Udupi District Joins Nationwide General Strike, Buses Go Off Road
Udupi: The two-day nationwide general strike on January 8th and 9th called by central trade unions against the alleged repressive policies for workers adopted by the Modi-led BJP government, has begun amid tight security in Udupi district on January 8.
The strike has been mainly called demanding the withdrawal of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2017, to protect the transport sector business and demanding the implementation of social security act for unorganized labourers.
Ten major trade unions — including the All India Trade Union Congress, CITU, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), SEWA and LPF — have called for the two-day general strike to protest against “the anti-worker and anti-trade union policies of the Narendra Modi government”.
On January 8, CIT(U) activists requested shop owners to support the Bharat Bandh. They went around the city seeking support from the people for the bandh, urging them to keep their shops closed till January 9.
The district administration has already declared a holiday for schools and colleges in the district, citing the impact of the bandh on transportation service.
The Udupi service and City Bus-stands wore a deserted look. The passengers who arrived from Bengaluru and other places by buses were seen stranded early in the morning. However, after some time, a few autorickshaws were seen plying in the city.
Emergency services like hospitals, ambulance service, medical shops, and milk booths were open.