A number of progressive democratic people’s organisations led by Sibaram of the CPI(Ml) protested against the World Bank in front of Hotel Trident here on Wednesday.
The protest was organised targeting the World Bank’s new round of so-called ‘consultation’ for a review of its environmental and social safeguard policies in the State inviting representatives of the State Government, corporate sector and different NGOs to carry forward the anti-community and neo-liberal activities in the State.
The protesters staged a demonstration here by shouting slogans against the World Bank. The outfits alleged that the bank’s programmes on environment have in fact ruined the natural environment of the State. Unnecessary loan for forestry sector development has added to the debt in the State. The elected Government whose prime responsibility should have been to take care the poorest of the poor people, has become a toy in the hands of the bank.
According to lok Shakti Abhijan president Prafulla Samantra, the protest was part of a series against the World Bank. The bank’s officials have to face protest by the activists on April 5 in New Delhi and on April 8 in Bangalore.
The protesters alleged that many profit-oriented NGOs are hands in glove in the World Bank projects. Members of CPI(Ml), Chasa Parivesh Suraksha Parishad, lok Shakti Abhijan, Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, Krushaka Sammukhya, Rajanaitik Bandi Mukti Committee, Krantikari Mahila Sangathan and CSD and other human rights activists participated in the protest.