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Brittas seeks to halt Palakkad rly division bifurcation plan

The Upper House MP from Kerala further stated, “During the 2000s, we witnessed the formation of the Salem Division from Palakkad, which itself was a blow to the State’s railway infrastructure…reports Asian Lite News

John Brittas, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP, has written a letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, expressing concerns over the reported plans to bifurcate the Palakkad Railway Division to create a new Mangalore Division.

In his letter, John Brittas stated, “I write to you today to express my profound concern and to seek your urgent intervention regarding the reported plans to bifurcate the existing Palakkad Division to create a new Mangalore Division. This proposed decision, if implemented, would not only disrupt the efficient functioning of the Palakkad Division but also further marginalize the State of Kerala, which has long been subjected to neglect in terms of railway development and resource allocation.”

“The Palakkad Division has consistently outperformed many others in terms of passenger traffic and revenue generation, standing as a testament to its strategic significance and operational efficiency. The proposal to carve out a new Mangalore Division from the existing Palakkad Division appears to be part of a larger conspiracy against Kerala, a move that is neither justified by economic rationale nor administrative necessity. It is perplexing to observe that such a move, if true, directly contradicts the detailed press statement issued by Southern Railway in May 2024, which categorically stated that there were no plans, discussions, or proposals regarding the closure of the Palakkad Division or the establishment of any new divisions,” he added.

The Upper House MP from Kerala further stated, “During the 2000s, we witnessed the formation of the Salem Division from Palakkad, which itself was a blow to the State’s railway infrastructure. The current move, reportedly under the guise of administrative restructuring, threatens to further diminish the capabilities of the Palakkad Division, undermining the progress and convenience it has provided to millions of passengers and businesses.”

“Kerala has consistently been at the receiving end of railway neglect. Critical projects and demands, including the introduction of new third and fourth tracks, the allotment of new trains, including new Vande Bharat Expresses, and the much-needed approval for the SilverLine project, have all been met with undue delays or outright neglect. Additionally, Kerala’s enduring demand for a dedicated railway zone remains unfulfilled, further marginalizing the State in the national railway landscape. The long-promised rail coach factory in Kanjikode, once heralded as a significant development, was also systematically denied, exacerbating the sense of neglect and discrimination. The State’s railway infrastructure lags behind despite its substantial contribution to the national railway revenue, a disparity that calls for urgent redressal rather than further division,” he added.

The CPI(M) MP further emphasized, “The people of Kerala have always extended their wholehearted support to the Indian Railways, yet their legitimate aspirations and needs have been overlooked. The proposed division would not only be a logistical and operational setback but also a severe blow to the morale and trust of the people of Kerala in the national railway system.”

“In light of these concerns, I earnestly urge your good self to give urgent directions to the authorities concerned to reconsider and desist from the so-called plan to create a new Mangalore Division by bifurcating the Palakkad Division. Instead, I appeal to your esteemed office to focus on addressing the long-standing developmental needs of Kerala’s railway infrastructure,” he concluded. (ANI)

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Brittas’ Left hook against CUET

CPI(M) RS member says that CUET was introduced by the Centre to deny marks and admission to south Indian students in Delhi…reports Asian Lite News

CPI(M) member John Brittas said on Monday that the CUET introduced by the Centre is to deny marks and admission to south Indian students in Delhi, which was immediately condemned by Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar.

During the discussion over the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, Dhankar intervened several times and objected to the statements made by Brittas, who said the Centre should entrust the state governments to conduct the test.

“I have studied in JNU. JNU has been conducting its tests for 50 years without any leaks. Now you introduced CUET (Common University Entrance Test).

“The only reason why you introduced CUET was because you see a lot of South Indian students getting admission to Delhi University. You have brought CUET to deny admission to south Indian students here,” Brittas said.

Dhankar intervened and condemned his statement.

“You started with a very lofty quote of the oath and look where you have landed. In a country like ours, which is one, you are raising a different kind of voice. I strongly condemn it,” he said.

Brittas raised the issue of paper leak and said the Centre should entrust the state governments to conduct the test.

“You brought all the exams to Delhi,” Brittas said, making certain remarks against the RSS pracharaks. Dhankar immediately intervened and asked to expunge the remarks which cannot be substantiated. Brittas said some coaching institutions and beef companies have also given electoral bonds to BJP.

Immediately after he remarked on electoral bonds, Dhankar and Brittas entered into an exchange of words. Dhankar intervened during the speech and said Brittas had “lost his way”, while the CPI(M) member said the chairperson was trying to derail him.

“You have completely lost your way. I can’t derail you. You are derailing yourself. You are trying to create a mechanism whereby you can get publicity. Talk of substance. Make your contribution,” Dhankar said.

Brittas said the prime minister and ministers take an oath, which mentions working in the interest of all people without any discrimination.

He said the prime minister had broken his oath when he called Muslims “infiltrators”. He said the BJP members should change their party symbol from lotus to bulldozer.

“Last time on the discussion on the motion of thanks, I had said Siya Ram is not with you. You were with Nathu Ram Godse. You saw it in the election. Siya Ram left you. You have been defeated thoroughly in Faizabad. All the gods have deserted you,” Brittas said.

The CPI(M) member continued to attack the ruling government over educational issues.

“Education for you is to invent a new past because every fascist believes that those who control the past control the future,” he said. Brittas said history has changed and Babri Masjid has been obliterated from the history of India.

“Tomorrow, the students will study that Gandhi ji died of flu or pneumonia and Nathu Ram came to take Gandhi ji to the hospital. Our students will be studying in History,” Brittas said.

Dhankar again intervened when Brittas pointed towards BJD member Sasmit Patra whose party recently lost polls in the Odisha assembly election. “History of the BJP has been to eat all the allies,” Brittas said.

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‘CUET-UG result to be announced soon’

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Meanwhile, the the University Grant Commission said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) was working on announcing the result of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) and the date will be notified soon.

The NTA’s information bulletin provided June 30 as the date for the declaration of CUET-UG results. However, the results were not announced on June 30. There has been no official communication from NTA.

When asked about the possible release of CUET UG results, UGC chief Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said, “NTA is working on it and will announce the results date soon.”

CUET-UG serves as the primary admission test for undergraduate programmes at 46 Central universities. This year’s exam, conducted in both online and pen-and-paper formats, took place from May 15 to May 31. The NTA conducts CUET-UG on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

As the National Testing Agency (NTA) grapples with paper leak allegations involving NEET-UG and UGC-NET. The controversy has impacted several other entrance tests including CUET UG.

The delay in the result will also impact admissions at several universities.

The NTA is under scrutiny following recent allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and PhD entrance NET exams. In response, the Centre has established a panel to ensure the NTA conducts examinations transparently, smoothly, and fairly.

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Brittas urges to withdraw essential drugs price hike

He mentioned that last year’s increase was just 0.53 per cent and it was 1.88 per cent in 2020…reports Asian Lite News

CPI-M Rajya Sabha Member John Brittas on Friday urged the government to withdraw the hike in price of essential drugs.

Raising the issue in Zero Hour, the MP from Kerala said: “Life of common man is becoming tougher by the day. People are already reeling under price hike with fuel rates going up every day. Unfortunately, prices of more than 800 essential items is being increased by 11 per cent.”

Terming the hike “unprecedented”, Brittas said: “It is unprecedented as there has never been such a steep increase in the prices. When the whole country is passing through a health emergency, this should be avoided by any sensitive government. But a gross insensitivity is being shown to the people.”

He mentioned that last year’s increase was just 0.53 per cent and it was 1.88 per cent in 2020. “There was no steep price hike in previous years. I urged the government to withdraw the hike in price of essential medicines, Brittas said.

Shiv Sena Member Priyanka Chaturvedi also associated with the issue and said cost of living is increasing every single day and the government must consider giving some relief to the people.

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