The stamp of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was evident in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the People’s Welfare Front (PWF) on Monday, with the party’s policy on major issues trumping those of its partners.
Two conspicuous omissions brought to the fore the influence of the CPI (M) in formulating the CMP. In the Sri Lankan Tamil’s issue, there was no mention of the demand for a separate Tamil Eelam, something that has been the core demand of the MDMK and the VCK for long.
The document only seeks an international probe into charges of war crimes and equal rights for Tamils and Sinhalese in the island nation.
On the environment front too, some controversial issues in which the parties had differences have been left out. This includes the Neutrino project and the Koodankulam nuclear plant. While the Left has been favourable to these projects, both the MDMK and the VCK have opposed it.
Commenting on the contradictions, CPI (M) leader G. Ramakrishnan said that with four parties, there was bound to be some differences.
The CMP was a document that reflected all issues where common ground has been found. MDMK general secretary Vaiko said that individually, the parties continued to hold their original positions on issues such as the Tamil Eelam.
On the labour front, the PWF promised a minimum wage of Rs. 15,000 for all sectors. The right to form trade unions in MNCs and the Police Department would be ensured.
All labour laws would be mandatory in SEZs as well. The Centre would be persuaded to create a new Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme. The CMP assured a minimum allocation of 5% of State GDP to the education sector and 6 % to health. Tamil would be made the first language as focus would be on education through mother tongue.
Healthcare services would be taken to the doorstep of all senior citizens and old age pension be raised to Rs. 3,000 along with free bus services, it said.
30 kg rice
On the PDS front, the CMP said 30 kg of rice would be given to ration card holders.
This aside, the CMP has called for reservations in the private sector. A Lokayukta law would be passed in case of forming the government to fight corruption. Legislation to ensure Right to Service would be formulated. When land is acquired for industries, the original land owners would be given 10 per cent of shares in the industry established. The document said that for those who consume 250 units or less of electricity, only 50 per cent charge would be collected.
The CMP has also promised to bring in a law against honour killings.
