Code on Social Security: An Attempt to Dismantle Workers’ Social Security

THE third version of the Code on Social Security 2019, which will subsume eight laws related to social security of both organised as well as unorganised workers, has been circulated for stakeholders’ consultations on September 17. The CITU has raised serious objection to this codification exercise being undertaken on pretext of “universalizing” social security benefit as it unleashes a frontal attack on all social security schemes meant for workers.

Air Pollution Time… Yet Again!

IT would be humorous if it was not so tragic, but it is another winter in Delhi and North India as a whole, and has brought with it, yet again, another prolonged spell of terrible air pollution. The usual media commentaries have been appearing, providing partial explanations for the pollution, its many causes and the possible impacts of the measures being taken to tackle it.

Towards Heightened Struggles – Ninth Conference of AIFAWH

ALL India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH), the biggest trade union federation of anganwadi employees is holding its ninth conference from November 17-20, 2019 at Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh. Around 700 delegates from 25 states and union territories representing around five lakh members will attend the conference.

MILITANT STRUGGLES

Ayodhya Verdict: Problematic Issues

THE Supreme Court verdict has provided a final resolution to the Ayodhya dispute. This judicial route was the only way to settle the matter in a secular republic governed by the rule of law as there was no possibility of a negotiated settlement. That is why the verdict has been generally accepted even though there may be serious reservations, or, even objections to it.

Who Used the Spyware?

THE news of the hacking of WhatsApp accounts of various activists, journalists and politicians in India through the use of the Pegasus spyware owned by an Israeli company NSO is disturbing and condemnable. The government of India has to explain how this hacking and breach of privacy had occurred and who was responsible. While the government has not come out with any explanations, more facts that point at government complicity in the hacking and surveillance have now become public.

CITU Condemns Massive Retrenchment of IT Employees

THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions, in a statement issued on November 6, has expressed deep concern at the mass retrenchments of employees in the IT sector. IT majors like Cognizant, Infosys, and Capgemini have reportedly announced retrenchment of thousands of workers. While Capgemini has already laid off around 5000 workers, Cognizant is reported to be laying off 7000 of its workers.

World Cities Day: Can Technology serve the purpose

OCTOBER 31st, marked the United Nation’s World Cities Day and the theme for this year is “Changing the world: innovations and better life for the future generations”.

What is Ravishankar Prasad Hiding on WhatsApp Hack?

AS many as 1,400 smartphones worldwide – including 140 of Indians – have been hacked. This hack used Pegasus, the software tools from the notorious hacker-for-hire Israeli company NSO or Q Cyber Technologies. The fundamental question for us, is who-dun-it? The simple question that the government refuses to answer.

TAMIL NADU UNTOUCHABILITY ERADICATION FRONT: Twelve Years of Struggle and Achievements

FORMED twelve years ago, the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF), a broad-based organisation, has since carried out many successful struggles and movements, increased its influence over various sections of the society and made quite an impact in the southern state. Trade unions, associations of farmers and farm labourers, mass organisations, dalit outfits, and some intellectuals have involved themselves in the functioning of this mass front over the years, making it a powerful agent of change.

Sitaram Yechury at Oxford Union Debate

AT the Oxford Union, in a prestigious head to head debate, Sitaram Yechury opposed the motion as an Indian patriot against the suspension of article 370, the impact of the suspension in Kashmir and the manner in which it was done. The debate was held on October 29.

The motion was defended by one of the vice presidents of the BJP, a former MP, Baijayant Panda.

Search form

Peoples Democracy newsletter