CPI(M) slams White Paper, calls it a roadmap for disinvestment, privatisation

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] He criticized the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s White Paper on Kerala’s financial situation, arguing that the document strengthens the privatization policy followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government.

The CPI(M) State secretariat said the White Paper hints that the State government is retreating from welfare programs and people-oriented development that were hitherto enjoyed by the people. He warned of serious public backlash against the government.

The CPI(M) said the stated purpose of the White Paper was to disclose the State’s financial position, but the document announced disinvestment or privatization of ministries providing public services.

No democratic government would consider profit-oriented industries in health, education, public distribution, electricity, drinking water supply and transportation as services to the public. Approaching them through their ability to make profits is tantamount to viewing them through the prism of neo-liberal privatization policies. CPI(M) said the White Paper shows that Chief Minister VD Satheesan is walking on the same path as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The announcement that the retirement age will be raised to the same level as the central services is tantamount to saying that new appointments will be banned for the next five years. CPI(M) said this was a challenge to the youth of the state.