The article reports that the Indian Defence Ministry is set to clear a series of major acquisition projects for the armed forces post Operation Sindoor, including proposals for airborne platforms developed and modified by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). This involvement contributes to an enhanced military modernization push that raises concerns about bolstering state power in ways that can support authoritarian strategies.

Dalit sanitation workers, represented by the AICCTU, have protested against the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) after being terminated and not reinstated despite a government directive following reports of wage extortion and harassment by sham contractors. The workers claim that their termination was a retaliatory measure for speaking out against exploitation.

The article reports that 61 safai karmcharis, primarily from marginalized communities, were denied reemployment at DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems despite prior commitments to reinstate them. The workers, who had been subjected to extortion by their contractor and faced harassment for speaking up, were turned away on April 23, 2024, when a new contractor replaced the previous one.

In March 2024, the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), a DRDO laboratory, fired 61 safai karamcharis, predominantly Dalit women and single parents, allegedly for protesting against wage extortion by contractors. The incident has fueled protests and demands for their reinstatement as the workers seek redress through the Karnataka General Labour Union and intervention by government officials.