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Kerala legislature flays BJP on Exim policy

D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram

Animosity to the new Export-Import policy adopted by the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre has brought together the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front.

The rare unanimity among the two traditional rivals, who rarely see eye-to-eye, was witnessed in the state assembly yesterday when it took up the Exim Policy, announced by Commerce Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, for a special debate.

Cutting across political differences, members from both the sides spoke in one voice against the new policy, which they feel unduly harms the state's interest. Some members also used the occasion to blast the Vajpayee government for not appointing someone from the state on to the council of ministers.

The house unanimously adopted a resolution at the end of the three-hour discussion urging the Central government to reconsider the policy. The resolution pointed out that by liberalising imports of the very products which sustain Kerala's economy, the policy gravely harms the state. The new Exim policy frees imports of agricultural products such as spices, cash crops, fruits and vegetables, the very goods Kerala sends out to the rest of the country.

The resolution noted that the policy was announced close on the heels of Chief Minister E K Nayanar plea to the prime minister for a total ban on the import of rubber and coconut products, and measures to protect farmers affected by wrong policies of the Central government. The resolution pointed out that the new policy will impoverish thousands of farmers and fishermen in the state.

The resolution strongly protested against the new policy and urged the Central government to withdraw those products that have a bearing on Kerala's economy from the open general licence list.

Earlier, supporting to resolution, the chief minister said that the prime minister's assurances when he had pleaded the cause of the farmers was not reflected in the policy. The chief minister claimed that the policy will break the backbone of the Kerala economy.

Former finance minister and Congress member Ommen Chandy pointed out that the price of a natural rubber had come down by Rs 2,500 per quintal after the policy was announced. He feared that the price may come down further once imports start.

Chandy said that the new policy will further push down the already low rubber price, placing rubber growers in a serious financial crisis. He urged the Centre to ensure fair price to rubber growers or hike the subsidy to help them tide over the crisis.

The unanimous concern among the ruling and opposition benches on the Exim policy was visible last week itself when the chief minister agreed to a special debate. Members from the opposition, who had given notices for adjournment, motions, submissions, and calling attention motions, readily agreed to the suggestion.

The legislature's discussion was held after suspending normal business hour. A similar unanimous resolution was adopted by the house on the Mullapperiyar dam.

EARLIER REPORTS:
Exim policy shock for Kerala
Exim policy seeks export thrust