Strong Public Sector Key To Economy, Says Gupta

Union home minister Indrajit Gupta today stressed the need of a strong public sector for strengthening the country's economy.

Inaugurating the sixth Goa state conference of the All India Trade Union Congress (Aituc) here, the minister called upon the trade unions to adopt new techniques and change their method of working.

Gupta said that although the trade unions used to oppose the introduction of new technologies, we cannot afford to oppose it now considering the technological advances, nor can we oppose the foreign investments.

But it was for the government to finalise the sector in which the foreign funds were to be invested, he said adding there is no point in investing foreign funds in items like tooth paste, biscuits and chocolates in which the country is doing very well.

He said that if foreign investments come they would now able to generate more employment.

Gupta regretted that even the trade unions were neglecting workers belonging to the weaker sections. He said that even in a place like Delhi the construction workers were not getting the minimum wages as per the rules. Trade unions should look into the interest of such people, he said.

Gupta called upon the trade unions to be united and said that however militant they are, they will not achieve their goal if they are not united.

Gupta advised the workers not to be under the wrong impression that all their problems would be solved because the communists have joined the government.

You have to see what kind of government is this which has been formed by 13 different parties having different views on different problems, he said.

The union home minister said that his trade union days were over as today he could not do anything he wants. During my entire life I have been a trade unionist, Gupta said. Gupta regretted that corruption and crime were on the rise and said this could not be controlled only by legislations and a public movement was necessary for this.

He complimented social activist Anna Hazare for his crusade against corruption.

He also called upon political parties not to give tickets to criminals.