Shimla, Nov. 27 -- Workers, farmers and horticulturists mobilised under the banner Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) held a protest rally in Shimla against four labour codes in response to a nationwide call from farmers and workers. The protesters demanded that the Centre repeal the four labour codes, restore the economic rights of workers and farmers, and increase the minimum wage. An 11-point memorandum of demands was sent to the President through the deputy commissioner of police. The rally began from the Panchayat Bhawan and passed through Sabzi Mandi and Lower Bazar before reaching the DC office, where the protesters raised slogans demanding the restoration of earlier labour protections and justice for farmers affected by land acquisition and natural calamities. Criticising the Centre's labour reforms, Vijendra Mehra, state president of the union said, "The four labour codes will promote bonded labour and slavery. About 74% of workers employed in industries will be pushed out of the legal framework. The licence fee for contract labour has been increased from Rs.20 to Rs.50. The retrenchment limit has been raised from 100 workers to 300, effectively removing 74% of labourers from the protection of the law."...