December 08, 2011

Roti Bhaat Satyagrah Jan Manch

A major “Jan Manch” on the National Food Security Act was organized by Right to Food Campaign at Jantar Mantar, Delhi on 29th November 2011. The Jan Manch was organized to demand for a universal PDS and to ensure the right to food of the people. Representatives of various groups including domestic workers, migrant workers, construction workers, Dalits, minorities, and those who ought to be in the BPL( but will be left out in the ongoing census) for all over the country participated in the protest. NAMHHR, represented by Dr. Mira Shiva, Jashodhara Dasgupta and Aditi Sood joined the protest since it works in solidarity with the demands of the RTF Campaign on maternal nutrition and maternity benefits. Other Human Rights groups, Worker’s organizations, Women's organizations and progressive political parties supported the campaign.

Many distinguished speakers also joined the campaign. MPs from various political parties gave speeches on the topics which dealt with:
• Demand a Universal PDS, so that ALL vulnerable, and the deprived get included
• Reject the proposal of replacing PDS with Cash Transfers
• Demand universalisation with quality of ICDS
• Demand appropriate MSPs and decentralized procurement of not just rice and wheat but millets as well


A Street theatre was also performed by students to show the effect of the government proposal of replacing PDS with cash transfers on rural population

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