Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 16: An awareness programme on welfare benefits available from the state and central governments for workers in the unorganised sector, along with voter list mapping, was held on Sunday March 15 at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel. The programme was organised by the Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) in collaboration with the Labour Commission and the Social Development Commission of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel.
The event was presided over by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, who served as the president of the programme. Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP, and Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant director of CODP, graced the occasion and offered their encouragement and guidance.
Senior labour officer Wilma Tauro and tahsildar Ramesh Babu was present as the chief guests and resource persons, providing expert inputs on the themes of the programme.
John D’Silva, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council, Alwyn Saldanha secretary, and All Commission coordinator Avitha Mascarenhas were also present on the dais and extended their support to the initiative.
The programme began with a prayer song led by the parish choir team, invoking God’s blessings for the success of the event. Ronald Mascarenhas, in-charge of the Labour Commission, delivered the welcome address, warmly welcoming the dignitaries and participants.
Ramesh Babu, tahsildar, explained the process of mapping the 2002 voters’ list with the 2025 electoral rolls. He clarified the procedures, addressed doubts regarding voter registration and corrections, and assured continued support to the public. His session helped participants understand the importance of accurate electoral data and encouraged them to ensure their names were correctly included in the voters’ list. Participants actively engaged in the discussion, raising several questions, which were clearly addressed by the Tahsildar.
Wilma Tauro, senior labour officer then spoke extensively about the various welfare schemes available for workers in the unorganised sector. She explained the registration process and highlighted the benefits available under different government schemes.
She urged eligible workers and beneficiaries to enrol and make use of the facilities provided by the government. Her session motivated several participants to come forward and register under the welfare schemes for unorganised workers.
Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP, addressed the gathering and underlined the organisation’s commitment to promoting social awareness, empowering marginalised communities, and ensuring that government welfare measures reach people at the grassroots level. He encouraged people to actively participate in such initiatives so that the benefits of development and social security reach the poorest sections of society.
In his presidential address, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza appreciated CODP and the parish commissions for organising this meaningful programme. He called on the people to be responsible citizens, to make proper use of welfare schemes, and to exercise their voting rights responsibly.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Maxim D’Cunha, who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, organisers, volunteers, and participants for their cooperation and support.
The programme was smoothly compered by Jenny.
The event was held at the auditorium of St Lawrence English Medium School, Bondel, and was well attended by parishioners and local residents. Nearly 110 unorganised workers registered themselves and benefited from the welfare schemes, while around 650 people made use of the voter mapping facilities.
The initiative was led by the Labour Commission under the leadership of Avitha Mascarenhas and members of the commission, along with Social Development Commission in-charge Ronald Mascarenhas and Lucy Pinto. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant director of CODP, served as the programme coordinator. The programme was guided by parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and supported by Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP.
Even before the formal conclusion of the programme, two beneficiaries who had registered under the unorganised workers’ welfare scheme received their enrolment cards directly from the Labour officer, symbolising the immediate impact of the initiative.
Throughout the day, many participants had their names mapped and updated in the voters’ list, while several unorganised workers registered themselves under welfare schemes, thereby gaining access to long-term benefits and social security.