Team Charcha
77th Foundation Day of INTUC Celebrated at New Delhi
The INTUC celebrated its 77th Foundation day on 3rd May all over India and the National Working Committee of INTUC was also held on the same day at New Delhi. On April 18, 1947, Shri Gulzarilal Nanda, Secretary of the Hindustan Mazdoor Sevak Sangh wrote to all nationalist minded trade union leaders in the country pointing out the pressure brought on the Sangh to initiate action for the formation of a new body which could voice the genuine demands of the working class for realizing their aspirations.
The letter also proposed to hold a meeting on May 3 and 4, 1947 at New Delhi for a frank appraisal of the existing situation and for taking necessary steps to protect and promote the interests of both the workers and the country, which was on the threshold of achieving political freedom.
The opening session was held at the Constitution Club at New Delhi on May 3, 1947. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel presided. Acharya JB Kripalani, the then President of Indian National Congress inaugurated the Conference.National Leaders like Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shankar Rao Deo, Jagjivan Ram, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia, RR Diwakar BG Kher, OP Ramasami Reddiar, Ravi Shankar Shukla, HarekrushnaMahatab, SK Patil, KamaladeviChattopadhyaya Ashok Mehta, Dr.Hardikar, Bhimsen Sachar and labour leaders GL Nanda, Khandubhai Desai, Suresh Chandra Banerjee, Abid Ali Jaffarbhoy, Michael John, Deven Sen, Harihar Nath Shastri, SR Vasavada, GL Mapara, GD Ambekar, VV Dravid, SP Dave, RA Kedgikar, Shibnath Banerji and G. Ramanujam gathered in the Conference at Delhi.
Gulzari Lal Nanda, Secretary of Hindustan Mazdoor Sewak Sangh explained about the need of an organization. In the presence of all National leaders, Dr. Suresh Chandra Banerjee moved the main resolution for formation of Indian National Trade Union Congress which was seconded by Michel John. Thus INTUC was born on May 3, 1947.
The Conference elected Dr. Suresh Chandra Banerjee and Khandubhai Desai as first President and General Secretary respectively with a 19 member executive committee. The number of unions represented in the inaugural meet were around 200 with a total membership of over 575,000. Today, the membership of INTUC turns 35 million from approx. 5500 affiliated unions. The 77thFoundation Day function was Chaired by Dr. G Sanjeeva Reddy, President INTUC at New Delhi on 3rd May and attended by the members of the Working Committee of INTUC.
In his Presidential address Dr. Reddy congratulated all the members and union leaders for their hard work to strengthen the organization. He highlighted the issues before the trade unions and workers. He stated that in an era marked by rapid economic changes and technological advancements, it is imperative that we prioritise the wellbeing of those who toil tirelessly to sustain our nation’s prosperity The members of the working committee took part in discussions on organisational matters based on the agenda presented before the house and in addition to the Political Resolution, the working committee also passed resolutions on apprenticeship in India, Organising Gig and Platform Workers, Arbitration, Contract Workers and Workers Issues in General. In conclusion, Dr. G. SanjeevaReddy President summarized the proceedings of the Working Committee and thanked all the members for their active participation and cooperation. Dr. Sanjay Singh, General Secretary rendered vote of thanksand conveyed special mention to Dr. G. Sanjeeva Reddy for conducting the meeting at Delhi on the Foundation Day
:The Indian Worker
