Fourth Arvind Memorial Seminar in Chd.

Intensive debate and discussions from 12 March
*Five-day Seminar on 'Caste Question and Marxism'
*Scholars and Activists from India and Abroad will Participate in the seminar

Chandigarh, 10 March. Scholars, writers and activists from all over India and some from abroad will participate in intensive debate and discussions on a most important aspect of social change in India during the five-day seminar on 'Caste Question and Marxism' starting from 12 March in Chandigarh. 
The seminar is being organised in Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna Bhavan (Sector 29-D, Chandigarh) by Arvind Memorial Trust, established in memory of Com. Arvind, a brilliant Marxist intellectual and activist. Managing trustee of the Trust, Ms. Meenakshi said this is probably for the first time that such an intensive and expansive discussion is being organised on all the aspects of the complex caste question. Particularly, this is for the first time that such wide-ranging polemics is being organised on the caste question in relation to the left movement and Marxist thought.
Overall, 14 papers and write-ups will be presented in the seminar on different aspects of the subject. The base paper of the seminar 'Caste Question and its solution: A Marxist Viewpoint' is prepared by the research team of Arvind Institute of Marxist Studies. 
Other papers include 'Ambedkarism and Dalit Liberation' by Sukhwinder, editor of Punjabi journal Pratibaddh; 'Historiography of Caste' by Abhinav, editor, Aahvan; 'Class, Caste and Identity Politics' by Shivani, Delhi University; 'Caste and Politics in West Bengal' by Praskanva Sinharay, CSSS, Kolkata; 'Caste and Sex in Marxist Traditions' by Dr. Rajarshi Dasgupta, JNU; Marxism and the caste question' by Asit Das,Researcher and Activist, New Delhi; 'On Identity Politics' by Prashant Gupta, B.R. Ambedkar College, Delhi University; On Conjoint Relevance of Marxism and Ambedkarism by Sukhdev Singh Janagal, Punjab and on the limitations of caste and identity politics by Jai Prakash of the 'Jati Virodhi Andolan'.
Eminent historian Prof. Irfan Habib will send a background note on caste in India, Ninu Chapagain, Politburo Member and in charge of the Cultural Division of UCPN (M) will present a write-up on 'The Dalit Question and Aesthetics' and a paper 'Towards A Programme for Abolition of Material Basis of Casteist Hierarchy' by Dr. Anant Phadke, Shramik Mukti Dal (Democratic), Pune will be presented. Prof. William Paul Cockshott, 
University of Glasgow will make a presentation through internet linkup and his paper 'Dr. Ambedkar or Dr. Marx' will be circulated as a background note.Well-known writer and activist on caste issues, Dr. Anand Teltumbde, prominent Hindi writer Prof. Tulsiram of JNU, eminent sociologist Prof. Satish Deshpande, famous writer Prof. (Mrs.) Vimal Thorat, Prof. PK Vijayan and Dr. Saroj Giri of Delhi University, renowned Hindi poetess and activist Katyayani, Arjun Prasad Singh of PDFI, senior leader of CPN (M) Tilak Parihar, Namdev Laghave of Nagpur, Dr. Shyam Bihari Rai and Aditya Narayan Singh from Delhi, Nepali poet and activist Sangeet Srota, Anant Acharya from Kolkata, Uttamrao Jagirdar and Sharad Gaikwad of Republican Panthers, Mumbai, Hargopal Singh from Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Chamanlal of JNU, Prof. Manjit Singh of Chandigarh University, Punjabi writer Santokh Singh Virdi, journalist from Mumbai VP Singh, writer Arvind Shesh and German artist and left social activist 
Johannes Paul Raether are among those who will participate in the discussions in various sessions of the seminar.
Apart from this, representatives from several groups and mass organisations, writers, journalists and social activists from Punjab, UP, Bihar, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Maharashtra will participate in the seminar. 
Ms. Meenakshy said the caste question, particularly the Dalit question, is still one such burning question of Indian society, without the process of whose resolution, the unity of the toiling masses and the success of their emancipatory-project can not be envisaged. There have been seminars-symposiums on this question for a long time but there has been an absence of serious research and unbiased lengthy debate. This seminar is an attempt in this direction.
In memory of Com. Arvind, the Arvind Memorial Trust organises a national seminar each year on an important aspect of the movement for social change in India. The first two seminars in Delhi and Gorakhpur were focused on different aspects of the labour movement while the third seminar was held in Lucknow on the democratic rights movement in India. 
The holding of the fourth seminar in this row in Punjab has a special significance due to the specific history of Marxist movement and the caste question in Punjab. Ms. Meenakshy expressed confidence that the social-political activists as well as writers-scholars of Punjab will participate with an open mind in the seminar and this seminar will take forward the tradition of open exchange of ideas and thought provoking debates of the first three seminars. It will contribute to the continuing discourse on a most important aspect of the project of social change in India.

Meenakshy (Managing Trustee), Anand Singh (Secretary)
Arvind Memorial Trust
For more information, please contact: 
Katyayani–09936650658, Satyam–9910462009, Namita (Chandigarh)–9780724125

Please also click Punjab Screen

Sangharsh Sandesh Jatha began in north also

Northern Jatha Flagged Off from Jallianwala Bagh

The third of the CPI(M)'s Sangharsh Sandesh Jatha – the Northern Jatha – began its journey from historic city Amritsar today. Earlier, Brinda Karat, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) paid tributes to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh before embarking on the Jatha.

The Jatha team was received at Jallianwala Bagh with warmth from hundreds of people assembled there from across the state. Led by Vijay Mishra, the coordinator for the Jatha in Punjab and member of the State secretariat of the CPI (M) Punjab, Brinda Karat laid a wreath at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial.
Davinder Singh Josh, son of Sohan Singh Josh, one of the founders of communist movement in Punjab, handed over the Jatha flag to Brinda Karat.
Addressing the media afterwards, Ms Karat said that the people of India are in search of a better alternative, which is completely different from the Congress and BJP who are representing corporate interests rather those of people. She said that the message of these Jathas is to invite the public to consider the alternatives that are being presented by CPI(M).
Replying to a question on “with whom the CPI(M) will fight the next elections”, she said that the party will be representing the people’s interests and will fight the elections for safeguarding their interests. She dismissed Modi’s claim that BJP is the only alternative to Congress. She termed both the Congress and BJP as two different sides of the same coin and when they are power in Delhi, they will toe the neo-liberal policies in the interest of foreign and national monopoly capitalist.
She expressed anguish about the condition of people living in border districts. She said that their sources of livelihood and opportunities are continuously under threat from the border disputes. She reminded the gathering about the history of Amritsar which was a centre for cross border trade till the border disputes set in and ousted lakhs of people.
Brinda Karat called up on the public to participate in the party’s Sangharsh Sandesh Jatha in big numbers and make success the March 19th public meeting that is going to be held in Delhi marking the culmination of the four nationwide Jathas.
Members of the Central Committee of the party, Hannan Mollah, Inderjeet Singh, Charan Singh Vridhi and Rajender Sharma, participated in this flag handing over ceremony. Memoona Mollah, Vijay Mishra and other leaders too were present.

The Bold and Straightforward Com. Anand

Anand always takes Righteous pro-people stand 
An ‘Abhinandan Granth’ published by Punjabi Sahitya Akademi

Sukeerat Anand

Roop Singh Roopa

LUDHIANA,March 4,2013: (Rector Kathuria): An ‘Abhinandan Granth’ on renowned literateur, journalist, public figure and a thinker, S. Jagjit Singh Anand was released by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi(PSA), Ludhiana today. The first copy of the treatise was presented by the PSA President Gurbhajan Singh Gill and others including the NRI from America S. Roop Singh Roopa, PSA Senior Vice President, Dr Anup Singh Batala, Secretary Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher, Surinder Kailley, Members Er Janmeja Johl, Sukhdev Singh Premi and Manjinder Singh Dhanoa. S. Anand could not reach the PSA function to receive the publication, due to his indisposition. 
Dr Rajnish Bahadur Singh, the editor of the treatise, Mrs Urmila Anand wife of S. Anand, The Trustee of Nawan Zamana paper Jass Mand and S. Sukeerat Anand, son of S. Anand were also present. 
The function was presided over by Dr S.S.Johl, Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, while the Mayor of City of Ludhiana, S. H.S.Gohlwarhia, was the Guest of Honour. S. Roop Singh Roopa, Gurbhajan Gill and Gulzar Pandher were prominent among others who were present on the occasion. 
‘The factual information comprised in the treatise throws light on the multifarious aspects of the personality of S. Anand’, said Gurbhajan Gill, adding that the future generations would derive inspiration from the life and works of S. Anand. He declared that an Award in the name of S. Jagjit Singh Anand will be given every year by the PSA for which S. Roop Singh Roopa has provided sponsorship. 
S. Gohlwarhia and Dr Johl described S. Anand as a Yugpursh who always stood boldly for the righteous cause. Dr Sukhdev Singh Sirsa highlighted the nation-wide stature of S. Anand saying that he impressed people with his straightforwardness and bold voice even in the difficult times. 
S. Rajneesh Bahadur Singh said that he felt honoured in writing the Treatise that he said provided him opportunity to know the great personality, S. Jagjit Singh Anand. (photos by Rector Kathuria)

A total Chakka Jam

Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 4:30 PMThe protestors included large number of women

Peoples power at Ludhiana.....................................Photo by Rector Kathuria

Ludhiana(Rector Kathuria); On a call given by the 11 Central Trade Unions and various independent federations, unions and associations, the workers affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), INTUC, BMS, CTU, TUCC and CITU observed strike today in their respective industries and other institutions. Thereafter they gathered at Bus stand and organized a massive protest rally in support of their demands. The unions of workers of Punjab Roadways and PRTC  had already struck work and so there was a total Chakka Jam at the bus stand since 12.00 midnight.
The protestors included large number of women, construction workers, industrial workers, Public health workers,  contractual workers, Corporation workers, University employees, private hospital employees, roadways  and others sections of workers and employees. Todays’s protesat rally  was presided over by Com Om Parkash Mehta - AITUC, Com Jatinder Pal Singh of CITU and  Shri Swaran Singh of INTUC, Com Paramjeet Singh of CTU, Sh Nageshwar Singh of BMS, Shri Sham Narain Yadav of TUCC . Speaking on the occasion state leaders Com Bant Brar – General Secretary AITUC Punjab, Com Raghunath Singh, General Secretary of CITU Punjab,  Com Paramjeet Singh of CTU, Sh. Swaran Singh- President INTUC Punjab, Hari singh Sahni-TUCC  demanded minimum wages to be fixed by the Punjab Govt. @ for unskilled workers Rs 10,000, Semi Skilled 15,000, Skilled workers 20,000 per month, end to contractual and out sourcing and filling up of all govt. and semi govt. posts on regular basis, to disband the new pension policy effective from 1.1.2004 and implement the same old pension scheme on all employees.  They cited low wages in the state as major reason for the shortage of labour in the state. They demanded all anti worker acts recently promulgated by the Punjab government to be withdrawn with immediate effect. The speakers said that the labour laws in the state are being flouted by both public and private sector with impunity. The contractual workers in both the sectors be regularized hence forth.  These must be implemented in letter and spirit. They deplored that under the process of so called globalization and privatization at the diktat of the world bank and International Monetary Fund ,  the economic policies of both central and state governments there has been accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few, while vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. Latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families in India own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees where as 70% are forced to live on meager spending of Rs. 16.60  per day.  Speaking on the occasion Com. Tarsem Jodhan, Com D P Maur, Com Ram Lal, Jagdish Chand and Gurjeet Singh Jagpal, Gulzar Singh Gorea opposed FDI in banks, LIC and retail as this will hit the job situation hard for the employees and also the production in the small scale sector. They also demanded  regular jobs and equal wages for ASHA, Aanganwadi and mid day meal workers. They warned that if the govt. does not change its economic policies benefitting the rich and the corporate sector, then more militant agitations   are on the anvil. Others who addressed include Com Bhagirath Paliwal, Suresh Sood, Gurnam Gill, Laddoo shah, Haniuman Prasad Dubey, Samar Bahadur, Gurnam Sidhu, Kameshwar Yadav, Sarbjit Singh Sarhali, Manjeet Singh Buta, Charan Dass, Amarnath Kumkalan, S K Tiwari and Rajesh Kumar Sharma

Meet the challenges faced by the countr

A call to strengthen the party organizations by CPI 

With a call to strengthen the party organization to meet the challenges faced by the country in the wake of neo-liberal policies, which have brought country’s economy to doll drums and also to struggle against mafias and attempts to spread fundamentalism in the state, the 21st District  Conference of the CPI Ludhiana unit held under the chairmanship of a presidium constituted by Dr Arun Mitra, Com. O P Meha, Com Amrik Singh, Com Gurnam Gill and Com Jit Kumari elected Com Kartar Singh Bowani as the district secretary unanimolusly and Dr Arun Mitra and D P Maur as Assistat Secretaries. Dr Joginder Dayal-member Central Executive Committee and Com Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal State Secretary participated as observers. 130 delegates participated in the conference. District Secretary Com Kartar Singh Bowani presented the report of activities in the past and the achievements of the party. After his report a vibrant debate was held on the present political situation in the state and the country and the state. The delegates also discussed the steps to be taken to strengthen the party and take the message to the masses. Dr Dayal gave a detailed account of present political scenario and Com Nirmal Dhaliwal stressed on the need for a strong organization. The report was passed unanimously. District conference also elected a 63 member district council Conference also elected a 15 member delegation to participate in the state conference to be held at Ludhiana from 7th to 9th July 2012. The conference decided to participate in a big number in the pre state conference rally on 7th July.
(Dr Arun Mitra)
Asstt. Secretary 

Remembering Communist Martyrs

Pledge to fight for a society based on justice and equality
On the occasion of 23nd  martyrdom anniversary of Com Gurmail Singh Hunjan and Com Joginder Singh who fought against separatist designs of Khalisatni terrorists and laid down their lives for integrity and sovereignty of the country, a mammoth public meeting was organised at their native village Pandher Kheri, Block Dehlon, Distt. Ludhiana where like previous years thousands of people gathered  to pay homage to the beloved leaders. While paying homage Com Dr Joginder Dayal, Member Central Executive Committee  CPI praised the glorious role of comrades in Punjab who did not care for their lives to save integrity of the nation during the days of terrorism in Punjab. Their fight against separatism bears no parallel. As a result of that the lost glory of state of Punjab was restored. He cautioned that similar danger signals are appearing again with the exhibition of Bhindranwala and other terrorists. It is a serious matter that the present Akali BJP government is completely ignoring such development and sheltering such elements. State Secretariat Member of the CPI Com Bant Singh Brar said that on the one side communists have to fight out such tendencies alongside the struggle for socio economic justice. After the neoliberal economic policies the working class, peasantry and other toiling masses are hit hard due to job freeze, under employment, insecurity of jobs, rising prices of essential items and inability to afford the high cost of health and education. The super rich are being given subsidies while the govt. is taking away all subsidies from the poor people.  In Punjab, he said, the public sector is being scuttled blatantly. Referring to the transport he said  he said that whereas the govt. run buses are being run on  non profit timings, the private buses owned by the CM and his kins are being tax concessions and highly profitable timings causing immense loss to the exchequer.

Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Distt. Secretary CPI said that the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab is a very serious matter. He expressed deep concern at the falling economic condition of the farmers in Punjab leading to suicide by them. Com Sukhminder Sekhon-Secretary CPI Ludhiana, Dr.Arun Mitra, Com O.P.Mehta, Com Ramesh Rattan, Com.Gulzar Goria, Amar Singh Bhattian, Mewa Singh-Raikot, Bhagwan Singh-Maloud, Com D.P.Maur Com Surinder Singh Jalaldiwal, Dr.Gulzar Pandher, Principal Jagjit Singh, Com.Paramjit Sehora, Com.Kulwant Singh Hunjan also gave tribute to the martyrs. Com Gulzar Goria compeered the event.

The function was presided over by Mrs.Sharanjit Kaur and Mrs.Harbans Kaurs widows of the martyrs. Com Sharanjti Kaur gave scholarship to the students of the village schools who have scored first and second position. Revolutionary cultural programme was presented by Sushma and Babby.


Dr Arun Mitra
Asstt. Secretary CPI Ludhiana

Marx was quoted on Lenin's birthday by Comrade Anil

Birth of man is not creation of any divine power

A society based on  equity and justice is the only way for sustainable development to the benefit of whole mankind. The present day imperial powers led by the USA are imposing neoliberal economic policies on the developing countries in connivance with the elite in these countries. This has led to unprecedented inequality in the society, job freeze, cut on the rights of working people and essential services like health & education have become out of reach of common people. This has to be changed through mass movements. This was said by Shri Anil Rajimwale,  a  philosopher and Marxist thinker  while addressing a seminar organized by the Communist Party of India on “INDIA’S PATH OF DEVELOPMENT BASED ON JUSTICE AND EQUALITY”  on 22^nd April, the birthday of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin the founder of socialism in Soviet Union. Incidentally 22^nd April is observed as World Earth Day.  Life on earth has evolved through evolution in contradiction to the earlier concepts about creation of world. He said that Darwin, through his research proved that life has evolved through certain laws of nature. Birth of man is not creation of any divine power but evolution after millions of years of existence of life on earth. Mr Rajimwale told that taking clue from his work Karl Marx applied the theses on human society and searched about the problems in our society. Marx reached conclusion that vast majority of problems lay in inequalities created as a result of exploitation of man by man. These anomalies can be removed by man’s own efforts. He explained the industrial revolution and its impact on society, based on the studies of various new subjects from natural sciences and social sciences. He was the first to discover the laws of change in nature as well society. He explained the central role of labour in the creation and development of various stages of society. Mr Rajimwale emphasized that Marxist theory is revolutionary because according to it nothing in the world and society is stationary and everything changes. Therefore Marx drew logical conclusion that the capitalist society also must one day leave the stage of world history to be replaced by socialism and communism. Lenin applied this theory in Soviet Union and was successful in achieving a society based on justice to a large extent. The Soviet state supported all the progressive movements worldwide and helped the movements for liberation from the colonial powers. Many freedom fighters in our country drew inspiration from the Soviet revolution. The scientific theory of society’s development serves as a guiding force for these movements. 

Dr Arun Mitra

Assistant Secretary, CPI District Ludhiana

Mobile: 94170 00360

CPI) has decided to contest the MC elections in Ldh

The city unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) has decided to contest the municipal corporation elections as a part of the Sanjha Morcha of CPI, CPI (M) and PPP. In a press release after the meeting of the city committee of CPI held under the chairmanship of Com.Gurnam Singh Sidhu, it was decided that the party will strive to cooperate and support the progressive candidates in the MC elections. The meeting expressed grave concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in the city and demanded that the police personnel engaged to provide security of the so called VIPs should be put on duty for the security of the public instead. Meeting further cautioned against the failed water samples from the nearly all the tube wells and warned that this could lead to serious illnesses in the time to come. It was demanded that the high water tanks should be utilized properly and water should be supplied after filling them rather than supplying directly from the motors. This can ease the situation of low pressure in many areas. The damaged water pipes should be replaced. Civil hospital should be upgraded to meet the needs of common man for advanced health care. Traffic situation should be properly managed through traffic education and effective  control. More and more flyovers should be built. Master plan of the city should take care of the interest of the small shopkeepers and small scale industries. Com.Ramesh Rattan – Secretary clarified that Sarabjit Lal who had won the election from Salem Tabri last time on the CPI ticket and has now joined the BJP ceased to be member of the party for over two years for his anti party activities. Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Secretary Distt. Unit, Dr Arun Mtra – Asstt. Secretary and Com Gulzar Goria gave a report of the party congress.
Com Ramesh Rattan
City Secretary CPI
Mobile: 98142 73870

CPI strongly crticised the move to withdraw vehicles

Shashi Kant is fighting the drug mafia

The Communist Party of India Distt. Ludhiana unit strongly crticised the move to withdraw vehicles from Mr.Shashi Kant–DGP (Prisons). Mr.Shashi Kant who is fighting the drug mafia with all firmness had recently said that he has been receiving threats as he had exposed nexus between the drug mafia and some higher ups. The drug menace is ruining the youth of our state. Any one fighting against them from any quarter needs to be supported fully in all manner by the government. It is unfortunate that Mr.Kant has been asked to surrender his vehicles.  This appears to be a clear signal to warn not only him but to all those speaking  against drug menace to give up their fight.
Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Secretary CPI Distt. Ludhiana, Com Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary, Dr.Arun Mitra – Asstt. Secretary and Com Dharam Pal Maur – CPI Contestant from Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency have appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene immediately and restore confidence of Mr.Shashi Kant DGP (Prisons) in his pursuit against the drug menace who needs to be encouraged at this moment.

Nationwide strike on 28th February 2012

All trade unions have united on one platform
An urgent meeting under the chairmanship of Com D P Maur

To plan the strategy for implementing  a call given by the Central Trade Unions to organize a nationwide strike by the trade unions on 28th February 2012 the local units of AITUC, INTUC, CITU, BMS, and CTU held a meeting under the chairmanship of Com D P Maur.  
The call for the nationwide strike has been given to demand revision of minimum wages for the workers as Rs. 10,000-00 per month, filling up of all vacant posts on regular basis and not on contract basis, provident fund and bonus to all workers without any pre conditions, increase in gratuity rates, pension to all workers/employees, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of filing registration papers, implementations of labour laws as per ILO convention 87 and 98.
The meeting was attended by Shri  Swaran Singh, Shj. Jagpal , Shri Deen Bahadur from  INTUC, Comrades Jatinder Pal, Subeg Singh and Jagdish Rai from CITU, Comrades O P Mehta, Subhash Chander and Kewal Krishan of AITUC, Mr Nageshwar, Bhagirath Paliwal and JiaLal Gautam of BMS, Com Paramjit Singh, Ram Lal and Raja Ram of CTU. Meeting took a serious note of the fact that despite raising these demands by the workers for a long time, the government under the pressure of corporate sector is ignoring the demands of the workers which has led to flouting of labour laws with impunity not only by the private but also by the public sector. There is no provision for social security to the unorganized workers. Govt. has failed to curb the rising prices and solve the problem of unemployment causing serious effect on the lives of toiling masses.   Meeting expressed satisfaction that it is for the first time that all trade unions have united on one platform on these demands. Meeting   decided to hold meetings at various places to create awareness among workers about these demands and their rights and to oraganise them for the upcoming strike.

Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law

Defeat Congress and oust the ruling alliance-Amarjeet Kaur
Ludhiana//January 16, 2012//Manmeet Kaur and Rector Kathuria

Undeterred by the rain, the CPI candidate of the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP,CPI, CPI(M) and Akali Dal (Longowal) from Ludhiana West constituency Dharam Pal Maur, continued his door to door campaign and public meetings. He addressed a group meeting in Raj Guru Nagar. Public meeting was also organized during the rain yesterday at Haibowal which was addressed by Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretary CPI said that the agenda in this election to defeat Congress and to oust the present ruling Akali-BJP alliance who have successively ruined the state and lowered its position in the country. She said that the agenda of the Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law and to take Punjab out of the serious debt of Rs. 138000 crore as a result of wrong policies of the alternate Congress and Akali-BJP governments. The people this time have a choice in the form of Sanjha Morcha. We have witnessed the infamous City Centre scam in our city itself under the former Congress govt. 2G scam, Common Wealth games scam and Adarsh society scam have fully exposed the hollowness of the congress.  It is time that the people vote for the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP, CPI, CPI(M). Akali Dal Longowal to establish a corruption free government and for economic development of the start.
Others who addressed the meetings include SH.Rajesh Gandhi of PPP, Dr Arun Mitra and Randhir Singh of CPI.

Undeterred by rain, D P Maur on election spree

To establish a corruption free govt.
Defeat Congress and oust the present Akali-BJP alliance

Undeterred by the rain, the CPI candidate of the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP,CPI, CPI(M) and Akali Dal (Longowal) from Ludhiana West constituency Dharam Pal Maur, continued his door to door campaign and public meetings today in the Rishi Nagar, Chand Colony, Sukhmani Enclave, Shant Park, Rajguru nagar. Adressing a public rally in his support at Chand Colony Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretasry CPI said that the agenda in this election to defeat Congress and to oust the present ruling Akali-BJP alliance who have successively ruined the state and lowered its position in the country. said that the agenda of the Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law and to take Punjab out of the serious debt of Rs. 138000 crore as a result of wrong policies of the alternate Congress and Akali-BJP governments. The people this time have a choice in the form of Sanjha Morcha. There is no rule of law. The alliance partners have gained control of the economy of the state for their benefit. Police is at the service of few VIPs. Corruption is rampant. We have witnessed the infamous City Centre scam in our city itself under the former Congress govt. 2G scam, Common Wealth games scam and Adarsh society scam have fully exposed the hollowness of the congress.  It is time that the people vote for the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP, CPI, CPI(M). Akali Dal Longowal to establish a corruption free government and for economic development of the start. That is why she appealed to the people to vote for Dhram Pal Maur and press the button of Sickle and Ears of Corn on the 30th January. .
On this occasion Mr. Maur while addressing the voters at different places Mr. Maur stated that he will meet the aspirations of the people as he has done as the president of the PAU employees Union for 12 years. As per the  Manifesto,  the Morcha promises to fill all the vacant posts in government / semi government departments on regular basis and not on contract basis. Unemployment allowance of Rs. 2000/- per month will be paid to the unemployed. More and more government schools and colleges would be opened to provide education as per the times so that common people can get quality education. Health care would be made affordable by upgrading the government hospitals and also providing due facilities to the private health providers in the small scale sector. Small scale industry will be given preferential treatment for its development. Special attention through budgetary will be given for development of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences University (GADVASU) for solving their financial crunch. In addition pension benefits will be ensured to the non-government college teachers. 

Ludhiana:D.P.Maur launches door to door campaign

Noveliest Mitter Sen Meet and Dr. Mitra also joined

Mr Dharam Pal Maur SANJHA MORCHA Candidate from Ludhiana West launched door to door campaign today. He went door to door in E & F Block of Kitchlu Nagar and appealed to the people to vote, support and elect him as the SANJHA MORCHA is committed for rule of law, corruption free government, industrial development, regular employment, security of women and education & health for all. He was accompanied by Dr Arun Mitra–Former President IMA Ludhiana, Sh.Ramesh Rattan–Chairman Small Scale Industries and Traders Association, Sh.Rajesh Gandhi-Member State Committee PPP, Sh.Surinder Singh, Sh.Sumit Sareen, Sh.Vipan Dawar, Sh.Sudesh Kumar–Chairman Punjab Bank Employees Federation, Sh.Mitter Sen Meet–Noveliest and several other prominent citizens of the area.

Comrade Amarjeet Kaur called upon the CPI cadre

Devote full time and energy in support of D P Maur

City unit of the Communist Party of India held a cadre meeting in support of Com Dharam Pal Maur who is contesting as a SANJHA MORCHA candidate of CPI from Ludhiana West. Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretary CPI called upon the CPI cadre to devote full time and energy in support of Dharam Pal Maur.
Today there are three main contending parties to form government in our state. Please do remember the state assembly is the august body which frames policies for all walks of life and decides about revenue collection, budgeting and allocations to social sector as well as other fields.
On the one hand side, she said, is the Congress party during whose regime the infamous City Centre scam in the city of Ludhiana and the scams like 2G Spectrum, Common Wealth Games, Adarsh Housing society etc. happened at the national level. Prices of essential commodities rose to sky high and recently we witnessed how they scuttled the passing of Lok Pal Bill in Rajya Sabha.
The other contender Akali-BJP alliance has ruined the law and order situation in the state, brought the state to the verge economic indebtedness to the tune of Rs.1,38,000 crores, the alliance partners were busy capturing transport and TV channels through all corrupt means for their own benefits, the government adopted the methods of oppression and beating towards agitating unemployed girls and boys. Corruption has risen to unprecedented levels in the state.
She reiterated that for the first time there is a ray of hope for the people of Punjab as an alternative in the form of SANJHA MORCHA of People’s Party of Punjab (PPP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI M), Akali Dal Longowal to both these contenders who have been ruling the state of Punjab all these years turn by turn. The Sanjha Morcha is committed for development, for maintaining rule of law, to defend the interests of workers and employees, for defence of home based, small and medium industries, defending the small traders and shop keepers, for expansion of quality education and health care  in the state sector and extending help to the small scale sector in these fields. This Morcha can fulfill the dreams of developing Punjab as a prosperous state with its people having sense of justice and involvement.
Sh.Rajesh Gandhi – Member State Committee PPP in his address assured of active support of PPP cadre.
Others who addressed the meeting include Comrades Kartar Singh Bowani – Distt. Secretary CPI, Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary, Dr Arun Mitra – Asstt. Secretary, O.P.Mehta, Gulzar Goria and Gurnam Gill.
Earlier in the day Mr.Maur addressed several meetings and he went door to door in Agar Nagar where he got rousing welcome from the residents and full support.    

Elect D P Maur for a corruption free government

We welcome his candidature-Dr. Arun Mitra

We welcome the candidature of

D P Maur

to the assembly elections by the Sanjha Morcha of Pubjab People’s Party,

Communist Party of India

(CPI), CPI(M),  and

Akalidal Longowal

from Ludhiana West constituency. We appeal to the voter of the constituency to elect him for a corruption free government, economic growth and jobs for all.

Ludhiana West constituency has a distinct place throughout Punjab as it has large number of highly educated, entrepreneur and conscious voters. Therefore we appeal to the voters to send D P Maur to the assembly who is time tested for his dedication towards inclusive economic growth, communal harmony and a corruption free society.

The continuous rule by the Akali BJP and Congress in the Punjab has pushed the state into a debt of Rs.138000 crores. One third of the states income is paid back in the form of interest. This has led to the deterioration in the development of Punjab. As a result there is rampant corruption, unemployment, poverty, drug addiction and lawlessness. Education and health care have become out of reach of vast majority of the population. People demanding their rights have to face lathies by the state machinery.

Due to apathetical attitude towards needs of people of Punjab of the alternative ruling parties, the feeling has evolved among the voters that they have to choose between the two evils. But now the people have a choice in the form of SANJHA MORCHA.

D P Maur has a glorious record of serving the people of the area. He remained President of the PAU Employees Union continuously for 12 years by winning 6 bi-annual elections in a row from 1995 to 2007. He is presently General Secretary of the Joint Council of Trade Unions which comprises of 17 unions/associations of Ludhiana including bank employees, hospitals, construction workers, government employees, PAU, school teachers, Class IV employees, roadways and railways employees. Besides he is also involved in various social activities like promotion of healthy environment, traffic management, uplift of the lower economic strata through basic education.

We all  Miter Sen Meet – Navel writer, Dr Arun Mitra – Former President IMA, Naval Chibber Former President Bar Association Ludhiana, Ramesh Rattan, City Secretary CPI Ludhiana, Dr D.S.Sidhu – President, Sukhminder Lotey – City Secretary CPI Ludhiana, Amarjit Singh Matoo CPI, Dev Raj of CPI, Rajesh Gandhi – PPP State General Council, Anand Sharma PPP General Council Member, Jagjeet Singh Ghugrana -  General Secretary PPP, Bharat Bhushan Thapar – General Secretary PPP, Jaskirat Singh Sargoda – Youth Leader PPP, Arun Rattan, Secretary CA Association Ludhiana, Gurcharan Kaur Kochhar – President Punjab Istri Sabha, Jit Kumar – General Secretary – Punjab Istri Sabha, Maj. (Retd.) Sher Singh Aulukh – General Secretary Ex-Serviceman Welfare Association, O P Mehta Advocate appeal to vote, support and elect D P Maur from Ludhiana West.

CPI to work effectively for victory of Sanjha Morcha

City committee of 35 members was elected

The Communist Party of India City Ludhiana resolved to work effectively for the victory of candidates of Sanjha Morcha in the coming assembly elections. The city units organizational conference which is organized every three years was held under the president ship of Comrades Dr Arun Mitra, Gurnam Singh Sidhu and  Amarjeet kaur. The delegates deliberated in depth on the political situation of Punjab. They felt that unfortunately two party system that has developed in the state pursuing anti people policies and in favour of vested interests of limited group of families. This has lead to deterioration of economic situation of the state pushing it into deep crisis of debts thus leading to unemployment, frustration among youth and increase in use of intoxicants, deterioration of law and order causing insecurity among the people.  There is no clear cut policy regarding development of industry and trade. Particularly house hold and small scale industry and small shop owners are made victim of wrong policies in the name of development. The development of housing in Ludhiana is haphazard and it has been absolutely left to the mercy of private colonizers. Health services in the absence of proper state services have become out reach of common man; same is the condition of education. The condition of hygiene is awful with waste lying on road sides spreading diseases. Traffic management is extremely poor which is made worse because of poor condition of roads. The party will highlight these issues in the forthcoming assembly elections and will continue to launch mass movement thereafter. To run the affairs of the party a city committee of 35 members was elected with Com Ramesh Rattan as Secretary. Com Ramesh Rattan said that he, while striving to strengthen the party will sincerely work to enhance the glorious social, cultural and political traditions of Ludhiana and organize broader movement on various issues with the  cooperation of likeminded people and organizations. 

CPI pays homage to the freedom fighters

A rally was organized at the Jagraon Bridge to pay homage to the freedom fighters, Ashfaqullah Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and Roshan Singh Thakur who were hanged by the British on 19^th December and Rajinder Lahiri who was hanged on 17^th December 1927  in the Kakori case. Participants  garlanded the Photographs of the martyrs  and then held a rally. Various speakers, while reminding the struggle waged by the great people, who did not refrain from laying down their lives for the cause of the country, said that they had dreamt of free secular, democratic India where all people enjoyed equity, justice  and human rights without any linguistic, regional or gender bias and have access to  necessities of life including health and education. But unfortunately this has not happened in the last 64 yrs of independence. Whereas we have grown in terms of technology and wealth, the gains of this development have gone to a few. India has gone further down to 132^nd  position in the Human Development Index as per the report published by  the United Nations Development Programme. Economic policies have to be reviewed and changed to pro people if dreams of the martyrs have to be fulfilled.

As regards situation in Punjab the Akali –BJP combine and Congress are looting the state in turn. The state is in as serious debt crisis. This has to be stopped. Sanjha Morcha is a new light and we appeal to the people to elect the candidates of the morcha.

Those who addressed the rally include Com Kartar singh Bowani-Secretary CPI district Ludhiana, Dr Arun Mitra-Assistant Secretary CPI Ludhiana, Com Ramadhar Singh, Com Anod Kumar, Com Ramchand, Com Kameshwar, Com Buta Singh.  

Left rally again warned

Decision to allow FDI will further jeopardize economy
Rally also condemned Pb Govt’s welcome to the FDI  

Ludhiana//Kalyani Singh and Rector Kathuria// December 1, 2011

The district unit of Communist Party of India (CPI)  and CPI (M) held a rally at the Railway Station Ludhiana followed by demonstration to the Clock Tower Chowk to protest against the decision of the union cabinet to allow 51% FDI in retail as it is going to hit hard the small producer, trader as well as the consumer. This has been done at a time when the Parliament is in session and this decision has been taken without taking the Parliament into confidence. This is in complete violation of democratic principles. The reaction is obvious as not only the opposition or the UPA allies but a section of the congressmen have also opposed the decision. Various speakers addressing the rally warned that as per the latest reports the GDP  growth rate has further gone down belying all the claims of economic growth by the government; and rupee is continuously falling to its lowest ever. The decision to allow FDI in multi brand retail sector will further jeopardize the economy of our country. The speakers also condemned the Punjab Government’s welcome to the FDI when most of the states have opposed it. The international experience has shown that with the entry of these big players in the retail business the small businessman is hit hard as it is unable to compete with the big fish. Their sales have gone down in all such areas around the globe. In India 33-60% of the traditional fruit and vegetable retailers reported 15-30% decline in footfalls, 10-30% decline in sales and 20-30% decline in incomes across the cities of Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, the largest impact being in Bangalore, which is one of the most supermarket penetrated cities in India.

There is also loss of jobs. The experience in Vietnam has shown that the supermarket expansion also leads to employment loss in the value chain as compared to 18 jobs created by a street vendor, 10 by a traditional retailer and eight by a shop vendor in Vietnam, a supermarket like Big C needed just four persons for the same volume of produce handled.

The small farmers will be hit as supermarkets will buy only ‘A ‘grade produce, that too on open market-based prices, and only a part of the output of farmers, who end up going to an APMC mandi to dispose of the remaining/rejected produce. Moreover there will be no commitment to buy regularly as they do not want to share the risk of growers. What is the guarantee that they will buy from the farmer at prices higher than they are being offered to them now?

So far as the role of FDI-driven food supermarkets in containing food inflation is concerned, the evidence from Latin American (Mexico, Nicaragua, Argentina), African (Kenya, Madagascar) and Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam, India) shows that the supermarket prices for fruits and vegetables and other basic foods were higher than those in traditional markets. Even if it is accepted that supermarkets are able to offer lower prices, the low-income households may face higher food prices because of reasons of distance from supermarkets, and higher prices charged by supermarkets in low-income areas. How will these super markets solve the problem of food security and security of livelihood of the peasants of our country the speakers asked?

Those who addressed the rally include Com Kartar Singh Bowani-Distrtict Secretary CPI, Com. Sukhwinder Sekhon-Secretary CPI(M), Dr Arun Mitra, Com O P Mehta – City Secretary, Com Jatinder Pal singh, Com Jagdish, Com Gulzar Gorea, Com Ramesh Ratan, Com. Vijay Kumar, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com  Gurnam Gill, Com.Mewa Singh Raikot, Com Raghbir Singh Venipal, Com Tersem Jodhan, Sukhminder Singh, Ragbir Singh, Dev Raj, Amarjit Mattu, Sudey Singh, Manjit Singh, Mahinder Parsad Dubey

IT IS WAR AGAINST THE PEOPLE

GOBINDPURA- SECOND PHASE OF STRUGGLE BEGINS

Last month, when the farm organisations were holding Dharnas at Mansa, Jalandhar & Amritsar on Gobindpura issue, Sh. Parkash Singh Badal CM Punjab invited them for talks. It was promised in preliminary discussion that no land shall be acquired in future for any project without the consent of its owner. The CM also promised to leave the dispute 166 acre land & Dalit houses at Gobindpura from the purview of acquisition, pay adequate compensation, ensure employment to at least one member of the families whose land has been acquired etc. But all this was empty talk. In the formal meeting held on 19th Sept, he backed out from all these commitments.

Farm organizations then decided to relaunch the struggle in the form of a march towards Gobindpura on 24 th September and started making preparations for it.

In order to prevent the march being organized by 17 organizations of farmers & Agri-labour of Punjab towards Gobindpura, a small village in Punjab, to get back the land and houses forcibly acquired by Punjab Govt for Poena Power Company's Thermal Plant, a massive deployment of police & armed forces has been done. All roads & pathways leading to this village have been heavily barricaded. Bus service to the village has been discontinued.

As per police sources 6 SPs, 17 DSPs, 13 SHOs, 10 Inspectors, 55 ASIs, 1940 Constables & Head Constables & 85 lady police officials have been deployed under the personal command of Sh. Nirmal Singh Dhillon IGP Bathinda and Surinder Singh Parmar SSP Mansa. Besides mobilizing armed Jawans from IRB, PAP, Commando Battalions, the police has also deployed Water Cannons, Round Fire Launchers, Tear gas squads etc. While hectic parleys are on amongst various functionaries of the administration, the police is holding flag march in the villages to terrorize the people.

All this is being done to crush the peoples movement and to protect the interests of Poena Power Company, a subsidiary of India Bulls.

N.K.JEET Advisor
LOK MORCHA PUNJAB

Bathinda (Mob.: 94175-07363)

Remembring Bhagat Singh at Lahore

Bhagat Singh was an Indian freedom fighter, considered to be one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He is often referred to as Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Bhagat Singh was known for his appreciation of martyrdom. His mentor as a young boy was Kartar Singh Sarabha. Singh is himself considered a martyr for acting to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, also considered a martyr. In the leaflet he threw in the Central Assembly on 9 April 1929, he stated that It is easy to kill individuals but you cannot kill the ideas. Great empires crumbled while the ideas survived. 

This Announcement came from Diep Saeda. a known revolutionary in Pakistan. Programme devoted to S. Bhagat Singh will be held at 

Shadman Market Chowk Lahore Pakistan on Wednesday, March 23 · 5:00pm - 6:00pm. Please teel your friends about this event. : Rector Kathuria