Protests Erupt in Guwahati Against Anti-Worker Policies

Nationwide Protest Highlights Worker and Farmer Concerns

Guwahati/Biswanath, Aug 10: On Monday, various organizations representing workers, farmers, youth, and women gathered in Guwahati to participate in the nationwide “Jail Bharo” movement, voicing their opposition to the policies of the BJP-led government, which they claim are detrimental to labor and agriculture.

The demonstration took place near the BSNL building in Panbazar, where participants willingly courted arrest as part of the coordinated effort across the country.

Key demands from the protest included the withdrawal of the newly launched VB-G RAM G model/project and the continuation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), ensuring 200 days of employment each year with a daily wage of Rs 600.

Protesters emphasized the need to enhance employment opportunities in rural regions rather than diminish them.

Additional demands included the repeal of recent labor codes, the establishment of a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000 for all workers, regularization of Anganwadi, ASHA, and midday meal workers, and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme.

Tapan Sarma, general secretary of the CITU state committee, stated that the movement aims to challenge policies that have not effectively tackled unemployment, inflation, and labor issues. He remarked, "Today, we are part of a nationwide movement. The government has failed to manage rising prices and unemployment, and the labor codes infringe on workers' rights. We also demand Rs 10 lakh in financial aid for families affected by the Upper Assam floods."

The protest was organized by various state units, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Assam State Kisan Sabha, Assam Agricultural Labourers' Union, Students' Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), and Nikhil Bharat Ganatantric Mahila Samiti, among others.

In a collective statement, the organizations accused the government of undermining hard-earned labor rights through new labor codes and claimed that workers are increasingly being forced into contractual and outsourced jobs without sufficient job security.

They also alleged that farmers are not receiving fair prices for their products, while corporate interests are prioritized in land and economic policies.

The statement criticized the state government's management of various issues, including displacement, land rights, urban flooding, and the state of public education and healthcare.

Protesters highlighted concerns regarding the displacement of nearly 20 villages around Borjhar due to the proposed Aerocity project and raised alarms about potential evictions related to the Satellite City project in Jagiroad.

Similar demonstrations occurred in Biswanath district, where activists from CITU, AIKS, AIAWA, AIDWA, SFI, and DYFI protested in front of Binapani Natya Mandir at Biswanath Chariali.

The protesters reiterated their demands for the repeal of labor codes, a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000, fair wages for scheme workers, increased pay for tea garden workers, recognition of Assam's flooding issues as a national concern, fair prices for agricultural products, and land rights for cultivators.

Other significant demands included:

• The establishment of a central law to guarantee minimum wages and assured employment for agricultural and rural workers.

• Implementation of scientific drainage solutions to mitigate recurring urban flooding in Guwahati.

• Safeguarding the public education system and creating job opportunities.

• Pension benefits for workers, farmers, and rural laborers aged over 60.

• Protection of farmers' land rights, minimum support prices for agricultural produce, expansion of irrigation, and government procurement centers in every panchayat.

• Cessation of evictions of tribal, Adivasi, and other farmers for corporate land transfers.