Press Releases Archive

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy deserves both bouquets and brickbats on the completion of one year in office, said the Lok Satta Party today.

In a media statement, Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma and General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao pointed out that although the Chief Minister has distinguished himself by launching a few people-oriented welfare and development schemes, he has failed to address some basic issues plaguing the State.

They welcomed the Chief Minister's Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu, which seeks to provide training and employment to the unemployed youth, plan to provide interest-free loans to farmers and getting 14 F removed from the Presidential Order. They also hailed the Chief Minister's attempts to eradicate corruption at the grassroots level by launching 'Mee Seva' for issuance of certificates in a time-bound manner.

They, however, faulted the Chief Minister for failing to ensure remunerative prices for agricultural produce and warding off suicides among farmers. They took exception to the Chief Minister repeatedly deferring elections to local bodies and cooperative institutions, not attempting to improve education and healthcare facilities, and not taking steps to curb liquor consumption.

What is more glaring is that the Chief Minister has maintained studied silence on allegations of corruption against top politicians and bureaucrats.

The Lok Satta leaders hoped that the Chief Minister would focus on basic issues at least now.

Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan has said the Union Government move to permit foreign direct investment in the multi-brand retail sector is “great news and long overdue”. It will benefit the farmer and the consumer, and stimulate the economy, Dr. JP said in a media statement issued here today.

The Union Cabinet is expected to approve the note prepared by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) on allowing 51 percent FDI in the retail sector. The Union Finance Ministry has cleared the proposal.

Dr. JP said the fears that foreign retail chains will displace grocery stores and street vendors are misplaced. Experience the world over shows that foreign retail chains did not displace mom & pop stores.

“Retail trade grows faster than the economy in early stages. The new business goes to retail chains, leaving traditional vendors their share.”

Dr. JP recalled that sections of employees had opposed computerization of banks for decades saying it would lead to large-scale displacement of employees. “Now we know these fears had no basis.”

Dr. JP pointed out that under the present dispensation the farmer gets a low price for his produce even as the consumer pays a high price. Both the farmer and the consumer will gain with the advent of multi-brand retail chains.

“Now a farmer gets Rs.18 a kg for the rice he produces while a consumer pays Rs.30 – 35 a kg. A farmer gets only 35% of the consumer price of vegetables & fruits.

“Retail chains will remove middlemen, add value, eliminate wastage and shortages, ensure stable prices and help farmers and consumers. Let us shed fears and welcome FDI in the retail sector.”