During this era labor problems brought new angle to the industrialization. The Russian revolution (1917) had brought new light, affects of which were clearly evident on the city. Wave of Socialism and Communism were gaining ground. Until now labor struggle was not recognized and activities likewise were considered as unpatriotic. But laborer’s had serious problems, which deserved attention. The Second phase of Industrial developments began from 1925, on one hand entrepreneur were finding way’s to maximize profits and on the other, thoughts like Humanity, Socialism and Independence were gaining ground.
On 17th July 1920 after numerous requests’ “Kanpur Mazdoor Sabha” was registered. The Government of State in “Upper India Chamber of Commerce” required certain conditions to be fulfilled before recognition. Mr. Gavin Jones blamed that “unions are being led by people who are not workers themselves (e.g. Ganesh shanker vidyarthi, Ganga sahai chaubey)” he said that “they are using this platform for achievement of their political purpose”. 15 July 1920 Vidyaar Khan said “Mazdoor are so much in numbers that if they leave the city, the city will b veeran (empty)”.
It became mandatory for the political leaders to talk about the workers because of their sheer numbers. The period and circumstances also forced them to follow in footsteps of Gandhi who was mobilizing the masses in the same fashion. The whole uprising aandolan was based on two issues. One was Britisher’s v/s Indians & the other was Owner’s v/s Workers.
This lead to numerous strikes on demands of good working conditions and increment in wages. Due to these strikes British lost their interest in Cawnpore, they started extracting profit as much as they could, which left no finance for modernization. They left the business to the disposal of Indian Businessman, who supported them for maximum benefits in minimum time. As a result in 1924-38 many Indians took control of the business & started rising. JK OIL, Cawnpore Chemicals, Swar Plastic, Heavy Chemicals & Machinery part factories were est. JK Hosiery, JK Jute, P Sugar Mills, Singh Engg, JK Cotton , Laxmiratan Cotton, JK Iron & Maheshwari Jute mill were established.
The Freedom Struggle
In 1942 Quit India Movement started, Government policies were exploitive and political leaders of all ideologies were being sent to jail, except the Communist’s who were against the movement. As a result Unions and workers were taken over by Communist. This move hampered the unity amongst the workers as they got divided. Soon fragmentations on the basis of cast, creed, and region started forming and number of Unions started rising. The people coming in the city (refugees) played a vital role, the original concept of Quality was changed and business like transport was taken up by them. Practices like Black marketing, fraud, duplication of products, and exploitation for maximum benefits, all started in this period. On one hand it led to creation of an environment against commercialization & British in particular on the other it boosted thoughts like Socialism and Communism.
On 15th August 1947 India got its independence and so did the city of “Cawnpore”, which was nurtured by the colonial rulers, came to its end and died only to reborn as “Kanpur”.
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