“Trade Unions’ Strike Is Opposing Modi Govt’s ‘Anti-Worker, Anti-Farmer’ Policies”

On July 9, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala addressed the media regarding the nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions, which has garnered support from over 25 crore workers and farmers. He emphasized that the strike is a response to the Modi government’s alleged “anti-worker and anti-farmer policies.” Surjewala urged the BJP-led government to “open their eyes” to the pressing issues faced by the populace, accusing them of stifling development, eliminating jobs, and fostering economic unrest.

Surjewala highlighted the government’s failure to provide adequate employment opportunities, stating, “Over 30 lakh vacancies are lying unfilled across various departments of the Government of India and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).” He provided specific examples, noting that the armed forces have approximately 1.55 lakh vacancies, the Railways over 2.5 lakh vacant positions, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, have more than 85,000 vacancies. He questioned, “Why is the Government of India refusing to fill these 30 lakh vacancies, despite the rising unemployment and the urgent need for public service personnel?”

The Congress leader pointed out that unemployment in India has reached “alarming levels,” with the current rate at 7.5 percent, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). He remarked that this figure represents the highest unemployment rate in 45 years. Surjewala criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “Despite this crisis, the government has failed to take effective action.” He noted that trade unions are protesting in a desperate attempt to draw Prime Minister Modi’s attention to the escalating joblessness and the government’s lack of response.

Surjewala also addressed the growing wealth inequality in India, asserting that “the rich are getting richer while the poor continue to suffer.” He pointed out that India now ranks as the “50th poorest country in the world by per capita GDP,” with an average income of just USD 2,900 (approximately Rs 2.42 lakh), which is lower than countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, and even Haiti. In contrast, he highlighted that the global average per capita income is around USD 13,000, illustrating how far India has fallen behind under the current administration.

The Congress leader further criticized the management of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, claiming that “7 crore people have lost their right to work” due to the BJP’s mismanagement. He alleged that the scheme, intended to provide a safety net for the poorest, is being used as a tool of exclusion. “Aadhaar-MGNREGA Card linking denied 7 crore registered workers their rightful wages and employment,” he stated, adding that the average workdays per household have dropped from 52.08 to just 44.62.

Surjewala noted that the MGNREGA budget for the year has stagnated at Rs 86,000 crore, despite a Rs 9,754 crore deficit carried over from the previous fiscal year. He contrasted this with the Congress’s guarantee of 100 days of work, stating, “The BJP has slashed it to just 45 days,” a move that trade unions are vehemently opposing.

He also highlighted India’s poor rankings in various global indices, stating, “India today ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, 134th out of 193 on the UNDP’s Human Development Index (2022), and 127th out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023 by the World Economic Forum.” Surjewala emphasized that these statistics reflect a dire situation, saying, “That’s why trade unions are on strike.”

Claiming that the economy is in significant distress, Surjewala pointed to a “huge drop in sales of motorcycles and scooters” and a decline in the sale of fast-moving consumer goods. He noted that the textile sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, with production dropping by over 30 percent, and the real estate sector is also in turmoil.

According to the FICCI and Quess Corp wage survey, there is a severe wage squeeze, with nominal wage increases ranging from just 0.8 to 5 percent, while the inflation rate stands at 5.7 percent. Surjewala questioned, “In such a scenario, where are the middle and poor classes supposed to go, when their incomes can’t even keep up with the rising cost of living?”

He concluded by highlighting the precarious state of India’s workforce, with 80 percent employed in the unorganized sector, 60 percent working without a written contract, and 53 percent lacking any form of social security. Surjewala warned that this situation reflects “a deepening structural crisis, a ticking time bomb that threatens the livelihoods and dignity of millions across the country.”