Friday, February 16, 2024

Bharat Bandh was a sign and proof of people's power and will

 Friday: 16th February 2024 at 4:43 PM

 Bharat Bandh proved as passion and energy sign of peoples 


Ludhiana
:16th February 2024: (Media Link//The Comrade Screen Desk)

Bharat Bandh has shown the country and the world the passion and energy of people's power. Bharat Bandh has brought out the anger and protest against the Modi government before the world. It strongly was seen in the villages from dawn to dusk. The impact of this Bharat Bandh was very strong in Ludhiana, Mohali, Mansa, Faridkot, Kharar, Jalandhar and in many other places too. 

The purpose and message of this bandh seemed to have reached every home. People were seen closing their business establishments. While walking on the streets, middle-class shopkeepers closed their shops and sat outside them with stools and chairs. These people were also supporting the bandh and encouraging the people on the way to make the bandh successful. 

People who were near the places of dharnas and rallies were listening to the speakers very attentively. Wherever the farmers, laborers and workers were standing, the boys and girls passing by were making videos of the sit-in with their mobile phones and sending them to their acquaintances living far away. 

On the way, the streets were deserted like a curfew tzpype look. Despite this, the volunteers of the farmer workers were sending the people who had left their homes for medical needs and other necessary tasks in different directions by giving them the right directions. 

Those who had left without need, their vehicles were being sent back after being towed from the nearby cut. Water, tea, biscuits, chips and langars were also provided at the places of dharnas and rallies. 

The traffic was also being stopped by blocking the roads with tractors, trolleys and big trolleys which did not understand the seriousness of the Bharat Bandh. During this Bharat Bandh, people freely came out on the streets against the anti-people policies and impertinent behavior of the Modi government. 

During the rallies held at different places, the speakers strongly condemned the government's behavior towards the farmers' movement. Strongly condemning the atrocities on farmers and workers, it was described as unfortunate. 

Along with this, the decision of the Supreme Court abolishing the election bond was praised and this decision was welcomed. The speakers said that this decision exposes the corporate corruption of the Modi government, so it had to happen.

Workers and farmers out in streets for Bharat Bandh

Criticized governments atrocities on farmers at Shambhu border

Demand Modi’s resignation after Supreme Court verdict on Electoral Bonds

Amid the resounding slogans of Mazdoor Kisan Ekta, a rally was held here today at Bus Stand Ludhiana on the call of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the Central Trade Unions Sectoral Federations/Associations for nationwide strike and Bharat Bandh. 

This call has been given against the repressive policies of the Modi government and its turning away from the commitment given while withdrawing the three Agricultural Bills. After the rally thousands of workers, employees and people from other sections of the society marched to the Mini Secretariat. 

Then a rally was held at the Mini Secretariat which was addressed by the leaders of various organizations including AITUC, CITU, CTU and INTUC. The speakers condemned the Modi government's repression on the farmers at the Shambhu border and throwing of tear gas shells with Drones and firing with plastic pellets on the peacefully protesting farmers. 

Several of them have been injured as a result of the repression. This is against the constitutional provisions of our country which guarantees the freedom of expression and protest to all the citizens. The government has completely turned away from fulfilling the commitment on the farmers demands after the Prime Minister Narendera Modi withdrew three Agriculture Bills. The speakers at the rallies blamed that laws are being made constantly against the workers and the government is all out to serve the corporate sector. 

Whereas the poor people are being denied right to livelihood and jobs and are suffering under the exorbitant price rise, the corporate sector has been given ample concessions in the form of tax reduction declaring their unpaid loans as NPA and these are being waived off. Against this, workers, employees, farmers, students, youth, women, small and medium entrepreneurs, small shopkeepers and others have sounded the bugle. 

Today's action in which the farmers have observed Band in every village and the workers have gone on strike across the country is a reflection of the growing resentment among the people. Having failed on all fronts the government is resorting to dangerous game of splitting the society on communal lines and engineering communal riots to garner votes.  The Supreme Court verdict on Electoral Bonds has completely exposed that this is the most corrupt government of the on-going period.

The protesters emphasized the following major demands, among others:

•Provide statutory guarantee and purchase guarantee as per the formula of MSP @ C2+50% for farmers produce.

•Stop privatization of public sector enterprises.

• Withdraw four labor codes that are anti-worker and anti-employee.

• Withdraw the provisional recruitment of Agni Veers under the Agnipath scheme in the army and make permanent recruitment as before.

• Reject the pro-rich and anti-people New Education Policy 2020.

• Repeal the new pension scheme, restore the old pension scheme.

• Bring all group construction workers under ESI scheme for free health facility.

 • Withdraw the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022. Don't install a pre-paid smart meter.

• Make minimum wage for workers Rs.26000/- per month.

•Guarantee 200 days of work per year and Rs.700/- per diem under MGNREGA.

• Guarantee food security and expand the public distribution system.

• Make a memorial at Singhu border for all martyred farmers, give compensation and rehabilitate their families, withdraw all pending cases.

• Sack and prosecute Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Tenny.

The protestors said that it has become very important to prevent the Modi-led BJP government from coming back to power in 2024, otherwise the policy of not only the rights of farmers, anti-labourers and the corporate sector will continue in this country but also the name of religion in the society. By creating divisions, the unity, integrity and constitution of our country will be threatened. 

Those who addressed the rally include Comrades Bant Singh Brar – President AITUC Punjab, Mangat Ram Pasla – Vice President CTU, Subhash Rani, D P Maur, M S Bhatia, Vijay Kumar, Jagdish Chand, Joginder Ram, Sukhwinder Singh Lotey, Chamkaur Singh, Dr Rajinder Pal Singh Aulukh, Dr Arun Mitra and others.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

'Countrywide Labor Protest Day' on 8 February

Sunday: 28th January 2024 at 5:29 PM

All the existing legal labor rights should be strictly implemented


Ludhiana
28th January 2024: (Media Link Ravinder//The Comrade Screen Desk)::

‘Mazdoor Adhikar Sangharsh Abhiyan’ (MASA), a joint platform of various labor organizations, has called for celebrating February 8 as country-wide Labor Resistance Day. On this day, protests will be held by different organizations of workers in different parts of the country against the Indian and state governments regarding the problems and demands of the workers.

Supporting this call, 'Karkhana Mazdoor Union', 'Textile-Hosiery Workers Union' and rural laborers' organization 'Pendu Mazdoor Union (Mashal)' will hold a protest at Samrala Chowk in Ludhiana. 

This decision was taken today in the meeting of representatives of the three organizations. Issuing a press statement, Lakhwinder, President of Factory Workers Union, Punjab, said that this protest is against the exploitation of workers by domestic and foreign capitalists, the crushing of people's rights by Indian and state governments and the incitement of hatred in the name of religion by fascist forces. Will be opposed. There will be a demand from the Indian and state governments that the monthly minimum wage should be Rs 26000 for eight hours of work. This should be done, equal pay should be implemented for women as men for equal work, Modi government should immediately withdraw the new four anti-worker labor laws/codes. 

All anti-worker amendments made in labor laws by the state governments should also be cancelled. The Bhagwant government of Punjab should cancel the notification to increase overtime hours, all the existing legal labor rights should be strictly implemented, back-breaking inflation should be stopped, all direct and indirect taxes imposed on the working people should be canceled, according to the increasing income of the capitalists. 

Taxes should be imposed, all the facilities related to ration, health, education, bus-train travel, accommodation and other basic needs should be provided free of cost to the laborers by the government, communal-fascist attacks on democratic rights should stop, spreading hatred based on religion and caste should stop. yes. Labor organizations have appealed to maximum number of workers to participate in these protests.

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Friday, July 28, 2023

Manipur: CPI leader along with workers came out on the streets

 Sat 28 July 2023 15:26 from WhatsApp 

Stop violence & Dismiss Manipur govt. immediately–Brar 


Mohali
: 28 July 2023: (Kartika Singh//The Comrade Screen):: 

While the whole country is worried about the violent incidents in Manipur, the eyes of the whole world are focused on this matter. The greatness of India and the honor of women, on which we all were proud, has been degraded before the world with the news of these incidents. November-84 lasted for three days but the series of Manipur continues from the month of May. 

Along with writers, artists and trade unions, political leaders are also in the fray against the elements responsible for these violent incidents. For this protest, senior and militant leader of CPI, Bant Singh Brar has come out on the streets along with his colleagues. Continuing this protest campaign, strong protest and anger was also expressed in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, Mohali today. Fellow princes and other leaders had also arrived with their companions. Despite the bad weather, CPI comrades raised their voice against this oppression.

Protest by Communist Party of India (CPI), Chandigarh and Mohali was an open expression of anger with grief on Manipur incidents. This protest was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mohali against the atrocities on minorities, in which many trade union members, women's organizations, writers, intellectuals, students and a large number of women participated. During this Protest, companions Devi Dayal Sharma, Raj Kumar, Vinod Chugh, Brij Mohan, Gurnam Singh, Jatinderpal Singh, Karam Singh Vakil, Mahinderpal Singh, teacher leaders Ranjit Kaur, Surjit Kaur Kalra, Aman Bhogal, Manjit Kaur Meet, Sukhpal Hundal, Pritam Singh Hundal, Balkar Sidhu, Dildar, Prince Sharma, Kamaljit Singh, Baljit Singh, Gurdial Singh, Gurmeet Singh and Bhupinder Singh also addressed. 

The speakers strongly condemned the violence against minorities and women in Manipur terming it as unfortunate. CPI state secretary comrade Bant Brar said that Manipur government has miserably failed to control riots and insecurity and this government has no right to continue in power. Therefore, it should be dissolved and President's rule should be imposed immediately. 

He also demanded that immediate steps should be taken to remove this anti-people government to restore peace and ensure safety of minorities and women by pacifying communal harmony as usual. Making serious allegations on this whole development, CPI leaders said that this double engine government is deliberately spreading communal riots. First Gujarat suffered and now Manipur is burning. Don't know tomorrow which state's peace law will burn in this communal fire? He urged the people of the country to be aware and recognize the two forces of the people. 

He said that the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab should also immediately support the flood affected Punjabis and give proper and fair compensation to the flood affected Punjabis. At the end, thanks were given to the friends who came and Karam Singh Vakil conducted the stage in his literary style.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

CPI Condemns Farcical FIR against Annie Raja

 Tuesday 11th July 2023 at 04:05 PM

She was leading the NFIW’s Fact Finding Team

New Delhi: 11th July 2023: (Karthika Singh//The Comrade Screen Desk)

CPI Condemns Farcical FIR against Annie Raja and other members of NFIW’s Fact Finding Team. The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued the following statement today (on July 11, 2023):

The Communist Party of India strongly condemns the FIR filed against Annie Raja, General Secretary NFIW and member of National Executive of CPI, Nisha Sidhu, National Secretary, NFIW and leader of CPI in Rajasthan and Deeksha Dwivedi, independent lawyer, who were part of the NFIW led fact-finding team to Manipur. The FIR filed at Imphal on 8th July 2023 is clearly vindictive and malicious without any element of truth in it. This invocation of criminal proceedings against reputed women leaders is a clear indication of the abuse of power by the local component of the ‘double engine government’. The CPI views the criminalization of the democratic process of fact-finding as an assault on constitutional ethos. The double-engine government of BJP seems keen on escaping all manners of transparency and accountability to the citizenry of this country.

The CPI also condemns various other malicious FIRs against tribal students’ organizations and their functionaries, rights activists and intellectuals like Prof. Kham Khan Suan Hausing of the University of Hyderabad. The ruling dispensation remains true to its fascist drive by attempting to crush dissent, criticality, dialogue, and even the very right to speech.

For almost three months now, the state of Manipur is undergoing severe crisis and instability with an unprecedented loss of life and property. While several factors are at play in the current situation that are exacerbating the violence, the most glaring and unacceptable one is the absolute State apathy and inaction. The silence of the Prime Minister and incompetence of the incumbent chief minister stand antithetical to all Constitutional values. The action as well as the inaction of the governments in the current crisis displays the RSS-BJP combine’s pro-corporate agenda. The experiences of Gujarat are before us of how these right-wing forces in power have made use of the fissures in society to push through with their divisive anti-people policies.

The CPI and the democratic forces will stand up before any kind of intimidation and fight legally and politically to uphold truth and justice.

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Amarjeet kaur//Observe May Day with more Vigour

28th April 2023 at 8:36 PM

Save Democracy,  Save people, Save Nation


New Delhi: 30th April 2023: (The Comrade Screen Desk)::

May day reminds us the huge sacrifice of the workers and their unions to assert that the workers be treated as human beings and not as animals. Rather one could claim that the discourse of human rights was initiated by the labour movement in the human history. Their cry for fixed working  hours, 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, and 8 hours for recreation and rejuvenation with the family echoed in various parts of the world in 19th century. In India too the demand of fixed hours of work began from 1866, when the unions were yet to be born sector wise, as till then the collectives for common cause was through community bases. It was in 1886 that the workers in Chicago began their protest strike on 1st May, that followed the bomb explosion by the conspirators to find an excuse to crush the movement. The eight leaders arrested, four of them were given death sentence, two died in jail and two were given life imprisonment.

It was in 1889 that in an international meeting of workers associations where Karl Marx talked of the cry of working class, the incidents of May protest in Chicago and suggested to observe May day for paying tributes to the martyrs of that struggle and to continue the struggle for fixed working  hours. It was from 1890 that the day began to be observed with a slogan "Workers of the World Unite"

The struggle continued and the first convention of ILO was on eight hours working day in its foundation conference in 1919.

In India an AITUC union in the leadership of M Singarvelu was the first to observe May day in 1923 in present day Tamilnadu.

The working class the world over is facing a severe situation of reversal of various labour rights won over after hard and prolonged battle including the right to fixed working hours and right to strike. The attack on the labour rights and unions is the tool for the pro corporate governments to weaken and stifle the collective bargaining to continue their support to the monopoly Capitalists for super profits overriding the rights of working masses. 

May day 2023 would be observed with more vigour by the working class this year for several pressing reasons. Taking into cognizance of the political developments which are moving at very fast pace on every front in the year before General Elections in 2024, it is utmost important to asses the situation

In  India also we are confronted with a situation when the hard won labour rights after a struggle of 150 years are under threat from the anti labour policies and the codification of labour laws being pursued by PM Narendra Modi led RSS- BJP government. This is in order to weaken and cripple the unions as they are opposed to the economic policies which are pro corporate of foreign and Indian brand and is a  reversal of self reliant economic model which India adopted post independence. These policies have been resulting into increased gaps in the living standards of people, bringing in more indebtedness and miseries in their lives. 

The economy is further in deterioration. With the ever-rising prices of essential commodities, the cereals, pulses, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, cooking gas (at about Rs 1200 a cylinder), retail milk prices rose more than 15 percent in last one year, the cost of education and health care rising, whereas the income/wage increase is not taking place, it is becoming very difficult for subsistence of the poor working masses with every passing day. 

The last full budget of Modi led BJP Govt. before general elections to Lok Sabha reflects the continued trend of the government leading the pro corporate policies at the cost of the interests of workers, farmers and the poor vulnerable sections in general. The corporates getting more concessions whereas the budget allocations on education, health, civic amenities, SC/ST sub-plan reduced, MGNREGA allocation reduced by 30 percent, relative reduction in the allocation to various social welfare schemes is very much evident. The budget was jugglery of decorated words. 

The budget speech of the Finance Minister was laced with falsehood. The estimations presented as achievements were far from truth at the ground level.The seven key priorities as listed in the budget such as the inclusive growth, reaching the last mile, youth power etc. remained empty without any substance. None of the real issues concerning working people were addressed such as the reverse back to Old Pension scheme, Social security to all, Pension to all, regularisation of scheme workers, raise in the minimum wages for the unorganized/informal and agricultural labour, filling of sanctioned posts in the centre and states etc. This budget left behind the interests of the nation, its 94% informal economy work force who contribute 60% of the GDP. 

Budget did not address long term employment and creation of quality jobs. 10 million new job seekers enter the job market every year. Unemployment is at its peak of 34%.  Budget talks about demand-based skilling. Skilling comes with formal education. Leaving behind the reality of formal education in India, skilling makes no sense. New age courses for Industry 4.0 aims at a very small section of technically educated youth leaving behind a large section of the deserving. The budget mentioned for spending on higher education, in actual it is a blue print already to bring foreign universities. BJP government has only been allocating less than 3% of GDP on education so far. Reduced public spending on health has made poverty accentuate in India. Spending on agriculture is reduced to the extent of paying doles to farmers which is the election gimmick. The relief to women and senior citizens by way of enhancing the limit of deposit does not translate into any big benefit. Widening Gender wage disparity and dwindling women employment rate was not addressed. 

The Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises(MSMEs) were not adequately addressed. What is given by way of enhancing guarantee is too small for the huge sector, that is the engine of growth and employment generator. 

No attempt to increase tax income by taxing the rich and corporates. The borrowings to make up deficit is already visible. India’s debt burden is already heavy and further burden will increase the debt servicing load.    

Budget not only failed the common man, it was passed without discussion in the Parliament. It has happened for the first time in the history. Even the pre budget consultations were converted into mockery, and the Central Trade Unions had boycotted it. 

With the Hindenburg report out, the downfall of Adani empire, the public sector undertakings which had invested huge amount in Adani companies are in tight position now. About Rs.30000 crores of LIC and Rs 42000 crores of SBI and similarly shipping company-Paradeep, GAIL, IOC, to name a few PSUs were made to invest in Adani companies, and it is understood that the PMO played the role of facilitator. It is worldwide known that the Prime Minister took personal interest and promoted Adani Companies for their business expansion in several countries. In mines in Australia Indian government stood as Guarantee for Adani Company and money arrangement was facilitated through PSU Bank, SBI. Home Minister gave cover for Adani's Mauritius Company. For Port in Israel to Adani group, Indian government stood for sovereign guarantee. A new story from Sri Lanka also appeared in case of Electricity generation contracts. 

This filthy reality explains well why the inequalities in the lives of people are rising to disgusting level.

Oxfam India’s report on inequality in India released on 16th January 2023 finds that just 5 per cent of Indians own more than 60 per cent of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50 per cent of the population possess only 3 percent of the wealth. It is pertinent to mention here that this very 50 percent population possessed 13 percent in the previous year 2021.The upper 1 percent population which owned 22 percent of the total wealth in 2021 increased its share to 40.3 percent in 2022. The report said that if India's billionaires are taxed once at 2 per cent on their entire wealth, it would support the requirement of Rs 40,423 crore for the nutrition of malnourished in the country for the next three years. It would be important to mention here that in an affidavit to the Supreme Court last year by the counsel of the government, admitted that about 65 percent deaths of children below five years is due to malnutrition. The hunger index of India has further gone bad and the country stands at 107 among 122 nations. The daily wager earners are in extreme distress. The crime buereu report this year revealed that about 25 percent of suicides reported last year were of the daily wage labour.  

The report, “Survival of the Richest: The India story”, also says that between 2012 and 2021, 40 percent of the wealth created in India has gone to just 1 per cent of the population and only a mere 3 per cent of the wealth has gone to the bottom 50 per cent, adding that the total number of billionaires in India increased from 102 in 2020 to 166 billionaires in 2022.

The combined wealth of India’s 100 richest has touched $660 billion (Rs 54.12 lakh crore) — an amount that could fund the entire Union Budget for more than 18 months, the report stated.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, the Central Government reduced the corporate tax slabs from 30 per cent to 22 per cent, with newly incorporated companies paying a lower percentage (15 per cent). This new taxation policy resulted in a total loss of INR 1.84 lakh crore.The government adopted a policy of hiking the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and excise duties on diesel and petrol while simultaneously cutting down on exemptions. The indirect nature of both the GST and fuel taxes invariably burdens the most marginalized. The gap between rural and urban inflation has widened. 

The government instead of taxing the rich people and corporations resort to taxing the rest of society more. This is regressive in nature because poor people pay a larger share of their incomes.“The bottom 50 per cent of the population at an All-India level pays six times more on indirect taxation as a percentage of income compared to top 10 percent”, the report had  said.

The ongoing war situation in Europe is adding to the growing crises of economy. On one side, the armament lobby is pushing USA-NATO proxy war against Russia with Ukraine as Pawn in their hands, the imperialist lobby simultaneously is looking forward to bring the war conflicts to Asia. At the cost of working masses, the war mongering lobbies are in their comfort zones. This is adding to the miseries of working people in war conflict countries, Russia and Ukraine but is also the cause for overall adverse impact on the economy of various countries.

The aggressive postures of the imperialists continue against Cuba and similarly denial of rights to the Palestinian people to their homeland continues with the policies of US backed Israeli government. AITUC have always firmly stood with the people of Cuba and Palestine and all those who have dared not to give up their sovereign rights and have taken principled positions against imperialist forces.

The worldwide situation of recession and economic crises is being responded by the pro capitalist regimes in various countries and the attack on the social security, the pension systems, the job and wage protection are increased. The rights to protest and strike are under attack. This is being responded by the trade unions and other sections of the society by massive protests. We are witnessing in the recent time the ongoing struggles in France, Great Britain, Greece, Spain, USA, Australia to name a few countries. The governments are resorting to repression and changes in the laws to contain unions.

We are already under attack in our country with regressive labour law changes and codification, which we have been protesting and resisting through united opposition by the platform of Trade unions. The central govt has made rules centrally, and also through the state governments ruled by its own party or where they are ruling in coalition. In union territories, they are imposing central rules. Many of the governments are yet to frame the rules in states. The state trade union chapters have to develop bigger resistance not to let the rules framed or where these are framed, not to be allowed to notify and implement. 

The PM Office is directly intervening, bye passing the labour ministry and state governments and directing to make changes to suit the demands of the international Corporates with whom the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is directly negotiating and making promises for changes in law as per their conditions for investments.This fact has come to forth in the recent amendments brought into the Factory Act through legislative amendments bill in the state of Karnataka. The unions organized very successful strike against it on 23rd march, the day of martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.  Similar bill was moved in the state of Tamilnadu which led to united protest by the trade unions and some political parties allies in the state government. The bill is put in abeyance after the protest.

Having failed on all counts the ruling RSS BJP dispensation depends on the politics of hatred, communal divide, more loud on "Hindu Rashtra" slogan. The statement of RSS Chief Mr. Mohan Bhagwat that Hindus have woken up after a thousand year is indication for the communal fanatics to be more emboldened in their activities of violence. 

The communally charged violent groups are getting boost. Horrifying details from Haryana in this regards that police is allowing such groups to carry forward the activities of the vigilante groups in the name of cow safety/cow protection force. It is an example of state apparatus allowing private persons to take law in their own hands.

The recent instances of communal violence on Ramnavami day are indicators enough for the future events to unfold if the government continues to shelter these groups under the garb of religious activities. 

The regressive approach in the field of education under the guise of making needed changes in the syllabus, it continues to make its aggressive efforts that the next generations to be kept blinded of realities. Then these forces would find it more easy to spread myths and communal violence on emotive issues.

The attack on public sector undertaking continues openly and tacitly, which would damage the pillars of economy to carry forward developments process and more over it would be regressive in regard to better jobs for the Youth.

The misuse of govt. institutions has been fast paced and the instances of the use of ED, CBI, UAPA etc are more common to shut the opposition voices. Mr. Rahul Gandhi case is typical to explain the designs of this govt, how the decision were taken in quick succession to nullify his Lok Sabha seat after pronouncement of judgement by the lower court in Gujrat. 

The govt. institutions are further being tamed to tow the line of the ruling party despite being in contravention to Indian constitution. The speed of making mockery of the parliamentary democracy was visible, when during this budget session it was the treasury benches which were not allowing the Parliament to function. 

The system of information in closed envelopes to the courts was another practice rampantly, used by the govt to gag media as well as the citizens specially those with whom the govt is uncomfortable. The judgement which was delivered by the bench of Chief Justice along with another judge on 5th April 2023 has tried to put an end to this procedure terming it against natural justice.

The attack on constitution from the ruling regime is well known, but now we find how the Vice President of India Shri Dhankar and the law minister Mr. Rijiju have been attempting to subvert constitution with their statements time and again.

The trade unionism in India evolved in democratic assertion of Indian masses against the oppression and suppression of the local exploiters and the colonial masters. Trade unions, the collectives of workers to fight for their rights, for present and future is the basic tenets of a democracy. AITUC played its role in establishing right to unionise and collective bargaining, right to democracy, right to freedom of expression and right to dissent and these rights find place in Indian constitution. These rights are under attack in various garbs.

It is the paramount duty of the working class to protect these rights for themselves and for the whole society.

Our commitment to carry forward the decisions of 30th January 2023 National Convention of Workers, its message to fight the anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-people and anti-national policies of the RSS-BJP government, to carry the message to all nook and corner of the country, to expose the real face of the government for the people to decide to give marching orders to this ruthless tyrant regime.

Long Live May Day

Workers of the World Unite


Wednesday, February 15, 2023

CPI Condemns I-T Raids on BBC Offices

 14th February 2023 at 09:56 PM

Such a step is likely to bring down the image of the country

New Delhi: 14th February 2023: (The Comrade Screen Bureau)::

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued the following statement today (on February 14, 2023) condemning the raids on Mumbai and Delhi offices of BBC:

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India condemns the raids conducted by the income tax department at the Delhi and Mumbai offices of BBC. The Modi government has already become notorious for attacking everyone who criticizes and exposes its communal-fascist policies.

It may be recalled here that BBC has recently telecast the documentary, ‘The Modi Question’. This has annoyed the Modi government which did not allow its telecast in universities and other places.

Now the Modi government has used the government machinery to intimidate a foreign telecast company. Such a step is likely to bring down the image of the country which has already suffered as far as the freedom of the media is concerned.

Monday, January 2, 2023

Desh Sewak will soon be published in three languages-Com Sekhon

Sunday 1st January 2023 at 06:10 pm

We will not let this torch be extinguished: Com Yousuf Tarigami


Chandigarh
: 1st January 2023: (Kartika Singh//Comrade Screen Desk)::

Most of the media organizations in Punjab generally do not celebrate their anniversaries openly in such a way that common people can also participate. The lack of such events often hurts. Even if celebrated, they remain within the limits of the offices of the media organizations concerned, the news of which is published in the relevant newspaper the next day.

In such an atmosphere, the 27th birth anniversary of 'Desh Sevak' was celebrated in a very grand manner in which leaders of common workers, laborers and farmers arrived from far and wide. Kartar Singh, an elderly man, hailed from a village in Ludhiana and was over 75 years of age. They all resolved to maintain a secular, democratic and pro-people stand and reiterated their resolve to continue their efforts to make Com. Harkishan Singh Surjit's dreams come true. Com Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, State Secretary of CPI(M) and Managing Director of Dainik Desh Sevak reminisced about the role played by Desh Sevak.

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna Bhawan of local Sector 29-D was bustling throughout the day. Hot tea and pakodas were being distributed as unbreakable langar. Amidst the bitter cold, people full of warm feelings had reached from far and wide. In this way the 27th anniversary of Desh Sevak was celebrated in a grand manner. The ceremony, of course, started an hour late, but after it began, it went on without a hitch. Every speaker who spoke from the stage was priceless. His poison word was full of new information. In this way every moment was made memorable. To be deprived of listening to this program even for a moment was a loss deal. The commemoration ceremony was presided over by Com.

A large number of people had arrived eagerly to attend it. These were people of all ages. People fully connected with the programs of the party. They don't have much understanding of media, but they certainly knew how important the media which takes the side of the public has become today. 

Comrade Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami, a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) and several times MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, was also specially present in this programme. People were eager to hear him. Com Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, MD of 'Desh Sevak' and State Secretary of CPI(M), Com Ram Singh Noorpuri, State Secretariat Member, Com Gurnek Singh Bajal, Com Sucha Singh Ajnala, Com Sukhpreet Singh Johal, Com Abdul Sattar, Chetan Sharma, Local Editor cum General Manager of Desh Sevak, Editor Ripudaman Rippi and Printer and Publisher of Desh Sevak Ranjit Singh participated in this program. There was hardly any corner of Punjab from where one or two representatives of the people associated with the Daily Desh Sewak have not reached. 

On this occasion, it was also talked about taking the mission of the country's servant further. Meanwhile, addressing a large gathering, Com Youssef Tarigami said that they have received a New Year's gift today as they are sitting among themselves and talking from their hearts. He said that the desire to restart 'Desh Sevak' which was closed by the British Government in 1920s remained constant in the mind of Com. 

In this way, comrade Surjeet again made this auspicious occasion of the return of the "Desh Sewak" a reality again. In this way, the struggle-filled history of the Daily Desh Sewak has once again come to the fore, due to which many people are still unaware. 

There was also talk of difficulties coming in the way of free and pro-people media. Com Yusuf Tarigami said that this moment will not be allowed to fade under any circumstances. He said that today journalism in true sense is a very difficult task. The editor has to think before taking up the pen, because if the order is violated then ED, CBI or any other agency can take action against that editor. He said that 'Desh Sevak' has faced many challenges so far and will have to face them in future too, which we are fully prepared to face. 

Calendar and diary of 'Desh Sevak' was also released on the occasion of this memorable event.  Com Yousuf Tarigami said that 'Desh Sevak' has never shied away from its responsibility and it is and will remain accountable to its readers. He said that this newspaper has become the mouthpiece of the downtrodden and has raised their issues prominently.

Com. Yusuf Tarigami said that today, when the conditions of the country have been turned in the other direction by the rulers, the responsibility of the 'Desh Sevak' to raise voice against the populist policies of the rulers increases even more. He also told many deep things in detail about the importance of media dedicated to the public. He said that today constitutional institutions are under threat because the rulers are misusing them for their personal interests. Regarding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the government should tell whether it is against our constitution. No clause, or is it a clause of a foreign constitution? He said that when the Constitution of India was written, this section was also included in it. He said that where there are union territories, there is a demand to make them states. On the contrary, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has been abolished and it has been bifurcated into a Union Territory. He said that on August 5, 2019, the Center decided to abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. After, what happened there is clear to the people. Restrictions have been imposed on people's speaking, listening, wearing clothes, eating, drinking and walking. He said that the Center should tell whether these people are not citizens of India. They were treated like second class citizens.

Com. Yusuf Tarigami said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are democracy loving people, they did not leave the path of mutual brotherhood at the time of partition in 1947 and before that also played their part in the struggle for the freedom of the country. He said that special restrictions are being imposed by the Center on Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, both of which are border states. He said that the people of these two states are not beggars, they want to be treated like citizens. They want their rights. He said that 50 kilometer area in Punjab has been handed over to BSF, from where the intention of the rulers can be seen. Talking about Punjab, he said that the people of Punjab contributed a lot in the freedom struggle, but maintained brotherhood even during the times of terrorism and played a major role in the 'Kisan Movement' fought on the borders of Delhi. He said that whether the farmer is from Jammu-Kashmir or Punjab, he will be engaged in farming and will protect it and will also decide the price of the crops himself. Com. Yusuf Tarigami said that BJP should now understand that the people of the country are not going to follow its instructions for long.

In the end, he congratulated the entire management of 'Desh Sevak' on its 27th anniversary and also assured his support. Com Sukhwinder Sekhon, Managing Director of Rozana Desh Sevak and State Secretary of the party, also mentioned many such cases from the stage in which Desh Sevak played the role of alert and responsible media. There were also talks of those special news which only the country's servant had the courage to publish. Only Desh Sevak was the first to make sensational revelations which were completely true. Only the patriot showed the courage to publish them.

Recalling the news of a famous dera, Com. Sekhon said that in 2002, when an anonymous letter containing this news was published, the news of that day was being sold for Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per newspaper in black. Desh Sevak became popular among the people due to his impartiality and courage. Com Sekhon said that plans are being made to publish Desh Sevak in three languages ​​soon so that this newspaper emerges as a strong media of North India.

Addressing this special gathering Com.Sekhon said that it was the mission of Com.Harkishan Singh Surjit that there should be a newspaper which opposes communal divisions and orthodoxy. Under this mission, he restarted 'Desh Sevak' 27 years ago. He said that during this time there were great difficulties and many challenges were faced, but the 'Desh Sevak' continued on his path fearlessly. He reminded that 'Desh Sevak' prominently published many news, which were related to the society.

He said that on September 25, 2002, Desh Sewak had published an anonymous letter written by a girl victim of sexual exploitation by an alleged sadhvi of Sirsa, taking suo moto cognizance of which the High Court had ordered a CBI inquiry into the matter. The disclosure of this case created a stir all over the world. Case. Desh Sevak had brought to the fore the reality of the so-called religious places.

He said that when the CBI court in Panchkula sentenced this so-called Sadhu on August 25, 2017, the English Tribune in its news published on August 26, 2017 had openly mentioned the role of 'Desh Sevak' and so-called Sadhu Babas. Significantly, the scandal against this Sadh was also published in 'Desh Sevak'. It was published anonymously by the country servant himself on the initiative.

Addressing this program of Desh Sevak anniversary, local editor cum general manager of 'Desh Sevak' Chetan Sharma said that the new management had taken over the management of the organization five years back. During this, many ups and downs were seen. He said that by guarding the thinking of Com.

He said that it was Comrade Surjit's dream that 'Desh Sevak' should be published in other languages ​​as well, so in 2020 the organization started a Punjabi and English website. He said that one crore 97 lakh viewers are connected to it in two and a half years. He said that everyone knows the condition of media in today's era, but 'Desh Sevak' did not leave the path of fair journalism. He said that soon 'Desh Sevak' is going to start in another language as well.

Speaking on the daily 'Desh Sevak' editor Ripudaman Rippi said that 'Desh Sevak' has always protected democratic and secular values ​​and has consistently adopted a pro-people approach. He said that today the general public of the country is living under the burden of inflation and unemployment and poisonous communalism is being spread on the basis of religion by the rulers at the social level, due to which there is division among the people. In such a delicate environment, the responsibility of newspapers like "Desh Sevak" increases a lot.

Now it is expected that next year the 28th anniversary will be celebrated on an even bigger scale. Due to the large number of Godi media, the role of media dedicated to the public increases even more.

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