Inspired by Martyrs, We Fight for Our Rights: Kallugita Workers’ Union Vows Continued Struggle -kgks

Mahabubabad District – Maripeda Mandal:

    The Kallugita Workers’ Union District President, Yamagani Venkanna, launched a Social Awareness Yatra for Toddy Tappers in Gundepudi village today, commemorating the sacrifices of martyrs who fought for the rights of toddy workers.

Speaking at the launch, Venkanna stated that the union was established as early as 1957 to organize toddy tappers and fight for their rights. Under the leadership of legendary leaders like Comrade Dharma Bhiksham, Thotla Malsur, Bairu Mallayya, Deshini Chinna Mallayya, and others, the union was able to achieve the formation of societies, recognition of tree rights for toddy tappers, ex-gratia benefits, and pensions.

He expressed concern that despite millions relying on toddy tapping for their livelihood, corporate interests and investment groups are damaging the profession by aggressively promoting soft drinks like liquor, Thums Up, and Coca-Cola. He accused the central and state governments of encouraging these corporations for the sake of filling their treasuries, resulting in toddy workers losing their livelihood and being forced to become daily wage laborers.

Venkanna emphasized that Telangana is home to over one crore palm trees, and there is immense potential to create sustainable employment by producing not just toddy, but also neera (a healthy palm extract) and other palm-based products.

He reminded the public of the promises made by the Congress party during the elections, including:

• Increase in pension to ₹4,000

• Ex-gratia payment up to ₹10 lakhs

• Allocation of 5 acres of land for the union’s society

• Promotion of neera and palm-based industries

• Installation of Papanna’s statue on Tank Bund

• Naming Janagaon district after Papanna

He demanded immediate fulfillment of these promises.

Union Mandal Secretary Eragani Srinivas also spoke, urging the government to:

• Provide safety kits to all toddy workers to prevent occupational hazards

• Immediately release the pending ₹12.94 crore ex-gratia funds

• Establish neera and palm product processing industries in the region

This awareness yatra began on the death anniversary of martyr Bolagani Pullayya and will conclude on the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Sardar Sarvai Papanna. Toddy workers and supporters are being urged to participate in large numbers and make the event a success.

During the event, floral tributes were paid to Bolagani Pullayya, Perumandla Jagannatham, Gande Ailayya, Chalamala Veeraswami, Adela Raghavulu, Manda Ramulu, and all other toddy tappers from Gundepudi village who sacrificed their lives.

The program was attended by:

• Mandal President Mogulla Yakayya

• Committee members Bodapatla Ravi, Rekha Srinivas, Rekha Venkanna, Gundagani Madhusudan, Soma Gani Srinivas, Bodapatla Rajashekar, Kandala Ramesh, Rekha Praveen, Gundagani Ranganath, Rekha Uppalayya, Bodapatla Naresh Bhaya Paparao, and other local leaders and toddy workers.

With greetings,

Callugita Workers’ Union#oursociety #oursocietynational #oursocietymeadiagroup