Former PMs to meet again

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MARCH 24. The four former Prime Ministers, who came together recently to review the state of affairs in the country from time to time, will meet here for the second time on Monday.

Though no specific agenda has been drawn up for the second conclave, indications are that the former Prime Ministers will exchange views on the direction of the economy and the visit of the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton.

The four ex-Prime Ministers, Mr. Inder Kumar Gujral, Mr. V. P. Singh, Mr. Chandra Sekhar and Mr. H. D. Deve Gowda, at their first meeting had decided that they should meet ``as and when the situation demands'' to discuss what they considered important issues facing the country.

The first meeting held on March 1 discussed not only the RSS issue that led to a confrontation between the Government and the Opposition, but also the swelling fiscal deficit burden on the economy. The former Heads of Government were of the view that even while the fiscal deficit was rising, the opening up of the economy through liberalisation of imports as necessitated by the WTO agreements could result in a grave situation in the future. Mr. Gujral felt not enough attention was being paid to this and the situation could develop into a major problem.

The former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao, had also been invited to attend, but could not do so for personal reasons. It is to be seen if Mr. Rao will be able to make it for the second meeting.

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Section  : National
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