Question:
In which year did the largest public sector undertaking, Railways, go on a strike ?
In which year did the largest public sector undertaking, Railways, go on a strike ?
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- Historic Railway Strike: Year 1974
- Key Leader: George Fernandes
- Primary Reason: Economic distress, high inflation, and bonus demand post-1971 war.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2026
- 1974
- 1973
- 1972
- 1971
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
In May 1974, India witnessed one of its largest industrial labor agitations in history—the All India Railwaymen's Strike .
Step 1: Leadership and context of the strike.
Led by socialist trade union leader George Fernandes under the banner of the *National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen's Struggle (NCCRS)*, over 1.7 million railway workers across India went on an indefinite strike starting on May 8, 1974 .
Step 2: Demands of the railway employees.
The workers demanded:
• Bonus payments equivalent to other public sector enterprises
• Standardized working hours (8-hour working shifts)
• Pay parity and wage revisions to match rising inflation
Step 3: Government response and historical impact.
The Central Government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a firm stance against the strike, declaring it illegal. Thousands of union workers were arrested, leading to widespread national confrontation. The strike lasted for 20 days before being called off unconditionally on May 28, 1974. This event intensified political unrest prior to the 1975 Emergency declaration.
Step 1: Leadership and context of the strike.
Led by socialist trade union leader George Fernandes under the banner of the *National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen's Struggle (NCCRS)*, over 1.7 million railway workers across India went on an indefinite strike starting on May 8, 1974 .
Step 2: Demands of the railway employees.
The workers demanded:
• Bonus payments equivalent to other public sector enterprises
• Standardized working hours (8-hour working shifts)
• Pay parity and wage revisions to match rising inflation
Step 3: Government response and historical impact.
The Central Government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a firm stance against the strike, declaring it illegal. Thousands of union workers were arrested, leading to widespread national confrontation. The strike lasted for 20 days before being called off unconditionally on May 28, 1974. This event intensified political unrest prior to the 1975 Emergency declaration.
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