The ongoing nationwide strike called by some trade unions to protest against the policies of the Government figured in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday with the Opposition urging the treasury to listen to the agitators in a positive manner and take remedial measures.While rejecting the notices by certain Opposition members to suspend the business for the day to discuss the strike, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, however, allowed the Elders make their points briefly. Several members had also given notice to take up the issues of price rise in essential commodities, but the Chairman did not accept them either, and asked the MPs to raise the matter during discussion on the Finance
Bill. Naidu also said the issues related to strike could be raised later when the House takes up the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Referring to the strike, John Brittas (CPM) said lives and livelihood of people are in "great turmoil" and the Government should take remedial measures to mitigate their woes.
Binoy Viswam(CPI)said the House has the responsibility to take note of the strike of the working class. Joining issue, Shaktisinh Gohil(Congress)said the government should take note of demands of the trade unions, and talk with them with a "positive approach" to find a solution.
Jairam Ramesh(Congress) pointed out that the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Labour and Employment was listed on Monday, but it has been "knocked off" from Tuesday's list of business.
The Chairman said members will get an opportunity to discuss labour issues. The Appropriation Bill, 2022 and Finance Bill, 2022 are under discussion and let these be completed, and then a discussion on labour issues can be taken up, he said.