BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th February 2025: The CITU Dharmanagar Sub-Divisional Committee organized a two-hour sit-in-demonstration at the foot of the Netaji statue in the heart of the city, advocating for the welfare of working people. Various workers from different professions participated in the protest to address issues of economic blockade and exploitation that have persisted over the last seven years.
The sit-in-demonstration highlighted several pressing concerns, including stagnant wages for tea garden workers, the lack of regularization for irregular workers, and delayed pension and provident fund payments for retired workers. Participants also pointed out instances of harassment by garden authorities, who have failed to build and repair housing for workers. “Tea garden workers are victims of economic exploitation,” stated one of the protestors.
The protest also shed light on the plight of MGNREGA and TUEP workers, who have not received wages, leading to severe food shortages in workers’ homes. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of drinking water in vast rural areas. Transport workers have faced economic blockade, exploitation, and racketeering, with reports of constant attacks by ruling party miscreants.
“Our workers are constantly being harassed, and their basic needs are not being met. This cannot continue,” declared a protest leader.
The demonstration aimed to bring attention to these issues and demand immediate action from the authorities. Leaders such as Manik Dey, Bijita Nath and Amitabh Datta were present at the sit-in-protest to support the workers’ cause.
Following the protest, the leaders met with the sub-district magistrate and handed over a ten-point demand certificate, outlining their grievances and seeking resolution.
The sit-in emphasized the urgent need for fair wages, regularization of irregular workers, timely pension payments, and improved living conditions for the working class. The participants called for continued efforts to address these issues and ensure the welfare and rights of workers in the region.
