M'lore: Bidi Workers Organize Protest: Demand Exemption from Anti-Smoking Act
Pics by Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Dec 31: Bidi workers gathered in large numbers under the leadership of the South Canara Bidi Workers Federation (CITU), in front of the office of the district deputy commissioner on Tuesday December 30, to stage a demonstration in support of their demand for the implementation of their ten point demand, exempting bidis from the privisions of the Anti Smoking Act of 2003 etc.
Addressing the public meeting, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) state president B Madhava came down heavily on the union government for failing to protect the interests of the bidi workers and meet their just demands. He also demanded for the immediate withdrawal of the anti-labour ammendments proposed to be made to the Pension Act and for the immediate convening of the Central Advisory Committee meeting, as facilities of the Bidi Workers Welfare Fund is not being made available to the workers properly.
CITU district president K R Shriyan expressed the fear that scores of bidi workers will lose their only source of livelihood if the Anti Smoking Act comes into affect with provisions that are against their interests, come into force. He therefore, urged for exempting the bidi industry from the provisions of the act, by suitably ammending the law. District Federation vice president U B Lokaiah, district secretary Sukumar and joint secretary Ramani addressed the meeting. District president Balakrishna Shetty presided. Vice president B M Bhat proposed vote of thanks.
Leaders of bidi workers like K Babu Devadiga, Bharati Bolar, city corporator Jayanti B Shetty, Jayant Naik, Janaki, Ramanna Vittal, Hasanabba etc., led the protesters.