Mangaluru: Beedi workers protest against COTPA amendments

Mangaluru: Beedi workers affiliated with different unions in Dakshina Kannada carried out a protest march on Thursday, February 25 in Mangaluru against the proposed amendments in the COTPA law (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act)

Protestors claim that the proposed amendments to COTPA would endanger the livelihoods of several beedi workers.

The amendments proposed by the Ministry of Health in 2020 include disallowing the retail sale of loose cigarette sticks, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to persons below 21 years of age, imposing controls on in-shop advertising and promotions, amongst others.

Also, shops selling beedi/cigarette traders should have license to sell beedi and other tobacco products.

Protesters claim that as several beedi workers are solely dependent on the income from beedis, Centre cannot bring in amendments without providing alternate employment to these workers

Protestors took out a march from Milagres to Mini Vidhanasoudha after which there was a public meeting held near Nehru Maidan. It is said that more than 3,500 people participated in the protest.