Date:18/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/18/stories/2008071861041000.htm

Tamil Nadu

“UPA government has little concern for people’s welfare”

Staff Reporter

Deal will help meet only 3 to 4 per cent of the additional electricity requirement
Centre criticised for its “gross failure” to control prices of essential commodities

SALEM: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is trying hard to stay in power and go ahead with the Indo–U.S. nuclear deal, showing little concern for people’s welfare, according to Gurudas Dasgupta, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) general secretary.

Inaugurating the 15th conference of the National Federation of Indian Road Transport Workers here on Thursday, he said the deal would enable the government to meet only 3 to 4 per cent of the additional electricity requirement in the country.

Instead of focussing on solar, wind and coal for generating electricity, the government wanted to pursue the deal, endangering sovereignty, security and national interests.

Mr. Dasgupta criticised the UPA government for its “gross failure” to control the prices of essential commodities.

He also assailed the government for its efforts to promote privatisation in various sectors including transport, banking and insurance.