Massive protest against ‘anti-worker, anti-farmer’ policies of Centre

Workers, farmers, employees and other residents in a large number gathered outside the Mini-Secretariat here on Friday to protest against policies of the Central Government, which they termed as “anti-labour and anti-farmer”.

The demonstration was organised jointly by trade unions, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and various other organisations. A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was submitted through the Deputy Commissioner.

Participants included members from across the district representing organisations such as the All India Kisan Sabha (1936), Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, All India Kisan Sabha (Hannan Mollah), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), AITUC, CITU, INTUC, CTU Punjab, Moulder Union, Jamhoori Adhikar Sabha and Tarksheel Society.

Women, students and youth also joined the protest in a large number. Similar protests were held at district headquarters across the country.

Speakers criticised the Narendra Modi-led Central Government for enacting laws that undermine the hard-won rights of workers and farmers. They alleged that national wealth was being handed over to a few corporate houses while the majority of the population suffers under inflation and unemployment.

The protest was described as a strong expression of public dissent. One of the major concerns raised during the agitation was the proposed replacement of MGNREGA with a new Bill, which would drastically reduce central funding from 90 per cent to 60 per cent, shifting 40 per cent of the burden to state governments. The protesters warned that such change would effectively end guaranteed rural employment, especially in economically weaker regions.

Speakers also recalled the massive farmers’ movement five years ago against three farm laws, which were eventually repealed. However, they accused the government of reneging on its promises, including the assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Instead, a new Seed Bill has been introduced, which they claim would strip agricultural universities and farmers of their right to produce seeds, paving the way for foreign corporations to dominate the market with genetically modified and terminator seeds.

Other contentious issues included the Electricity Amendment Bill, which protesters said, would privatise power companies and lead to higher tariffs.

The four labour codes, which allegedly legalise 12-hour workdays, weaken union rights and reduce workplace safety.

The Nuclear Liability Bill, which they claimed, would privatise nuclear plants and absolve companies of responsibility in case of accidents.

The protesters also raised concerns about the state government’s alleged land acquisition policies and demanded regularisation of land occupied by farmers and workers, immediate compensation for flood-related damages and creation of vending zones in Ludhiana and other cities to address issues faced by street vendors.

Mangat Ram Pasla, DP Mor, Raghbir Singh Benipal, MS. Bhatia, Gurjeet Singh Jagpal, Sarbjit Singh Sarhali, Jagdish Chand, Chamkaur Singh Barmi, Jasvir Jhaj, Harnek Singh Gujjarwal, Sukhwinder Singh Lote and Vijay Kumar were among prominent speakers who addressed the protest.