 "Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu unveils the list of smart cities. Photo: ANI")
Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has called Friday's strike – organised by various unions – as illegal.
Ten central trade unions across the country have called for a nationwide strike against the "anti-labour policies" of the government.
He said that the Government has held discussions with the unions and addressed most of their demands.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Regional Editors Conference, organised by the Press Information Bureau here, the Minister of Urban Development and Housing Urban Poverty, Naidu, said that the Modi government has enhanced wages of unskilled people to Rs 350 from Rs 246.
The government also doubled statutory Bonus. Further, the salary ceiling has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000.
Minimum pension was Rs 30 to Rs 300, which was increased to Rs 1,000.
Bonus limit was increased and various social security schemes were launched, said the minister.
The Union minister said that foreign direct investment (FDI) is important for the Indian economy and to create jobs.
"Reforms are needed to attract investments and FDI will create new jobs," said the minister.
Meanwhile, impact of the strike in Chennai was not felt much, except in bank branches.
Public transportation and autos were operating normally on Friday morning.
