The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has launched a State-wide bus yatra christened Poru Bata from here on Thursday to safeguard the rights of workers and other toiling masses both in the organised and unorganised sectors.
The yatra began on a spirited note with scores of workers from various parts of the district participating in the inaugural of the yatra, which passed through the main streets of the town.
The workers from coal belt region and industrial hubs in the district accompanied the bus yatra on two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws under the Khammam municipal corporation limits.
Retired High Court Judge B. Chandra Kumar flagged off the yatra earlier in the day. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Chandra Kumar eulogised the role of labour force in boosting economy and serving as a beacon to society.
Despite their invaluable contribution to society, their plight remained unchanged as they continue to lead miserable lives, he deplored. The intellectuals, democratic forces and all sections should support the cause of the labour force, he emphasised.
CITU State secretary M. Saibabu said the bus yatrta is intended to build a massive mass movement to espouse the cause of workers and mount pressure on the State and Central governments to desist from “pro-corporate” and “anti-labour” policies.
He slammed both the State and Central governments for allegedly patronising the corporate forces, including big multi-national companies, by undermining the interests of the labour force.
CPI (M) district secretary P. Sudarshan Rao charged the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre with attempting to dilute labour laws.
The speakers demanded that the government ensure payment of a minimum wage of Rs. 15,000 to each labourer and contract staff.
