NEW DELHI: With the West Asia crisis raging, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has demanded that the Centre make an immediate and honest assessment of the availability and distribution of fertilisers, LPG, and essential commodities as well as bring in price control measures.
In an official statement, General Secretary of AITUC, Amarjeet Kaur said, "The global disruptions caused by the conflict have begun to severely affect the supply chains of essential commodities, including fertilisers, LPG, and food supplies. This has posed a grave threat to food security and severely jeopardises livelihood in our country."
The General Secretary also demanded the government ensure price control and universal access to critical inputs for agriculture and household consumption.
The working class, particularly migrant workers, have been the most distressed in this crisis and are fleeing to their respective States after losing livelihoods, the Union claimed. The statement called for universalisation and strengthening of the Public Distribution System to prevent food insecurity.
The AITUC called for providing direct support to farmers and workers affected by supply disruptions and price rise. The Union asked the Centre to "engage with the trade unions, farmers' organisations, and state governments in a transparent and consultative manner to collectively address the crisis".
Criticising PM Narendra Modi for his statement in the Parliament that there was no shortage of fertilisers and LPG, they charged that it "was not only misleading but also grossly irresponsible".
Ground realities across states indicate rising input costs, shortage of supply of LPG and LNG and growing distress among farmers and workers, Kaur said.
"The working class and peasantry are already reeling under inflation, unemployment, and declining real wages/incomes. The escalation of geopolitical tensions has compounded these hardships," AITUC said.
"Fertiliser shortages directly affect agricultural productivity, while LPG price volatility disproportionately burdens poor households and women. Together, these trends point towards an impending crisis of food availability and affordability," the union added.
Calling upon the government to seek peace in the West Asia, AITUC said all available international platforms, including the United Nations, must be used to call for de-escalation, ceasefire, and a negotiated resolution to the conflict.