THE All India Kisan Sabha, in a statement issued on August 11, notes with concern the utter irresponsible and insensitive approach of the BJP led central government to the unprecedented floods, loss of lives and property in different parts of the country. In the last few months, large parts of India have been reeling under severe floods that have led to loss of hundreds of lives. Initially in July 2019, heavy rains and floods affected Assam, Bihar and nearby states in which there has been loss of lives and livestock as well as wild animals in the Kaziranga National Park.

Below we publish the statement issued by the BSNL Employees Union, on August 8THE Department of Telecommunications is moving a cabinet note for the revival of BSNL. One of the components envisaged in the revival package is to make BSNL a debt-free company, through transfer of BSNL’s bank loans to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Identified land parcels of BSNL will also be transferred to the SPV, to be sold by the latter, for the repayment of the loans. BSNL management has already finalised a list of 63 land parcels, located in major cities and towns, to be transferred to the SPV.

INDEPENDENCE Day this year is being observed under the shadow of the dismemberment of the state of Jammu & Kashmir and a massive clampdown on the people of the valley.When Narendra Modi hoists the tricolor on the Red Fort on August 15, millions of Kashmiris for the eleventh day running would have been deprived of their liberties and fundamental rights.

JUST recently, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has welcomed the decision of the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) to regularise 1,797 unauthorised colonies (UAC) in Delhi. There is a wave of cheer in the city amongst the residents in these UACs, but there is also deep scepticism. The residents are aware of the history of such decisions taken in the past, some of which were partly implemented, some decisions taken only during elections and never implemented.

SUNDARAIAH Skill Development Centre was inaugurated on July 27 at Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Prakash Karat, editor of Peoples’ Democracy and the Polit Bureau member of CPI(M) inaugurated the centre. Hundreds of cadres and well wishers of the communist movement attended the function. Prakash Karat unveiled the opisthograph symbolically. P Madhu, K Ramakrishna, state secretaries of CPI(M) and CPI respectively, and many leaders participated in the inauguration function.The meeting was presided over by MVS Sarma, editor of Prajasakti.