Corporate-communal policies must be rolled back, says CITU leader

K. Mahantesh, State secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, has urged the reversal of the "corporate-communal policies" implemented by the Union government. He contends that these policies are detrimental to employment and educational prospects for the younger generation. During a 'jail-bharo' agitation in Hubballi, Mahantesh emphasized the importance of opposing these policies through political action.

He drew parallels to the Quit India Movement of 84 years ago, when the country successfully expelled foreign corporate interests through mass mobilization. However, today, the government is extending a welcoming gesture to numerous multinational corporations and liberalizing the agricultural and industrial sectors, leading to a surge in unemployment.

The trade union leader warned that these policies pose significant risks to the nation's future. Following the protest, the participants presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, demanding an immediate end to forced land acquisition and corporate land grabbing. They also called for the withdrawal of the four labour codes enacted by the Union government, the implementation of revised minimum wages in Karnataka without succumbing to employer pressure, and the repeal of the VB-G RAM G Act.

Additionally, they demanded the restoration of the employment guarantee scheme, the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Act 2025, the Seeds Act, and the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. The memorandum also addressed the need for paying minimum wages to scheme workers, an increase in allocations for Integrated Child Development Services, and other related demands.