Workers Protest Proposed Sale of ITI Land, Demand Revival of Bengaluru’s Public-Sector Industrial Legacy

Joint Trade Unions Seek Withdrawal of 44.03-Acre Sale Proposal, Call for Modernisation and Protection of Jobs

Bengaluru, September 15: Joint trade unions and workers’ organisations staged a protest at the ITI Corporate Office in K.R. Puram, opposing the proposed sale of ITI Ltd.’s land and demanding the revival of the public-sector enterprise. The protest was held under the slogans “Save Public Industries” and “Let the Country’s Wealth Remain in the Country.”

The unions have specifically sought withdrawal of the proposal to sell 44.03 acres of ITI land in K.R. Puram, for which ITI’s official disclosures indicate that the company has approved disposal of the identified land parcel. ITI’s asset monetisation information also lists land parcels in K.R. Puram for sale.

“Land Sale Is Not the Answer to ITI’s Problems”

The unions said ITI, established in 1948 on land allotted by the erstwhile Mysore State, has played a major role in Bengaluru’s industrial history. They recalled that the enterprise once employed around 28,000 workers and argued that its land should be used for industrial revival rather than commercial development.

“ITI land is not a commodity. Public assets belong to the people,” the unions said, demanding that the Centre prepare a comprehensive revival plan involving modern technology, new machinery, diversification and expansion to generate employment for young workers.

They questioned the rationale of selling public assets to meet liabilities while large corporate borrowers have received loan write-offs, concessions and restructuring. “Why must workers pay for the failures of governments and management through the sale of the very assets on which their jobs and the future of the enterprise depend?” they asked.

Contract Workers’ Reinstatement Also Demanded

The unions also raised the case of around 80 contract workers whom they said were removed from service on December 1, 2021. They demanded their immediate reinstatement and implementation of court directions concerning their employment.

They further called for clarification over kharab land adjoining the ITI property, over which the Karnataka Government has asserted ownership, before any alienation is considered.

The unions urged the Karnataka Government to intervene and oppose the proposed sale, while asking the Centre to provide financial assistance for ITI’s revival instead of disposing of productive assets.

They also highlighted the environmental importance of the large green cover within the ITI premises, arguing that it should be protected as Bengaluru continues to lose open spaces to urbanisation.

“Protect ITI, Workers and Public Assets”

The unions cited the Supreme Court’s November 2023 judgment in Nandkishor Babulal Agrawal v. State of Maharashtra, which reiterated that land acquired for a public purpose should be used for a public purpose, while recognising that public-purpose use can change over time.

They demanded that the proposed sale be withdrawn and that ITI receive a revival package covering technological modernisation, diversification, expansion, financial support and secure employment. They also proposed conserving portions of the ITI property as urban open spaces and parks.

“Save ITI, protect workers and strengthen the public sector,” the unions said.