Livelihood mission workers intensify protest

Workers of Tamil Nadu State Rural and Urban Livelihood Mission in Thoothukudi, who have been staging sit-in protests on Thoothukudi Collectorate premises for the past six days, intensified their agitation by performing “kummi” folk dance on Monday, to press for their demands.

The protesting workers demanded that the practice of annual contract renewal be abolished and job security and permanent employment be provided to workers who have been serving for more than 15 years.

They also sought a minimum monthly salary of ₹ 60,000 for assistant project officer, ₹35,000 for block mission manager, ₹30,000 for block coordinators and ₹25,000 for district computer assistant.

A block coordinator participating in the protest said, “I have been working under the women’s scheme project for the past 13 years and my salary is only ₹13,000.”

She added that even the recently launched “Ungal Kanava Sollunga” programme was assigned for the livelihood mission workers and due to the protest it was later reassigned to other staff.

She urged the government to consider the work burden of the Tamil Nadu State Rural and Urban Livelihood Mission workers and take appropriate decisions.

Pressing for the 14 point charter of demands, workers of Tamil Nadu State Rural and Urban Livelihood Mission have been staging sit-in protests since January 7.

Around 100 workers of Tamil Nadu State Rural and Urban Livelihood Mission, from various parts of the district participated in the protest.

They said that the agitation would continue until the government fulfils their demands.