CPI Launches Statewide Housing Rights Campaign in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Communist Party of India has initiated a phased statewide campaign focused on securing housing rights for economically disadvantaged families in Telangana. CPI State Secretary and MLA Koonamneni Sambasiva Rao unveiled the movement on Sunday, calling for housing site pattas to be granted to poor households residing on government and Bhoodan lands. The campaign also seeks to prevent the demolition of homes belonging to eligible beneficiaries.

The agitation will unfold in stages, beginning with demonstrations at district collector offices throughout Telangana on July 1. The movement will reach its peak with a major sit-in protest, termed "Maha Dharna," scheduled for Indira Park in Hyderabad on July 6.

Sambasiva Rao appealed to homeless individuals and eligible beneficiaries to bring their documentation to the planned protests. He emphasized that the movement's core objective is to guarantee housing rights for economically vulnerable populations across the state.

Campaign Expected to Intensify

Referencing the CPI's track record with earlier mass movements for electricity access, Sambasiva Rao indicated that the party would pursue a prolonged struggle to achieve housing rights for the poor. He drew parallels between the current campaign and previous successful agitations.

Beyond housing concerns, Sambasiva Rao raised the matter of the Sigachi Industries explosion that occurred at Pashamylaram, which claimed 54 lives. He highlighted that families of the deceased have not yet received the promised Rs.1 crore compensation package, despite more than a year passing since the incident.

The CPI leader criticized the company's management for disregarding directives from the High Court and called upon the state government to facilitate the payment of committed compensation. He additionally demanded the release of provident fund and employment security insurance benefits, reimbursement of medical treatment costs, and sufficient support for workers who sustained injuries.

In related developments, Sambasiva Rao advocated for a reassessment of the forthcoming labour codes, expressing concerns that the revised framework could diminish worker protections without sufficient protective measures in place.