“The
workers in India are only a section of the people and not a class
apart. The culture and their tradition form part of the common heritage
of the people of India. In organizing them and seeking the redressal of
their grievances, ways and means have to be evolved in consonance with
our condition. No more grafting or transplantation of a foreign ideology
or method however suited to the condition else where, is likely to
yield healthy results here. What is required is an indigenous movement
having its roots in the Indian and soil. Such a movement has for long
been in existence and has attained a remarkable center. A new
organization, that would give the correct lead to the working class and
strives to established social justice, peace and security with a
constitution and working. Which would be essentially democratic giving
every one of its constituent units ample scope for free expression of
views and action has become imperative.”
Thus declared the iron man and unifier of India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in his presidential address to unique congregation of national leader like Pandit Javaharlal Nehru, Jagjivan Ram, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia, G. Ramanujam, V.V. David,
Shankar Rao Deo, B.G. Kher, O.P. Ramasami Reddiar, Ravi ShankarShukla,
Hare Krishna Mehtab, S.K. Patil, Kamaldevi Chattopadhyaya, Ahoka Mehta,
R.R. Diwakar and Bhimasen Sacar. Prominent among the labour leaders
attending the conference were G.L. Nanda, Khadubhai Desai, Suresh
Chandra Banerjee, Abid Ali Jaffarbhoy Michael John, Deven Sen, Harihar
Nath Shashtri, S.R. Vasavda, S.P. Sen, R.K. Khedgikar, G.L. Mapara and
G.D. Ambekar. They had all gathered at conference, held at the
Constitution Club, New Delhi on May 3 and 4 ,1947 , determined to form a
new trade union centre which could voice the genuine demands for
realizing the aspirations of the working class in the country, at the
same time keeping the national interest foremost in view. The number of
trade unions centre which could voice the genuine demands for
realization of the working class in the country, at the same time
keeping the national interest foremost in view. The number of trade
unions represented at the same conference was 200 with a total
membership of over 5,65,000.
Acharya
J.B. Kripalani, the then president of the Indian National Congess who
inaugurated the conference, in his address said: “ The proposed
organization should not hesitate to employe the weapon of strike, if it
were essential to promote the true interest of labour. But that weapon
is to be employed only after due consideration and with aim was to
achieve any legitimate economic and social objective. But it would
however , not only be misuse of this weapon but doing actual harm to
labour’s own interests if it were to be employes for the attainment of
sectional political ends. If labour were to submit its organized
strength to such exploitation. It would become a mere tool in the hands
of unscrupulous party politicians.
Blessing
the new organization, the Acharya said: “It is a happy augury for the
Indian working class that trained and trusted leaders of the labour
movement are starting the new central organization on healthy lines.”
Explaining the circumstances that led to the proposed organization, Shri Ghulzari Lal Nanda,
Secretary of the Hindustan Mazdoor Sewak Sangh under whose auspices
the meeting was held, pointed out that to disclosed the productive
organization of the nation at that crucial period in the history of the
country was really to strike a direct blow on the life of the nation and
its political integrity and it would harm which the communist activity
was causing from day to day if to mischief was not counteracted at
once.
Concluding Shri Nanda said:
“While there is no common ground between those inspired by communist
philosophy and those who have fail in democracy, the proposed
organization can provide a broad platform and ensure the largest measure
of unity as the latter in pursuit of the aim of the labour movement.”
The main resolution moved by Dr. Suresh Chandra Banrjee said:
“Whereas the course of the labour movement in the country is taking
under the leadership of those who are opposed to peaceful change and
democratic methods has provide extremely detrimental to the growth of
strong and healthy trade unionism and is doing incalculable harm to the
true interest of the masses of the country and whereas it has become a
scared and imperative obligation of those who are for the well-being of
the working class to take concerted action to safeguard and promote its
interest, it is resolved that to give effect to this purpose, an
organization – called the INDIAN NATIONAL TRDE UNION CONGRESS be formed.”
The resolution was by late Michael John and was passed by an overwhelming majority.
The resolution was by late Michael John and was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Thus TUC wasINTUC was born on May 3, 1947 as historic necessity, just before Indian attained independence. The constitution of IN adopted in the second day’s proceedings of the conference, Mahatma Gandhi who was then in Delhi also blessed the new found trade union centre.
