Rights of garment workers will be restored: Ananth Kumar

Bengaluru, Apr 19: After stir against amended withdrawal of Employment Provident Fund (EPF) by garment labourers turned violent, Union Minister Ananth Kumar convened a press to pacify agitators and said concerns of the protesters have been passed on to Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya.

The protesters spread across various places of Bengaluru are agitating against new EPF policy and particularity at Hosur road angry agitators took law into hands by setting vehicles ablaze.

The police resorted to Lathi charge and fired a few rounds of gas to shun away garment workers. It is reported that ASP Oblesh and other low rank officers have been injured during the clash between cops and protesting mass.

Sensing the danger, Union Minister Ananth Kumar held a press meet. "It is the right of the employees to get full EPF during the withdrawal," Kumar said. In the interest of garment and unorganized sector, Kumar said he has apprised about the concerns of labourers with Bandaru Dattatreya. He said at present status-quo on EPF will be maintained.

However, Labour Minister deliberating the issue with all stake holders will take right decision in favour of workers. "Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya assured us that he will call a meeting of Central Board of Trustees & review whole decision" Kumar conveyed.

Karnataka BJP President, B S Yeddyurappa said in a span of 2-3 hours, concerned Minister would take appropriate decision. Both Kumar and Yeddyurappa urged the agitators to maintain peace as government will fulfill their demands.

OneIndia News