People's Democracy

CHHATTISGARH

CITU Holds State Level Trade Union Political School

AS scheduled, a three-day trade union class was organised at Industrial Township of BALCO(Korba) as per the decision of the state committee of Chhattisgarh CITU from 15-17 September 2008. The class was hosted by Korba district committee of CITU and the main job of organising the same was undertaken by the comrades of Bharat Aluminium Employees Union (CITU). 65 leaders and cadres of CITU and other fraternal trade unions from different parts of the state attended the class.

Before the trade union class commenced on 15 September 2008, two minutes silence was observed to condole the death of Comrade S K Dhar, veteran trade union leader of the railway employees.

On the first day, Ardhendu Dakshi, national secretary of CITU introduced the subject on historical background of the formation of CITU and thereafter. In the process of introduction, Dakshi explained in great detail the socio-economic and political situation prior to formation of CITU on 30 May 1970 which necessitated the foundation of a militant central trade union like CITU with firm belief in class struggle to counter those forces in the political and trade union arena who have been openly advocating the line of class collaboration thereby making the trade union movement a mockery. The CITU came into existence with the slogan of �Unity & Struggle� clearly meaning that the ultimate objective of the unity of the working class and the toiling masses should be and must be for sharpening of class struggle so that the trade union may be able to discharge its responsibilities towards the formation of society based on equitable justice for all.

The fact that the trade union movement in this country has undergone a qualitative change after the formation of CITU is there for all to see. Any type of united all India strike was possible only after the formation of CITU, this reality cannot be denied by any corner. Today, the CITU has become the flag bearer of the united trade movement in this country and it is the Indian working class who alone could go on united strike against neo-liberal globalisation 12 times from the day these imperialist driven policies were attempted to be thrust upon the people of the country. CITU has been the propelling force behind every such united movement, Dakshi asserted. He also explained the task before the CITU leaders and cadres for expanding the base of the CITU throughout the length and breadth of the country commensurate with the prestige the CITU commands both nationally and internationally. In the afternoon session, Dakshi replied to several questions which came through group discussions after the lunch break.

On the second day, Dipankar Mukherjee, national secretary of CITU spoke on the subject �Trade union movement and public sector � responsibilities and challenges.� In his presentation, Dipankar eloquently explained the role of public sectors in development of self reliant economy of this country. He categorically said that though the privatisation of BALCO could not be stalled in spite of heroic struggle by the BALCO workers, but the 67 day strike was a mile stone in the annals of anti-privatisation struggle throughout the country be it NALCO or Neyveli Lignite. With facts and figures, Dipankar established that public sector units have contributed the largest share not only to the public exchequer but also for creation of infrastructure for industrial development of the country. In the afternoon session he replied to the questions from different groups.

On 17 September 2008, Tapan Sen, MP and the national secretary of CITU spoke on the subject �Imperialist globalisation and the challenges before the working class� in the first session. Tapan Sen explained the advent of imperialism as the highest form of capitalist development. He also explained the changing role of the finance capital from the day on which industrial capital was converted into bank capital, thereby giving birth to finance capital itself but its role went on changing with the change of economic and political situation throughout the world. He lucidly explained the role of socialist USSR in checking the free and ugly movement of the fianc� capital in the world but the dismantling of the Soviet Union has definitely changed the situation and today the fianc� capital is in fact attempting to rule over the whole world especially the third world countries in which the national sovereignty of the country become a casualty. Globalisation is nothing new for the working class or the world. It was there right from the inception of the capitalism which gave birth to the modern working class who are destined to overthrow the capitalism system itself but today�s globalisation is in fact the globalisation engineered, guided and driven by the imperialism with the sole motive of earning more and more profit without taking any social or human responsibility. This is precisely the reason why the working class all over the world should go whole hog to defeat the imperialist machinations at all cost. After the introduction of the subject, Tapan Sen replied to the questions of the participants.

In the afternoon session, Tapan Sen spoke on the importance of organisation. Any amount of decision, sacrifices and hard work cannot bring desired success unless a proper vehicle by the name of organisation is there to carry forward and implement the decisions in the perspective, he said. He also narrated in minute details the various weaknesses which are evident in the functioning of the units of CITU at different levels. He spelt out several ways to identify the weaknesses and overcoming the same. Democratic functioning, collective decision, individual responsibilities are some important aspects of developing vibrant organisation. Without equipping the leaders and cadres with ideological sharpness, it is not possible to develop organisation which is the need of the hour to face the present and future challenges. He urged the participants to ponder over his submission and work hard to develop befitting organisation at all levels.

At the end of the three-day class, B Sanyal, general secretary of Chhattisgarh CITU thanked the teachers and the participants for making the classes successful. He also congratulated the Korba district committee of CITU, especially the comrade of BALCO whose sweat and toil could make this state level class a grand success. A K Lal, president, Chhattisgarh CITU announced the conclusion of the classes.