THE Electricity Amendment Bill introduced by the central government should be withdrawn forthwith, the CPI(M) demanded. Statewide protests with placards were held. On May 24, decrying the Modi government’s actions, a protest was held at the RTC cross roads with placards. CPI(M) state secretary, Tammineni Veerabhadram expressed anxiety  that this bill violates the rights of the states and is against the interests of the states. Encroaching into the subjects within the state jurisdiction seems to be the main objective of the centre, he warned.

THE epidemic of Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the already putrefying socio-economic system in India. There has been heart rendering stories of pain, apathy of workers walking back to their homes immediately after the first lockdown was announced in the country. The massive unemployment with over 120 million job loss during the period of the lockdown has further accentuated the misery of the people.

THE rising spread of COVID – 19, has led to extremely critical and challenging time the world over. In India, the confirmed cases have crossed 100,000. In Maharashtra this figure is more than 30,706, with 18,555 in Mumbai alone. Central and state governments have announced various steps to arrest the spread of this pandemic, including a nation-wide lockdown of all activities except essential services. During this crisis, the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU) is responding to appeals for relief.

AT the call of the CITU, more than four lakh workers across 400 districts in the country took part in protest activities on May 14, the Demands Day. They raised the crucial question of safety of the frontline workers and those working in industries risking infection during the Covid-19 pandemic.The protests took place in 10,000 places and while many workers came on to the streets to express their protest, many others protested from their homes demanding safety gear.

IN the wee hours of May 7, the unusual foggy dawn surprised people living around the LG Polymers India Ltd plant in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. They were caught unawares by the pungent odour and breathlessness. People came out of their homes and ran helter-skelter, with many of them falling unconscious and collapsing on roads. It was a run for survival for many as panic gripped the area. Twelve people died in the gas leak.