The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) organised a Gana Satyagraha in front of the State Assembly on the occasion of Gandhi and Sashtri Jayanti on Sunday. labourers held a procession from the railway station to the dharna place.
A meeting was held with INTUC State president Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia chairing it. He demanded use of the Odia language in Government offices, courts and in entrance examinations.
Dr Khuntia also demanded penal provisions against those who are not using the Odia language in true spirit.
He too decried the amendments to the labour law by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the new labour law, industrialists and entrepreneurs would be benefited at the cost of the labourers’ income, he observed.
The INTUC’s demands included social security for labourers, employment to all and a liquor-free society. It also demanded protection of the interest of the State on the Mahanadi dispute.
“We woill intensify our stir in near future for the fulfilment of our demands,” said Dr Khuntia.
Congress State president Prasad Harichandan, who was present as the chief guest, said the people of Odisha are not getting sufficient drinking water in the Naveen Patnaik regime, but liquor is available in ample amount. He urged the people to strengthen the Mada Mukti Abhiyan.
Champion of the anti-liquor movement and former MlA Padmacharan Nayak also sought the help of people in the anti-liquor campaign.
Padma Shri Debi Prasanna Pattanayak, former Minister Panchanan Kanungo and trade union leaders Dr Souribandhu Kar, Kishore Jena, Prasanta Behera, Harish Gouranga and Dharanidhar Swain also spoke, among others.