VS warns UDF against economic liberalisation

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 5. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan, today warned the UDF Government against going on the fast track of economic liberalisation.

Winding up the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address, Mr. Achuthanandan indicated that the ideological rift between the LDF and the UDF was widening as signalled by the Government's White Paper on State Finances and the Governor's address to the Assembly.

``Let me make it clear. We are likely to collide with each other if you were to follow the BJP Government's economic policies. The alternative document to the Government's White Paper, presented by the LDF, is a warning of sorts about the possible outcome,'' he told the ruling party members.

``There are several remedies to tackle the current financial problems. We will extend our whole-hearted cooperation if you drop your agenda for privatisation,'' he added.

Mr. Achuthanandan said that he was not claiming that the LDF rule was a model, but one should not overlook the impact of the Centre's economic policies, which had wreaked havoc with the State Government finances. The LDF had to face a series of problems, including a steep reduction in its share of taxes from the Central pool, and Plan allocation. As a result of the Tenth Finance Commission's recommendations, the State stood to lose Rs. 3,664 crores. The LDF Government had to make do with a cut worth Rs. 730 crores of this amount. Now, the burden would have to be taken by the UDF Government, he added.

The NDA Government's economic policy was moving towards the danger zone, with the country's progress being beaten back. Those below the poverty line had touched 50 per cent, Mr. Achuthanandan said. The percepts of Jawaharlal Nehru, revolved as it did around mixed economy and self-reliance, had been jettisoned. The pace of the current economic liberalisation policy would soon cross the danger zone. The question before the people was whether they were ready for a fight against the anti-people policies of the Centre, he said.

Mr. Achuthanandan noted with satisfaction that parties

like the Kerala Congress (M) which had never failed to blame the LDF Government for its failure to tackle the problems faced by the State, had veered around to the view that the Central policies need to be opposed. He felt that the State could raise additional resources by implementing a proper liquor policy, besides making a fair attempt at collecting sales tax.

The Opposition Leader did not hide his pain over the continuing row regarding his visit to London for medical treatment. He said that he had become a point of ridicule when he went abroad for treatment and this trend continued into the election campaign. The ruling members did not have anything to say when senior leaders like Mr. K. Karunakaran went abroad for treatment.

The House descended into confusion when Mr. Achuthanandan made an adverse remark on Mr. Karunakaran. The ruling members protested against this and the Speaker, Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman, promptly expunged it.

Participating in the debate, the IUML leader, Mr. E.T. Mohammed Basheer, called for the institution of an education cess to meet the rising costs. He denied the Opposition charge that the IUML rank and file was leaning towards extremism. ``Kannur is said to be the CPI(M) bastion. But the party always get itself involved in political violence. In contrast, the IUML has never been involved in any act of violence in its bastions in Malappuram,'' he asserted.

The Janata Dal (S) leader, Mr. C.K. Nanu, said that the State Government should continue to give priority to the power sector. The Kerala Congress(B) leader, Mr. R. Balakrishna Pillai blamed the CPI(M) for landing the education sector in a big mess. Kerala would not have had to face the crisis in the education sector had the Pre-degree board been set up. The proposal of the 1980s included utilisation of excess teachers in colleges. But the strong agitation by the Left forced the policy to be dropped. The crisis was being heightened by the fact that the State was now forced to bear the additional financial burden, he said.

Mr. Pillai wanted the Government to discontinue the District Primary Education Programme, besides increasing education fee for the affluent, particularly in professional courses. Dr. K.C. Joseph, Kerala Congress (J), defended his party leader and the former Education Minister, Mr. P.J. Joseph, who had come under attack for the problems related to the Plus Two course. Mr. Joseph said that the LDF Government could take the credit of creating an atmosphere under which it was possible for students to pursue their education.

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Section  : Southern States
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