Tens of millions strike in India in battle for higher wages

Reports suggest more than 150 million workers have gone on strike against the government's economic reforms

Indian workers participate in a rally during a nationwide strike called by trade unions in Hyderabad, India (AP)

Millions of public sector workers have gone on strike in India to protest against the government’s economic policies.

Public transport was disrupted and state-run banks, power stations and factories were closed as 10 trade unions called nationwide walkouts.

Reports suggested more than 150 million workers were taking part in the industrial action but the figure had not been confirmed.

"This strike is against the central government, this strike is for the cause of the working people," Ramen Pandey, president of West Bengal Indian National Trade Union Congress, told Al Jazeera.

"Our strike will be 100 per cent successful ... we will prove that this strike is the world's largest ever."

The strike was called after union leaders rejected the government’s offer to increase the minimum wage for unskilled workers from 6,396 rupees (£72) a month to 9,100 rupees (£102).

There are also concerns that raising caps on foreign investment could lead to privatisation and eventually to the loss of jobs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has argued the reforms are needed to improve the economy.

Protestors took to the streets to campaign against the reforms and more than 20 people were arrested after two government buses were damaged, police official Anuj Sharma told the AFP news agency.