CPI(M) urges Tamil Nadu State Government to eradicate untouchability

The Tamil Nadu State committee of the CPI(M) on Wednesday called upon the State government to take legal and administrative initiatives to put an end to untouchability in various forms.

Recalling how the consistent efforts of the party and the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front had resulted in bringing together the Dalits and other communities in Uthapuram and the entry of Dalits into the local temple, State secretary G. Ramakrishnan urged the government to take a cue from Uthapuram and eradicate it at other parts.

A resolution in this regard was adopted in the two day state committee meeting of the party that began on Wednesday.

The party thanked the Madurai district administration and police for their efforts to bring unity among Dalits and other communities in Uthapuram.

“But untouchability is prevailing in other parts of the State and there was a need to address the issues to eradicate the social evil. It is manifesting itself in the form of two-tumbler system, denial of the right to use common paths, wells, burial grounds in villages and denial of temple entry. These practices are against social justice and democracy,” the resolution said.]

(source : the hindu)

Oppose Pension Bill

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

Oppose Pension Bill

The Polit Bureau reiterates its strong opposition to the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Bill which has been cleared by the Union Cabinet.

The Pension Bill will deprive lakhs of government employees both at the Centre and state level of their right to get an assured rate of pension at the time of retirement which they have been enjoying. The government has ignored the Standing Committee’s recommendations in this regard. The Bill will provide the legal backing for putting the pension funds into the stock market. This neo-liberal measure is being undertaken despite the pension funds in Western countries being badly hit by the 2008 financial crisis. Many employees found their pension benefits being sharply curtailed.

The provision for 26 per cent FDI in the pension sector has to be totally opposed. The government is not including this provision in the Bill so that it can increase the FDI component in later years without amending the law.

This Bill should not be passed in parliament. The CPI(M) appeals to the entire opposition to unitedly defeat the passage of the Bill.