people could lead dignified lives.

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