Bhatkal: The inauguration of the Bhatkal Taluk Carpenters’ Workers Union was held at the Shri Gopalakrishna Mantap in Mugali Kone. The programme was inaugurated by District In-charge Minister Mankal S. Vaidya.

In his address, the minister said that the carpentry profession, once limited to a single community, is now attracting youth from various backgrounds — a positive trend for the employment sector. He praised the skill and design capability of Bhatkal’s carpenters, noting that more than 4,000 to 5,000 people in the taluk are involved in wood-related work.

He said that although around 1,700 carpenters are listed in the voters’ register, the number of people working in the profession is much higher. The government, he added, is extending labour-welfare benefits to workers of all categories, assuring that benefits will reach members if the union submits complete monthly details.

The minister stressed that the organisation must remain strong, regulate pricing, ensure fair job distribution, and protect local workers from injustice caused by labourers coming from other states. He urged the union to stand firm against exploitation by middlemen. He also expressed confidence that a special programme would be designed for the development of the carpenters’ community.

The minister later unveiled the union’s logo and was felicitated by the organisation.

The event was presided over by union president Bhaskar B. Acharya. Nominated Jali Town Panchayat member Dinesh Acharya, honorary president Gundu Acharya, Kalikamba Temple trustee Gajanan Nagappayya Acharya, and other dignitaries were present.