CPM subsidy lesson for PM

Singh had, in his speech on National Energy Conservation Day, qualified his statement, that subsidies should be given only to those who need it or deserve it.

The editorial comes at a time when it has been reported that the PM8217;s relationship with the Left is not at its best, something that reportedly came up at the last UPA-Left meeting.

But CPIM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury didn8217;t see any problem: 8216;8216;There was nothing between the CPIM and the PM. Weshared a dinner with Manmohan Singh at Sonia Gandhi8217;s residence a couple of days ago and the atmosphere was indeed cordial.8217;8217;

In its attack, the editorial says: 8216;8216;Any talk8230;of targeting subsidies will only ensure that whatever little is being received by those who need these subsidies will be further reduced8230;. Instead of seeking to improve the delivery systems, what is being sought to be done is to do away with the subsidies themselves.8217;8217;

The CPIM said it suspected Singh8217;s statement comes after the mid-year economic review which had said though the economy was buoyant, there was fiscal stress. 8216;8216;Clearly, the direction is to reduce government expenditures in order to meet these targets,8217;8217; the editorial said.