BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st March 2026: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has announced a march to the Legislative Assembly on March 23 to press for a four-point charter of demands concerning workers’ rights and pending financial issues.
Addressing a press conference at the CITU state headquarters here today, General Secretary Shankar Prasad Dutta said that prior to coming to power in 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised to regularize the services of temporary employees. However, he alleged that after forming the government, the provision for regularization was discontinued, leaving thousands of irregular employees in uncertainty.
Dutta pointed out that during the tenure of the Left Front government, irregular employees were regularized after completing 10 years of service. He accused the present administration of ignoring similar demands, prompting the union to intensify its agitation.
He further stated that although the government recently announced a 5 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), employees continue to suffer financial losses, as they are entitled to a 17 percent hike. He also claimed that the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission have not yet been implemented in the state.
The CITU leadership also criticized the introduction of new labour codes, alleging that these measures have increased pressure on workers rather than addressing their concerns.
CITU State Committee President Manik Dey, who was present at the press conference, reiterated that the March 23 rally will focus on highlighting the four key demands. He expressed hope that upon reaching the Assembly, Chief Minister Manik Saha would personally receive their memorandum. Alternatively, he said, a designated official acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions should accept the charter of demands.
