Massive Nationwide Strike Grips India Over Privatization, Economic Reforms


Hundreds of thousands of workers across India staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the economic policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, particularly the push toward privatizing state-run enterprises and implementing other structural reforms. The large-scale industrial action, spearheaded by a coalition of trade unions, disrupted several sectors including transportation, banking, and manufacturing.


The protest, dubbed “Bharat Bandh” (Hindi for “Shut Down India”), was organized by a coalition of ten major central trade unions. These include the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), and others. The strike also drew support from farmer organizations, rural workers, and public sector employees, making it one of the most wide-ranging labor actions in recent years.

Union leaders argue that the government’s privatization drive threatens job security, reduces benefits for workers, and puts critical national assets into private hands. “We are opposing the aggressive privatization of public sector units, the dilution of labor rights, and anti-worker reforms being pushed without dialogue,” said Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of AITUC, in a statement released to the media.

Public transport services in several states, including West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra, were affected, as thousands of government employees and transport workers joined the protest. In industrial hubs such as Jharkhand and Odisha, operations at coal mines and steel plants were reported to be partially disrupted. Several public sector banks also experienced delays and reduced staffing.

In response, government officials maintained that the reforms are essential for boosting efficiency, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing competitiveness in the global market. “Privatization is being done in a phased and strategic manner to improve service delivery and reduce the burden on the exchequer,” a senior official from the Ministry of Finance told The Hindu.

Despite these assurances, labor unions say the policies are being rolled out without adequate consultation or safeguards for workers. The striking groups are demanding the reversal of privatization policies, stronger labor protections, and the implementation of a minimum wage law.

Wednesday’s strike marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the Modi administration and organized labor. With no signs of compromise, union leaders have warned that more prolonged actions could follow unless their demands are met.

The protest underscores growing unrest among India’s working class amid rising economic inequality and job insecurity in a post-pandemic recovery phase.

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