Unit 3 Ch 5 : Popular Struggles and Movements — Social Studies STD 10 — Question

People’s successful struggle in Bolivia reminds us that popular struggles are integral to the working of democracy. The government sold the Municipal water supply rights to a multinational company. The company increased the price of water by four times.

• New alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a number of general strike in the city. The government negotiated and the strike was called off. Yet nothing happened.
• However, when agitation again started in February, police resorted to brutal repression.
• Another strike followed in April and the government imposed martial law.

However, regular protests of such types led to the cancellation of contract with the MNC and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates.