CPI(M) State secretary B.V. Raghavulu has urged Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to take initiative in addressing the concerns of the poor and marginal sections, students in particular, who were suffering severe hardship on account of the ongoing agitation in the Seemandhra region.
A delegation of the CPI (M) led by Mr. Raghavulu called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum in this regard. The CPI (M) expressed concern that the prevailing uncertainty had paralysed the administration in State hitting the poor hard. The Governor should intervene and ensure that steps were taken to alleviate the plight of Dalits, tribal people, weaker sections, women and old aged.
Speaking to reporters later, Mr. Raghavulu expressed concern that Government-run educational institutions and transport services came to a grinding halt in the Seemandhra region hitting the poor. The Government itself had ordered closure of welfare hostels depriving students of mid day meals while the corporate institutions were functioning as usual.
As the public transport remained suspended on account of the stir, private operators were fleecing the poor and marginal sections with exorbitant charges. The public distribution system was affected adversely resulting in acute suffering of the poor.
The Governor should, therefore, take the initiative in holding discussions with the leaders of the agitating organisations besides directing the government to release scholarship for students during the agitation period. “Since there is no government in the State, we have requested Mr. Narasimhan to intervene in the matter,” he said.