CITU to fight against move to privatise education, heath and job sectors

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), a prominent left-leaning trade union federation in India, recently held its 18th All-India Conference, where it passed significant resolutions reflecting deep concerns over the current socio-economic trajectory. These resolutions are not merely organizational pronouncements but encapsulate critical debates shaping India's policy landscape, particularly concerning social security, public services, and labor rights. Understanding these demands requires a look into India's economic history, constitutional framework, and ongoing policy shifts.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

India, post-independence, largely adopted a mixed economic model with a significant public sector and a strong emphasis on welfare. However, the economic reforms initiated in 1991 marked a gradual shift towards liberalization, privatization, and globalization. This shift has accelerated in recent decades, with the government actively pursuing disinvestment and privatization across various sectors, including strategic ones. The rationale often cited includes enhancing efficiency, reducing fiscal burden, attracting investment, and improving service delivery through competition. However, trade unions like CITU argue that this path often leads to job losses, erosion of workers' rights, reduced access to affordable public services, and increased inequality.

At its 18th All-India Conference, CITU explicitly resolved to fight against the privatization of key sectors: education, health, and jobs. This opposition stems from the belief that these are fundamental rights and essential public goods that should not be subjected to market forces, which could compromise accessibility, affordability, and quality for the common populace. Furthermore, CITU demanded a universal pension of not less than ₹5,000 per month for the aged population, highlighting the inadequacy of existing social security nets. A major point of contention was also the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which provided defined benefits, over the market-linked National Pension System (NPS). Lastly, the conference called for robust steps to prevent industrial accidents, underscoring persistent concerns about occupational safety and health standards.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU):** As a major trade union, CITU represents the organized and unorganized labor force, acting as a voice for workers' rights, social security, and welfare. Their resolutions reflect the collective grievances and demands of a significant segment of the working population.

* **Workers and Aged Population:** These are the primary beneficiaries or directly affected parties. Their job security, access to quality education and healthcare, and post-retirement financial stability are at the core of these debates.

* **Government (Central and State):** The government is the primary policymaker and implementer. Its policies on privatization, social security (pension schemes), and labor welfare are directly challenged or influenced by such demands. The fiscal implications of universal pensions or OPS restoration are significant for government budgets.

* **Private Sector:** Private enterprises stand to gain from privatization opportunities, but also face pressure regarding labor practices and social responsibility.

* **General Public:** The quality and accessibility of education and health services affect all citizens, making these issues of broader public interest.

**Significance for India and Historical Context:**

These resolutions are highly significant for India's socio-economic fabric. The demand against privatization touches upon the fundamental question of the welfare state versus market economy. India's Constitution, particularly the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), envisages a welfare state. Article 38 mandates the state to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare, Article 41 talks about the right to public assistance in cases of old age, and Article 47 emphasizes improving public health. Privatization of education and health, while potentially bringing efficiency, often raises concerns about equity and access, especially for marginalized sections.

The pension debate (OPS vs. NPS) has become a major political issue, particularly in state elections. The Old Pension Scheme, discontinued for new recruits in the central government from January 1, 2004, and subsequently by state governments, offered a guaranteed defined benefit. The NPS, introduced as a market-linked contributory scheme, places more risk on the individual. The demand for OPS restoration reflects a deep-seated desire for guaranteed post-retirement income security, especially in an era of economic uncertainty and rising cost of living. Several states have already announced or are considering reverting to OPS, signaling its electoral potency.

Concerns about industrial accidents highlight the challenges in enforcing labor laws and ensuring occupational safety. Despite legislation like the Factories Act, 1948, and the newer Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020, industrial accidents remain a grim reality, often due to lax enforcement or inadequate safety measures.

**Future Implications and Constitutional/Policy References:**

These resolutions indicate a potential for increased labor activism and industrial action if the demands are not addressed. The government will continue to face pressure to balance fiscal prudence with social welfare obligations. The debate over privatization will intensify, influencing policy decisions in sectors like railways, banking, and public utilities. The electoral landscape could also be shaped by these issues, as seen with the OPS demand.

Constitutionally, the resolutions resonate with:

* **Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution):** Article 38 (welfare state), Article 39(e) (health and strength of workers), Article 41 (right to public assistance in old age, etc.), Article 42 (just and humane conditions of work), and Article 47 (duty to improve public health). These principles, though not justiciable, guide the state in policy formulation.

* **Fundamental Rights (Part III):** While not directly mentioned, the right to life (Article 21) has been expansively interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to health and education, making privatization of these sectors a matter of constitutional scrutiny if it impedes access.

Key policies and acts relevant include the National Health Policy, National Education Policy, various labor codes (like the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020), and the government's Disinvestment Policy. The ongoing push-and-pull between trade unions advocating for a robust welfare state and the government's reform agenda will define India's socio-economic trajectory in the coming years.