AIFTU ( New ) AP State Convention Successful
Report :
Working Class is the Only Vanguard of the Struggle against Exploitation and Oppression
AIFTU ( New ) AP State Convention Successful
The All-India Federation of Trade Unions ( New ) held a state convention at Sri Sitarama Pramila Kalyana Mandapam in Old Gajuwaka , Visakhapatnam on 9 th Nov , 2024 . The theme of the convention was “ Crisis in the Industrial and Agricultural Sectors – Tasks of the Working Class .” Before the convention began , a group of artistes from the Prajaa Kalaakaarula Samakhya cultural team performed an energetic Burra Katha ( Telugu folk storytelling ) about the Telugu revolutionary hero Alluri Sitarama Raju , who fought against British imperialism . The convention was presided over by AIFTU ( New ) State President , Comrade Ganesh Panda , who emphasized the significance of the gathering and outlined the key tasks facing the working class .
Professor Golak Bihari Nath of Sambalpur University discussed the rise of Donald Trump in the U . S . and the continuation of neoliberal policies under Narendra Modi ’ s government . He explained that the current economic crisis is a direct consequence of the LPG policies introduced by Manmohan Singh in 1991 , which Modi ’ s government is now deepening and expanding across all sectors . The transfer of people ’ s wealth to foreign investors has been further accelerated , while both the agricultural and industrial sectors face devastation . He criticized Modi ’ s government for privatizing the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and for enacting three controversial laws that were later repealed due to farmer protests . Despite this , the government has failed to implement a legal framework to guarantee Minimum Support Price ( MSP ) for farmers . He also condemned the erosion of workers ’ rights through the imposition of new wage regulations , social security laws , and industrial relations codes that benefit capitalists while exploiting workers . The growing repression of unorganized workers and the exploitation of women ’ s wages were also highlighted . Another concern was the lack of industrial inspections , with factory inspectors and labor officers failing to fulfill their duties . He urged the working class to unite in the struggle against privatization and exploitation .
National President of AIFTU ( New ), Comrade Gurram Vijay Kumar , addressed the worsening crises in India ’ s industrial and agricultural sectors . He reminded the audience of the major promises made by Prime Minister Modi in 2014 : providing two crore jobs annually , bringing back black money from foreign countries and depositing Rs . 15 lakhs in each family ’ s 24 bank account , and providing loan waivers to farmers . None of these promises have been fulfilled . Meanwhile , India ’ s foreign debt has risen from $ 409 billion in 2013 to $ 630 billion in 2023 , an increase of 58 %. Yet , economic development remains stagnant . Despite being the world ’ s 20th-largest economy by GDP , India ranks a dismal 111 th in the Hunger Index , falling from 50 th place in 2014 . Around 70 % of Indians lack access to nutritious food , and Delhi has become the most polluted city in the world . He also criticized the government ’ s failure to provide gas subsidies to rural areas , where the average income is a meager Rs . 126 per day . He spoke about rising unemployment , the closure of industries , and the failure of the “ Make in India ” initiative , which has seen no substantial industrial development . The industries that have come to India are those rejected in other countries due to their pollution . The agricultural crisis has worsened rural unemployment and led to an increase in farmer suicides . The Modi government has ignored the Swaminathan Commission ’ s recommendations , which would have provided justice to farmers . He stressed that the only solution to these crises lies in social , economic , and political struggles — especially the mobilization of the working class .
Comrade S . Jhansi , President of the Rythu Coolie Sangham ( Andhra Pradesh ), expressed deep concern over the government ’ s persistent neglect of the needs of workers , farmers , and the public . Despite NDA ruling at both the central and state levels , the government has failed to halt the privatization of the steel plant , a promise never discussed in Parliament or at the state level . Public sector enterprises , built by the labor of workers , are being sold off to large corporations like Adani and Ambani . Many agricultural mills , such as jute and sugar mills , have closed , and the government shows no interest in reopening them . Instead , it is intent on privatizing even existing industries . She also highlighted the plight of migrant workers , noting that local workers are being pitted against them , further exploiting their labor . She stressed that 60 % of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood , and despite the repeal of the three controversial farm laws , the government has not backed down from its corporate farming agenda . Promises made during the elections contd . Class in page Struggle 23