Kerala Labour Minister Condemns Alleged Human Rights Violations Against Workers in North India
In a strong statement, Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty has registered a formal protest against what he describes as shocking human rights violations faced by millions of workers in the north Indian states, particularly in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The minister emphasized that these issues are not merely about wages or working conditions but about the fundamental right to live with dignity.
Serious Concerns Raised in Letter to Prime Minister
Sivankutty highlighted the gravity of the situation by referencing a letter sent by CPM general secretary M A Baby to the Prime Minister. He stated that workers in these regions are not striking for better pay or improved service conditions but are fighting for their basic survival. The minister pointed out that inflation and a severe shortage of cooking gas have created hellish living conditions for ordinary people, exacerbating their struggles.
Demand for Standardized Minimum Wage
The Kerala minister called for urgent action to address the economic hardships faced by workers. He argued that with the current meagre minimum wages in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, it is impossible for families to live with dignity in today's economic climate. Therefore, he demanded that the minimum wage in the Delhi-NCR be standardized to Rs 26,000 per month. Sivankutty cited the Kerala model, which implements minimum wages across 85 employment sectors, as a successful example that the central government and other states should follow.
Allegations of Police Repression and Government Arrogance
Sivankutty expressed deep concern over the response of the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments to workers' protests. He accused them of confronting legitimate demands with brutal police repression instead of engaging in dialogue. The minister condemned the practice of viewing democratic protests as law-and-order issues and imprisoning labour leaders on false charges, labeling it unacceptable. He also noted that the administration did not even agree to meet a delegation of MPs who visited Noida, which he described as an act of arrogance.
Call for Central Government Intervention
In his statement, Sivankutty urged the central government to take immediate steps to address the crisis. He demanded the withdrawal of new labour codes that he claims infringe on workers' rights and called on the Prime Minister to intervene urgently. Specific actions requested include the release of arrested workers and providing migrant workers with cooking gas at subsidized rates. The minister declared Kerala's full support in the struggle against what he termed anti-worker policies, reinforcing the state's commitment to labour rights and social justice.
