old age pensions

In Bokaro, an 83-year-old man was mistakenly pronounced dead and faced a long, uphill battle to reclaim his old-age pension. After countless trips to government offices with no resolution in sight, he finally caught the attention of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

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.

For three decades, Rajesh Ravichandran has dug graves, inheriting the work from his father within the marginalized vettiyan community. Despite facing social discrimination and lacking permanent jobs, pensions, or safety gear, these workers perform a vital, yet stigmatized, service, often exposed to severe health risks.

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.