The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Withdraw NLC disinvestment proposal, CPI urges Centre

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 05, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Withdraw NLC disinvestment proposal, CPI urges Centre

Special Correspondent

It goes against common minimum programme: Pandian The party is also against selling 10 per cent shares to NLC employees, as they are transferable

CHENNAI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) is opposed to disinvestment of shares in Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) and will not agree to any proposal other than withdrawal of the move by the Centre, its State secretary D. Pandian said here on Tuesday.

He told reporters that the move was against the common minimum programme of the United Progressive Alliance Government, which clearly stated there should not be sale of shares of profit-making public sector companies. There was no justification for selling the shares of NLC, a "mini ratna."

He said thousands of farmers had given their land for the project and friendly countries offered technical assistance. It would be a grave injustice if the shares were sold. The party was also against selling 10 per cent of the shares to NLC employees, as they were transferable.

Other ways

If the Government felt that the purpose of disinvestment was to mobilise funds for infrastructure development, there were many other ways, including recovery of non-performing assets. To protest against the Government's move, the party, along with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), would organise a demonstration in Cuddalore district on July 5 and on its own throughout the State on July 10.

Mr. Pandian opposed the eviction of two lakh residents for the Chennai airport modernisation. While the party was not opposed to modernisation and expansion of the airport, it should be done without affecting the people. The Government should think of a greenfield airport to meet the increasing demand.

Thanking the State Government for speedy issue of loan clearance certificate to farmers, the CPI leader sought repayment of money cleared by honest borrowers. The financial position of many cooperative banks was poor. They were not in a position to pay annual interest to depositors. He urged the State Government to provide necessary funds to the banks.

Alleging there was widespread diversion of ration rice to the open market, he said it would not be possible without the connivance of officials and fair price shop staff. He sought action against them.

Mr. Pandian favoured proportional representation in general elections to put an end to "muscle and money power in elections."

It had been implemented successfully in many countries, including Germany, Sri Lanka and Japan.

The CPI State executive committee, which met here on Monday, adopted resolutions urging the State Government to recruit teachers on the basis of seniority of registration in employment exchanges and early filling of vacant posts of school teachers.

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