Awareness Campaigns

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From 9 to 16 December 1996, under the joint auspices of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Sarvadeshik Arya Yuvak Parishad, an awareness march was organised to eradicate child labour. This seven-day awareness march passed through 50 villages of Behror, Bansur and Mundawar in the Rath region of Alwar, and large public meetings were organised at the headquarters.

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On 14 January 1996, a one-day training camp for 50 selected active workers of the organisation was organised at the natural site of Siliserh Lake. The camp was conducted in three sessions, in which workers were given legal information regarding child labour, bonded labour and minimum wages. There was extensive discussion on the identification of bonded labour and the process of liberation.

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On 29 December 1996, a training camp for one hundred workers was organised on the banks of Jaisamand Lake. Morcha workers were introduced to various aspects of the liberation of child and bonded labourers.

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On 12 June 1997, a talk by Shri Rajesh Yajnik on the problem of child labour was broadcast from All India Radio, Alwar.

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The District-level Chaupal of Bandhua Mukti Morcha is organised every year in the month of December. It is a kind of workers’ conference in which details of the organisation’s activities throughout the year, as well as its income and expenditure, are presented. Usually conducted in three sessions, this Chaupal discusses issues such as child labour, bonded labour and minimum wages, workers in the unorganised sector, women’s rights, prohibition, social evils, etc. The working class associated with the organisation also participates. Subject experts and administrative officers are invited. In this way, the Chaupal is very helpful in educating and training workers and spreading awareness among labourers about their rights. State-level and national-level Chaupals are also organised in the same manner.

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On 22 December 1997, a workers’ conference of the organisation was organised at the Information Centre. Five issues were identified on a priority basis, including child labour, minimum wages, the problems of nomadic workers, the Morcha’s bulletin, and conducting an awareness campaign through street plays.

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Awareness March Against Child and Bonded Labour

To express Bandhua Mukti Morcha’s resolve against child and bonded labour and to create awareness among the general public about these issues, a march was organised from 27 December to 31 December 1997. Through this five-day march, the sentiments of crores of child and bonded labourers were brought to Alwar district. A special feature of this march was that the travelling group included a street-play team of trained young artists, which, at every location, conveyed through street plays on child and bonded labour the message of uniting against these social evils. The street-play team was led by TV artist Shri Govind Singh. Thereafter, young associates addressed the gatherings on these issues. The march began on 27 December with a huge public meeting at Kadelganj Chowk near the organisation’s office in Alwar city, in which a large number of traders, intellectuals and people from the city’s informal settlements participated. The chief speaker was the President of the Rajasthan Mahila Sangathan, Shrilata Swaminathan, who also participated in the entire journey on its first day.

During the five days, the march passed through Kishangarhbas, Tijara, Harsoli, Mundawar, Behror, Tatapur, Hajipur, Hamirpur, Bansur, Narayanpur, Thanagazi, Tehla, Rajgarh, Malakhera, Shyamganga, Barabhedkol, Maujpur, Laxmangarh, Nagar, Baroda Meo, Govindgarh, Ramgarh, Bagad Tiraya, Bakhtal Ki Chowki, Matsya Industrial Area and other places, and reached Alwar on 31 December, where traders and workers gave the march a grand welcome at the Agricultural Produce Market premises. The chief guest at the concluding ceremony was the then Superintendent of Police, Shri Dalpat Singh Dinkar.

During these five days, 10 large meetings and 10 small meetings were organised every day. At all 14 tehsil headquarters and important locations, public education was carried out through wall writing, street plays, leaflets, cassettes, songs, banners and slogans written on placards. Processions and morning marches were also organised at many places. The march received a grand welcome at many locations and the street plays had a widespread impact. During this period, approximately one hundred performances of two plays—one against child and bonded labour and the other against communalism—were staged. During the march, the public meeting at Behror was also addressed by the national leaders of the organisation. Around one thousand slogans against child labour, bonded labour, alcohol, dowry and other social evils were written on walls. The march received extensive coverage in local and regional newspapers, and information about it was also broadcast by All India Radio, Alwar.

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From 16–18 June 1998, a three-day training camp for workers from Rajasthan and Haryana was held at the Patwar Rest House in Alwar. It was inaugurated by S.P. Shri Dalpat Singh Dinkar. On the first day, the topic “The Problem of Child and Bonded Labour from the Legal Perspective” was discussed. Professors from various departments of the Arts College, noted lawyers and administrative officers participated as resource persons. In the second session, the topic “The Problem of Bonded Labour: Causes and Nature” was discussed. In the evening, a “Cultural Session” was held in which local poets recited their compositions.

On the second day, in the first session, under the chairmanship of the Morcha’s National General Secretary, Prof. Shyotaj Singh, workers were informed about incidents from various bonded labour liberation campaigns under the topic “The Story of the Liberation of Bonded Labourers.” In the second session, “Methods and Schemes for the Eradication of Bonded Labour” was discussed. The third session was held under the chief hospitality of Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shri Bhaskar Sawant, with the topic “The Problem of Child Labour: Causes and Prevention.”

On the third day, the concluding session ended with an inspiring speech by the Morcha’s National President, Swami Agnivesh, and the adoption of a resolution on child labour. An open session was also organised that day, in which hundreds of people participated. During all three days, administrative officers, sociologists, lawyers and senior office-bearers of the Morcha participated in the discussions as resource persons.

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The National Chaupal of Bandhua Mukti Morcha was organised in Alwar on 4–5 February 2002. More than one hundred people participated in this two-day Chaupal, including office-bearers of the national executive of Bandhua Mukti Morcha, active Morcha members working across the country, representatives of like-minded organisations and representatives of CAPART. The Chaupal was inaugurated by the Morcha’s National President, Swami Agnivesh, at the Community Building of the Urban Improvement Trust. The Morcha’s National General Secretary, Prof. Shyotaj Singh, presented the organisation’s annual report and details of income and expenditure.

After lunch, in the second session, representatives from different regions presented information about activities in their respective areas and shared their experiences and difficulties with one another. In the third session, detailed discussions were held on child labour, bonded labour and minimum wages. On the morning of 5 February, after extensive discussion on the issue of implementing the demand to make national minimum wages and the right to work fundamental rights, a strategy was prepared and future programmes were decided. The concluding session was held on the open stage of the Information Centre.

A large number of people from Alwar’s various informal settlements, nearby villages and industrial areas, workers, members of the Banjara and Bhil communities, intellectuals and social workers participated in the public meeting organised on this occasion, in addition to the participants of the Chaupal. The meeting was addressed by chief speaker Swami Agnivesh, National General Secretary Prof. Shyotaj Singh, National Treasurer Shri Jagvir Singh Pradhan and State President Shri Rajesh Yajnik. The speakers strongly criticised the practice of child and bonded labour and worked to educate the working class on these issues and connect the intellectual class with them. The chief guest in the concluding session, Alwar District Collector Shri Tanmay Kumar, and the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency, Shri Dinesh Kumar, also addressed the gathering. The Alwar district unit colleagues made excellent arrangements for the two-day Chaupal, including accommodation, food and transportation of participants and all arrangements for the open session.

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In the fireworks industry, every year dozens of children die after being burnt while working, hundreds are injured and thousands continue to be exploited. The country’s money is spent within a few hours, while noise and air pollution are also caused. To create awareness on all these issues, the Morcha has been observing an Anti-Fireworks Week during Diwali every year since 2004.

Under this programme, anti-fireworks posters are put up at colleges, senior schools and coaching institutions throughout Alwar. Banners are displayed at prominent places in the city and leaflets are distributed.

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From 26, 27 and 28 August 2005, a public awareness march was organised in the Ramgarh subdivision of Alwar district. The march was flagged off by Sub-Divisional Officer Shri Ram Dayal Meena and Pradhan Shri Jawahar Jain. During the three-day march, it reached Ramgarh, Bijwa, Naugaon, Mohammadpur, Alampur, Gurjar Bas, Khuspari, Naharpur, Kaisroli, Balwandka, Sadhauli, Dahrawas, Goleta, Dhadholi, Bahala, Choroti Pahad and other villages. Public awareness among workers in the unorganised sector was created in the villages through street meetings, street plays, wall writing and distribution of leaflets.

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Similar public awareness marches were also organised in the Ramgarh area on 9, 10 and 11 December 2006 and 17, 18 and 19 June 2008.

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On 26-04-2008, a training camp for the Morcha’s main worker leaders was organised at Yadav Dharamshala, in which Joint Labour Commissioner R.P. Pareek, Labour Welfare Officer Jitendra Khattar, Rajesh Yajnik, Virendra Chaudhary and others provided training.

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On 17–18–19 June 2008, a public awareness march was organised in 36 villages of the Ramgarh subdivision, where information about labour laws was provided through meetings and plays at the village chaupal. On 25-08-2008, a large seminar on child marriage, dowry and harassment was organised at Mayur Hotel auditorium.

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On 24 August 2008, a conference of approximately 500 youth was organised at Suryanagar, which was addressed by Swami Aryavesh, who explained the revolutionary form of Krishna. On 17 September 2008, a reform meeting of the Banjara community was organised in Thanagazi town. Approximately 3,000 people were administered an oath by Rajesh Yajnik to abandon the Nata custom and addiction and to adopt education.

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From 27–28–29 October 2008, a three-day public awareness march was organised throughout the district on various social issues.

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On 8 March 2010, Women’s Day was celebrated in Laxmangarh with 1,000 women, in which the B.D.O. and Mahmud Khan of the Second Decade Project participated.

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On 28–29 March 2012, a women’s awareness camp was organised in Jodhpur with the support of the National Commission for Women.

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On 29 May 2012, a seminar against female foeticide was organised at Khandelwal Dharamshala. Many public representatives, including Smt. Rajdulari Sharma, Deputy Chairperson of Alwar Municipal Council, participated.

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1 May 2015 – Labour Day – On 1 May 2015, on the occasion of Labour Day, Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a workers’ conference at Khandelwal Dharamshala, in which hundreds of workers from Alwar city participated. At the beginning of the conference, Manoj Arya presented a revolutionary song and spoke about the issue of child labour. After this, Smt. Raisa explained the history of Labour Day and appealed to workers to organise themselves. Sonu Rajput spoke about registration and renewal of construction workers. Priyanka Arora explained the cycle assistance and scholarship. Nitin Saini explained LIC’s micro-insurance scheme, Daya Garg spoke about the Beti Bachao campaign, Sunil Maurya explained daughter-marriage assistance and funeral assistance, and Puran Karotiya appealed to everyone to obtain their identity cards. Renu Gupta explained the Palanhar Scheme and informed construction workers about the work related to them every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The conference was conducted by District President Virendra Chaudhary. Chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik appealed to all those present to add 10 more members each. Among the workers, Uday Ram, Deepchand, Krishna and Rajo Devi also expressed their views.

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14 June 2015 Conference – Workers began arriving for the conference from 9 a.m. From 9 to 10 a.m., Sunil Maurya and Daya Garg registered the participants. At exactly 10 a.m., the programme began with the revolutionary songs of Manoj Arya. General Secretary Renu Gupta introduced all the office-bearers of the Morcha. The conference was chaired by Virendra Chaudhary and Renu Gupta.

Nitin Saini spoke about registration, renewal and the cycle scheme in the Labour Department; Manoj Arya spoke about the youth camp; Sonu Singh spoke about daughter-marriage and funeral assistance; Sandeep Sharma conveyed his good wishes; Daya Garg spoke in detail about Beti Bachao; and Seema Saini spoke about women’s harassment. The chief speaker, State President Rajesh Yajnik, explained the principles and policies of the Morcha. He appealed to every member to make 10 additional members and raised slogans at the end. He also spoke about organising a large district-level conference after the tehsil-level conferences. Dilip Singh, Uday Ram, Banwari Lal and others who had received ₹51,000 in daughter assistance also expressed their views. Water and tea were arranged for everyone. The conference was completely successful in terms of attendance.

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28 June 2015 Conference – Since Labour Day on 1 May 2015, Bandhua Mukti Morcha had been organising meetings of construction workers from different blocks and tehsils, covering Alwar city, Alwar rural, Behror, Neemrana, Bansur, Bhiwadi and other areas. The conference for workers from Tijara, Kishangarh Bas and Mundawar areas was held on 28 June 2015 at Purusharthi Dharamshala. Registration of workers took place from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The conference began at 10 a.m. with introductions among all participants. Manoj Arya presented a revolutionary song. Nitin Saini gave information about registration, renewal and the cycle scheme. Daya Garg spoke about Beti Bachao and against exploitation of women. Renu Gupta explained the Palanhar Scheme and introduced everyone to Leela, Premlata and Kashmir, who had benefited from the scheme. Manoj Arya gave information about scholarships for workers’ children. Sunil Maurya explained daughter-marriage and funeral assistance and also presented a revolutionary song.

Speaking as the chief speaker, State President Rajesh Yajnik said that government welfare schemes are neither charity nor alms, but are the rights of workers, which they have to obtain through struggle. Rajesh Yajnik appealed to all workers to connect 10–20 workers with the Morcha. District President Virendra Chaudhary called upon all working people to unite above caste and religion. Twenty worker leaders were selected at the conference. Puran Karotiya delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Renu Gupta. Refreshments were provided to everyone.

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22 July 2015 Construction Workers’ Conference – Bandhua Mukti Morcha had been organising meetings of construction workers from different blocks and tehsils since Labour Day. After conferences in different areas, a joint conference of the Rajgarh, Thanagazi and Kathumar tehsils was held on 22 July 2015 at Purusharthi Dharamshala. Workers were registered by 9:30 a.m. Everyone introduced themselves. Thereafter, Sunil Maurya presented a revolutionary song. Nitin Saini gave information about registration, renewal and cycle assistance. Daya Garg gave an open speech on women’s harassment and Beti Bachao. Renu Gupta explained the Palanhar Scheme. Sunil Maurya again informed workers about the funeral and daughter-marriage schemes.

Bandhua Mukti Morcha District President Virendra Chaudhary, with enthusiastic slogans, advised the Kamari community to fight for its rights and to treat daughters as equal to sons. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik introduced the Morcha and said that it was neither a government office nor the office of a political party. It was a social organisation that had emerged as a movement to become the voice of hardworking workers. Information about various schemes and the Morcha’s major programmes was also provided at the conference. The programme was conducted by Renu Gupta and concluded with a vote of thanks by Manoj Arya. Water and tea were provided to everyone.

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2 August 2015 – Conference of Workers of the Laxmangarh Area – On 02-08-2015 at 9:30 a.m., a conference of construction workers of the Laxmangarh area began at Bal Vihar School opposite Company Bagh. All participants were given the organisation’s booklet and registered. At the beginning of the conference, General Secretary Renu Gupta explained its purpose. Nitin Saini spoke about registration and renewal, Sonu Singh about daughter-marriage and funeral assistance, Rakesh Tiwari about the Palanhar Scheme, and Daya Garg about the Beti Bachao movement. Ramcharan Rag presented a workers’ song.

Chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik explained the work and objectives of Bandhua Mukti Morcha in detail and called upon all workers to strengthen the Morcha. Rachna Singh and Sandeep Jatav were also present. The conference was chaired by Puran Karotiya and conducted by Renu Gupta. On this occasion, Manju Devi was welcomed after receiving funeral assistance, and Deepchand, Juhruddin and Hamid were welcomed after receiving daughter-marriage assistance.

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27 August 2015 – Conference of Workers of the Ramgarh Area – Beginning with workers from Alwar city on 1 May 2015, conferences of construction workers had been organised in every block. On 27-08-2015, a conference of workers from the Ramgarh area was organised at Purusharthi Dharamshala, Vivekanand Chowk, Alwar, at 2 p.m. Registration of all participants took place from 2 to 2:30 p.m. At exactly 2:30 p.m., the programme began with the song “Learn to Read and Write, O One Who Works Hard.” Everyone introduced themselves by coming to the microphone. Sonu Rajput first explained the process of registration and renewal. Nitin Saini spoke about scholarships, housing loans and medical assistance. Daya Garg expressed her views on Beti Bachao and women’s harassment. Sunil Maurya explained daughter-marriage assistance. Manoj Arya outlined the youth camp.

Chief guest Justice Kuldeep Sharma explained the functioning of the Legal Services Authority and spoke about victim compensation, permanent and temporary Lok Adalats, P.C.P.N.D.T., etc. Deputy Labour Commissioner Jitendra Khattar explained new training programmes for construction workers and expressed his commitment to completing the work identified by Bandhua Mukti Morcha on time. District President Virendra Chaudhary explained the functioning and achievements of Bandhua Mukti Morcha. Speaking as chief speaker, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik appealed to every worker to add 10 more workers. Puran Karotiya delivered the vote of thanks. Rachna Singh, Khushbu Khandelwal, Bhomaram Bhil, Rajjo Devi, Deepchand, Moj Khan and Premchand also expressed their views. Refreshments were provided to everyone.

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6 March 2016 – Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a Women’s Day programme in the afternoon at Khandelwal Dharamshala. Hundreds of women associated with the Morcha participated. The programme was chaired by former District Education Officer Saroj Sharma. The chief guest was Alka Mittal, the chief speaker was Professor Rekha Ajwani, and the special guest was Shikha Ahuja, District Manager of Indian Oil Corporation. Various speakers expressed their views on equality between men and women. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik spoke about various schemes for women, while Advocate Renu Gupta spoke about laws relating to women. Under the direction of Nitin, the theatre group performed a play conveying the message of Beti Bachao. The girl Drishti Khanna presented a dance.

Women from across the district presented songs, music, cultural programmes and a quiz. Muni Naruka, Seema Saini, Raj Gupta, Rachna Singh, Khushbu Khandelwal, Rajjo Devi, Uma, Bharti and others also addressed the conference. Approximately 10 women working in the social sector were honoured. The programme was conducted by Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg.

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20 March 2016 – A conference of construction workers associated with the Bandhua Mukti Morcha organisation was organised. Manoj Arya first presented a song. Nitin Saini informed participants about the registration and renewal scheme. Sonu explained the funeral and scholarship schemes, Daya Garg spoke about the Palanhar Scheme and female foeticide, and Khushbu Khandelwal explained the Shubh Shakti Scheme. Renu Gupta provided information about labour laws. Seema Saini and Rachna Singh handled the registration work. Chief guest Harkesh Bugalia was presented with a memento and a box of Kalakand. Chief guest Harkesh Bugalia and chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik delivered strong speeches. The Morcha’s magazine “Mukti Path” was released at the programme and Sonu Singh, the Best Worker of 2015, was honoured. He was presented with a pair of clothes and a shield. The programme was chaired by Virendra Chaudhary and conducted by Renu Gupta.

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1 May 2016 Labour Day Programme – On Labour Day, Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a procession from Company Bagh at 10:30 a.m. Approximately hundreds of women and men participated. Led by Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik, the procession was organised with demands for an increase in minimum wages and implementation of prohibition. The procession reached Kadelganj from Company Bagh, where traders served cold drinks to everyone participating in the procession. At the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located at the Municipal Council, Poonam Chhabra, daughter-in-law of former MLA and prohibition movement martyr Gursharan Chhabra, administered a pledge to everyone to work for prohibition.

The procession passed through Hope Circus, Police Control Room and Gopal Talkies and reached Bal Vihar School on Dayanand Marg. A public meeting was held in the school auditorium. At the public meeting, Rajesh Yajnik said that the loans of MPs, MLAs and large industrialists were being waived, but wages were not being increased properly.

The Morcha demanded that the government increase the minimum wage rate and implement prohibition to provide relief to women and the poor. Renu Gupta, Daya, Khushbu Khandelwal, Nitin Saini, Sandeep Jatav, Seema Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Mustafa Khan, Adarsh Yadav, Madhu Jain and others addressed the public meeting. Manoj Arya presented a song. The programme was conducted by Virendra Chaudhary. The programme received extensive coverage in print and electronic media.

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15 August 2016 – On the 70th Independence Day, Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a one-day workers’ camp. The camp began at 10:30 a.m. with a revolutionary song by Manoj Arya. Thereafter, Morcha District President Virendra Chaudhary delivered the inaugural speech. Renu Gupta spoke about the problem of child labour, Daya Garg about Beti Bachao, Rajjo Devi about prohibition, Rana Banjara about nomadic communities, Khushbu Khandelwal about the scholarship scheme, Naveen Saini about micro-insurance, Nitin Saini about funeral assistance, Sonu Rajput about training programmes for workers’ sons and daughters, Daulat about the story of bonded labour liberation, Puran Karotiya about Dalit oppression, Mustafa Khan of the District Legal Services Authority about the Victim Compensation Scheme, Adarsh Yadav about the Palanhar Scheme, and Geeta Saini from the Labour Department about the Shubh Shakti Scheme for unmarried daughters of workers.

After the community meal, in the second session, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik gave a detailed presentation on the principles, policies and programmes of the Morcha. He called upon Morcha workers to make as many members as possible and organise programmes. A question-and-answer session was also held among the workers. A large number of active members from across the district participated in the camp.

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September 2016 – State Conference of Domestic Women Workers was held in Jaipur. A group of domestic women workers from Alwar went to Jaipur under the leadership of Bandhua Mukti Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg. The chief guest at the conference was Smt. Suman Sharma, Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, and the special guest was Assistant Labour Commissioner Teetrawal. Meva Bharti chaired the conference. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik participated as a speaker. He appealed to all labour organisations to come onto one platform to implement the provisions of the Social Security Act, 2008. The conference was also addressed by Dr. Lad Kumari Jain, Renuka Pamecha, Sumitra Chopra, Jai Singh, Harkesh Bugalia, Dr. Meeta Singh, Ashok Khandelwal, Advocate, and others.

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2 October 2016 – Meetings of rural people were organised in Luharwadi, Maujdika and Choroti Pahad villages. At the meeting, Morcha General Secretary Renu Gupta provided information about government schemes, Beti Bachao and the anti-addiction campaign. Rajjo Devi and Naveen Saini of the Morcha and Seema of Koro Sanstha were also present.

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13 November 2016 – Youth Camp – The youth camp began on 13 November 2016 with a revolutionary song by Naveen Saini, and Renu Gupta began conducting the programme under the chairmanship of Virendra Chaudhary.

Hemant Jain provided career guidance to the youth. Rajjo Devi spoke about prohibition, Daya Garg about Beti Bachao, Sonu Rajput about child labourers, and chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik explained through short stories who a young person is. Yajnik said that although the British had left the country, the country envisioned by Gandhi and Bhagat Singh had still not been created. Social change, reform or revolution is always brought about by the youth. He appealed to all the young people present to devote one hour every day to the country or society.

The chief guest at the camp was Shri Nirmal Gorna from Delhi and the special guest was Shri Harkesh Bugalia from Jaipur. More than 900 young people were present. In the second session, the meeting began with introductions among everyone. Thereafter, Rajesh Yajnik gave detailed information about the Social Security Act, 2008. Nirmal Gorna explained the Social Security Rights Campaign in detail. Everyone then expressed their views one by one. All agreed that this was a very major task and that it should be undertaken with a complete plan. It was stated that the campaign should be led by trade unions.

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15 February 2017 – Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik, Sonu Gopaliya and Nitin Saini visited the Banjara settlement in Kanwarpura village, Jaipur Rural. There, they helped fill out worker registration forms for rural workers and explained the benefits they would receive from worker registration. Thereafter, they met the Jaipur District Collector to obtain residential land leases from the Rajasthan Government for the residents of the settlement where they lived.

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5 March 2017 – On the initiative of Bandhua Mukti Morcha, women working as domestic workers in Alwar city gathered at Raj Gupta Auditorium. Addressing the women, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik said that the Morcha had been working for mine workers, brick-kiln workers and construction workers for many years. Now a separate union for domestic women workers was being started. On the first day, 110 women took membership.

Women worker leader Meva Bharti from Jaipur said that paying less than ₹718 per month for one hour of domestic work every day was illegal. Rama from Jaipur explained ways of dealing with situations such as harassment and molestation of women. Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg explained the history of Women’s Day. Sandeep Sharma, Babita, Kalawati, Sushila, Asha, Khushbu Khandelwal and Nitin Saini also expressed their views. The programme was chaired by Virendra Chaudhary, conducted by Renu Gupta and concluded with a vote of thanks by Puran Chand Karotiya.

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9 April 2017 – A one-day training camp of Bandhua Mukti Morcha was held on Sunday at Raj Gupta Auditorium. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik asked workers to rise above caste and religion, organise the poor and working class and work rapidly on issues such as securing rights, minimum wages, Beti Bachao, and exploitation of Dalits and women. Morcha District President Virendra Chaudhary, Legal Services Authority’s Mustafa Khan, Adarsh Yadav, Sonu Rajput, Naveen Saini, Rajjo Devi, Babita, Ramavatar and others also expressed their views at the camp.

On this occasion, Khushbu Khandelwal, the Best Worker of 2016, was honoured with a shield and dress. Approximately one hundred workers from across the district participated in the camp and resolved to celebrate the coming Labour Day with enthusiasm. The programme was conducted by Morcha General Secretary Renu Gupta, and food was served to everyone at the end of the camp.

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21 May 2017 – Under the joint auspices of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Srishti Seva Sansthan, a public meeting was organised at 10 a.m. in Choroti Pahad village of Ramgarh Block, Alwar district, under the Beti Bachao campaign.

The Morcha’s State President Rajesh Yajnik, who was present as the chief speaker, administered an oath to hundreds of rural women and men to join and work for the Beti Bachao campaign. Rajesh Yajnik said that naturally the number of males and females is equal, but due to the greed of some human beings, the sex ratio has become distorted. Every section of society should make efforts to improve the sex ratio.

The chief guest at the programme was Koro Seema. Virendra Chaudhary chaired the programme and Renu Gupta conducted it. Manoj Arya presented a revolutionary song. Daya Garg, Sonu Rajput, Lav-Kush, Khushbu Khandelwal, Manju, Gangasahay and others also addressed the programme. Rajjo Devi delivered the vote of thanks.

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21 May 2017 – Rajesh Yajnik and Virendra Chaudhary addressed the Sarva Samaj Awareness Meeting organised in Baroda Meo. They also addressed the meeting of MGNREGA women workers organised in Govindgarh. Hundreds of women workers were present at the meeting. The meeting was conducted by Gayatri Devi.

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28 May 2017 – A public meeting of residents of three villages—Mukti Gram, Dehra and Maujas Ki Dhani—of Block Umrain was organised at 10 a.m. in Mukti Gram. Bandhua Mukti Morcha celebrated the 20th foundation anniversary of Mukti Gram, a settlement of bonded workers liberated in 1997.

On Sunday morning, hundreds of men and women from the Banjara community from across the district gathered in the settlement. The chief guest was Shivdatt Arya from Jalore. Virendra Chaudhary chaired the programme and Renu Gupta conducted it. Chief speaker Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik appealed to members of the Banjara community to abandon alcohol, the Nata custom and the purdah system, and called upon them to educate their children and avail themselves of government schemes. Mustafa Khan of the Legal Services Authority, Daya Garg of the Child Welfare Committee, Koro Seema, Abhishek Sharma, Ashish Khandelwal, Rakesh Naghedia, Khushbu Khandelwal, Rajjo and Rana participated in the programme.

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10 April 2018 at Mukti Gram, 11 April 2018 at Ravan Dehra, 12 April 2018 at Desula, Palka and Bhudar Ka Bas, 7 May 2018 at Kathumar, 9 May 2018 at Kishangarh Bas, 11 May 2018 at Laxmangarh, 14 May 2018 at Ramgarh, 16 May 2018 at Govindgarh, 17 May 2018 at 60-Foot Road (Alwar), 18 May 2018 at 200-Foot Road (Alwar), 21 May 2018 at Shyolal Pura (Alwar), 23 May 2018 at Subhash Nagar (Khairthal), 2 June 2018 at Mundawar and Bhajeda, 3 June 2018 at Dhobi Ghatta, Nichla Sonawa, Devkheda and Bhimnagar (Alwar), and 9 June 2018 at Diwakari, Tuleda and Bahadurpur (Alwar), community awareness meetings were conducted by Morcha General Secretary Renu Gupta and Deputy Secretary Harpreet Kaur.

Renu Gupta provided information about worker registration and welfare schemes, while Harpreet Kaur provided information about the Palanhar Scheme, BPL daughter-marriage assistance, widow pension, old-age pension and disability pension.

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1 May 2018 – On the occasion of Labour Day, Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a workers’ conference at I.M.A. Auditorium, Alwar, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in which more than 400 people participated, most of them workers from the unorganised sector. The conference began with a revolutionary song by Manoj Arya. Thereafter, while conducting the conference, Morcha District President Virendra Chaudhary first invited former Labour Commissioner B.L. Verma to the stage to chair the conference.

After this, the chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik was brought onto the stage and seated after being garlanded by Rana Banjara, a liberated bonded labourer. District Collector Rajan Vishal, the chief guest, was garlanded by Virendra Chaudhary and invited onto the stage. Other guests were also welcomed and invited onto the stage. Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg delivered the welcome speech. General Secretary Renu Gupta explained the work, functioning and achievements of the Morcha in detail.

Dr. S.C. Mittal, Nilesh Khandelwal, Rajkumar Gopaliya, Rajiv Mittal, Indra Kumar Tolani, Puran Karotiya and others expressed their views. Rakesh Tiwari spoke about child labour and Basant Haryana spoke about the importance of Labour Day.

Chief guest District Collector Rajan Vishal said that the government would soon be informed about the condition and problems of unorganised workers. He also said that arrangements would be made to ensure that schemes for construction workers were implemented within a fixed time period.

Chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik said that due to feudalism there was no respect for labour in the country, due to casteism there was no identity for workers, and due to capitalism workers did not receive the full value of their labour. In Rajasthan, and almost throughout the country, it was common for unorganised workers to change their work according to the season. However, such workers could not obtain any benefits for themselves on a technical basis.

For example, when a small farmer whose crop had failed came for daily-wage work, if he did not get that work, he might rent a rickshaw and start driving it. In such a situation, his application was rejected on the ground that he was not a construction worker. According to the Unorganised Workers Act, 2008, any person who applies with an affidavit stating that his annual income is less than ₹1,20,000 should be recognised as an unorganised worker and should also be given welfare scheme benefits like those provided to construction workers. Rajesh Yajnik submitted a memorandum to this effect to the District Collector addressed to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

The Morcha’s magazine “Mukti Path” was also released by the guests on this occasion. Morcha workers Suman and Raju Banjara were honoured with gifts. Harpreet Kaur presented a beautiful song. Kartika, Kesar, Tina and Anjali handled registration. Rajkumar Gopaliya and Mohan handled food arrangements, Harpreet Kaur handled the banner and stage arrangements, Sahun handled materials and sound arrangements, Manav handled videography and Sonu handled photography. A community meal was also organised for everyone at the end of the conference.

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1 May 2019 – Bandhua Mukti Morcha organised a workers’ conference at 10 a.m. at I.M.A. Hall, Alwar. At the beginning of the conference, Daya Garg delivered the welcome speech. Harpreet Kaur then informed everyone about Labour Day. After this, Morcha General Secretary Renu Gupta provided information about workers’ schemes.

Anamika Mishra, who came from Delhi, urged everyone to participate actively in voting and to exercise their vote carefully. A short film was also shown through an LED projector on this occasion. Writer Dr. Jeevan Singh Manvi (Alwar), Rajaram Bhadu (Bharatpur) and Umesh Sharma (Jaipur) also expressed their views.

The chief guest, Labour State Minister Shri Tikaram Julie, said that because the Model Code of Conduct was in force, he could not make any announcement there, but after the elections he would certainly implement the suggestions of Bandhua Mukti Morcha. Former Union Minister Jitendra Singh was also present as a guest and extended Labour Day greetings to everyone. Jitendra Singh recalled having worked as a labourer himself in Baran district many years earlier and said that his perspective towards workers had changed since then.

Chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik spoke about the steps taken by the government for workers, poor people and against opposition over the previous five years. Saroj Shuchi Gupta for 2017 and Harpreet Kaur for 2018 were also honoured with a memento and garland. All guests were also presented with mementos. The conference was chaired by Sawai Singh and conducted by Virendra Chaudhary.

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October 2019 – It was decided to conduct an anti-fireworks campaign during Diwali. Educational institutions were contacted to conduct the campaign among adolescents and youth. As part of the campaign, students were asked to fill out pledge forms to boycott all forms of addiction and fireworks.

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10 October 2019 – From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a discussion on child rights was organised in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation auditorium, in which approximately 10 councillors of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation participated. The programme was chaired by Mayor Vishnu Lata. Rajesh Yajnik participated as the chief speaker.

Officials from the Labour Department, Education Department, Health Department and Department of Child Rights, along with representatives of various NGOs, participated in the discussion. Various aspects, problems and solutions concerning child rights were discussed, and everyone pledged solidarity for an action programme. Rajesh Yajnik, Basant Haryana, Anil Goswami, Pawan Dev and others from the Morcha participated. The programme was conducted by Prem Bahukh andi.

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30 April 2020 – Due to the lockdown, Labour Day was celebrated through online greetings.

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1 May 2020 – Rajesh Yajnik addressed workers on Labour Day through Facebook Live. More than 550 people joined the programme.

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30/4/22 and 1/5/22 – The National Chaupal of Bandhua Mukti Morcha was held at Hotel Swaroop Vilas Palace, Alwar, in which approximately 100 representatives from Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country participated.

The concluding session on 1 May was held at I.M.A. Hall, Alwar, and began with a revolutionary song by Manoj Arya. Daya Garg delivered the welcome speech, Rakesh Tiwari spoke about child rights, Swami Adityavesh spoke about prohibition, and Vitthalrao expressed his views on bonded labour. Chinmay Parashar presented a song.

The chief guest, the then District Chief Balbir Chhillar, announced that he would work with the Morcha. Special guest Ravikant Meghwal, Assistant Director of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, provided information about government schemes. Chief speaker Rajesh Yajnik gave detailed information about the campaign to be launched by the Morcha on the theme “Guarantee of Work, Full Payment for Work.”

In his presidential address, Swami Aryavesh called upon workers to stay away from casteism and communalism and unite to secure their rights. Ramesh Bairwa explained the importance of Labour Day. Saroj Gupta, Sandeep Sharma, Sahun, Vartika Arora, Harpreet Kaur, Maulana Hanif, Amit Chhabra and Sardar Amardeep Singh were also specially present. More than 300 women and men were present. The two-day programme received prominent coverage on television and in newspapers. The programme was highly successful.

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Under the joint auspices of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Rajasthan Nirman and General Mazdoor Union, a Workers’ Awareness Camp was organised on 31-12-2022, in which Dr. S.C. Mittal, President of the Red Cross Society, presented a hygienic kit worth approximately ₹500 to everyone present as a New Year gift. Rajesh Yajnik, Virendra Chaudhary, Girish Gupta, Naina Jaiswal, Pooja Prajapati, Phooli Devi, Dulichand Sain, Harisingh Jatav, Sarita, Pramila Gupta and others were present. The programme was conducted by Renu Gupta. Similar awareness camps are organised 8–10 times a year.

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1 May 2023 – Labour Day was celebrated at I.M.A. Auditorium, Alwar. People began arriving from 9 a.m. Tea and kachori breakfast was served to everyone. At 10 a.m., the programme began with revolutionary songs by Archana and Sarita. Daya Garg delivered the welcome speech. Naina Jaiswal spoke about Labour Day. Renu Gupta gave detailed information about workers’ schemes.

Under the direction of Saroj Shuchi Gupta, children from Children Time School presented a dance to the song “Hum Mazdoor Logon Ke Kaam To Aate Hain.” On this occasion, social worker Satish Bhatia distributed cloth bags to everyone. Labour Inspector Ashish Yadav explained the functioning of the Labour Department. Magician Sagar presented an impressive magic show.

Speaking as the chief speaker, Rajesh Yajnik appreciated various government measures in the state, including increasing guaranteed work from 100 days to 125 days, the Chiranjeevi Scheme, increase in pensions, waiver of electricity bills up to 100 units, and a ₹500 gas cylinder. He spoke about the formation of the Unorganised Workers Board and the process for resolving pending applications under the Shubh Shakti Scheme. Sandeep Sharma delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Virendra Chaudhary. Pooja Prajapat, Lakshmi Devi, Gayatri, Deepchand, Santosh, Matadin, Sahun Khan, Naina Jaiswal, Snehlata, Manju Sharma, Manav and others actively participated.

After the conference concluded at approximately 1:30 p.m., a workers’ procession proceeded from I.M.A. through Kadelganj, Municipal Council, Hope Circus, Police Control Room, Manni Ka Bagh and Company Bagh and returned. In the procession, workers stood on a tractor-trolley carrying pickaxes, shovels, spades, sickles and other tools as a tableau. An e-rickshaw carried a sound system for slogans, while another e-rickshaw was available for anyone who became tired and needed to sit. Rajesh Yajnik and Virendra Chaudhary travelled in an open gypsy. At many places along the route, people garlanded both leaders. Flowers were showered over the procession and traders provided water, sherbet and other refreshments.

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30 April 2024 – On the eve of Labour Day, the Rajasthan Nirman and General Mazdoor Union held a workers’ conference at Raj Gupta Auditorium. State Vice-President Rajesh Yajnik said at the conference that the working class makes the greatest contribution to the country’s GDP, but receives a very small share of its rights. Worker leader Virendra Chaudhary emphasised strengthening the organisation. Renu Gupta provided information about schemes for workers. Raj Gupta administered an oath to workers to stay away from addiction. The executive committee of the union was also formed.

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20 July 2025 – A public awareness camp was organised in Rathnagar in the afternoon by Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Rajasthan Nirman General Mazdoor Union. Hundreds of workers participated. At the camp, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik said that residential land leases were being provided by the government to members of nomadic communities. Everyone was asked to apply so that the process of obtaining residential land leases from the state government could be undertaken. Similarly, all workers were appealed to register themselves and obtain worker cards so that they could receive the benefits of schemes.

The Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Renu Gupta, Santosh Saini, Ramsingh Banjara and Rahul Banjara also expressed their views. The programme was conducted by Kapil Gupta.

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From 5 October to 19 October, an anti-fireworks campaign was conducted. Through distribution of leaflets, people were made aware of air pollution and noise pollution caused by fireworks and the problems caused to elderly people, sick people and animals and birds. An appeal was also issued through electronic media.

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19 December 2025 – On behalf of Sadbhav Manch, the martyrdom day of Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan and Thakur Roshan Singh was observed on 19 December at Hasan Khan Mewati School, Bakhtal Ki Chowki. On this occasion, the General Secretary of the Manch, Rajesh Yajnik, said that people from every community had contributed to India’s freedom. We must carry forward the shared heritage of sacrifice for the country. Tejpal Saini, Shifaat Manager, Rahul and others also expressed their views. The programme was chaired by Mohammad Hanif and conducted by Rajkumar Bakshi.

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30 January 2026 – From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., homage was paid to the martyrs on the death anniversary of Gandhi Ji at Hasan Khan Mewati School premises, Bakhtal Ki Chowki. The chief speaker was Rajesh Yajnik. Former Minister Nasru Khan chaired the programme and Maulana Hanif conducted it. Shifaat Manager, Rajkumar Bakshi, Tejpal Saini, Rahul, Sahil and others also expressed their views.

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7 March 2026 – Bandhua Mukti Morcha celebrated Women’s Day at Raj Gupta Auditorium, Alwar. The chief guests, S.H.O. Kanta of the Women’s Police Station and S.H.O. Premlata of Vijay Mandir Police Station, said that if girls work hard, they can reach the highest positions. Chairing the ceremony, Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Renu Gupta spoke about women becoming educated and economically self-reliant.

Chief speaker Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik said that the day society gives its half of the population its full rights, the dream of Mahatma Phule, Ambedkar and Maharshi Dayanand will be fulfilled. Special guests included educationist Saroj Shuchi Gupta, Library Secretary of the Alwar Bar Association Seema Mukheja, Women Labour Inspector Priya Yadav, Sonu Sharma and Asha Devi. A large number of women workers and their daughters participated. Women also presented dances, songs and other performances.

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14 April 2026 – Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated at Bhajeda village, Kishangarhbas, Alwar. Hundreds of villagers took a pledge to stay away from child labour, child marriage and addiction. Rajesh Yajnik, Maulana Hanif, Rajkumar Bakshi, Dr. C. Thomas, Harpreet Kaur, Renu Gupta and others were present.

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30 April 2026 – Labour Day was celebrated on the eve of Labour Day at Raj Gupta Auditorium, Alwar. Everyone introduced themselves. Harpreet Kaur provided information about the documents required for various applications, Renu Gupta provided information about schemes, Virendra Chaudhary provided information about the Morcha, and Rajesh Yajnik provided information about Labour Day. The executive committee of the workers’ union was formed on this occasion. Songs, music and a community meal were also organised. The programme was chaired by Sandeep Sharma.

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1 May 2026 – Labour Day was celebrated at Gulab Udyan, Jaipur. The chief guest was Smt. Pallavi, ADO, Jaipur. On this occasion, workers were addressed by Harkesh Bugalia, Rajesh Yajnik, Meva Bharti, Harpreet Kaur and others. The programme was conducted by Mohit Saini. A cultural programme and community meal were also organised.