NAPM conference in Bangalore from May 30

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) The fifth biannual conference of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) will be held here from May 30 to take stock of the social, economical and political situation of the country in the backdrop of the numerous struggles and movements launched to represent the causes of the marginalised sections of the society.

NAPM National Convener Sr Ceilia told newspersons here today that over 500 delegates, representing about 250 organisations that have spearheaded various people's movements for their legitimate rights, would take part in the three-day event.

She said various issues, including right to information, agriculture scenario, urban development and urban poor, industrialisation and problems of the working class and unorganised labour, alternative to World Bank and electoral reforms, would be discussed in depth. The event would also chalk out the future course of action to take forward the struggle of the toiling masses by uniting all secular, democratic and patriotic citizens in the process of building a humane society based on equality and justice in place of the present capitalist globalisation.

Sr Ceilia said leading social activists, including Medha Patkar, Aruna Roy, Sandeep Pandey, M G Sanjay, Gabriel, Praful Samant, B D Sharma and Himamshu Thakur, would participate in the event and guide the deliberations.

Various organisations would present papers on issues relating to water, agriculture, industrialisation, social service, nuclear agenda, electoral reforms, Dalits and women. A panel discussion on alternative policy perspectives would also be organised with prominent personalities.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned writer and Jnanpeet awardee Prof U R Anantha Murthy said the NAPM was an organisation striving for people's right to livelihood and natural resources well within the spirtis of the Constitution and the legal system in the non-violent path. A procession would be taken out during the conference, he added.

UNI MV GD GM1340