Thousands of factories have been closed down by a one-day strike in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Seven leftist trade unions, led by one affiliated to West Bengal's ruling Marxists, observed the stoppage to press for an eight-point charter of demands for unorganised labour in the state.

Although West Bengal has been ruled by a leftist coalition for more than 20 years, the unions say labour remains to be organised in more than half the state's industries and is deprived of basic rights.

The unions said nearly 5 million unorganised labourers closed down thousands of industries as they took the first step towards getting organised to secure minimum wages, medical benefits and other facilities enjoyed by organised labour.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the state. Essential services like hospitals and public transport were spared.