The rally will be held from Parliament Street to Jantar Mantar. The farmers and workers are demanding effective implementation of labour laws, minimum wage, more employment, and recognition of one crore Anganwadi and ASHA workers as a workforce. This is the "first combined" rally by Left-oriented organisations.
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AIKS general secretary Hannan Mollah said the government policies were hurting the interest of farmers, farm workers and labourers who were the producers but hardly get any benefit or fair returns. "We are holding a joint demonstration for the first time to raise voice against the common enemy. This government's policies are beneficial to corporates and not the people. We want the government to change its policies," Mollah was quoted as saying.
CITU general secretary Tapan Sen said the next course of action would be announced after the rally reaches near Parliament. "The protests will be intensified if the demands are not considered by the government," he said.
What is the protest all about?
• The protesters have put before the government 15 demands.
• They have asked for curbing price rise, universalising the Public Distribution System, employment creation, minimum wage of not less than Rs 18,000 per month and banning labour law amendments.
• Debt waiver, redistributive land reforms, a ban of forcible land acquisition, reversing neo-liberal policies, and a ban on 'contract' employment are among the other demands.
• Among fifteen points the unions have also listed loan waivers of all India farmers; land to landless; implementation of Forest Right Act; 200 days work and Rs 350 wages for MGNREGA workers; Price control of essentials commodities and PDS.
In addition to the Left organisations, many trade unions, employee unions and teacher federations have extended their support to the rally, Sen said. Anganwadi and ASHA workers are also expected to join the march, he added.