Mangaluru: May Day celebrated with fervour; welfare benefits announced

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 1, 2026: International Labour Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm today near the rickshaw stand in front of Taj Mahal at Hampankatta, under the leadership of Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza. The event was organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Labour Council, Bus Employees’ Union, and Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Association.

On the occasion, six individuals from various fields who had rendered outstanding service in the labour sector were felicitated. In addition, Purushottam, who had courageously served during the cooker bomb blast incident, was specially honoured.

Smart cards were distributed to registered auto rickshaw drivers of the association. It was informed that cardholders would be eligible for benefits including ₹5 lakh insurance coverage for families, ₹2 lakh in case of injury, and up to ₹1 lakh for hospital treatment.

Uniforms were also distributed to rickshaw drivers. Labour Officer Wilma Elizabeth provided information about various benefits available to workers and drivers.

DCP Ravishankar, speaking at the event, advised rickshaw drivers to strictly follow rules and regulations.

Ivan D’Souza, in his address, said he would urge the Central Government to implement an insurance scheme for rickshaw drivers. He also demanded extension of pension benefits to workers above 60 years of age and called for an increase in the current monthly pension of ₹3,000. He assured that he would raise his voice in the next session to extend such schemes to rickshaw drivers and other unorganised workers.

Former Mayor Shashidhar Hegde, former corporators Nagendra Kumar, Bhaskar Rao, and Satish Paingal, along with leaders Abbas Ali, Vasanth Shetty Veeranagar, Pius Montero, Aliston D’Cunha, Hussain Kuloor, Imran A.R., Chandrhas Poojary, Habibulla Kannur, Rajesh, Anil Lobo, Shekhar, Anil Valencia, Taj Mahal Hotel owner Ramanath Shenoy, and several other dignitaries were present.