The Tripura State Committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) recently marked its 54th foundation day, using the occasion to denounce the dictatorial-communal and anti-worker policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the State and Centre. Senior CPIM leader and former minister Manik Dey emphasized CITU’s commitment to the unity of the working class and the intensification of a united struggle against class exploitation. The event provided a platform to criticize the Modi-led central government for its policies that have negatively impacted the workers, leaving many homeless and dependent on charity during the Covid-induced lockdown. The leaders also highlighted issues such as retrenched teachers, wage cuts, increased working hours, unfulfilled promises of job regularization, and irregularities in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Manik Dey, addressing the attendees, vehemently criticized the BJP government for its policies that have adversely affected the working class. He highlighted the plight of workers who, despite leading lives of dignity and working hard to earn a livelihood, suddenly found themselves homeless during the Covid lockdown. Dey attributed this situation to the anti-worker and anti-people policies of the BJP government, which he accused of maintaining a friendly relationship with industrialists such as Adani and Ambani.
Dey’s statement shed light on the struggles faced by workers and the exploitation they endure due to unfavorable government policies. The workers, who were once able to sustain themselves and their families, have now been pushed into a state of vulnerability and dependence on charity. This situation underscores the need for a united and intensified struggle against the exploitation of the working class.
During the foundation day event, CITU leaders also addressed various pressing issues faced by the workers in Tripura. One of the major concerns raised was the case of 10,323 teachers who were retrenched, leaving them unemployed and uncertain about their future. The leaders voiced their discontent with the government’s failure to address this issue adequately and provide a resolution for the affected teachers.
Additionally, wage cuts, increased working hours, and unfulfilled promises of job regularization were highlighted as further examples of the BJP government’s neglect of workers’ rights and well-being. The leaders emphasized the need for fair wages, job security, and fulfillment of promises made to the workers.
Moreover, the abnormalities in the implementation of the MGNREGA, a scheme aimed at providing rural employment, were also criticized. The leaders drew attention to the irregularities and shortcomings in the program, which hindered its effectiveness and deprived workers of their entitlements.
The CITU foundation day event served as a platform to rally workers and citizens from all sections of society against the policies of the BJP government. The leaders called upon the people to raise their voices and unite in opposition to the dictatorial-communal and anti-worker practices. It was emphasized that a collective struggle is crucial to protect the rights and dignity of the working class, and to challenge the exploitative policies that favor the interests of a few.
The observation of CITU Tripura’s 54th foundation day provided an opportunity to denounce the anti-worker policies of the BJP government. The event emphasized the need for unity and intensified struggle against class exploitation, shedding light on the challenges faced by workers due to unfavorable government decisions. By raising their voices against retrenchments, wage cuts, unfulfilled promises, and irregularities in welfare schemes, CITU leaders called for a collective effort to protect the rights and welfare of the working class. The event served as a call to action for citizens to come together and challenge the dictatorial-communal and anti-worker policies that hinder the progress and well-being of the people.
