Protest in Visakhapatnam against central government’s anti-labour policies

As part of the All-India Strike called by central trade unions, a massive protest march was organised on Thursday (February 12, 2026) under the leadership of CPI and AITUC.

Bharat Bandh: Follow the live updates from February 12, 2026

The rally commenced from the Ambedkar Statue at the GVMC Zonal Office and proceeded to the Market Centre, as well as other zonal areas, including Madhurawada, to protest against the four labour codes, the reduction in MGNREGS funds, and the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025.

​Speaking on the occasion, one of the leaders, M. Paidiraju (CPI State council member and AITUC leader), criticised the centre’s policies.

The protesters presented certain demands, including regularisation of all contracts, outsourcing, and unorganised sector workers. Workers should be paid a minimum wage of ₹26,000 along with ESI, PF, and Gratuity benefits, they added.

The leaders further demanded that the contract system must be abolished, and the government should pay salaries directly to the workers.

​The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme must be fully restored and protected from budget cuts, they said.

​Support prices for all agricultural produce must be increased, and insurance facilities should be provided to farmers, they added in the list of demands.

​The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) must be restored, and Medical contract workers should be appointed as permanent government employees, they said.

“The sale of shares and privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Vizag Steel Plant must stop immediately,” the protesters said in the strike rallies.