Rollback Full Price Increase

After increasing the price of petrol by Rs. 7.54 per litre including taxes, the oil companies have now announced a token cut of Rs. 2 per litre. This is unacceptable because the increase in the price of petrol is still Rs. 5.54 per litre.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demand that there should be a rollback of the entire price increase.

The Left parties will continue their agitation for the reversal of the price increase.

Railway Accidents : Minister's Responsibility

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern at the spate of railway accidents occurring in the country. The latest accident on May 31 is that of the Howrah-Dehradun Express that derailed in Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Five persons were killed and several injured. The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

Just nine days before, there was another major accident when the Hampi Express rammed into a goods train killing 25 passengers and injuring 55 persons on May 22. Prior to this, on May 6, the Ferozpur-Punjab Mail drawn from Mumbai had a derailment of six coaches in Rohtak in which 29 persons were injured.

The responsibility for this shocking state of affairs in the railways lies with the Railway Minister Mukul Roy. He seems more pre-occupied with the Trinamul Congress affairs and assignments in West Bengal.

The talk of sabotage by the Railway Minister and Ms. Mamata Banerjee cannot hide the fact that the railways are in a poor state with elementary safety standards being neglected.

The Prime Minister should not ignore the dereliction of duty by the Railway Minister and remain a hapless spectator.

Don't Bypass Parliament on Foreign Educational Institution Entry

It is reported that the HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, on the eve of his visit to the USA to attend the Indo-US CEO Forum meeting, is keen to find a way to satisfy the demand of US educational institutions for easy entry into India, by introducing liberalised UGC rules which do not require the assent of Parliament. Since the relevant Bill for entry of foreign educational institutions is pending before Parliament, this would be a clear case of bypassing Parliament and is contempt of Parliament.

The CPI(M) warns the Minister against any such move. On the contrary those foreign owned institutions operating in India in violation of the law must be proceeded against and steps taken to prevent any further violations.