tmadhava m

Nehruvian Socialism was discredited and "Liberalization/Globalization" proclaimed as the panacea of all our ills. Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram were the Prophets of the new order. The old laws so liberal towards organized labour were diluted - all sorts of facilities and privileges were provided to multi-national and national capitalist houses. Welfare measures were curtailed - they were considered part of the despised "Socialist Pattern".

And now, we have to pay the price. Stagflation is back - the artificially boosted growth rates (statistical wizardies rather than actual advances) are back in the doldrums. Petroleum companies profits are more sacred than the lives of the people. SEZs provide havens where the capitalists can flout the labour laws. And the capitalists of the world unite - the stock markets crash! Why? so that governments can be blackmailed to alter fiscal policies to suit the profit motives. And to legitimize the anti-labour acts like intensification of hours of work, work loads, etc., of the workers, so that many can be thrown out of employment. This is especially noted in the much hyped new economy - the IT companies, the HBO enterprises, real estate speculation, etc. The inflation we suffer from despite the recession is what economists call "profit inflation" - excessive profits far in excess of the marginal worth of capital.

There is a political side too. The nuclear pact with USA is an unashamed business transaction - so that the political leaders of India and the captains of US enterprises can do deals in the importation of obsolete technology and equipment. This has to be pushed through. But the credibility of the govt., is now at the lowest. it has little chance of winning the next elections.

It is therefore politically imperative for the present ruling cliques to postpone the elections. And they have found the means for it - the increasingly frequent "explosions" occurring all over India, for which "terrorists" are blamed. These criminal offences against the people will become more - it is in the interests of the political parties in power. Because it will legitimize the declaration of NATIONAL EMERGENCY - and the postponement of elections.

Do you agree with this assessment? If so, do you think the Govt., of India will soon declare a State of Emergency, suspension of the Constitution of India, and postponement of elections?

I am a retired 80=year old. pension is eroded by inflation. would like to make some income by working from home. can write on Agriculture, Forestry, Scheduled Tribes, Kerala folklore, Economics. Can also proof read and correct spelling and grammar mistakes in other people's writings. How do i market these skills?