Independence Day: Assaults on Freedom

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.

J&K: Murder of Democracy & Federalism

CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on August 5THE Modi government has struck a big blow at democracy and the constitution by scrapping Article 370 of the constitution and dismantling the state of Jammu & Kashmir.The people of Kashmir had acceded to India in the face of invaders from Pakistan and a solemn commitment had been made to them by the Indian State to provide them with special status and autonomy which was embodied in Article 370.

UACs Regularisation

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.

The Week in Parliament

IN Rajya Sabha, K Somaprasad spoke on the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019. This Bill is a comprehensive legislation. It is high time to enact such a law in the country. It will help tackle the menace of illegal deposit mobilising activities in the country. Non-banking entities are allowed to raise deposits from public under provisions of various statutes enacted by the central and state governments. Various ponzi schemes are still operating in the society. This Bill will put an end to this illegal practice.

AP: Sundaraiah Skill Development Centre Inaugurated

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.

Working Class Denounces Anti-Labour Reforms of BJP Govt

WORKING class across the country held protest demonstrations on August 2, 2019 at the call of the joint trade union platform demanding reversal of the anti- worker ‘reforms’ of the labour laws.It is to be recalled that soon after coming to power in the recent parliament elections, the BJP government declared its intention to hasten the so-called ‘reforms’ process.

Privatisation of NTPC Suicidal, say Trade Unions

THE Central Trade Unions (CTUs), in its meeting held at New Delhi on August 2, expressed deep concern at the decision of the central government to divest further 10 per cent equity in the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) through Offer for Sale (OFS) route.

Serious Situation in J & K

CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on August 3A SERIOUS situation has developed in Jammu & Kashmir as a consequence of the recent steps taken by the central government. The deployment of an additional contingent of paramilitary forces – amounting to 35,000 troops – has raised questions about their intended purpose. The unprecedented cancellation of the Amarnath yatra mid-way and the instructions to tourists to leave the valley forthwith have heightened tensions and anxieties among the people.Although parliament is in session, the central

Exposing the RSS

THE official organ of the RSS, Organiser (August 4, 2019, Vol 71, No 6), has come out with a cover story, ‘Exploring RSS’. It was in support of the Nagpur University’s decision to introduce a BA course ‘RSS and Nation Building’ in its history syllabus. The cover story extols the role of RSS in ‘nation building’ and argues that, since it is the ‘biggest voluntary organisation’ in the world, it is necessary for everyone to study and learn from its history. A student should be free to study any aspect of history and that may include RSS.

Motor Vehicle Bill Curtails States’ Powers, Favours Corporates

THE CPI(M) vehemently opposed the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Parliament. The party said that the government, under the garb of enhanced road safety, is handing over the entire road transport sector to corporates and directly encroaching upon the powers of state governments.In Lok Sabha, P R Natarajan said five amendments are directly encroaching upon the powers of the states and will have serious impact on the states’ revenue, functioning of state transport undertakings and motor vehicles departments.

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