Category Archives: General

Convention by Left Parties against FDI in Multi-Brand Retail

03 Monday Dec 2012

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New Delhi, Dec 3 In a veiled attack on Samajwadi Party, CPI(M) today said the vote on FDI in retail could be defeated if all parties which had pledged support to UPA vote against the government, which appears to have “arranged” votes through “wholesale trading”. Addressing the ‘Convention Against FDI in Multi-Brand Retail Trade’, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury launched an attack on Congress-led UPA saying the government was responsible for disruption in Parliament for five days by not accepting the demand for vote on FDI. “We had demanded a discussion entailing voting on FDI. For five days, the government did accept it. Government did not allow Parliament to function (by not allowing vote for five days) and it is responsible for this. “They accepted for a vote after five days. They needed five days for arranging votes. If parties like SP, TDP and JD(S), who were with us on streets to protest, also vote against FDI, the government will be defeated,” he said. Yechury said if SP or BSP, which are opposed to FDI, abstain or vote with government then it will win. Alleging that Congress knows how to “manage” votes citing JMM bribery case and cash for vote scam, he said, “The government is known for this. There is trading, may be wholesale trading. Congress has experience in this.” Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, JD-S leader H D Deve Gowda and Chandrababu Naidu of TDP had courted arrest along with Left leaders in protest against FDI in retail. Yechury said the government does not have majority in Rajya Sabha and it could lose the vote. He also took potshots at Trinamool Congress saying it is the party which brought no-confidence motion but later said they would not insist on voting on FDI at the all-party meeting. “Why do Trinamool do this? To help whom?” he asked. “The parties should honestly vote on this issue,” he said.

Rubbishing Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath’s assertion that the vote on FDI need to be won in only one House, Yechury said the Left parties won’t subscribe to it and added that it has to be won in both the Houses. On government’s plans to bring RBI amendments in FEMA to allow FDI in multi-brand retail, he said, “It should be voted separately. If the government is bringing it together, we will bring amendments later. “So, there will be more than one voting on the issue. We have time till next Budget session. We have to keep the momentum till then,” he said. Yechury also targeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying, “He worships American capitalism as his local deity.” CPI National Secretary D Raja said the Left parties will oppose the “retrograde” steps adopted by the government. He wondered why the government is rigid on inviting FDI when a majority is against it.

Fight and Defeat FDI in Multi-Brand Retail

03 Monday Dec 2012

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The UPA-II government is hell-bent to impose Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail. The cabinet has already taken decision in the matter for allowing 51% FDI, despite widespread opposition from traders, opposition parties and even some of the allies in the UPA. The decision was taken by the government against the solemn assurance in the Parliament by the present President of India and  then Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, that the decision on FDI in retail would not be taken till there is a consensus.

The issue did not start now. In 2004, Hilary Clinton visited India and met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and pressurised for early decision on FDI in retail so that MNCs like Wall Mart can descend to India to maximise their profit. It is said that the Prime Minister suggested to Hilary Clinton to meet Budhdeb Bhattacharya, then Chief Minister of W.Bengal and persuade him to agree. The Left Parties  were then supporting the UPA-I Government and the latter cannot afford to agree without the consent of Left. Of course, Budhdeb did not agree. The Left Parties continued their opposition and the government could not bring FDI in retail.

Again in 2012 Hillary Clinton arrived in India and the main purpose was to ensure that the government clears FDI in detail. Within weeks, the Cabinet took the contentious decision. The first four days of the winter session of the Parliament was disrupted due to the adamant position of the government denying discussion.  At last it was compelled to announce that the matter can be discussed under Rule 184 with voting.

The discussion will take place on 4th and 5th of December 2012. Though the Congress as usual is stated to have managed a majority in the Lok Sabha somehow, as they have done earlier by corrupt means, it will be a problem for it in the Rajya Sabha where the opposition parties are in majority.  What will happen in the Lok Sabha is also to be seen due to the vacillating stand of parties like BSP and SP.

Government is propagating that FDI in multi-brand retail will bring huge foreign exchange, will reduce the prices and will benefit the farmers and agricultural producers. According to the government, it will generate much required employment also. Hence all parties should support this benign decision according to the government.

The why the Left and other opposition parties are opposing? The arguments of the government are against the well-known facts. Wall Mart, Carryfour and other such giant MNCs have entered many countries and what happened there  is for all to see. The Foreign Exchange brought by these MNCs has been taken back from those countries with big profit. The concerned countries did not benefit at all. The prices might have gone down initially but again it has gone up. Millions of retail traders had lost their jobs compared to the small number of people who got jobs in these malls or marts.  It is preciously what will happen in India also. About 4 crore retail shops are going to be adversely affected by the entry of these giant shops. The future of  4 crore families with about 15-20 crores of dependent people  are going to be doomed. Farmers will not get any benefit since the MNCs will decide the prices. The Wall Mart is not allowed to start shops in many of the states in USA, including New York by the people there, mainly because of all these disadvantages. The beneficiaries will only be the MNCs and the country of their base since the profits will be taken back. Wall Mart is facing charges of bribery for operations in Mexico, China and India.

The government will have to amend the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), since FDI in retail sector is completely banned by  FEMA. The amendments made by the Reserve Bank in this connection will have to be approved by the Parliament. This also will be a bottleneck for the government which require at least 30 days’ notice.

The Left  and other opposition parties are determined to defeat the move of the government. They have already started well-planned propaganda among the people. A well-attended meeting of the four Left Parties viz , CPI(M), CPI, RSP and Forward block was held at Constitution Club in Delhi today, 3rd December 2012, with participation of the retail traders’ organisations. Coms. Prakash Karat, Sitaram Yechury (CPIM), A.B.Burdhan, D.Raja (CPI), T.J.Chandra Chudan(RSP), Biswas (FB) and other leaders addressed the meeting. They declared that the fight will be taken up not only inside the Parliament but outside also. They stated that even if the government manages to approve the decision in the Parliament somehow, they will organise a strong protest movement and will not allow the Wall Marts to open shops in India.

Yes, there is no doubt that the entry of Wall Mart and other such MNCs are against the interest of the country and the people and have to be resisted with all our might. Let us all be part of this resistant movement.

 

SC issues guidelines to curb eve-teasing at public places

01 Saturday Dec 2012

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New Delhi, November 30, 2012

Terming the consequences of eve-teasing as “disastrous,” the Supreme Court on Friday issued a slew of guidelines to curb the menace and asked government to depute women cops in plain clothes at public places.

“All the state governments and Union territories are directed to depute

plain-clothes female police officers in the precincts of bus stands, railway stations, metro stations, cinema theatres, shopping malls, parks, beaches, public service vehicles, places of worship etc. so as to monitor and supervise incidents of eve-teasing,” a bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra said.

The court said the guidelines were necessary as there is “no uniform law” to deal with the menace.

“We notice that there is no uniform law in this country to curb eve-teasing effectively in or within the precincts of educational institutions, places of worship, bus stands, metro-stations, railway stations, cinema theatres, parks, beaches, places of festival, public service vehicles or any other similar place,” the bench said.

The court, in its 26-page judgement, said the menace of eve teasing can be effectively curbed with a little effort and if unchecked, its consequences could be “disastrous” as like sexual harassment, eve-teasing amounts to violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“Consequences of not curbing such a menace, needless to say, are at times disastrous. There are many instances where girls of young age are being harassed, which sometimes may lead to serious psychological problems and even committing suicide.

“Every citizen in this country has the right to live with dignity and honour which is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Sexual harassment like eve teasing amounts to violation of rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 15 as well,” it said.

The apex court laid down the guidelines in the judgement by which it set aside a verdict of the Madras high court.

The high court had set aside the judgement of a Central Administrative Tribunal upholding the dismissal of policeman The state government and the Union territories will have to install CCTV in strategic positions which itself would be a deterrent and if detected, the offender could be caught, it said.

“Persons in-charge of educational institutions, places of worship, cinema theatres, railway stations, bus stands have to take steps as they deem fit to prevent eve-teasing, within their precincts and, on a complaint being made, they must pass on the information to the nearest police station or the women?s help centre,” it added.

If the offence is committed in a commercial vehicle, then it would be required that a police complaint be lodged by the person in charge of the vehicle or otherwise, it would lead to cancellation of the permit to ply, it said.

“State governments and Union Territories are directed to establish Women? Helpline in various cities and towns, so as to curb eve teasing within three months,” it said.

Suitable sign boards, cautioning such act of eve-teasing, be exhibited in all public places, it said, adding that “Responsibility is also on the passers-by and on noticing such incident, they should also report the same to the nearest police station or to Women Helpline to save the victims from such crimes.”( A report from Vimala Vidya)

Palestine wins non-member observer state status in UN

01 Saturday Dec 2012

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Hebron, 30th Nov: Palestine overwhelmingly won a historical UN General Assembly vote which will upgrade its status to non-member observer state at the world body, despite intense opposition from the US and Israel.
India was among the 138 nations in the 193-member body that voted in favour while nine countries opposed the resolution that sought upgrading the status of Palestinian Authority from ‘entity’ to ‘non-member observer state.
The US, Israel ec. were resisting the application of the Palestine for membership in the UN since 1949. Now that the non-member obserrver status has been given, the next step is to get full membership. The US, Israel etc. were isolated this time. It is a great decision by the UN. Congratulations to Palestine people an

Lift the blockade of Cuba – Free the Cuban Five

29 Thursday Nov 2012

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The inhuman economic blockade of Cuba started by US in 1962 is still continuing causing irreparable loss and damage  to the people of Cuba. Despite the large majority of the countries have condemned the US for the blockade, the US Government is not prepared to lift the unjustified and barbaric blockade. The recent session of the UN General Assembly with huge majority once again condemned US for the blockade. There were only two countries to support the US  – Israel and Palau. Two other countries – Micronesia and Marshall Island abstained. Except these five countries, including US, all other countries unequivocally condemned the blockade.

Cuban people are put to acute sufferings due to the blockade. Due to the US blockade, other countries are not allowed to do business and trade with this small island nation. It is estimated that Cuba has lost more than 1,066 trillion dollars due to the blockade. The health care and the agricultural sector are seriously affected. Foodstuff has to be purchased from distant countries resulting in very high expenditure. The crime of Cuba is that it achieved its independence defeating the imperialist forces and adopted the socialist path.

Cuba’s five young men are in US jails. Their only crime is that they exposed certain secret missions of the US and its henchmen to attack Cuba and capture the country. It is the fundamental right and duty of all to ensure the safety of their mother/fatherland. That only is what they did.

The people all over the world are demanding that the blockade of Cuba be lifted and the Cuban Five are released. The US should accept the world opinion and end the blockade and free the Cuban Five.

 

The Government faces stiff opposition on FDI in Multi-brand retail

26 Monday Nov 2012

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The UPA-II government is facing stiff opposition on its decision for 50 % FDI in multi-brand retail which will seal the fate of more than 4 crore small traders and their families. The government has become so obessed with the reforms and neo-liberalisation policies that it has become blind to the miseries of the people that the policies will impose on them.

It is the duty of the opposition and also the UPA’s allies to defeat the government’s attack on the people. They should unite and defeat the government’s game.

Delhi leads in number of vehicles

21 Wednesday Nov 2012

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Can you believe? Delhi has got more than 74 lakh vehicles registered, including more than 23 lakhs cars/jeeps and also 46 lakhs motor cycles/scooters. The figures for 2011-12 are as follows: Car/jeeps: 23,43,113, Motor Cycle/scooter : 46,44,146, Auto-riksha: 88,197,  Taxis: 69,780, Buses : 64,033 and goods vehicles: 2,28,886. From 2010-2011 to 2011-2012, there has been an increase of 5,05,449 vehicles.

The lack of public transport system is one reason for the increase. Further, there is a section who can well afford to have the convenience of a car.

The government should act to increase and improve the roads to stop the jamming of the roads and also control the smoke.

 

Left Parties collect 5 crore signature on Food Security cause.

18 Sunday Nov 2012

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Continuing their campaign for a Food Security Law, supply of 35 kgs of food grains at not more than Rs. 2 per kg and opposing cash transfer scheme instead of food supply, the Left Parties consisting of  CPI, CPI(M), AIFB and RSP, has decided to collect signatures from 5 crore of people to be submitted to the Prime Minister of India. The signature campaign will be organised in the months of December 2012 and January 2013. Squad of workers will go from house to house to collect the signatures. The collected signatures are to be deposited to the State level headquarters by 31 January 2013 for submission to the Prime Minister.

It is a sorry affair that even after 6 decades of independence, the central government has utterly failed to supply required food grains to the poor and needy. We appreciate the programme of the Left Parties and hope that not only 5 crores but more signatures will be obtained and submitted to the Prime Minister to take immediate action.

We condemn Israel for the brutal attck on people of Palestine

18 Sunday Nov 2012

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Israel is at it again. It has once again attacked Palestine and killed about 40 citizens including 4 small children and the military chief of Hamas, Ahmed Jabbari. Israel, with its mighty striking power and the backing of United States has been continuously expanding its territory to Gaza and also attacking Palestine  now and then. Despite the fact that many countries have opposed the attack, Israel continues its bombing in Gaza.

Government of India has not reacted. It should condemn the attack. Further it should stop the military purchases from Israel, the villain country attacking its neighbours to destroy and capture them. It is a threat to the democratic world.

The leadership change in China – the fifth generation of leaders

15 Thursday Nov 2012

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Xi appointed new CPC chief; to replace Hu as Prez in March

Beijing, Nov 15 : Xi Jinping was today appointed the new  General Secretary of China’s ruling CPC in a smooth power transition  that ushered in a fifth generation of leaders to steer the world’s  second largest economy over the next decade, ending the 10-year reign of  President Hu Jintao.     59-year-old Xi, who was the Vice President  till now, will replace Hu as President in March, while Li Keqiang, 57,  will succeed Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.     Xi was also named the chief of the 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest standing military, allowing the new leader to have a free hand in running the most populous nation. The chhange has been smooth and orderly.