The political atmosphere in New Delhi witnessed a significant consolidation of labor and agricultural forces as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and a platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) convened on July 29, 2026. This national convention marks a strategic escalation in the ongoing friction between the Union Government and the country’s primary productive sectors. The leaders gathered to draft a roadmap for intensified protests, targeting what they describe as anti-worker and anti-farmer policies that prioritize corporate interests over the welfare of the masses.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened social tension, following weeks of student-led demonstrations that recently culminated in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the former Union Education Minister. By aligning themselves with the youth and student movements, the SKM and CTUs are attempting to build a broad-based coalition against the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This synergy between farmers, workers, and students represents a formidable challenge to the current administration's legislative agenda, particularly regarding economic and educational reforms.
- Legalizing MSP via Swaminathan Formula — ensuring farmers receive 50% profit over comprehensive costs of production
- Repeal of four Labour Codes — reversing laws that unions claim weaken collective bargaining and worker recognition
- Halt to National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 — stopping the sale and disinvestment of public sector assets and natural resources
The convention highlighted that despite six general strikes organized over the last six years, the Union Government has proceeded to notify the four Labour Codes and their respective rules. Trade union leaders argued that these new regulations are specifically designed to cripple the ability of workers to organize. They stated that while the process for the registration and recognition of trade unions has been made significantly more difficult, the legal framework now makes it easier for employers to de-register unions and commit violations without fear of legal reprisal. The resolution adopted at the meet noted that these policies aim to "weaken and cripple the unions" while legalizing employer-led violations.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on proposed trade agreements with the United States, the European Union, and other international partners. The convention's resolution warned that these deals are structured to the distinct disadvantage of India’s agricultural sector and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The leaders expressed fears that such global pacts would lead to the ruin of small-scale businesses and disrupt local supply chains. Furthermore, they emphasized that the rights of farmers over seeds and the scientific innovations of agricultural universities are being undermined to favor foreign corporate entities, threatening India's indigenous growth.
The critique of the NEP 2020 was linked directly to the current state of the job market and the education system. The convention pointed out that the current examination system for professional courses and government recruitments is fundamentally flawed, leading to widespread frustration among the youth. With unemployment reaching what they termed unprecedented levels, the groups criticized the government for leaving sanctioned posts vacant in essential services. A specific example cited by the leaders was the recent notification in the Indian Railways, where sanctioned positions were reportedly surrendered rather than being filled, further shrinking the public sector workforce.
To counter these trends, the convention demanded a shift toward producer cooperatives and the modernization of agriculture through state-supported initiatives. They called for agro-based industries to be managed under Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the cooperative sector. The resolution explicitly stated, "Stop privatisation or disinvestment and sale of PSUs and public services, stop National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0, loot of natural resources, outsourcing and contractorisation." This reflects a deep-seated opposition to the government's fiscal strategy of asset monetization, which the groups believe benefits only the top 1% of the population.
The demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains a central pillar of the movement. The SKM leaders insisted that the government must implement the formula prescribed by the M.S. Swaminathan Commission report, which advocates for C2+50% (comprehensive cost plus 50%). They argued that without this legal backing, farmers remain at the mercy of volatile market forces and corporate buyers. The convention stressed that the growing unity between workers and peasants is of "utmost importance at this juncture when the country is faced with deep economic, political, social and cultural crises."
As the meeting concluded, the joint leadership of the SKM and CTUs vowed to launch a series of coordinated programs across the country to heighten their struggle. They framed their movement not just as a fight for economic rights, but as a struggle to "save the people and to save the nation" from policies they labeled as anti-national. The growing unity between these sectors suggests that the coming months will see a surge in localized and national demonstrations, potentially impacting the industrial and agricultural output of several states as the groups prepare for a long-term confrontation with the Centre.
