Front-line Covid workers across the country to observe Thursday as rights day to remind the Centre of its duties

To remind the central government of its duties, front-line workers in the country's Covid response will observe tomorrow, Thursday, as rights day. With health workers falling ill and dying in the fight against Covid, the Centre must intervene urgently. According to government figures, 548 health workers in the country have fallen ill so far, because of the lack of protective equipment. Banging pots, showering flowers or clapping hands cannot ensure the safety of front-line Covid workers. CITU all-India general secretary Com. Tapan Sen appealed to all front-line workers to take part in rights day by working with badges and submitting memoranda to district authorities, and to employees and workers in other sectors to declare solidarity with rights day.

The demands the CITU puts forward:

1. Ensure free testing for all for Covid prevention.

2. Provide protective equipment to all health workers from the PM CARES fund.

3. Provide free insurance of Rs 50 lakh to all health workers, including those who died on duty.

4. Strengthen the public health system.

5. Give Rs 25,000 in assistance to all temporary staff on Covid duty.

6. Pay compensation of Rs 5 lakh to all who fell ill on duty.

7. End the move to privatise the health sector.

8. Set aside 5% of GDP for health.

Also: ensure food, financial help and safe travel for all migrant workers;

withdraw the orders abolishing labour laws, and do not increase working hours from 8 to 12.