Agricultural Workers in Action the Story of the Shramik Sangathan

Abstract

Organisation of agricultural workers poses several problems. They are scattered, ignorant and illiterate; working under, not one, but several employers. Their living conditions are dismal and therefore tend to dampen the enthusiasm of those who set out to work amongst them. Mainly due to these difficulties the trade unions and political parties have been able to organise only a very small fraction of nearly five crores agricultural labourers. Devoted and dedicated cadres, with a high level of commitment and conscious-ness, alone can play a meaningful role in organising the rural proletrait. These cadres need patience, understanding of the problems and issues which can help mobilisation of the landless labour. Also, they have to master the tactics and strategy of wielding them into a powerful fighting force by overcoming political, social, economic and cultural handicaps.