Huge rally against VSP privatisation

In a massive show of solidarity, thousands of employees and farmers’ representatives took to the streets today to protest against the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel plant. The united front demanded immediate government action on critical issues affecting both workers and farmers.
Ch. Narasinga Rao, Chairman of Visakhapatnam Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee (VUPPC) sharply criticized the government’s inaction over the past four years. “Despite our prolonged efforts, the government has remained indifferent to our concerns,” Rao said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly address the ongoing challenges faced by the steel industry.
Key demands raised by the protesters included a remunerative price for farmers’ produce and a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 per month for workers. Rao emphasized that these demands were non-negotiable, stating, “Our fight is not just against privatization, but also for a fairer system that values the contributions of farmers and workers alike.” In a show of continued solidarity, Rao announced plans to extend the protest by organizing rallies across district centers on November 26. “We will take our message to every corner of the region to challenge the central government’s policies,” he declared.
The protest also focused on opposing the privatization of the steel plant and the controversial labor codes. “If the Visakhapatnam steel industry is merged with SAIL, we are prepared to make any sacrifices to ensure the plant gets its own mines and grows sustainably,” Rao added.
Rao strongly condemned the government’s handling of the steel plant issue, accusing it of a “partisan and stubborn attitude” towards the workers. He pointed out the absence of Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) for employees and demanded that the government prioritize the industry’s development without sacrificing jobs. “We want the steel industry to thrive while ensuring that the workers remain employed and productive,” he said.
The rally concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of the workers’ commitment to their cause, signaling that the fight for fair wages, a stable future for the steel plant, and the abolition of privatization will continue until a resolution is achieved.