The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Left leaders in Tripura have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of CPIM’s All India General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury. His passing marks a significant loss not only for the party but also for the broader Left and secular movements in the country. In response, party leaders are calling for renewed efforts to strengthen the unity of the Left, secular, and democratic forces in honor of Yechury’s legacy.
Yechury, who passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday at AIIMS, New Delhi, had been suffering from a severe respiratory tract infection. His untimely demise has shocked political circles across the nation, with many recognizing his pivotal role in shaping contemporary Left politics. Manik Sarkar, CPIM Politburo member and former Chief Minister of Tripura, along with State Party Secretary Jitendra Choudhury, led the tributes, emphasizing the importance of continuing Yechury’s work.
Sarkar spoke with profound emotion as he reflected on Yechury’s immense contribution to the Left movement. “Sitaram Yechury was a pillar of strength and one of the most recognizable faces of the Left in recent years. His death is a huge blow not only to the CPIM but to the broader struggle of secular and democratic forces in India. We must now, more than ever, unite these forces to continue the work he so passionately believed in,” said Sarkar.
Yechury’s political career was marked by his calm demeanor and his ability to build alliances. His political stance, often seen as pragmatic and accommodative, earned him respect across the political spectrum. Sarkar highlighted Yechury’s unique ability to connect with a wide range of groups and build consensus, a skill that will be sorely missed as the Left navigates through challenging times.
In a similar vein, Jitendra Choudhury remembered Yechury for his contributions to Tripura, especially in mobilizing students and youth for the cause of the Left. Choudhury acknowledged that Yechury had played a significant role in intensifying the students’ and youth movements in the state. “His efforts to galvanize the younger generation into the Left movement were unparalleled,” said Choudhury.
He further emphasized that the best way to honor Yechury’s memory is by consolidating the Left Front, secular-democratic platforms, and launching a larger mass movement aimed at addressing the problems faced by the common people. “Yechury believed that the true fight lay in uniting all forces against the enemies of the working class. It is now our responsibility to take this movement forward,” Choudhury added.
Yechury’s death has left a considerable vacuum, and both Sarkar and Choudhury agree that this will be difficult to fill. However, they also pointed out that the loss can serve as a rallying cry for a stronger, more focused movement. They urged party workers and leaders to sharpen their focus on grassroots movements and engage with the masses more directly.
Parents Demand Revision of Exam Schedule Following Floods
In a related development, parents of students in non-government schools in Tripura are voicing their anger over the refusal of several schools to postpone the semi-annual examinations. This has become a contentious issue as many families were severely affected by the recent floods that caused widespread destruction in the state.
Despite the state education department’s directive to reschedule the half-yearly examinations in response to the floods, many schools have not complied. Schools such as Assam Rifles Public School, Don Bosco School, and Shri Krishna Mission School have been named among those that have not revised their schedules.
One parent expressed frustration, saying, “The state education department postponed the exams for government schools from September 24 to October 30 to give affected families time to recover. Why should non-government schools be any different?”
Parents are appealing to the state education minister and the chief minister to intervene and ensure that non-government schools follow the new schedule, allowing affected students enough time to prepare.
Labour Department Urges Industry to Increase Durga Puja Bonus Amid Crisis
Meanwhile, with Durga Puja approaching, the Labour Department of Tripura has urged industrial establishments to increase the bonuses granted to workers this year. Given the aftereffects of the recent floods, which caused significant damage to property and livelihoods, Minister Tinku Roy emphasized the need for additional financial support for workers.
Speaking at a press conference following a tripartite meeting between the state government, industry owners, and workers, Roy said, “We have requested industrial establishments to increase the Puja bonuses this year, considering the hardship faced by workers due to the floods. The bonus distribution will begin in the third week of September.”
In addition to the bonus announcement, Roy also declared one-time financial assistance of Rs 4,000 to be given to 42,981 registered construction workers who were affected by the floods. This assistance will be drawn from the Cess fund of the Tripura Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, with a total outlay of Rs 17 crore.
Further support has been allocated to various social security projects under the Tripura Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, which aims to help construction workers and their families. The state government is also providing medical benefits to workers under the Employees State Insurance scheme, with Rs 2 crore already disbursed to 26,670 beneficiaries in the 2023-24 financial year.
The Labour Department continues to issue circulars bi-annually in April and October, adjusting variable dearness allowances for workers in 20 listed occupations, including cleaners, goldsmiths, and petrol pump attendants, based on the Consumer Price Index.
Roy concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to supporting workers through various schemes, especially in light of the challenges posed by the recent natural disasters.
