[Marxistindia] Press Communique

[news from the cpi(m)]

October 14, 2014

 

Press Communiqué

 

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi
on October 13 & 14, 2014. It has issued the following statement:

 

Jammu & Kashmir Floods

 

The floods in Jammu & Kashmir have created unprecedented devastation. Even
five weeks after the disaster people in many areas have not received any
relief. The compensation announced by the state government of Rs. 70,000 for
a completely destroyed pucca house and Rs. 15,000 for partially damaged
houses is too inadequate. It is essential that the J & K floods be declared
a national calamity and the relief and rehabilitation package be decided
accordingly. The CPI(M) decided to complete its fund collection for the
relief and rehabilitation work. Rs. 50 lakhs have been raised so far.

 

Cyclone Hudhud

 

The Polit Bureau called for effective relief and rehabilitation measures for
all those affected by the Hudhud cyclone which has struck three districts of
Andhra Pradesh – Vishakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam – along with
Ganjam district in Odisha. The Central government must assist in all
possible ways to see that communication and infrastructure are restored and
for a complete return to normal life. 

 

Outcome of PM Visit to US

 

The Polit Bureau took serious note of the fact that the United States has
sought to pressurize India on the Indian Patent law and Intellectual
Property Rights policy. It also sought the dilution of the civil nuclear
liability law of the country. Both these are reflected in the joint
statement issued by Prime Minister Modi and President Obama. The joint
statement announced the decision to set up an Intellectual Property Working
Group. The US pharmaceutical companies have been demanding that India dilute
its present patent regime which has utilised the flexibilities provided in
the TRIPS agreement. It is this which helps to keep drug prices low for the
people in India.

 

The Polit Bureau demanded that the Modi Government not resile from the
existing patent law and IPR regime. No changes should be brought without
public discussion and being debated in parliament. 

 

The joint statement also provides for setting up Contact Groups to discuss
liability issues in the nuclear reactors sales. The Polit Bureau reiterated
that the provisions of the civil nuclear liability law are in the interests
of the safety and security of the people of India and should not be diluted
in any way.

 

The Polit Bureau strongly opposed the decision to go in for renewal of the
Indo-US Defence Framework Agreement for another 10 years. Such a long term
defence collaboration agreement with the United States is uncalled for and
is not in the interests of India’s strategic autonomy and independent
foreign policy.

 

Reduce Oil Prices

 

There has been a sharp fall in the international prices of oil. At present,
crude oil price has gone below $ 90 per barrel. Despite this, the Modi
government has not reduced the prices of diesel at any stage. The retail
price of petrol also needs to be reduced further.

 

The Polit Bureau demands an immediate cut in the petroleum prices.  

 

Curtailment of MNREGA

 

The Modi government has taken steps to curtail and restrict the rural
employment guarantee Act. The government move is to restrict the employment
guarantee scheme to selected districts and blocks. This will go against the
Act which provides for universal coverage in the rural areas. Secondly, the
move is to change the ratio between material and wages. This will bring down
the wage component and reduce the availability of the scheme and open the
way for contractors.

 

The Polit Bureau reiterated the call to conduct a countrywide campaign
against the moves to curtail the employment guarantee Act and calls upon the
Party and various mass organisations to conduct struggles to see that the
scheme is implemented in full in the rural areas. 

 

Review Report

 

The Polit Bureau finalised the draft Review Report on the Political-tactical
line. This will be placed for discussion in the next meeting of the Central
Committee to be held form October 26 to 29, 2014. 

 

 

Central Committee

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

A.K. Gopalan Bhawan

27-29, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Gole Market

New Delhi 110 001

 

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