UDF govt set to follow privatization policies of Modi govt: CPM

T’puram: CPM has alleged that the White Paper presented by UDF govt on Thursday hinted the govt plans to aggressively pursue privatization policies being pushed by NDA govt at Centre.

CPM state secretariat alleged that UDF govt has plans to retreat from welfare schemes and people-oriented development work followed by the LDF.

“Those who misled the public with a barrage of promises have revealed their true colours after coming to power. Naturally, there is no doubt that this will provoke public anger. Though chief minister V D Satheesan said the purpose of the White Paper is to disclose the financial situation, what it actually declares is the privatisation or sale of departments that serve the public, including essential ones," it said.

Democratic govts do not treat sectors such as health, education, public distribution, electricity, drinking water, and transport as profit-making industries. These are services the govt must provide to the people. Viewing them only through the lens of profit was part of neo-liberal, privatisation-driven policies. This approach makes the govt withdraw completely from service sectors and throws people into the ruthless marketplace of the private sector, the secretariat said.

Citing accumulated losses, the govt appears to be aiming to shut down or sell many public sector undertakings. Accumulated losses reflect liabilities built up over decades. Putting them up for sale on that basis will push ordinary people in the state into a severe crisis.

“The announcement to align the retirement age with central govt service effectively amounts to a complete hiring freeze for the next five years,’’ the statement said, adding that the proposal for pay revision of employees once in 10 years would be gross injustice to them.