Question

Explain the following statement with a reason.

There aroused a need of nation wide workers union.

Answer 1

India witnessed an industrial revolution in the latter half of the 19^th century with the opening of railways. Several textile mills, a variety of industries, railway companies, etc. developed in the country, increasing the need for workers. With the rise in employment, the workers were often exploited, and their basic requirements went ignored. Narayan Meghaji Lokhande, often described as the ‘Father of Indian Workers Movement’, formed the mill workers union known as the ‘Bombay Mill Hands Association’ in 1890, which is believed to be the beginning of the organised movement in India. The exploitation of the workers led to continuous strikes, as exhibited by the agitation of the tea plantation workers in Assam and the strike called by the Great Indian Peninsular (GIP) Railway workers in 1899. To correct these issues, there was a need to unite the workers under a banner, which would allow them to negotiate better with the owners. Thus, there was a need for a nationwide workers union.