People's Democracy

MH MEMORIAL LECTURE

'Progress Is Possible Only With Alternative Policies'

M Venugopala Rao

THE progress of the country is possible only if alternative pro-people policies in all fields are adopted, said Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) and member of parliament. Delivering a memorial lecture on “Progress of the Country - the Left Approach” at Guntur on June 18, 2006 commemorating the death anniversary of Comrade Moturu Hanumantha Rao, former member of the Polit Bureau of the Party, Yechury explained that globalisation limits the fruits of economic development to a few people. It also results in disparities in the social sector and gives a fillip to separatist movements, which are the major problems the country has been facing. 

Yechury said: “Globalisation has now become a big problem. Many independent countries are not in a position to regulate the investment coming as a result of globalisation. The Left parties are suggesting that the conditions on which foreign investments should be allowed are, they must augment our productive capacities, enhance our technological level and increase the employment opportunities. Then only the country’s progress will be possible. We can resist imperialist exploitation.”

Despite the claims of 8 per cent growth rate, agriculture has been in a crisis and 17,000 to 18,000 farmers had committed suicides all over the country since 2003, he said. Official statistics show that 73 per cent of the population depended on agriculture. Around 39 per cent of women and 37 per cent of men are suffering from anaemia. He stressed on the need for increasing allocation of funds for health and education, besides giving importance to agriculture and implementation of land reforms. In this connection, Yechury referred to the kind of development achieved in West Bengal under the successive Left Front governments led by the CPI(M) by implementing pro-people policies. He said attention should be paid to removing disparities in social sector. Reservations should be implemented in education and employment, if necessary, by enhancing the number of seats in general quota, he suggested. Reminding that the UPA government had accepted the suggestion to this effect made by the CPI(M) recently, Yechury made it clear that it would be an illusion to think that disparities would vanish merely on account of reservations. He emphasised that apart from reservations, special efforts should be made for eradication of economic disparities, particularly through land reforms. 

Sitaram Yechury presenting the award to Vaartha daily reporter Nagaraju. Prajasakti editor S Vinay Kumar is also seen.

Sitaram Yechury said, “the development that has taken place so far in the process of neo-liberal framework has created disparities. As a result, regional separatism is flaring up. Demands like separate Telangana state are being heard all over the country. Small states cannot solve the problem of development. Problems will only increase because of them. Special allocation of funds should be made for the development of those areas. Planned efforts should be made.”

Referring to the discussion on third front that has been going on in the country, Sitaram Yechury reiterated that the CPI(M) is not talking about the Front and that the Party has no belief in a Front that can be formed in a hurry for the sake of elections and without ideologies. He said the CPI(M) is trying for a third alternative with parties which stand with a commitment against the present economic policies and communalism, and asserted that such an alternative would emerge from the militant movements of the people. Yechury said that there would be no problem to the UPA government from the Left as long as it sticks to the implementation of the common minimum programme. However, we will continue to work for an alternative in the political field, he asserted.

The memorial lecture was organised by Prajasakti Sahithi Samstha. Sitaram Yechury presented the MH memorial award to Katam Nagaraju, reporter of Vaartha Telugu daily in Karimnagar, for his story “Stomach Ache to that Villager” which has been adjudged the best report for the year 2005. P Venkateswara Rao, member of the selection committee, presented a special award to Guvvala Sivashankar, crime reporter of Prajasakti in Ananthapur district, for his story “Cut the bellies… Loot the money”. Assistant editor of Prajasakti S Venkatrao presided over the meeting. Ch Nageswara Rao, chairman of A P Medical Council, C Raghavachary, member of the selection committee, editor of Prajasakti S Vinay Kumar, general manager V Krishnaiah and others participated in the programme.