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Home / IAS Preparation / Working Class in India | UPSC Notes

Working Class in India: Challenges, Rights, and Social Welfare!

Last Updated on Oct 10, 2024
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In India, the working class forms the backbone of the nation's economy, contributing to its growth and development. Representing a diverse range of occupations and industries, they toil tirelessly to earn their livelihoods. However, the working class in India often faces many challenges. This includes low wages, limited social security, and inadequate working conditions. 

This article aims to shed light on the significance of the working class in India. It showcases their resilience and the need for recognizing and addressing their concerns.

UPSC IAS aspirants could find this valuable for enriching their exam preparation process.

Syllabus

General Studies - III

Topics for Prelims

GDP, Growth, National Income, Development, 

Topics for Mains

Indian Economy, Human Capital, Indian Economic Development, LPG Reforms

What Do You Understand by Working Class?

The working class refers to a social group in society that primarily relies on physical labor and earns wages in exchange for their work. They are typically employed in manual labor jobs. This includes factory workers, construction workers, and service industry workers. The working class is characterized by its lower socioeconomic status and limited access to resources. They depend on regular employment for their livelihood.

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History of Working Class in India

The history of the working class in India is not new, there was a lord-vassal relationship in India centuries ago. These are the following important points related to the history of working class in India:

  • During the Mughal period, the working class in India consisted of artisans and labourers who worked for low wages and long hours. Much of the working class were lower caste Hindus who experienced exploitation and deprivation.
  • The arrival of the British East India Company in the 17th century laid the foundation of the modern working class in India. The British encouraged the development of large factories and industries which employed huge numbers of Indian workers. 
  • The British introduced modern technologies like railways, which required a large labour force. Working conditions were extremely harsh. Working hours were long, and wages were meagre. There was little regard for the health and safety of workers. Many working-class Indians became alienated from traditional social structures under colonial rule.
  • The working class in India gradually became politically conscious and organized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea of collective struggle against capitalist exploitation spread.
  • One of the earliest instances of working-class mobilization in colonial India was the Indigo revolt of 1859 and 1860 in Bengal. The revolution started as an uprising of peasants and Indigo factory workers against the oppressive regime of British indigo planters. The revolt showed the potential of collective mass struggle.
  • Working class movements in India gained momentum in the early 20th century. There were several textile mill strikes in Bombay during this period which shook the colonial government.
  • The working class in India joined the Indian independence movement in large numbers from the 1920s onwards. Many colonial-era labour leaders and political activists merged their struggle with the anti-colonial freedom movement. The working class's demand for better work conditions aligned with the nationalist struggle against British rule.
  • After India's independence in 1947, the working class faced new challenges. India adopted a path of mixed economy and state-led industrialization. Many large public sector industries were established. The number of organized sector workers employed in large factories and corporations increased. However, the majority of the working class in India continued to remain in the unorganized sector with little job security or welfare benefits.

Know more about the labour laws in India!

Characteristics of the Working Class in India

The working class forms a large part of India's population. They work hard with their hands and bodies, yet often struggle to make ends meet. They deserve dignified livelihoods that respect their humanity. These are some of the important characteristics of working class in India:

  • Many working-class people face grim conditions at work. Factories and construction sites lack basic facilities, safety measures, and comfort. This exposes workers to health risks and injuries.
  • Their pay is meager and irregular, making it difficult to support families and plan for the future. They have little access to benefits that could act as a safety net.
  • They frequently work long hours just to earn more income, leaving little leisure time or time with loved ones.
  • Many have low levels of education, restricting their ability to get better jobs that pay fairly.
  • They often live in crowded localities with inadequate basic services and infrastructure. Access to schools and hospitals is limited.
  • Job security is rare. Workers can suddenly lose their livelihoods through layoffs or business closures, with little legal recourse.
  • The stress of difficult working conditions and low pay transfers to tension at home, straining family life.
  • Due to factors like income, education and bargaining power, working-class people have limited agency to negotiate for better treatment.
  • It is difficult for their children to escape these circumstances due to a lack of resources and support systems.
  • Improving wages, social security, education, empowerment and job security for workers would reduce inequalities and spur development. But most importantly, it would recognize their fundamental humanity and dignity as people who work hard and contribute greatly to society.
  • The working class deserves far better living and working conditions that allow them to lead lives of security, health, fulfilment and joy - as all human beings do.

Read more about child labour in india!

Workers Movement in India

The workers' movement in India refers to the collective efforts and actions taken by workers to improve their working condition. Here are some key points about the workers' movement in India:

  • Rise of Working Class: The modern working class emerged in India during the 19th century. This was with the introduction of capitalism under colonial rule. Factors such as the establishment of factories, railways, and construction activities contributed to the growth of the working class.
  • Industrialization: Port cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras became centers of the capitalist economy. Industries like cotton mills and jute mills were established. These industries employed a significant number of workers.
  • Initial Attempts for Improvement: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were attempts to improve the working conditions of laborers through legislation. However, it was not until the Swadeshi movement and the Non-Cooperation Movements.
  • Plantation and Mine Workers: Plantation and mine workers faced exploitation and oppression. However, their struggles initially went unnoticed. Over time, they began to protest against their conditions and fight for their rights.
  • Industrial Workers: The cotton and jute industry workers gained more attention from social workers and philanthropists. Organizations were formed to support workers. Journals were published to raise awareness about their struggles.
  • Trade Unions: Trade unions played a significant role in the workers' movement. They represented the collective interests of workers and negotiated with employers.
  • Strikes and Protests: Strikes, protests, and demonstrations became common methods used by workers to demand their rights. These collective actions helped to bring attention to workers' issues and push for reforms.
  • Impact on Labor Laws: The workers' movement in India has played a crucial role in shaping labor laws and regulations. This has led to the establishment of rights and protections for workers.

Know more about the international labour organization ilo!

Impact of the New Economic Policy on the Working Class in India

New Economic Policy or LPG reforms that began in India is a watershed moment in India’s growth journey. Many crucial and necessary steps were taken under it which laid the foundation of a strong and robust economic infrastructure of India. These are the following impact of New Economic Policy on working class in India:

  • The 1991 economic reforms had both positives and negatives for workers in India. While the reforms helped the economy grow, they also created difficulties for the working class.
  • Lakhs of workers lost their jobs as public sector companies were privatized or shut down. Unemployment and underemployment surged among workers.
  • Companies started offering lower wages to capitalize on the surplus of job seekers. Real wages failed to keep up with rising costs, leaving workers struggling.
  • More companies relied on casual and contract workers to cut costs. This weakened job security for millions whose permanent jobs were replaced with short-term contracts without benefits.
  • Workforce downsizing and layoffs became common, especially in the public sector. This created uncertainty, anxiety and hardships for workers and their families.
  • While some service sector jobs were created, overall new employment opportunities could not match the scale of job losses in other sectors. Workers struggled to find suitable alternatives.
  • Most workers lacked social security cover for healthcare, retirement and other needs due to declining job security and limited government welfare programs. This increased their financial vulnerability.
  • Trade unions could not effectively prevent job losses or fight for workers' rights due to reduced bargaining power. This further weakened the position of workers.
  • The working class experienced rising economic insecurity, uncertainty about employment and income, and social anxiety due to the effects of the reforms. This had an adverse impact on their quality of life.
  • In summary, while economic reforms might have benefits at a macro level, at a human level, they also brought significant hardship, instability and suffering to millions of ordinary workers - who deserve dignified livelihoods that respect their basic humanity.

Read more about the child labour prohibition act!

Conclusion

Though the new economic policy led to overall growth, it left the working class in India in a vulnerable position due to factors like job insecurity, lower wages, lack of social security and limited job opportunities. Focused interventions and welfare schemes are needed to support the working class and reduce the disparity created by India's economic reforms. Government efforts are crucially required to ensure that the benefits of economic growth also reach this large section of society.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Labour Force Participation Rate: It is the proportion of people aged between 15-59 who are either employed or seeking employment.
  • Gig Economy: This is an economic system where employees earn money by providing services, goods, or on-demand work through e-platforms.
  • Unemployment: It is a condition in which an individual who is capable of working, is actively seeking work, but is unable to find suitable employment.
  • Income Tax: It is a type of direct tax which is levied by the government on the income earned by individuals or entities.
  • Migrant Workers: These are individuals or workers who move from one region to another within a state or country or even across international borders in search of employment opportunities.

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Working Class In India FAQs

The working class refers to people employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work. They generally do not own the means of production.

Around 75% to 80% of Indians are estimated to belong to the working class. This includes both organized and unorganized sector workers.

The working class faces issues like low wages, long working hours, lack of job security, minimal welfare benefits, unsafe working conditions, lack of social security, and limited opportunities for skill development.

India's large population, lower economic growth concentrated in a few sectors, and lower demand for high-skill jobs have led to a very large working-class population.

The government has introduced some laws and schemes aimed at the welfare of the working class, like the Minimum Wages Act, Employee State Insurance Act, Employee Provident Fund scheme, Affordable Housing schemes, and Skill Development programs.
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