MGNREGA

A coalition of 10 central trade unions has confirmed that a nationwide general strike scheduled for Thursday, February 12, will proceed as planned, with an estimated participation of nearly 30 crore workers across India. The joint platform had earlier announced a strike call on January 9, 2025, protesting what it described as the Centre’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate” policies. Trade union leaders now claim that this upcoming agitation could witness even greater participation than previous nationwide protests. Speaking to the media, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said that not fewer than 30 crore workers are expected to take part in the February 12 strike. She pointed out that during the July 9, 2025 agitation, around 25 crore workers had joined the movement. According to Kaur, the strike is likely to impact nearly 600 districts across the country — an increase from approximately 550 districts that were affected during last year’s mobilisation. She attributed the anticipated turnout to extensive groundwork at district and block levels, along with backing from farmers’ groups and various federations. On the question of the strike’s effect in BJP-ruled states, Kaur stated that Odisha and Assam are expected to witness a complete shutdown, while significant disruptions are anticipated in several other states as well. In a joint statement, the trade union forum said the Samyukt Kisan Morcha has extended full support to the strike and related mobilisations. Agricultural workers’ unions are also actively participating, with particular emphasis on the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The unions claim that awareness drives and campaigns have been carried out nationwide across government offices, public and private sector establishments, industrial hubs, and rural and urban communities. Student and youth organisations have reportedly joined outreach efforts in multiple locations, while sections of the general public have expressed solidarity with the demands. Strike notices have been issued across most industries and sectors, and organisers describe preparations as comprehensive. Among their key demands are: Withdrawal of the four new labour codes and associated rules Scrapping of the Draft Seed Bill and the Electricity Amendment Bill Repeal of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act Restoration of MGNREGA Withdrawal of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 The joint forum comprises major trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. Source: PTI