STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Communist Party of India (CPI), AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress), and Ganatantrik Ganamancha staged a joint protest at Guwahati Club over a slew of issues.
The protesters slammed the government for failing to control the soaring prices of essential commodities. They demanded the government to activate the Administrative and Supply Department to control the situation.
They also demanded the government to grant land to the farmers who have been evicted from Mikir Bamuni Grant land in Nagaon district. Among other demands by the protesters include – hike in daily wage of tea labourers to Rs. 351.
Further, AITUC general secretary Ramen Das took pot shots at State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and stated that the vote on account budget announced by the latter on February 12 is an 'election-oriented document.'[Also Read: Guwahati News]
"State finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled Rs. 60,784 crore vote on account budget on February 12. Vote on account is nothing but an election-oriented document that is meant to appease all section of voters," Das stated.
Lastly, highlighting the 'plight' of the people of the State, he said, "No fund was allocated to revive the two paper mills of Hindustan Paper Corporation at Jagiroad and Cachar. Meanwhile, price soaring prices of LPG cylinders, food items has crossed the tolerance level of the public. People have to pay Rs 4.90 for per unit of electricity which is too high as compared to other States of the nation. On the other hand, the farmers were not getting the actual price for their crops. Thus, they were forced to sell their crops at nominal prices."