Trade unions begin march in Delhi against price rise

The protesting central trade unions and independent workers have  demanded change in what they called the "indifferent and don't care attitude" of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government towards the "steep rise in the prices of essential commodities, rampant violation in implementation of labour laws, plight of unorganised workers, and reckless contractorisation of employees".

The march began from Ram Lila Maidan, and will head towards Jantar Mantar, the 18th century masonry observatory ln the edge of the posh commercial district of Connaught Place, in central Delhi, close to the Parliament House.

The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), trade union wing of the ruling Congress, has joined the march.

"Our organisation is independent and separate (from the Congress). We are fighting for respecting labour laws and their implementation," INTUC president G. Sanjeeva Reddy earlier told reporters here.

Among others, the All-India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), the All-India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), the Trade Union Coordination Committee (TUCC), and the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) have joined the protest rally. A turnout of 12-15 lakh workers is expected, according to the organisers.

Yadbinber Gupta, an employee of State Bank of Patiala, who came here from Punjab to join the march, said: "I have come all the way from Patiala to join the protest against price rise.

Being a bank employee, I earn enough for my family but it's the lower strata that is affected. And it is our responsibility to ask the government for better accountability."