Activists urge Telangana CM to form Hamali Welfare Board immediately
HYDERABAD: Civil society groups in Telangana have written to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging the government to constitute a Hamali Workers Welfare Board during the ongoing Assembly session, citing both a legal mandate and a pre-election promise made in 2023.
In a detailed letter, activists said the move is necessary to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of more than 10 lakh hamali workers across the state. They recalled assurances in the Congress party’s 2023 “Abhaya Hastam” manifesto, which promised a dedicated welfare board, social security measures, health cards, and housing through “Hamali Nagar” facilities in every mandal centre.
Legal provisions mandate board, advisory committee formation
The letter pointed out that 2026 marks 50 years of the Telangana Mutta, Jattu, Hamal and Other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1976, along with the 1977 Rules. These provisions require the state government to establish a statutory board under Section 6 and an advisory committee under Section 14, with representation from employers, workers, legislators and the government.
Activists said effective implementation of the Act is essential to ensure fair wages, timely payments, provident fund (PF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), health rights and housing support for workers.
They added that hamali workers continue to face exploitation across godowns and market yards, and stressed that the state has a responsibility to protect the dignity and livelihoods of all workers, including migrant labourers.
Support from minister, reference to other states’ models
The signatories welcomed the recent assurance by Minister Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka), who said she would raise the issue with the Chief Minister while addressing the “Hamali Maha Garjana” in Hanmakonda. The gathering saw participation from about 7,000 workers representing 30 districts.
The letter also cited welfare boards and schemes implemented in Kerala and Maharashtra, urging Telangana to adopt similar measures at both state and district levels.
The appeal was jointly initiated by the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) and Telangana People’s Joint Action Committee (TP-JAC), in solidarity with the Telangana Hamali Workers Union.
Prominent signatories include academics, scientists, human rights activists, feminist leaders and social workers from across Telangana.
