Ludhiana Witnesses Major Protest Against Central Government Policies
In a significant display of dissent, various trade unions, farmer groups, and workers' organizations came together on Thursday to stage a joint protest at the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Ludhiana. This demonstration formed part of the nationwide Bharat Bandh call, with participants raising strong objections to several key policies of the central government.
Multiple Policy Measures Face Opposition
The protesters voiced their collective opposition to five major policy initiatives: the proposed Indo-US trade deal, the four labour codes, the draft Seed Bill, amendments to the MGNREGA Act, and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill. A substantial crowd gathered at the site, chanting slogans against what they described as "anti-farmer" and "anti-worker" measures that they believe will negatively impact farmers, labourers, and economically vulnerable communities across the nation.
Farmers Express Deep Concerns About Trade Deal
Chamkaur Singh, district secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, highlighted the severe economic stress already facing farmers. Referencing the year-long agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, he warned that fresh policy changes are creating renewed uncertainty within the agriculture sector. Regarding the proposed Indo-US trade arrangements, Singh expressed particular concern that increased imports of processed foods, edible oils, and fruits from the United States could force Indian farmers into intense global competition without adequate support systems.
"Many Indian farmers already struggle without sufficient Minimum Support Price coverage and face inadequate institutional support," Singh emphasized. "Allowing heavily subsidized agricultural products from abroad would further depress domestic prices and severely impact farmers' incomes."
Women's Group Warns About Import Flood
Surinder Kaur, president of Aurat Mukti Morcha Punjab, echoed these concerns, cautioning that marginal and small farmers would bear the maximum burden if cheaper imported agricultural goods flood Indian markets. She pointed out that farmers in developed countries receive significant subsidies that substantially lower their production costs, creating an uneven playing field.
"Without stronger MSP coverage and amid rising input costs for seeds and fertilizers, survival will become increasingly difficult for small cultivators," Kaur stated, highlighting the precarious position of India's agricultural community.
Seed Bill and Labour Codes Draw Criticism
Protesters also raised objections to the draft Seed Bill, arguing that while the government claims it aims to improve seed quality, it could actually increase the influence of private and multinational corporations in the seed market. Union leaders contended this would raise input costs and create dependency on proprietary seeds, ultimately affecting farmers' autonomy and financial stability.
Trade union representatives strongly criticized the four labour codes, which merge 29 existing labour laws into four categories covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. While the government maintains these codes simplify compliance and extend social security benefits, unions argued they actually dilute worker protections by weakening collective bargaining rights, making hiring and firing easier for companies, and raising thresholds for layoffs and strikes.
Electricity Bill Changes Raise Rural Concerns
Mangat Ram Parsla, state vice-president of a central trade union, also criticized the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, expressing concern that allowing multiple service providers in the same distribution area could lead to increased privatization, higher tariffs, and reduced accountability. He warned that such changes would particularly affect rural consumers and small farmers who depend on subsidized power for their livelihoods and daily needs.
Broad Coalition of Organizations Participates
The demonstration saw participation from a diverse coalition of organizations including:
- Anganwadi workers
- Karkhana Mazdoor Union
- Punbus PRTC Contract Workers Unions
- Numerous other workers' and farmers' organizations
This broad participation underscored the widespread concern about the potential impact of these policy measures across different sectors of the economy and society. The protest in Ludhiana served as a microcosm of the larger national debate about agricultural policy, workers' rights, and economic sovereignty that continues to shape India's political landscape.
