Economy suffering, federal structure under threat: CPI

The Communist Party of India (CPI) today passed a resolution stating that the 16th Finance Commission has further reduced the states’ share of revenue.

On Day 3 of the 25th Congress of the CPI in Chandigarh, party members said though cess imposed by the Centre had increased to 23.4 per cent, the states received no share from it. “The federal structure of the country is under threat and economy is also suffering heavy damage,” the resolution stated.

Other resolutions passed included current political events, industrial sector, MGNREGA, Dalit issues and Punjab, Punjabi language and its identity. The CPI described the MGNREGA as a key measure of social security and demanded 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of Rs 800.

Senior Communist leader, Hardev Arshi, moved a resolution of homage on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Party opposed privatisation of defence industry and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Similarly, the CPI opposed expansion of power sector, terming it anti-people and anti-worker.

The CPI leaders pointed out that crimes against the Dalits had risen sharply in the past 10 years. Subsequently, party presented its political report, which was unanimously adopted.

Today’s debates saw participation from D Raja, Amarjeet Kaur, Palab Sen Gupta, Hardev Arshi, K Srinivas Reddy and others.

Hand over Chandigarh to Punjab

A resolution was also passed declaring that Chandigarh be handed over to Punjab