Port Blair, Jan 09: In support of 2-day All India Strike called by 10 Central Trade Unions and Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, New Delhi, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association, A & N Islands continued the Evening Dharna on the 2nd day today at Tiranga Park.
The Dharna started after a Massive Procession by the workers and employees touching various points around Port Blair which culminated in a Public Meeting at Tiranga Park. Speaking on the occasion, Shri B.Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, CITU lashed at the government’s anti-worker, anti employee attitude which has forced the major Central Trade Unions across the country to organise 2-day strike. Pointing towards the promises made by the NDA government before coming to power, he told that the present government at the centre has betrayed the farmers, workers and poor people of the country by giving false assurances and now supporting big corporate houses. Addressing the gathering, General Secretary of Non-Gazetted Govt. Officers’ Association, Shri T.S.Sreekumar criticized the government for large scale privatization and contractorisation in government sector.
He also pointed out that the government has backtracked from the assurances given to the leaders of Staff Side on increase in Minimum Pay & Fitment formula. Shri S.N.Mishra, Vice President; Shri G.P.Mandal, Organising Secretary, Shri S.L.Vinjit, Secretary, South Andaman Teachers’ Branch also addressed the gathering on various issues included in the Charter of Demands submitted to the government. Shri M.Bhoominathan, President, CITU proposed the vote of thanks. A large number of workers and employees participated in the Dharna.
