Rajasthan: Civil rights groups demand ₹800 minimum wage, MGNREGA restoration

Jaipur: Civil rights groups and workers’ organisations Friday called for sweeping labour reforms, including fixing minimum wages at ₹800 per day and restoring MGNREGA in its original form, at a large International Labour Day gathering in Bhim town, Rajasthan.

The event, organised by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) at Patia ka Chauraha, also marked the organisation’s foundation day and saw participation from workers, farmers, women and youth across Rajasthan and several other states.

The gathering unanimously adopted a set of resolutions focusing on labour rights and social protection. These included a demand to fix minimum wages at ₹800 per day, scrap the proposed VB Gram system and restore MGNREGA in its original form, link social security pensions to at least half of the minimum wage, roll back amendments to the Right to Information Act, implement rules under the Right to Health Act in Rajasthan, and introduce a minimum income guarantee law in the state.

Addressing the rally, social activist Aruna Roy said, “Labour Day is a reminder to carry forward the legacy of workers’ struggles. In today’s times, unity among workers is more important than ever.” Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan stressed that safeguarding labour rights requires sustained public action, saying, “Mass movements play a critical role in protecting rights. There should be a guarantee of 365 days of work for every individual.”

Human rights activist Kavita Srivastava said democracy can only be strengthened when the most vulnerable receive justice and rights. Speakers including Nisha Sidhu of the Indian Women’s Federation and Rajasthan Unorganised Workers’ Union member Shankar Singh also called for intensifying struggles for workers’ rights, particularly for women labourers.

Earlier in the day, three separate rallies began from Bhim Bus Stand, Balaiyon ka Kooda and Badnor Chauraha, converging at Sujaji Chowk before proceeding to the main venue. Participants raised slogans demanding higher wages, employment guarantees and protection of labour rights.

A large number of women workers participated in the rally and subsequent fair, sharing concerns over wage delays, lack of job security and difficulties in accessing welfare schemes. Participants from districts including Bhilwara, Pali, Ajmer, Udaipur and Jaipur, along with delegations from Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, attended the event.

The programme concluded with a call for sustained mobilisation to secure labour rights and ensure accountability, with participants pledging to work towards a society based on justice, equality and fraternity.
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