Shimla, Aug 5
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Himachal Kisan Sabha (HKS) have called upon workers, farmers, scheme workers and other sections of the public to participate in a nationwide “Jail Bharo” agitation and protest demonstrations on August 10 against what they describe as anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies of the Central Government.
In a joint appeal issued by the state committees of CITU and HKS, the organisations linked the proposed agitation to the spirit of the Quit India Movement launched on August 9, 1942, saying the country is again facing rising unemployment, inflation and widening economic inequality. The appeal alleged that recent labour law reforms have weakened workers’ rights, curtailed trade union freedoms and made it easier to employ workers on fixed-term contracts.
The organisations also criticised outsourcing and contractual employment in government departments, claiming that workers engaged as Van Mitra, Pashu Mitra, Bijli Mitra, Rogi Mitra, Traffic Mitra, Job Trainees and Multi-Task Workers are being denied job security and adequate social security benefits. They alleged that outsourcing has led to exploitation of workers by both the Centre and state governments.
The appeal further raised concerns over the condition of Anganwadi, ASHA, Mid-Day Meal and other scheme workers, alleging that they continue to receive honorariums instead of regular wages and have been denied social security benefits such as gratuity, provident fund and pension.
On the agrarian front, CITU and HKS opposed recent trade agreements and policies, alleging that these would adversely affect Indian farmers, dairy producers and horticulturists. The organisations also demanded restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and opposed the privatisation of public sector services, including electricity.
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The joint appeal lists several demands, including withdrawal of the four labour codes and restoration of the previous labour laws, fixing a statutory minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month, restoration of MGNREGS, withdrawal of free trade agreements, protection of agriculture from corporate control, regularisation of contractual and outsourced workers, and extending regular employee status and social security benefits to Anganwadi, ASHA and Mid-Day Meal workers.
The organisations have urged workers, farmers and other sections of society to participate in large numbers in the protest demonstrations scheduled across the country on August 10 and intensify the movement against the government’s economic and labour policies.
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