Pics: Ramesh Pandith / Spoorthi Ullal
Dajiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 9: Representatives of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) and Beedi Contractors Union on Tuesday February 9 demanded the withdrawal of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and intervention of Bandaru Dattatreya, union minister for labour and employment, in what they claimed was an 'extreme threat to livelihoods' being felt by over 1.3 crore beedi workers in the country because of 'unfriendly and unproven' anti-tobacco policies of the government. They also announced "Delhi Chalo", a march to Delhi with mass protests and stirs if the demands of the industry were not met. They also demanded alternative employment if the government goes ahead with its anti-tobacco policies.

A rally comprising thousands of beedi rollers and workers marched from Dr Ambedkar Circle to the football ground behind Town Hall, culminating with the submission of a petition addressed to the attention Bandaru Dattatreya, union minister for labour and employment.

Addressing a press meet here on Febrauary 9, Balakrishna Shetty, president, Centre of Indian Trade Unions said, "There are 30 lac farmers engaged in cultivation of beedi tobacco, 20 lac adivasis engaged in tendu leaf plucking and 80 lac beedi workers rolling beedis from their homes. None of these 1.3 crore workers have any alternative means of subsisting their families without the beedi industry. They are already facing threat because of anti-tobacco policies. It is important to protect their livelihoods through a well thought out policy framework, rather than adoption of unproven policies."

"Unproven anti-tobacco policies have already created a thriving parallel tobacco smuggling industry in India. Now, rules like COTPA Amendment and 85% graphic health warnings are looming to take a toll on the beedi industry. The revision from existing 40% to 85% is impossible due to the conical shape of beedi packaging. We have to eventually shut the industry from April 1 if the warning is introduced. This will lead to large unemployment and social unrest. The children of beedi workers will not be sent to school as the source or their fees will be terminated. We urge the government to protect this indigenous industry and immediately recall these unproven, and unsubstantiated rules," he urged.

"The International Labour Organisation in 2003 stated in its paper that tobacco control rules should not be imposed on the beedi industry in India till the work force gets alternative employment. Beedi is a 100% swadeshi (indigenous) industry operating a deep societal value chain, and cannot withstand harsh policy shocks. Rules like 85% graphic health warnings are nothing but indirect orders to close the industry unilaterally. We strongly protest against these steps," Shetty said.

"Unfortunately, tobacco policies in India are being framed in an opaque manner, with only health activists who indulge in false propaganda and misinformation being consulted. Even pharma industry is consulted and present in policy shaping, then why single out the tobacco sector. We demand that 1.3 crore citizens involved in beedi industry should have a voice, and should be part of tripartite consultations before any policies against the industry are passed. This is a fundamental right and essential to protect the essence of democracy in our country."

The unions placed a 4-point demand in the petition:

1.Government should provide viable alternative employment opportunities to beedi workers and rollers before any anti-tobacco policy is adopted, to prevent mass social unrest.
2. Industry representatives should be consulted and tripartite meetings held before passing any rules against the industry.
3. Withdrawal of proposed COTPA guidelines including the notification seeking 85% of the beedi label to contain a warning.
4. Penalize false propaganda and misinformation by health activists against the indigenous beedi and tobacco industry.

Sitharam Berinja from All India Trade Union Congress, Mohammed Rafi, Secretary, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, H V Rao from All India Trade Union Congress and others were present.