Karnataka - Belgaum   

Protests affect life in Belgaum

For a cause: Women participating in a rally organised in Belgaum on Monday by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha to protest against the delay by the Government in solving the problems of farmers.

Belgaum: Farmers, weavers, Dalits and women workers took out processions here on Monday demanding that the authorities concerned resolve the problems faced by them.

Traffic was disrupted around Rani Channamma Circle when members of various organisations gathered there raising slogans seeking justice.

Members of Kayaka Jeevi Coolie Nekarara Sangha (KJCNS), Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangh’s Green Brigade and Bhim Sena took out processions.

The KJCNS, representing powerloom workers who have been agitating for minimum wages and benefits of provident fund and ASEI and against the alleged harassment by powerloom owners, submitted a memorandum to the Government. Leaders of the KJCNS demanded that bonus and holiday payment be given to powerloom workers.

The KRRS sought payment of compensation of at least Rs. 10,000 each to potato growers who had incurred losses owing to heavy rain and floods in the past three monsoon seasons.

The Government should announce Rs. 1,200 as minimum support price for sugarcane to be supplied to sugar factories this year.

The Hubli Electricity Supply Company should take steps to maintain 18-hour electricity supply to irrigation pumpsets considering the losses suffered by farmers owing to floods and heavy rain in the past three years, leaders of the KRRS said.

The Bhim Sena alleged that the district administration and panchayats were ignoring the problems being faced by people living in slums and villages. Anganwadi worker Shakuntala Bhimappa Devamane, who came from Raibag, about 100 km from here, alleged that five persons were forcibly collecting Rs. 250 each from teachers working in anganwadi centres on the pretext of providing ration. They had abused and threatened her with dire consequences when she refused to pay them money, she said.

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