Monday 9 April 2012

Free Essays-Economy-Improving Lot of Labour


Improving Lot of Labour

              In a modern country labour has an important place. It is a nation’s backbone. Our self-reliance depends on production, as also the country’s capacity to fulfil its needs and reaching the fruits of Independence to the poor and to backward regions.

            I find that people, whether from a big or a small country, are greatly concerned about the economic situation in their own country and are keen to find a solution through co-operation….It is not easy to increase production or to provide justice to the working class. But we have not looked to easy ways. We have always sought out a way which would create conditions conducive to raising the standard of living of our people, no matter how difficult or hazardous it may be.

Raising Living Standards

            There are many ways of increasing production and raising the standard of living. One is to concentrate on job-oriented projects which generate more and more employment. This is what our country needs. But at the same time if we do not learn and adopt modern technology we shall again lag behind, our products will find no market, which in turn will result in the loss of employment and closure of industries.

            We have, therefore, to consider both these aspects in the fast changing world of today. Adoption of modern method does not necessarily mean rendering people jobless. That might happen if we try to modernize indiscriminately. We must bridge the gap between the old and the new in order to mitigate the sufferings of the people. When the standard of living rises, people’s purchasing power will increase, which in turn will generate more employment.  These should be viewed in proper perspective and not from one angle only. Industries cannot progress or production increase without adequate facilities for labour and without raising their standard of living. If they are dissatisfied or their minds are worried, they will not be able to put their best into their work.

Larger Interests

            It is not only a humanitarian question, but a question of the larger interest of the country. We should do our best to help the working class. This has not been done. Many are to be blamed, including us, because when such big issues are involved and the means are limited we all are affected and most of our plans remain unexecuted. But it has always been our endeavour to keep the people contented and to raise their standard of living, to provide workers, specially women, better facilities in their places of work. Our endeavour, therefore, is to ensure greater participation of workers in the management of the factories, so that they know better what is the work assigned to them instead of working merely like machines. Smooth functioning can be ensured only when the management, labour and all others connected, work in an atmosphere of co-operation and amity. Work will go on only when the management is assured of discipline and peace. On their part, the managements must ensure that no injustice is done, that the demands are considered and met to the extent possible. But there are times when it is not possible to meet all the demands.

Education of Workers

            Wherever an industry is set up, it brings about a change in the surroundings of a mill or a mine, but it also brings about awareness in the  people about the modern world. Today’s world cannot progress without science and technology. We must make people aware of this and see how the standard of education of workers’ children can be raised to enable them to move forward and take up other jobs. I am not trying to denigrate any kind of labour, but it is not necessary that one who is born in a particular work environment should do only that work. All avenues should be open to him and we should help him with whatever skill or knowledge is needed to enable him to go forward.

Interlinkage of Problems

            Sometimes there are demands which cannot be met because of lack of funds. Sometimes more money is given to workers in an industry without  realizing that it may have a chain reaction on other places and may entail financial burden on other units. Nothing can be isolated; all problems are interlinked. If this is grasped, it will help everyone and there will be greater production. All of us, whether kisans or workers or intellectuals, should regard ourselves as Indian citizens first and should strive to create an atmosphere in the country that is conducive to accelerated progress. Such an environment can be created only when there is peace, when communal forces are given no quarters, and we work unitedly to make our country strong.  
  
Resolution of Conflicts

            There are many domestic conflicts. The more we progress, the more we come in conflict with others and the pressure on us increases. Efforts are made to weaken us by fomenting internal troubles. This is happening not only in our country, but in all the developing countries. But in India the problem is aggravated due to multiplicity of religions, ethnic groups, languages, customs, etc. We must therefore realize the need for unity and concentrate all our efforts on achieving our goal.

            When there is a quarrel, it is natural for people to want to take revenge. But a quarrel can never be resolved through revenge. When peace is disturbed our first concern should be to restore peace. When two brothers fight, our effort should be not to apportion blame on one or the other but to see how the fight can be ended. Any differences there might be should be resolved through negotiations. Our working class can make a significant contribution in creating such an environment. It is in their own interest that peace prevails in the country. With progress, the needs of the people are also increasing. But if there is disquiet, belligerency and regionalism, progress is retarded.

Children of Mother India

            The prime needs of the hour are unity and discipline, so that we could face internal and external threats. For us, people from all religions, castes  are equal; they are all Indian, children of Mother India. No disrespect should be shown to anyone. No one should feel deprived of rights nor discriminated against. We want to bridge the gap between rich and poor as soon as possible. This cannot be done at one stroke, but the gap can be  reduced gradually if we work simultaneously for improving the lot of weaker sections.

            This (the 20-Point Programme) is meant particularly for the backward people and for the working class, small farmers, women, weavers, etc. Its emphasis is on increasing production, irrigation facilities and generating employment for the educated unemployed youth. But people have not benefited from these programmes to the extent they should have. To get such benefit, you should yourselves be more alert. You should know which part of the programme is applicable to you, how you can derive advantage from it. Depending too much on the Government is a sign of servility.

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