Goa news | Massive Response to Nationwide Strike in Goa; Workers’ Unions Protest Against Government Policies

Panaji | 9 July | Correspondent

(Goa news) Under the leadership of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), various workers’ unions in Goa organized a massive protest at Azad Maidan, Panaji, as part of the nationwide strike against the anti-labour and anti-farmer policies of the Central and State Governments. A large number of women participated in the protest, making their voices heard through slogans and demonstrations.

(Goa news) The protestors carried flags, banners, and placards while raising slogans against government policies that they believe undermine the rights of workers and farmers.

 (Goa news) Demands : Immediate repeal of the four anti-labour codes. Withdrawal of the Goa Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA), which prohibits strikes. Implementation of a national minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month. An end to the privatization of public sector undertakings and services. Guarantee of 200 days of employment under MNREGA with daily wages of ₹600, and its extension to urban areas. Control of rising prices of essential commodities, fuel, electricity, and health services. Removal of ceilings on bonus and gratuity payments; improvement in retirement benefits. Implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for Panchayat, Dairy, PWD labourers, and Anganwadi employees. Regularization of contract workers and provision of equal pay for equal work. Legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, with cost +50%.

Other Major Demands : Comprehensive loan waivers and low-interest credit for farmers and workers. Public sector insurance for crops, cattle, and tenant farmers. Strengthening of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to improve healthcare and education access. Provision of a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month to senior citizens, financed by taxing the super-rich. Protection of livelihoods for taxi operators, fishermen, small business owners, and artisans. Resumption of sustainable mining operations with protection of workers’ rights. Implementation of universal social security for unorganized workers and agricultural labourers. Protection of Goa’s fragile environment and ecology. Halt to rampant land conversion and privatization of public transport and ferry services. End to service extensions for retired employees to create jobs for the youth. Filling of all vacant posts in government departments.

The protest was led by Christopher Fonseca, State Secretary of AITUC, who stated : The government is pursuing corporate-friendly policies that harm workers, farmers, and the common people. This is a struggle against the unjust policies of those in power.

The demonstration saw enthusiastic participation from Anganwadi workers, health workers, bus drivers, vendors, and people from various sectors. The large turnout highlighted growing frustration over unemployment, inflation, and privatization.

This protest reflects the increasing anger among the working class over the government’s failure to control inflation, create employment, and protect public sector assets. The nationwide strike is part of a larger movement to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of India’s workers and farmers.