Under the able guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, the Debate, Drama, and Literary Society (DDLS) of Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) recently hosted the screening of a powerful and thought-provoking documentary titled “Nirmool - Rootless Labour”. The documentary, produced by HPNLU, is an in-depth exploration of the pressing issues faced by migrant labourers in the Shimla district, shedding light on their struggles, rights, and the broader socio-economic challenges they encounter.
The screening was held on the university campus, where the documentary captured the struggles of migrant labourers, their experiences with exploitation, and their quest for dignity and justice in a region that heavily relies on such labour. The documentary, through compelling visuals and interviews, explored the migrant workers’ lives, their legal rights, and the challenges they face in securing these rights within the local context of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Mritunjay, the Chairperson of DDLS, introduced the theme of the documentary, emphasizing the significance of understanding migrant labour issues as a critical aspect of the social justice discourse. He pointed out the gaps in the legal framework and highlighted the importance of raising awareness and initiating conversations about the rights of migrant workers.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, who outlined the importance of the subject and commended the efforts of the DDLS team in bringing attention to such a crucial topic. In her address, the Vice Chancellor underscored that Article 23 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right against forced labour, yet many cases concerning the rights of labourers are pursued through Public Interest Litigations (PILs) rather than being filed by the aggrieved parties themselves. She urged for greater advocacy and support for the workers to ensure that their voices are heard within the judicial framework.
The screening was also attended by Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Director of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, who delivered an insightful speech urging the students to actively engage with and learn about the various labour laws that govern the rights of workers. She emphasized that understanding these laws is vital for empowering migrant workers and improving their working conditions.
In his speech, Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal, Registrar of HPNLU, took the opportunity to urge the students to take practical steps in assisting migrant workers. He recommended that students help migrant workers migrate their ration cards to the nearest ration depot, facilitating their access to essential resources and services.
Moreover, Prof. (Dr.) Chanchal Kr. Singh, Professor of Law, HPNLU, highlighted the entitlements provided under the Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Central Rules, 1998, which ensure better working conditions and protection for construction workers. He called upon the students to familiarize themselves with these legal provisions and support the enforcement of these rights. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Aayush Raj, Coordinator of DDLS, who thanked all the dignitaries, faculty members, and students for their active participation in the event.
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