PBKMS and SMS commemorate International Workers' Day

We renewed our pledges on May Day to extend our complete solidarity with the global struggle of the working class

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) and Sharamajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) marked 1st May, 2022 with rallies, marches, hoisting of our flag, enthusiastic sloganeering and exchange of revolutionary greetings. Field areas across 14 districts of West Bengal commemorated the historic day which witnessed enthusiastic participation from our members. Anchal, block and district committees mobilized members and our sympathizers for the events marking the day. A note on the history of the struggle of the working class and the relevance of the day in today's socio-political environment was circulated and read out in our street corner gatherings.

Comrades at our local centre in Kulpi, South 24 Parganas

Comrades in a show of strength after a short march in Minakhan, North 24 Parganas

         

Comrades observing a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of working-class movements across the globe in Datan, West Midnapore 

Flag hoisting at Raidighi, South 24 Parganas

Comrades preparing for a march in Chhatna, Bankura

A discussion session on contemporary labour issues organized by the district committee in North Dinajpur 

Comrades hoisting the flag at an NREGA work site in Manbazar, Purulia

Comrades marching in Hura, Purulia

Plantation workers of Paschim Banga Cha Mazdoor Samity preparing for hoisting the flag of the union in Gangutia tea garden, Jalpaiguri

PBKMS and SMS take to the streets to enforce the two day ‘Bharat Bandh’

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) and Shramajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) have been at the forefront in campaigning against the ‘anti-people' farm legislation brought in by the current political dispensation at the centre. The scant regard for the opposing views on the provisions of the legislation has led to their ratification without proper debates and discussions in both houses of the parliament. In addition to the demand for unconditional rollback of the three farm laws, the farming community had also placed certain demands before the central government before agreeing to call off the protests. The central government has not only been non-responsive but has also been insensitive to the point of obscenity when it went silent on even asking for the resignation of parliamentarian and minister of state Ajay Mishra Teni, who has been accused of targeted killings of protesting farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.

We are observing the 'two-day' nationwide strike called by central trade unions and farmer organizations to highlight the anti-working class policies of the central government and their reluctance to address the concerns of the farming community.

  PBKMS activists marching towards the SDPO office on Monday in Basirhat sub-division, North 24 Parganas

PBKMS activists blocking one of the main thoroughfares in Hura block, Purulia

A joint demonstration in Hasnabad block, North 24 Parganas

 

Members marching in a rally in Raidighi, South 24 Parganas

On every call given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and farmers’ associations, we have expressed our solidarity with the cause and planned as well as executed campaigns along with other civil society organizations across West Bengal.

Submission of Deputation at Kultali, South 24 Parganas

PBKMS highlights persisting local issues in a deputation handed over to the Kultali BDO

On 24th March, 2022 members of PBKMS (Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity) led by senior activist Com. Kanai Halder met Shri Birendra Nath Adhikari, the BDO (Block Development Officer) of Kultali block in the district of South 24 Parganas. The block unit highlighted numerous concerns through the submission of a deputation which led to an intense discussion with the BDO to seek long term solutions.

Members of PBKMS after meeting the Kultali BDO

                         

Issues experienced in the implementation of legislation(s) and welfare scheme(s) like Public Distribution System, MGNREGA, Mid Day Meal, Mission Nirmal Bangla, Social Assistance Programmes, PM Awas Yojana, etc. were presented in detail. Inadequacies in public health infrastructure were also taken up for discussion.  

The BDO and other officials assured us that some of our long-standing demands like the provision of new job cards for family members who have started living separately, sanctioning more tube wells in the densely populated areas, easy and quick disbursal of social assistance pensions and immediate strengthening of embankments in low lying areas will be looked into. The officials have also requested us to assist them in conducting a camp for enabling differently-abled persons to submit the documents required to access social assistance benefits. Repair and strengthening of vulnerable embankments have been promised to be taken up shortly by the block administration. Future plans of the administration to reach households with piped drinking water have also been shared.   

We have conveyed our experience in successfully implementing a kitchen harden programme in the district and have expressed our willingness to help the block administration in developing kitchen or nutrition gardens in community spaces. The BDO has sought our assistance in ensuring that mangrove habitats are protected and to help the administration in curbing child marriages in the block. Regular disbursement of entitlements guaranteed under the Mid Day Meal programme has also been assured. 

Observance of 16th NREGA Diwas

PBKMS and SMS observe the 16th NREGA Diwas across West Bengal  

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) and Shramajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) marked the 16th anniversary of the implementation of the public works programme which came into force on 2nd February 2006. The day reminds us of the long struggle undertaken by the working class to successfully demand a guarantee from the state in accessing wage-based employment. Despite having clear provisions in the Directive Principles of State Policy and forming an important component of the 'right to life with dignity' guaranteed by the constitution, it took more than 50 long years for the political leadership to recognize the same. Though all the demands we raised during our decade long non-violent struggle to uphold the 'right to work' are yet to be met, the day is still marked with reverence by people's organizations for successfully convincing the then union government to roll out a public works programme. The global pandemic and the vulnerabilities of the migrant population in the urban spaces have highlighted the importance of this programme which has been a lifesaver for the rural communities.                                    

We are also witnessing an unenthusiastic implementation of the programme, which is unarguably one of the most impactful rights-based legislation(s) in post-Independent India. Job cardholders are being denied work, wages are getting inordinately delayed, corrupt practices creeping in without access to proper grievance redressal mechanisms, etc. The union budget of 2022-23 has also been disappointing with respect to the allocation for the public works programme, with the budgetary provisions failing to respond to the demand for work generated by rural households.      

On this day, we met the officials of the panchayat, block and district administrations across West Bengal and submitted a demand charter listing out our immediate concerns on the implementation of the programme. 

          One of our activists with the receipted copy of the demand charter after submitting it to the office of the Block Development Officer in Shantipur, Nadia

The following demands have been placed before the Central and State Governments:

1. 200 days of guaranteed wage employment for each and every individual in the rural areas.

 

2. Fixation of minimum daily wage at ₹600 in line with the recommendations of the 7th pay commission.

3. Disbursal of wages should be according to the laid down provisions of the law, which guarantees payment of wages within a fortnight of the completion of work.

4. No worker should not be paid less than the stipulated wages under any pretext.

5. Unemployment benefits should be disbursed in the manner stated in the law on not being provided work within a fortnight of submitting work demand applications.

6. In accordance with the provisions of the law, drinking water, shed and creche facility for children accompanying their mothers to the work sites should be made available.

 

7. Alternatives to earthwork should be made available, especially for women.

8. Every eligible applicant should be provided with a job card and no job card should be cancelled arbitrarily.

9. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent sexual harassment of women at work sites.         

Deputations and demand charters have been submitted across 12 districts in West Bengal with the senior activists taking a lead role in engaging with the bureaucracy and the political leadership. 

PBKMS and SMS observe 'Betrayal Day' on the call given by farmers

PBKMS and SMS submit deputations and initiate a campaign to highlight the 'betrayal' faced by the farmers of the nation in the hands of the union government   

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) and Shramajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) have called for a 'Day of Condemnation' or the 'Betrayal day' as christened by the associations and trade union under the banner of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSSC). The union government and the political leadership at the centre have failed to honour its promises to the farmers during the withdrawal of the year-long protests. Post rollback of the three contentious farm legislations by the union government, the protesting farmers demanded concrete steps to address their other concerns as well for which they had braved the ire of the administration and the extreme climate of North India for more than a year.

We welcome the unconditional withdrawal of the three contentious farm legislations which began with the passing of the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 at the Lok Sabha culminating in the presidential assent provided on 1st December, 2021. However, the other demands of the nation wide peaceful struggle were not honoured by the political leadership at the centre and the farming community now nurses a sense of betrayal. Not even one of the promises made to the protesting farmers (apart from the repeal of the three farm legislations) to persuade them to vacate the protest sites has been taken up till date. This apathy dishonours one of the most impactful peasant movements of the recent times. We have not seen any willingness on the part of the central government to honour its commitment on a range of promises made to address concerns of the protetsing farmers. An elected government cannot disregard the demands raised by a mass movement in this manner. We vow to continue with our struggles till each and every demand of our farmers is honoured. 

In West Bengal, especially the small and marginal farmers face difficulty in receiving the right price for their produces. There are also numerous barriers to selling paddy in large quantities, such as relatively distant markets, undefined pricing, the complexity of selling in government mandis, and so on. The present Trinamool Congress government had given moral support to the agitating peasants and now if the other vital demands of the peasants are not met, then some moral responsibility to address them lies with the political leadership of the state as well.

Senior activists of PBKMS addressing a press conference in Uttar Dinajpur

On this day, we are submitting demand charters in the form of deputations to the panchayat, block and district administrations in our field areas which are spread across West Bengal. We are placing the following demands before the State Government:

1. Declaration of minimum support price for all agricultural produces.

2. Providing access to necessary infrastructure for enabling farmers to sell agricultural products in the government mandis.

3. Speedy settlemt of arrears after the sale of paddy in government mandis.

4. In case of crop damage due to natural calamities, adequate compensation should be provided. Universal coverage of crop insurance should be ensured.

5. In order to reduce the monopoly of multinational seed corporations, necessary infrastructure should be provided for the conservation of indigenous seeds at the village level.

The following demands have been placed before the Central Government along with all the mass organizations and farmer's associations across the country:

1. Immediate announcement of the formation of committee with the objective of guaranteeing the minimum support price of all crops.

2. Fixing the minimum wage of agricultural labourers at ₹600 per day in line with the recommendations of the 7th pay commission.

3. Fabricated charges imposed on protesting farmers must be withdrawn immediately.

4. Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, who was responsible for the gruesome murder of farmers in Lakhimpur Khedi, should be arrested and punished through the appropriate judicial process.

We have also been able to organize a few roadshows and public meetings in the face of strict pandemic related restrictions. Our members have made efforts to adhere to the protocol(s) related to public health as laid down by the authorities. Some of the glimpses of our show of strength on the ground: 

A rally in progress at Minakhan, North 24 Parganas

Com. Anuradha Talwar, member of State Committee addressing a gathering in North Dinajpur

Com. Suchitra Halder, member of State Committee leading a rally in Minakhan, North 24 Parganas

PBKMS team visits Deucha Pachami

A team led by senior activists of the union met people who will face the brunt of the proposed open cast coal mine in Deucha Pachami, Birbhum

PBKMS (Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity) visited a few villages located in the proposed project site of the upcoming Deucha Pachami coal mines in the district of Birbhum in West Bengal. A small team led by our senior activist and treasurer, Comrade Kanai Halder visited a few villages in the Mohammadbazar block to interact with the community members who face the threat of eviction. Our visit was facilitated by one of the civil society organizations in the region named PAPA (Project Affected People's Association) which is working amongst the tribal community.   

Com. Kanai Halder interacting with the residents

14 villages will be severely affected post commencement of the coal mining project. We came to know of a protest march, in which the community members displayed brooms, symbolizing their desire of chasing away the 'dikus' (outsiders) who are eyeing the natural resources of the area. The march was held by the residents of the Dewanganj village and the police administration immediately cracked down on them with the temporary detention of a local community mobilizer.     

The population density of the area is less with the number of households in a village seldom crossing twenty-five. This is mainly due to the topography of the area, marked by jungles and hillocks. The implementation of rights-based legislation(s) in the area is poor, to say the least. Villagers do not have access to the public works programme, which guarantees a minimum of 100 days of paid work to each and every rural household in the country. Many households have stopped receiving their entitled food grains through the Public Distribution System. Anganwadi centres are not functioning properly and other schemes like mission Nirmal Bangla, Bangla Awas Yojana, etc are also not being implemented in their true spirits. Without paying a hefty kickback, the central schemes are also not made accessible to the people.      

A certain fear has crept into the minds of the villagers in accessing benefits of state-sponsored schemes for they feel that on the pretext of filling up of forms, the administration will manipulate them to part with their homestead and agricultural land(s). For similar reasons, we have been prevented from taking photographs or even writing field notes in some areas. The suspicion on the administration has grown to such an extent!            

The electricity connection is not too stable and often villages go without electricity for a long period of time. The villages of Gabarbathan and Sagarbandi are yet to receive electricity connections. Some of the villages have electric poles but the households have not been reached with proper connections. Notable amongst them are Harisingh, Talbandh, Khetpahari and Baromesya. 

The residents of the region mainly communicate in Alchiki, Oraon and Santali languages. We have worked in Birbhum briefly from 1994-96 and Com. Akal Mandi from this region was even an active member of our then state committee. In the anchals of Dewanganj and Hinglo, we met people who are not in favour of the coal mine being commissioned but have also come across a section of the community who feel that the mine project will benefit them economically. Though, the people do not trust the committee formed by the administration to do full justice to their legitimate claims. 

A significant number of the residents are not keen to give up their homestead and agricultural lands for the sake of a coal mine. The landless population are in favour of evaluating the full compensation package before taking a final decision. Representatives of mainstream political parties often visit the villages which have been proposed to be included in the coal mine project with the objective of mobilizing people to further the aspirations of the concerned political party. The people have experienced that such interactions do not benefit them in any manner and expose them to harassment meted out by the administration who are always on their toes to snuff out any opposition to their unilateral decisions. People from the anchals of Dewanganj and Sagarbandi are leading the protests against the administration which attempts to complete the land acquisition soon. The cadres of the ruling political party in the state are also not being allowed in these areas. Community mobilizers are planning to hold a meeting with the heads of the fourteen villages to chalk out a joint resistance strategy, involving democratic means of protests.   

PBKMS will also plan the nature of its intervention in association with the affected communities. Birbhum and particularly the villages which are falling under the area of the proposed coal mine happened to be our field area in the mid-90s. We plan to strengthen our organization over there along with active participation in the movement to ensure the ownership of the tribal community over jal, jangal and jamin. The administration has virtually halted all the projects pertaining to the development of social infrastructure with the hope of tiring out the communities in accessing public goods as well as basic necessities.       

All the conversations took place in the Alchiki language and we are thankful to our sathi Com. Somnath Baske, for helping us in having multiple conversations with the native speakers. The report has been prepared after translating the main subjects of the conversations into Bengali and noting them down during our return journey to Kolkata. 

Annual Review Meeting of PBKMS

PBKMS concludes a two-day annual review meeting at Badu training centre

PBKMS (Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity) conducted an annual review meeting with the activists presenting their progress reports and core activities undertaken by the respective district unit. The final membership figures from the block units and the subscription amount collected from each of the district units were collated to arrive at the consolidated membership figure of the union. Reporting systems were reviewed and a common form was proposed to include all the indicators for ease in handling of data. The union also undertook an evaluation of the work of the full-time activists and the district committees. Plans for three consecutive years were laid down and internal fund collection was stressed upon. Crowdfunding initiatives and the collection of food grains from field areas have been discussed. A special membership with higher subscription fees amongst the working middle class will be explored. A one-time special donation from workers of the public works programme will also be taken up to shore up the internal funds. Emphasis has been laid on generating resources to ensure that the union becomes sustainable on internal collection to support a rapid expansion of field areas, which will also entail supporting a larger number of full-time activists. Gradual increase in the subscription amount of members was proposed by the district coordinators with projections of increase in membership figures till 2024. A quarterly progress plan along with targets of the individual districts will be prepared by the secretariat after the respective coordinators conduct a round of consultation with the block and anchal committees.                        

Review meeting in progress at Badu, Kolkata

District plans being presented at the convention centre 

The plan of the union to support rural youths for one year to immerse them in organizing work has also been finalized which will aid us in identifying potential activists in the near future. The youths will be identified by the respective district unit and they will be converging for short stints of classroom training programmes with adequate field exposure and active participation in organizing work. Cultural committee and youth committee meetings have been finalized with the respective coordinators given charge of forming the committees at the district level. The schedule of the annual convention of the union and the nature of the selection of delegates along with other logistical details were conveyed to the participating activists by the organizing committee.  

Legal Awareness workshops conducted in association with MASUM and others

PBKMS organizes workshops post increase in jurisdiction of the BSF in three states in association with civil society partners

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) in association with MASUM (Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha), RTFWN (Right to Food and Work Network) and other civil society partners organizes a series of workshops, interactive sessions and awareness camps on rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution and legal safeguards provided by the justice delivery system. The need to have such a series of engagements was felt after the recent increase in the operational jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) was flagged by the civil society as a regressive step in furthering the civil and political rights of citizens. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a unilateral decision to increase the jurisdiction of BSF from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres (from the International border towards the Indian territory) in the states of Punjab, Assam and West Bengal. 

The experience of the populace residing in the areas close to the International boundary with Bangladesh points to the severe restrictions imposed by the BSF which often interferes with the provisions of article 19 of the Indian constitution, guaranteeing certain fundamental rights to the citizens of the nation. The constant presence of 'men in uniform' in villages, which are in no way threatened by any foreign nation in close proximity, limit the access to women to public spaces and may have a negative impact on the psychology of children. The paramilitary force in the areas close to the International boundary with Bangladesh often stands guard deep within Indian territory with reports of increasing interference in livelihood activities and free movement of the populace. Even cases of torture, sexual harassment, enforced disappearances and custodial deaths have been repeatedly highlighted by human rights networks and complainants had to face hurdles in even registering their grievances against the BSF. Hence, the existing experience of the local people raises apprehensions on further curtailment of civil rights after the increase in their jurisdiction. The force has also powers of initiating arrest, search and seizure in their operation areas which draws them into a turf war with the state police force. Apprehensions of high handedness and unreasonable use of such powers have given way to a certain anxiousness amongst the people residing within the present jurisdiction with limited grievance redressal mechanisms in place.

Crucial judgements in the context of the numerous provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and rights of citizens during lodging of a complaint with the police department have been discussed in the workshops. The need to be vocal in upholding the rights of fellow citizens and the importance of active community involvement have also been stressed to build a democratic resistance against any measures towards curtailment of the rights of people.    

Shri Sujoy Singh Roy from MASUM conducting a session in Raninagar-1 block, Murshidabad     

Com. Uttam Gayen, General Secretary of PBKMS addressing the participants of Raiganj workshop

Shri Kirity Roy, Secretary of MASUM addressing the participants of Raiganj workshop

Shri Kirity Roy, Secretary of MASUM delivering the keynote address at the Badu, Kolkata workshop

The sessions ended with a call to embark on a campaign with the following central demands in association with various civil society organizations and networks in West Bengal:

• Revoking the decision to increase the operational jurisdiction of BSF
• Placing the BSF at the zero point of the International border and not in villages on the Indian side

PBKMS protests against the increase in operational jurisdiction of the BSF

Civil Society organizations submit deputations at regional centres of the BSF in West Bengal to protest against the unilateral decision of the union home ministry to increase the jurisdiction of the paramilitary force

On the occasion of the 57^th Raising Day of the BSF (Border Security Force), PBKMS (Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity) and numerous civil society partners submitted deputations under the banner ‘Amra Simantabasi’ (We the border people) at their regional centres in districts across West Bengal. In Kolkata, we took out a protest march from Minto Park which culminated at the paramilitary force’s Eastern Command headquarters with the submission of a deputation to the commanding officer.

The union ministry on 11^th October, 2021 brought out a notification proclaiming an amendment of a 2014 notification to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF to 50 kilometres inside Indian territory from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. The paramilitary force will now be able to conduct search, seizure and arrest up to 50 kilometres inside Indian territory which will be similar to the imposition of martial law on a large number of residents. We condemn the unilateral decision of the central government to infringe upon the subject of law and order which is an exclusive domain of the state government. The political leadership also did not feel the need to initiate a dialogue with the opposition as well as the civil society to discuss the need for bringing out the notification.

The population residing at the border areas have also complained about the high handedness of the stationed BSF personnel time and again and civil society groups have brought out shocking incidents of violation of human rights ranging from illegal detention to torture and violation of the dignity of women.    

We have stated the following demands in the deputations and demand charter submitted to the BSF officials:

• The paramilitary force should remain at the International border and make sincere efforts to prevent any disruption in the normal lives of the residents of bordering areas. The continuous presence of armed personnel in villages should be avoided.

• All complaints on violation of human rights by the paramilitary force should be impartially probed.

• As ordered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the Anuradha Bhasin case, section 144 should cease to be continuously in force in the border areas.

• The notification of the union home ministry on the increase in jurisdiction of the paramilitary force should be revoked immediately.

• Often the lands and ponds of the farming community fall on the other side of the barbed wires. They should be allowed access to them from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. 

• The paramilitary force should adhere to its constitutional limits and uphold the fundamental rights of the population residing at the border areas, especially the provisions of Article 14 (Right to equality), Article 19 (Freedom of movement in Indian territory) and Article 21 (Right to life).

After submission of the deputation in Nadia

Members before a procession to the main camp of BSF in North 24 Parganas

We are also organizing workshops and awareness camps for our activists, coordinators and the general membership of the union residing at the border areas to discuss the implications of the concerned notification. Various provisions of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) and the constitutional rights of Indian citizens will also be taken up for discussion to enable people in seeking redressal against possible grievances on the operations of the BSF in the areas under their jurisdiction.

In solidarity:

Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Manch

Members of Right to Food Network, West Bengal

PSU

Shramajivee Mahila Samity

SDTU

AIKKS

Bandi Mukti Committee

Friends of Democracy

RYF

AIRSO 

PBKMS and SMS take to the streets to enforce the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) and Shramajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) have been at the forefront in campaigning against the ‘anti-people' farm legislation brought in by the current political dispensation at the centre. The scant regard for the opposing views on the provisions of the legislation has led to their ratification without proper debates and discussions in both houses of the parliament. The definite tilt of the legislations towards corporatization of the Indian agriculture sector spells doom for the small and marginal farmers. A calculated omission of the minimum support price mechanism along with the intention of dismantling the Agricultural Produce Market Committee(s) exposes the vulnerable agricultural households to fluctuating market prices. Contract farming provisions disregard the in-equal power relations between a small farmer and a corporate entity which may often result in exploitation of the former due to virtually non-existent monitoring mechanisms. The impact on food security will also be massive with the farm legislations foretelling the gradual retreat of the state from ensuring food security of the nation through the public distribution system. The latest amendments carried out in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 removes the restrictions on stocking of certain essential commodities which may certainly lead to hoarding and increase in retail prices of such commodities with a direct impact on the food basket of vulnerable households. 

Hence, on comprehending the ‘pro-corporate bias in the recently ratified farm legislations we have begun our struggle against their forceful imposition without taking into consideration the concerns raised by our farmers. On every call given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and farmers’ associations, we have expressed our solidarity with the cause and planned as well as executed campaigns along with other civil society organizations across West Bengal.

Celebrating India's 75th Independence Day

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity celebrates the august occasion of the nation's 75th Independence Day with much fervor across its field areas in more than 12 districts in the state of West Bengal. The block and district units hoisted the national flag and speeches on the significance of the day were delivered by our senior activists. We are in the middle of an ongoing national campaign demanding the rollback of draconian sedition and anti-terror laws while reiterating the constitutional framework guaranteeing freedom of speech and expression of citizens. The campaign was launched just after the denial of bail to the late Jesuit priest and activist Fr Stan Swamy which led to his untimely death. 'Right to Dissent' has been the campaign's theme, which is leading a dialogue amongst fellow citizens on state-led repression of dissenting voices and penchant to frame dissenters under sedition and terror laws, denying them the right to seek redressal under usual provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 

Our block and district units read out 'pledge' declaring our unflinching commitment towards the values espoused by the constitution of our nation and working towards establishing a society based on them. The need to protect the 'dissenting voices' and to collectively oppose the state policies discouraging dissent in any form featured in the pledge. The preamble of the constitution was also readout. On every Independence Day, we highlight the need to ensure access to basic citizen services and upholding the 'right to life of every individual through nutrition, health, education, shelter and work. Last year we began a dialogue on the need for a robust Public Distribution System to address hunger and lack of access to basic food items for vulnerable sections of the society on Independence Day and highlighted the inadequacies of the present system. This year too, we gave a call to increase the entitlement of ration cardholders and to universalize the Public Distribution System for the nation's working-class should not celebrate another Independence Day on an empty stomach. Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity is committed to joining the progressive forces to ensure an equitable future for each citizen of India and express solidarity to the people's movements across the nation, asserting the rights of the marginalized sections over natural resources and access to constitutional rights.

Livelihood Report - 2020 to 2021

Introduction 

The sudden collapse of the market due to the pandemic made the unpredictability and instability of the market very evident.  This led the organisation to take steps towards introducing the concept of alternative livelihood and market economy, amongst our members.

Due to the lockdown, the terrible downturn in the economy and the return of migrants, various families faced a substantial loss of income. At the same time, there was scarcity as well as a surge in the price of vegetables. We initiated our plan to help marginal farmers and rural families who own only small homesteads, focusing mainly on the women in such families. We worked with families that have very small plots of land, to start a kitchen garden - which can significantly improve the nutritional content of the families’ food. We have ensured that there are negligible expenses and zero requirements to go to the market for anything produced in the kitchen gardens. Training to make organic fertilisers and pesticides from natural sources, livestock and kitchen waste has also been provided.

We are also successful in involving a large number of  youth in various activities, training and meetings of the organisation. Young men and women were given training to be trainers, thus giving them the confidence to lead a small group of people for the organic kitchen garden initiatives.

Activities

●       Training to start organic kitchen gardens

56 young people (50% women) were identified from 8 districts, who with the help of an external resource person were trained to be trainers. This training helped them understand about organic kitchen gardens and their benefits. They learnt how to cultivate and manage a kitchen garden and are expected to further train beneficiaries as well as follow up on their performance on a daily basis. The trainers have trained 15000 beneficiaries, as of June 2021. They have also been taught about seed conservation.

The Organic kitchen garden project focuses on building capacity, especially of women, to set up and nurture their own supply of vegetables through the same. From reclaiming waste land to making organic fertilisers and pesticides, everything has been taught to the trainers in a series of training organised by the organisation.

Key effects or results

• People are developing an interest towards the concept of kitchen gardens and realising its benefits.
• The beneficiaries have learnt to make and use organic fertilizers and pesticides. They learnt to utilise waste material (like vegetable peels, eggshells, used tea leaves etc.) which is often discarded.
• With the production of vegetables, enough to sustain one’s family, there has been a decrease in dependency on the market for the same.
• People have been able to reclaim wasteland for kitchen gardens.
•  Some beneficiaries are working jointly on their organic kitchen gardens, in a single plot of land. Extra produce is often distributed amongst relatives and neighbours which has helped strengthen community relations and has led to a further rise in interest in creating kitchen gardens. 

Challenges and our response

• It has been difficult to convince some people to shift to organic production completely, due to lack of any prior experience (in organic cultivation) of the cultivator. Some people have used both chemical and organic fertilizers and pesticides, which has not generated the desired results.
• The success of other kitchen gardens in various areas we are working in helped us explain better how completely organic kitchen gardens can produce sufficient yield. The disadvantages of chemical fertilizers and pesticides were also restated.
• The production has suffered in various areas where the salinity in water as well as soil is high, like areas of North and South 24 Parganas.
• We have conducted discussions and meetings putting forward the solutions to start and sustain kitchen gardens in areas with high salinity of soil and water. People have been advised to conserve rainwater, given saline resistant seeds and make kitchen gardens in bags and tubs with soil that has low salinity. 
• Shortage of water in districts like Purulia and Bankura has made people apprehensive about starting these gardens.
• Techniques that help conserve water as well as utilizing them for the gardens have been taught to all the beneficiaries. Ancient irrigation methods like mulching, clay pot irrigation etc are being taught and promoted.

What we learned and our Future Goals, strategies and activities

●       Over the course of the grant period and working on kitchen gardens, we have realised the need to promote requirement specific seeds and grains. Based on consumption patterns of the people, we need to make sure that seeds (like paddy, wheat etc) can be procured and distributed.

●       We realize that livestock rearing is another important aspect of being self sufficient and reduce dependence on the market and would like to consider in the future.

●       The Training of Trainers (ToT) method, where a trainer is further expected to train 200-300 beneficiaries has been successful for our organization. This was our first time attempting this method and we intend to use it for some of our future projects too.

●       This particular project if extended for a longer period of time can help spread the idea of organic kitchen gardens and, accept and shift completely to an organic mode of production. Our intended seed conservation would also take a longer time (i.e more than a year), thus we would like to continue working on this project for a long term. 

 

PBKMS statement on illegal eviction of forest dwellers and the fascist behaviour of the Khandwa Forest Administration in Madhya Pradesh

Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS), condemns the illegal eviction of traditional forest dwellers from their lands inherited through customary rights in direct violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The forest department in utter disregard for the legal safeguards enjoyed by the community residing in Jamniya village (Khadwa District, Madhya Pradesh) encroached upon their lands and destroyed their shelters, standing crops and cattle. The Khadwa district administration has also not taken any measures to address the periodic harassment meted out to the forest-dwelling communities by the forest administration despite existing legal provisions acknowledging their customary rights over forest resources.

Jagrit Adivasi Dalit Sangathan (JADS), the leading tribal and dalit rights collective intervened and made attempts to protect the interests of the families who were facing the wrath of the forest administration. The District Forest Officer did not acknowledge that the interests of the concerned community are protected by the law of the land till the completion of the verification of their claims over forest lands as per the provisions of the FRA, 2006. The fact that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had passed a stay order in an ongoing petition filed by the members of forest-dwelling communities in Jamniya claiming individual and community forest rights, too was disregarded. The Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has also passed an order restraining the state from evicting any individual during the present pandemic situation which was clearly violated as well. Hence in complete defiance of the legal protection accorded to the tribal community, the forest department not only trespassed on their property with criminal intention but also took a twelve year old girl named Puja and her parents along with other members of the community into their custody for protesting against their illegal acts.

The activists of JADS along with the community leaders vehemently protested against the high-handedness of the forest officials and tried to secure the release of the detained persons. Much to the horror of the protestors, the forest officials decided to target the activists of JADS and forcefully took away Nitin bhai, Ramesh bhai and Ratan bhai into their custody. The forest department has no legal right to enforce detentions and has acted in complete violation of the constitutional provisions in detaining the three activists and confining them to the room of the Forest Ranger without any access to legal help. A non-responsive administration finally relented on witnessing a midnight ‘sit-in’ protest led by adivasi women in front of the office of the Superintendent of Police, Khandwa. The 8 people from the community who had been illegally confined in the forest ranger’s office along with Nitin bhai, Ramesh bhai and Mahesh bhai then were released today. The forest administration is yet to hand over the phones of the three activists of JADS and threatened to charge Nitin bhai with false allegations under the Wildlife Act, having non-bailable provisions. Only for standing up to the might of the forest administration in a district of Independent India displaying colonial disdain towards ‘adivasis’ and traditional forest dwellers, a people’s association has to face such systemic harassment. Shame on the Shivraj Singh Chouhan led Madhya Pradesh Government!

45 adivasi families have been looted of their meagre belongings with their homestead lands resembling a battlefield marked by the destruction of standing crops and killing of farm animals. A six year old boy named Mahendra is still missing after the trespassing of the forest department and he has not been traced till the time of circulation of this note.

We demand strict action against the erring officials who have violated even the principles of natural justice with impunity, witnessed in the conduct of only outlawed groups and associations. We also demand a public apology from the office of Hon’ble Minister in charge of Forests, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and adequate compensation to the families whose shelters, standing crops and cattle have been destroyed. The district administration should assure the community of protection against harassment and illegal trespass of forest officials on their lands and immediate compliance with the provisions of the FRA, 2006.

PBKMS stands in complete solidarity with the activists of JADS and the community of forest dwellers who have displayed tremendous courage and determination to challenge the hegemonic grip of the district forest administration over natural resources. We completely endorse the following demands put forward by JADS and urge upon the state government of Madhya Pradesh to assure us of immediate action:

• All charges against adivasis and activists must be dropped.
• Police must immediately trace the missing child and hand him over to his parents. 
• Confiscated phones of all persons must be immediately returned. 
• The 45 families who have faced immense loss of food grain, crop and livestock must be fully and immediately compensated by Madhya Pradesh Govt

54 Thousand Workers From Duncans Gardens File Claims for 1538 Crores Dues With NCLT

 

With Duncans Industries Limited going into bankruptcy, the future of the workers of 17 gardens owned by Duncans is now in doldrums. Workers have been worried about their dues and whether they will ever receive their due wages, fringe benefits, gratuity and provident fund.

Responding to the workers’ concern, Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) has supported workers 54250 workers to file a claim of Rs.1538,76,90,240 from nine Duncans Industries Limited gardens in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. The claim includes arrear wages, over-time, extra leaf payment, rations, fuel wood, gratuity and provident fund.

While Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) has already filed a case in Supreme Court for the dues of 29 gardens including 7 former Duncans gardens,on making enquiries,  we found that the Duncans Industries Limited has gone into bankruptcy. The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process was started against them on 05th March, 2020 in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). By this process, all creditors of the company are to file their claims and the NCLT will approve a plan by which the amounts owed to them will be paid back, either by liquidating Duncans’ assets or by finding a new owner.

PBKMS took the matter on urgent basis and made the workers aware of the Resolution Process against the Duncans Industries Limited. One PBKMS member then filed a claim with the Resolution Professional (RP) appointed by the NCLT on behalf of 124 workers in April 2021. The RP rejected the claims stating that the workers are late in filing their claims. The workers then approached the NCLT Kolkata bench, who accepted their plea and directed the RP to accept the claims. On 15th June 2021, the Court has directed the workers to submit their claims with appropriate documents to the Resolution Professional by 30th June 2021. Now claims have been submitted for 54, 250 workers on the basis of list of workers provided to PBKMS by the Provident Fund Commissioner’s office at Jalpaiguri.

The gardens for which claims have been filed are Lankapara, Gairganda, Hantapara, Dumchipara, Tulsipara and Birpara in Alipur Duar District. In Jalpaiguri, claims have been filed for Nageswari, Killcote and Bagracote.