Hundreds of handloom weaver’s took out a big rally on 18th October 2016 under the banner of AICCTU. They demanded complete employment round the year and in increase of 40% wages to make both ends meet. The rally was led by K. Subramanian State Secretary of Puduvai Kaithari Nesavalar Sangam. The rally passed through main thoroughfares of Puducherry and culminated into a militant demonstration in front of Registrar of Co-operative Societies office. The other main demands of the weavers were: 40% Bonus (incentive) to all handloom weavers without restrictions; compensation Rs. 3 lakhs to the family of weavers for his natural death and that of Rs. 5 Lakhs to death by accidents and total infirmity; Complete implementation of health insurance schemes to weavers; Free housing schemes to handloom weavers; Rs. 5000/- to weavers as lean period assistance; and Complete waiver of loans to handloom weavers.
S. Balasubramanian, State President, S. Mothilal, Vice President AICCTU and Puducherry CPI(ML) District Secretary S. Purushothaman addressed the demonstrators. A 21 points charter was submitted to the Chief Minister. The Puducherry Government assured to convene a meeting of handloom weavers leaders on 9th November to resolve their demands.
