Labour Day: Reflecting on a Four-Letter Word Absent from BJP’s Campaign

The Prime Minister of India made controversial statements at election rallies in April 2024. He suggested that during the UPA’s reign, Muslims were favored to receive the country’s wealth, insinuating that it would be distributed to those with more children or infiltrators. He also made remarks about the symbolic importance of a woman’s mangalsutra, and criticized the Congress party for aligning with those who praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. As the election season progresses, the focus has been primarily on political rhetoric rather than substantial issues.

However, with the upcoming Labour Day, attention is drawn to the significant issue of unemployment. Data from the Reserve Bank of India shows a high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth. The manufacturing sector, which has the potential to create jobs, has seen a decrease in output. Additionally, real wages for laborers have stagnated or even decreased over the years, leaving many households financially strained.

The text also highlights the concerning economic hardships faced by a large number of people in India. A significant portion of the population earns low daily wages, and an alarmingly high number of children go without food for an entire day. Furthermore, the informal sector, which accounts for the majority of employment in India, needs attention and improvement. Recommendations include establishing a special commission to strengthen this sector and implementing long-term policies to enhance wages, working conditions, and access to formal credit.

The gig economy is also addressed, with a call for a social security program tailored for gig workers to provide essential benefits and protection of worker’s rights. The text concludes with a reflection on the upcoming election trail and whether the focus will remain on political rhetoric or shift towards addressing critical issues such as unemployment and economic hardships.