Workers Protest for Indira Canteen Opening at Mangaluru Port

On October 16, 2023, members of the Old Port Labourers Association and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a protest at the site of the newly constructed Indira Canteen near the old municipal office in Mangaluru. The demonstrators called for the immediate opening of the canteen, which has yet to commence operations despite its construction being completed.

The protest aimed to highlight the negligence of the district administration in failing to activate services at the Indira Canteen, which was designated specifically for the Old Port area. This region supports a significant number of labourers, including hamali (loading/unloading) workers, fishermen, and drivers of lorries and tempos who are involved in local loading and fish market activities.

Voices of the Protestors

During the protest, B K Imthiyaz, president of both the DYFI district committee and the Port Labourers’ Association, expressed the frustration of local workers. He emphasized that these individuals, who play a crucial role in the economic development of Mangaluru, are being overlooked. “Although years have passed since the construction of the Indira Canteen, it has not yet been opened. Poor workers, who cannot afford costly hotel food, have been deprived of a basic facility meant for them. The administration must immediately start the Indira Canteen services to serve the needy,” he stated.

Santosh Bajal, the DYFI district secretary, added that the establishment of Indira Canteens across Karnataka was driven by a long-standing demand from the organization. He noted that the canteens were inspired by similar initiatives in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, such as the ‘Maveli Hotels’ and ‘Amma Canteens,’ respectively. “The Siddaramaiah-led government had initiated this scheme to provide subsidized food for the poor. However, the authorities’ and representatives’ lack of willpower is evident in their failure to open one in the port area, where it is most needed,” Bajal commented.

Community Support and Participation

Numerous local leaders and supporters attended the demonstration, including notable figures such as Farooq Ullalbail, Shameer Boliyar, and Mohan Kumpala. Their presence underscored the collective demand for the canteen’s opening and the provision of essential services to the local workforce.

As the protest concluded, the participants reiterated their call for immediate action from the district administration. They emphasized that the canteen is not just a facility but a vital resource for the community, particularly for those who struggle to afford basic meals. The ongoing delay in opening the Indira Canteen continues to draw attention to the broader issues of support for the working class in Mangaluru.