United Front of Farmers and Workers Sets 2026 Protest Agenda Against Economic Policies

Coordinated Resistance Against Labor and Agrarian Reforms

In a significant escalation of industrial and rural dissent, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) convened in New Delhi on July 29, 2026. This second National Convention of Workers and Farmers marks a deepening alliance between the country's primary productive sectors. The assembly resolved to intensify nationwide protests, framing their struggle as a defense of the national interest against policies they describe as biased toward large corporate entities at the expense of the poor.

The joint resolution specifically demands the immediate repeal of four Labor Codes and their accompanying rules, which the unions argue were notified despite six general strikes held over the last six years. According to leadership, these regulations are designed to stifle union activities, making the registration of labor organizations difficult while simplifying the process for employers to bypass legal obligations. Parallel to labor demands, the convention reiterated the call to legalize a Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the specific formula recommended by the M.S. Swaminathan Commission.

Opposition to Free Trade and National Education Policy

The convention expressed sharp criticism of ongoing negotiations for trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. Leaders claim these deals threaten the viability of the MSME sector and domestic agriculture. Concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of indigenous control over seeds and scientific innovations produced by Indian agricultural universities. Organizations warned that these international treaties could dismantle local supply chains and small-scale businesses.

A significant portion of the convention focused on extending solidarity to student movements. The resolution linked the National Education Policy 2020 and the current examination system to widespread youth unrest. This alignment follows recent protests that triggered the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The delegates highlighted a paradox of unprecedented unemployment paired with thousands of vacant government positions, citing a recent notification in the railway sector as evidence of sanctioned posts being surrendered rather than filled.

Demands for Public Sector Protection

The movement’s agenda for change includes several key economic shifts:

• Halt the National Monetization Pipeline 2.0 and the sale of public assets.
• End the practice of outsourcing and contractorization within public services.
• Modernize the agricultural sector through producer cooperatives and state-owned agro-industries.
• Stop the privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The convention concluded that the current trajectory of government policy is fostering deep social and cultural gaps. By merging the grievances of the rural workforce with the industrial labor class, the SKM and CTUs intend to launch a series of coordinated programs designed to force a reversal of the administration's market-oriented reforms.

Source: The Hindu — National