CABINET RESHUFFLE: Wither `Minimum Government – Maximum Governance’

WITHIN six months of assuming office, the Modi government has been expanded with the induction of 21 new ministers in the council of ministers. This takes the total strength of the cabinet to 66. Of these, two are not members of either house of the parliament at the moment. Our constitution provides that such persons can hold office for a maximum period of six months before which they will have to be elected to either house.

National Convention for Dalit Rights on Nov 27

The Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) is organising a National Convention on November 27 in New Delhi at Constitution Club Annexe. In a press meet organised in New Delhi on November 3, 2014, the Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) has demanded the Central Government to call a Special Session of Parliament to discuss the issues concerning the dalits. They demanded a status report from the government on the number of Scheduled Castes employed in the private sector. The press meet was addressed by K Varadarajan and V Srinivas Rao. Those who were present at the press meet included

On Deaths of Women in Chhattisgarh

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on November 11, 2014

THE tragic deaths of eight women and hospitalisation of scores more due to sterilisation surgeries performed on them in a mass sterilisation camp in Bilaspur is a shocking indictment of the health system in Chhattisgarh and also of the government policy to continue the highly undemocratic target based population control programmes.

Prakash Karat Visits Hudhud-Affected Areas, Steel Plant

CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat visited the Hudhud-hit areas of Visakhapatnam on November 2 and demanded that the central government declare the cyclone as a ‘National Calamity’ and extend 100 percent compensation to all the affected families.

Growing More Food, But Eating Less

India shows a substantial rise in per head food production in recent years but it is merely adding to exports and to stocks – food consumption by the people shows no rise FOR a quarter century from the early 1980s, production of grain per head of population at the global level kept on declining. Developing countries were urged under neo-liberal free trade policies promoted by advanced countries and global institutions, to export more and more agricultural products, and their pliant governments did exactly that.

Tea Workers Ready for Historic Strike in Bengal

TEA workers in West Bengal are preparing for a historic two-day strike beginning 11th November, demanding minimum wages and implementation of labour laws in tea estates. The strike call, given by a joint forum of tea workers comprising 23 trade unions, has evoked tremendous response in five northern districts of West Bengal -- Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur. The strike action has come as a culmination of months of joint struggle. The workers’ struggle will be supported by a general strike in adjacent areas in those five districts on 12th November.

Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch to Organise a National Convention for Dalit Rights on November 27 in New Delhi

In a press conference organised on November 3 in New Delhi, the Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch (DSMM), a platform of organisations and individuals belonging to various states who have come together in the fight against caste oppression has announced that a National Convention would be organised on November 27 at Constitution Club Annexe in New Delhi

CPI(M) to Finalise the Draft Review Report On Political Tactical Line in the next CC

THE CPI(M) Polit Bureau has been authorised by the Central Committee to prepare a revised draft of the review of the political-tactical line, taking into account the discussions in the Central Committee. This proposal made by the Polit Bureau was unanimously adopted by the CC without anybody voting against it, said CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat.

Wagah Blast Condemned

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on November 3, 2014.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its shock and grief at the suicide bombing attack at the Wagah border which has caused the deaths of 55 people including women and children. The blast occurred at Wagah at the time of the flag lowering ceremony.

This horrific attack underlines the threat posed by the extremist-terrorist groups in both Pakistan and India which needs to be countered by close cooperation between the two countries.

No to Cut in Subsidies

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on October 31, 2014.

The finance ministry has decided to implement a ten percent cut in the government’s non-plan expenditure for the current financial year. These austerity measures do not involve only a ban on first air travel or meetings in five star hotels, but subsidies will bear the main brunt of the cuts. This would mean cut in subsidies meant for the people and welfare measures.

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