Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (AF) - pics - Sphoorti Ullal

Mangalore, Apr 11: The district-level bidi workers’ convention organised by the South Canara Bidi Workers’ Federation was held here on Tuesday April 10.

Speaking on the occasion, CITU national vice-president V J K Nair called for a single wage system and formation of an all-India organisation if the bidi industry has to sustain itself.

Elaborating the three-party agreement taken on January 31 this year, he said that as per the agreement bidi workers will get Rs 60 per 1,000 bidis together with Rs 4,500 arrears and dearness allowance of Rs 1.45 from next month.

Moreover, he pointed out the irregularities in distribution of scholarships to children of bidi workers and other benefits like welfare schemes.

Regarding the issue of VAT imposed on the bidi industry, he said that the Federation will support bidi industry owners only if they implement the three-party agreement.

Among those present were Federation president Balakrishna Shetty, CITU state president Madhava and CITU district secretary Sriyan.