(a) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
(b) Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)
Introduction
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) is one of India’s oldest and most influential trade union federations. It was established in 1920 with the aim of protecting the rights of workers and advocating for better working conditions, wages, and labor rights.
1. Formation and Early Years
- AITUC was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1920 under the leadership of Lala Lajpat Rai.
- It was initially supported by nationalist leaders, communists, and socialists, playing a significant role in India’s freedom movement.
2. Role in Indian Labor Movements
- AITUC has led major strikes and protests demanding fair wages, social security, and labor laws.
- It was instrumental in securing the Trade Union Act of 1926, which legally recognized trade unions in India.
- After independence, it played a key role in advocating workers’ rights in industries like textiles, coal mining, and transport.
3. Political Affiliations and Challenges
- AITUC is closely associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI).
- It competes with other trade unions like the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
- In recent years, the growth of privatization and informal labor markets has weakened its influence.
4. Relevance Today
- AITUC continues to fight against contract labor, job insecurity, and labor exploitation.
- It has actively protested against new labor reforms that weaken worker protections.
Despite challenges, AITUC remains a key force in India’s trade union movement, advocating for social justice and economic equality.
(b) Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)
Introduction
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) is one of the most influential farmers’ organizations in India, representing the interests of rural agricultural workers and small farmers. Founded in 1978, it has played a major role in agricultural policy discussions, protests, and farmer rights movements.
1. Formation and Leadership
- The BKU was founded in western Uttar Pradesh by Mahendra Singh Tikait.
- It emerged as a response to rural distress, unfair pricing of crops, and government policies that neglected farmers.
2. Major Protests and Movements
- In the 1980s, BKU organized large-scale protests demanding better prices for sugarcane, wheat, and rice.
- It has opposed government policies that increase input costs (fertilizers, electricity, diesel) without raising Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
- The 2020–21 Farmers’ Protest against the three farm laws saw BKU playing a leading role in organizing sit-ins, road blockades, and nationwide protests.
3. Political Influence and Challenges
- BKU claims to be non-political, but its influence often affects election strategies, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Challenges include internal divisions, with multiple factions forming over leadership disputes.
4. Future of BKU
- The BKU continues to fight for fair agricultural policies, MSP guarantees, and debt relief for farmers.
- With the growing agrarian crisis and climate change, farmer organizations like BKU will remain critical voices in policymaking.
BKU has strengthened farmer activism in India, ensuring that the government remains accountable for agricultural policies and rural welfare.
Conclusion
Both AITUC and BKU have been instrumental in advocating for worker and farmer rights in India. While AITUC has focused on industrial laborers and trade union activism, BKU has represented farmers and rural communities. Despite political challenges and changing economic conditions, these organizations continue to play a vital role in India’s socio-economic struggles.
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