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Bharat Bandh: How Does It Impact Labour Laws & Government Policies

A coalition of 10 central trade unions has announced a Bharat Bandh to oppose government policies they label as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate. This issue is vital for competitive exams like SSC, PSC, NID, NIFT, and UPSC, as it covers current affairs, labour laws, and pressure groups.

Key Concepts Explained
1. What is a Trade Union?
A trade union is an organized group of workers formed to protect their rights, negotiate wages, and improve working conditions. Examples in India include AITUC, INTUC, and CITU.

2. Growth of Trade Unions in India
Emerged during the British colonial era due to poor working conditions.
Post-independence, unions became key players in labour rights movements.
Today, they influence policy-making and labour reforms.

3. The Four Labour Codes (Key Exam Topic!)
The government introduced four labour codes to simplify labour laws, but unions argue they weaken workers’ rights:
Wage Code (Minimum wages, bonus regulations)
Industrial Relations Code (Eases hiring/firing)
Social Security Code (Pension, insurance reforms)
Occupational Safety Code (Workplace conditions)

4. What Are Pressure Groups?
Pressure groups influence government policies without direct political power.
Techniques used: Protests, strikes, lobbying, media campaigns.
Examples in India: Trade unions, farmer groups, NGOs.

5. Why Are Trade Unions Protesting?
Against privatization of public sector units.
Demanding better wages and job security.
Opposing labour codes they believe favour employers.

Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1: Which of the following is NOT one of the four labour codes?
A) Industrial Relations Code
B) Wage Code
C) Agricultural Reform Code
D) Social Security Code
Answer: C
Q2: What is the primary role of a trade union?
A) To run political campaigns
B) To protect workers’ rights
C) To replace government policies
D) To manage corporate businesses
Answer: B
Q3: Which trade union is NOT part of the Bharat Bandh protest?
A) AITUC
B) CITU
C) FICCI
D) INTUC
Answer: C (FICCI is an industry body, not a trade union)
Q4: What is a common technique used by pressure groups?
A) Military coups
B) Strikes and protests
C) Tax evasion
D) Currency manipulation
Answer: B
Q5: The Bharat Bandh protest is mainly against:
A) Foreign trade policies
B) Anti-worker and anti-farmer policies
C) Educational reforms
D) Environmental laws
Answer: B