Fernandes critical of economic policies

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 5. The NDA convener and former Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, today made critical references to the Government's economic policies but refrained from going the whole hog. Instead, he underlined the need for urgent measures to tackle problems such as growing unemployment, and suggested a nationwide campaign to counter consumerism.

Sharing a platform today with the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an outfit of the Sangh Parivar, Mr. Fernandes dipped into the mid- term appraisal document of the Planning Commission to underline the areas where the required thrust was missing and stressed on immediate corrective measures. Steering clear of launching any direct attack on the Government, he chose to convey several sore points that he felt could be addressed to, especially in tackling unemployment.

He juxtaposed the mid-term ninth plan appraisal document with that of the recommendations of the Montek Singh Ahluwalia Task Force, which has become a subject matter of debate among the `swadeshi' lobby. He disclosed that he had written to the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr. K.C. Pant, suggesting that the Task Force recommendations be rejected forthwith. The Plan body should set up a committee to come up with measures to counter the challenge of unemployment. Both announcements drew applause from the assembly.

Mr. Fernandes maintained that the Government was aware of the shortcomings outlined in the document, which included comments that more than what was being given to the people was being taken back through ``anti-people'' policies and that Indian planners were yet to understand the difference between planning and budgeting. Lest it be misconstrued as an adverse comment, he hastened to add that it reflected that the Government was aware of the shortcomings accrued over the years.

Mr. Fernandes did not mince words in criticising the manner in which consumerism, especially of colas and bottled water, was being promoted.

While the economist, Prof. Ruddar Dutt, gave his viewpoint of problems, SJM and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh representatives spoke of problems in agriculture, small scale and cottage industries.

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