HYDERABAD, Jan 23 (PTI): Faced with critcism of allies Left parties on its economic policies, the ruling coalition leader Congress Sunday invoked "reforms with human face" plank to address their concerns over key issues like disinvestment, FDIs into retail sector and rural credit while pledging commitment to speed up reforms in other sectors. A resolution on economic affairs adopted at the 82nd Plenary Session here called for "selective and case-by-case approach" towards disinvestment of public sector units, strengthening domestic retail trade, transparent norms in allowing Foreign Direct Investments and legislative support for implementing affirmative action for weaker sections in private sector. While pledging its commitment to carry forward reforms in sectors like telecom, automobile, airlines and information technology, the resolution, moved by former Karnataka Chief Minister Veerappa Moily, sought to bring the interests of the rural poor to the centre-stage of the ruling party's economic policy. On Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), another area of concern for the left allies, the ruling party sought transparent norms aimed at encouraging investment flow into new projects instead of mere acquisitions. Appreciating the coalition government for reversing the policy of 'indiscriminate and non-transparent' privatisation of the public sector pursued by the previous NDA government, the Congress called for strengthening Navaratna companies to make them globally competitive. "The party reiterates the position that under no circumstances should the Navaratna companies be privatised. The other cases should be undertaken selectively and on a case-by-case basis.
|