PANAJI | 9 July 2025 —
In a strong show of solidarity with the nation-wide general strike called by Central Trade Unions and farmers’ organisations, AITUC-led unions in Goa organised a massive rally at Azad Maidan, Panaji. The protest was aimed at opposing the anti-labour and anti-farmer policies being pursued by both the Central and State Governments.
Speaking at the rally, AITUC General Secretary Christopher Fonseca said the BJP-led NDA government is determined to dismantle existing labour laws and impose four controversial labour codes that severely undermine workers’ rights and favour corporate interests. “These codes are designed to weaken long-fought labour protections and intensify worker exploitation,” he said.
AITUC condemned the Central Government’s attempt to revive the repealed farm laws through the new National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing. Farmers, they stated, continue to suffer due to the lack of a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) at C2+50%, the absence of a comprehensive loan waiver, and aggressive land acquisition in favour of corporates.
Forest dwellers and tribal communities are also being displaced, while fertile agricultural lands are being lost, Fonseca added.
The rally also criticised the Goa Government for routinely extending the Goa Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA), which prohibits strikes in the pharmaceutical sector. AITUC accused the government of shielding pharma companies that violate labour laws, suppress trade union activities, and harass workers, while raking in profits through global sales networks.
AITUC, along with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), voiced their full support for the strike and raised 23 key demands, including:
Repeal of the four anti-labour codes and recent ESMA notifications.
National minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month.
No privatisation or FDI in essential public services like defence, health, railways, and education.
Guaranteed employment with 200 days of MNREGA work in both rural and urban areas.
Price control on essential commodities and rollback of fuel prices.
Legal guarantee of MSP for farmers and a complete loan waiver.
Regularisation of contract workers and equal pay for equal work.
Universal social security for all workers, including those in unorganised and agricultural sectors.
Restoration of sustainable mining in Goa with preference to locals in employment.
Immediate halt to the conversion of forest and agricultural land and protection of Goa’s fragile environment.
Recruitment for all vacant government posts and an end to service extensions for retired government employees.
AITUC reiterated its commitment to continue fighting for the rights of workers, farmers, and all marginalised sections of society across Goa and India.
