Press Release: 17 May 2020
- The Federation of Central Universities Teachers Associations (FEDCUTA) opposes attempts to subvert Labour Laws and to surreptitiously implement the NEP.
The FEDCUTA expresses its strong opposition to the unabashed subversion of existing labour laws and the implementation of the NEP when the country is facing a serious health crisis. It expresses its solidarity with the nationwide strike call issued by trade union bodies.
Amidst the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, when educational institutions, factories and other business establishments are shut in the country, and lakhs of workers face the brunt of employment and are out on the streets, the Government’s priorities seem to be focused on protecting the interests of the big corporates. States after states are dismantling existing labour laws. Indications are there that the New Education Policy will also be implemented very soon. All of this suggests that the interests of big capital need to be protected at all costs.
For several years now, the Central Govt has been attempting to bring about changes to the labour laws. One Bill has already been passed in Parliament and another Code is awaiting approval before the Select Committee, where some members have opposed it. In such a scenario, the Central Government is trying to dismantle existing labour laws through State Governments of UP and MP. The latter has issued an Order to suspend all labour laws for 1200 days. 6 other states have increased the working hours from the internationally accepted 8 hour norm to 12 hours. Apart from this, the writing on the wall indicates that other states would also be taking similar steps.
Subverting the labour laws in such insidious ways is not only unlawful but it also constitutes a cruel attack on the rights of the working people. The right to unionise and to take recourse to collective bargaining is being trampled upon. The economic condition of workers is already bad and their ability to buy essential goods is already very low, which is reflected in the economic slump that we see. Most economists believe that government investment in the public sector must increase in order to overcome the economic crisis. What we see instead is that even in times of such a crisis the Central Government is keen on protecting the interests of big business by attacking the rights of the working class.
One sees a similar story playing out in the field of higher education. Permanent appointments have not taken place for years. Teachers have been denied promotions for over a decade. Contractualising of jobs is on the increase. Now, with the implementation of the NEP, educational institutions will be handed over to Boards of Governors (BOGs). All State and Central Universities and Colleges will be declared autonomous. Unions will become a thing of the past. Commercialization and privatization of educational institutions is the news of the day. All this is happening when people are cooperating with the Government in times of this crisis by implementing the lockdown. Instead of focusing its attention on getting the country out of the current crisis, the Government has shown its intent very clearly – that of protecting private interests.
The FEDCUTA demands from the Central Government that it issues instructions to State Governments to not effect any changes to the labour laws. The FEDCUTA also warns the Government from misusing the present crisis to implement the NEP. It will have disastrous consequences for education and for the country at large.
Rajib Ray, President
D K Lobiyal, Secretary
