Economic liberalisation needs human face — VP Singh

Stating that he was not for `Inspector Raj’ and favoured competition, liberalisation, moderanisation and globalisation, Singh said initiating the policy with "closed eyes" by neglecting the Indian reality would result in serious social problems.

The new economic policy followed by the NDA Government had adversely affected farmers, labourers, middle class and the poor in the country, Singh said adding it was highly politically shortsighted.

"We should meet international challenges but without forgetting the Indian reality", he said and in this context he cited the economic policy followed by China, which, he said, had taken into consideration the national scenario while opening the country to global market.

Referring to the problems faced by youth in the country, Singh said issues concerning youths, workers and farmers had been taken away from national agenda.

They had to be brought to the forefront, he said and suggested setting up a statutory "National body" of youths under the chairmanship of Prime Minister to look after the issues of youths, mainly edcucation and employment.

Calling upon the youths to play a vital part in preserving the cultural values of the country, Singh said there were forces trying to create emotional divide on the basis of religion, caste and on other grounds among the people.

Politicisation of bureaucracy on communal lines as it was attempted in Gujarat was a serious trend, Singh said adding this would erode the faith of people on democracy.

Attempt to scuttle democracy had to be viewed very seriously, he said adding "the way the Constitution Review Committee has been formed with no regard to Parliament is a very dangerous trend".

Conference Reception Committee Chairperson and ruling Left Democratic Front Convenor V S Achuthanandan in his welcome speech said the NDA government led by BJP was spearheading globalisation drive at high speed which, he alleged, `very badly affects vast majority of the people’.

`The twin danger of globalisation and attempt of rapid communalism unleashed by Sangh Parivar is threatening the country’s sovereignty and unity as also its democratic institutions and constitution’, he said.

DYFI All India President N N Krishnadas, MP, presided. About 1000 delegates representating more than one crore DYFI members all over the country are participating in the five-day conference.