Pics: Aditya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 20: A protest was organized by the Centre of Indian Trade Union organization Udupi district, condemning the problems caused due to shortage of laterite stone and sand in the district at DC Office Manipal on August 20.

In Udupi district, due to the shortage of laterite stone and sand, ordinary people are unable to build even small houses and are facing difficulties. Against this backdrop, Centre of Indian Trade Union organization Udupi district held a massive rally from Manipal Tiger Circle to the DC’s office before staging the protest.

Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal received the memorandum of demands from Centre of Indian Trade Union organization Udupi district and assured that a joint meeting under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner would be convened on August 30.

Balakrishna Shetty, state vice president of the Centre of Indian Trade Union organization, said, “Not only should laterite stone and sand be made available, but the stones should also be supplied at the same rates as they were six months ago. Similar to the Kerala model, only Rs 76 per ton should be charged as royalty. The various other taxes must be withdrawn.”

Adding to this, CITU district president Suresh Kallagar said, “Due to the non-availability of stone and sand, poor people and daily wage workers are left without jobs. At present, the district is facing a severe shortage of stone and sand. The district administration and the mining department have enforced strict measures, which have worsened the situation. The administration and mining department should inspect the sites and ensure that laterite stones are made available. Even in the meeting that will be held on August 30 our demand will be only that laterite stones are made available.”

The protest witnessed the participation of the president, secretary, and office-bearers of Centre of Indian Trade Union organization Udupi district, along with several workers.