State convention of beedi workers in Mangaluru from October 31

MANGALURU: South Canara Beedi Workers Federation of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will organise a two-day state level convention at Don Bosco Hall in the city from Monday.
Vasanth Achari, chairman of the reception committee, told reporters here on Thursday, that the convention will deliberate on various issues that affect beedi workers in the state. “The faulty policies of the government have affected the beedi industry severely. The industry is being targeted often, in the guise of public health.
The beedi industry and workers are affected due to the enactment of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, and the GST. Children of beedi workers are deprived of scholarships, and and there is no housing scheme for those dependent on the industry,” Achari said.
In addition, he said that the economic policies of the central government have led to inflation in the country. “The prices of essential commodities and fuel are skyrocketing, while electricity tariff also saw an increase.
The life of beedi workers has become miserable due to the government’s policies. The convention will discuss all these issues, and organise a state-wide protest. The convention will also discuss the demand for minimum wages, and dearness allowance for beedi workers,” he said.
All India Beedi Workers’ Federation (CITU) general secretary Debashish Roy will inaugurate the convention, while CITU state general secretary Meenakshi Sundaram and Beedi Workers Federation state general secretary Syed Mujeeb will be the guests, Achari said.