Beedi workers stage protest for pension

​Sangareddy: Hundreds of beedi workers from Dubbak constituency gathered at the District Collectorate office to protest against non-payment of pension amount since the State government had announced pension facilities for them. According to Ranga Reddy, President, the Beedi and Hamali Workers Union at Medak district, 5,000 beedi workers in this constituency have not been receiving pension of Rs. 1000 per month. Among them, 2,200 workers have not been receiving pension despite having PF numbers which mandates pension for them, he added.

Reddy stated that the government has recognised all beedi workers across the state irrespective of having PF numbers or not and bring them under the pension scheme. “Without any condition, the beedi workers in Gajwel constituency have been getting pensions but not in our constituency,” he pointed out.

Anasuya from Dharmajipet in Dubbak Mandal has been working as a beedi worker since 20 years. “Those who have recently joined the industry have been getting pensions, but I am not getting it,” she said. Kankanala Yadavva, a widow of Veerareddipally village in Mirdoddi mandal said that her husband was physically challenged and used to get Rs. 1,500 pension per month. Since his death last year, she has not been receiving widow pension.

The hamali workers too were part of the protest demanding Rs. 1000 as pension along with ESI and PF provisions. They also demanded for setting up a Hamali board immediately for their welfare across the State.