CPI Ludhiana meet on demonetization

Failed in bringing black money through demonetization

Frustrated Modi utters lie after lie

Ludhiana: 11 December 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

Prime Minister Modi’s statement while addressing a public meeting yesterday that the things will ease slowly slowly slowly after 31^st December has shown is a reflection of frustration and realization of failure in unearthing black money through demonetization. This was stated by Com Kartar Bowani, Secretary of CPI District Ludhiana while addressing the general body meeting of the party held under the chairmanship of Com O P Mehta.  Modi’s statement that he is not being allowed to speak   in the Parliament is not only irresponsible but a blatant lie unexpected of a person holding such high position. It is clear like the day that the opposition has been demanding the Prime Minster to give statement in the Parliament but he is running away from it. Addressing the meeting Assistant Secretary of the district party  Dr Arun Mitra said that this is another false dream being shown to the people by the BJP government that from 1^st January onwards a new India will be born where there will be happiness all over. But in reality they things are going to get worse, unemployment will increase and the country will be pushed towards deep economic crisis.  Failure in providing sufficient currency to the banks particularly the public sector banks the government is trying to put divert the people’s resentment towards the banks. Now the whole focus is being shifted from the black money to cashless transactions. I t is not possible for the small vendors and hawkers to install swipe machines, he said. Even the world’s most developed country the US has only 40% economy in cashless. Nothing is being said about controlling the black money in stock market, foreign banks and gold and real estate which have 95% of black money. In reality this    whole exercise has been undertaken to collect ordinary persons savings and lend these to the corporate sector at low lending rates. The claim of the government that terrorism will be controlled with this move is a total hoax as there is no let up in terrorist activity since 8^th November. The meeting decided to hold rallies in all towns of the district on this issue. Among others who participated in the discussion include Com D P Maur, Ramesh Rattan, Gulzar Goria, Gurnam Sidhu, Gurnam Gill, Bharpur Swaddi, Surinder Jalaldiwal, Kewal Krishan, Kuldip Binder. Com Surinder recited a revolutionary poem. For more photos click here

CPI will do its best to foil the nefarious deigns

Sat, Jul 23, 2016 at 3:54 PM

CPI rally followed by procession at Ludhiana Railway Station

Ludhiana: 23rd July 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

Starting from the death of Rohit Vemulla to merciless beating of poor Dalits by those connected with Sangh Parivar to the foul language used by the former Vice President of Uttar Pradesh BJP has thoroughly exposed the nefarious designs of the forces of Hindutva to split the society on caste lines. These incidents are not spontaneous, these are a reflection of the anti Dalit casteiest approach of the RSS and followers of its ideology of Hindutva. Various speakers speaking on the occasion of a rally followed by procession organized by the Communist Party of India (CPI) Ludhiana today at the Railway Station Ludhiana cautioned that these will result into splitting of the society on caste lines and religious beliefs which they very unashamedly want to use in the coming elections.

Dr Arun Mitra – Asst. Sec. said that since the Modi Led BJP government has come to power there has been a serious attempt to rewrite the history totally negating the contribution of the the congress and communists in the freedom struggle. Several BJP ruled state governments have removed the names of Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi from the history books. The role of Bhagat Singh and his colleagues is being belittled and instead the name of  Damodar Savarkar who had begged mercy from the British and assured of his cooperation to the British for his release from the Andeman Nikobar jail is being   highlighted. Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi is being eulogized. The universities are being made to be governed by the RSS ideologues while the progressive forces are being suppressed. The incidents of maligning the students and the teachers of JNU and then arresting Kanhiya Kumar on the basis of doctored video films has thoroughly exposed the designs of the present government.  Organizations affiliated to Sangh Parivar have been given free hand. Obscurantist thoughts are being propagated. It is unfortunate that the Prime Minister is citing the examples of plastic surgery in the ancient India whereby the head of animal could be sutured to the human body. Even the most advanced stem cell research is being highlighted to be present in the ancient India. 

Com D P Maur said that in the name of cow protection Akhlaq was lynched by these fundamentalists and now instead of punishing the culprits the family of Akhlaq is being framed. Those involved in the leather removal of the dead cows are being beaten and even forced to eat cow dung. Cases are being fabricated against them. Such incidents have happened even in Punjab but the Akali BJP government has turned a blind eye. He further said that the country’s sovereignty and integrity are in danger since the FDI has been allowed full scale even in the defense sector. Situation in Kashmir has deteriorated to the lowest level ever. Prices are soaring high and people are waiting for the Ache Din to come.

Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher said the CPI will do its best to foil the nefarious deigns of these forces. Law and order in the state is at its lowest ebb. Crime against all sections particularly women and the poor is on the rise. Police acts under pressure of their political masters so the justice is denied to them.

Others who addressed include Com Gurnam Gill, Com Vijay Kumar, Com Kuldip Binder, Com Jit Kumari,Com Anod Kumar, Com Feroze Master, Com Walaiti Khan, Com Iqbal Singh, Com Anil, Saroj, Ramchander, Ramchand, Tuntun. 

CPI protest rally against Ludhiana Police

Break govt., police and mafia nexus to save Punjab

Ludhiana: 23 June 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The Communist Party of India (CPI) in a rally held on 23.06.2016 at Mini Secretariat has called upon the people of Punjab to raise their voice and break the  government, police and mafia nexus to save the state from further deterioration. 

Com Kartar Singh Bowani Distt. Sec. CPI at the rally alleged that it is now a well known fact that all sorts of mafia including the drug mafia, sand mafia, land mafia  are being  propagated and supported by the government and protected by the police at the behest of their political masters. He referred to the statement of the former DGP Prisons Shri Shashi Kant at a national TV channel that he had several times brought the issue to the notice of the government  about the involvement of senior politicians and police officers in the drug peddling but no serious cognizance has been taken.  

Com D P Maur – Astt. Sec. CPI said that it is a sorry state of affairs that the police is working in a totally partisan non professional manner succumbing to the blatant political interference and the pressure of influential people. Therefore the law and order situation is continuously worsening. No citizen feels safe even during the day time.  He said that law and order in the state has deteriorated to the worst level ever because the police has become a virtual tool of the political masters. This is dangerous for the democratic setup. 

Dr Arun Mitra – Assistant Secy. CPI Ludhiana said that the people are so much afraid that they do not want to go out at night because of the fear of the anti social elements. This is particularly so in the outskirts of the city where the poor workers live. Much needs to be done to control the law and order. The drug peddling is at its peak and large number of youth is being lured and forced into drug abuse. Once they get addicted they are forced to commit crime. People do not report about the peddlers to the police because they fear that their confidentiality will be maintained. The case of Abhishek son of Dr Banerjee is still fresh in the minds of the people. He demanded that death due to drug abuse should be considered as a murder because no person wants to die because of drug but he pushed into such situation by the peddlers. 

Com Ramesh Rattan – City Secy said that mafias in Punjab were unknown till a few years back when the Akali BJP government started patronizing them. There are gangs in the state who could be  used to kill any opponent. The hue and cry by the government, the Akali Dal and their outfits and also by the outfits of the RSS against the film “Udta Punjab” has thoroughly exposed them. But the people has now understood their designs and they would be soon shown the door. 

Com Gurnam Singh Sidhu – Asstt. Secretary of the city unit of the party said that already there are 18 cases which he has brought to the notice of the police but no justice has been done instead the police is supporting the accused in many cases. 

Others who addressed the include Comrades Kewal Singh Banwait, Valaiti Khan, Gurnam Gill, Chamkaur Singh, Kuldeep Singh Binder, Randhir singh, Tiger Singh

For more detail contact  CPI leader Comrade Gurnam Sidhu M:9216810244

Wearing neck tie or putting lipsticks is not smartness-CPI

Wed, Jun 1, 2016 at 3:43 P CPI criticized statement of Chief Secretary

Ludhiana: 1st June 2016: (Punjab screen Bureau):

Reacting to the statements by the Chief Secretary Shri Sarvesh Kaushal, the Communist Party of India has said that this is just a beautification plan to suit the needs of the rich and the affluent. Day to day requirements of the middle and poor sections have been completely ignored. Com Kartar singh Bowani-distt. Secretary, Dr Arun Mitra and Com D P Maur Asstt. Secretaries, Com Ramesh Ratan CitySecretary and Com Gurnam Sidhu Asstt City Secretary have said that just by wearing neck tie or putting lipsticks and no person becomes smart. Real smartness lies in the body and soul of the person. Similarly a city where lakhs have no place to live and are staying in sub human conditions devoid of fresh air, clean water supply or sewerage facilities and for them quality education and health care is just a dream how can we call the city smart. Middle classes have been agitating against exorbitant charges by the schools for quite some time because they feel that they will not be able to provide their wards such care; but no mention has been made of this. No mention is there about how to get back large pieces of government land illegally occupied by the antisocial elements. There is not a single line about play grounds for the children. People of the city have been agitating for upgrading the civil hospital to make it at par with good institutions providing tertiary health care and CPI has held several demonstrations for that, but there is no mention about that. The vendors who provide day to day service to the middle and poor sections have not been allotted the vending zones even though it is mandatory as per the act of the Parliament, but there is no mention of this in Smart city discourse byte Chief Secretary. Small scale entrepneurs and small scale industry  are reeling under difficult times, but there is no talk about them.  There is no mention about cleaning of the Buddha Nalla in it. This is another dream of the Punjab government under the directions of the Prime Minster Mody like the one of Achhe Din on which crores of rupees will be wasted.

Police has been politicized-CPI

Some victims spoke of their grievances before media

Ludhiana: 14 March 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

In the present days the situation of Law and order has deteriorated. Police which is supposed to be the guards of Public in general and labourers and dalit class, down trodden people in particular has become danger for them. Police has been politicized. Communist Party of India has been supporting and siding cause of the depressed and oppressed people who have been the target of unjustified excesses of police. False complaints are being registered against poor labourers and dalit people, extracting money from the pockets and thrashing them has become the daily routine matters of the local police. When the victims of excesses approach the police, lodging of the complaints are denied under the pressure of influential politicians. There is lot of hue and cry among the people because of this nexus between a section of the police, politicians and goonda elements.  The poor people are kidnapped and are forced to sign on the blank papers by the land mafia who grab the land of the poor people who have with hard labour saved a few pennies and are robbed of this. The mafia also indulge in throwing the goods of the household forcibly, they deny giving receipts for the rent. Even accident deaths are not taken care of properly by the police and proper investigation is not done. The victims of excesses by the criminals are illegally detained in the police stations. CPI activists have even met as deputation to the higher police officials but to no avail. In a press conference today some victims spoke of their grievances and no inquiries have been done into their complaints despite several deputations.  Twenty such cases were presented in the press conference which were from different areas of the city and different police stations. 

 lodging of the complaints are denied by the police to victims of excesses

Authority to fix rates of the corporate hospitals demanded

CPI expresses satisfaction at withdrawal of the controversial circular by the DMC

Ludhiana: 4 January 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The Communist Party of India District Ludhiana has expressed satisfaction at the withdrawal of notice by the DMC management in which they had made it mandatory that if a person has to be admitted in the hospital and needs ICU care has to deposit Rs. 20000/- in advance, for Ventilator Rs. 30000/- and Rs. 50000/- for both, even if it is an emergency and if this happens the money will be recovered from the Junior doctor on duty. Addressing a press conference Com D P Maur Asstt Secretary of the district unit of the CPI said that this circular had anguished the citizens. The Communist party of India (CPI) had held a rally outside DMC & Hospital on 25th July 2015 demanding its withdrawal. The party also submitted a memorandum to the hospital authorities on this but they refused to withdraw it. Then we lodged complaint to the ministry of health, Medical Council of India (MCI), the Punjab Medical Council and the state government that the DMC &hospital is a charitable hospital and is getting all benefits due to the charitable institutions. They have no right to issue such a circular. More over this circular is total violation of human rights as health is the most important right to life. This is also violation of the Supreme Court directives that no hospital can refuse care to a patient in case of emergency because of monetary reasons. Such an act is also violation of code of medical ethics of Medical Council of India. But now we have received communication from the PMC that the DMC has withdrawal the circular. Com Ramesh Rattan- Secretary city unit of the party said that this is a victory of the citizens. The struggle for health to all will continue he said. He further demanded that the government should setup a regulatory authority which should look into the rates of the corporate hospitals   and streamline them as these hospitals are charging exorbitantly. He said that the party had held a rally outside civil hospital few weeks back demanding its up gradation and we shall take up this till it is achieved. Com Gurnam Sidhu – Asstt. Secretary of the city party said that government must be strict towards the pharmaceutical companies who give free bees to the doctors as this adds to the cost of the medicine. The kick backs/cuts and commissions by the doctors and the private hospitals should be immediately stopped. He appreciated the role of the Punjab Medical Council in this regard and criticized the Health Minister Sh.Anil Joshi for unnecessary intervention into the affairs of the council.  He also demanded that healthcare to all must me ensured by the government on the pattern of ESIC. Com Naval Chhibber, Advocate, former President Bar Association Ludhiana said that theyhave formed a group to initiate necessary legal action in such cases which affect public interest. Any move to dilute the ESI scheme will be opposed he said. Others present at the press conference include Comrades Kewal Singh Banwait, Dr Gulzar Pandher, Ramadhar Singh, Anod Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Lalit Kumar, Ram Pratap and Ramreet. 

D P Maur

M: 9417602333

Nationalize Transport in Punjab for the safety of Passengers

Wed, May 6, 2015 at 4:44 PM

Four left parties held a massive demonstration in all districts

Ludhiana: 7 May 2015: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

In context of the Orbit bus episode in Moga where a young teen age girl was first molested and then killed by throwing her out of the running bus by the staff and some hired goons of the Orbit company, the left parties have demanded that the public transport in Punjab should be nationalized immediately. In a rally organised by the CPI, CPI (M), CPM Punjab and CPI (ML) Liberation at the interstate bus stand after holding a protest march from the Chattar Singh Park, various speakers while condemning this incident said that this is part of the mafiaism of the Badal Parivar which is apparent from the sale of drugs, sand, land, liquor and electronic media in addition to transport. 

The way the poor family of the girl has been pressurized and the whole case handled has exposed the nexus between Badals, criminals, administration and the police. It is well known to everyone that the private bus companies not only evade tax but also flout the rules and regulations. They use pressure horns with impunity, paint the window glasses with black color, use curtains in the buses and play dirty loud music and films in the buses. They even employ untrained and tainted personnel as their staff who misbehave with the passengers. 

No official can dare challan them on these grounds. They even beat the government run transport staff. All the prime time routes have been controlled by the Orbit and Jujhar companies. This has virtually ousted the government transport as well as the small entrepreneurs from the transport business. Because of sand mafia the construction activity has come down leaving large number of labourers jobless. The speakers addressing the rally said that our neighbouring states have nationalized transports which gives substantial revenue to the government. The situation of law and order is so grave that even the upright police officers have not been spared of the wrath of the goons with the backing of the Badal Parivar as we have seen in the incidents of attack on AIG in Ludhiana, ASI in Amritsar and Head Constable in Jalandhar. At the end effigy of Badal government was burnt.

Those who addressed the rally include Dr Arun Mitra, Com D P Maur, Com Sukhminder Sekhon, Com Amarjit Mattu, Com Paramjit Singh, Com Ramesh Rattan, Com Jagdishchand, Com Jatinder Pal Singh, Com Gurnam Gill, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Gulzar Goria, O P Mehta, Devraj.

Continued heavy rain failed to interrupt Red Flag Rally

Rally was held against anti people policies of Govt.

Ludhiana: 5th September 2014: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen):

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and  CPI(M), CPM Punjab, CPI M L Liberation  took out a protest demonstration from Bhai Wala Chowk to Mini Secretariat where a rally was held against anti people policies of the Badal government and the central govt. of Narinder Modi and to demand repeal of the black laws enacted by the government. After the rally a memorandum was presented to the Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana to be forwarded to the Punjab government. The rally in which thousands of workers of all four parties participated was presided over by a presidium of Com Amarjeet Singh Mattu, Com Paramjeet Singh and Com O P Mehta. 

Addressing the rally Com Charan Singh Virdi-State Secretary of the CPI (M), Com Mangat Ram Pasla-state secretary CPM Punjab, Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Secretariat Member CPI Punjab said that as a result of these policies there is rise in prices of essential commodities including the LPG and Petrol,  law and order situation has deteriorated, consolidation of land and sand mafia, criminal activities of drug mafia and increase in the petty crime. The law and order situation has deteriorated to the lowest ebb ever in the recent period. The leaders said that on one side the Badal Govt. is responsible for land Mafia and Sand Mafia as well as the drug peddlers who  are active without any fear. imposing taxes to the tune of Rs. 9000 crores on the people of Punjab in form of property tax, increase in bus fare, registration of vehicle rates increase, enhancement of rate of Intqal and TS 1, electricity tariff etc. The tax on petrol is also maximum in Punjab. They criticized the Modi Govt. for its pro-corporate policies, spreading of communal , implementing its agenda of Hindutva in Education and culture, Disbanding the National  Planning Commission, inviting FDI in every sector, framing new laws for the appointments of Judges of Supreme Court. 

Addressing the gathering Com Sukhvinder Singh Sekhon- Member state committee CPI (M), Com Paramjit Singh, Com D P Maur, Dr Arun Mitra, Com Jatinder pal Singh, Com Mahinder Singh Acharwal, Com Jagdev singh Kalsi, Com Roop Basant Baraich and Com Harbans Singh Lohatvadi Com Sukhdarshan Natt lambasted the government for framing Law – prevention of damage to public and private property which is in fact an excuse to implicate the struggling  toiling masses for their just demands.  Therefore whereas this struggle is being waged against these black laws, on the other hand this struggle is to highlight just demands of the common people such as to waive off the urban property tax, strict action against the drug peddlers, jobs to the unemployed, to fill the vacant places in government departments,  to bring the health and education under the control of government, to increase the 

old age and widow pension to at least Rs. 3000-00 per month, to crush the violence against women, minimum wage to the unskilled workers to be Rs. 15,000-00 per month, strengthen the public distribution system, effective check on sand and land mafia, remove all toll plazas which have already  got the money back for the work done, to implement recommendations of Dr Swaminathan for proper remuneration to the peasants, to fulfill the just demands of the agriculture labour pending since long and to regularize the temporary employees, for the just demands fo Asha and Aanganwari workers. They further said that through this joint struggle of the left parties the struggle against the communal and dictatorial  policies of the Modi government and this will continue till fulfillment of 14 point demand charter. This will also continue to develop an formidable pro people alternative in the state. This joint struggle has filled lot of enthusiasm among the workers.     

Those who addressed the Com Gulzar Gorea,  Com D P Maur, Com Jatinder Pal , Com Jagdish, Com Ramesh Rattan, CPM, Com Badev Singh Latala, Com Surinder Singh Jalaldiwal, Com Avtar Gill, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com Sukhminder Lotey, Com Devraj, Com Kewal Singh, Com Jagdish Chander, Com Amarnath Koomkalan,  Com Manjeet Singh Buta

Pledge to fight for a society based on justice and equality

Wed, May 14, 2014 at 5:05 PM
Homage to Martyrs Com Gurmail Singh Hunjan and Com Joginder Singh

PandherKhedi: (Ludhiana): 14 may 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has flayed the Akali - BJP Government in Punjab for its promotion of the mafia of various types and blatant intervention in the police affairs which has led to deterioration of law and order in the state. The latest case of acquittal of all the culprits in the Sarabha Nagar shoot out case has thoroughly exposed the government and the role of police, because of which people involved in public shootout be acquitted even though the two groups reached a compromise. This public shootout threatened the lives of innocent people therefore the people involved should have been booked under relevant IPC act. This was stated by several speakers addressing the gathering on the occasion of 25th 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 under the president ship of Mrs.Harbans Kaur 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 Com Bant Singh Brar- Punjab State Secretary 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. He cautioned that similar danger signals are appearing again. It is a serious matter that the present Akali BJP government is completely ignoring such development and sheltering such elements. Com Brar further cautioned said that communists have dual challenge of fighting fundamentalism as well as 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, violation of labour laws with impunity, 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 given tax concessions and highly profitable timings causing immense loss to the exchequer. As a result of the neo liberal policies promoting mad race for money there are occurring scams of  unprecedented level.

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. Others who paid tribute to the martyrs include Dr.Arun Mitra, Com O.P.Mehta, S.Tej Parkash Singh, S. Malkit Dakha, S. Lakhvir Singh Lakha, Com.Gulzar Goria, Amar Singh Bhattian, Mewa Singh-Raikot, Bhagwan Singh-Maloud, Com D.P.Maur, Dr.Gulzar Pandher, Principal Jagjit Singh, Com.Paramjit Sehora, Com.Kulwant Singh Hunjan also gave tribute to the martyrs. The meritorious school students were awarded. School children recited patriotic poems. Revolutionary songs were presented.

Ludhiana: (CPI) and CPI(M) held a protest march

Sat, Jan 25, 2014 at 3:08 PM
Even the police personnel are not safe in Punjab

Ludhiana: 25 Jan 2014: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen):
The Communist Party of India (CPI) and  CPI(M) held a protest march against the rise in prices of essential commodities including the LPG Petrol, deteriorating law and order situation and other anti people policies of the state government, consolidation of land and sand mafia, criminal activities of drug mafia and increase in the petty crime. The parties held rally at the railway station and then marched to the Clock Tower Chowk. Speaking on the occasion various speakers said that even the police personnel are not safe as proved by the killing of an ASI trying to save the honour of his daughter by a member of the Akali Dal. The incident of violence at the mini secretariat is also another evidence. The law and order situation has deteriorated to the lowest ebb ever in the recent period. All sections of the people particularly the women have never felt them so unsafe as today. The unwarranted behaviour with the struggling teachers is highly condemnable the speakers said. There is political interference in the functioning of the police. Land Mafia and Sand Mafia as well as the drug peddlers are active without any fear. The speakers also lambasted the government for imposing taxes to the tune of Rs. 9000 crores on the people of Punjab in form of property tax, increase in bus fare, registration of vehicle rates increase, enhancement of rate of Intqal and TS 1, electricity tariff etc. The tax on petrol is also maximum in Punjab. Not only that the employees are not being paid salaries on time. Even the pension is not being disbursed. Over and above increase in the prices of LPG have completely imbalanced the ordinary family. Large number of people have not got the subsidies. They are even finding it difficult to get Aadhar cards. People have to wait in long queues for this and then run around in the banks. Policies of both state and central governments have robbed the people. Those who addressed the gathering include Com Vijay Mishra- Member State Committee CPM, Com Kartar Singh Bowani- Secretary CPI Ludhiana, Com Sukhminder Singh Sekhon- Member state committee CPI (M), Com Gulzar Gorea, Com O  P Mehta,  Com D P Maur, Com Jatinder Pal , Com Jagdish, Com Ramesh Rattan, Com Amarjeet Mattu- Distt. Secretary CPM, Com Badev Singh Latala, Com Surinder Singh Jalaldiwal, Com Avtar Gill, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com Sukhminder Lotey, Com Devraj, Com Kewal Singh, Com Jagdish Chander, Com Amarnath Koomkalan, Com Anod Kumar, Com Manjeet Singh Buta, Com Ramadhar Singh.

AITUC convention held at Punjabi Bhawan Ludhiana

Com Gurudas Das Gupta–MP was the main speaker

Ludhiana: 22 November 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): The workers in our country have to meet dual challenge of saving the social fabric of the society by fighting against the communal & divisive forces as well as to save the country from economic onslaught by the multinational corporations, this was said by Com Gurudas Das Gupta–MP and General Secretary All Indian Trade Union Congress (AITUC) while addressing a convention here at Punjabi Bhawan today. The UPA-II Govt. is increasingly working in the interest of big corporate business houses of India and the international cartels undermining the national interest. Latest decisions of the Govt. are enough indicators of the rightist shift in the policies detrimental to Indian growth and progress based on justice and equality. These are against the basic spirit of the Indian constitution which speaks of justice and equality as its mainstay.  The Govt. is more inclined to respond to the demands of the international finance capital and the MNCs while hitting the common man hard, even denying them basic amenities like food, shelter, health and education. Therefore there is an urgent need for the working people to unite in strength to lead the struggle against these policies so as to meet the goal of sustainable development in the interest of all the people of the country, he said. On that score, the job insecurity and the job losses on the one hand and increased trends of contractorization and outsourcing,  contractualisation and casualisation of labour is norm of the day. There is attack on unionization itself and pressure on existing unions to suppress and intimidate them to contain their activities. Bringing in FDI  in retail trade will be big blow to more than 4 crore small traders, shopkeepers, marginal and poor farmers, other small producers of goods in home based and small scale industries etc. The government has been responsible for unprecedented rise in corruption at higher places with loss to national revenue and denial of rightful share of common people in the wealth being produced in the country. He further deplored that accumulation of wealth in the hands of few, whereas the vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. The latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees whereas 70% Indians are forced to live on meager spending of Rs.16.60 paise per day. With the policies being pursued will further hasten these gaps. 

He said, the govt. continues to act in ruthless manner against the common people and the response to people’s agitations by the Prime minister and some of his ministers are arrogant to the core. Corruption at the higher places has become rampant which is obvious  from the scandal like 2-G Spectrum. The Gas price hike in connivance with the Ambanis will cost a loss of nearly 2.20 lakh crores to the exchequer, he highlighted.

Taking advantage of this situation the rabidly communal RSS and BJP have floated Modi as their Prime ministerial candidate. This is a very serious danger before the nation which the workers have to fight back tooth and nail.

In this background the Trade Unions have decided to intensify their joint agitations and march to Parliament on 12th December 2013 on the charter of demands which includes seeking check on price rise of essential commodities, end to labour law violations, for social security and pension to all workers, abolition of any ceiling on Provident Fund, gratuity and bonus, abolition of contract labour, steady regularization of them and equal pay for equal work, no disinvestment of public sector/ govt. sector enterprises and resources, national minimum wage to be raised to not less that Rs. 10,000, universal entitlement of maternity benefit to working women etc.

Addressing the gathering Com Bant Singh Brar - President  and Com Nirmal Dhaliwal - General Secretary of Punjab unit of AITUC said that the state govt. of Punjab is not following a different course as regards the economic policies in general are concerned. Rather it has been taking anti labour and anti farmer measures. They informed that several more conventions will be held in the state on these issues, where Com Gurudas Dass Gupta MP, General Secretary AITUC will address.

Today’s convention was attended by representatives of various organisations of workers and employees from Construction, Hosiery, Roadways, PRTC, Banks, Power sector, FCI Palledar, University, PSSF, Govt. Class 4 employees, Corporation, BSNL, ASHA workers  and unorganized sector.

Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Vice President Punjab Kisan Sabha also addressed the gathering.

Com O P Mehta General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana and Com D P Maur, General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana assured that they will participate in large number in the march to parliament at Delhi on 12th December 2013.

Regularisation Fee and Property Tax

Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 3:34 PM
Sanjha Morcha Demands Roll Back

Ludhiana:10 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) and Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP) organized a joint dharna today at the mini secretariat to protest against the levying of fees on the residents for regularization of their property in the un licensed colonies and property tax on all categories of property. Addressing the Dharna various speakers pointed out  that successive governments in the past nearly three decades have not launched any housing scheme in major towns and cities, which has led to the proliferation of unauthorized colonies in every part of the state. People had to buy land at exorbitant prices at the mercy of real estate business and private builders. The ruling parties have formed clique with the private business and therefore intentionally did not carve out any housing projects. Even the GLADA has been selling land through auctions thus doing business instead of service to the people. The present government has crossed all the limits and has done nothing even for the very low economic groups. They have done their best to promote the regular revenue sources of earning of the state for their personal gains. Roadways is a glaring example where the busses belonging to the CM and his kins are being given the prime routes at the prime time. This has substantially reduce earning of the state through the state roadways transport services. Government is selling its land to generate money. This is a mockery with the people of the state. The parties demanded immediate roll back of the regularization fees. Where was the government when the unauthorized colonies were mushrooming and people were shelving out their hard earned income to buy place for living, the speakers questioned? The speakers warned that they will continue the stir till the above mentioned taxes are rolled back.

The speakers include Com Kartar Singh Bowani-Distrtict Secretary CPI, Com Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon – Member State Committee CPI (M), Com Amarjeet Mattu – Distt. Sec. CPI M, Dr Arun Mitra & Com D P Maur- Asstt. Secretaries CPI Ludhiana, Com Ramesh Rattan– City Secretary CPI, S.Jaskirat Singh Sargodha and Sh.Rajesh Gandhi from PPP, Com Sukhminder Lotey – City Secretary CPI (M), Com Gulzar Gorea, Com Jagdish Chand, Com Raghbir Benipal, Com O P Mehta, Com. Vijay Kumar, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com  Gurnam Gill and Com Kewal Singh Banwait, Com Randhir Singh, Com Jatinder Singh, Com Devraj, Com Surinder, Com Manjit Singh Boota.

Eve Teasing: Arrest the culprits

Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Women leaders warned stern action

Ludhiana: 16 September 2013:(Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): The residents of Chand Colony took a strong exception at the failure of police to arrest the culprits who had been booked U/S 354 on 19th August. While addressing press conference they informed that some miscreants misbehaved and passed obscene remarks on a promising BSc medical student at Govt. College for Girls while she was watering plants at her house on 9th July. On being objected they beat the family of the victim and threatened them. But disgustingly the PAU police instead of arresting the culprits put the parents of the victim in the lock up and forced upon them agreement under threats. The father of the girl is a Class IV employee at the PAU. After protest from the residents of the area the police registered a case against the culprits US 354 after 41 days. They did nether register the case US 452 against the culprits nor they register the case against the SI Sohan Lal for illegal confinement of the parents of the victim. They also did not remove the cross case registered against the victim’s family. The victim put her case before the police commissioner on 2nd September. He marked the case to the ADCP 3. But despite several representations he did not take any action. To a deputation who met him on 13th September he assured that he will personally visit the spot on 14th September. But instead he has sent summons to the girl to appear before him on 18th September. The residents of the mohalla have taken this very seriously as the victim has given statement several times at the PAU police station, in front of ACP and the Commissioner police. Several women leaders including Jit Kumari–Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha, Veteran  Women Leader Dr Chanchal Gupta, Dr Narjit Kaur–Convener Working Women Forum, Avtar Kaur Advocate and Tejinder Kaur–Member Legal Cell Services demanded that the ADCP should fulfill his promise to visit the area and The residents of Chand Colony took a strong exception at the failure of police to arrest the culprits who had been booked U/S 354 on 19th August. While addressing press conference they informed that some miscreants misbehaved and passed obscene remarks on a promising BSc medical student at Govt. College for Girls while she was watering plants at her house on 9th July. On being objected they beat the family of the victim and threatened them. But disgustingly the PAU police instead of arresting the culprits put the parents of the victim in the lock up and forced upon them agreement under threats. The father of the girl is a Class IV employee at the PAU. After protest from the residents of the area the police registered a case against the culprits US 354 after 41 days. They did nether register the case US 452 against the culprits nor they register the case against the SI Sohan Lal for illegal confinement of the parents of the victim. They also did not remove the cross case registered against the victim’s family. The victim put her case before the police commissioner on 2nd September. He marked the case to the ADCP 3. But despite several representations he did not take any action. To a deputation who met him on 13th September he assured that he will personally visit the spot on 14th September. But instead he has sent summons to the girl to appear before him on 18th September. The residents of the mohalla have taken this very seriously as the victim has given statement several times at the PAU police station, in front of ACP and the Commissioner police. Several women leaders including Jit Kumari – Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha, Veteran  Women Leader Dr Chanchal Gupta, Dr Narjit Kaur – Convener Working Women Forum, Avtar Kaur Advocate and Tejinder Kaur – Member Legal Cell Services demanded that the ADCP should fulfill his promise to visit the area and arrest the culprits. 

  Related links:

Eve Teasing: Arrest the culprits

Police registered the case after 41 days

ਲੜਕੀ ਨਾਲ ਛੇੜ ਛਾੜ ਦਾ ਮਾਮਲਾ ਹੋਰ ਗਰਮਾਇਆ

लोगों का दबाव बनने पर घटना के 41 दिनों बाद दर्ज हुआ मामला

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ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਕਰੀਨ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਲਿੰਕ ਵੀ ਕਲਿੱਕ ਕਰੋ 

ਮਾਮਲਾ ਰਿਸ਼ੀ ਨਗਰ ਦੀ ਕੁੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਛੇੜਖਾਨੀ ਦਾ

 ਐਕਸ਼ਨ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਨੇ ਬਣਾਈ ਲੰਮੇ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਦੀ ਯੋਜਨਾ

ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਵੇਲੇ ਭੜਕ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਅੰਦੋਲਨ 

Death of two minor girls

Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 4:17 PM

CPI has expressed anguished and shock

The Communist Party of India (CPI)  has expressed anguished and shock death of two minor girls who were working as domestic help. This is in continuation of several similar incidents in the recent past. Ever increasing crime in the city is a matter of grave concern for all the right thinking citizens. Com Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary and Dr Arun Mitra – Asstt. Distt. Secretary have said that timely action by the police in several incident can prevent such crime. But many a times it has been observe that it takes lot of efforts on the part of victims to get the cases registered and even after that the culprits go on roaming scot free. It gives impression that section of police is either hand in glove with the criminals or is apathetic towards the crime and their duty. This encourages the criminals.

Jan Samparak campaign started at Ludhiana by CPI

This will continue till 20^th as a part of nationwide campaign

With a call to defeat the communal designs of the BJP and to oust the anti people UPA 2 in the coming elections, the Communist Party of India (CPI) district Ludhiana began JAN SAMPARK programme  after paying floral tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev at the Jagraon Pul today. This will continue till 20^th September as a part of the nationwide campaign.  Addressing the gathering state secretary of CPI Com Bant Singh Brar said that the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar  have thoroughly exposed the BJP and the state government of Akhilesh Yadav for their petty ambitions to hold power by splitting the society on communal lines. Paying homage to the deceased he demanded immediate stern steps to identify and punish those responsible for the communal carnage. BJP approach to put forward Narinder Modi as the fore runner in the electoral battle to Parliament is a very dangerous move  as Modi is responsible for killing of 3000 innocent people in Gujarat. He further said that the UPA 2 has completely sold out the nation to the foreign multinationals. As a result of these policies the country is now heading towards an economic emergency. Devaluation of rupee to such a low level and coming down of the growth to just 4.4 has proven complete failure of the government’s economic policies. Price rise of essential commodities has forced the common man to cut down its daily budget on food. This will further lead to the already existing high percentage of malnutrition in the country. The rampant corruption at the centre has proven hollowness of the government.

Com Kartar Singh Bowani district secretary CPI said that law and order problem in the state is very grave. Land mafia, sand mafia and the drug mafia are ruling freely. Democratic norms are being flouted by the government. Those demanding justice and their rights are being beaten.

Com D P Maur assistant secretary CPI demanded that the poor above the age of 60 should be given pension of Rs.3000.00 per month. Workers should be given Rs.10000.00 as minimum wage.

Dr Arun Mitra informed that the rally passed a resolution condemning American designs to attack Syria. Others who addressed include Com Ramesh Rattan, Com Gurnam Gill, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com Kewal Singh, Com Kuldeep Singh Binder, Com Manjeet Singh Boota, Com Ram Singh, Com Ramchander.

AITUC meeting held at Ludhiana

Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 3:49 PM
Meeting condemned attack on IAS officer Pannu

The state council meeting of All India Trade Union Congress  (AITUC) was held under the president ship of Com Bant Singh Brar. The meeting started with two minutes salience in the memory of victims of Uttrakhand tragedy. The meeting condemned attack on IAS officer Mr.Kahan Singh Pannu and demanded that the culprit should be brought to book. The meeting decided to hold AITUC state conference in Ludhiana on 29th July to focus the burning demands of the workers. Meeting demanded that the workers should be employed on regular basis and contract system should be abolished in toto. All the service benefits including health, education, pension and promotion etc. should be ensured. The unskilled workers should be paid a minimum of Rs.10000.00 per month. Meeting condemned the enhanced electricity bills and rise in electricity tariff. The meeting also decided to host national council meeting of AITUC in Punjab in October 2013.

Some more links:

CPI rally at Ludhiana

Worker on the Bahadarke Road stabbed

Shopkeepers on road

IDPD delegation going to Germany

AITUC meeting held at Ludhiana

CPI rally at Ludhiana

Solidarity with the brave struggle of Jagatsinghpur 

The Ludhiana district unit of the Communist Party of India held a rally in solidarity with the brave struggle that is going on against the Central and State government move to hand-over 4000 acre of fertile agricultural land at Jagatsinghpur district, (Odisha) near the Paradeep Part to a South Korean transnational corporation, POSCO for a steel plant, displacing several thousand families who have been earning their livelihood for near a century. Hundreds of workers carrying placards condemned state repression on the peaceful agitators and demanded immediate cancellation of false cases against CPI national council member Abhay Sahu and others, suitable payment to those killed and injured by the police, stop evicting people from the area, proper compensation to the land owners and ensure that the environment considerations/obligations are met with. Addressing the gathering Com Kartar Singh Bowani Distt. Secretary said that our government is out to sever the interest of foreign Multi National Corporations while completely ignoring the local population. Dr Arun Mitra Asstt. Secretary said that the neoliberal economic policies pursued by the governments have led to huge widening of gaps in the society with net income of vast majority of our population falling down continuously. Increase in prices of essential commodities is deliberate as a result of these policies. He also condemned the rise in power tariff by the Punjab govt. and termed it like adding fuel to the fire of people’s problems. This must be rolled back he  said.  Com D P Maur Asstt. Secretary said that the people’s resentment against these policies has been widely reflected in the two days trade union strike on 20 and 21 February. But the government instead of talking to the working class is holding meetings with the elite. Others who addressed include Com O P Mehta, Com Gulzar Goria, Com Gurnam Gill.

Some more links:

Worker on the Bahadarke Road stabbed

Shopkeepers on road

IDPD delegation going to Germany

AITUC meeting held at Ludhiana

CPI rally at Ludhiana

CPI Press Note on GLADA

Where was GLADA when these colonies were  coming up?

Ludhiana(Rector Kathuria and SK Gogna)Reacting sharply to GLADA’s declaring 12oo colonies as unauthorized, the Communist Party of India Distt. Ludhiana questioned where was GLADA when these colonies were  coming up? Now when the common people have purchased land and built houses out of their hard earned money, the GLADA has declared them unauthorized. The private colonies are coming up because the government has no housing policy for the common people. In a statement issued here today Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Distt. Secretary, Dr.Arun Mitra & Com D P Maur – Asstt. Secretaries and Com Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary of the party said that earlier the government and the administration connived with the colonizers and let these colonies come up, but  now when common people have built up their houses the GLADA is declaring them unauthorized and without providing any alternative asking the people not to buy land in these colonies. This is totally wrong and injustice to the common people. What is needed now is that the required facilities as per GLADA’s rules should be ensured to the residents of these without any burden on the people living there. In the future GLADA should construct houses for the needy people which should be provided by lottery system. The system of auctioning should be discontinued as it facilitates only the rich people to buy land there.  
Dr Arun Mitra                                                           Date: 23.02.2013
Asst. Secretary
Mobile: 94170 00360

An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM
A bill must be passed in parliament at earliest
such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people

LUDHIANA, 21 December 2012:A comprehensive strategy has to be evolved through administrative, socio political and judicial measures to combat the inhuman menace of violence against women. This was the consensus arrived at after open debate on violence against women organized by the All India Working Women Forum (AITUC), Punjab Istri Sabha and Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha Ludhiana today at Shaheed Karnail Singh Isru Bhawan Ludhiana. Dr Narjit Kaur –Convener of the forum said that it was heartbreaking and sobering to read the morning papers and realise how low we have fallen as a society and as human beings. A group of drunk middle aged men raped a young physiotherapist and brutally assaulted her and her boyfriend. Even if the girl survives her physical injuries, the mental scars she bears may not be erased for a lifetime. What sort of wicked and depraved men they must be to so casually and easily rob the joy and health of a harmless young girl at the threshold of womanhood and life and reduce her and her family to utter despair?

Mrs.Gurcharan Kochar – President Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana cautioned that it brings us to the urgent question of what needs to be done to prevent more of our daughters being deprived of their happiness, esteem, health and often, their lives. To act strongly and firmly. The female foeticide, honour killings and discrimination against the girl child are a reflection of  gender bias prevailing in the society. This needs to be condemned  and corrected.

Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha said that such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people who feel that they will go scot free after committing the crime. The economic gaps which have increased in the last about two decades have further marginalized the already deprived section of the society who have become more vulnerable to violence.

The meeting proposed following measures to meet the situation.

1.      All concerned men and women holding any position of authority and whose voice can be heard  by many, should publicly express their outrage and concern.

2.      A bill must be passed in parliament at the earliest wherein the outcome of rape cases must be decided within 45 days by a fast track court. Strong punishment must be meted out to the rapist and he must be publicly humiliated.

3.      Police reforms must be undertaken immediately. Political intervention in the police must stop.  If any police station refuses to register a complaint of rape, there must be a strong and well -defined punishment for the concerned officer.

4.      Laws in relation to sexual harassment at workplace should be enacted in consultation with women orgnaisations.


There should be one page devoted in the daily newspapers to women’s safety. This page should exclusively list crimes against women. Detailed identities and addresses of culprits involved, photographs and daily progress on brutal cases (ie who has been apprehended as yet, what punishment has been given etc)

5.      All employers should make their own  workplaces  as safe as possible for women.

6.      There should be several options for safe travel for women including exclusive buses and taxis, train compartments and plenty of well-lit public toilets. These should have female staff manning them as well.

7.      All parents, when rearing  their children, should place a very strong emphasis on not letting them use violence. Gentleness must be inculcated from the start in boys especially.

8.      All schools should make self- defence, especially for girls , a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Others who spoke at the meeting include Maj. Sher Singh Aulukh – President BJVJ, M.S.Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJVJ, Jit Kumar – General Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana, D.P.Maur – General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana.  
 An open debate on violence against women at Ldh