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Woke Radical Ultra-Feminist And Alleged Singer Chinmayi Sripada Has Problems With Deceased Atul Subash Getting Social Media Sympathy

By
The Commune
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Woke Radical Ultra-Feminist And Alleged Singer Has Problems Atul Subash Getting Social Media Sympathy

In an appalling display of insensitivity, ultra-woke singer Chinmayi Sripada has dismissed the tragic suicide of Atul Subhash, a man allegedly harassed by his wife and her family, with a social media post that trivialized his suffering and shifted blame onto men as a whole. Instead of addressing the systemic issues that drive over 1 lakh men to suicide in India annually, Chinmayi accused men of indifference toward societal problems, dragging unrelated issues like rape and child abuse into the conversation while extrapolating random nuisance commentators to tarnish a group of people.

Her remarks blatantly disregarded the context of his death, weaponizing his tragedy to push an anti-male narrative. By blaming men for societal ills unrelated to the case, Chinmayi not only failed to acknowledge the abuse men like Atul endure but also undermined efforts to promote gender-neutral laws that protect all victims of domestic violence and mental cruelty.

Chinmayi Posts Her Views On Atul Subhash’s Suicide

The tragic suicide of Atul Subhash, allegedly driven to this extreme by harassment from his wife and her family, has sent shockwaves across the nation. People have rallied, outraged over the glaring lack of gender-neutral laws in India, which systematically deny men the legal safeguards afforded to women. Even as they seek justice for Atul, singer and self-proclaimed feminist Chinmayi Sripada has managed to provoke further outrage with her insensitivity.

Chinmayi posted a tone-deaf comment on social media, saying, “One thing I understand from the Atul Subhash case is that so many of these men are capable of mobilising support, raising funds, even attempting to force Accenture to fire the woman, reaching out to top management and more. When they want to, they will. So if they haven’t done anything so far to make sure rapes and child sexual abuse happen (especially for men and male survivors of sexual violence), Or even something like corruption and holding politicians accountable – you know why. Some of these people wont even do the needful to set up ICCs and POCSO units in the schools they send their kids to. They dont care if their kid gets abused in school. Even if it is their kid they ll probably call them a liar by habit and attempt to close the case by settling in a police station. They dont WANT to dismantle these systems that gives them power to abuse someone else. So people here can. Just that they dont want to.”

https://twitter.com/YearOfTheKraken/status/1866901248710152374

Instead of acknowledging the systemic issues leading to male suicides, Chinmayi dragged unrelated topics like rape and paedophilia into the conversation. This desperate attempt to shift the focus from the abuse men face reeks of the kind of radical feminism that thrives on vilifying men rather than advocating true equality.

The Hypocrisy Of Radical Feminism Or Rather Femi”Nazi-ism”

The outrage over the Atul Subhash case is not a rejection of the fight against rape or child abuse. People have consistently spoken out against such heinous crimes, as seen in the nationwide uproar over the Kolkata RG Kar case. However, Chinmayi’s post suggests that feminists are rattled by the growing support for male victims, further revealing their vendetta-driven agenda.

Feminism, at its core, was supposed to champion equality. But as cases like this unfold, it’s becoming evident that for some, it’s less about justice and more about perpetuating the narrative that women are inherently victims and men are always perpetrators. This mindset blinds them to the fact that men, too, can be victims of domestic abuse, mental cruelty, and systemic bias.

Alarming Data On Male Suicides And Abuse

The statistics paint a grim picture of the plight of men in India. In 2022, more than 1,22,724 men died by suicide, compared to 48,172 women. Among these, 82,000 were married men, with family problems accounting for 38,904 deaths and marriage-related issues causing 5,891 suicides. These numbers are not mere data points; they represent lives lost due to neglect and systemic indifference.

A Gurgaon-based NGO, Ekam Nyaay Foundation, documented 517 cases of suicides by men driven by mental cruelty, false accusations, domestic violence, and other issues. The research highlights causes such as:

  • Mental cruelty (235 cases)
  • Adultery by the wife (47 cases)
  • False accusations (45 cases)
  • Domestic violence (22 cases)
  • Suspicion, abandonment, or monetary disputes (168 cases)

Chinmayi’s failure to address this grim reality underscores her lack of empathy for men’s struggles. Her attempt to trivialize a man’s death by equating it to unrelated issues like corruption and abuse only reveals her callousness.

Gender-Based Violence Against Men: The Silent Epidemic

A 2019 study in Haryana’s rural areas found that 52.4% of men experienced gender-based violence, with 51.6% suffering emotional abuse and 6% enduring physical violence from their wives or intimate partners. Yet, societal stereotypes and flawed legal frameworks prevent these men from seeking justice. The Indian Penal Code’s Section 498A, for instance, holds only men accountable for cruelty, leaving women’s crimes against men unaddressed.

Indian wives rank third globally in abusing their husbands, with only Egypt and the United Kingdom surpassing them. Despite this, there are no legal provisions to protect men from domestic violence or even basic restraining orders against female aggressors.

Feminist Hypocrisy And The #MeToo Fallout

The double standards of woke feminism are glaring. During the #MeToo movement, countless men lost their jobs and reputations over unsubstantiated tweets without FIRs, investigations, or inquiries. Yet, when public outrage rises over a man’s suicide, Chinmayi and her ilk find it offensive. Why is sympathy for a man’s plight so threatening to these so-called feminists?

https://twitter.com/DeepikaBhardwaj/status/1866906521583640813

Men face systemic discrimination and societal neglect that drives many to despair. Suicide data consistently shows that while women may attempt suicide more often, men die by suicide at a significantly higher rate. This disparity is ignored by those who claim to fight for equality.

The Atul Subhash case is a wake-up call for India to address the legal and societal biases against men. It’s high time gender-neutral laws were implemented to protect all victims of abuse, regardless of their gender. Feminists like Chinmayi, who seek to monopolize victimhood and silence the voices of male victims, only hinder progress toward true equality. Her response exemplifies the worst of radical feminism—a refusal to empathize with male victims and an eagerness to vilify men at every opportunity. Her dismissal of Atul’s pain is a stark reminder of the societal indifference that continues to push men into silence and despair. 

Chinmayi’s comments are not just insensitive; they are emblematic of a larger problem with radical, revenge-driven feminism. If feminism truly stands for equality, it must also stand for men who face abuse, neglect, and systemic bias. Anything less is hypocrisy.

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$60 Billion Investment Flowed Into India’s Data Centre Market In Last 6 Years

By
The Commune
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$60 Billion Investment Flowed Into India’s Data Centre Market In Last 6 Years

India’s burgeoning Data Centre market attracted USD 60 billion from both domestic and international investors between 2019 and 2024 and, given the current growth curve, is expected to surpass USD 100 billion in cumulative investment commitments by the end of 2027, according to the latest report by real estate consultant CBRE South Asia.

Mumbai continues to dominate data centre stock, followed by Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, accounting for 90 per cent of the country’s total data centre stock as of September. Currently, India’s total DC stock stands at around 19 Mn. Sq. ft. (land area) is expected to reach 31 Mn. Sq. ft. by the end of 2025, the report states.

The sector is poised for significant growth in 2025, with nearly 475 MW of capacity under construction across major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi-NCR. It observes that key demand drivers for the year ahead include BFSI and Technology companies.

The report points out that Tier-II cities like Ahmedabad, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, and Lucknow are gaining traction as key locations for data centres, driven by regional data consumption growth and cost-efficiency advantages.

State-wise, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal emerged as the leading states regarding cumulative investment commitments.

India’s current data centre capacity is around 1,255 MW, and it is projected to expand to 1,600 MW by the end of 2024. The report observes that the country’s accelerated technology proliferation, digital transformation, increased Internet penetration, policy enablers, and growth in AI-generated data workload will pivot this growth.

As sustainability becomes a critical priority, the report points out a growing focus on integrating renewable energy solutions and advanced cooling technologies, helping enhance energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of India’s data centres.

Additionally, with AI workloads expected to surpass traditional cloud computing demands, data centre operators are significantly upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate the evolving needs of AI-driven applications, ensuring they can support the next generation of digital transformation, the report adds.

– IANS

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Missionary School In MP Accused Of Preventing Students From Wearing ‘Tilak’ And ‘Kalawa’; ABVP Protests Erupt

By
The Commune
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Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP) members held a protest at a missionary school in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind following a controversy that erupted over not allowing a student to wear a ‘kalawa’ (sacred thread) and ’tilak’.

On Wednesday noon, around 25-30 ABVP members along with parents of some students shouting religious slogans, barged into the St. Michael’s school premises. Protesters chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and recited Hanuman Chalisa sitting in the school’s courtyard.

ABVP members alleged that a sixth-class girl student was forced to return to his house as she had come to school wearing ‘kalawa’ and had applied ’tilak’ on her forehead. Pankaj Sharma, father of the student, talking to media persons claimed that his daughter was sent back home from school because she was wearing ‘kalawa’ and ’tilak’.

According to Sharma, the incident had occurred on December 5. “Upon knowing about the incident, when I visited the school I was humiliated by the principal (father of the school) and was forced to leave the premises,” Sharma alleged. However, the principal of St. Michael’s school denied the allegation, claiming that no such incident had occurred. Instead, the school principal claimed that notices were issued to the parents of several students regarding pending fees.

“More than 90 per cent of teachers in this school are from the Hindu community. Yes, it is a fact that the school management issued notices to some parents about deposit fees. Notices were issued to the parents of several students, whose fees have been pending,” the school principal said. He further claimed that the student’s father (Pankaj Sharma) visited his office on December 6. “He didn’t pay fees for the past four years, and when we asked to deposit the dues, he left the school threatening that he would tell us. The allegation that we have denied any student because of any other matter is completely false,” the school principal added.

Upon receiving a complaint from the school, the police team along with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate reached the spot during evening hours and initiated an investigation.

Mohanlal Sharma, a revenue officer, who is leading the investigation, said, “Upon receiving a complaint on the matter, we inspected school premises. We have taken DVR of CCTV cameras under our possession and further investigation is underway,” Sharma added.

–IANS

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Dharmapuram Adheenam Appreciates Isha Foundation For Their Efforts To Preserve Tradition And Cultural Heritage

By
The Commune
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Dharmapuram Adheenam Appreciates Isha Foundation For Their Efforts To Preserve Tradition And Cultural Heritage

On 11 December 2024, the 27th Guru Maha Sannithanam of Dharmapuram Aadheenam Math, Srilasri Masilamani Gnanasambanda Paramacharya Swamigal, visited the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. During his visit, Isha Brahmacharis and volunteers extended a warm welcome, offering him full kumbh respect at the Dhyanalingam. The Swamigal expressed his appreciation for the teachings and activities at Isha, particularly the four principles outlined in the “Tirumular’s Tirumantiram“, which begins with “yavarkkumam iraivarku oru paccilai.” He noted that these principles are being followed at Isha Yoga Center.

During his visit, Paramacharya Swamigal listened attentively to “Thevaram” songs sung by the students at Isha Sanskriti School and later participated in the Naatha Aradhana at Dhyanalingam. He also visited several key sites, including the Surya Kundam, Naga Sannithi, and Linga Bhairavi Sannithi, and had the opportunity to witness the Adiyogi Divya Darshan. Additionally, he toured the Isha Sanskriti School and the Gosala.

This was the first time the Dharmapuram Aadheenam visited Isha, and he shared his reflections on the experience. He praised Isha for embodying the teachings of Tirumular, which emphasize principles of kindness and service: “A a green leaf to God, to provide a mouthful of food for the cows, to donate one handful of food when eating, to speak pleasant words to others.” He further highlighted the role of yoga in the tradition of Saiva Siddhanta, noting that it has four stages: Sariya, Kriya, Yoga, and Jnana. He commended Sadhguru for spreading this ancient art of yoga worldwide.

Drawing parallels to the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, he remarked that, just as Lord Shiva consumed poison for the benefit of others, trees similarly absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, supporting life. He praised Sadhguru and Isha for their efforts in tree plantation, citing that, in honor of the Manivizha of Dharumapuram Aadheenam, Isha Yoga Center, along with Rotary club, plans to plant 60,000 saplings.

He also expressed admiration for Isha’s efforts in caring for native cows and preserving traditional practices. Notably, the Isha Sanskriti School students not only perform ‘Thevaram’ and ‘Thirumurai’ songs beautifully but are also being trained in the traditional martial art of Kalaripayattu, an art form founded by the sage Agastya. He commended Isha for preserving and promoting this ancient form of martial arts, contrasting it with the growing trend of modern practices like karate.

Drawing from the ‘Silappathikaram’, he noted the spiritual significance of bathing in the Surya Kundam and Soma Kundam, as was done by Kannagi. Similarly, in Isha, both men and women take holy baths in the two sacred ponds and worship at the Dhyanalingam and Linga Bhairavi.

In conclusion, Paramacharya Swamigal expressed his deep appreciation for Isha’s holistic approach, which integrates yoga, education, environmental conservation, and the care of native cows. He blessed Sadhguru’s work, wishing for its continued success, and quoted various texts such as Sirupanchamoolam to highlight the spiritual significance of Isha’s contributions.

Before leaving, he inaugurated the Adiyogi Rath Yatra, which will travel across Tamil Nadu in celebration of Mahashivratri, performing the aarti to mark the occasion.

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Leftist Hindus In Name Only Like Romila Thapar Defend Anti-Hindu Places Of Worship Act In Supreme Court

By
The Commune
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Leftist Hindus In Name Only Like Romila Thapar Defend Anti-Hindu Places Of Worship Act In Supreme Court

In a surprising and contentious turn of events, the Supreme Court of India is witnessing a clash between Hindus themselves, as a group of prominent individuals, including alleged historian and Hindu In Name Only (HINO) Romila Thapar and others, have intervened to support the controversial Places of Worship Act, 1991. This act, which entrenches the status quo of religious places as of 1947, has been criticized for disproportionately favouring Muslim control over sites historically claimed by Hindus.

The petition challenging the act, filed by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, argues that the law violates the fundamental rights of Hindus by preventing them from reclaiming sites forcibly converted during historical invasions. However, the list of respondents includes several Hindu ‘intellectuals, academicians,’ and retired bureaucrats who argue in favour of the act, citing principles of fraternity and secularism. This division among Hindus can be seen as a betrayal of the community’s rights and historical grievances.

The Supreme Court has become the battlefield where Hindus are pitted against each other over issues of justice and historical redress. On one side are petitioners seeking to overturn the Places of Worship Act, claiming it denies Hindus their rightful claims to sites like Kashi Vishwanath and Mathura while allowing Muslims to retain control over sites acquired through historical aggression.

On the other side are Hindus like Romila Thapar, Neeladri Bhattacharya, and others who have intervened to defend the act. Their stance has baffled many, as it aligns with Muslim respondents in opposing Hindu petitions. Critics question why these individuals, who claim to represent progressive values, remain silent on issues like the murders of Hindus such as Kanhaiya Lal, Praveen Nettaru, and Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna.

This isn’t the first time Hindus have found themselves divided in court. More Hindus than Muslims opposed key issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Ram Mandir verdict, the abrogation of Article 370, and the ongoing Kashi Vishwanath case. These instances reveal a recurring pattern where sections of the Hindu intelligentsia appear to undermine causes central to Hindu identity and justice.
The current case only deepens this rift. Petitioners argue that the Places of Worship Act effectively enforces a one-sided narrative by locking in historical injustices. Critics accuse the act’s defenders of perpetuating a communal imbalance under the guise of secularism.

Many have pointed out the irony of these intellectuals rallying to protect the Places of Worship Act while remaining silent on atrocities against Hindus. Public anger is palpable, with commentators highlighting the hypocrisy of defending an act that entrenches Muslim control over disputed sites while ignoring Hindu victims of mob violence and terrorism.

The intervention application filed by respondents, including retired government officials and academicians, claims that the act upholds the Constitution’s principles of fraternity and secularism. However, opponents argue that these lofty ideals are applied selectively, ignoring the plight of Hindus displaced or victimized in their own country.

For the average Hindu, the act represents yet another obstacle in seeking historical justice. The divisive stance of Hindu intellectuals has only deepened the community’s disillusionment.

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RS Chairman Under Siege, Oppn’s Blackmail Politics Exposed: TN BJP leader

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu BJP has accused the INDIA bloc of engaging in a “shameful political drama” by bringing a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and also termed it as ‘blackmail politics’.

Party spokesperson and senior leader A.N.S. Prasad described the move as a desperate attempt to malign the BJP government.

He said this was the first time such a motion had been introduced in the Rajya Sabha’s 72-year history, calling it a blatant example of “blackmail politics.”

The BJP leader alleged that the opposition’s actions were aimed at intimidating and undermining the chairman’s authority, thereby threatening India’s democratic values.

He stated that the Congress-led opposition’s no-confidence motion against the RS Chair was born out of frustration and an inability to counter the numerous people-centric initiatives undertaken by the BJP, which have received massive support nationwide.

“Despite knowing they lack the numbers, the opposition resorts to disruptive tactics in Parliament to undermine the government’s authority, which is highly deplorable,” Prasad said.

Prasad criticised the demand for the removal of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, describing it as an example of “low-level politics” driven by Rahul Gandhi’s divisive ideology.

He accused the opposition of tarnishing India’s global image and creating false narratives about the country’s democracy.

“This no-confidence motion is nothing but a diversionary tactic to shift focus from real issues and mislead Indians. Rahul Gandhi and the INDI alliance will fail in their attempts, as the public can see through their disruptive antics,” Prasad added.

Explaining the constitutional framework, Prasad referred to Article 89 of the Indian Constitution, which establishes the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who also serves as the Vice President of India.

He highlighted the Chairman’s critical role in maintaining order and decorum in the House, interpreting rules, and ensuring that parliamentary business is conducted smoothly and efficiently. “The Chairman’s impartiality and independence are vital for the functioning of the Parliament. Attempts to undermine this constitutional position are not only unconstitutional but also against the principles of parliamentary democracy,” Prasad said.

He accused the opposition parties of using the no-confidence motion as a tool to blackmail the government and extract concessions. He said that the motion is a serious constitutional instrument meant for exceptional circumstances, not for routine political gains.

“The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is not a political appointee but a constitutional functionary responsible for upholding the Constitution and the rules of the House. The opposition’s actions to intimidate or blackmail the Chairman are unacceptable,” he stated.

Prasad further cited the 1959 Supreme Court case of Pandit M.S.M. Sharma vs. Shri Sri Krishna Sinha, where the Court upheld the Chairman’s authority to decide the admissibility of a no-confidence motion. He underscored that the Chairman’s decision on such matters is final and binding.

“The opposition must respect the independence and impartiality of the Chairman. Their misuse of the no-confidence motion for political gain is condemnable. The Chairman’s decision on the motion’s admissibility is final and binding and must be respected by all parties,” Prasad concluded.

–IANS

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Dravidian Model: DMK Govt Bans Budget-Friendly Bike Taxis, Revokes Ban Later

By
The Commune
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Dravidian Model: DMK Govt Bans Budget-Friendly Bike Taxis, Revokes Ban Later

On 11 December 2024, the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu reversed its decision to impose a crackdown on gig workers operating bike taxis. This move came just hours after the state’s Transport Commissioner, Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, issued an order banning bike taxis and the use of two-wheelers for commercial purposes. However, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar overturned this order, blaming that there was insufficient clarity from the Centre on the matter.

The initial ban, which followed complaints from auto-rickshaw drivers, instructed officials to launch an enforcement drive and submit a report by 7 PM on 11 December 2024. This sparked confusion and panic among bike taxi operators and their customers across the state.

Minister Sivasankar later clarified that the Central government, which is responsible for formulating nationwide guidelines, had not provided clear regulations concerning the use of two-wheelers for commercial activities. He emphasized that the state was awaiting further clarity from the Centre and the courts before making a final decision. “Currently, there is no effective ban on bike taxis, and they can continue to operate in Tamil Nadu,” he stated.

Tamil Nadu is home to over 400,000 workers employed by platforms like Rapido, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Dunzo, and Zomato. The minister added that drivers must have valid licenses and vehicle insurance documents, and failure to comply would lead to action against them.

Jude Mathew of the Independent Rental Vehicles Owners and Drivers Association urged the government to finalize its policy on bike taxis. He pointed out that the lack of clear guidelines since 2019 had left accident victims using bike taxis without access to compensation or insurance claims. The Madras High Court had previously banned bike taxis in 2018 following a petition by the association, but the ruling was stayed on appeal.

Following this, the state was directed to draft comprehensive regulations, which are still awaiting approval from the transport department. The proposed aggregator policy is intended to regulate fares and establish accountability in case of accidents or violations.

(With inputs from TOI)

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11-Year-Old Shipwreck Survivor Rescued In Italy

By
The Commune
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A young girl was rescued from the Mediterranean Sea and brought to Italy’s southern Lampedusa island after being found alone in the water, local media reported.

The rescue was carried out on Wednesday by a ship operated by the charity group Compass Collective, Xinhua news agency reported. The girl is believed to be the sole survivor of a group of about 45 migrants who set sail from Sfax, Tunisia, last week, according to initial accounts. Rescuers said they discovered the girl in the early hours of Wednesday.

Thousands of migrants perish each year while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to reach southern Europe, with Italy, Spain, and Greece being primary destinations.

So far this year, 64,021 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Italy via the central Mediterranean route, compared to 153,126 during the same period in 2023, according to Italy’s interior ministry. In total, 185,623 migrants have reached southern Europe in 2024, with over 175,000 crossing the Mediterranean, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

While overall arrivals have decreased compared to the peak years of 2015-2016, the death toll remains alarmingly high. So far in 2024, approximately 2,250 people have been declared missing or dead, following 4,110 in 2023 and 3,017 in 2022, UNHCR reported.

–IANS

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Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Continue To Be Overrepresented As Homicide Victims

By
The Commune
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Canada's Indigenous Peoples Continue To Be Overrepresented As Homicide Victims

Canada’s Indigenous peoples continued to be overrepresented as homicide victims, Statistics Canada said. Just over one in four homicide victims were Indigenous in 2023, despite representing 5 per cent of the overall population, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the national statistical agency.

Similarly, in 2022, 27 per cent of homicide victims were Indigenous and this heightened risk is deeply rooted in the ongoing effects of colonisation, including systemic discrimination, poverty and a legacy of trauma, the agency said.

In 2023, police services reported 778 homicides across the country, 104 fewer victims than the previous year. As a result, the national homicide rate decreased by 14 per cent, from 2.27 to 1.94 homicides per 100,000 population, according to the agency.

This overrepresentation translates to a homicide rate of 9.31 per 100,000 Indigenous people, a figure more than six times higher than the rate for non-Indigenous Canadians, said Statistics Canada.

–IANS

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Auto Drivers Who Fleece Passengers With Exorbitant Rates Want Ban On Bike Taxis That Provide Cheap Rides

By
The Commune
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Coimbatore witnessed a dramatic protest on 11 December 2024 as over 300 auto drivers gathered at Lakshmi Mills Junction, demanding a ban on bike taxis. The protesters, who removed their shirts and staged a road roko, alleged that bike taxis were violating traffic rules and eating into their livelihoods. Ironically, this protest comes from a group infamous for fleecing passengers with exorbitant fares, refusing to use meters, and disregarding traffic laws.  

The auto drivers claimed that bike taxis were operating without regulation, unlike autos, which require permits, uniforms, and adherence to certain rules. They argued that bike taxis have drastically reduced their earnings, pushing many to the brink of economic distress. Some protesters even went as far as stating that their livelihoods were so threatened they were considering drastic steps like suicide.  

However, their demands reek of hypocrisy. The auto drivers’ statements were harshly criticized by consumers who aired their views on social media platforms.

For decades, auto drivers in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai and Coimbatore, have exploited passengers, charging outrageous rates while refusing to improve their services. With the advent of bike taxis, which provide affordable and efficient transportation, passengers finally have an alternative to these exploitative practices—and that seems to be precisely what auto drivers fear.  

Auto rickshaw drivers in Tamil Nadu have long earned a notorious reputation for overcharging passengers, especially in cities like Chennai. Instances of charging ₹300–₹400 for trips as short as 6–7 km are alarmingly common. Despite state regulations mandating fare meters, many auto drivers refuse to comply, even operating through platforms like Uber and Ola.  

Passengers, particularly women, often report disrespectful behaviour, further cementing the distrust towards auto drivers. While the supply of autos exceeds demand, this excess hasn’t translated into better service or competitive pricing; instead, it has led to aggressive and exploitative practices.  

Bike Taxis: A Game-Changer in Urban Mobility  

A recent study by KPMG on the potential of bike taxis in India showed that since their introduction, they have emerged as a popular alternative to autos, offering:  

  • Affordable Rides: Bike taxis cater to budget-conscious commuters significantly cheaper than autos or cabs.  
  • Convenience: With doorstep pickups and shorter travel times, they address the needs of modern urban mobility.  
  • Employment Opportunities: They have provided jobs to thousands of young people in urban and semi-urban areas.  

KPMG’s research highlights that traffic congestion costs Indian cities billions annually. Bike taxis alleviate this burden by reducing traffic and providing essential last-mile connectivity, an area where auto drivers have consistently failed to deliver.  

The protesting auto drivers argue that bike taxis operate without permits and regulations, but their record of flouting laws is well-documented. Refusal to use meters, overcharging, reckless driving, and a lack of accountability are rampant among auto drivers.  

Their demands, which include increasing base fares from ₹25 to ₹50 for 1.8 km and raising the per-km charge from ₹12 to ₹25, only underline their unwillingness to adapt to a competitive market. Instead of improving their services, they seek to eliminate competition.  

For commuters, the choice is clear. Bike taxis have offered fresh air in a transportation ecosystem dominated by exploitative auto drivers. The protests have only reinforced public frustration with autos, with many voicing support for bike taxis as the more respectful, affordable, and convenient option.  

The protests by auto drivers reveal a stark unwillingness to adapt to changing times. Instead of addressing their exploitative practices, they seek to ban bike taxis—a solution that has gained public favour. The government must resist these demands and focus on creating a level playing field, ensuring that commuters continue to have access to affordable and efficient mobility options.

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The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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