Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore   

Economic policies of NDA Govt. draw flak

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE DEC. 30. The NDA Government's economic polices are nothing different from those of previous regimes at the Centre, according to K.N. Govindacharya, former BJP General Secretary, and Steering Committee member of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM).

He said the Centre, contrary to the expectations, was insensitive to the problems of poverty and unemployment. There had been indiscriminate promotion of foreign capital and technology which, he said, "replaces more manpower and work".

Mr. Govindacharya was talking to The Hindu here today during the padayatra against Metro Cash and Carry India Private Ltd. organised by the SJM and Bangalore Traders' Action Committee.

On the question of his involvement with the BJP's preparations for the forthcoming elections, Mr. Govindacharya said, "I had not involved myself in the recently held Assembly elections. I will continue not to participate in the coming elections."

Not sparing any of the Governments at the Centre, Mr. Govindacharya, said: "For the last 12 years all the parties in power have gone for L.P.G (liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation)." The Governments had neglected agriculture despite the fact that farmers were faced with increased input costs. Inequality was increasing, with the poor becoming poorer and rich getting richer, he said.

`Boost to economy'

Responding to the protest march by organised by the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, Metro Cash and Carry today said its investment of Rs. 176 crore in the past year and the use of local companies to carry out most of its contracts had given the economy of Bangalore a substantial boost.

In a press release, the company said its two distribution centres and headquarters had provided direct employment to more than 750 local people and indirect employment to several hundreds more.

"This number is likely to go up even further when Metro sets up `platforms' in rural areas to help train farmers in grading, sorting, and packaging fresh farm produce," the company said.

Metro Cash and Carry, the release said, would also significantly tap into the export potential of the region, thereby providing a sustained impetus to the local economy, especially in rural areas.

The company said its cash and carry model had been recognised in the 26 countries where it operated and, as a unique business-to-business supply chain initiative, it was particularly beneficial for small to medium producers, traders, and other businesses.

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