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250 million people participate in countrywide strike in India
Despite police repression and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workers farmers & their allies across India, participated in the pan-India strike action against the recent neoliberal reforms pushed through by Narendra Modi government.

The rally was met with fierce repression from the Delhi police using blockade, baton charges and water canons to stop the march. Eventually, the blockade was breached.

Strikers’ demands included: Cash transfer of 7,500 rupees ($US100) per month to all non-income tax-paying families; Withdrawl of anti-farmer laws & anti-worker labour codes;Universal social security; Minimum monthly wage of 21,000 rupees with indexation to all employees including scheme workers; Compulsory registration of trade unions within period of 45 days from date of application submissions; End to forced premature retirements for government and public sector employees; public health care for all; Allocation of 6 percent of GDP for public health and 5 percent for public education.

Workers & farmers groups brought major metropolitan cities like Kolkata & Mumbai to a standstill, with sit-ins organized on key transport routes. The industrial and mining belt across East and Central India also witnessed a virtual shutdown.

Organizers have stated that the strike is build-up to more upcoming struggles in the country. “The workers and peasants will not rest till the disastrous and disruptive policies of the BJP government are reversed”. The strike today is only a beginning. According to Tapan Sen, general secretary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), one of the trade union confederations participating in the strike.

The strike comes at a time when the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed India into a veritable recession, exacerbating existing inequalities and deprivation. India’s gross domestic product (GDP) has declined by a record 23.9%, while unemployment has soared to an unprecedented 27%.