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Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Constitution's Preamble should not be altered, says Mayawati
: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Saturday stated the Constitution's preamble is a fundamental part of the document and should not be altered. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati (Sourced) The four-time former Uttar Pradesh chief minister made this remark in an apparent reaction to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's statement on Thursday that there should be a discussion on whether the words 'socialist' and 'secular' should remain in the Preamble as these were added later. Addressing the media at the party's state office in Lucknow, Mayawati said the BSP and the people are watching the actions of the RSS, BJP, and Congress on this issue. She accused the Congress and the BJP-led NDA government of making unnecessary changes to the Constitution to serve their respective interests and ideologies. Describing the Constitution as a sacred document that has empowered millions of people, she said any attempt to undermine it will be resisted. She advised against making any changes to the Constitution that could undermine its humanistic objectives. She said the BSP strongly condemns such actions and demands that the Constitution be respected and protected. She criticised the Congress and BJP-led NDA government for not implementing the Indian Constitution in its true spirit, which was drafted by Dr B.R Ambedkar. She expressed concern about the politics surrounding language in some states, emphasising the importance of respecting all languages as per the Constitution. The BSP president suggested that debates on language should be constructive and not lead to conflicts between governments and parties. The former chief minister highlighted the need for clarity on voter list improvements and electoral reforms, which should be done in consultation with all political parties. She expressed concern about the 'rising incidents' of communal violence, caste-based atrocities, and violence against women in various parts of the country. She called upon governments to take proactive measures to ensure women's safety and prevent such incidents. Mayawati stressed the importance of being vigilant about international terrorism and taking proactive measures to prevent it. She discussed the BSP's efforts to strengthen the party organisation across the country, including reviewing its structure and holding meetings with state-level leaders.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Trump's proposed remittance tax raises alarms among Filipino migrants
LOS ANGELES: For millions of Filipino workers in the United States, sending money back home is more than a financial transaction – it's a vital act of care and survival. A proposed 3.5 per cent tax on remittances, embedded in the Trump administration's sweeping 'One Big, Beautiful Bill,' has raised alarms among Filipino immigrants who rely on remittances to support families in the Philippines. If enacted, the tax would take effect on Jan 1, 2026, and apply to remittances sent by non-US citizens, including green card holders and H-1B visa holders. Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC), a grassroots nonprofit that services and organises low-wage and immigrant Filipino communities in the US, warned that the proposed measure would significantly harm the Filipino community. 'This bill will significantly affect Filipino workers who are not only making a living for themselves but also working hard to support their families back home in the Philippines,' she said. Versoza further criticised the proposal as discriminatory: 'Targeting remittances sent by non-US citizens with increased taxes is a clear act of discrimination that unfairly burdens immigrant communities. Tax policies should be applied equitably to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.' The proposed levy comes at a time when many Filipino families in the Philippines are already struggling with inflation and economic instability. For countless households, remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) spell the difference between financial security and hardship. Josephine Biclar, a caregiver and worker leader at the Pilipino Workers Center in Los Angeles, shared how inflation has already strained her ability to send money home. 'In our caregiving jobs, no work equals no pay. So right now, we are barely making ends meet, hardly sending anything to the Philippines because of inflation. If there are additional taxes on remittances, there will hardly be any money left to send.' Remittances are a key pillar of the Philippine economy, accounting for 8.3 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 7.4 pe cent of Gross National Income (GNI). The United States remains the largest source of these funds. In 2024, Filipino migrant workers sent a record-breaking $38.34 billion back to the Philippines – an increase of 3 per cent from the previous year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This growth was driven by both land-based and sea-based workers, highlighting the enduring commitment of OFWs to their families. Analysts warn that the proposed tax could reduce remittance flows by as much as 5.6 percent, potentially costing the Philippines an estimated $500 million annually. The US plays a central role in remittance transactions, as most remittance centers abroad channel funds through correspondent banks based in the US. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr responded cautiously, saying the central bank is still evaluating the proposed legislation and hopes it will not have a significant negative impact. Filipino immigrant communities in the US fear the measure will make their already difficult lives even harder. Some worry the tax may push workers to rely on informal and riskier channels to send money home. Versoza also pointed out logistical and ethical challenges the law could introduce: 'Additionally, money remittance service providers currently do not require information about a sender's immigration or citizenship status. Implementing this bill would not only force these companies to begin verifying this information, it would also raise significant concerns about privacy, data security and potential racial profiling. Singling out non-citizens for additional financial penalties is evidently discriminatory.' Biclar emphasised how the combined effects of inflation, taxes, and immigration fears are affecting Filipino workers' lives: 'Life for Filipinos in the US is difficult because of inflation and tariffs on remittances. Due to the high cost of living, we are forced to reduce the amount of money we send to our families in the Philippines. Sending money is really affected because even our survival here is a struggle, and if additional taxes are imposed on remittances, where else will we get extra money?' Beyond the economic impact, advocates warn that the remittance tax is part of a broader legislative package that also includes cuts to social safety nets – measures that could further marginalise immigrant communities. Biclar also cited growing anxiety among immigrants amid heightened immigration enforcement: 'Aside from tariffs and inflation, the current immigration situation in the US is affecting everyone, not only the undocumented but also those with papers. We have no choice but to slow down at work. It's scary to go out because of ICE raids.' As the bill continues to face deliberation in the Senate, its final outcome remains unclear. Still, Filipino workers and advocacy groups are preparing for the possibility that the remittance tax could become law – an outcome many believe would deeply undermine the cross-border bonds that sustain Filipino families around the world. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maya urges govt to name KGMU as CSMMU again
Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Thursday paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, hailing him as the pioneer of reservation in India. In a post on X, Mayawati urged the Yogi govt to restore the original name of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Medical University without further delay, which had been renamed as King George's Medical University by the SP govt. "The sooner this is done, the better," she said. Mayawati remembered the progressive ruler of Maharashtra's Kolhapur for his "revolutionary step of granting reservation in jobs to Dalits" and said he had become immortal in Indian history. She mentioned the initiatives taken by her four-time BSP govts to honour Shahuji Maharaj such as naming new districts and educational institutions after him and the installation of his statue in grand places and monuments. "What was particularly noteworthy was the establishment of UP's first Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University in Lucknow and its immediate opening, which was renamed as KGMU by the Samajwadi Party govt, which has always been against Dalits and Bahujans and their reservation," she said. It is sad that even after such a long time, the BJP govt succeeded the SP govt, it has not made changes in the hateful and casteist action of the SP govt, the former CM added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo She said Dalits, tribals, and backwards classes in India were being systematically "rendered ineffective" in their constitutional right to reservation and adding, "efforts are being made to make them helpless, compelled, and enslaved again." In such times, the importance of preserving and remembering the human qualities of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj and his role in the establishment of a just govt and an injustice-free society increases is more needed, the BSP chief said.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"The sooner this is done, the better": Mayawati demands restoration of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj University's original name
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 26 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday paid heartfelt tributes to Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, hailing him as the pioneer of reservation in India. In a post on X, Mayawati urged the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to restore the original name of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Medical University without further delay, which had been renamed during the Samajwadi Party's tenure. 'The sooner this is done, the better,' she said. Mayawati remembered the progressive ruler of Maharashtra's Kolhapur for his 'revolutionary step of granting reservation in jobs to Dalits' and said he had become immortal in Indian history. 'On his birth anniversary today, I offer heartfelt tributes and boundless reverence to him, along with warm congratulations and best wishes to all his followers,' the BSP Chief added. In a politically charged statement, she also said that the Dalits, tribals, and backwards classes in India were being systematically 'rendered ineffective' in their constitutional right to reservation. She added, 'In the absence of their own BSP government and the emergence of the majority as the ruling class, efforts are being made to make them helpless, compelled, and enslaved again.' Mayawati stressed that in such times, remembering Rajarshi Shahu's humane values and historic role in establishing justice became more important. She highlighted that during her four terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the BSP government had 'undertaken numerous works of historical significance' in honour of Shahu Maharaj. She pointed out that the BSP had named a new district and educational institutions and erected grand statues in his memory. She specifically mentioned the establishment and swift operationalisation of the Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Medical University in Lucknow. However, Mayawati strongly criticised the Samajwadi Party government, accusing it of being 'opposed to Dalits, backwards classes, and their reservation rights.' She said the SP government had forcibly renamed the university to King George Medical University, despite the existence of a similarly named college already in Lucknow. 'It is unfortunate that even after such a long time, the BJP government that came to power in UP after the Samajwadi Party has not yet made the necessary changes/reforms in the public interest to address such a deeply malicious and casteist attitude of the Samajwadi Party,' Mayawati said. (ANI)
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DOF says only 20% of Pinoys in US may be affected by proposed remittance tax
The Department of Finance (DOF) said only 20% of the Filipinos in the United States would be affected by the potential remittance tax of the Trump administration, Malacañang said Thursday. At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about the matter. She then cited a response from the chief economist of the DOF, saying that out of the 4.4 million overseas Filipinos in the US, ''only 20% will be affected by the proposed tax proposal, which is seemed to take effect on January 1, 2026, if passed.'' ''The tax will affect non-US citizens including green card holders and those with working visas – each one visa holders. Although, 41% of the remittances are routed to the US, not all of these are from Filipinos in the US because remittances are routed to the US via correspondent banks,'' the DOF said as read by Castro. According to the DOF, the expected loss in remittances might only be as much as $100 million out of the $36.5 billion projected remittances in 2026. It added that the estimated effect was a minimal decline of 0.003% of gross domestic product. ''While we see the estimated effect is minimal in the economy, it may be substantial for many families who solely rely on the remittances from a family member in the US, talking about non-US citizens. Based on the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) survey, about 90% of the remittances are spent on food and other household needs,'' the DOF added. Under the proposed One Big, Beautiful Act, a 3.5% excise tax would be imposed on all money sent outside the US, including remittances to the Philippines. This means that non-US citizens sending money to their families back home could soon be paying significantly higher fees. Aside from higher fees, the proposed law also mandates stricter verification requirements for remittance centers, raising concerns that it might expose the immigration status of some senders, especially those who are undocumented. The US remains the largest source of remittances to the Philippines, according to data from the BSP. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
