Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Presents Comprehensive Demands to Central Government
In a significant development for India's labor movement, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has formally submitted a detailed memorandum to the central government, outlining a comprehensive set of demands focused on labor law reforms, enhanced social security measures, and improved worker welfare provisions.
Memorandum Based on Triennial Conference Resolutions
The trade union addressed its memorandum directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, stating that the document reflects resolutions unanimously adopted during its 21st All India Triennial Conference held earlier this month in Puri. During the three-day conference, extensive deliberations took place concerning various pressing issues affecting workers across all sectors of the Indian economy.
Key Demands for Universal Labor Law Implementation
Among the most significant demands, the BMS has called for universal implementation of labor laws "for all sectors and all categories of workers without any exemptions, in the true spirit of Antyodaya." This represents a fundamental shift toward comprehensive worker protection that would eliminate sector-specific exemptions that currently leave many workers without adequate legal safeguards.
The union has also urged the government to address specific concerns arising from recent legislative changes, including:
- The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
Substantial Social Security Enhancements Proposed
On the critical issue of social security, the BMS has proposed dramatic increases in pension benefits and coverage limits. Specifically, the organization demands:
- A substantial increase in minimum pension under EPS-95 from the current Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500 per month, with additional Dearness Relief provisions
- Revision of the EPF coverage limit to Rs 30,000 per month
- Enhancement of the ESIC ceiling from Rs 21,000 to Rs 42,000 per month
Additional Worker Welfare Concerns Addressed
The memorandum also highlights several other critical issues affecting Indian workers, including:
- Regularization of scheme and contract workers who currently lack permanent employment status
- Lifting of the ban on general recruitment across government sectors
- Implementation of the 3rd Pay Revision Committee recommendations specifically for BSNL and MTNL employees
Nationwide Protests to Highlight Demands
To draw attention to these pressing concerns, the BMS organized nationwide dharna and demonstration programs on February 25. The union has explicitly requested "immediate intervention and prompt action in the interest of the working community" from government authorities.
This comprehensive memorandum represents one of the most detailed sets of labor reform demands presented to the current administration and reflects growing concerns about worker protections in India's evolving economic landscape. The BMS, as one of the country's largest trade unions, has positioned these demands as essential for achieving equitable development and social justice for millions of Indian workers across formal and informal sectors.
