CPI(ML) Liberation and the All India Agricultural and Rural Labour Association (AIARLA) organised a "Kaam Do” [Give Jobs] March at the Paliganj block headquarters in Bihar on July 10, raising a wide range of issues affecting the rural poor and demanding immediate government intervention. A large number of workers, agricultural labourers, rural poor and local residents participated in the mobilisation.
The protesters demanded immediate employment for the rural poor under the VBGRAMG scheme (formally MGNREGA), restoration of the names of poor families deleted from ration cards, payment of long-pending old age pensions, and strict action to stop the black marketing of fertilisers. They also demanded Basgit Parchas (Homestead rights) for all landless families at the places where they are settled, protection of the rights, dignity and security of migrant workers, the right of the poor to education and healthcare, and guaranteed work with fair wages under the Gramji law.
The protesters also demonstrated at the Circle Office against rampant bribery and illegal collections, demanding an immediate end to corruption and ensuring that public services and welfare schemes reach the poor without harassment.
The mobilisation called for intensifying the struggle against the bulldozer state to defend the housing rights of the poor and landless. It also raised the slogans, "Awaken the Dalit poor, drive out the BJP," "Give every landless family a Basgit Parcha where they are settled," and "Give jobs under the VBGRAMG law and ensure fair wages for work," reaffirming the resolve to strengthen struggles for employment, food security, housing rights, pensions and democratic rights across rural Bihar.
