Latest news with #NationalCouncil
The National
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
On independence strategy, John Swinney has lost the dressing room
We could point to a string of recent examples of competent governance and say: "Imagine what we could do with independence" — with the clear implication that we'd be amplifying those successes. Fast forward to 2026, we're on our third first minister in a single parliamentary term. Operation Branchform still lingers. Major projects are behind schedule. A minister racks up £11,000 in roaming charges — and keeps their job. The Deposit Return Scheme is scrapped. And the list goes on. When we repeat the call for independence, people will quite rightly ask what would we "amplify" now? We won our majority in 2011 because we were competent, collaborative, and effective. We delivered despite the composition of the parliament and limits of devolution. That gave us the credibility to ask for more. What successes do we have to point to from the 2021 to 2026 term? Given the reality we're facing, the idea that we can significantly improve the SNP's position ahead of Holyrood 2026 is ambitious to say the least. That's why I, along with many activists, are calling on the party leadership to recognise a hard truth: If we're serious about delivering a mandate for independence, we may well need to work with others to achieve it. At a time when we need inspiration and hope, we're faced instead with disengagement and despair. At a time when we need bold strategy and an inclusive campaign that brings the whole movement with us, we get caution, dogma, and "it's my ball" politics. Not all of this is John Swinney's fault, but as the current leader one thing clearly is ... John believes (many feel mistakenly) that he alone holds the constitutional authority to decide the party's independence strategy. And despite the best efforts of committed activists to urge a change in course, he's pressing ahead, undeterred and unbending. At the recent National Council, John laid out this plan to those assembled. Many of us questioned it, respectfully but robustly. But not one person, not a single delegate got up to say "John, you've got this. I believe in you." That silence spoke volumes ... Sadly, John wasn't listening. Put simply, he's lost the dressing room.
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's USFP to address constitutional reforms at October congress
In Morocco, the question of constitutional reform is resurfacing and is set to be a central topic at the upcoming USFP congress, scheduled for October. The announcement was made on Saturday, July 26, in Rabat by the party's First Secretary, Driss Lachgar, during a regular meeting of the National Council. «The preparatory committee for the congress has raised observations regarding the Constitution and deemed it necessary to address the matter. As a result, a proposal to draft constitutional reforms will be added to the congress agenda», Lachgar said in his speech. Against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Morocco adopted a new constitution via referendum, which has been in force since July 1, 2011. The reform was initiated by King Mohammed VI in his speech on March 9 of that year, prompting political parties and civil society actors to submit their proposals to a specially appointed royal commission.
Saba Yemen
6 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Palestinian Resistance Factions: Abbas's Decision Violation of National Consensus
Ramallah - Saba: Palestinian resistance factions on Wednesday considered Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's decision to hold new National Council elections without national consensus and with preconditions a violation of national consensus and a new departure from the collective decisions that set the conditions for any electoral process. The factions said, in a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), that Abbas's decision perpetuates isolationism and division at this crucial, fateful moment in the history of the national cause, which is being subjected to liquidation, conspiracies, and malicious schemes. This decision calls for the highest levels of unity and solidarity among all components of the Palestinian people. She added, "The Palestinian resistance factions consider the top priorities in this exceptional phase for our people to be stopping the Zionist aggression, the war of genocide, and ethnic cleansing; breaking the siege on Gaza; stopping the displacement and Zionist aggression targeting our people in the cities and camps of the West Bank, especially Jenin and Tulkarm; confronting Judaization and settlement expansion in Jerusalem and throughout the occupied West Bank; and supporting the resistance, which embodies the unity of our people in confrontation and steadfastness." The factions reiterated their rejection of the President of the Palestinian Authority's call for National Council elections at this time and during these difficult circumstances for the Palestinian people, and of the preconditions he set for membership in the National Council, particularly those related to full commitment to the current PLO program and its international obligations. They explained that these conditions were designed to exclude a large and diverse segment of Palestinian forces, actors, and figures, and perpetuate the Palestinian crisis rather than address it, especially since the current PLO policy has significantly contributed to the decline in the rights and status of the Palestinian people and their cause. They pointed out that a true, national solution to the crisis facing the Palestinian people requires, first and foremost, joint and serious action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Zionist entity under the auspices of the US administration and with the complicity of the international community. The factions continued: "Then comes the presence of a genuine political will that rejects monopoly and leads to a comprehensive national dialogue with the active participation of all Palestinian forces, factions, and various actors. This will lead to a comprehensive national program of resistance to rebuild all our national institutions on the basis of true partnership and mobilize all components of our people to confront the malicious conspiracies and plots aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
8th Pay Commission: Has govt received any suggestions on terms of reference for 8th Pay Commission? Check the parliament statement, suggestions
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Lok Sabha questions on 8th Pay Commission terms of reference What are the terms of reference for the 8th CPC received by the government? Central Government employees–industrial and non-industrial. Personnel belonging to All India services. Personnel belonging to the Defence Forces and Para Military Forces. Personnel called as Grameen Dak Sewaks belonging to the Postal Department. Personnel of Union Territories. Officers and employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. Officers and employees of the Supreme Court. Members of Regulatory bodies (excluding RBI) set up under Act of Parliament. Employees of Central Government Autonomous Bodies and Institutions. Many central government employees are awaiting official notification from the government regarding the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission. A Member of Parliament, Bhubaneswar Kalita , asked the government about the suggestions that have been received by them for setting up the terms of terms of reference will be responsible for revising the pay structure, allowances, pension, and other service benefits of central government Ministry of Finance gave a written reply in the Rajya Sabha to the question raised on July 22, response, the government acknowledged that the National Council (JCM), Staff Side has submitted a draft terms of reference (ToR) for the 8th CPC. The Ministry has also begun seeking inputs from major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence , Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel & Training, and State read: 8th Pay Commission for central government employees: What did the government say about the constitution of committee in Parliament? Here's a look at the proposed terms, focus areas, and what employees can expect from the 8th Pay Commission, whether the new recommendations are expected to take effect from January 1, Wealth Online tells you in detail the questions asked by the Members of Parliament on the 8th Pay Commission and government's reply on the Bhubaneswar Kalita, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha asked the below questions from the government:whether it is a fact that the National Council (JCM), Staff Side has submitted a draft Terms of Reference for setting up of 8th Central Pay Commission to the Government;(b) whether the Government has consulted all the stakeholders and considered their suggestions in this regard; and(c) if so, the details thereof along with the present status and by when the 8th Central Pay Commission is proposed to be constituted?The government in the Parliament replied to the honourable member as follows:(a): Yes Sir. The Staff Side, National Council (JCM) has submitted a draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission.(b) & (c): Views, comments from major stakeholders such as the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel & Training and State Governments have been government has placed Annexure I in Parliament for Terms of Reference for 8th CPC received from the Staff Side, National Council (JCM). Following are the inputs received:To review the current framework of salaries, allowances, service-related benefits, retirement perks like pensions and gratuity, and other terminal benefits provided to the following categories of employeesTo work out the comprehensive revised pay packet for the categories of Central Government Employees mentioned in (A) above as on January 1, 2026The Commission will decide the pay structure, benefits, retirement perks, and welfare measures while ensuring that the minimum wage provides a 'decent and dignified living.'The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has been advised to review and possibly that are considered non-viable such as Level – 1 with Level – 2 and Level – 3 with Level – 4 and Level – 5 with Level – 6.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Committee to Assess Feasibility of Introducing a Bill to Amend National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities asked Parliament's Legal Services about the existence of a possibility to make amendments through a committee Bill to the National Council on Gender Based Violence Act. The committee received a briefing yesterday from Parliament's Legal Services on the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF). During the engagement, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said the committee didn't want to just tick a box and proceed with the processes while there are no resources available for the establishment of the NCGBVF. The Chairperson also pointed out that the committee wanted to get more clarity regarding, among other things, the mandate of the body, which was why it requested Parliament's legal services to appear before it for engagement on the NCGBVF. The Chairperson highlighted a concern of the committee over the civil society that will be part of the Council and be remunerated. She also expressed the feeling of the committee about the proposed 24-member secretariat to serve in the Council, that it might be bloated. The scope of the request that the committee gave legal services, was to assess the feasibility of introducing a committee Bill that would amend the NCGBVF Act, to determine what provisions within the act require amendments to ensure greater clarity regarding the council's scope, mandate, and functions. Parliament's Legal Services was of the view that the amendments that the committee is seeking to do, are technical in nature, and where there are substantive amendments, those would be non-contentious. Adv Charmaine van der Merwe of Parliament's Legal Services said, she understands that the department has a different view and that was not in the agenda of the committee. She said contentious matters are Bills such as the National Health Insurance. The Bill that the committee envisages might be a difference of opinion on what it should say, but it's not contentious in the sense that it is likely to be faced with the public outcries. So said, Adv van der Merwe: 'I think that the proposed amendments are probably a solution that can be executed by way of a committee Bill,' said Adv van der Merwe. The Parliamentary Legal Services will undertake an evaluation of the NCGBVF Act which aims to focus on the following objectives: • To assess the feasibility of introducing a committee Bill that would amend the act • Determine what provisions within the act require amendments to ensure greater clarity regarding the council's scope, mandate and functions. • To provide competitive examples of existing structures within government established to perform an advisory function, for instance, the South African National AIDS Council. • To explore the feasibility of remuneration of council members from civil society, notwithstanding government's fiscal constraints, ensuring minimal impact on the public purse. • Proposal for limiting the size of the secretariat, its composition and structure. • Provide a time-frame in the event a committee bill is to be introduced. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
