CITU Warns of Protests Over Alleged Termination of Contract Workers in Kerala

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Kollam district committee has warned of widespread protests over the alleged termination of contract employees in government projects, including Kudumbashree and Ayurvedic health programs, following the United Democratic Front's (UDF) victory in Kerala's recent State elections. The union claims the actions are being orchestrated by UDF-aligned groups before the new Cabinet assumes office.

CITU district secretary S. Jayamohan accused a 'shadow administration' of directing departmental heads to halt contract renewals and enforce mass transfers. The contracts of Ayurvedic doctors and therapists have expired without renewal, and the status of 2,624 Kudumbashree workers across Kerala remains unresolved despite prior orders for extension in May. The union cited Kerala High Court guidelines supporting timely renewals of such appointments.

CITU also reported withheld salaries for some K-DISC employees, linking it to broader administrative actions targeting temporary workers in centrally and state-funded schemes. The union emphasized that these workers are hired under scheme-specific rules and not at fault for their contractual status.

CITU has announced immediate agitation, with affected Kudumbashree workers set to launch a protest demonstration in front of district offices to demand job security and contract renewals.