old age pensions

In a powerful display of solidarity, non-teaching staff from state universities and colleges in Bihar staged a two-day pen-down strike this Wednesday. Their list of 15 critical demands highlights issues such as equitable salaries and pensions, a boost in the retirement age, and the integration of daily-wage workers into permanent roles.

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam's manifesto, spanning 94 pages, outlines comprehensive promises for Tamil Nadu voters. Key pledges include monthly financial aid for women, free bus rides, and healthcare initiatives. The party also committed to youth development, farmer support, police reforms, and economic revival for MSMEs and weavers.

Actor Vijay's new party, TVK, has made a significant electoral impact in Tamil Nadu with a welfare-focused manifesto. Promising women's safety, youth employment, and transparent governance through technology, TVK challenges established parties. Key initiatives include monthly aid for women, free LPG, and skill development programs, aiming to reshape the state's political landscape.

Electoral analysts estimate that Matua voters influence outcomes in 60 to 65 assembly seats. In the second phase alone, they are a key factor in 21 constituencies. In tightly contested elections, this scale of influence gives the community leverage that political parties cannot ignore. This is evident in recent electoral trends.

In a shocking turn of events, a man from Porthcawl has confessed to concealing his elderly mother’s remains in a chest freezer for nearly two years, all while he collected her benefits. Christopher Phillips faced charges of preventing lawful burial and committing fraud. The tragic discovery was made by authorities during a welfare check initiated by her worried doctor.

A 72-year-old retired teacher with decades of public service has been removed from the electoral roll in Khanakul, despite submitting extensive documentation. Sk Asraful Haque, who served as a teacher-in-charge and presiding officer, questions how his name could be deleted given his valid passport, land records, and pension order. He has filed an appeal to restore his voting rights.

From a base figure of 7.66 crore before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) started in Bengal, the voters’ list stands pruned to about 6.77 crore. The names of more than 90 lakh people have been removed from the electoral rolls ahead of assembly polls. Here are some of them

A 97-year-old partition refugee, Subarna Bala Poddar, who has voted in every election, has been disenfranchised after her name was deleted from the voter list during a special revision. Despite submitting multiple documents, her family's appeals have been rejected, leaving them baffled and determined to fight for her voting rights.

Eighty-eight-year-old Suprabuddha Sen, grandson of renowned artist Nandalal Bose, and his 82-year-old wife have been removed from the voter list in Bolpur, despite submitting all necessary documents. Sen, a lifelong resident and consistent voter, expressed dismay over the deletion, questioning the process after decades of participation in elections.

Kerala's UDF and LDF manifestos mirror each other with welfare and development promises, including increased pensions and infrastructure projects. Both prioritize elderly care, recognizing its electoral significance. While LDF pledges poverty eradication and women's employment, UDF proposes schemes similar to Congress-ruled states. Experts question the fiscal feasibility of these assurances amidst Kerala's debt crisis.

In a heartwarming twist on tradition, a 64-year-old Uttar Pradesh resident, Rakesh Yadav, threw a remarkable 'living terahvi' feast for 1,900 guests. By inviting everyone to celebrate his life instead of mourning his passing, he aimed to foster connections and lighten the financial strain often associated with such gatherings.

BJP state leader Aditya Sahu condemned Jharkhand Chief Minister's new residence project, dubbing it a 'sheeshmahal' and a grotesque misuse of funds that should benefit the tribal and moolvasi communities. He drew attention to the dire need for essential services for the underprivileged, starkly juxtaposed with the opulent structure planned.