Q: What is the UPSC significance of "Nationwide Strike Call on Feb 12: CITU, Farmers & Labour Unions Challenge Modi Govt’s New Labour Codes & Pro‑Farm Policies"?

On 4 February 2026, a round‑table in Eluru convened CITU, farmer and agricultural labour representatives who collectively condemned the four new labour codes as corporate‑friendly and opposed amendments to MGNREGA, the VB G Ram G scheme, and a steep rise in states’ financial contribution to employment programmes. They also objected to the Central Seed Act, Electricity Amendment Bill, pending FTAs with the US and EU, and the privatisation of public sector units like Visakhapatnam Steel. The coalition, which includes RTC, municipal, transport and medical unions, resolved to launch a nationwide strike on 12 February 2026, accompanied by rallies across mandals, to press the Centre for policy reversal.

Q: Which GS Paper does economy fall under for UPSC?

economy topics are covered under GS2 in the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. Current affairs on economy are regularly tested in UPSC examinations and require understanding of both policy dimensions and current developments.

Q: How is this current affair relevant for UPSC Mains answer writing?

For UPSC Mains, "Nationwide Strike Call on Feb 12: CITU, Farmers & Labour Unions Challenge Modi Govt’s New Labour Codes & Pro‑Farm Policies" can be linked to GS2 questions on economy. Focus on the causes, government response, challenges, and way forward. Use data points and connect it with relevant schemes and constitutional provisions for a high-scoring Mains answer.

CITU, Agricultural Labour Union and Rythu Sangham have called a nationwide strike on 12 Feb 2026, protesting the Modi government's new labour codes, changes to MGNREGA, and other pro‑corporate reforms. The decision follows a 4 Feb round‑table in Eluru where leaders demanded withdrawal of the codes and broader policy reversals.

Overview On 12 February 2026 , the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) , the Agricultural Labour Union and the Rythu Sangham announced a nationwide general strike against what they term the Modi government’s anti‑worker and anti‑farmer policies . The decision follows a round‑table held on 4 February 2026 at the CITU district office in Eluru, where leaders of trade unions, farmer bodies and agricultural labour groups deliberated on the impact of the four new labour codes, amendments to MGNREGA and other legislative moves. Key Developments Development 1: The Eluru meeting, chaired by district president R. Lingaraju , culminated in the formal release of strike posters and a pledge to organise rallies across all mandals. Development 2: Union leaders – A. Ravi (A.P. Agricultural Labour Union), D.N.V.D. Prasad (CITU district secretary) and K. Srinivas (A.P. Rythu Sangham) – condemned the four new labour codes for favouring corporate interests and demanded their withdrawal. Development 3: Concerns were voiced over proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) , the introduction of the VB G Ram G scheme , and a hike in states’ financial contribution from 10 % to 40 % , which could jeopardise guaranteed employment for agricultural labourers. Important Facts Fact 1: The strike call targets not only the labour codes but also the Central Seed Act , the Electricity Amendment Bill , pending free‑trade agreements with the U.S. and the E.U. , and the privatisation of public sector units such as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant . Fact 2: Representatives from RTC, municipal workers, transport unions and medical unions attended the meeting, indicating a broad-based coalition against the perceived policy drift. UPSC Relevance This episode touches upon multiple strands of the UPSC syllabus. In GS‑II (Polity), it raises questions about the balance of power between the Centre and states in labour legislation. GS‑III (Economy & Development) demands analysis of the impact of the new labour codes on informal employment, corporate‑state relations, and agrarian distress. GS‑I (Indian Society) offers a lens to examine the mobilisation of workers, farmers and women in contemporary protest movements. Optional papers such as Public Administration and Sociology can explore the dynamics of trade‑union politics and policy advocacy. Way Forward Should the strike materialise on 12 February , it could pressure the government to revisit the labour codes and MGNREGA amendments. A constructive way forward would involve a tripartite dialogue among the Ministry of Labour & Employment, state governments, and the concerned unions to strike a balance between ease of doing business and safeguarding workers’ rights. Monitoring the outcome will be crucial for aspirants to gauge policy shifts and their electoral ramifications.

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