Modi govt compromising National interest through FTAs, alleges CPI(M)
Modi govt compromising National interest through FTAs, alleges CPI(M)
Shimla, Aug 19,
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused the Narendra Modi government of compromising the country’s national interests by entering into free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States and other countries, while pursuing neoliberal policies that are increasing the burden on workers, farmers and the common people.
The allegation was made at the two-day meeting of the CPI(M) Himachal Pradesh State Committee held at the party office here on August 17-18. Politburo member Comrade Tapan Sen participated in the meeting, presided over by Comrade Onkar Shad. State Secretary Comrade Sanjay Chauhan presented a report on the political and organisational situation in the state.
While reporting on the Central Committee meeting, Sen said the Modi government was allowing large corporate houses to exploit the country’s resources while imposing unemployment and inflation on the people through neoliberal policies. He alleged that trade deals with the US and FTAs with other countries were compromising national interests and could adversely affect farmers, workers and small producers.
The party said the BJP-RSS government was also weakening the country’s unity and integrity through communal politics. It appealed to workers, farmers and other sections of working people to unite and intensify the struggle against what it described as anti-farmer, anti-worker and anti-people policies.
The State Committee expressed serious concern over Himachal Pradesh’s deepening economic crisis, saying the state’s debt burden was continuously increasing while central grants and financial assistance were being reduced. It alleged that the crisis was forcing the state government to withdraw from public services while increasing taxes and cesses.
The CPI(M) said essential services, including education, health, transport, drinking water and electricity, were deteriorating, while more than one lakh government posts remained vacant. It demanded regular recruitment against vacant posts and withdrawal of increased taxes, cesses and university fees.
The party opposed the implementation of the National Education Policy, closure or merger of government schools and proposed privatisation of the power sector. It also demanded protection of farmers’ and tribal rights, continuation of the Market Intervention Scheme, relief for rain-affected families and protection of street vendors under the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
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The committee appealed to the people of Himachal Pradesh to unite against neoliberal policies and intensify democratic struggles on issues affecting their livelihoods.
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