Left turning towards monopoly, says it's vital for industrial growth

Thu, May 8 02:09 AM

In yet another instance of CPI(M) getting closer to liberalisation, the party has said that it will not be possible for Left-ruled states like West Bengal or Kerala to promote industries by overlooking ''monopolistic'' industry houses. This is in clear opposite direction to CPI(M)'s proclaimed policy that the Left-led states should not rely on monopolistic industries for industrial growth, but should promote small and medium scale industries.

Quoting CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat's reply for the discussions on the political organisational report at the party's nineteenth Congress at Coimbatore its mouthpiece, People's Democracy said in a report that it is not possible for Bengal and Kerala governments ''to implement the 18th congress formulation of promoting non-monopolistic industrial growth as part of its all India platform of Left and Democratic programme.''

''He said this will be campaigned for in these states along with the rest of the country,'' the People's Democracy report said quoting Karat. It has to be noted that the CPI(M) was at the receiving end after its effort to set up industrial units at Singur and Nandigram witnessed violent opposition from the farmers and political opponents. Karat, sources said, also cited why Tata, a monopoly in the automobile sector, has to be called in to set up an factory to make small cars in Singur.

He reportedly told the delegates that to create more employment, the government has to seek the help of large industrial houses. He also reminded CPI(M) leader EMS Namboodiripad's meeting with Birla in 1957 to invite the Gwalior Ryons to Kerala, which was criticised by the party's opponents then.

''Similarly from time to time the party opposes the Centre's policies and also proposes concrete alternatives. However, since these policies fall under central government, it may not be possible to ensure implementation of these alternatives in the Left-ruled states. Still it must not be seen as pursuing one line for all India and another for the three Left-ruled states,'' Karat was quoted saying to justify the West Bengal government's efforts to set up industries of ''monopolistic business houses.''

The political resolution of the eighteenth Congress of the CPI(M) held at Delhi had resolved: ''Review policies of liberalisation including WTO agreements to strengthen self-reliant economic growth; streamline and strengthen public sector in core and strategic sectors; promote non-monopolistic industrial growth, encourage medium and small scale industries. Ensure adequate resource mobilisation by increased direct taxes, recovery of tax dues and curbing black money. Foreign capital investment to be based on national priorities and requirements of advanced technology. Regulate capital flows.''

RECOMMEND THIS STORY