In the name of economic restructuring, the then Congress Government in 1991, as per directives of the World Bank and IMF started the process of opening up of the country. The issue was never discussed in the Parliament before announcement. Then again, without any discussion in the Parliament on the implications of TRIPS, TRIMS and GATS on country like us; the then Congress Government signed the International Treaty like WTO agreement.

Since then the period has witnessed consistent shrinkage of employment opportunities both in rural and urban areas. Employment in public sector undertakings declined by 0.1 million in five-year period since 1991. Large number of manufacturing units have either closed or on the verge of closure. The ranks of registered job seekers have swelled to 37.6 million. The State has reduced its responsibilities in the social welfare sector. Expenditure of central and state governments on education and health as a percentage of GDP has shown a steady decline. As a result of this liberalisation policy, poverty among the vast section of our population has increased tremendously. Experience shows that these policies are friendly to the foreign capital and big business, but inimical to the sovereignty and harmful to the interests of the vast majority of the people.

Despite people’s opposition, the same policies are being pursued by the BJP Government, but with much vigor. Within a short period of its existence, the policies pursued and steps taken by the BJP Government have rapidly aggravated the condition of the people in every respect.

To divert the attention of the people from their urgent issues and to suppress the democratic rights of the people, the Vajpayee Government conducted the nuclear test. This has made India more vulnerable to imperialist pressures. Violating India's long-standing position of not signing the discriminatory treaties like the NPT and the CTBT, the Vajpayee Government is now considering the signing of CTBT. In the name of resisting economic sanctions, the process of opening up the country to imperialist finance capital is being speeded up.

In the name of keeping India’s commitment to the WTO, the Congress Government in 1996 and the United Front Government in 1997 tried to amend the Indian Patent Act 1970. But all these efforts have been persistently rejected by the Parliament. But now in a hurry, the Insurance Regulatory Authority bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 16th of this month and the Patents Bill is going to be placed in the Rajya Sabha to day for discussion and vote. Both the bills are contrary to the national interest. These are the children of Congress and they are also in a position to see that these bills are passed.

Naturally, this week is important for the people of India. They are waiting to see who is being served by the National Government.

21^{st December, 1998.}