CPM holds statewide protests, seeks help for Covid affected

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 16

Statewide demonstrations were held on Tuesday on the call of the CPM to seek relief for workers, farmers, youth, hawkers and small businessmen who have lost their jobs and earning sources due to Covid.

The protests were held in all districts of Himachal, barring Una and Lahaul and Spiti, to press the Union Government to provide immediate relief to the affected sections of society facing a livelihood crisis.

The demonstrators raised slogans against the government for its “failure” to help the poor during the Covid outbreak. They said no relief had been provided to people.

They also submitted a memorandum to the President through the local administration, demanding a cash relief of Rs 7,500 per month to all persons outside the Income-Tax net for six months, free distribution of 10 kg food grains to each person, hike in daily wages under MGNREGA and work guarantee of minimum 200 days, immediate halt on the policy of disinvestment in Public Sector Undertakings and waiving farmers loans up to Rs 3 lakh.

Sanjay Chauhan, member, CPM state committee, alleged that the government was pursuing pro-corporate policies and crushing the public sector, which would further add to the miseries of the poor.