Hyderabad (Telangana): RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh's (BMS) General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said that the state governments should withdraw the suspension of labour law amendment seeing the present condition of Covid-19 crisis.
While speaking to ETV Bharat's Regional Editor Brajmohan Singh, Upadhyay said that various organisations are putting efforts to create better job opportunities for the workers in their own native land. He also said that his organisation will observe 'Nationwide Protest Day' on May 20. Here are some of the excerpts of the interview:
Q1: RSS-affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has condemned the 'total withdrawal' of labour laws. What's your take on this?
A1: Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh totally condemns the amendment made by eleven state governments in the labour laws. BJP-ruled states Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have suspended key labour laws for the next three years and few states have increased the working hours from eight to twelve. We stand in solidarity with the statement "Labour laws are road-blockers of the development". Renowned industrialist Azim Premji has also condemned the above controversial statement. The government should withdraw the suspension of key labour laws with immediate effect.
Q2: The labour laws suspended are a gross violation of human rights. Was BMS contacted before the final decision?
A2: In a democratic set-up, amendments related to significant laws must be discussed at various high levels. Stakeholders must be consulted if changes in labour laws are to be made. Not only we condemn our non-participation in the final say but also the recent amendments.
Q3: Workers are already facing a severe health crisis due to Covid-19. Suspension of key labour laws will make their situation worse. Don't you think it's a gross violation of human laws?
A3: Migrant workers who are out on the streets now, were unemployed in the industries. They were sacked by their owners just a few days after the lockdown. As far as the increase in wages is concerned, it's not possible now. The entire framework of labour laws is changed, so it's difficult to pay workers more.
Q5: In the recent past, infrastructure, electricity supply has improved in villages. Don't you think there is a need to change our thought process that workers should be provided better job opportunities in their own native land?
A5: Yes, totally. Workers should be provided with better employment opportunities in their own native lands. Past governance model was based on the ideology that labourers should go to the big cities to earn money. Today, if workers are facing this distress this model is to be blamed.
Q6: As a representative of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, are you monitoring the health condition of the workers suffering from Covid-19 crisis?
A6: We have set up various help desks to help the poor migrant labourers. Our volunteers are continuously putting efforts for the counselling of workers that how necessary precautions should be observed. We are also working with government and various organised organisations to create job opportunities for the workers in their own native land. Society should come forward to safeguard the interest of the poor workers.
Q7: Your organisation will observe 'Nationwide Protest Day' on May 20. Can you please brief me on the same?
A7: With the help of various district collectors, we will talk to the President of India Ram Nath Govind regarding the suspension of key labour laws, increase in working hours and unemployment. President will take a final call. We will request him to assure that workers get wages for the work they have done.
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