CITU is preparing a charter of demands to continue its agitation against the alleged privatization of the education, health and employment sectors, says its All India Executive Committee member Ch. Narasinga Rao.
Addressing the media along with state president AV Nageswara Rao at the 18th All India Conference of CITU here on Saturday, Mr. Narasinga Rao said that 55 delegates discussed the problems faced by the workers while 52 delegates discussed alternatives to the existing labor policy during the conference.
They said the Left-led government in Kerala was running a paper mill that the BJP-led central government had proposed for privatisation. The Kerala government has also stopped the proposal to privatize the airport by going to court.
“Speakers at the conference urged CITU to fight for pro-people and anti-corporate politics in the States,” said Mr. Narasinga Rao.
Meanwhile, the conference passed a resolution seeking steps to prevent industrial accidents and remedial measures to address deteriorating workplace safety standards.
The resolution expressed concern over the loss of life in industrial accidents and called for thorough safety audits in all high-risk industries with transparency of findings. He also demanded recognition of workers’ right to refuse dangerous work. It also sought the creation of safety committees in all factories and workplaces.
Another resolution was passed demanding a universal pension of at least ₹5,000 per month for the old population, abolition of NPS/UPS and restoration of the old pension system.
The conference further passed a resolution against the Privatization of Electricity and Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it “anti-people, anti-labour, anti-farmer and anti-federal”.
It also opposed all forms of privatization, franchising, asset monetization and PPPs in electricity generation, transmission and distribution. The meeting also opposed the fixation of prepaid smart meters and sought to protect and strengthen public sector electricity companies.
CITU reaffirmed the necessity of cross-subsidies and universal service obligations, calling for lower rates, stronger public investment, increased efficiency without job losses and energy security in the national interest.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:44 IST
