SFI Demands Immediate Withdrawal of Added Taxation on Sanitary Napkins

THE Students’ Federation of India, in a statement issued on July 10, has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the added taxation on sanitary napkins and ensure the maximum reach of the menstrual protection tools at lowest prices. In the recent GST effected by the Modi government, sanitary pads are considered as luxury items and taxed accordingly, when the reality is that these are a basic necessity for a woman’s healthy life.

Flogging a Lie to Undermine Public Healthcare

THREE seemingly unconnected developments in the past weeks are emblematic of the current approach to public services in general and healthcare services in particular.The first development pertains to the Institute for Liver and Biliary Services (ILBS), in Delhi, where workers, including nursing staff have been on agitation for better working conditions. Recently one of the leaders of the agitating workers has been handed a termination letter, and workers were forced to go on hunger strike.

The Most Unkindest Cut of All

CAN any Indian citizen imagine in his wildest dream that the central government will contemplate to liquidate the State Bank of India, the largest public sector bank in our country, doing yeomen service to the common man, serving more than 25 crore account holders and commanding one third of the total banking business? Can anyone think that the government at the centre will attempt to close down Life Insurance Corporation of India, the largest public sector insurance company with no match in the private sector and which has doubled its contribution to the 12th Five Year Plan compared to th

Amarnath Attack Denounced

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on July 11.THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) denounces the dastardly attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag district in Jammu & Kashmir. Seven people, mostly women, were killed and 19 injured in a terrorist attack while returning from the pilgrimage.The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and its sympathies for all those injured.The people of Kashmir have always viewed the Amarnath shrine as part of its syncretic heritage.

My Fears

THESE days, I am very afraid. My fears are getting the better of me. Let me explain.I always had this fear of walking alone. There are many pests around, who keep on stalking, abusing and harassing whenever I go out. I always wanted to wear nice, beautiful dresses that I really loved. I could not. I was warned not to wear them. People around, frightened me. Dress, it seems, will invite more harassment and teasing. I had to accept. That’s fear. Now with the ‘anti-Romeo’ squads, this fear doubled and trebled.

New War Clouds over Syria

WITH the Daesh (Islamic State) in retreat and the Syrian army and allied militias advancing all over Syria to recapture national territory, the Americans and their proxy forces have also started redoubling their efforts to foil Syrian reunification. The Syrian army, supported by the Russian air force is advancing towards Raqqa, the “capital” of the self proclaimed Islamic State. Mosul has been declared a liberated city in the second week of July by the Iraqi prime minister, Haider al Abadi. The city has been reduced to rubble with thousands killed and tens of thousands more made homeless.

India Playing the US Game

THE Modi government is making India flow into the American military fold at a break-neck speed. In 2016, India became a “Major Defense Partner” of the United States (US). Buying military equipment from the US is the high point of Modi’s foreign policy. He is aiming to make India a full-fledged US military ally and privatise national defence before the end of his term as prime minister. Today, US is India’s biggest arms supplier.

Harmony is the Conscience of Bengal Massive Left Rally Sends Message

TENS of thousands of people marched in Kolkata on July 12 strongly denouncing communal forces and hailing the state’s legacy of harmony. The huge rally once again expressed the determination to thwart the attempts of communal polarisation in West Bengal.West Bengal has witnessed communal tension and polarisation, sporadic clashes in recent times. These incidents, a rarity for almost four decades, have haunted the atmosphere of the state. The most recent disturbances took place in some parts of North 24 Parganas, including Baduria, Basirhat.

GST, the Biggest Neoliberal Push

THE Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime began on July 1, 2017. Thousands of columns in newspapers were filled with news on the “great virtues” of the GST and advertisements by governments and corporates. And, to take credit for it, there is a public debate between former union finance minister P Chidambaram and the incumbent Arun Jaitley as to who fathered the GST; was it UPA or NDA?Jaitley claimed total unanimity of central and state governments, MPs and MLAs and political parties on the GST.

On Economic Implications of Restrictions on Cow Slaughter

INDIA’S livestock economy is among the biggest in the world. A ban on cow slaughter would either result in more and more unproductive animals being killed in most unscientific and cruel ways or would entail such a high cost for maintaining unproductive animals that cattle rearing would cease to be a profitable enterprise for farm households.

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