Ebola Epidemic Exposes the Pathology of the Capitalist System

ON August 8, the World Health Organisation declared the West African Ebola outbreak a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The declaration came four months after the WHO reported a major Ebola outbreak in Guinea in Western Africa. Researchers traced the outbreak to a two-year old child who died on December 6, 2013. The epidemic, which broke in Guinea and spread to 3 of its neighbours – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria – is known to have already affected 2,240 people and killed 1,229.

Eliminating the Planning Commission

NARENDRA Modi has not only announced the end of the Planning Commission, but, in the style of the Aam Aadmi Party, has decided to consult the people on what should replace it.

"Hindutva" Militates Against Secularism

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on August 18.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its strong opposition to the various statements being made by the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat on `Hindutva’ which militates against the secular concept of Indian citizenship. Hindutva is a majoritarian concept which is part of the narrow and divisive agenda of the RSS.

On Winding-up Planning Commission

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement August 19, 2014

PRIME Minister Modi has announced that the Planning Commission would be wound up. This step has been publicly taken a day after the parliament session ended, without any discussion in parliament or consultation with political parties or other concerned entities. This decision is in line with the prevailing neo-liberal view that there is no need even for a semblance of planning in a market oriented economy.

Heights of Brutality: Murder after Gang-Rape in Kanthi Shocks West Bengal

THE horrific incident of gang-rape and murder of a CPI(M) member in Kanthi has shaken the conscience of West Bengal. Thousands came into streets protesting the heinous crime, perpetrated by Trinamool activists in Sunia village of Kanthi in East Midnapore.

Prime Minister’s Independence Day Speech: Talking & Walking in Opposite Directions

INDIA’S new prime minister Narendra Modi’s maiden speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of our Independence Day evoked appreciation from the traditional drumbeaters of the RSS/BJP and a widespread adulation from the growing tribe of `fresh converts’ – including some erstwhile pretentious secular liberals – who seem to be bending over backwards to earn brownie points in the race for some official patronage or appointments to share the spoils of office.

Continuing Assault on Scientific Temper

Akin to a seed cast on the Earth, a word planted in the heart will bear fruit someday. – From A Word Planted in The Heart, Devanur MahadevaTHE high economic growth seeking polity in India today is highly submissive and cooperative towards casteist, communal, obscurantist and occult traditions. This is reflected yet again in the recent incidents of malicious attacks on a science activist and an academic in Karnataka.

CTUs to Hold National Protest Convention

ALL central trade unions, including CITU, have decided to hold a national convention of workers in Delhi in the first week of September, in protest against the onslaught on the working class by the Narendra Modi government through its move to amend various fundamental labour laws.The central trade unions -- CITU, AITUC, INTUC, BMS and HMS -- at a meeting on August 7 vehemently opposed both the unilateral path taken by the central government, totally ignoring the central trade unions, and dangerous anti-labour contents of the amendments.The central trade unions (CTUs) said the amendments –

The Week in Parliament

ON August 6, minister of state for corporate affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman presented India’s stand at the WTO. Speaking on the clarification on the statement given by the minister, Sitaram Yechury pointed out that since 1994, CPI(M) has been consistently opposing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade saying that this is detrimental to our country’s interest and now according to the minister’s statement it has proved to be correct. The clarification pertains to Para 8.

Ad-hocism in the Decisions to Modify Labour Laws

Beginning with Rajasthan, labour legislations are being modified and it seems to have the blessings of the new dispensation at the centre. The government of India too has announced its decision to amend important legislations and has called for public comments. But ad-hoc changes as planned do little for the working class, while ensuring that employers do not attract the ire of the law.

Search form

Peoples Democracy newsletter