United Kisan Morcha and CITU have called a nationwide strike on 12 February against the India-EU agreement and labor code. Farmers fear loss to agriculture, while the government is calling it a big step for exports and economic progress.
New Delhi: United Kisan Morcha has adopted the path of agitation against the India-European Union agreement. A general strike has been announced on 12 February. Protest rallies will be taken out across the country. There is a demand that India should withdraw from this agreement. Samyukt Kisan Morcha has made it clear that this agreement will be a big blow to the country’s agriculture sector and tax-free import of fruit juices and processed foods will cause huge losses.
At the same time, CITU has also announced a nationwide strike on February 12, demanding withdrawal of the central government’s new labor code and new employment guarantee law. This strike will be held at 3000 centers in the country under the leadership of CITU. This strike will also get support from United Kisan Morcha and other farmer organizations. General Secretary Elmaram Karim said that the Congress government’s attempt to implement anti-worker labor code in Karnataka is condemnable.
What is the stand of the central government on the India-European Union agreement?
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal claims that the India-EU agreement will strengthen 25% of world trade. 99% of the products from India will come under the scope of this agreement, which will give a big boost to the export sector. Piyush Goyal said that this agreement will benefit manufacturers ranging from jewelery to sports goods in India. The Minister also made it clear that along with major changes in trade, this agreement will also bring a big leap in the field of defense cooperation.
It is expected that this agreement will reduce or eliminate tariffs on about 97% of products exported from the European market. The Ministry of External Affairs has described this agreement as an important milestone in India’s diplomatic field. Steps have been taken to ensure long-term cooperation till 2030. Apart from economic progress, this agreement will also help in promoting migration and cementing new partnerships in higher education. The Foreign Secretary said that this is the beginning of Europe becoming India’s most important trading partner.