Sangh Samachar
SJM dharna against privatisation of water in Delhi
FOC
The Delhi unit of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) and Delhi Jal Board Karmachari Sangh (DJBKS), affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, staged a massive dharna before Delhi Jal Board (DJB) headquarters in Delhi demanding an immediate curb on privatisation of water supply in Delhi. Shri George Fernandes, NDA convenor, and Shri Murlidhar Rao, convenor of SJM, were also present on the occasion. An effigy of Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, was also burnt. Later, a delegation of SJM and DJBKS leaders met the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri B.L. Joshi and presented a memorandum to him. They demanded that the Delhi government should furnish details on the conditions on which the World Bank would provide finance and other assistance. ?The Delhi Government must also reveal how many officers have visited foreign countries in the name of studying water reforms or privatisation. Who sent them, who accompanied them and what purpose did their visits serve,? the memorandum said besides seeking clarification under what conditions the Sonia Vihar water project was given to the SUEZ company. ?Appointment of a giant multinational corporation as consultants, in the name of improving the water system, is beyond our comprehension. How sensitive are these companies to the problems of the poor masses is anybody'sguess. Apart from making water beyond the reach of the poor, handing over the water distribution to MNCs would seriously affect the employees of DJB. We earnestly request you to put an end to such anti-people, anti-social and anti-national acts of the Delhi government,? the memorandum added. (FOC)
