Andhra Pradesh - Eluru   

CPI(M) champions the cause of agricultural workers

ELURU: Secretary of the West Godavari district committee of the CPI(M) Mantena Sitaram on Thursday sought to champion the cause of agricultural workers in the face of clash of interests between them and the farmers on the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP).

Addressing a press conference here, he defended the programme even as the Left parties in Khammam district had been opposing the scheme on the plea that it was harming the interests of farmers. “If such tendencies are there in our party anywhere in the State, we will fight such postures within our party,” Mr. Sitaram said while reminding that his party was known for its pro-working class stand.

It may be recalled that the programme was subjected to criticism by certain quarters across the State, especially the Left parties in Khammam, that wages for agricultural workers shot up and, subsequently, the production cost in agriculture went up manifold.

It may be recalled that West Godavari was chosen for implementation of the scheme from the coming financial year.

The CPI(M) leader made light of the view that implementation of the programme with an employment guarantee for farm workers had led to acute shortage of workers during peak agricultural operations. Agricultural workers in delta and upland areas got employment only for 80 and 120 days respectively.

Introduction of mechanisation had an adverse bearing on the employment potential to a large extent, he added. Mr. Sitaram said the party was geared to hold its three-day district conference at Tadepalligudem from January 8.

The party was likely to chart out a course of action with an integrated approach on different issues of public importance at the conference, he added.

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