Port Blair, Jan 29: The 35th Death Anniversary of veteran trade union leader Comrade PKS Prasad was observed today (29.01.2018) in the islands. A remembrance meeting was held at Crusade House premises at Phoenix Bay, Port Blair where wreaths were laid on the Memorial Column of late PKS Prasad on behalf of various trade unions, CITU, CPI (M) Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association, etc. which was followed by a commemorative meeting. Addressing the gathering, KG Das, former General Secretary of Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association recalled the intensive and valiant struggles conducted under the leadership of Com PKS Prasad from 1964 onwards till his death in January, 1983. He criticized the central government for taking away the trade unions rights through amendments of various labour laws and called upon the workers and employees to oppose the government’s move. Addressing the programme, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, CITU, said that the corruption and autocratic functioning among the officers of the Administration are increasing. He said that some of the officers in the Administration and subordinate departments are trying to outsource the government work in various sectors including shipping, port, electricity, etc. Mr. TS Sreekumar, General Secretary, Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association said that it was due to the struggles conducted by the Association and unions under the leadership of Com PKS Prasad that government employees and workers in these islands are enjoying a number of benefits today and called upon the government employees to organize themselves to fight against the anti-employee policies being pursued by the central government. Mr. SL Vinjit, Secretary, South Andaman Teachers’ Branch of the Association also spoke. Mr. B.C. Bhattacharjee, CITU leader proposed vote of thanks. A large number of government employees and workers from various trade unions and Association attended the programme.
