New Delhi : The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Thursday extended support to ongoing protests by contract workers across major industrial hubs, including Noida, Gurugram and Manesar, while sharply criticising what it termed as “illegal repression” by BJP-ruled state governments.
In a press release, SKM said the protests—driven by demands for minimum wages, better working conditions and opposition to the contract labour system—have rapidly intensified since April 9, particularly in Noida’s Phase-II industrial area. The organisation claimed that around 40,000–50,000 workers are participating in Noida alone, with the agitation spreading across multiple industrial clusters in the National Capital Region. The farmers’ body said the protests have already forced the Uttar Pradesh government to announce a wage revision, though it described the move as “inadequate.”
Protests Spread Across Industrial Belt
According to SKM, similar unrest has been reported from industrial centres in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar, including Panipat, Sonipat, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, Surat, Hazira and Barauni. The organisation linked these protests to wider opposition against labour reforms, contract employment practices and rising cost of living. The statement also connected the current agitation to the nationwide general strike held on February 12, citing concerns over labour rights and livelihoods.
Allegations of Crackdown and Arrests
SKM alleged that authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have taken coercive action against protesting workers. It claimed that as of April 16, a total of 466 workers and activists have been remanded to judicial custody or detained in connection with the protests. The organisation further alleged that several labour leaders have been placed under “house arrest,” which it described as lacking legal basis under existing criminal laws. Calling for a broader political response, SKM urged all parties and civil society organisations to oppose what it described as suppression of the constitutional right to protest.
Rising Costs and Worker Distress
Highlighting economic concerns, SKM said workers are facing increasing financial stress due to rising prices of essential commodities. It pointed to sharp increases in LPG prices in informal markets and broader inflationary pressures, particularly affecting migrant workers.
Government Response and Political Tensions
The statement also criticised remarks by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who reportedly attributed the protests to “external disruptive elements.” Similar comments by state officials suggesting external influence behind the unrest were also criticised. SKM drew parallels with the central government’s response during the 2020–21 farmers’ protests, arguing that such statements reflect a lack of understanding of workers’ grievances.
Key Demands Raised by SKM
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has demanded Immediate release of detained workers and withdrawal of cases, end to alleged repression of trade union activists, tripartite talks involving government, employers and unions, convening of the Indian Labour Conference, implementation of a ₹26,000 minimum wage with statutory benefits, enforcement of an 8-hour workday and workplace safety norms and Abolition of the contract labour system through regularisation
