Karnataka Cabinet will soon take a decision on releasing garment employees arrested last month during the two-day protests against the Central Government’s Provident Fund rules.

“During the Statewide protest, about 48 garment employees were arrested. The proposal to release the arrested employees will be placed before the state Cabinet, which is scheduled to meet next week,” said Karnataka Minister for Labour PT Parameshwara Naik.

Violence

The State police had arrested the garment workers during protests that triggered violence across Bengaluru and other parts of the State. Protests had escalated into a riot with buses, cars and two-wheelers set on fire. Police stations in Hebbagodi and Peenya were attacked and massive traffic jams were reported across the city.

The protesters were largely unorganised workers not led by any unions and spiralled out of control.

“The State police are investigating the incidents. Those who had no role in the violence will be released,” Naik said.

The garment employees are languishing in various jails since the protest on April 18 and 19.

The Minister said minimum wages to garment employees had been increased to ₹10,000 a month for contract workers by the Centre. The State government is to implement it. The Centre hiked the wages based on the Supreme Court direction.

Other decisions

The Labour Minister said all government industrial training institutes are to teach spoken English for ITI students from this academic year (2016-17). “This will enable students to communicate ideas in English during job interviews. One hour a day is planned to be devoted for spoken English classes in the institutes,” he added.

During 2007-2014, a total of 3.04 lakh construction workers have been registered under the Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board.

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