New Delhi, March 29 (FN Agency) Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday urged the government to take remedial measures to address the issues raised by worker’s unions during a two day nationwide strike called against privatisation and a new labour code. Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu allowed members to briefly speak on issues raised in the March 28-29 general strike. “An impression is being created as if we are not allowing a discussion… There are procedures, rules and regulations,” Naidu said.
“The lives of people have been in great turmoil. We expect the government to take remedial steps,” said CPI-M member John Brittas. Added CPI’s Binoy Viswam: “This great House has the responsibility to take note of the strike called by the working class. They are the wealth producers of the country, they work for the country. When they are on a strike, this House has a duty to discuss. I hope the government will get time to discuss these issues.” Congress member Shakti Singh Gohil said that labourers were the backbone of the country and the government should not behave arrogantly.
“They are on a two-day strike against the policies of the government. Their main issue is the changes made to the labour law. They are also raising the issue of privatisation of public sector undertakings. They want MNREGA wages to be increased. The government should listen to them,” he said. Several MPs including four of TMC (Nadimul Haque, Dr Santanu Sen, Abir Ranjan Biswas and Mausam Noor) and CPI’s Viswam submitted notices to suspend normal business and discuss the rise in the prices of essential commodities and the nationwide strike by central trade unions.