Block and District Conventions and call for action

Nadia, North 24 Parganas and Purulia units organize conventions to highlight local issues and declare the social action programme(s) of PBKMS

The district units of Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) has organized block conventions to take up pressing issues faced by the local population and extensive discussions on the future course of action were held. General issues faced in accessing work under MGNREGA, 2005 and inadequacies in the Public Distribution System were also highlighted. The senior leadership of the organization participated in the conventions and the systemic apathy towards the interests of the working class featured in the speeches built up on the anti-working policies ratified by the central government.

A block convention in Tehetta-2 block of Nadia district was held on 10th January, 2021 which witnessed an enthusiastic participation of our members, well wishers and partner organizations.   

Block Convention in Tehetta-2, Nadia

Comrade Uttam Gayen, General Secretary of PBKMS addressing the gathering in Tehetta-2, Nadia

The following demands were raised in the Tehetta-2 block convention:

• Immediate operationalization of the 'Choto Naldaha' hospital
• Disbursal of notified NREGA daily wage of ₹204
• Provision of work for every NREGA job card holder
• Disbursal of unemployment allowances on not providing work under NREGA within 15 days of submission of work demand applications
• Taking effective steps to curb corrupt practices in Public Distribution System 
• Extending pension to all widows and senior citizens
• Exemplary action against erring public officials found to be involved in fraudulent practices

A convention took place in Hura block of Purulia district on 7th January, 2020. Extensive discussions on the farm legislations and below subsistence levels of distribution of food grains through the Public Distribution System were held.

Block Convention in Hura, Purulia

Comrade Swapan Ganguly, Founding Member of PBKMS addressing the gathering in Hura, Purulia

The district convention of North 24 Parganas took place on 9th January, 2020 and a call to participate in the farmer protest meets across the state was given by the senior leadership.  

The District Convention of North 24 Parganas

Comrade Rashid Baidya, the District President of PBKMS addressing the gathering 

Women members turn up in large numbers for the convention

Later in the week, we have seen large participation of members of PBKMS and Sharamajivee Mahila Samity in the numerous farmer protests and sit-in demonstrations held across West Bengal and especially in Kolkata. Symbolic protests and burning of the farm bills have been organized in various places to extend solidarity with our farmers battling an inclement weather and an unresponsive central government near the borders of Delhi.