BMS protests at Jantar Mantar for minimum wage, OPS, labour codes

The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) held a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 17 August, pressing the central government for long-pending demands. These include a minimum monthly wage of Rs 30,000 for unskilled workers, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and implementation of labour codes, according to an ANI report.

Speaking to PTI, BMS national vice president Pawan Kumar said the demands also cover a minimum pension of Rs 7,500 under EPS-95, raising EPF and ESI ceilings, equal pay for contract workers, and a five-day banking system. The union opposes the Industrial Relations Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, calling them anti-worker.

Kumar said the government had promised to address concerns on labour codes on 21 November 2025 but the issues remain unresolved. The BMS will assess its strength after the protest before deciding the next course of action, he added.