The severe criticism from various corners against the statement of the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that he was not getting sleep thinking about the subsidy, had its effect. In this blog also, I have expressed strong protest in the matter stating that there was no problem for the FM to give more than 4.6 lakh crore subsidy to the corporates and the big business, but was worried about the 1.4 lakh crore subsidy to the poor.
Today, Pranab Mukherjee has clarified that he was not worried about the amount of subsidy, but was worried about the fact that the subsidy was not reaching the poor. He stated: “I lose my sleep not when I look at the volume of quantum of subsidy, but because it is not reaching to the poor and needy and targeted group,” while talking about subsidy leakages. He also stated that in addition to the 1.4 lakh crore another 1 lakh crore subsidy will be there.
His clarification may save him from further criticism, but what about reducing the subsidy to the rich and increasing it for the poor? Is the government ready for the same? Is he prepared to stop the subsidies to the rich and give it to the poor in the coming budget?
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 
Arrogant FM had to relent to the public criticism. But it is not enough. This kind of public resentment should be channelized into mass movements against inhuman economic path of this country. Trade unions and progressive organisations have to launch extensive campaign to mobilise people against policies of globalization.
K SWAMINATHAN