India, Aug. 18 -- Hundreds of members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) gathered at Jantar Mantar on Monday, urging the Centre to address a range of pending issues concerning workers, pensioners, contractual employees and those employed under government schemes. The demonstration formed part of a nationwide campaign by the trade union, which said it was seeking an early dialogue with the government on labour welfare and social security measures. Among its principal demands is the introduction of a minimum monthly wage of Rs.30,000 for unskilled workers. The organisation has also sought an increase in the minimum pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS-95) to Rs.7,500, linked with Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), along with health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Also Read - Kalyanwas, Bahapur & Gulabi Bagh to get new PWD housing Advertisement The BMS has further called for raising the wage ceiling for Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) eligibility from Rs.15,000 to Rs.30,000 and for Employees' State Insurance (ESI) from Rs.21,000 to Rs.42,000. It has also demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, filling vacant government posts, implementation of pending wage settlements and a five-day work week for the banking sector. According to, BMS national vice-president and media in-charge Pawan Kumar said the union was seeking stronger safeguards for contractual workers, including equal pay for equal work and better job security. He also said the government should reconvene the Indian Labour Conference, which has not met since 2015, to facilitate discussions on labour-related concerns. Also Read - Delhi govt cleanliness drive offers Rs 1 cr monthly prize for top ward Members of the Auto Rickshaw Sangh have also raised transport-related issues before the Delhi government. The union demanded the immediate constitution of an Auto-Taxi Drivers' Welfare Board, saying it was essential to safeguard the interests and welfare of auto and taxi drivers. Protesters also called for the rollback of the recently increased vehicle fitness fees, arguing that the higher charges had placed an additional financial burden on drivers already struggling with rising operating costs. The union additionally sought higher honorariums for Anganwadi, ASHA, Mid-Day Meal and National Health Mission workers, stricter action against contractors involved in wage theft, enhanced gratuity benefits and a dedicated policy for scheme workers. It also reiterated its opposition to provisions of the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, arguing that several clauses do not adequately protect workers' interests. The union would review the response to Monday's demonstrations before deciding its next course of action.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.