Protest against new PF rules turns violent, forcing govt to

In a spurt of violence, garment workers, protesting the new Provident Fund rules, set afire several vehicles and attacked a police station here today, forcing the government to revoke the amendment.
The spontaneous stir, with no trade union leading it, spun out of control on the second day as protesters went on rampage pelting stones at Hebbagodi police station and torching seized vehicles parked there.
Thousands of workers took to the streets at different places in the city, particularly Hebbagodi near Electronics City, an IT hub.
Police said they had to resort to lathicharge and fire teargas shells to disperse violent protesters.

Additional Commissioner of Police (East-Bengaluru City) Harishekaran, who visited the spot, said police have rounded up about 25 persons in connection with the incident.
Officials said about 25 policemen, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police, suffered injuries in the violence and they are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

At least two Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses and one of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation have been set on fire, they said.
The agitation began yesterday when police resorted to "mild" lathicharge to control a "mob" of garment workers who pelted stones, injuring four police personnel.
Workers opposing amendment to Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act have expressed fear that the new rule would take away their right over the employer's contribution of provident fund till they attain 58 years.

Buckling under protests, government today revoked the order tightening rules for withdrawal of provident fund money, hours after deciding to keep it in abeyance for three more months.
"The notification issued on 10th February, 2016 is cancelled. Now the old system will continue," Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya told a press conference in Hyderabad.
Earlier in the day in New Delhi, the Minister had said, "The notification (tightening PF withdrawal norms) will be kept in abeyance for three months till July 31, 2016. We will discuss this issue with the stakeholders.