CITU, AIKS, TKMU and GMP have called for a statewide Jail Bharo agitation in Tripura on August 10, demanding withdrawal of labour codes, enhanced MGNREGA benefits, MSP for farmers, TTAADC empowerment, lower prices, workers’ rights, and stronger anti-corruption measures.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), along with the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the Tripura Khet Mazdoor Union (TKMU) and the GMP, has announced a statewide ‘Jail Bharo’ agitation to be held across Tripura on August 10. The protest forms part of a nationwide movement expected to witness the participation of nearly one million people across India, with organisations demanding action on a wide range of labour, farmers’ and public welfare issues.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Agartala on Friday, where CITU State General Secretary Shankar Prasad Dutta said the agitation would be organised based on an 11-point charter of demands. He explained that the programme, traditionally observed on August 9 to commemorate the historic Quit India Movement of 1942, has been shifted to August 10 this year as August 9 falls on a Sunday.
According to Dutta, the organisations expect large-scale participation from workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and members of various mass organisations from all districts of Tripura. The central programme of the agitation will be held in Agartala, while demonstrations are also expected to take place in other parts of the state.
A major demand raised by the organisations is the withdrawal of the labour codes, which they alleged are anti-worker in nature. They urged the Tripura Government not to implement these labour reforms, claiming that they would weaken workers’ rights and job security.
The organisations also demanded 200 days of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a daily wage of Rs 700. They further called for regular employment opportunities under the Tripura Work Employment Programme (TWEP) to improve livelihoods and reduce unemployment in rural areas.
The 11-point charter also includes demands for a reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders and other essential commodities, stating that rising costs have placed an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens.
For the farming community, the organisations reiterated their demand for ensuring a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce based on the C2+50 per cent formula, arguing that such a pricing mechanism would provide fair returns to cultivators and improve agricultural sustainability.
The charter further seeks the immediate passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aims to provide greater powers to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Other demands include the construction of houses for poor and homeless families under government schemes, speedy repair of damaged roads, including national highways, withdrawal of increased electricity tariffs, cancellation of smart meters, and stronger measures against corruption.
The organisations also called for the regularisation of irregular employees with proper pay scales, enhancement of workers’ wages, and stronger action to curb crimes against women while ensuring their safety and security.
Addressing the press conference, CITU State President Manik Dey alleged that democratic institutions were facing increasing interference under the BJP-led government. He criticised the privatisation of public assets and also alleged interference in the functioning of democratic institutions, drawing comparisons with the colonial period.
Meanwhile, AIKS leader Pabitra Kar highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, saying that united movements are essential to safeguard the interests of the agricultural community. Shyamal Dey also criticised the implementation of MGNREGA and stressed the need for its effective execution to ensure adequate employment opportunities for rural workers.
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The organisations have appealed to workers, farmers and the general public to participate in the August 10 Jail Bharo agitation, stating that the movement aims to press for policy changes that they believe are necessary to protect livelihoods, strengthen labour rights, support farmers and address pressing socio-economic issues affecting the people of Tripura.
