A ONE-day Bal Sangam workshop was organised at Cheema Bhawan, Chandigarh, on June 23, 2023. More than 100 boys and girls from ten districts of Punjab participated in the workshop. They mainly belonged to the age group of 12-18, but a few were even less than 10 years old. MA Baby, CPI(M) Polit Bureau Member and former education minister of Kerala, highlighted the importance of sports, music, dance, cultural activities, and entertainment in addition to studies in the lives of students.

AFTER a relative lull, for some period, in the well planned united political initiatives by the Left and democratic parties in Maharashtra, winds are gathering speed in that direction. This was evident in the two-day statewide study camp conducted at Pune on July 9 and 10, 2023, organised by the progressive parties and attended by over 1200 main activists of these parties.Concerted efforts, in a steady and sure manner in this direction, were in offing for some time.

THE Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 which aims to accelerate electricity privatisation, will jeopardise the 'Gruhajyothi' scheme. This scheme guarantees 200 units of free electricity to all domestic consumers. The amendment will not only increase the cost of electricity but also pose a threat to the electricity sector and hinder industrial development. Therefore, the Congress government of Karnataka should pass a resolution in the current assembly session stating their refusal to implement the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the state.

IN Tamil Nadu, reactionary forces like RSS and Sangh Parivar are seeking private control over Hindu temple management. Currently, most temples are administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government. However, RSS elements aim to privatise these temples, raising concerns about the potential loot of temple funds and assets.Recently Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP leader, stated his intention to remove the HR and CE department from the Hindu temple administration if his party comes to power.

THE struggle of poor people in Telangana for houses, and for house-sites (homestead land) is intensifying. They have constructed huts on the vacant government lands. Despite facing police repression and intimidation from various quarters, large numbers of homeless poor are joining the struggle. They remain steadfast, fighting for their right to house pattas. The people fear that if they delay in occupying vacant government lands, they may not have any land left for themselves in the future.