CPM’s ‘prajaporu’ successful: Public problems demand urgent action

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: In a powerful protest at the Amalapuram District Collector’s Office on Thursday, the CPI(M) led a public demonstration addressing the soaring prices of essential commodities, employment issues, local infrastructural needs, and the failures of coalition governments to fulfill election promises. CPI(M) leaders called for immediate government action on these issues, advocating for fair prices, job opportunities, and essential resources to ease the burdens on citizens.

Rising prices and festival burdens

CPI(M) State Committee member K Subbaravamma emphasized the urgent need for affordable pricing of vegetables, essentials, and cooking oil, especially during the festive season. She urged both central and state governments to take control measures and called for ration shops to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates to help ease inflation impact on household expenses.

Job opportunities: Unmet promises and youth disillusionment

Subbaravamma highlighted the growing frustration among youth waiting for government jobs. She criticized the delays in announcing the DSC, lack of special DSC for tribal communities, and the limited availability of Group-1 and Group-2 positions. The delay has left young aspirants, who have invested time in coaching, in a state of uncertainty. She demanded that the state government expedite recruitments to provide stable employment opportunities.

Local crisis: Sand, liquor, and rising electricity charges

CPM District Convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao voiced concerns over multiple issues affecting citizens. He highlighted ongoing problems related to sand, liquor, and high electricity charges:

Sand policy failures: Despite promises of free sand distribution, construction workers and vehicle owners face significant difficulties as the sand policy remains unimplemented.

Liquor belt shops: The state’s lenient stance on liquor sales, including belt shops and extended hours, continues to drain household finances and impact public health. Kaarem demanded a weekly dry day, stricter controls on liquor sales, and the establishment of de-addiction centers for affected communities.

Electricity charges and smart meters: Criticizing the imposition of Rs 20,000 crore in “true-up” charges, the CPI(M) demanded the cancellation of these charges and rejected plans for installing smart meters for agricultural motors. They called for a fair electricity pricing policy that does not add undue burdens on the people.

Inadequate flood relief for victims

Flood victims continue to suffer from the state’s inadequate response, with many receiving little to no assistance. Kaarem pointed out that enumerations have been riddled with irregularities, affecting the aid distribution process. Tenant farmers, in particular, have faced severe injustice due to these inefficiencies. CPI(M) demands an immediate, thorough survey to ensure that all affected families receive the required support and relief.

Medical services at risk: Opposition to privatization

In light of the state’s decision to privatize medical colleges under the PPP model, the CPI(M) cautioned against the resulting financial strain on the common people. With high costs in private healthcare and limited services through government initiatives like Arogyasri, Rao emphasized the need for quality healthcare services accessible to all, especially for widespread diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Opposing privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

The privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has been a point of contention, with CPI(M) condemning both the state and central governments for their lack of opposition. The party demanded the government hold talks with trade unions and prevent the sale of this critical asset. They called for the allocation of dedicated mines for Visakhapatnam Steel and its integration with SAIL to secure its future.

Neglected promises and local infrastructure needs

CPI(M) leaders called for a focus on implementing election promises such as “Super 6” and other developmental commitments. The party highlighted several issues facing residents in housing colonies, including unfulfilled basic infrastructure needs like roads, clean water, electricity, and proper drainage systems. The party demanded immediate action to improve local amenities, including allotting TIDCO houses to beneficiaries and resolving housing challenges that force families into debt and rental burdens.

Appeal for support and participation

The CPI(M) urged citizens to stand against unfulfilled promises and unjust practices, pressing the government to put public welfare ahead of partisan politics. The protest concluded with a formal memorandum submitted to the DRO.

The protest was attended by CPI(M) leaders, including district committee members K Krishnaveni, G Durga Prasad, N Balaram, K Naga Varalakshmi, Peethala Ramachandra Rao, and numerous mandal leaders and activists across the district, including Seeyagala Rambabu, Mudeh Chinna Satyanarayana, Pamu Balayya, Dommeti Veera Raghavulu, T Lavaraju, Tadi Sriram Murthy, and others, demonstrating a united front in their call for change.