Shimla: Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) could further expose Himachal’s farmers, apple growers and fragile hill economy to external market pressures, CPI(M) politburo member Tapan Sen warned on Tuesday, accusing the Modi government of compromising national interests through trade deals, including the proposed India-US agreement.
Speaking at the CPI(M) Himachal Pradesh State Committee meeting in Shimla, Sen said the Centre’s neoliberal policies and FTAs were benefiting large corporate interests while increasing the burden of unemployment and inflation on workers, farmers and ordinary people.
The two-day meeting, chaired by Omkar Shad, reviewed Himachal’s political and economic situation. State secretary Sanjay Chauhan presented the organisational and political report.
The CPI(M) linked the Centre’s economic policies to the deepening financial crisis in Himachal, alleging that reduced central assistance and rising debt were squeezing the state’s capacity to provide basic services.
The party said the crisis was visible in education, health, transport, drinking water and electricity, while more than one lakh government posts remain vacant. It demanded regular recruitment instead of contractual, outsourced and job-trainee arrangements.
Apple growers, MIS under focus
The party particularly flagged the weakening of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), saying Himachal’s apple growers need stronger state protection against market volatility and rising input costs.
It demanded unconditional continuation of MIS, support prices for apples and other fruits, procurement depots and immediate payment of all pending dues.
The CPI(M) also opposed the Centre and state’s push towards privatisation in the electricity sector, including prepaid smart meters and private management of substations.
It criticised school closures and mergers under the rationalisation process and opposed implementation of the NEP, alleging that it was accelerating privatisation and commercialisation of education.
The party further demanded relief and rehabilitation for families affected by the 2023, 2025 and 2026 disasters, protection of forest rights and a policy for land distribution and regularisation for poor families and farmers.
It also backed Shimla’s street vendors and tehbazari workers, alleging that action against them violates the Street Vendors Act.
The CPI(M) called upon Himachal’s people to intensify resistance against economic policies that, it said, shift the cost of the crisis onto farmers, workers and ordinary citizens while opening greater space for corporate interests.
