Charan backs strikers

Summary

This one-page Times of India News Service clipping reports that Charan Singh, chairman of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, supported the demands of striking railway workers. He argued that the demands were reasonable in light of disparities between the earnings of senior IAS officers and the wages and bonus arrangements of workers in public-sector units including LIC, the State Bank, and Indian Airlines.

Singh attributed the railway strike crisis to government impatience, arguing that it could have been avoided if George Fernandes had not been arrested while negotiations were continuing. He also condemned the arrest of Raj Narain, interpreting it as part of an effort by the government to stifle political opposition. The clipping is dated 17 May 1974, carries a Lucknow dateline of 16 May, and has no byline.

Key points

• Charan Singh supported the demands of striking railway workers.
• He described the demands as reasonable given the pay of senior IAS officers.
• He cited bonus demands in public-sector units such as LIC, the State Bank, and Indian Airlines.
• He argued that workers earning between Rs. 400 and Rs. 750 deserved improved pay.
• He blamed government impatience for creating the prevailing situation.
• He said the crisis could have been avoided if George Fernandes had not been arrested during negotiations.
• He condemned Raj Narain’s arrest as an attempt to suppress political opposition.