Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Karnataka Irrigation Workers Protest Over Regularisation and Pending Dues
Irrigation workers from the Tungabhadra project held a protest in Bengaluru.
They were represented by a trade union.
The workers said many of them have worked on the project for 25 to 30 years.
They perform jobs that are permanent in nature, but they are still treated as contract workers.
The union wants these workers to become regular employees.
It also wants the contract system to end.
Another demand is that workers be paid directly and that wage problems be resolved.
The protest took place at Freedom Park on Wednesday.
Tungabhadra irrigation workers gathered at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on Wednesday to protest their demands.
The All India Central Council of Trade Unions represented workers affiliated with the Tungabhadra Neeravari Karmikara Sangha.
The union said thousands of workers have served the Tungabhadra project for 25–30 years.
Workers reportedly perform permanent-nature duties while remaining employed under the contract system.
The union demanded worker regularisation, abolition of the contract system, direct payments and resolution of wage issues.
- Who
- Irrigation workers employed on the Tungabhadra irrigation project, represented by the All India Central Council of Trade Unions and affiliated with the Tungabhadra Neeravari Karmikara Sangha.
- What
- The workers protested for contract regularisation, abolition of the contract system, direct payments and resolution of wage issues.
- When
- Wednesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The union said thousands of workers had served the project for 25–30 years while continuing to work under contracts despite performing permanent-nature duties.
- Project
- Tungabhadra irrigation project
- Protest location
- Freedom Park, Bengaluru
- Worker representation
- All India Central Council of Trade Unions
- Affiliated union
- Tungabhadra Neeravari Karmikara Sangha
- Reported service period
- 25–30 years
- Main demand
- Regularisation of contract workers
- Other demands
- Abolition of the contract system, direct payment and clearance of pending dues