Ranchi: The three-day All India Working Committee meeting of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) concluded on July 28 at the Sarala Birla campus in Ranchi, with key resolutions focusing on labour reforms, social security, and workers’ rights. The meeting, held from July 26 to 28, brought together representatives from across the country to deliberate on issues concerning both organised and unorganised sector workers.
Focus on Labour Codes and Reforms
A major highlight of the meeting was the review of the implementation of the four labour codes proposed by the Centre. The Working Committee decided that BMS would formally submit its suggestions and objections regarding two key codes—the Industrial Relations Code (IR Code) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH Code). The organisation emphasised the need for safeguarding workers’ interests while implementing these reforms.
Demand for Pension and Wage Ceiling Revision
Reiterating its long-pending demands, the BMS called for a significant increase in social security benefits. It urged the government to raise the current wage ceiling under the Bonus Act and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme from Rs 21,000 to Rs 42,000.
The organisation also renewed its demand to increase the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) from ₹1,000 to ₹7,500 per month, along with linking it to Dearness Allowance (DA) to ensure inflation-adjusted benefits for pensioners.
Regularisation of Scheme Workers
The Working Committee strongly advocated for the regularisation of scheme workers, including Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and Mid-Day Meal workers. It passed a resolution demanding their inclusion in labour codes, highlighting that millions of such workers and contractual employees need dignified service conditions, social security, and labour rights.
Concerns Over Contract Labour System
The BMS expressed serious concern over the exploitation of workers under the contract labour system. It stated that misuse of contractual arrangements to deny workers their rights is unacceptable. The organisation reiterated its commitment to continue its struggle to protect the rights, dignity, and social security of contract workers.
Engagement at International Platforms
Discussions were also held on global labour issues and BMS’s participation in international forums. The organisation presented details of its involvement in platforms such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and BRICS labour bodies. It asserted that BMS is playing an increasingly influential role in representing Indian workers at the global level.
During the valedictory session, office-bearers and workers of BMS Jharkhand were honoured for their contribution to the successful organisation of the meeting. The Sarala Birla University management was also thanked for its support.
Several key contributors, including Baliram Yadav, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Chandan Kumar Prasad, Sunil Kumar, Santosh Kumar Sahu, Angad Upadhyay, Shiv Kumar Singh, Murari Tanti, Ramshankar Prasad, Sunil Pandey, Ravindra Mishra, Dilip Kumar, Vikram Singh, Subodh Kumar Yadav, Avadhesh Rai, Neeraj Tiwari, Manoj Rajak, Brijkishore Ram, and Prabhat Ranjan, were acknowledged for their efforts.
The BMS expressed confidence that the decisions taken during the Working Committee meeting would play a crucial role in strengthening workers’ rights, enhancing social security, and bringing about positive, worker-friendly changes in India’s labour landscape.
