SRINAGAR: As a part of nation-wide campaign, a protest demonstration was held under the banner of CITU at Srinagar against privatisation of electricity, railways, PSUs and installation of smart meters.
CITU President Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami expressed deep concerns about the challenges faced by the working class during the demonstration, stating, “The strike is a continuous effort to oppose the BJP-led government’s pro-corporate policies that undermine the rights of labour unions.”
Highlighting the risk of monopolistic control over consumers through the market, he commented, “The privatisation of electricity is a clear risk, as the government’s ‘unbundling’ approach seeks to privatise electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.”
Regarding railway privatisation, he emphasised, “The dangers of unbundling Indian Railways and promoting privatisation as the central strategy are evident.”
Expressing concern about the inflated bills generated by smart meters, he stressed, “Consumers are troubled by the bills, and the administration is proceeding with the implementation. The focus should be on ensuring sufficient electricity rather than just meters.”
CPI (M) leader strongly opposed the recent order from the J&K administration, warning employees against participating in strikes and enforcing disciplinary action, stating, “This directive contradicts India’s commitment to ILO conventions and encroaches on employees’ and workers’ constitutional rights.”
