Latest news with #PublicSecurityBill
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
‘Curbing urban Naxalism': Maha CM defends Public Security Bill
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday defended the passage of the Public Security Bill, stating that the legislation has been brought in specifically to curb the spread of urban Naxalism and the activities of banned Maoist-affiliated groups in the state. Addressing the media, Fadnavis said, 'The Public Security Bill has been passed to counter Urban Maoism. A deliberate strategy was being employed to promote Naxal ideology. While such laws already exist in four other states, Maharashtra lacked the legal teeth to act against 64 such organisations operating here. This bill empowers the state to take concrete action.' He explained that while laws like the UAPA apply only when a clear terror element is established and MCOCA targets individuals and not organisations, this new legislation fills a critical gap. "This law will allow us to act against organisations directly. It is aimed purely at dismantling the infrastructure that promotes Naxalism,' CM Fadnavis clarified. The bill, passed in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday, has drawn mixed reactions. While some in the opposition supported its intent, others raised concerns about its potential misuse. NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Rohit Pawar said, 'We are against Maoism and Naxalism. Any bill that helps fight these threats, we support it. However, the definitions of 'group' and 'individual' in the bill are vague. There must be clarity to prevent misuse.' He also urged the government to ensure that no innocent person is targeted. 'We told the Chief Minister that the law should not be misused to harass individuals. Safeguards must be ensured.' On the other hand, NCP (SCP) leader Jitendra Awhad strongly opposed the bill, branding the state government as 'anti-democratic' and 'authoritarian'. 'This is a policing state now. The government is using laws to silence dissent. In states like West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Odisha, some Left-linked organisations are banned. But, this law targets those who merely speak against the government,' Awhad said. The Maharashtra Public Security Bill, 2025, provides the state with broad powers to ban organisations and prosecute individuals suspected of aiding or abetting Naxal or Maoist activity. The law will impose punishments ranging from two to seven years in prison for members of unlawful organisations. Offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable in nature, and grant the government the authority to seize and forfeit funds belonging to such groups.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Maharashtra Assembly Passes Public Security Bill To Rein In ‘Urban Naxals' Amid Political Debate
Last Updated: The proposed legislation, long stuck in political deadlock, has undergone significant changes following widespread resistance After months of heated debates and thousands of objections from civil society and political parties, Maharashtra's controversial Special Public Security Bill (or Public Security Bill) was finally tabled in the state assembly on Thursday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who personally presented the revised draft, said the new law will clamp down on organisations aiming to destabilise the constitutional fabric through ' Urban Naxalism" and extremist activities. The Bill was passed by the assembly and now goes to the legislative council. The proposed legislation, long stuck in political deadlock, has undergone significant changes following widespread resistance. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had earlier formed a joint committee, chaired by himself, to study public feedback and opposition concerns. The committee, comprising 25 all-party members including senior leaders like Jitendra Awhad, Satej Patil, Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar, Shashikant Shinde and Ajay Choudhary, submitted its report to the assembly on July 9. The government claims to have incorporated key amendments based on their recommendations. According to Fadnavis, the state received over 12,500 suggestions and objections from various stakeholders. 'We have made the necessary changes as suggested by the opposition. This Bill is not aimed at silencing dissent but at protecting the democratic framework from groups who do not believe in democracy and wish to overthrow the system by misleading youth, especially in urban areas," Fadnavis said while introducing the Bill. The chief minister pointed out that while left-wing extremism in Maharashtra has shrunk from five districts to just two talukas, its strategies have evolved. 'Urban Maoists are brainwashing youngsters and creating unrest against the system. This law will help tackle that threat effectively," he asserted. Under the revised Public Security Bill, any organisation identified as posing a threat to public order or national security can be immediately declared unlawful, and its members detained without filing formal charges at the outset. It empowers authorities to freeze bank accounts, seize properties, and shut down offices of banned organisations. If the same office-bearers attempt to regroup under a different name, the new entity will also automatically be treated as illegal. Importantly, only an officer of DIG rank or above can authorise cases under this law, a safeguard aimed at preventing misuse. One of the committee's key changes includes modifying the language from targeting 'individuals and organisations" to focusing on 'organisations with extreme ideologies". This, the government says, balances security needs with fundamental democratic rights. Still, concerns remain about potential misuse. Opposition leaders have pledged to keep a close watch to ensure the law does not become a tool to suppress political dissent. view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 20:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bharat Bandh on July 9: 25 crore workers go on strike, here's what is open and closed tomorrow?
Bharat Bandh tomorrow: A massive Bharat Bandh has been called for July 9, 2025, with around 25 crore workers expected to participate. The nationwide strike is being led by 10 central trade unions, along with various farmer and rural workers' organisations. This large-scale protest is being organised to oppose the central government's policies, which unions claim are anti-worker and pro-corporate. Let's take a look at what's open and closed during the Bharat Bandh and how it might impact daily life. Why is Bharat Bandh Called on July 9, 2025? The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, has been announced by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions. These unions are unhappy with the government's labour and economic policies. According to the organisers, the strike is a response to the government's failure to address their 17-point list of demands, which was submitted last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They accuse the government of ignoring workers' voices and pushing for reforms that weaken worker rights. Main Demands and Issues Behind the Bharat Bandh 2025 The unions claim that the government is: Ignoring their repeated calls for a fair labour policy Not holding the Indian Labour Conference for the past 10 years Introducing four labour codes that reduce union powers and increase working hours Promoting job outsourcing and contract-based work Pushing for privatisation of public services Failing to create enough public sector jobs Not increasing wages or tackling youth unemployment Farmers Join the Bharat Bandh Protest Alongside industrial workers, farmers' groups and rural labour unions like Samyukta Kisan Morcha have extended their support. According to the ET report, they plan to mobilise people in villages to protest rising prices and shrinking job opportunities. Their main concerns include: Unemployment is hitting rural areas hard Inflation is making essential goods expensive Cuts in health, education, and welfare spending Additional Concerns: Protests Over Rights and Democracy Union leaders have also raised serious concerns about: Misuse of constitutional institutions Harsh laws like the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra Attempts to remove migrant workers from voter lists in Bihar Threats to citizenship and democratic rights They believe the new labour laws will suppress the right to strike, reduce collective bargaining powers, and benefit big corporations instead of working people. Trade Unions Supporting the Bharat Bandh on July 9 Here are the major trade unions taking part in the Bharat Bandh 2025: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) What's Open and Closed on July 9, 2025? – Impact of Bharat Bandh Sectors Likely to be Affected The Bharat Bandh on July 9 may impact several key sectors, including: Public sector undertakings Banking and finance services Government departments Postal services Coal mining and heavy industries State-run transport services Workers from public sector units like NMDC, steel plants, and other government bodies have confirmed participation. While some banking unions have not formally announced their strike, the bandh organisers say that public sector banks and cooperative banks will likely be impacted. Services such as cheque clearances, cash deposits, and customer services may face delays. Schools, Offices & Transportation – What Will Remain Open? Schools, colleges, and most private offices are expected to remain open. However, due to the strike, transport services such as buses, autos, and app-based cabs may be disrupted in some areas. Traffic jams, road blockades, and delays are likely in cities where protests are being held. People are advised to plan their travel early, avoid unnecessary journeys, and stay updated with local advisories. Will Trains Be Running During Bharat Bandh? There is no official railway strike planned for July 9, 2025. But due to large-scale protests, train services may experience delays or route changes, especially in states where unions have strong support. In previous bandhs, protestors have gathered near railway stations and even blocked tracks. Security forces are expected to be deployed around major railway stations to avoid disruptions and ensure safe travel. Bharat Bandh 2025: Plan Ahead The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is expected to be a major strike across the country, with participation from workers, farmers, and labour groups. While essential services may remain open, disruptions in transport and banking are expected. If you need to travel or rely on public services on July 9, check local news and prepare for delays. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Trade unions forum calls for Bharat Bandh against govt policies tomorrow
A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday to oppose the 'anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government'. The forum on Monday said preparations for the bandh have been taken up in earnest by unions in all sectors of formal and informal/unorganised economy. 'More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country,' said Amarjeet Kaur from All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) said banking, postal, coal mining, factories and state transport services will be affected due to the strike. Apart from AITUC, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), HMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) are part of the forum. In a statement, the workers' union forum said it had last year submitted a charter of 17 demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.. It alleged that the government has not been conducting the annual labour conference for the last 10 years and continues to take decisions in contravention to the interest of labour force, attempting to impose the four new labour codes to weaken collective bargaining, to cripple union activities and to favour employers in the name of 'ease of doing business'. The forum also alleged that the economic policies are resulting in increased unemployment, rising prices of essentials, decrease in wages, cut in social sector spending in education, health, basic civic amenities, and all these are leading to more inequalities and miseries for poor, people of lower income group as well as the middle class. 'The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country. It is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and it is evident from the policies being pursued vigorously,' said the forum. Referring to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, the forum said: 'The attack on democratic rights continues more vigorously by this ruling regime and now the attempt to de-franchise the migrant workers is being designed, beginning with Bihar as an immediate case. The misuse of constitutional bodies is rampant to suppress voices of opposition, the enactments in some states to control and criminalise mass movements is on the cards; the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra and similar enactments in the state of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh etc are the pointers. Now the attempt to snatch citizenship is on the cards.' Trade unions have been fighting against 'privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, policies of outsourcing, contractorisation and casualisation of workforce', it said. The four labour codes that have been passed by Parliament are meant to 'suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, snatch workers' right to collective bargaining, right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers', the statement said. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and joint front of agricultural workers unions have extended support to the July 9 banch call and decided to make massive mobilsations in rural India, the union leaders said. Trade unions had earlier observed similar nationwide strikes on November 26, 2020, March 28-29, 2022 and on February 16 last year.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Bill to curb urban naxalism to be tabled in Maharashtra, Opposition raises concerns
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced that it will table and pass the contentious Public Security Bill in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature. The move has sparked sharp criticism from the opposition, which fears the legislation could be misused to stifle dissent and target those protesting against the last year during the monsoon session, the bill aims to curb Urban Naxalism. However, strong opposition forced the government to refer it to a joint select committee (JSC) for further scrutiny. The 25-member panel, comprising members from both houses, received over 12,000 suggestions and objections—the highest in the state legislature's Wednesday, the joint select committee met at Vidhan Bhavan under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to deliberate on the feedback. Bawankule claimed that the government had made efforts to build consensus and clarify its position despite ongoing proposed legislation draws inspiration from similar laws enacted in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh to counter Naxal activities. However, opposition leaders have raised serious concerns over its ambiguous language and lack of clear Patil, state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), questioned the definition of 'urban Naxalism' during the committee meeting and voiced fears over potential misuse of the law. Critics have pointed out that the draft bill does not explicitly mention Naxalism, further fuelling union leader and political activist Vishwas Utagi warned that the vague terminology in the bill could be used to target protestors and critics of government agencies. He also highlighted the bill's expansive definition of 'unlawful activities,' which includes actions committed verbally or in writing. Activists argue that such broad provisions could criminalise legitimate protests and leaders continue to demand clearer definitions and safeguards to prevent the law from being weaponised against citizens, activists, or organisations. advertisementIN THIS STORY#Maharashtra
