Mangalore: In India, there are 90 lakh people above the age of 60 years. The number would touch 25 crores in 2026. If the government fails to protect the interest of the old-aged and retired people, they will be in the streets, said S. Meenakshi Sundaram, CITU state secretary.

He was addressing a number of unorganized labourers, who took part in the convention on ‘Employees Provident Fund’ here in the city on Friday.

Taking a jibe at Modi’s ‘Make in India’ statement, he said the government wants industrialists but there is no concern for the welfare of the employees. Today, the culture of outsourcing and contract-based labor has led to the increase of unorganized labor. These employees work for the industries day and night, without an appointment letter or payment slip. But, when their grow old, they will be forced to beg for food, he said.

In 2007, 4.5 crore people’s part of salary was added to the provident fund, but only 24.5 lakh people got the cumulated money after retirement. Similarly, only 41 lakhs claimed provident fund out of 8.5 crore people who spent on it in 2010. The figures show that either the industrialists don’t pay the provident fund or the employees lack knowledge, he said.

Meenakshi asked the government to provide social and economic security to the citizens during their old age/retirement. He said, “They have toiled hard when they had strength. And, it’s the responsibility of the government to take care of them when they grow old”.

If the government does not come out with a proper plan of action, the old-aged people will be nowhere. If it’s not done, chances are that they end up in streets.

Today, retired people enjoy concession in the buses, trains and in the payment of income tax. But, what about food?, he asked.

State secretary Vasanth Achari, K.R Shriyan, J. Balakrishna Shetty, B.M Bhat, Ramani were among others present .