THE 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) concluded at Hyderabad, successfully completing the agenda that was before the Congress.  The spirit of unity and determination overflowed with abundance in the massive rally attended by lakhs of people marking the closing of the Congress. The 22nd Congress re-doubled the CPI(M)’s determination to offer a policy alternative to the Indian ruling classes that would be built through intensified  people’s struggles.  The current BJP central government, whose reins are controlled by the fascistic Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has mounted

HYDERABAD is home to many historical and cultural glories. Reflecting some of them, the Hyderabad Fest 2018 is being held at NTR Stadium from April 13-22. Featuring theme-pavilions surrounding tourism, education, public sector undertaking, financial institutions, literature and specific sites catering to cultural performances besides short film fests, art and photography exhibitions, Hyderabad Fest 2018 has it all.

MOST federations in the world have arrangements for the mobilisation and devolution of resources. In India, the constitution provides for the appointment of a finance commission every five years to recommend methodology to share resources such that the fiscal space of the constituents, especially the states, is well protected.The terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission are thus a matter of utmost importance to the resources available to the states of India.

SEVERAL dalit and progressive organisations called a Bharat Bandh on April 2 against the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The dilution of the Act, which guarantees a certain degree of protection to the oppressed communities against discrimination and atrocities, was met with widespread condemnation. The unprecedented upsurge of protests across the country witnessed violence, in which 12 people, predominantly from dalit community, were killed.