CPI(M) find Government wanting in eleven areas

New Delhi, Feb 27: Accusing the Government of deviating from the Common Minimum Programme as 'reflected' in the Economic Survey, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) today (Feb 27, 2006) listed at least 11 areas where it found the Centre wanting, including surmounting a serious crisis in agriculture, containing inflation and the increase in current accounts deficit.

"The Economic Survey (2005-06) gives a crystcal clear picture of the gross neglect of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government does not seem to be serious about its implementation," CPI(M) Parliamentary Group Leader in the Rajya Sabha Nilotpal Basu told sources in a preliminary reaction.

Earlier at a press conference held in the vicinity of Parliament House, the CPI(M) leader, however, listed one positive development in the field of economy that the survey noted about the increase in the tax-GDP ratio touching 10.5 per cent during 2005-06 in comparison to the previous year.

"This positive development also occurred because of the Left's suggestion to the effect given in our verbal and written note emphasising on the multi-faceted approach on the subject," the CPI(M) leader claimed.

Mr Basu, along with party floor leader in the Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharia enlisted the rising prices of essential commodities, the neglect of the burgeoning unemployment and inadequate investment in social sector like education, healthcare and rural credit.

The other areas where the CPI(M) found the Government lacking are India's surge in imports and the move to privatise the pension fund and bring in flexible labour regime.

"We have made it very clear to the Congress-led Government that it will not get our support whenever it seeks to bring about legislative changes in this regard in Parliament. Besides the trade unions and the employees orgnisations have also indicated on this line," the Left leader said.

On the concept of continuing the subsidy for the weaker sections, they said it was unfortunate that the Government was spreading misinformation on the issue.

However, they clarified that the Left were not against the economic reforms per say, "But we must hold a comprehensive debate on the reforms. For which sections of the people are these reforms are and in which particular areas?" they asked replying to a specific query.

UNI