NEW DELHI: The CPM on Tuesday demanded an immediate cut in the petroleum prices.The PolitBuro of the CPM, which met here for the last two days, also finalised the draft. Review Report on the party’s political-tactical line. This will be placed for discussion in the next meeting of the CPM Central Committee (CC) to be held from October 26-29.
“There has been a sharp fall in the international prices of oil. At present, crude oil prices have dipped below $90 per barrel. Despite this, Modi Govt has not reduced the prices of diesel at any stage. The retail price of petrol also needs to be reduced further,” the PB said.
On the devastation caused by cyclone Hudhud, the CPM said the Centre must assist the affected-states in every possible way to see to it that their communication systems and infrastructure are restored at the earliest. “It is essential that the J&K floods be declared a national calamity and the relief and rehabilitation package be decided accordingly,” the party said. The PB also took serious note of the fact that the US has sought to pressure India on the Indian Patent Law and IPR policy.
Washington had also sought the dilution of the civil Nuclear Liability Lawof the country. Both these are reflected in the joint statement issued by Modi and Obama, the CPM said.
Criticising the NDA Govt for curtailing and restricting the provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the CPM said such a move would limit the scheme to selected districts and blocks and thus violate the Act itself, which provides for universal coverage in the rural areas.
“The Centre’s move to change the ratio between material and wages under MGNREGA will bring down the wage component and reduce the availability of the scheme and open the way for contractors,” the PB said.