Friday, May 31, 2013

A history of anti-hunger struggle in UP of India

Read,support and provide solidarity:
http://pvchr.asia/?id=172

Hope, Honour, Human Dignity, solidarity, justice based on secularism & rule of law and reconciliation

History of testimony to resist by women, Dalit, Indigenous people, Minority, marginalized people are very old. Feminist literature, dalit literature and hunger strike of Irom Sharmila are few best examples of testimonial campaign in South Asia. Thanks to Jan Ole Haagensen and Erik Wendt of Dignity:Danish Institute against Torture to bring the Inger Agger to PVCHR for realization of testimonial therapy in India. PVCHR introduced honour ceremony based on hope, honour and human dignity with strong process of justice and reconciliation against culture of silence based on conspiracy of caste, patriarchy and communal fascism. Hope, Honour, Human Dignity, solidarity, justice based on secularism & rule of law and reconciliation are main components to bring successful peoples’ testimonial movement on ground to contribute in global Human Rights campaign.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Indian Classic Music dialogue with Blues in support of work of PVCHR


Regarding threats and intimidation of Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi in connivance with the police

Diary Number16444
Name of the ComplainantDR.LENIN, GENERAL SECRETARY
AddressP.V.C.H.R, SA 4/2 A, DAULAT PUR
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Name of the VictimSAPNA CHAURASIYA & FAMILY
AddressAS ABOVE
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Place of IncidentVARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Date of Incident1/1/1991
Direction issued by the CommissionThe complainant, an office bearer of an NGO named PVCHR, has stated that he had complained in the Commission regarding atrocities committed by her husband Sunil Kumar Gupta against a lady Sapana Choursiya and inaction by police thereon. This matter has been registered vide case No. 42218/24/72/2012 and a notice has been issued by the Commission to Sr. Superintendant of Police, Varanasi calling for a report within four weeks. The complainant has alleged that being annoyed from the complaint, the husband of the victim lady, in connivance with the police, has threatened either to eliminate him or to implicate falsely. The complainant has requested his security as well as security of the victim lady along with their families and CBCID enquiry of the matter. The Commission notices that a case No. 4419/24/72/2013 regarding threats and intimidation of Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi in connivance with the police is already under consideration of this Commission. Let the case file No. 4490/24/72/2013 be tagged with the case file No. 4419/24/72/2013 and a copy of the complaint be sent to the Sr. Superintendant of Police, Varanasi calling for a report in the matter within four weeks.
Action TakenAdditional Information Called for (Dated 4/2/2013 )
Status on 5/30/2013Response from concerned authority is awaited.
Note: For further details kindly contact National Human Rights Commission, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, PIN 110001 Tel.No. 23385368 Fax No. 2338

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

On NHRC recommendations UP govt. relents and pays compensation for land


New Delhi, 27th May, 2013


In a land mark case (order) ,the National Human Rights Commission not only recommended payment of proper compensation as per the law to a woman whose land was used by the PWD but also ensured that an amount of Rs 9 lakh 10 thousand was paid to her at the market rate by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Triveni Devi Chauhan of Village Kabarai, District Mahoba, UP was struggling to get compensation since 2006 for her four bighas of land used by the PWD to construct a road, but was not heard by the concerned authorities. Police also did not register her complaint against the PWD. She got a ray of hope when on 26 June, 2011, Dr Lenin of PVCHR lodged a complaint in the NHRC seeking justice for the victim of PWD and police apathy.

Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the SP in his report confirmed that 0.90 acre of land owned by Triveni Devi in Village Kabrai was used by the PWD while constructing a road. The report also said that the issue concerned the PWD and not the police department.

The Superintending Engineer stated in his report that a 3,600 km. long by-pass road, connecting NH No. 86 and NH No. 76 was constructed by the PWD in the year 2007. During the construction, no farmer raised any objection. A 'Chak Road' already existed on the way but at some places private land was used. However, there was no provision for paying any compensation to any farmer.

The Commission, on consideration of facts placed before it on record, observed that admittedly some land belonging to the complainant was used by the PWD in construction of the road. Hence, she should have been given the compensation as per law. Accordingly, the Chief Secretary, UP was directed to submit a report in the matter. 

It was not before three reminders to the Chief Secretary, including one final, that the Special Secretary, PWD, UP Government, Lucknow, sent a report that after receiving a cheque for Rs. 9,10,000/- as sale consideration, Triveni Devi executed sale deed of the land in favour of the Government of UP through Executive Engineer, Mahoba. The copies of the reports of other officers and a copy of the registered sale deed were also sent to the Commission as proof of justice done in her case.

Case Details of File Number: 28797/24/50/2011
Diary Number23710
Name of the ComplainantDR. LENIN, PVCHR
AddressSA-4/2A, DAULATPUR,
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Name of the VictimTRIVENI DEVI CHAUHAN
AddressVILL- KABRAI, PS- KABRAI,
MAHOBA , UTTAR PRADESH
Place of IncidentKABRAI
MAHOBA , UTTAR PRADESH
Date of Incident1/1/1991
Direction issued by the CommissionThis proceeding shall be read in continuation of the earlier proceeding of the Commission dated 7.1.2013. It was alleged by the complainant that four bighas of land belonging to Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan, r/o village Kabrai, District Mahoba, UP, was used by the PWD in the year 2006 for construction of a road. However, Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan was not given any compensation. When she approached the police station, her complaint was not registered. Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the SP Mahoba, and the SE, PWD, Mahoba had sent their reports dated 30.10.2011 and 8.11.2011 respectively. As per the police report, 0.90 acre of land comprised in Rakba no. 182, situated in village Kabrai, belonging to Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan, was used by the PWD while constructing a road. However, she was not paid any compensation by the PWD. Hence, the case did not relate to the police department. The SE stated in his report that a by-pass road, 3,600 km. long connecting NH No. 86 and NH No. 76 was constructed by the PWD in the year 2007. During the construction, no farmer raised any objection. The report further stated that a 'Chak Road' already existed and at some places private land was also used. However, there was no provision for paying any compensation to any farmer. Admittedly, some land belonging to the complainant was used by the PWD in the construction of the road. Hence, she should have been given compensation as per law. The Commission therefore directed the Chief Secretary, UP to submit a report in the matter. Pursuant thereto, the Special Secretary, PWD, UP Government, Lucknow, has sent a report dated 18.2.2013 enclosing therewith reports of other officers and a copy of the registered sale deed of the land executed by Smt. Triveni Devi in favour of the State Government of UP through Executive Engineer, Mahoba after receiving a cheque dated 15.12.2012 of SBI Mahoba for Rs. 9,10,000/- as sale consideration. The Commission has considered the above report and papers. Due to the intervention of the Commission and taking up of the matter with the Chief Secretary of UP Government, the complainant Smt. Triveni Devi, owner of the land ultimately got justice. The State Government paid her the fair price of her 0.90 acres of land used for construction of public road at the market rate. Thus her grievance stood satisfactorily removed. No further enquiry/action is required. The case is closed. Inform the complainant accordingly.
Action TakenConcluded and No Further Action Required (Dated 5/16/2013 )
Status on 5/29/2013The Case is Closed.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

People's tribunal on police torture against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh

4 April 2013,VARANASI: The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in collaboration with Human Rights Law network, New Delhi held a two-day independent people's tribunal on police torture against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday and Friday.The specific objective of the event was to highlight and present a systematic account and assessment of the incidences of gross human rights violations.
http://www.mpabhiabhi.com/index.php/india-news/9470-people-s-tribunal-on-police-torture-against-muslims-in-uttar-pradesh.html

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Suicide & Malnutrition Among Weaver Community in Varanasi


This paper evaluates the social issues faced by weavers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with particular regard to depression, physical health issues, malnutrition and suicide.

Over the last 15 years, weavers in Varanasi have suffered along with the general decline of the Varanasi weaving industry. The preeminence of the illustrious Banarasi sari has diminished with the increased popularity of synthetic and imported substitutes. Varanasi weavers, already operating in a feudal employment and product distribution system, have confronted significantly reduced opportunities in this market.
Under these conditions, health problems, malnutrition and poverty have spread throughout the weaver community. In response, many weavers became despondent. Depression has emerged as a frequent affliction as more weavers are unable to provide for their families, and has lead to an increase in weaver suicides.
The Varanasi-based People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has begun documenting suicide deaths amongst weavers. Examining individual cases reveals that these deaths are usually a response of weavers to their disempowerment and inability to provide for their families.
PVCHR has also worked to combat the social issues that lead to weaver suicide by partnering with and helping to organize the weaver community.
This has helped some weavers empower themselves with a sense of community and increased access to health services, combating the growing threats of social hopelessness and suicide. Other Varanasi weavers have reluctantly accepted their decline, and many have shifted to non-skilled positions in other industries, such as driving cycle rickshaws.
In this report we examine some of the motivating factors behind the weavers' plight. We also consider individual case studies from PVCHR's field work, which offer an insight into the societal challenges weavers cope with on a daily basis.

Rich with confidence and conviction


With meager resources, but rich with confidence and conviction, Lenin in a short period of time has managed to amplify the voice of the marginalized in national and international fora through "Peoples SAARC", rehabilitation and resettlement of weavers of Varanasi; Benaras Convention; UP Assembly Election Watch; prevention of torture; voice against hunger and many such activities. Recognition by the international community of Dr Lenin's work is indeed the recognition for the millions whose hopes and aspirations rest on his slender shoulders.

PVCHR condemns the abduction and killings of Congress Party men in Darbha Ghati in Bastar area of the State


PVCHR strongly condemns the attack by suspected Naxals on Congress leaders in the forested Darbha Ghati area of district Sukma in which, according to news reports around 250 Naxals in civilian clothes struck a convoy of Congress leaders during the party's Parivartan Rally in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur on Saturday, killing at least 25 people, including state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel and senior party leader Mahendra Karma.


I say few days before, “It is bad that violence promotes violence. We need reconciliation with justice process as non-violence tool between violence and silence.”

Lenin Raghuvanshi

Founder,PVCHR

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Madhya Pradesh: girls for sale to the "best boyfriend," the one who pays the most

This practice is "very common in the district, known for the extreme poverty of its people and home to an important Buddhist centre, known for its absolute silence on social reforms and social justice," said Lenin Raghuvanshi, director of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).
"These people," Raghuvanshi explained, "have lived for generations in poverty, debt and bondedness. In such a dehumanising situation, the weakest and the most vulnerable in the family, namely the women and children are dispensable, to be sold off, bartered."

Rajgarh district "is notorious for bonded child labour and debt bondage. Despite being banned, forms of semi-slavery continue to exist, and children are sold and purchased to meet each type of need," the human rights activist lamented.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Lenin Raghuvanshi mentioned in calender in memory of RAOUL WALLENBERG


Lenin Raghuvanshi mentioned in calender in memory of RAOUL WALLENBERG: 
http://raoulwallenbergskolan.se/dagenshjalte/2013-05-18-lenin-raghuvanshi/

About Lenin on Swedish radio in part of world History:

Rs. 9,10,000/- compensation as sale consideration to a woman survivor:Ray of hope



Case Details of File Number: 28797/24/50/2011
Diary Number23710
Name of the ComplainantDR. LENIN, PVCHR
AddressSA-4/2A, DAULATPUR,
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
Name of the VictimTRIVENI DEVI CHAUHAN
AddressVILL- KABRAI, PS- KABRAI,
MAHOBA , UTTAR PRADESH
Place of IncidentKABRAI
MAHOBA , UTTAR PRADESH
Date of Incident1/1/1991
Direction issued by the CommissionThis proceeding shall be read in continuation of the earlier proceeding of the Commission dated 7.1.2013. It was alleged by the complainant that four bighas of land belonging to Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan, r/o village Kabrai, District Mahoba, UP, was used by the PWD in the year 2006 for construction of a road. However, Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan was not given any compensation. When she approached the police station, her complaint was not registered. Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the SP Mahoba, and the SE, PWD, Mahoba had sent their reports dated 30.10.2011 and 8.11.2011 respectively. As per the police report, 0.90 acre of land comprised in Rakba no. 182, situated in village Kabrai, belonging to Smt. Triveni Devi Chauhan, was used by the PWD while constructing a road. However, she was not paid any compensation by the PWD. Hence, the case did not relate to the police department. The SE stated in his report that a by-pass road, 3,600 km. long connecting NH No. 86 and NH No. 76 was constructed by the PWD in the year 2007. During the construction, no farmer raised any objection. The report further stated that a 'Chak Road' already existed and at some places private land was also used. However, there was no provision for paying any compensation to any farmer. Admittedly, some land belonging to the complainant was used by the PWD in the construction of the road. Hence, she should have been given compensation as per law. The Commission therefore directed the Chief Secretary, UP to submit a report in the matter. Pursuant thereto, the Special Secretary, PWD, UP Government, Lucknow, has sent a report dated 18.2.2013 enclosing therewith reports of other officers and a copy of the registered sale deed of the land executed by Smt. Triveni Devi in favour of the State Government of UP through Executive Engineer, Mahoba after receiving a cheque dated 15.12.2012 of SBI Mahoba for Rs. 9,10,000/- as sale consideration. The Commission has considered the above report and papers. Due to the intervention of the Commission and taking up of the matter with the Chief Secretary of UP Government, the complainant Smt. Triveni Devi, owner of the land ultimately got justice. The State Government paid her the fair price of her 0.90 acres of land used for construction of public road at the market rate. Thus her grievance stood satisfactorily removed. No further enquiry/action is required. The case is closed. Inform the complainant accordingly.
Action TakenConcluded and No Further Action Required (Dated 5/16/2013 )
Status on 5/23/2013The Case is Closed.

Note: For further details kindly contact National Human Rights Commission, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, PIN 110001 Tel.No. 23385368 Fax No. 23384863 E-Mail: covdnhrc@hub.nic.in
Disclaimer: Neither NHRC nor NIC is responsible for any inadvertent error that may have crept in the Complaint Information being published on NET. The Complaint Information on net is for immediate information to the Complainants/ Victims.

We need reconciliation with justice process as non violence tool between violence and silence:Lenin Raghuvanshi

It is bad that violence promotes violence.We need reconciliation with justice process as non violence tool between violence and silence.

Defamation of Human Rights defenders of PVCHR


To,
The Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of India
New Delhi

Subject: In reference to unethical and objectionable comments about an institution leading to severe mental harassment.

 Dear sir,

People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is working in the field of human rights which involves advocacy for the rights of women, children and other deprived sections of the society and creating social transformation for just,plural society based on democracy,non -violence,rule of law and secularism. Our organization has been taking initiatives to intervene on behalf of the victims of domestic violence. The organization has taken up the case of Ms. Sapana Chaurasia who filed a case of her persistent mental and physical harassment by her husband Mr. Sunil Gupta under domestic violence law. With the intention of taking revenge our orgasation’s Director has been continuously receiving threatening calls by Ms.Sapna Chaurasia’s husband Mr. Sunil Gupta and additionally higher government officials have been threatening the director on telephone to not to intervene on behalf of Ms. Sapana in her case.   Mr. Sunil Gupta also filed a false case in Uttar Pradesh High Court in which court gave its decision in favour of the organization. Ms. Sapana, wife of Mr. Sunil Gupta has made her statement before the senior police officials that her life is under threat from Mr. Sunil Gupta. In spite of this Mr. Sunil Gupta is using unethical means to put pressure on me and the director of the organization so that our organization can be forced not to represent Sapana’s case to get her justice. http://www.pvchr.net/2013/01/india-threats-to-human-rights-defenders.html

Sunil Gupta has been writing on the social networking site Face book (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005957461849&ref=ts&fref=ts) that our organisaiton has kept Sapana as a hostage. Whereas the fact is that Sunil Gupta’s wife has willingly decided to live with her sister.  Ms. Sapana Chaurasia has already recorded her statement before the honorable High Court on which the honorable High Court has given clear directions while recognizing that Sapana Chaurasia has the right and freedom to live in a place of her choice. http://www.scribd.com/doc/132395197/Order-of-High-Court-in-case-of-sapana

Whereas Ms. Sapana has made recorded statements before the court and top police officials on many occasions that her husband Mr. Sunil Gupta had attempted to kill her in the past and her life is still under threat.

On 24th April, 2013 three unidentified person forcibly entered the house of the director of the organization Mr. Lenin and fired on him with the intention to kill. It is believed that the assault was motivated and stage-managed by Mr. Sunil Gupta.

Now, Mr. Sunil Gupta has started using unethical means. On 14 May,2013 Mr. Sunil Gupta wrote objectionable comments about the managing trustee of the organization in  the social networking site Face Book, the comments were aimed at assassinating the  character of a woman, a criminal offence under Indian law. The act is not only distressing and disturbing for a woman but also for the organization. Above all, it is feared that Mr. Sunil Gupta can resort to any other unfair means against the organization to harm in future. A complaint regarding that an FIR no: 418/13, section 66 G, 66 H, 67 B under the IT Act.

Mr. Sunil Gupta has also written in the social networking site Face Book that he and his wife face the danger of being killed to mislead whereas his wife her herself state before the court and other officials that her life is under threat particularly from Mr. Sunil Gupta.

The most disturbing and alarming fact is that Mr. Sunil Gupta is not educated to the extent that he can manage a social networking site in such a manner. Therefore it is feared that someone else or a third party may be involved who is instigating Mr. Sunil Gupta to use illegal means not permitted under law.

It is therefore requested that the matter should be taken seriously and Mr. Sunil Gupta should be arrested for writing unethical comments without any concrete evidences and he should be interrogated in case of physical assault on the director of the organization. It   is also requested that after tracing his IP address and those involved in the act of defaming the organisation should be arrested.

The above shows the site which carries Sunil Gupta’s comments and photographs used by him. He has also made comments about the marriage of the sister of the director saying that marriage party is a travesty and against Indian customs.

Sincerely
Shruti Nagvanshi




Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Weaver's family gets govt help only after hunger consumes four lives


Thanks to Parul Sharma and 200 Swedish donors for first support of ten thousand to Family through Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi,( http://shrutinagvanshi.com/we-as-team/shruti-nagvanshi/) Founder and managing trustee of PVCHR.  

"Some people are spreading misleading information that the children died of diarrhea but that is not true. These children died of hunger and malnutrition," said Shruti. 


Shruti, head of a human rights organisation, working among weavers in Varanasi says that Naazra had an Above Poverty Line (APL) card. However, soon after the death of her two children, the district administration lost no time to issue her a BPL card. The Weaver Card will enable her to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.
Questioning the ‘benevolence’ of the district administration, Shruti said, “If the family was not under extreme poverty and malnutrition, why have they been given a BPL card, Weaver Card and food grains? How can the district administration claim that the two children died of the disease when the post mortem of the bodies was not conducted?” 
She maintained that the Naazra family suffered from extreme poverty and malnutrition. Whatever little Naazra earned as a saree weaver, went in purchasing foodgrains. The family was dependent on doles from neighbours, but the financial condition of neighbours was also not good. 

उत्तर प्रदेश के बनारस में नजरा खातून के दो बच्चे भूख से मर गए। आखिर कब तक भूख से देश में मौत होती रहेगी... इसी पर बड़ी खबर में चर्चा... Thanks Shruti for great intervention. Keep fight against hunger and malnutrition

While one member of the family, Nazia Parveen had high fever at that time but they did not consider it important to give medicine to get relief.  When the regional officer was contacted on phone by a member of PVCHR in this regard, he replied that while coming from CMO’s office, he would deliver the medicines. After 2 pm in the afternoon, the social activists of PVCHR took Nazia to a private hospital nearby for the treatment where on the advice of the doctor, X-Ray and blood tests of Nazia were done. Nazia had been complaining of high fever and cough. On the basis of doctor’s prescription Nazia was given paracetamol, anti-biotic and energy related medicines.

Gwangju Human Rights Award to Min K Naing


Lenin Raghuvanshi giving bouquet to Min Ko Naing(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min_Ko_Naing) receiving Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2009 (http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/politics/3195-min-ko-naing-to-visit-korea-and-us) at World Forum of Human Rights cities on 16 May 2013 with hand of Chairperson of May 18 Foundation and Mayor of Gawngju,South Korea.




Monday, May 20, 2013

Min KO Naing in Gwangju

Lenin Raghuvanshi of PVCHR met with Min Ko Naing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min_Ko_Naing) at welcoming lunch of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2013 Laureate at Gwangju,South Korea.

Monday, May 13, 2013

우타르 프라데쉬 주 동부 지역의 방직 산업에 대한 지지와 그에 관한 이슈들


우타르 프라데쉬 주 동부 지역의 방직 산업에 대한 지지와 그에 관한 이슈들

Written by Dr.Lenin(Secretary General, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights)


세계적으로 유명한 바라나시의 사리는 인도여성들의 전통적인 옷으로써 지금까지 이어져 오고 있는 바라나시의 오래된 전통 중에 하나이다. 사리를 베틀로 짜는 전통은 거의 800년 이상 되었고, 사리는 수 세기 동안 인도 전역에서 가장 대중적인 것으로 자리잡았다. 전 인도에서 가장 좋은 것으로 평가되는 바라나시의 사리는 정교한 자수와 판화기법으로 훌륭하게 장식되고 좋은 실크로 만들어진다. 사리의 좋은 디자인과 품질은 베틀을 이용하여 실크를 짜는데 있어 좋은 분위기를 조성했고, 인도 실크 방직 산업에서 바라나시가 중심이 될 수 있도록 이끌었다.
 
또한, 사리디자인에 힌두 양식과 이슬람 양식이 혼합된 것에서 볼 수 있듯이 바라나시의 방직 산업은 문화의 융합과 혼합의 기준이다. 대부분 바라나시 사리는 숙련된 방직공들이 베틀을 이용하여 짬으로써 만들어진다. 고대로부터 전해내려 온 베틀을 이용하여 사리를 만드는 방법들은, 수세기 동안 천천히 변해왔다. 하지만, 지난 수십 년 사이 기계 직조기의 도입으로 이 곳 방직산업의 모습은 크게 변하고 있다.

1990년대 이후로, 기존 방직 산업은 하향세로 접어들었다. 사리의 수요는 소비자의 입 맛에 맞춘 값싼 기성복의 증가로 인하여 줄어들었고, 생산과정과 공급에 있어 붕괴현상을 가져오고 있으며, 최근 무역 정책은 바라나시 사리와 수입품의 가격차이를 확연하게 벌리고 있다. 또한, 자유무역을 옹호하는 정책들은 방직 산업에 있어서 치명적인 타격을 주고 있다. 값싼 섬유수입품들은 세계무역기구(WTO)의 비농산물시장접근(NAMA) 협정에 의해 이전보다 더 중요성을 얻고 있다. 그 협정으로 인해 사리와 같은 섬유산업에 부과되는 세금을 포함하는 수입관세의 하락이 지속되고 있다.

 대부분의 방직공들의 상황은 가족들을 부양할 여력의 부족과 건강문제, 수입의 감소, 굶주림 때문에 가난이 증가되는 최악의 상태에 놓여 있고 이것은 악화되어가고만 있다. 방직공 자녀들의 50퍼센트 이상이 영양실조인 것으로 추산되고 있다. 심지어 많은 방직공들은 그들 자신과 자녀들이 기본적인 의료서비스를 받을 수 있는 재정적 여유조차 없다. 그로 인해 그들은 자주 아프고, 폐결핵, 진폐증, 위궤양, 빈혈, 요통, 신경쇠약 등의 질병에 자주 노출되고 있다. 특히, 천을 만들 때 발생하는 먼지와 섬유소로 인하여 호흡기와 관련되어 발생하는 질병들이 문제가 된다. 이 중 몇몇은 폐결핵으로 고통 받고 있고, 심각한 경우인 다제 약제 내성 결핵(Multi Drug Resistance-TBc)을 앓고 있는 사람들도 있다. 한편, 방직공들은 자신들의 본래 일을 통하여 얻는 부족한 수입을 충당하기 위해 싸이클릭샤나 행상, 또는 빚을 얻어 소규모 상점을 여는 등의 일들을 하기 시작했다. 현재 몇몇 방직공들은 그들 자신의 삶에 대해 낙담하고 있고, 2002년 이래로 175명의 방직공들이 자살했다.

 국가 내의 의료보건체계가 마련되어 있음에도 방직공들은 종종 그들의 건강권을 거부당하기도 하며, 이러한 사실은 언론들의 관심사 밖에 있다. 사실, 몇몇 건강보험은 방직공커뮤니티에 AAY(Antodaya Anna Yojana)카드를 분배해주고 있긴 하다. 그러나, 바라나시에서는 정치적인 연줄이 있거나 뇌물을 제공하는 몇몇의 노동자나 방직공들만이 정부관할 병원에 접근할 수 있을 뿐이다.

 바라나시 방직 산업에서 여성과 아이들은 주로 착취의 대상이다. 그들은 방직 산업에서 중요한 역할들을 담당하는 것으로 여겨지나, 그들의 일상적인 역할에 대해 보수를 받지 못하거나 인정받지 못하는 경우가 허다하다.

 여성들은 종종 실을 자르거나 감는 등의 일과 하찮거나 부차적인 일로 여겨지는 라벨을 붙이는 등의 일, 그 외에 다른 중요한 일들도 수행하고 있다. 이러한 일들은 매우 장시간 수행해야 하는 고생스런 일들이다. 이것은 한 번 일을 할 때, 6~7시간이상 불편한 자세로 일해야 한다는 것을 말한다. 여성들은 앉는 것이 허용되지 않고, 베틀을 이용하여 사리를 짜는 등과 같은 일도 허용되지 않는다. 덕분에 그들은 요통으로 자주 고통 받고 7~8시간동안 지속적으로 어두운 장소에서 앉아 일을 하기 때문에 시력도 감퇴되어 잘 보이지 않는다. 그리고 아플 때 여성들은 건강보험제도 아래 있지 못하므로, 치료를 위해 엄청난 돈을 지불해야만 한다. 복지시설 이용혜택과 건강 케어를 제공받지 못하는 것으로 인해 여성들이 고통 당하고 있는 현실과 그들의 삶이 피폐화된 것에 대해 정부는 확연한 과실이 있다. 여기에 덧붙여, 가부장제에 의해 형성된 사회적 분위기는 여성들이 건강서비스를 받는 것에 대한 논의를 연기하고 회피하도록 만들고 있다.

 아이들 또한 가족들을 도와 사리를 만드는데, 영양실조로 고통 받는 매우 피곤한 상태에서 오랜 시간 동안 일해야만 한다. 아이들은 대개 사리 생산 속도를 향상시킬 수 있는 사리 패턴을 만드는 등의 잡일에 고용된다. 때때로 아이들은 가족의 빚을 갚기 위한 목적 혹은 가족들을 위한 음식마련을 위해 다른 직종에서 일하기도 한다.

2002, PVCHR 방직공들을 조직시키고 연합시키는 전략을 추구하기로 결심했다. 500여명의 방직공들과 PVCHR, 베틀 산업의 생존을 추구하고 정부의 방직공들에 대한 사회 보장 향상을 위한 조직을 만들었다. 2003, 연합조직은 공식적으로 BDAM(Bunkar Dastkaar Adhikaar Manch)을 출범시켰다. 출범 후, BDAM은 의장으로 시띠퀘 하산(Siddique Hasan) 씨를 선출했다.

 BDAM은 현재 멤버쉽 기반으로 운영되고 있고, 방직공들을 조직하고 옹호하는 일들을 수행해나가고 있다. BDAM은 세 개의 주요 이슈에 초점을 맞추고 있다: 건강권, 식량권, 베틀산업의 생존. BDAM은 자신들의 경험을 말할 기회를 사람들에게 부여하는 'folkway'전략을 사용하고 있고, PVCHR의 도움을 받아 사람들이 증언했던 것과 그들이 처했던 문제들을 문서화하고 정리하고 있다. BDAM PVCHR은 멤버들의 자존감을 높이고 멤버들의 증언을 독려하기 위해, 2004년 이후에 3번의 컨퍼런스(People’s Tribunal)을 가졌다. 이 컨퍼런스를 통하여 방직공들은 그들의 이야기와 다른 의견들을 공유하고 공론화시킬 수 있는 자리를 만들 수 있었다.

 BDAM PVCHR은 방직공 커뮤니티를 도울 수 있는 공공정책(특히, 공공보건에 초점을 맞춰)을 도모하는데 노력하고 있다. BDAMPVCHR 공공보건체계를 향상시키고 방직공들이 그에 대한 접근이 용이하도록 지속적으로 정부에 로비하고 있다. PVCHR은 많은 시간을 할애하여 인도계획위원회(India’s Planning Commission)에 탄원을 넣어왔다. 그에 대한 응답으로, 인도계획위원회(India’s Planning Commission)의 멤버인 사이야다 하미드(Saiyada Hamid) 씨가 방직공 커뮤니티에 두 번 정도 방문하였다.

 
청원활동의 결과로써, 정부는 05-06회계연도의 시작에 맞추어 방직공들을 위한 건강보험제도를 결국 승인했다. 이러한 제도 아래, 방직공들과 그 가족들(남편, 아내, 2명이상의 자녀)의 건강 보험은 공립병원 외에 지정된 사립병원까지 확장되기에 이르렀다. 이 보험제도는 ICICI은행에 의해 시행되고 있고, 이 보험의 조건으로 인해 모든 방직공들은 일년에 한 번 200루피의 보험료를 내야하며 정부는 방직공들을 위해 902루피를 지급해주고 있다. 연 보험한도는 15000루피 혹은 대략 350달러이고, 이러한 보험정책은 BDAM PVCHR의 중요한 성과 중에 하나이다.

 한편, 지식재산권리 중의 하나인GI(Geographical Indications)는 지리적 관련성이 판별되면 어떤 한 상품의 명성과 품질을 보호할 수 있는 권리이다. 2009, 바라나시 상품들인 실크 사리, 실크 융단, 실크자수, 드레스감, 섬유제품 등은 네 개의 분류로 나뉘어졌고 각각에 GI증서를 부여받았다. GI증서 부여의 가장 중요한 의미는 우타르 프라데쉬 주의 6지역인 바라나시(Varanasi), 미르자뿌르(Mirzapur), 찬다울리(Chandauli), 바도히(Bhadohi), 자운뿌르(Jaunpur), 아잠가르(Azamgarh)에서 생산되는 사리들과 융단들은 법적으로 바라나시의 이름으로 판매되게 되었다는 점이다. GI증서는 모조품과 구별될 수 있도록 방직공들의 권리를 확정시켜줬고, 그들의 정체성과 기술, 생계를 보호하는데 있어 도움을 주고 있다.

 Find Your Feet (FYF)는 영국에 기반을 둔 자선단체로, 처음에는 중간도매상을 거치지 않고 방직공들이 직접 물건을 팔아 제대로 된 이익을 챙길 수 있도록 도와주는 것으로 자선활동을 시작했다. 이후에, Find Your Feet (FYF)는 바라나시 실크 생산품들이 GI를 받는 데에 있어 중요한 공헌을 했고, 현재 방직공들의 권리를 위해 다양한 방법으로 도움을 주고 있다.

 현재, 인도정부의 섬유산업 담당부서는 베틀산업에 종사하는 방직공들을 위해 많은 제도(베틀마크, 건강보험제도, GI증서부여 등)를 도입했다. 그러나, 실제 엘리트 세력과 여러 세력들의 부패와 관련하여 방직공들을 위한 제도의 정보를 숨기려는 악의적인 시도 때문에 방직공들은 이 제도로 인해 작은 부분에서만 이익을 얻고 있다. 제도와 실제의 이러한 괴리로 인하여 정상적인 제도의 실행에 있어 부패만이 증가되고 있는 실정이다.

 



 

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