Siliguri, 03rd July: CPI(M) State Secretary Mohammed Salim on Friday held a press conference in Siliguri and criticised both the Central and West Bengal governments on several issues, including the country’s economic situation, the Mid-Day Meal scheme, bulldozer drives, closed tea gardens and corruption in the education sector.
Speaking on the country’s economy, Salim claimed that the benefits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits have not reached ordinary citizens. He alleged that rising prices of essential commodities, the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar and increasing inflation have made life more difficult for the common people.
He also criticised the Centre’s policy regarding the use of soya chunks in the the Mid-Day Meal scheme. On the issue of bulldozer drives, Salim alleged that the demolition of illegal constructions in the name of eviction has adversely affected the livelihoods and employment of many working-class people.
Salim demanded immediate government intervention to reopen closed tea gardens in North Bengal and protect the interests of tea workers. At the same time, he described the Chief Minister’s regular visits to North Bengal and efforts to listen to people’s grievances as a positive step. However, he criticised past administrative functioning, claiming that despite such visits, the expected developmental work had not taken place.
He also demanded a neutral investigation into corruption and other irregularities in the education sector, along with making all findings public and taking strict legal action against those found guilty.