Bengaluru, 9 July

Normal life remained largely unaffected in State on Wednesday despite protests in various places during the nationwide strike called by trade unions opposing the Central government's alleged "anti-labour" policies.

Buses of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were seen plying on the roads as usual. Autos and cab facilities were also available for commuters.

Schools and colleges remained open as the State government has not declared a holiday for educational institutions.

Members of various labour organisations protested at Freedom Park. The protesters demanded that the amendment to the labour laws should be withdrawn, anti-labour policies and the proposal to increase the working hours of employees be junked.

In Hubballi, members of various trade unions under the Joint Committee of Trade Unions marched opposing the alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government.

Similarly, a rally was organised in Mysuru by AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress) and other organisations. In Bidar too, workers, including women, took to the streets.

The 24-hour strike has been called by the Joint Platform of Trade Unions, which comprises 10 central trade unions (CTUs) along with independent all-India sectoral federations and associations.

(It’s) a desperate attempt to draw Prime Minister Modi's attention to the growing joblessness and the government's inaction…. India now ranks as the 50th poorest country in the world by per capita GDP…. Lower than countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, and even Haiti.

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress General Secretary