Mangalore: Beedi workers protest again demanding DA

Mangalore: Beedi workers protest again demanding DA

www.mangaloretoday.com

Mangalore, July 4, 2014: Reiterating inaction even after recent protests, Dakshina Kannada Beedi Workers’ Federation under the banner of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and South Canara Beedi Workers’ Federation (CITU) at South Canara Home Industries, Lalbagh on July 4 again agitated. A large body of beedi workers held a rally from Ballabagh bus stand to South Canara Home Industries, Lalbagh, where they held a protest meet.

 

Addressing the protesters the CITU secretary J Balakrishna Shetty, Addressed the protesters and impressed that the government has ordered the beedi employers to pay Rs 21.15 as dearness allowance (DA) per 1000 beedis with effect from April 2014, however the payments have not made despite earlier agitation. The last allowance was paid in April, after which for the past four months no allowance has been paid. The dearness allowance must be considered and action should be taken, he pleaded.

Moreover he alleged that the BJP and Modi have made promises about reducing the prices of essential commodities and just the opposite is taking place with fuels, bus fares and all else. There are more than 6 lakh beedi workers in the district alone and the government is least bothered about about their rights and welfare.

"In Dakshina Kannada more than 6 lakh beedi workers are facing severe penury literally. BJP and Modi government is not concerned with the people of India and their financial plight. But now prices of fuel, electricity, vegetables, gas and many other essential commodities are hiked," he added.

Sitaram Berinje, B M Bhat and others were present during the protest with a large participation.