Agricultural labourers protest over Rs 72 Cr employment arrears, demand immediate relief

Konaseema – Andhra Pradesh: In a powerful display of frustration, around 350 agricultural laborers gathered at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector’s Office on Monday, protesting the non-payment of wages amounting to Rs 72 crore. The workers, led by the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Labour Union, voiced their concerns with empty plates, highlighting their dire economic situation.

Pay wages or provide food

“Farming laborers demanded that we either receive our payment or be provided with food daily, as we have no other means to feed our families except this money. This dire situation cannot be tolerated any longer,” they deplored.

Immediate release required

Illa Venkateswara Rao (IV), MLC for Godavari district, who attended the protest as the chief guest, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “There is approximately Rs 72 crore in outstanding wages for labourers in this district. These arrears must be released immediately to alleviate the hunger and suffering of our workers,” he asserted. IV also urged the state government to publish a white paper on the issue, stressing that the release of funds is crucial for laboureres.

Government’s inaction criticized

Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, State Vice President of the Agricultural Labour Union, criticized both central and state governments for their inaction. “The labourers are enduring severe hardship without compensation for work completed over the past three months. Despite numerous petitions and reports submitted to the government, there has been no significant response,” he said. Kaarem warned of escalating actions if the dues are not cleared within a week, including potential besiege of the district collector’s office.

Exploitation must end

District Secretary Sakhile Suryanarayana echoed the sentiment of frustration. “The exploitation of agricultural labourers by the Central and State Governments must end immediately,” Suryanarayana said. “We demand the release of wages and an additional ₹600 for 200 days of work. We will not back down until our demands are met.”

Leaders and labourers unite

The protest saw participation from various district leaders and labourers, including Polamuru Srinivasa Rao, Tadi Srirammurthy, Isupatla Mangadevi, M Rajeshwari, Petta Ananda Rao, Rayudu, Verramma, Mangalakshmi, and Guttula Satyavathi. They joined forces to demand justice for the agricultural workers, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of pending wages.

The Agricultural Labour Union’s demonstration underscores the growing frustration among labourers facing economic strain due to delayed payments, pressing the government to address these critical issues without further delay as this dire situation is persistent across the state of Andhra Pradesh.