CPI writes to UP CM over poor state of 'bidi' labourers

Lucknow, Oct 23 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today dashed-off a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to draw her attention to the dismal condition of the labourers involved in making 'bidis' in the state.

In the letter, the party highlighted the working hours of these labourers and the petty wage they were getting in return.

The bidi labourers burn midnight oil and work for at least 12 to 14 hours a day, especially at Jhansi, Faizabad, Kannauj, Mirzapur, Allahabad and Amroha units, but they receive mere Rs 40 as payment, the letter contained.

Besides, most of the labourers were women, who need good working conditions.

The state government has added to the woes of the bidi workers by not hiking their wages for the last three years, the party sources apprised.

The bidi workers had earlier also carried out several demonstrations to highlight their problems, but all their pleas went unheard.

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