Nationwide Protests Erupt: BMS Demands Justice for Workers
In a bid to press the Central Government on long-pending issues concerning workers, pensioners, and the unorganised sector, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has called for nationwide demonstrations on August 17. The massive dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is expected to draw large crowds, with workers from various sectors, federations, and unions affiliated with BMS participating in the collective voice of protest.
A Day of Action: Nationwide Demonstrations on August 17
The Central Executive Committee (Kendriya Karya Samithi KKS) of BMS has directed all its units across the country to organise nationwide demonstrations on August 17. The objective of this nationwide mobilisation is to press the Central Government to address the long-pending issues of workers, employees, pensioners, scheme workers, and the vast unorganised workforce. As part of this nationwide programme, BMS will organise a massive dharna and pradarshan (demonstration) at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on August 17.
Key Demands of the BMS
Pawan Kumar, National Vice President of BMS, outlined the major demands of the organisation, which include increasing the minimum pension under EPS-95 to ₹7,500 per month and linking it with Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. He also demanded an increase in the ESI wage ceiling from ₹21,000 to ₹42,000, and the EPF wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000. Furthermore, BMS demands the implementation of bonus on full wages in accordance with the new labour codes, and an increase in the bonus calculation ceiling beyond ₹7,000.
Concerns Over New Labour Codes
BMS Vice President Pawan Kumar expressed strong opposition to several provisions of the Industrial Relations Code (IR Code) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH&WC Code), which, in the organisation’s view, dilute workers’ rights, job security, and social protection. He urged the Government to initiate a formal dialogue with Central Trade Unions and bring suitable amendments to the labour codes in the interest of workers.
A Call for Workers’ Dignity
BMS appeals to workers, employees, pensioners, bank employees, contractual workers, scheme workers, and all sections of the unorganised workforce to participate in large numbers in the nationwide demonstrations on August 17, especially in the massive protest and demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The organisation stated that this movement is not merely about a list of demands; it is a movement for workers’ dignity, social security, fair wages, secure employment, and the protection of labour rights.
Focus on ‘Scheme Workers’
BMS has also urged both the Central and State Governments to reconsider the very concept of “scheme workers.” Welfare schemes such as the Anganwadi programme, launched in October 1975, have been functioning for nearly half a century. These workers often perform duties for 10-12 hours or more, yet they are not recognised as regular workers and remain outside the effective protection of labour laws and social security mechanisms. The organisation has called upon the Government to initiate discussions with Central Trade Unions on the future of more than one crore scheme workers and to formulate a new national policy suited to India’s realities and the changing world of work.
A Movement for Workers’ Rights
As the nation gears up for the nationwide protests on August 17, BMS is sending out a clear message: workers’ rights are non-negotiable. The organisation is calling upon the Government to take immediate action to address the long-pending issues of workers, pensioners, and the unorganised sector. With the massive dharna at Jantar Mantar expected to draw large crowds, the movement for workers’ dignity and justice is set to gain momentum.