Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh calls for nationwide protests on August 17

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has announced nationwide demonstrations across India on August 17 to press the government for several long-standing labor and pension demands. The union's 28 state units and 42 industrial federations have been directed to organize rallies, dharnas, and demonstrations at district headquarters. Participants are also instructed to submit memorandums to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Labour Minister through local authorities.

Key demands include increasing the minimum pension under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS-95) to ₹7,500 and linking it with variable dearness allowance (DA) and Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits. The union is also seeking to raise the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) ceiling from ₹21,000 to ₹42,000 and the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.

Additional grievances involve formula-based minimum wages linked to the cost of living, equal pay for contract workers, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The BMS is also advocating for better protections and reclassification for scheme workers, including Anganwadi, ASHA, and Mid-Day Meal staff.