Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Mar 4: The South Canara Udupi District Bidi Contractors Union along with Hind Mazdoor Sangh (HMS) jointly organized a press meet at Hotel Woodlands on March 4 requesting the central government to withdraw the decision to ban beedi industry.

Addressing the media Mohammed Rafi, working president of the union said, " If the order is passed almost two crore beedi workers will be jobless. This industry has 100 years history. The beedi workers have worked for a long period without any benefits for them or for their children. It's only after forming various unions across the nation that a number of schemes have been introduced for the benefit of the beedi workers."

" The profit gained by the beedi contractors is very less. We get commission only for every 1,000 beedis produced. In the past UPA government tried to ban the industry but due to massive protest throughout the country the decision was withdrawn. The BJP government was elected, hoping it would be pro-poor, but the various decisions taken recently are making us believe that even BJP is anti beedi worker."

"The government is fully committed to stopping the industry. We are sending a memorandum to the PM urging him not to go ahead with the decision as this industry is almost at the edge of closing down. Let the industry continue so that at least the livelihood of many will be saved till alternative jobs are provided to beedi workers."

" We will wait for a positive response from the government. If the government fails to heed to our demands, we will go for massive protest in the district with the help of HMS in the days to come."

M Sureshchandra Shetty president, S Aliyabba president, Veerappa S Poojary general secretary and others were present at the occasion.