New Delhi: Joining the chorus against disinvestment, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), which had so far limited itself to offering support to protests, has come out in strong opposition against the Narendra Modi government's PSU disinvestment programme. The RSS affiliate has slammed the move, saying that "strategic sales can be misused by corrupt officials to benefit special business houses." Days after leading the charge at a protest organised by Airports Authority India (AAI) against privatisation of airports, SJM national committee has passed a resolution opposing PSU disinvestment.
"India should not sell its national assets to multinationals. The present plan of disinvestment is the result of conspiracies of some consultants, bureaucrats affected by some business houses," it said. The RSS wing has asserted that the Niti Aayog's report on public sector enterprises should be rejected and has emphasised on the "need to examine the evaluation of PSEs keeping in mind the idea of doubling GDP in the next five years and accelerating it in the respective years." "This report is the work of vested interests of some advisors, they should be kept away from this work. The new report should be created with a new set of people who are not only free from prior assumptions but have open views to consider Indian needs," the resolution said.
While noting that doing business is not the business of the government, the SJM said, "We oppose the scheme of handing over national assets to multinational corporations and corporate houses" in the name of disinvestment.
Commenting on the proposed strategic sale of BPCL, SJM said that Saudi Aramco is eyeing its assets after India announced divestment of the oil marketing company. "This is not only unacceptable but also dangerous. Property created with national sentiments and hard work should not be held in the possession of foreign oil companies. The purchase of BPCL will only be a number for them to increase their wealth. Strategic sales are becoming strategic purchases for multinationals," the RSS affiliate said.
It emphasised that PSUs like Air India and BPCL are necessary for the strategic needs of the country. Endorsing reforms over privatisation, SJM said that PSUs can be improved and efforts need to be made in this regard. It also said collecting money by selling ownership and giving up future lifetime earnings will not be a wise business decision, especially when the government is saying that their tax collection is not meeting the target.
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