Maharashtra: 80 detained during CITU ‘jail bharo’ protest over workers’ demands in Jalna

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Workers from the unorganised sector, under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), staged a ‘jail bharo' agitation at the Jalna Zilla Parishad office on Monday, demanding permanent employment status and social security benefits, including PF, ESI and pension.

80 protesters detained

According to PTI, a large number of CITU activists, agricultural labourers and members of workers' organisations participated in the protest. Police detained around 80 protesters and later released them, an official said.

CITU leader Anna Sawant said, "The agitation was organised as part of a nationwide call by the joint action committee of Central Trade Unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha against what they described as anti-worker and anti-farmer policies of the central and state governments," as cited by PTI.

Workers seek permanent status, social security

Farmers, agricultural labourers and workers from various unorganised sectors, including women, took part in the demonstration. Protesters also raised concerns over inflation, unemployment, contractualisation of jobs and the reduction of social security benefits.

They demanded permanent employee status along with ESI, PF and pension benefits for anganwadi workers and helpers, ASHA workers, group facilitators, school mid-day meal workers, gram rozgar sevaks and employees working under the National Health Mission and other government schemes.

MGNREGA, wage demands raised

The protesters also demanded restoration of the MGNREGA system, 200 days of employment per family and a daily wage of Rs 700. They sought distribution of agricultural land to landless families and regularisation of gairan land already in their possession.

CITU opposes four labour codes

Sawant called for the immediate repeal of the four labour codes, arguing that they would adversely affect workers' legal rights, job security, wages and social security.

Memorandum submitted to Prime Minister

The protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister to Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Dr Krishna Kant Kanwaria.

An official from Kadim Jalna police station confirmed that 80 protesters were detained during the agitation and subsequently released.

(With inputs from PTI)