The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Kollam district committee has raised a red flag over an alleged move to terminate contract employees in various government projects, including Kudumbashree, following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) landslide victory in the State elections.

Describing the actions as inhumane, the labour union stated that these measures are being pushed by pro-UDF organisations even before a new Cabinet has officially assumed office. The committee said that any further attempts to displace long-term workers would be met with fierce resistance.

‘Shadow administration’

According to CITU district secretary S. Jayamohan, a shadow administration is already influencing departmental heads to implement mass transfers and block the renewal of contracts. Specifically, the union pointed out that the contracts of Ayurvedic doctors and therapists have not been renewed despite the expiry of their terms. Furthermore, the fate of 2,624 Kudumbashree employees across the State remains in limbo. While department heads reportedly directed the renewal of their appointments this May, the process has allegedly been halted due to political interference from the UDF-aligned factions.

The CITU leaders said that workers in centrally sponsored schemes and State projects like Kudumbashree are hired on a temporary basis due to specific scheme regulations, not due to any fault of the employees. They pointed out that the Kerala High Court had previously issued guidelines supporting the timely renewal of such appointments.

Salaries

The union also flagged recent issues in other sectors, noting that salaries for a section of K-DISC employees have been withheld as part of this broader trend of administrative targeting.

In response to these developments, the CITU has announced plans to launch an immediate agitation. Impacted Kudumbashree workers, backed by the union, are set to begin a protest in front of the district offices to demand the protection of their livelihoods.