by Pannalal Surana
A few days back, Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, FM of India, is reported to have said that her last budget has thrown away all shackles of socialism to the winds. She might be wanting to please their corporate patrons. But she and all her colleagues should always remember the oath of allegiance they had solemnly taken to the Constitution which proudly contains the guiding value of Socialism in its preamble.
It is a fact that her budget contains lower provisions than the last year for education, agricultural research and housing for the poor. It also contains provision for 6.8% deficit financing, which is twice legal limit of 3%. Much more shocking is the intention of raising vast amount through disinvestment. 74% of the shares of LIC will be sold out to private parties. Established in 1954, LIC has expanded its business in rural areas which provides insurance cover to vast multitude of poor and lower middle class besides mopping up rural savings and is extending credit to water supply schemes, housing and other public projects. It has withstood competition from large corporates from all over the world. The whole nation is proud of LIC. But the new breed of ‘nationalists’ are indulging in breaking down such strong citadels of our nation.
The farmers are agitating for repeal of 3 agricultural laws as also for legalizing MSP for nearly 100 days, braving biting cold and torturous actions of the Modi Government. The working class has raised its voice against compacting 44 labour laws into 4 draconian codes. The youths are thronging government offices for getting the promised two crore jobs. The BJP leaders including the PM are throwing insults at the toiling masses of the nation. But all of them, including the FM should read the writing on the walls that their days are numbered. All those opposing socialism and aspirations of the people are doomed to be thrown into the dustbin.
