The nationwide strike called by labour unions in India seemed to drive home the government’s disconnect with key sectors in the country. The violence in certain cities also brought to light the growing frustration of the people with the authorities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to initiate reforms
The government cannot afford to ignore the plight of millions of workers in the country. This is why it is imperative that it reviews measures to curtail price rise, unemployment, enforcement of basic labour laws, social security and minimum wages.
India cannot afford to advertise its upward mobility as a world economic power and yet continue to ignore the welfare of its huge domestic labour force, which is the core component of its success. Efforts to ensure the security of workers, after they retire, through respectable pension schemes, removal of ceiling on bonuses and provident fund are also vital.
The government has responded to the strike with a shrug, but it will have to sit up and listen to the country’s workforce and initiate appropriate legislation in the face of repeated defiance. New labour deals must work for all and this is where the union leaders must also endorse their integrity.
