The entire country is in the grip of Covid. Central and state governments have to ensure sufficient beds and treatment in the hospitals. Sufficient oxygen supply required. Central government should ensure that sufficient vaccine is provided, either by manufacture in the country or by purchase from outside. All this should be free to the people.

It is in time of crises that governments have to show its capability and action.

Dear Comrades and Friends, The central government employees and their organisations are observing the 60th anniversary of the heroic and historical strike of the 11th July 1960 Strike of the central government employees from 11th July 2020 for one year. That was the biggest strike in Independent India since then, which was brutally suppressed by the central government by invoking Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance and arresting tens of thousands of workers and putting them in jail. Thousands were terminated and dismissed from service. 14 comrades became martyrs. Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan and myself are in preparation of a book on this historic strike, which we propose to be published in July 2021. The book will be in Malayalam. Since this historical strike and its experience are part of the trade union movement in the country, I am going to serially post the same in English from tomorrow onwards in the Facebook and in my blog vannamboodiri.com It was very difficult to get all information about the strike, after a period of 60 years. But we have tried our best for the same. Any comrade who have got more information on the subject may kindly enlighten us. Also comments on the postings are also invited so that we can improve wherever necessary. V.A.N.Namboodiri

Many covid patients have died due to unavailability of oxygen in the last few weeks. Vaccine is also not available as required. Even the Supreme Court and many High Courts have admonished the central government for its lethargic attitude in making available these life saving essentials.

It is the demand all over India as that of state governments also that the Central government should make available sufficient quantity of oxygen and vaccine free.

BJP had stated that they will get about 35-40 seats in Kerala. In the last elections, they had one seat. This time Prime Minister Mr. Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and a lot of central ministers and all India leaders of BJP toured Kerala several times and conducted rallies and attacked the State Government. Central agencies like ED, CBI etc. were utilised to malign the state government.

But despite all these, BJP lost even its single seat also. Now BJP has no seat in the assembly. Kerala people has shown them their right place.

Left democratic Front led by Com.Pinarayi Vijayam, Chief Minister has won elections in Kerala for the second term with flying colours. Despite all anti-propaganda, lies and slanders unleashed by the Congress and BJP, it has won 99 seats out of a total of 140 seats. The people whole heartedly voted LDF , which implemented developmental programmes, looked after the people during floods and natural disasters as also during Nepa and covid situation.

Hearty Congratulations to the Pinarayi Government.

It is very difficult to believe that Com.Jothi is no more. Another precious life has been snatched away by the dreaded Corona. He was admitted to CMC, Vellore three days ago and was not responding to medicines, according to the doctors and breathed his last at 8 PM on 02-05-2021.
A militant and vibrant leader with innovative ideas on functioning has contributed enormously to strengthen AIBDPA in Vellore District. Com.Jothi was very active in the progressive movement, particularly CPI(M).
It is a great loss not only to our organisation but also to the progressive movement.
Red Salute to Com.Jothi.
Heartfelt Condolences to the bereaved family friends and Comrades

1st May, May Day, the International Day of Working Class, is here again. The May Day is being observed and celebrated through out the world by the workers and other toiling masses. The World Federation of Trade Unions(WFTU), Trade Union International (Pensioners and Retirees) and the Central Trade Unions have given call to observe the day.

The memory of the Martyrs of Chicago, August Spies, Fischer, Engel and Albert Parsons who were hanged by the US government inspire the working class world over. The “The Eight Hour Day Movement” by the Chicago workers and agitating for the same and the Hay Market meeting was the reason for charging the leaders with conspiracy and execution on 11th November 1887.

It is through such struggles and strikes that the working class have been able to achieve many gains and victories. May Day 2021 comes at a time when the working class are facing many challenges. The neo-liberal policies being implemented by the imperialist and capitalist class has created misery and heavy burden on the people. For maximising their profits, the corporates and financiers can go to any length, as we have seen. At the same time struggles are going on in many countries against these anti-people policies.

It is not different in India. The Central Trade Unions are unitedly fighting against the neo-liberal policies of the government. The workers rights are being attacked by the Modi government. The hard won gains of the working class are being snatched away. The struggle to defend the already achieved rights and for further improvement will continue. PSUs are being privatized. Labour rules are amended for more exploitation of the workers.

This year the May Day arrives when the world is reeling under the covid-19 pandemic. More than 15croes have been affected and more than 31 lakhs persons have died. In India, it is more than 18 crores affected and more than 2 lakhs persons died. The second wave is alarming, but the Central Government failed to take urgent actions to make available vaccines, oxygen etc. It is a grim situation. However it has got to be faced and many lives to be saved.

The Central Trade Unions In India have also called for observing the day in a befitting manner maintaining Covid protocol.

MAY DAY GREETINGS TO ALL!

A per the latest policy of the central government, the states will have to purchase covid vaccine from the manufacturers directly at the rate of Rs. 400.

Despite this difficulty, Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister has declared that vaccination will be given free as before, despite huge financial difficulties. Congratulations to Pinarayi Government!

The latest decision of the Central government that the states should directly purchase the Covid vaccine from the manufacturers is almost evading its responsibility to supply vaccine to the states. 50% of the manufactured vaccine is to be supplied to centre at lower rate, while the charge to be paid by the states are Rs.400. This is also discrimination. Private hospitals have to purchase at Rs.600. Earlier the vaccination in private hospitals cost only Rs. 250, which will now be increased to Rs.600 or more.

The central government should take full responsibility to supply vaccine free to the states. The PM Care Fund, which has got huge funds can be utilised for the same.

പ്രായമാകുമ്പോൾ സ്വന്തം ജീവിതത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ഓർക്കുക സാധാരണം. ഞാനും ആ ബലഹീനതക്ക് അടിപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. ‘സമരം ജീവിതം’ എന്ന എന്റെ പുസ്തകം 2021 ഏപ്രിൽ 27ന്ന് കോവിഡ് മാന ദണ്ഡങ്ങൾ പാലിച്ചു പ്രകാശനം ചെയ്യപ്പെടും. പ്രകാശനം ചെയ്യുന്നത് സി ഐ ടി യു വൈസ് പ്രസിഡന്റ്‌ സ. എ.കെ.പദ്മനാഭൻ. ഉൽഘാടനം ബഹു.തൊഴിൽ വകുപ്പ് മന്ത്രി സ. ടി. പി രാമകൃഷ്ണൻ. പരിപാടി താഴെ കൊടുക്കുന്നു. ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലുള്ള പുസ്തകം മാർച്ച്‌ 22ന്ന് ബാഗ്ലൂരിൽ വെച്ചു പ്രകാശനം ചെയ്യപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു.നിങ്ങളുടെ പിന്തുണയും ആശംസകളുമായി രുന്നു എന്നും എനിക്ക് വഴികാട്ടി; ഇന്നും.