NEW DELHI, Jul 23: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday called for an assessment of the impact of emerging technologies on society and the labour market, saying it must be ensured that they do not impact work opportunities.
Addressing an event held here to mark 70 years of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s foundation, Bhagwat underscored the need to pay greater attention to the unorganised sector to ensure that workers do not face any exploitation by their employers.
Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya was present at the event, attended by a large number of delegates, including representatives of various trade unions.
“Technology is coming … When new technologies come, they bring many new questions as well. What will happen to unemployment? Will it reduce unemployment, or increase?” Bhagwat said in an apparent reference to Artificial Intelligence and concerns around its use.
He said technology makes mankind’s nature a “bit harsh” and “somewhat” reduces the respect for labour.
“Technology can’t be rejected. New technology will come. But how to handle it and ensure that it doesn’t affect the labour sector needs to be looked into,” he said.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief said the use of new technologies should bring happiness in society, instead of creating “new problems.”
“That’s why there is a need to ponder over (this issue) and act. We will have to do this,” he said.
“The unorganised sector is so vast and even within the organised sector, many remain unorganised … Work has to be done to do justice and respect for labour across all sectors,” he added.
Bhagwat hailed the journey of the BMS since its inception on July 23 in 1955, and said it has become the largest labour organisation in the world.
“When Dattopant Thengadiji founded this organisation under the name of Mazdoor Sangh, he often visited several labour organisations. BMS was very small at that time. People from other unions used to mock and say, ‘Your saffron flag cannot rise in this field,'” he said.
“They questioned our ideology. Today, Thengadiji’s vision stands vindicated. And that has been made possible by the tireless efforts of the BMS karyakartas,” he said.
“We talk about dharma, not religion. Dharma, a religion that unites society, uplifts it and gives happiness to everyone at all times,” said the right-wing ideologue.
He said it is an occasion of joy for the BMS’ achieving the 70-year milestone.
“But, it is also a moment to look back and introspect: How BMS began, what motivated it, what it achieved, and what lies ahead. This is not just a commemoration, but a movement powered by values and vision,” Bhagwat added.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is an affiliate of the RSS.
Addressing the event, Mandaviya said different trade unions have different work cultures, which align with their ideologies, but the BMS has prepared their working culture according to the Indian lifestyle, “which is reflected in their discussion on labour issues with me.”
It is the workers who make roads, bridges and other infrastructure, and it is this strength that is driving the development and economic growth of the country, he said.
The minister said a delegation, led by the BMS International Labour Conference, presented the India Model at the International Labour Organisation.
“We have managed COVID with the India Model and succeeded. Service of mankind is our nature, and that is why India managed the COVID pandemic very well,” the minister said.
He hoped that the BMS would work for the welfare of workers and the nation with full vigour. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
