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Nikhil Dey recognised by US State Dept
Dey was recognized for championing policy reforms to empower workers in India for more than three decades
Nikhil Dey / Image - X/@nikhilmkss
The U.S. State Department recognized Indian social activist Nikhil Dey among eleven international anti-corruption champions for 2023. The list included reporters, government practitioners, and civil society activists.
“For the past 35 years, activist Nikhil Dey has championed policy reforms to empower workers in India. He and his counterparts have brought to light official corruption, such as the underpayment of workers on official projects, and built peasant and worker empowerment campaigns targeting corruption in the delivery of government services,” the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs said.
Dey is the founding member of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan (MKSS) which has “helped lead successful campaigns for landmark Indian legislation for the Right to Information and the Right to Work,” as per his bio on the Pulitzer Center’s website.
MKSS was founded in the year 1990 in central Rajasthan by the people of the area to strengthen participatory democratic processes and ensure justice and a dignified life for all. MKSS was born out of a struggle for community land illegally possessed by a feudal landlord, as its website states.
U.S. envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, shared a congratulatory post on X for Dey. “Congratulations to Nikhil Dey, a founding member of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), for being named an International Anticorruption Champion by the @StateDept. The United States stands with champions like Dey who work for transparency, rule of law, and justice. #UnitedAgainstCorruption,” the post reads.
Dey’s work led to “landmark transparency and anti-corruption reforms in India, helping the state of Rajasthan pioneer public policies to increase transparency and accountability,” read a poster shared by Garcetti along with the congratulatory message.
Our 2023 Anti-Corruption Champions have proven with their work, courage, and commitment that there is no immovable force against progress. Even in places where impunity is the rule, they've shown how determination can tip the balance and make the difference toward justice. pic.twitter.com/mqVMrJjgNd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 7, 2023
Dey was present at the ceremony to receive the honor. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken shared a photograph of all awardees on X, alongside a post that reads, “Our 2023 Anti-Corruption Champions have proven with their work, courage, and commitment that there is no immovable force against progress. Even in places where impunity is the rule, they've shown how determination can tip the balance and make the difference toward justice.”
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