Massive Workers' Assembly in Jaipur Demands Repeal of Controversial Labor Law
In a significant show of strength, workers from twenty-seven districts across Rajasthan converged at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur for a major labor congregation termed the "mazdoor mahapanchayat." Organized by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), the gathering served as a powerful platform to voice strong opposition against the recently enacted VB-G RAM-G legislation.
Unified Call to Scrap VB-G RAM-G Law
The MKSS, along with thousands of participants, issued a firm demand for the immediate scrapping of the VB-G RAM-G law. They asserted that the fundamental legal right to work guaranteed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) must not be surrendered. The mahapanchayat, strategically held opposite the police commissioner's office, witnessed robust participation from MGNREGS workers, Adivasi communities, and representatives from various people's organizations.
Participants collectively resolved to oppose the VB-G RAM-G law vehemently and demanded the complete restoration of MGNREGS in its original form. The assembly highlighted deep-seated concerns about the erosion of workers' rights and the centralization of power.
Constitutional Concerns Raised by Activists
Addressing the large gathering, renowned social activist Aruna Roy delivered a scathing critique of the new legislation. She described VB-G RAM-G as "against the soul of the Constitution." Roy elaborated, "MGNREGA provided the rural poor with the legal right to demand work from the state. The VB-G RAM-G law systematically takes away this crucial right and places it entirely at the discretion of the central government. This is not legislation designed to protect democratic rights; rather, it is a tool for centralized control."
Nikhil Dey, a prominent MKSS activist who played a pivotal role in both drafting MGNREGA and the movement behind it, echoed these concerns. He emphasized that VB-G RAM-G fails to guarantee employment and instead institutionalizes insecurity for workers. "Work allocation, wage determination, and planning have been forcibly taken away from gram sabhas and state governments and handed over to the central authority. Workers can no longer legally demand employment; their fate now depends solely on notifications issued by the central government," Dey stated.
Specific Grievances and Warnings
Speakers at the mahapanchayat issued stark warnings about the practical implications of the new law. They pointed out that any additional requirements imposed by the legislation would have to be funded entirely by state governments, a move they argued would not create jobs but would instead institutionalize job cuts.
The assembly raised particularly strong objections to specific provisions within VB-G RAM-G:
- Extended Work Hours: Provisions allowing work hours to be increased from eight to twelve hours were condemned as exploitative and detrimental to worker welfare.
- Attack on Tribal Rights: The repeal of the additional fifty days of employment previously available in tribal areas was described as a direct and severe attack on Adivasi communities, undermining their economic security.
The mahapanchayat concluded with a renewed commitment to continue the struggle, framing the VB-G RAM-G law as a critical battleground for the preservation of labor rights and federal principles in India.
