+

Dharna at Chowrasta against tea land diversion policy

DARJEELING, :  The Darjeeling Dooars Chia Shramik Suraksha Samiti (DDCSSS) started their two-day dharna at Chowrasta on Saturdaydespite not getting permission from the civic body.

The Darjeeling Municipality had not given permission to the DDCSSS to hold their program at Chowrasta giving reason as the upcoming Higher Secondary examination which starts from March 3.

DDCSSS president Bandana Rai said, "This is not private property. It belongs to the public and we do not need permission to hold such programs. It was due to formality that we asked their permission."

Rai maintained that they held the program citing past High Court judgements where such programs were held without permission.

The demands the DDCSSS is making include a show of protest against the State government’s decision to allow 30% of tea gardenland to be diverted to purposes other than producing tea, not agreeingto parja patta of only 5 decimal land to be given to tea gardenworkers, 20% puja bonus for tea garden workers, and implementation ofminimum wages.

The next program they are planning is holding a dharna at Uttar Kanya at Siliguri with the same programs.

 

facebook twitter