Central trade unions in India began a nationwide strike today over new farm and labour laws, reports The Hindu, adding that public services are likely to be affected. The day-long strike has been called for by a joint platform of ten central trade unions who are protesting against the new farm and labour laws, among other workers-related issues, as well as to raise various demands. They have also asked the government to withdraw all anti-farmer laws and anti-worker labour codes and stop privatisation of the public sector, including the financial sector and to stop the corporatisation of government-run manufacturing and service entities like railways, ordinance factories, ports etc. Among other demands, the unions have sought withdrawal of the “draconian” circular on forced premature retirement of government and PSU (public sector undertaking) employees. They also demand expansion of MGNREGA (the rural employment guarantee scheme), to provide 200 days’ work in a year in rural areas at enhanced wages and also extension of the employment guarantee to urban areas. The joint platform of unions also demand a cash transfer of INR 7,500 (USD 101.57) per month to all non-income tax paying families and 10 kilograms of free ration to every needy person per month.