IMPHAL, April 17: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam suggested the public to inculcate the ethics of punctuality as an essential conduct in today`™s lifestyle, where time is most valued.
He stated this at the 16th Foundation Day celebration of All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association (AMRDPWA) on the theme `Dignity of labour`™ at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, which was delayed for more than an hour.
`There is no homeless person in our State. Our level of poverty can be overcome if we respect dignity of labour and infuse a more discipline work culture in our trades. Some people take pride in saying they do nothing; such hesitance to work should be denounced` the deputy Chief Minister remarked.
He narrated his own testimony of partaking in various casual labour works to save for his schooling in Imphal.
He said, `Earning in any avenue is respectable. However if one shamelessly steals or cheats, such accumulation can never earn the trust of people.`
`Rickshaw pullers render a vital public service by providing the accessible conveyance before and even after the auto services.` He said before ensuring `The government will extend all possible support to acknowledge your social service.`
On the occasion, a two-minute silence was observed to pay respect to deceased members of the association.
Several senior members above 55 years of age were also felicitated during today`™s function.
The association also submitted a memorandum to the deputy Chief Minister urging the government to enlist them under governmental programmes like Old age pension, PDS/AAY, widow pension etc. and on the allocation of parking space in town.
The association has above 7,000 members from different communities at present.
Other dignitaries namely AMRDPWA president, Th.Basanta; United Committee Manipur president Nabachandra Yumnam; PANDM president, Yunamcha Dilipkumar; United People`™s Front president BM Yaima Shah and internal security advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Ch Manoranjan Khuman were also present.