BIHAR state committee of CPI(M) observed a demands day on May 25, against the crumbling health infrastructure, state government's failure in containing the spread of Covid, and the overall health situation in the state. It was observed through a virtual meeting, following all norms of the lockdown with the following demands-

•        Start free mass vaccination.
•        Give Rs 7,500 to every non-tax-payer family.
•        Distribute crores of tonnes of foodgrains lying in central godowns to the needy.

IF benevolent hearts like C Janardanan are ready to support the fight against the deadly pandemic, a government can do anything to ensure the availability of vaccines. Such tremendous action was the response of the people of Kerala to implement free and universal vaccination. No one appealed to them to donate money to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), but thousands of Keralites living in the state and abroad have extended huge support for the vaccine challenge.

HISTORIANS, artists, architects, cultural and theatre personalities, intellectuals, teachers, and many such eminent people signed a joint statement that was prepared by Ananya Vajpeyi, Supriya Gandhi , and Vivek Gupta. This statement was initially signed by over 100 people and was published in a section of the media. Later it was hosted on Change.org where more than 1,000 people have joined in through their signatures opposing the Central Vista project.

We reproduce the statement here:

THE Makineni Basavapunnaiah Vignana Kendram (MBVK) and its sister centres across the state, in a move to bring solace to the needy during the Covid-19 second wave, have opened Covid isolation centres across the state.

The second wave of Covid has created havoc throughout the state and it has become difficult to secure hospital beds. In this situation, the MBVK has taken upon itself to instill confidence among the people with mild or moderate Covid, especially to cater to those who cannot afford separate isolation rooms and bathrooms in their houses.

THE determination of the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh to go ahead with the three-tier panchayat elections in the state has not brought it any political dividends while it has extracted a very heavy toll from its citizens. A total of 58,176-gram panchayats and 826 blocks were up for election along with 3,050 zila panchayat seats. The numbers that became vulnerable to infection in the course of the month-long campaign and the voting process itself runs into crores.