Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has critically examined the Union Budget 2026–27 presented today in the Lok Sabha. Though this Budget—presented on a Sunday for the first time—projects the Government of India’s intent to accelerate economic growth through infrastructure expansion, industrial development and large-scale skilling, it has failed to address the most urgent livelihood and social security concerns of the working class.
BMS takes note of proposals related to container manufacturing, mega textile parks, sports goods manufacturing, revival of 200 legacy industrial clusters, new freight and high-speed rail corridors, inland waterways, ship repair facilities at Varanasi and Patna, the eastern industrial corridor, and increased capital expenditure. Enhanced allocations for education, health, social welfare, labour, skill development, defence and DRDO are also acknowledged.
The emphasis on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, fisheries, MSMEs, tourism, healthcare, AYUSH, animal husbandry and the creative (AVGC) sector, along with initiatives like Samarth 2.0 and MSME liquidity and equity support, may generate employment, but employment without adequate wages, security and social protection cannot be termed inclusive development.
BMS also notes the proposed notification of Labour Codes and formation of high-level committees on banking sector reforms and “Education to Employment and Enterprise”. However, reforms without adequate worker safeguards will only deepen insecurity and informalisation.
Strong Dissatisfaction on Core Labour Issues
Despite repeated representations and pre-Budget consultations, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh expresses grave dissatisfaction and strong resentment over the continued neglect of core labour and social security demands.
Scheme Workers
The complete absence of any enhancement in honorariums for Scheme Workers, such as Anganwadi, ASHA, and Mid-Day Meal Workers, is deeply disappointing. The long-standing demand to recognise them as workers and ensure minimum wages and comprehensive social security has once again been ignored, reflecting a serious disregard for women workers at the grassroots.
EPF Pension (EPS-95)
No increase in the eligibility criteria as well as minimum pension under EPS-95 has been announced. This continued neglect of retired workers surviving on meagre pensions is unacceptable. BMS reiterates its uncompromising demand for substantial pension enhancement and provision of medical benefits.
EPF & ESI Coverage
The non-increase in the wage ceiling for EPF and ESI is a matter of serious concern. This will result in a large number of workers being pushed out of the coverage of these vital social security schemes, thereby defeating the very objective of universal social protection.
Unorganised Sector (including Gig & Platform Workers)
While initiatives like e-Shram are acknowledged, the absence of a dedicated and adequate Social Security Fund for nearly 90 per cent of the workforce—including Gig and Platform Workers—in the unorganised sector is a glaring failure of this Budget.
Employment & Job Security
Although skilling initiatives are highlighted, BMS strongly cautions that increasing privatisation, contractualisation and outsourcing, without statutory job security and labour protections, will aggravate unemployment, wage suppression and exploitation.
Government Employees
The Budget is conspicuously silent on the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission and meaningful reforms in NPS, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among government employees.
In conclusion, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh firmly believes that the Union Budget 2026–27 is growth-centric but worker-deficient. While it prioritises infrastructure and capital, it fails to safeguard wages, pensions, job security and social security, particularly for Scheme Workers, EPS-95 pensioners, unorganised sector workers and government employees.
BMS will intensify its struggle and continue to exert pressure on the Government to ensure that economic growth translates into dignified employment, fair wages and comprehensive social security for every worker of the country.
