CPI-CPI(M) Week long Agitation against Price rise-Punjab

The CPI and CPI(M) units of Punjab will observe Anti-price-rise Week, which have hard hit the people, particularly the poor and middle class people, from 3rd to 9th of February. The protest week will include picketing before the Central Govt. Offices, demonstrations, dharnas and rallies.  This decision was taken by meeting of Co-ordination Committee of CPI and CPI(M) in Punjab which was attended by Dr. Joginder Dayal, Member National Executive CPI, Com. Charan Singh Virdi, State Secretary of CPI(M), Com. Bhupinder Samber, State Secretary of CPI and Com. Lehmbar Singh Taggar, Member State Secretariat of CPI(M).

The meeting was of considered opinion that people are suffering due to the relentless increase in the prices of food items. Onions and vegetables have gone beyond the reach of common people. While the people groaning under steep price rise, the country is witnessing rampant corruption and plunder of   resources.

Yet, the UPA government remains callous to the plight of the people. False assurances are given that the prices will come down within a short period. The government has not taken any effective measures to curb price rise. On the contrary, its policies have contributed to inflation.

The meeting of main left parties in Punjab demanded:

1. Prohibit forward trading in food items and essential commodities

2. Universalize the Public Distribution System; distribute the excess stocks in FCI godowns at BPL rates.

          3. Take firm measures against hoarding.

4. Provide remunerative prices to farmers and inputs at reasonable cost to boost productivity  in agriculture.

5. End the deregulation of petroleum products; roll back the budgetary hikes on petroleum products and rationalize the tax structure on petroleum products.

         6. Don't allow foreign capital in retail trade.

         7. More budgetary allocation for agrarian sector.

The meeting directed its district units of both the parties to hold joint meetings for preparation of the agitation and appealed to other left and democratic sections and forces to participate and raise voice against the unprecedented price rise. The meeting also decided to support the Delhi March of workers on 23rd February and instructed its units to actively participate and support the Delhi March.