Visakhapatnam | January 3, 2026
Addressing a powerful press meet during the ongoing 18th All India Conference of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) in Visakhapatnam, Comrade AR Sindhu, National Convenor of the All India Working Women’s Co-ordination Committee (CITU), issued a stinging rebuke to the Central Government’s privatization agenda.
"Visakha Ukku – Indialu Hakku"
Speaking to a sea of media microphones, AR Sindhu redefined the historic slogan of the steel plant movement. While the traditional cry has been "Visakha Ukku – Andhrula Hakku" (Vizag Steel is the right of Andhras), she emphasized that the plant's significance has now transcended state boundaries.
"The women and the working class of this country have come together to say that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is not just an asset of Andhra Pradesh; it is an asset of the 140 crore people of India. It is a symbol of our national pride and public wealth," Sindhu stated.
Condemning Production-Linked Wages
A major point of contention raised during the press meet was the management’s recent controversial move to link workers' salaries to production targets—a first in the history of the Indian public sector.
Sindhu alleged that this is a "deliberate conspiracy" to cripple the workforce. She pointed out:
Arbitrary Targets: The government is setting unachievable production goals while simultaneously denying the plant the necessary funds and raw materials (iron ore mines).
Wage Suppression: By linking 90% of wages to 90% production, the management is effectively starving the workers who have kept the plant running for decades.
Paving the Way for Corporates: She argued that these "unethical practices" are designed to make the plant look non-viable so it can be handed over to corporate giants like the Adani Group on a silver platter.
A Call for National Resistance
The CITU leader highlighted that for five years, the sustained resistance of the workers has successfully stalled the 100% strategic sale of the plant. She called upon the women of Vizag and the families of the workers to intensify the struggle.
"The government under PM Narendra Modi is selling off the country's public assets one by one. But the working class will not allow the 'City of Destiny' to become a 'City of Corporate Loot'," she added.
Quick Facts: The VSP Struggle
| Issue | Status/Demand |
| Privatization | CITU demands immediate withdrawal of the 100% strategic sale. |
| Wage Policy | Demanding the repeal of the "Production-Linked Wage" circular. |
| Raw Materials | Immediate allocation of captive iron ore mines to RINL. |
| National Strike | CITU has called for a Nationwide General Strike on Feb 12, 2026. |
Would you like me to translate this news report into Telugu or provide a summary of the other resolutions passed at the CITU 18th Conference?
This video provides direct coverage of the CITU 18th All India Conference and the voices of leaders like AR Sindhu regarding the protection of the Vizag Steel Plant.
