IF one combines allocations for agriculture and allied activities, fertiliser subsidies, irrigation, rural development and land resources, one finds that the revised estimates(RE) for the current year is almost 25 thousand crore rupees  less than what was originally budgeted for this year. In fact, the budget documents show that the REs for almost every scheme of the ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare has been reduced in the current year, and that these cuts are maintained for the coming year.

SHELTER is one of the most basic needs of human beings along with food and clothing. In the run up to the Kerala state assembly elections in 2016, the LDF had announced that we will undertake a comprehensive housing programme to do away with homelessness in the state. Subsequently, when we assumed office, most of the people who came to the CM's office raised the issue of housing.

ON March 1, district conference of CITU Jammu was held today in the auditorium of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Jammu under the chairmanship of SP Kesar, senior leader of CITU.Delegate from various unions like ASHA worker, construction worker, LIC, NHPC, railway, BRO, rehri-phari, and industry etc., participated in the conference.Om Parkash, general secretary, CITU cautioned the working class to be united and vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of union government, which is hell-bent to curb the democratic rights of the trade unions.

THE agreement to bring peace to Afghanistan signed by the United States and the Taliban at Doha represents nothing but a unilateral retreat by the United States from Afghanistan.  After invading Afghanistan and toppling the Taliban regime in October 2001, for 19 years, the United States and its NATO allies were engaged in the fruitless pursuit of subjugating the Taliban.Under President Obama, American troops were reduced to 8,400 and efforts made to equip the Afghan army to counter the Taliban forces. The civil war, which has been going on for the past few years, led to no success.

THE communal violence has led to tragic loss of lives, extensive destruction of livelihoods, homes and property. The areas where the violence took place have a large population comprising unorganised workers, working class and lower middle class households of both communities. Thousands have become victims of the violence in different ways and suffering and distress are widespread. Urgent steps are required to provide relief, rehabilitation and legal aid for the distressed people. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) has given a call for relief fund collection to all its state units.