“Khanapuri band karo, ration ka prabandh karo” (stop superficial excuses, make arrangements for ration), “Declare Jharkhand drought-affected”, “Begin relief work, waive farmers’ loans”, “Pay arrears of agricultural insurance”- these were some of the slogans accompanying the CPI (ML) protest on 9 October at the Chanho block HQ in Ranchi.
Addressing the meeting, district Secretary Com. Bhuwaneshwar Kewat said that the entire Jharkhand is in the grip of drought but the government is sunk in oblivion. In the name of assessment and evaluation, the government is not going beyond cosmetic superficialities. The farmers and rural people are desperate with imminent famine looming large. If relief work is not started immediately, Jharkhand will become another Vidarbha in the country. He added that people did not want announcements and promises; they wanted employment and ration. CPI (ML) leader Jagannath Oraon said that there is a yawning gap between the promises and delivery of the government. They talk of the poor but work for the rich corporate houses. We, the people of Jharkhand, will not give anyone the license to loot the resources, land, forests, and minerals of Jharkhand.
After the meeting a 13 point charter of demands was submitted to the Deputy Magistrate stating the above demands as well as demanding strict implementation of MNREGA, conducting a survey to bring all poor families under BPL and making arrangements for 50 kg ration-kerosene and oil, dal and sugar.
