Agartala, June 24: Members of the Tripura Chatkal Sramik Union and the Jute Mill Pensioner’s Welfare Society staged a protest in Agartala on Monday, pressing for long-pending demands they claim have been ignored by both mill authorities and the state government.
The demonstrators gathered in large numbers, expressing frustration over years of administrative inaction and delay. Following the protest, a delegation from the two organisations submitted a memorandum to the State Labour Commissioner, outlining their grievances and seeking immediate intervention.
Union Secretary Dhanmani Sinha, addressing the gathering, accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the plight of jute mill workers and retirees. “These are not just policy issues—this is about justice for the people who built the foundation of our jute industry,” he said.
The five-point charter of demands includes:
- Immediate release of pending dues — including arrears, gratuity, and other benefits — with 6% interest, as per court rulings and recommendations from the 4th Pay Board (effective January 1, 1996).
- Updated and verified beneficiary list — based on current annual returns to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Overhaul of the disbursal process — replacing the current opaque and allegedly discriminatory system.
- Delivery of essential documents — such as pay slips and income summaries, with additional copies provided for union verification.
- Tripartite meeting — involving the Labour Department, mill representatives, and union leaders to resolve the issues conclusively.
Protesters warned that their agitation would continue until the demands are met. The organisations called on the government to uphold the rights of workers and retirees who have long contributed to the state’s industrial legacy.
