NewzVille Desk
Dr. Udit Raj, former MP and Chairman of the Unorganised Workers & Employees Congress (KKC), on Tuesday flagged the widespread exploitation of contractual labour across multiple states, linking recent worker protests to low wages and the implementation of new labour codes.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi yeaterday, he said labour unrest reported from Noida, Manesar, Faridabad and Bhiwandi reflects systemic issues, including monthly wages ranging between ₹11,000 and ₹12,000 for contract workers, which he termed “unsustainable”.
Raj said revisions announced by the Uttar Pradesh government following protests were “inadequate”, noting that even the revised wages for unskilled and skilled workers remain insufficient given rising living costs, particularly in urban centres like Noida.
He criticised the four labour codes implemented in November 2025, alleging they have weakened protections provided under 42 labour laws enacted over decades, including during Congress-led governments.
He claimed the changes have reduced the bargaining power of trade unions compared with earlier periods when their strikes affected the country and compelled governments to negotiate.
The Congress leader also flagged the declining effectiveness of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), stating that reduced rural employment opportunities have increased workers’ dependence on low-paying urban jobs.
Raj described cases of workers struggling to afford healthcare and basic necessities, asserting that “extreme economic distress” is forcing families into precarious conditions.
Calling for collective mobilisation, Raj urged trade unions across party lines to unite against what he described as “intensifying exploitation”.
He also raised concerns over non-compliance by employers in depositing provident fund and ESIC contributions.
Rejecting allegations that recent protests were influenced by external actors, he dismissed claims of “Pakistan sponsorship” as baseless, asserting that the issue was purely related to employer-employee dynamics.
Responding to remarks by Uttar Pradesh minister Nand Gopal Gupta linking the protests to opposition elements, Raj said wage revisions following the agitation indicated the legitimacy of workers’ demands rather than political instigation.
Raj maintained that the issue of labour rights requires a “humanitarian approach beyond politics”.
