article

Inter-State Migrant Workers Deprived of Labour Rights

IN February 2021, union labour minister Santosh Gangwar tabled in parliament NITI Aayog’s draft ‘National Policy on Migrant Labour’, framed ostensibly “as a response to the Covid fallout on the migrants”. The report states that about one crore migrant workers began their long journey back home after the sudden lockdown announced by the prime minister on March 24, 2020.

Paris Commune – A Harbinger of Proletarian Revolutions

THIS year marks the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, which has enormous historical significance. Marx greeting the Paris Commune wrote, “On the dawn of March 18, Paris arose to the thunder-burst of ‘Vive la Commune’!….When the Paris Commune took the management of the revolution in its own hands; when plain working men for the first time dared to infringe upon the governmental privilege of their ‘natural superiors’….the old world writhed in convulsions of rage at the sight of the Red Flag, the symbol of the Republic of Labour….”

Employment Crisis in West Bengal: A Decade of TMC Governance

AMIDST the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent series of sporadic lockdowns, the loss of lives and livelihoods in West Bengal have exposed the inherent economic crises that the state’s economy is undergoing. The massive influx of poor migrant workers returning back to the state, seeking help and support from the authorities, has become an unfortunate reality in recent times. A decade long governance by the TMC government in the state has worsened working conditions as well as opportunities of work in West Bengal.

Country-Wide Bank Strike on March 15-16

TILL the year 1969, all thebanks except State Bank of India and its subsidiaries were in the private hands. During this period more than 500 private banks collapsed due to bankruptcy with the result the people lost their considerable portion of their money deposited in these banks.  Remaining banks were in the hands of a few corporates who used the banks’ funds for the improvement of their own business.  These banks did nothing either to improve the economy of the nation or to improve the standard of living of the common people.

Clarion Call of International Women’s Day Onward on the Struggle Path

THE decision to observe International Women’s Day focussing on the issues of women was taken by the second international conference of socialist women held in Copenhagen, in 1910. In 1911, millions of women marched on the streets on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Over the years March 8 has come to be accepted and observed all over the world as International Women’s Day.

Agrarian Question and National Political Situation

THE ongoing farmers struggle at the borders of Delhi, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha(SKM) is not a spontaneous protest. This struggle, the largest in mass participation and striking power since independence, is the continuation of the agitations by the peasantry and the working class during the last three decades against the State policies, especially the neo-liberal policies being imposed on the people by successive union governments.

Finance Commission Recommendations to Cities Paltry

THE road map for the next five years for devolution of funds to the states as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission(XV FC) is ready. The XVFC has met in the last few years and the previous year was the year of Covid pandemic and as a natural corollary-lessons to be learnt. However, the recommendations of the XV FC tend to belie the aspirations of the states and the people from getting a due share. The structure of recommendations is reduced on the basis of need and equity and more discretionary with the union.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - article