Kolkata, October 2, 2026: The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Indian Confederation of Labour (ICL) held an important meeting in Kolkata on Friday. Representatives from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha attended the meeting.
The meeting was chaired by ICL National President Anirban Bhattacharya. National General Secretary Avtar Singh, National Working President Chandrashekhar Mehrat, National Treasurer Dinesh Soni, Deputy General Secretaries Ashok Mahto, K. Padmavathi and Lalan Singh, Vice-President N. Venkatesan, Secretary Shravan Singh, Organising Secretary Swagatika Pati and other CWC members were present.
The meeting began with a one-minute silence in memory of senior ICL labour leaders Amrit Bhai Patole and Arvind Bhai Patole. Members paid tribute to their contribution to the labour movement and the protection of workers' rights.
Tributes were also paid to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Members recalled their contributions and ideals.
Focus on Workers' Rights
The meeting held detailed discussions on the legal and social rights of daily-wage workers, contract workers, migrant workers and workers in the unorganised sector.
Issues related to wages, workplace problems, social security and effective implementation of labour laws were discussed. The organisation also discussed its future action plan and organisational framework for addressing workers' concerns.
The ICL decided to take a more active role in protecting workers' rights and ensuring legal safeguards across West Bengal and other states. Emphasis was placed on raising workers' issues from the local and district levels to the national level and taking appropriate action.
ICL National President Anirban Bhattacharya said several important steps to protect workers' rights from the local to the national level were discussed during the meeting. He said ICL would continue to remain active in protecting workers' rights.
National General Secretary Avtar Singh said the organisation would continue its efforts for workers' unity and protection of their rights. He said ICL would work more strongly to ensure workers receive their legitimate rights and legal protection.
ICL Deputy General Secretary Ashok Mahto said the government needs to play a more active role in protecting workers' rights. He stressed the need for effective monitoring by labour departments at the district level, speedy resolution of complaints and timely intervention wherever required.
The meeting also focused on strengthening the organisation's role in protecting workers' constitutional and legal rights, monitoring the implementation of labour laws and addressing workers' problems across different states.
The ICL reiterated its commitment to continue working in a democratic and organised manner for workers' rights, dignity, fair wages and social security.
