Towards socialism

If Govt. fails to come to terms with nuclear deal, decision to withdraw support may follow

Debabrata Biswas, M.P., General Secretary, AIFB

All India Forward Bloc sticks to its earlier stand that in the matter of Indo-US Nuclear deal, the Party will not compromise or will not enter into any adjustment with the Government. AIFB affirms that this '123-Agreement' can not be treated as an ordinary civil nuclear cooperation agreement. This agreement will severely damage our country's entire nuclear research and development programmes. This agreement will make India an associate or ally of the US military bloc. This '123-Agreement' is under the provisions of the Hyde Act as passed by the American Congress. Government of India will be under compulsion to submit an annual report on our country's nuclear activities to the US President. As per the provisions of the Hyde Act, the U.S. government can terminate this Agreement any time. That means, there is no guarantee that India will continue to get uninterrupted supply of nuclear fuel from America. And it also stands clear that this Agreement rejects the assurance that our Prime Minister had given at the Parliament in this respect.

It is stated that the government is going for this Agreement for ensuing energy security for the country. But the fact is this that this Agreement is not at all adequate for meeting our energy requirements in the coming years. It is estimated that by implementing this Agreement we will be getting 10,000 megawatt electricity by the year 2015. For this, we shall have to invest a lot of money. For procuring this huge amount of money, the government shall have to take loans from outside. We must keep it in mind, that this 10,000 megawatt electricity meets only 5 per cent of our total requirement. Moreover, the process for generating this electricity is very harmful for environment and ecology. So far the expenditure is involved, the nuclear energy is much more costlier than any other energy. Unfortunately, without paying adequate importance to hydro-electric power projects or other non-conventional power sources, like wind-power, sea-waves power, solar power etc., and without caring to utilise those power sources, the government is running after nuclear power at the cost of national interest. The tendency of too much reliance on nuclear power will eventually weaken our own research programmes, including the Thorium-based 'Fast Breeder Reactor programme'. Our research programmes in this respect will lose directions and speed and will ultimately be of no use for practical application.

'123-Agreement' will have far-reaching adverse impact on India's independent foreign policy. Our non-aligned foreign policy having been proved very effectful and successful for a long time, will be adversely affected and completely shattered. In the NCMP of the UPA government, it has been pledged to continue with independent foreign policy. But that pledge will be negated by the '123-Agreement'. The joint military exercise of India's naval, air and army forces with that of America and the agreement to implement that subsequently will push India to a big trap that will compel India to be a partner of America's war-mongering pursuits and imperialist aggressions. We fail to understand what sort of 'common military interest' can there be between India-Australia or India-Japan or India-Singapore. But this will be quite evident if we analyse them in the light of '123-Agreement'.

The impact of the proposed Agreement would be deep-rooted and far-reaching, and socially very harmful. All India Forward Bloc has repeatedly affirmed that India should always maintain a relationship of peaceful cooperation and friendship with her neighboring countries. It is one of the main terms for India's progress and development. But the 123-Agreement will definitely create among the neighboring countries a feeling of jealousy towards India, which will ultimately generate a feeling of enmity and mistrust. This type of relationship will at last take one anti-India turn and will move towards terrorism. This Agreement will facilitate America's presence on Indian soil as a matter of legal right and that will pose threats to independence and sovereignty of the neighboring countries. This overall situation and activities will push them for taking all out security measures, which in turn will initiate wide spread arms race. And it can not be denied that this arms race gives rise to one persistent war-situation, wherein the development work for the people will be curtailed. We can not, therefore, accept one such suicidal agreement.

The UPA government should, duly respect the opinion that has been expressed by the Indian Parliament about this proposed Agreement. Majority of the political parties are now against this Agreement. In the 14th Lok Sabha election the people of India have rejected the election manifesto of the Congress(I). Hence, they don't have the mandate to implement that manifesto, as it is not carrying with it the people's support. We appeal to the UPA government and the Prime Minister not to confine the matter within unreasonable obstinacy, but to initiate a detailed discussion at the political level and at the Parliament, too, about the adverse reactions and the impact that this agreement may have on our national like. And until and unless this process of public discussions are completed, the government should not proceed for any other discussion with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Supply Groups (NSG), particularly about the India Specific Safeguard. The All India Forward Bloc is of the opinion that the India Specific Safeguard is nothing but one bilateral NPT(Non-Proliferation Treaty). We must keep it in mind that the bilateral NPT is far more dangerous than the multi-party NPT.

In view of all these incidents and apprehensions, the AIFB puts forward its demand to the UPA government that they should not proceed further to operationalise the '123-Agreement' and to discuss any more with the international bodies. If the government disregards this caution, the All India Forward Bloc will take hard decisions about the government.

These would also include the decision of withdrawing support from the government.

The AIFB fully endorses the decision taken by the four Left parties in this matter and firmly holds the opinion that if the government falls on this issue, then its entire responsibility will lie with the Congress (I) party itself.

The All India Forward Bloc will continue its full-fledged campaign against the continuing and increasing aggressive role of the imperialist forces against our country. The Party's Campaign will also be against the utter failure and negligence of the government to implement the Common Minimum Programme. The Party will also intensify its campaign against other vital issues like price-rise, crises in agriculture, commercialisation of education, unemployment, wrongly directed industrialisation, FDI in retail, SEZ aiming at destroying agriculture and small farmers and unjustified minority deprivation which are all now growing in full swing.

PARLIAMENT ADJOURNED SINE DIE -

A HARD HIT TO PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY

The 2007 monsoon session of Parliament, beginning on 10th August 2007, has been adjourned sine die on 10th September, 2007, four days head of the scheduled end time. The reason being, obviously, the continuous disruption in both the Houses - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - the responsibility of which cannot be avoided by the main opposition party BJP, which once claimed itself a 'party with a difference' and now projecting itself a 'Party of disruption'. It is a shame for parliamentary democracy that an elected supreme body of the country, to which the entire nation is eagerly looking for guidelines on many vital issues facing the country and for passing of Bills and framing of new Acts and laws and for amendment of earlier Acts, could not work for full time or could not transact any business due to frequent interruptions, and adjournments. "Question Hours" could not be held or Bills were passed without any discussion (as has actually happened in case of 4 Bills this time), which have turned the parliamentary democracy a mockery. It is high time to realize that due to such irresponsible behaviors on the part of some parties or members, the parliamentary system as a whole is losing its importance and public image and the people are also losing faith on their elected legislative bodies, which we apprehend may lead to serious consequences. Serious questions are now being raised about the utility of parliamentary democratic system and its future too. The whole nation have painfully heard the 'distressed' speaker of the Lok Sabha to lament over the fact that the house had lost 42 working hours, although a huge amount of public money had been spent on a single session. Due to irresponsible continuous disruption of the house, by the BJP and its NDA partners, on the demand of forming the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) on the matter of Indo-US Nuclear deal the same vital issue could not be discussed in the house, although that was listed in the agenda of business. Similarly other vital issues of public concern, like Sachar Committee report or the Price Rise of essential commodities or the alarming agrarian crisis or the failure of the government to contain terrorist activities, with several calling attention motions could not be discussed in the houses due to continuous disruptions by the opposition benches. It appears that the government has also taken advantage of the situation and has freely cut short the duration of the session. Rather they were relived that many of the controversial bills could be passed by voice vote in the midst of din, without having the obligation to go through long discussions and very often facing many serious charges. The opposition BJP also perhaps did not like to take the risk of exposing themselves in respect of their divergent views on Indo-US nuclear deal. But ultimately the worst sufferers are the common people, whose voices of dissent and grievances could not be raised in the parliament through their representatives. It is hightime that the conscientious members of parliament along with all the lovers of democracy from amongst the people rise up to the occasion and come forward to make an end of this condemnable attitude and actions of some parties and members to spoil the image of the highest public forum of country.

SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE : MESSAGE TO GANDHI

[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's speech reproduced here, broadcasting from Azad Hind Radio on 6th July, 1944, on the eve of the INA's March on India.]

After the sad demise of Shrimati Kasturba in British custody, it was but natural for your countrymen to be alarmed over the state of your health. For Indian outside India, differences in method are like domestic differences. Ever since you sponsored the Independence Resolution at the Lahore Congress in December 1929, all members of the Indian National Congress have had one common goal before them. For Indians outside India, you are the creator of the present awakening in our country. The high esteem in which you are held by patriotic Indians outside India, and by foreign friends of India's freedom, was increased a hundred-fold when you bravely sponsored the 'Quit India' Resolution in August 1942.

It would be a fatal mistake on your part to make a distinction between the British Government and the British people. No doubt there is a small group of idealists in Britain - as in the U.S.A. - who would like to see India free. These idealists, who are treated by their own people as cranks, form a microscopic minority. So far as India is concerned, for all practical purposes, the British Government and the British people mean one and the same thing. Regarding the war aims of the U.S.A., I may say that the ruling clique at Washington is now dreaming of world domination. This ruling clique and its intellectual exponents talk openly of the 'American Century'. In this ruling clique, there are extremists who go so far as to call Britain the 49th State of the U.S.A.

I can assure you, Mahatmaji, that before I finally decided to set out on this hazardous mission, I spent days, weeks and months in carefully considering the pros and cons of the case. After having served my people so long to the best of my ability, I could have no desire to be a traitor, or to give anyone a justification for calling me a traitor. Thanks to the generosity and to the affection of my countrymen, I had obtained the highest honour which it was possible for any public worker in India to achieve. I had also built up a party consisting of staunch and royal colleagues who had implicit confidence in me. By going abroad on a perilous quest, I was risking not only my life and my whole future career, but what was more, the future of my party. If I had the slightest hope that without action from abroad we could win freedom, I would never have left India during a crisis. If I had any hope that within our lifetime we could get another chance - another golden opportunity for winning freedom, as during the present war, I doubt if I would have set out for home.

There remains but one question for me to answer with regard to the Axis Powers. Can it be possible that I have been deceived by them? I believe it will be universally admitted that the cleverest and the most cunning politicians are to be found amongst Britishers. One who has worked with and fought British politicians all his life cannot be deceived by any other politicians in the world. If British politicians have failed to coax or coerce me, no other politicians can succeed in doing so. And if the British Government, at whose hands I have suffered long imprisonment, persecution and physical assault, has been unable to demoralize me, no other power can hope to do so. I have never done anything which could compromise in the least either the honour or the self-respect or the interest of my country.

There was a time when Japan was an ally of our enemy. I did not come to Japan so long as there was an Anglo-Japanese alliance. I did not come to Japan so long as normal diplomatic relations obtained between the two countries. It was only after Japan took what I considered to be the most momentous step in her history, namely, declaration of war on Britain and America that I decided to visit Japan of my own free will. Like so many of my countrymen, my sympathies in 1937 and 1938 were with Chunking. You may remember that as President of the Congress I was responsible for sending out medical mission to Chunking in December 1938.

Mahatmaji, you know better than anybody else how deeply suspicious the Indian people are of mere promises. I would be the last man to be influenced by Japan if her declarations of policy had been mere promises.

I should now like to say something about the Provisional Government that we have set up here. The Provisional Government has, as its one objective, the liberation of India from the British yoke, through an armed struggle. Once our enemies are expelled from India, and peace and order is established, the mission of the Provisional Government will be over. The only reward that we desire for our efforts, for our suffering and for our sacrifice is the freedom of our motherland. There are many among us who would like to retire from the political field, once India is free.

Nobody would be more happy than ourselves, if by any chance our countrymen at home should succeed in liberating themselves through their own efforts, or if by any chance the British Government accepts your Quit India Resolution and gives effect to it. We are, however, proceeding on the assumption that neither of the above is possible and that an armed struggle is inevitable. India's last war of independence has begun. Troops of the Azad Hind Fauj are now fighting bravely on the soil of India, and in spite of all difficulty and hardship they are pushing forward slowly but steadily. This armed struggle will go on until the Britisher thrown out of India and until our Tricolour National Flag proudly floats over the Viceroy's House in New Delhi.

Father of our Nation! In this holy war of India's liberation, we ask for your blessings and good wishes.

The Unorganised Sector workers’ social security Bill, 2007 : A Damp Squib

[Sponsoring committee of trade unions have issued the following statement on 18th September, 2007]

The Unorganised Sector Workers' Social Security Bill 2007 introduced in Rajya Sabha on 10.09.2007 is nothing but a replica of what he Union Cabinet had approved and publicized though Press Information Bureau o May 24, 2007. This was rejected by all the Central Trade Unions terming it as mere expression of pious intent without any substantive time-bound justifiable and enforceable social security measure and appropriate funding arrangement. The suggestions made by the Central Trade Unions in their meeting with the Union Labour Minister held on 11th August 2007 on the same issue have been totally ignored.

The Bill only provides for constitution of "National Security Advisory Boards" and similar Boards at the State level, basically advisory in character, which would recommend the welfare schemes on which the Central Government "may formulate from time to time suitable welfare compelling provision regarding the floor level social security and its universal coverage to all unorganised sector workers, nor a clearly defined funding obligation and a time frame. Without these basis ingredients of an enactment, the Bill is merely an act of "tokenism" for 93% of India's workforce.

Such a Bill is a mockery to the commitment of "comprehensive protective legislation" for the unorganised sector workers made by the Government in its National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP). It is disappointing that the Government did not even bother to give any credence to the recommendation of the National Commission for the Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) constituted by the Government itself in this regard. The commission recommended and forwarded to the Government drafts of two separate comprehensive legislations for the unorganised sector workers and the agricultural workers along with a social security scheme. In fact in the meeting with the Government on 11th August 2007 all the Central Trade Unions urged the Government to finalise the Bills on the basis of the Commission's drafts in consultation with the CTUOs and introduce in the current session of Parliament itself. Unfortunately, the Bill being brought by the Government with just providing for constitution of an advisory board along with open-ended indication on some welfare schemes without any firm commitment of universal coverage, justiceability and funding mechanism is basically designed to hoodwink the mass of the unorganised sector workers.

Sponsoring committee rejects the bill in the present form and urges upon the Government to reformulate the Bill in the line with the drafts recommended by NCEUS and concrete suggestions made unanimously by the country's Trade Union Movement. Sponsoring Committee calls upon the working class to intensify united struggle, make the countrywide action programmes including mass stayagrah on 4 & 5 December 2007, taken up by the Sponsoring Committee, a resounding success to force the Government to enact a comprehensive legislation for the unorganised sector workers.

[The statement was signed by M.K. Pandey (CITU), B.L. Sachdev (AITUC), R.A. Mittal (HMS), G. Devarajan (TUCC), Ashok Ghosh (UTUC), Achintaya Sinha (UTUC-LS) and Rajiv Dhimiri (AICCTU)]

All India Forward Bloc organised Minority Convention

On the basis of the resolution adopted in Central Committee---- All India Forward Bloc organised an All India Minority Convention in Lucknow, UP. The venue of the Convention was Hindi Sanasthan Hall at Hazratganj and the same was held on 2nd September 2007. The total no. of seat of 340 in the Hall was occupied by the delegates from all parts of the Country. As the number of delegates exceeded, another 30 extra chairs had been arranged. Many delegates stood outside the hall as it was full. The Special feature of the Convention was that each and every delegates attended belongs to intellectual groups. Many non Muslim delegates also attended this auspicious celebration.

Opening speech has been delivered by respected Sri Debabrata Biswas MP and General Secretary of All India Forward Bloc. He was the Chief Speaker of this exceptional historical National Convention of Minority, particularly on Muslim issues since 1947. Mentioning the historical sacrifices of Nawab Siraj-ud-doulla in 1757 and the heroic role of Emperor Bahadur Shah in 1857 against imperialist British tyrant and call the Muslim in India took the proper part in main stream of Indian national life. He remind the historic oath taking occasion of INA in front of Bahadur Shaha's graveyard and mention the historic speech by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He asked the Muslim of India to threw away the sense of insecurity and fear, as they are also the part and parcel of Indian freedom struggle and national development action.

Mr. Biswas said the struggle for achieving economic, social and educational demand for Muslim Community would continue. But the important thing is the proper representation of Muslim Communities in decision making bodies in political and Administrative Institution must be assured. If the representation of the Muslim in the important politico-Administrative Institution of decision making bodies - is Zero - then all attempt of developmental consolation will be meaning less. Under the circumstances united attempt of the Muslim against the deprivation of the past is very important. Mr. Biswas promised that all type of help and cooperation will be provided from the AIFB side in this regard.

Mr. Biswas also accused Congress and BJP for Communal Riots. As part of election campaign the ruling class form committees and commission but they never faithful to their promises. The Central Govt. announces 15-point programme. A. R. Antony declares many sweet words but budgetary allotment is very small and meager. Are they trustful for the minorities? They fail to punish the Communal Rioters they fail to implement the Sri Krishna Commission Recommendation yet the Muslim will trust them. Congress was never trustful to the Muslim. He clearly announced that pro-imperialist and pro-capitalist policy of the Congress damaged not only the socio-economic condition of downtrodden people of India but also broken the backbone of Muslims Community. Delivering the clarion call to the Muslims he asked to threw away all fears-leaving all political party's and ideologies - be assembled under the patriotic, heroic flag of Netaji Subhas.

Other Speakers were prof. of Lucknow University Jb. Khan Md. Asif, Jb. Jafaryyab Jilani, Babri Masjid Action Committee and executive member of Muslim Personal Law Board. President of Indian National League (UP) Jb. Md. Suleman. He promised all possible political cooperation to AIFB. Prof. Dr. Nasrin Begam of Agra University cited various statistical data regarding backwardness of Muslims in Socio-economic sphere. She reads her written document. Prof. Shakil Samdani of Aligarh Muslim University delivered an eloquent fiery speech full of data information and historical examples. He clearly said that he does not believe (Biswas) anybody but Biswas (Debabrata Biswas). Other speakers were Jb. Tariq Siddiqui, Prof. Jamia Milia University, Jb. Mohammad Ahmed President Zamat-e-Islami U.P. A very emotional and attractive speech delivered by Moulana Khalid Rashid Farrangi Mahli, Imam of Idgah. Sri Ramesh Dixit, President of N.C.P., UP, Sri Barun Mukherjee, MP, Jb. Mortoza Hossain, Minister-in-Charge, Disaster Management & Agricultural Marketing, Govt. of West Bengal and Ex. Minister Hafiz Alam Sairani. Jb. Sairani give thanks to all Speakers and delegates present. Jb. Sairani announces a few programmes in this regard - which will be held in the month of October in different important cities of UP and also declare 5 State level programme which will be held in the month of November.

The Convention concluded singing national anthem song by I.N.A. All dignitaries and delegates expressed their respect standing silently.

Visiting Sites relating to Bhagat Singh in Pakistan

Prof. Chaman Lal (J.N.U.)

During my first visit to Pakistan, visiting sites relating to Bhagat Singh's activities was an added attraction. Accompanied by Zubair, well known progressive story writer of Punjabi, I first went to Bradlaugh Hall, which few people know now. Hall is in dilapidated condition and some training school is being run from there. From the shape of building, one can well imagine that it was a grand building once. National College established by Lala Lajpat Rai, where Bhagat Singh was a student, was located in this building. Fortunately, the foundation plate is still intact. The foundation of this headquarters of freedom movement was laid by Surender Nath Sen in 1900. It would be better if Government of India could impress upon Pakistan Govt. to get it declared as heritage building. Lajpat Rai Hall of Lahore, which housed famous Dwarka Dass library, now in Chandigarh, is now held by fingerprint bureau of Pakistani police. I could not visit this place; I could not locate Khwasarian village, nearby Lahore, which was the abode of Bhagat Singh family for many years. Even river Ravi bank, where Lala Lajpat Rai and later the remains of Bhagat Singh , Rajguru and Sukhdev were cremated or Bhagwati Charan Vohra gave his life in bomb explosion, while testing, could not be located. Ravi has perhaps dried up and people say it has become a 'nallah'. They also say that India has stopped releasing water to river Ravi. However I could easily locate the place of Saundras killing and DAV college hostel nearby. There is not much change in that area, except that DAV College and hostel have turned into Govt. Islamia College and hostel now. But the SSP office remains the same as was during Scott's time. I was also able to visit 'Phansighat', execution spot of Lahore jail, which has now been demolished and Shadman Chowk or' Fountain Chowk' instead has come up. It is a residential colony now, with no trace of jail or its historicity, where hundreds of freedom fighters were hanged. Democratic Pakistani activists do gather on 23rd March at Shadman Chowk and burn candles. They also plan to put a plaque nearby, indicating its historicity. Bhagat Singh lived in many houses of Lahore during his underground days and people still talk of those houses. One such house is said to be on Jail road. Najam hussain Sayeed, well known Punjabi writer lives on jail road, but he has no idea of that house.

I could go to birth place of Bhagat Singh with newly met local friends, who arranged a car, which took us first to Waris Shah's mazar at Jandiala Sheikh. We crossed through Sheikhupura. Visiting Waris Shah mazar was an experience, where every year competition of singing 'Heer' is held and it starts with singing of Amrita Pritam's " Aaj Aakhan Waris Shah nun………'. From Jandiala , we moved to Nankana Sahib. It is a small town, but the access road is huge. Pakistan has paid more attention to its roads and correctly boasts of its motorways from Lahore to Peshawar. But Pakistan lacks in railway services. Nankana Sahib has eight Gurdwars in its vicinity, including the main one, where in February 1921; morcha was started against Mahants, who were polluting the pious place. Mahants, supported by British colonialists had killed nearly two hundred Sikhs, before vacating the Gurdwara. Inside the Gurdwara, there is 'Shaheed Jand(tree)', where one protestor Lachhman Singh was burnt alive. In Nankana Sahib, most of the Gurdwaras relate to Guru Nanak's childhood stories-where he was born, where he played, where he studied etc. I took 'langar' with my Muslim friends of Lahore, who had accompanied me there.

From Nankana Sahib, there was direct route to Jadanawala, though road patch was bad for few kilometers. Crossing Jadanawala, a tehsil town, we reached at the road leading to Chak No. 105, before we could ask someone on the way, a pleasant surprise awaited us. There was a tin board on roadside, painted with Bhagat Singh picture behind bars. Some Jasbeer Singh from Faislabad( Old name Lyalpur) had put this signboard, with his email address. It became easier for us. When we were reading the signboard, some people came close to us and seeing our interest in Bhagat Singh told us the lane to his village. They suggested that before going to village, we should meet one Farhan Khan nearby. As it turned out, Farhan Khan is 82 year old gentleman, retired as Excise officer, having his factory named as Gulab Farm, adding Bhagat Singh town on the signboard. He belonged to Chak NO.107, Pathankot nearby. We reached his place and he welcomed us warmly. In his drawing room, there was old but framed, glass broken black and white photograph, the typical hat wearing popular photograph. Farhan Khan was too happy talking about Bhagat Singh family. He was five years old, when Bhagat Singh was martyred, Bhagat Singh' younger brothers, names he did not remember (Obviously Kulbir Singh and Kultar Singh), used to meet him. The man was such admirer of Bhagat Singh that I wanted to present him a copy of his writings, but I had no spare copy.I had taken few copies, recently published in English by Leftword and NBT. Farhan Khan got it photocopied, borrowing it for just one hour or so, the time, which we spent at house of Bhagat Singh. We moved to Chak no. 105, accompanied by the man sent by Farhan Khan. It was getting dark. The road to village was not very good. When we reached there, it was not the old house; it was now being shared by three Virk brothers. Pakistan have as many Virks, Randhawas, Sehgals, Bhattis,Cheemas, Waraiches,Gills or Sidhus etc, as much we might be having in our part of Punjab. It was almost four canal land area, which is now shared by Iqbal Virk, Sadiq Virk and Mushtaq Virk families- the three brothers, who were allotted this house after partition. They had migrated from Virk village from Amritsar. Out of the three, Sadiq Virk is no more, but his family lives there. When we reached there were few women working near Chullah, later on we could meet Akhtar Virk, son of Mushtaq Virk, who is now advocate at Faislabad. He told us that not only this house, they also acquired 17 acre Mango garden of Kishan Singh, father of Bhagat Singh. Asked about the value of this much land, we were told it was six lakh per acre, which meant that it has value of more than one crore rupees today. Though Bhagat Singh family also having garden at Chak no. 105, was not known earlier to us, yet it came as no surprise to me. The judge, who wrote judgment for the execution of Kartar Singh Sarabha, has clearly mentioned that Kishan Singh (father of Bhagat Singh) has contributed one thousand rupees (nearly one lakh rupees of today) to the cause of Gadar party in 1914 or 1915. The legend of Bhagat Singh and family becomes more fascinating, because their commitment to the nation overstepped their comforts in life. It is no wonder that Waqar Ahmad, a political science student from Peshawar becomes enamored of Bhagat Singh and reached me through mail, just to know more about Bhagat Singh. Waqar remained in touch with me on phone during my stay in Lahore and was hoping to meet me, as Peshawar University Teachers Association was trying very hard to get visa cleared for me, so that I could visit Peshawar. We had welcomed Peshawar University teacher's delegation recently in JNU. And it was also during my stay in Lahore, Raza Naeem, a columnist for Dawn, reached me through mail to get a copy of 'The Jail Notebook and Other writings' of Bhagat Singh, compiled and introduced by me and published by Leftword on this 23rd March, for reviewing it in 'Dawn'. I could leave a copy for him in Lahore, apart from talking on phone many times. Raza wanted to hold discussions in Karachi about Bhagat Singh.

Lyalpur was built by British officers as a planned city. This area has very fertile land, so the peasants from other parts of Punjab were encouraged to buy lands here, just as many Punjabi peasants had gone to Terai area to buy lands. Interestingly more people from Doaba went there. They were allotted lands in villages named as Chak with numbers. The families which shifted here attached the name of their village or area to these numbered chaks. Thus Chak no. 65 is Mukundpur, Chak no 67 is Gidderpindi, Chak no. 104 is Samra, Chak no.105 is Bange(From Banga of Doaba),Chak no 106 is Khurla, Chak no. 107 is Pathankot,Chak no. 109 is Bajajanwala and so on. These names continue after partition as well. Only the landowners and inhabitants of the houses have changed. We were told that prior to 1965, there were not many restrictions and lot many people used to visit these places. After 1965, restrictions increased, recent years, there again has been some relaxation and people are again coming to visit these places. We were told that a bus full of Punjabis from Canada had come to visit the place last year. After partition Lyalpur, renamed as Faislabad, became the centre of textile industry. It is now the third biggest city of Pakistan, after Karachi and Lahore. But the city has probably suffered the same problems as has been faced by Ludhiana. Faislabad cloth is rated high in Asian market.

Chaudhary, 98 year old first photo journalist of Pakistan, worked with Faiz Ahmad Faiz, who took over as editor of 'Pakistan Times', in place vacated by 'The Tribune'. Earliest photographs of Pakistani leaders have been shot by F.E. Chaudhary, a Christian. He is the one, who shot the pictures of Central Jail Lahore, when it was being demolished in 1960's. He has kept that file of photographs, which includes the photographs of 'Phansighat', where Bhagat Singh, Sarabha and so many other freedom fighters were executed. I tried to capture these photos through my ordinary camera, but did not succeed. And what was the wish of Chaudhary, who is living with his son, Principal of a Christian school in Lahore, a most pleasant man to talk? He wanted to locate his friends of pre partition days, who had migrated to Delhi, mostly photographers. One name he mentioned is of C.L.Soni and co., another Shankar Dass and Co. There were three brothers Meeting people was an enriching experience for me. I had already some contacts and also many references. I was keen to meet Salima Hashmi, daughter of legendry poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, who along with Faqir Aazijudin, both well known artists and art scholars of Pakistan had recently visited Fine Arts deptt. of Punjabi University Patiala, in context of a seminar. So one evening I spent with Hashmis at their Model Town house, where once Faiz lived. Prof. Salima hashmi is now Dean, Visual Arts of Beaconhead University Lahore, after retiring as Principal of famous National Art College of Lahore. Her husband Prof. Shoib Hashmi, retired Economics Professor is columnist for some dailies and jolly person. Their daughter is named as Meera and granddaughter as Anya. Salima told that Faiz Ahmad Faiz had heard shots of firing on Saundras, as he was somewhere close to DAV College that day. These shots were also heard by legendry Communist leader of Pakistan late Mazhar Ali, this was confirmed by his wife and mother of famous writer Tariq Ali-Tahira Mazhar Ali, whom I met at her house and presented Bhagat Singh's writings, she is also among those, who celebrate Bhagat Singh in Pakistan. Tahira Mazhar Ali, at the age of 82 years and Salima Hashmi, both are active in democratic movement of Pakistan. Salima had taken part in a women's rally during my stay. Leftist activists in Pakistan are called 'Surkhe'(Reds) in popular parlance . One such 'surkha', I met by chance at Fictionhouse bookshop, a progressive publisher and bookseller of Lahore. Fictionhouse has published almost all books of eminent historian Mubark Ali, both in Urdu and English. As I had taken some photocards of Bhagat Singh and Dr. Ambedkar to distribute in Lahore and I handed over one such card to fictionhouse owner, an old man present there asked me to give one card to him also. Then he introduced himself as Aslam Raheel Mirza, Communist Party of Pakistan's worker. He said that we celebrate Bhagat Singh day every year.

An interesting happening in Pakistan also got related to Bhagat Singh. Nawab Mohd Ahmad Khan was a prosecution witness (Sarkari gawah) against Bhagat Singh and his comrades in Lahore Conspiracy case. He rose to become an honorary magistrate in Pakistan. He was murdered at the same place in 1970's, where Bhagat Singh was executed i.e. Shadman Chowk. Further coincidence is that Zulifkar Ali Bhutto was trapped for the murder of this man by Zia ul Haq and hanged in Lahore jail in 1977. Now everyone in Pakistan say that Bhutto was framed in this case with US complicity. Also every Pakistani says that Zia ul Haq's eleven year rule was the blackest period of Pakistan history, worst than all other military rulers like Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan or Parvez Musharf. Zia regime completely smashed the secular, liberal and democratic fiber of Pakistani society and had thrown it into prolonged struggle to regain its democratic freedoms back. At this moment Pakistani society has awakened and is now struggling to overcome the most poisonous effects of Zia regime. Let us wish and hope that they succeed.

Left Parties Jathas Against Indo-US Joint Naval Exercises

IT IS A NATIONAL SHAME TO INVITE

SEVENTH FLEET AGAIN IN THE BAY OF BENGAL

The rural and costal people of India once again exhibited their commitment to protect the sovereignty of our motherland. The huge crowd gathered in the rural area in the costal region of Bay of Bengal to welcome the jathas being organised by the left parties against the joint naval exercises bet ween India and US proved that the people of this country will not tolerate any attempt to make India as a junior partner of United States of America.

The left parties have organised two jathas against the joint naval exercises bet ween India, USA, Australia, Japan and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal from 4th to 9th September 2007. One jatha started from Kolkata to Vishakapatnam and other from Chennai to Vishakapatnam. In Kolkata the jatha was flagged off by Com. Jyoti Basu, veteran CPI (M) leader and led by Com. A.B. Bardhan, General Secretary of CPI. While inaugurating the jatha Com. Jyoti Basu said that taking the country into the American fold which goes against the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA government. Others who spoke at the inaugural function were Com. Biman Basu (CPI-M), Com. Debabrata Bandhopadhay (RSP), Com. Manju Kumar Majumdar (CPI), Com. Naren Chatterjee (AIFB) and Com. Bir Singh Mahato (AIFB).About 90 comrades belongs to different left parties travelled all along with the jatha right from Kolkata to Vishapatnam. The jatha was welcomed by the people with great enthusiasm throughout the whole route. Thouands of people gathered to welcome the jatha at different places in Howrah, East and West Midnapore of West Bengal and Jaleshwar, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The people of Andhra Pradesh welcomed the Kolkata bound jatha at Ichapuram, Palasa, Tekkali, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Tagarapuvalasa and Vishakapatnam. In different meeting, Com. A.B. Bardhan, leader of the Kolkata bound jatha cautioned the UPA government about the political consequences if they ignore the concerns expressed by the left parties against the strategic alliance between India and USA. Com. Bir Singh Mahato was the AIFB representative in the jatha. He along with about fifteen comrades travelled all along the jatha.

The other jatha started from Chennai to Vishapatnam was lead by Com. Prakash Karat, General Secretary of CPI (M). The jatha was ingurated at a spectacular public meeting held at Chennai on 4th September evening. Apart from Com. Karat Com. Debabrata Biswas, M.P, General Secretary of All India Forward Bloc, Com. D. Raja M.P, Secretary, CPI, Com. Abani Roy M.P, Secretary, RSP and state leaders of lfet parties also addressed the gathering.

On 5th morning the jatha began from Red Hills. Before commencing the jatha the leaders of the left parties garlanded the statue of V.O. Chidambaranar, the great freedom fighter and the first Tamilian who purchased a ship as aprotest against the British imperialism. Com. Prakash karat, Com. D.Raja and Com. G. Devarajan (AIFB) garlanded the statue and addressd the gathering. In different meetings Com. Prakash Karat reiterated the oposition of the left parties against all sorts of strategic alliance with US imperialism. He made it clear that the nuclear dear deal cannot be looked at in isolation but as a part of a great strategic alliance in the making with the US, of which the joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal is only a component. he emphasised that the UPA government was making all efforts in the last three years to push through legislation that would allow foreign banks to buy out Indian Private Banks and pump in additional investments in the insurance sector. It is our opposition to these economic policies that the bills got stalled despite tremendous pressure from the USA. It was even asking India to change labour laws that would jeopardise the rights of workers. He also said that the war ships participating in the current joint naval exercises are notorious as they killed thousands of people in Iraq and Vietnam. While accusing the UPA government Com. Karat said that in a deviation from the established foreign policy the Manmohan Singh governmen had allowed US cruise Nimitz to participate in the naval exercises, while Indira gandhi had opposed the same with people's support in 1971. The Us Nimitz a ship belongs to the notorious Seventh Fleet, which came to bay of Bengal during the liberation movement of Bangladesh to threaten India.

Com. D. Raja of CPI travelled with the Jatha up to Gudur. Com. Sudhakar Reddy M.P and Secretary of CPI participated in the jatha throughout Andhra Pradesh. Com. G. Devarajan, Secretary AIFB travelled along with Com. Com. Prakash karat right from Chennai to Vishapatnam. In different meeting the leaders of left parties made it clear that the as an independent country we cannot tolerate interference with our foreign policy priorities. Com. G. Devarajan while addressing the different meetings said that the UPA government is violating the commitment made in the Common Minmum Programme and succumbing to the pressure of USA. Instead of mplementing the Common Minimum Programme of UPA, the government is implementing a Common Maximum Programme of United States of America. The US was implementing in stages its plan to bring India into a strategic alliance through the joint military, naval and air exercises.

The people overwhelmingly welcomed the jatha at Gummidipudi, sulurpet in Tamilnadu Gudur, Nellore, Kavali, Ongole, Chirala, Baptala, Guntur, Vijayawada, Bandaru, Bhimavaram, Narsapuram, Amalapuram, Kakinada, Tuni and Vishapatnam. Thousands of people gathered in all the public meeting. The people welcomed the leaders with flower shovering and slogans against imperialism. The huge crowed attended in the public meetings proved that the people of this country are aware about the implications of imperialist designs in our country.

The left leaders made it clear that the left parties would stand by the people of by supporting their struggles such as the ones being taken up in Andhra Pradesh for distribution of home sites and lands.

Both the jathas culminated at Vishakapatnam on 8th September. A huge public meeting was held at R.K. Beach, Vizag in the evening. Thousands of people gathered at the beach and virtually the beach became a red sea. The public meeting was addressed by Com. Prakash Karat, Com. A.b. Bardhan, Com. Debabrata Biswas, Com. Abani Roy, Com. Sitaram Yetchuri, Com. Sudhakar Reddy, Com. Raghavulu, Com. Narayana. The jatha was a strong message to the UPA government that the left parties will not tolerate any foreign policy tilt towards US imperilaism. The jatha and the public meetings have created great enthusism among the people and made public awareness about the negative implications of the Indo-US strategic partnership, which poses a major threat towards our independence and sovereignty.

Unorganised Workers' Convention against Entry of Big Capital in Retail

A historical mammoth gathering of about thirty thousand unorganised sector workers, completely feeling both inside and outside lawns of Netaji Indoor Stadium of Kolkata, not only voiced their decades-old demands for social security, but also their loud protests against the entry of corporate houses and big capital in retail trade which is depriving thousands of small traders of their independent meager-means of livelihood. This convention organised by the TUCC on 25 August 2007 was joined by thousands of men and women workers, SC and ST people, Muslim minorities and small shop-keepers and traders. Agricultural workers, rickshaw-Van pullers, auto-drivers, building workers, hawkers, Bidi-workers, brickfield labourers also joined this convention. The Convention demanded two separate comprehensive Act to ensure minimum wages, job security and provisions of social security for the unorganised sector workers and the agricultural workers.

The main speaker at the Convention, Com. Debabrata Biswas, General Secretary, All India Forward Bloc said in his speech that in the name of globalisation, MNCs are now intruding the Indian market in collusion with the Indian capitalists and traders for an all-out exploitation of Indian labour and resources. The Central Government is extending all support and help to them. And most unfortunately, even some left parties are now hesitating to fight against them. Com. Biswas gave the clarion call for broad-based left unity and all-out fight against Capitalism. Anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist forces must rally round together to fight for the causes of the millions of downtrodden people.

The General Secretary of the TUCC, West Bengal Committee, Com. Naren Chatterjee placed at the Convention an 18-point Charter of Demands. Com. Saral Dev presided over the Convention which was also addressed by Com. Haripada Biswas, General Secretary of the West Bengal Agricultural Workers Union and Com. S.P.Tewari, General Secretary, TUCC Central Committee.

Unorganised sector convention in TAMILNADU

An unorganized Sector workers convention was held at Thrippur, Tamil Nadu, Workers from small textile units, dyeing units, hosiery units, auto-rickshaw drivers, flousts etc. had participated in the said convention. Flags were hoisted at 3 to 4 crossings in city area Com G.R. Shivshankar and Com. S.P. Tiwari haisted the flags and offered garlands to the poetrait of Netaji. The convention was presided over by Com. P.V. Louis Raja, Com. P.V. Kathirvan was also present in the convention.

Com. G.R. Shivshankar had inaugurated the convention by delivering his lecture about the need of forming trade unions the ideas and methodology to organize these people.

Com. S.P. Tiwari had delivered an inspiring speech about the necessity of provided basic eminities to the most deprived sections in the working class of the country. He also briefed the ideas and recommendations of the second Labour Commission of India, report of Srimali Tlapant for the self employment of the women workers, and also of NCWUSE . He instead the necessity of continuous struggle of total working class can await minimum livelihood in the society and T.U.C.C. had take sincere approach to organize these people effectively.

AIyl installed Bhagat Singh’s Statue in Agartala

The Tripura State Committee of All India Youth League has installed a statue of Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh at Airport Road, Agartala on 9th September, 2007. The Statue was unveiled by Com. Naren Chatterjee, Cental Committee Member of AIFB in a spectacular function. Com. Naren Chatterjee urges upon the youngsters to learn lessons from the revolutionary life of Bhagat Singh. Com. Sanjay Bhattacharya, General Secretary of AIYL, Com. (Dr.) Braja Gopal Roy, Com. Symal Roy, Com. Biswanath Saha, Com. Paresh Sarkar also addressed the gathering. Hundreds of young people from Agartala and nearby areas have participated.

BOMB-BLAST AT HYDERABAD ADD TO CONTINUING

SERIES OF ATTACKS ON INNOCENT PEOPLE

Latest addition to series of terrorists' attacks and bomb-blasts in different cities of the country is the violent twin explosions that rocked Hyderabad on 25 August 2007. The death toll crossing 45 and injury to more than 60 innocent people due to the explosion at Gokul Chat eatery and nearly places in Hyderabad have once again posed serious threats to security of the people at large. Incidents of such secret attacks and bomb-blasts are continuing for quite some time happening in different cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi and others. The Union ministry of Home Affairs have miserably failed to put a check on such tragic incidents and also to trace the behind the scene hands plotting these explosions. With the apparent intention of causing destabilization, the miscreants appear to be very active in a planned way, but unfortunately the government is not so alert to confront such attacks and threats in any comprehensive action plan. Of late, hints are dropped to suspect foreign hands, particularly from Bangladesh or Pakistan, which cause more serious concern about the security of life and communal harmony in our country. We have been hearing of joint India-Pakistan anti-terrorism mechanism for quite some time. But so far all such mechanisms have proved to be futile. Moreover, it is noted that such terror attacks have aimed both the Muslim and the non-Muslim dominated localities.

To add to the alarming situation, another similar terror attack has taken place recently in Pakistan also. On 4th September 2007, two violent bomb-blasts have shattered a wide area of Rawalpindi, killing 25 persons and injuring more than 68. This terror attack is apprehended to be linked with pre-election political uncertainty of Pakistan. The attacks and bomb-blasts both in India and Pakistan appear to be similar in nature and aimed at destabilization at the both ends. It has to be seriously proved whether an international terrorist link are working behind these incidents. At least in India, the series of bomb-blasts that took place in the recent past need not be taken as isolated incidents. A wide-spread terrorist link is apprehended to be working behind these explosions. The government must seriously prove them and find out an overall strategy to combat them.

OMINOUS SIGN FOR DEMOCRACY IN OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

A high pitch drama was enacted at Islamabad on 10th September 2007, when the former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived at the capital airport after several years of forced exile, and was immediately arrested and shortly deported back to Saudi Arabia. In view of forthcoming election in Pakistan, Mr. Sharif, after prior announcement, was returning to Pakistan with obvious intention of taking part in the election. But the Pakistan government disallowed him to return to his country on a plea of a corruption charge against him and further raising on absurd argument that Sharif himself had agreed in the year 2000 to stay away for 10 years. On such a false plea, by departing a citizen like Nawaz Sharif, no less a formidable contender for power in forthcoming election, the military ruler of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf has once again exposed himself as a power - hungry military dictator who is out and out opposed to restoration of democracy in Pakistan, despite his so called announcement favouring a democratic rule. Military ruler General Musharraf has violated the Supreme Court verdict allowing Nawaz Sharif to return to his country. More over there is strong public resentment against the authoritarian rule of Musharraf in Pakistan. Still the General has taken this extreme step of thwarting return of Shariff, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), as a desperate attempt to extend his authoritarian regime. He is further reported to have a secret understanding with another former Prime Minister Ms. Benzir Bhutto, leader of PPP, with the same purpose of some how to retain power. This is an ominous sign for democracy in Pakistan. Same is the case with Bangladesh, where democracy is facing a serious challenge, Myanmar is our another neighboring country where democracy has been paralysed for a long time. We extend solidarity with the people's movement for democracy continuing for long in these neighboring countries and we wish an early restoration of democracy there.

Pakistan Presidential Election on October-6

The much awaited Pakistan’s Presidential election will be held on 6th October 2007. General Parvez Musharraf has announced that he will contest to seek another term. The election will be held at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the Senate to be presided over by the Chief Election Commission

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE LEFT STUDENT ORGANISATIONS

The meeting of the Left student organizations decided to carry out an intense campaign against the pro-US imperialist policies of the UPA government. It was also decided to observe 10th of September as "betrayal day" by organizing protest demonstrations against the Indo-US nuclear deals, FDI in education and the government's intention to open doors for the entry of foreign universities in our country.

The UPA government has promised the people of our country that it "will pursue an independent foreign policy keeping in mind its past traditions" but is reneging on this. In spite of the opposition from vast sections of the people of our country, the government is succumbing to the imperialist pressures and is pushing our country into its deadly embrace. On one hand it is burying glorious anti-imperialist traditions of the people of our country while on the other hand it is trying to fool the people by cosmetically paying lip service to the 150th Anniversary of the First War of Indian Independence, Birth Centenary of Bhagat Singh and the 60th anniversary of our independence. We hav decided to carry out an intensive campaign in all the university centres and campuses across the country and expose this betrayal of the union government.

The Union government, ignoring the popular opposition to the opening of the education sector to the Foreign Service providers had agreed to allow 100% FDI in education sector in August 2005. As a result many fly-by-night operators have come and opened their shops in our country. Now more than 150 Foreign Education Providers are operating in our country without any recognition or permission. Moreover all of them are second-rate 'degree mills' interested in making profits by cheating our people. Now in the name of regularization, the government is trying to allow foreign universities to open shop by introducing a Bill to this effect in the Parliament. Foreign universities are against the intellectual self-reliance of our country as they frame syllabus, conduct courses and grant degree according to the needs and interests of their countries and not our country. This will seriously hamper the research activities in our country halt the scientific and technological advancement of our country about which we are all proud of today.

All these decisions are taken by the government to satisfy the interests of the big corporations of the US who are eyeing the vast educational 'market' of our country. The corporations in US have identified education sector, as the rapidly growing 'market' and today it is one of the biggest profit earners for them in the service sector. The US is pressurizing the third world countries to open their education sector under the GATS agreement and India is unfortunately one of the few countries that has succumbed to this pressure instead of resisting it.

The signing of the defence co-operation agreement, broadly agreeing the disastrous proposals made by the joint-CEOs forum to open up the agricultural and retail sector to the US multinationals are all other examples that go on to prove the pro-US tilt of this government. The Indo-US nuclear deal is the proverbial last straw on the camle's back. This deal further compromises our country's interests before the US even on strategic issues like nuclear co-operation. The 123 Agreement compromises the position of our country on many issues. While the commitments made by our country are binding and are for perpetuity, some of the commitments that the US has made are either quite ambiguous or are ones that can be terminated at any future date. The 123 Agreement is subject to the Hyde Act of the US that has many conditions that adversely effect our country. Already the government is trying to satisfy these dangerous conditions as was evident during the vote against Iran in the United Nations. The growing military dependence on Israel, joint Naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal with US, Japan, Australia and Singapore are examples of the government's attempt to cosy to the demands of the imperialist forces.

All these policies of the government are intended to develop strategic ties with the US at the cost our people's interest. It is the duty of all the patriotic people of our country to resist these attempts of the government and protect our country's interests it is all the more important for the students and youth or our country to resist these attempts, as they are the future of this country. We will carry out an intense campaign against the pro-imperialist policies of this government and the adverse impact they have on our country in general and education in particular. State level joint action committees will be formed involving other like-minded student organizations. On the 10th of September they day on which the government intends to discuss the deal in the Parliament we will organize protest demonstrations against the deal and he policies of this government and put it on notice. This day will be observed as the 'betrayal day'. We appeal to all the students to join the protest demonstration and register their protest against the government policies and live true to the rich anti-imperialist legacies of our country.

[The statement was jointly signed by K.K. Ragesh (General Secretary, SFI), Rajeev Bhattacharya (General Secretary, AIPSU), Aritra Chatterjee (General Secretary, AISB) and Vijender Kesary (General Secretary, AISF)]

Turmoil Again in Nepal

The communist party of Nepal (Moist) has quit the Five-month old coalition government on 18th September, 2007 and pushed the country into turmoil again. The Maoists decided to quit the government after the other parties refused to bow to their demand to declare Nepal a republic through the interim legislature and to abolish the monarchy immediately. Four Maoist minister submitted their resignations after the hectic negotiations among the top leaders of the eight-party alliance failed to reach an understanding.

Continue from last issue……….

Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the

B.PACKAGE of measures for MARGINAL AND SMALL FARMERS

ACTION : Ensure credit for marginal and small farmers

¬ Encourage lending to small and marginal farmers by setting up a Credit Guarantee fund in NABARD to provide cover against defaults on loans to this segment

ACTION: Launch a special program for marginal and small farmers

¬ To be launched during the Eleventh Plan period through a special agency

¬ Interventions on irrigation schemes, crop procurement, formation of producer groups etc

Other Actions for marginal and small farmers include accelerating land and water management programs and setting up Farmers' Debt Relief Commissions

C. PACKAGE of measures for the NON-AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

ACTION : Create a National Fund for the Unorganised Sector (with an initial corpus of Rs. 5000 crores funded by the Central government, public sector banks etc.)

Other actions for non-farm sector include improving credit flow to the sector, incentivising self help groups, adopting a 'Growth pole' model for cluster development

D. PACKAGE of measures to expand EMPLOYMENT and improve EMPLOYABILITY

Recommended actions include strengthening self-employment programs, expanding the National Rural Employment Guarantee Program to all districts and increasing employability through skill development

It is a landmark report on India's working poor, addressing the Questions

Who are they?

How do they live?

What's wrong with current policies/legislations?

What needs to be done for them?

WHO ARE THEY?

Unorganised sector workforce accounts for over 86% of the total workforce of India, but informal employment accounts for 92%

Estimates of the Commission indicate

¬ Total employment in the Indian economy 457 million

¬ Unorganised sector 394.9 million (86%)

¬ Of these, 64% are in agriculture (252.8 million).

¬ Only 0.4% of the 394.9 million unorganised sector workers have access to any form of social security (such as Provident Fund)

The commission has categorized the population, into three groups of i) Rich, ii) Middle class and iii) Common people (poor and vulnerable).

The Commission finds that the COMMON PEOPLE, with incomes between 3/4th of the poverty line (Rs 9 per day) to only twice the poverty line (Rs. 20 per day) constitute an overwhelming 77% of the population!!

The Report notes that 79% of the unorganised workers belong to this group of the 'Common People' who earn less than Rs. 20 a day!!

The Report says that while the numbers of those who are below the official poverty line have come down in recent decades, the number of those in this broader segment of poor and vulnerable have steadily gone up.

HOW DO THEY LIVE?

Non-agricultural workers

Education

¬ The rural female non-agricultural unorganised worker has an average schooling of 2.9 years.

l This drops to 1.5 years among unorganised casual non agricultural women workers

Land possessed

¬ 75% of non-agricusltural and 38.4% of agricultural workers own less than one acre.

Work profile

¬ Manufacturing is the most common activity for unorganised, women workers