CITU Himachal Pradesh to Organize State-Wide Protests on July 12
The CITU State Committee of Himachal Pradesh convened in Shimla under the leadership of State President Vijendra Mehra.
The meeting, attended by key figures including CITU National Secretary Dr. Kashmir Thakur, decided to hold extensive state-wide demonstrations at district and block headquarters on July 12.
The protests are aimed at opposing the Modi government’s policies perceived as anti-labour, anti-farmer, anti-employee, and against public welfare.
CITU State President Vijendra Mehra and General Secretary Prem Gautam outlined the organization’s demands, including the declaration of a minimum wage of ₹26,000 for workers, the repeal of four anti-worker labor codes, and the cancellation of various fixed-term employment schemes such as Agniveer and Ayudhveer.
They also called for reduced penalties for non-compliance with EPF, EPS, and EDLI regulations, comprehensive social security for unorganized workers, employment security for contract workers with equal pay to regular workers, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for central and state government board and corporation workers.
Other demands include implementing a minimum pension of ₹9,000, regularizing Anganwadi, Asha, and Mid-Day Meal workers, and ensuring they receive minimum wages and social security. Financial benefits and registration facilities for MNREGA and construction workers’ Shramik Kalyan Board were also emphasized, along with a policy for outsourced and hospital workers, and a 40% salary increase for industrial workers.
Additionally, CITU demanded a halt to the increase in working hours from 8 to 12, exemptions for IT and ITES industries from labor laws, and the provision of a minimum support price to farmers in line with the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
The CITU leaders highlighted the adverse effects of the Modi government’s neo-liberal and capitalist policies, which they claim have exacerbated unemployment, poverty, inequality, and the livelihood crisis.
Rising inflation, weakening of the public distribution system, and increasing prices of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, and cooking gas were cited as major concerns. The organization plans to mobilize public support against these issues and advocate for comprehensive reforms to protect workers’ rights and welfare.
The July 12 demonstrations will serve as a platform to voice these demands and rally public support to challenge the current administration’s policies, aiming to alleviate the socio-economic challenges faced by the working class and marginalized communities in India.
