Seven workers’ organisations in Assam have announced a week-long campaign titled “Sankalp Week” from January 25 to January 31, demanding recognition of workers’ constitutional rights and immediate state intervention to address worsening conditions across the transport and service sectors.
The announcement was made at a press briefing held on Saturday at the Guwahati Press Club, where representatives highlighted growing economic pressure on drivers, delivery workers, and other service-sector labourers operating in both organised and app-based systems.
What workers are demanding
Workers’ organisations in Assam have announced a “Sankalp Week” from January 25 to 31, demanding implementation of a ₹5 lakh health insurance policy and stronger legal safeguards. They say rising fuel costs, lack of social security, and unregulated platform-based work have increased hardship for transport and service workers across the state.
Rising hardship across transport and service sectors
According to the workers’ bodies, those most affected include drivers of passenger vehicles, e-rickshaws, bike taxis, delivery personnel, loading and unloading workers, and other service-sector employees. They cited rising fuel prices, increasing daily expenses, lack of legal protection, and limited access to social security as key challenges.
One organiser said many workers continue to operate without basic safeguards despite their services being essential to urban mobility and commerce. Representatives argued that the burden of rising operational costs is being passed entirely onto workers, while earnings remain unstable.
Concerns over platform-based work models
Speakers at the press meet pointed out that changes in work structures, particularly through app-based and platform-driven companies, have altered employment relationships. Workers claimed they are often left without a clear legal status, making them vulnerable to sudden penalties, account suspensions, and income loss.
They also alleged a lack of transparency in how companies impose fines or block worker accounts, leaving service providers with little recourse. The absence of formal grievance mechanisms, they said, has further weakened job security.
Demand for a ₹5 lakh health insurance policy
A major demand raised during Sankalp Week is the implementation of a ₹5 lakh health insurance coverage for workers. Representatives stated that the Central government has already issued guidelines proposing such coverage, but adoption and execution at the state level remain pending.
“The schemes exist on paper, but without state implementation, workers receive no benefit,” a representative said. The groups also highlighted that Assam’s 2019 scheme for household workers remains inactive, despite continued need.
Call for stronger state intervention
The organisations urged the Assam government to regulate transport and platform-based service operations to ensure fair practices, legal clarity, and access to social safety nets. They stressed that workers’ constitutional rights must be formally recognised, especially as the state’s economy increasingly depends on informal and semi-formal labour.
They said Sankalp Week will be used to raise awareness among workers and the public, while pressing authorities to initiate dialogue and concrete action.
Why this matters for Guwahati and Assam
Guwahati, as Assam’s largest urban centre, relies heavily on transport and service workers for daily functioning. Observers note that unresolved issues around worker security could affect mobility, logistics, and essential services if left unaddressed.
With rising urban costs and increasing dependence on platform-based labour, the demands raised during Sankalp Week reflect broader structural challenges facing Assam’s workforce.
What happens next
During the week-long campaign, workers’ organisations plan to engage in outreach and advocacy activities to push for policy implementation. Whether the state government responds with concrete measures or consultations remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sankalp Week announced by Assam workers?
Sankalp Week is a campaign from January 25 to 31 by workers’ organisations demanding legal recognition, social security, and implementation of welfare schemes, including health insurance.
What health insurance coverage are the workers demanding?
The workers are demanding implementation of a ₹5 lakh health insurance policy proposed under Central government guidelines, which they say has not yet been adopted by the state.
