THE Modi Govt has announced a countrywide lockdown as a desperate measure to slow down the spread of the Covid 2019 global pandemic in India. Lack of timely preventive measures by the government and the precarious state of the public health system have exposed India to a far bigger threat and the lockdown today is widely being seen as a necessary evil to stop the spread of the virus. But the lockdown was announced without even giving a thought to how millions of daily wage earners and migrant and informal sector workers would cope with this disruption and sudden loss of livelihood.
This has resulted in a massive crisis of food and shelter for the poor all over India, and we are witnessing the largest exodus of migrants ever in independent India. The problem is compounded by severe police brutality unleashed by police forces who are encouraged to treat the lockdown as an excuse to humiliate and harm people in their power. Farmers are also hit hard, unable to harvest standing crops.
Where the Government's role has been marked by callousness and cruelty, the people are generally displaying great courage and resilience in dealing with this unprecedented crisis situation. The medical community and large sections of the civil society including the whole range of people's movement organisations and activists as well as many religious and social organisations are playing an exemplary role.
We extend heartfelt thanks to all the people involved in this difficult and courageous effort. We appeal to all CPIML members as well as organisations of students, youth and women, workers and peasants, and activists associated with movements of people's culture, health and science, to intensify our efforts to stand by the migrant workers and all sections of poor and vulnerable people and render whatever assistance we can at this challenging hour. To help the people survive the crisis and battle the virus is our biggest commitment and task today.
We also appeal to the public to donate generously to relief efforts coordinated by our party and trade union and other mass organisations. Donations can be made at either of the accounts below.
Please indicate "Covid-19 Relief" while making your donation.
1. Bank transfers (by Indian citizens)
Account Name: CPI(ML)
Account No.: 90502010057518
IFSC Code: SYNB0009050
MICR No.: 110025038
Bank: Syndicate Bank
Nirman Vihar, Delhi – 110092
Cheque, Demand Draft, Pay Order
Drawn in favour of ‘CPI(ML)’
2. All India Central Council of Trade Unions
A/C No: 90502010102431, Syndicate Bank, Nirman Vihar,
DELHI 110092 92,
IFSC No. SYNB0009050,
MICR no. 110025038
Issued by
CPIML Central Committee
Address:
CPI(ML) Central Office
Charu Bhawan
U-90 Shakarpur
Delhi – 110092
