THE Punjab state secretariat of the CPI(M) has condemned the Akali-BJP government of the state for manifold increases in the government hospital charges in the state. For instance, the charge for an OPD slip, which was Rs 2 in April 2013, has been increased five times and now it is Rs 10 with effect from July 1, 2014. There have been big hikes in ECG, X-ray, ultrasound memography, CT scan and ambulance charges as well.

BRAVING an extremely unfavourable weather and scorching sun, a large protest demonstration was taken out at Kaithal on June 27, demanding withdrawal of cases against the Maruti factory workers and their relatives who were meted out brutal police atrocities exactly a year ago while they were going to give a memorandum to the Haryana cabinet minister Randeep Surjewala. The protest demonstration made a strong demand for the release all Maruti workers who have been languishing in jail for about two years

THE Nagpur District Domestic Workers Union, an organisation affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) staged on June 13, 2014 a huge protest march and demonstration in front of the labour commissioner’s office in the city. The action was meant to register protest against the adverse policies of the state and central government on domestic workers.

THE All India democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has demanded immediate intervention by the Modi government in the case of a gang rape survivor from Rajasthan. The victim is facing intimidation and threats because her determined struggle for justice has led to legal summons being issued to Nihalchand Meghwal, a minister in the union government.  

THE Working Group of the International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties (IMCWP) met on June 21 and 22 in Cyprus. The meeting was hosted by AKEL. Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member and Head of the International Department represented the CPI(M) in the meeting. The meeting assumed importance due to the fact that it had on its agenda to review the entire process of the meetings, which were being regularly organised since the last fifteen years and the composition of the Working Group.