ON August 24, 2022, hundreds of activists of the DYFI in Maharashtra reached Rajgurunagar in Pune district from various districts demanding employment and against the continuous repression of democratic resistances in our country. August 24 is the birth anniversary of martyr Rajguru, who was hanged by the British along with Martyrs Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev on March 23, 1931. Rajgurunagar (named after Rajguru), originally called Khed, is his birthplace.

DYFI all India general secretary Himaghnaraj Bhattacharya was present in the programme. The DYFI team was welcomed warmly by the Smarak Samiti in Rajgurunagar. It was followed by a public meeting. Along with Himaghnaraj Bhattacharya, CITU leader Ajit Abhyankar and AIDWA leader Preethy Sekhar addressed the public meeting.

Ajit Abhyankar urged youth to demand an Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme. Himaghnaraj said that giving jobs to youth is the responsibility of the government. He said that apart from publicising empty slogans, government is not serious about providing decent jobs to youth. He reiterated the need for an Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme where jobs can be given according to educational qualifications of youth. DYFI has drafted one and has circulated for suggestions. Preethy said that there is an alarming shift in the nature of jobs in India from permanent to temporary. She said that the defence and financial sectors are recruiting youth on contract basis without any amendment to the law at an extremely low wage. 

DYFI state president Nandu Hadal presided, state secretary Balaji Kaletwad conducted the meeting and state joint secretary Anil Wasam thanked the audience.

The jatha exposed how unemployment is spreading like an epidemic in Maharashtra. Agriculture is in deep crisis; MNREGA has been severely affected; manufacturing sector has slowed down; lakhs of vacancies in public services remain unfilled and contract workers are being over-exploited. 

Hundreds of youth drove two-wheelers from Palghar, Thane, Nashik, Mumbai, Ahmednagar and Solapur districts to Rajgurunagar. From other districts, youth reached by bus and train. The rally from Palghar-Thane comprised of 129 bikes and other vehicles and was welcomed at various locations on the way. The Mumbai rally started from Chaityabhoomi, traversed through the streets of Mumbai and was received at 10 locations. 

The programme was held in high spirits. DYFI is determined to carry forward this struggle with emphasis on defending both secularism and the right to employment.