Now, it has become the fashion for the central ministers to issue statements about taking ‘tough’, ‘austere’ ‘unpopular’etc. measures to improve the government services. The latest statement comes from the Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha who stated at the India Rail Summit that, “Some tough steps will have to be taken for restructuring of railways. Though many will not like it but we have to do it.”

What are the tough steps? It is easy to understand. The FDI will be increased, staff strength will be reduced, VRS will be implemented, the profitable sectors will be privatised, the passenger and freight charges will be increased again and also disinvestment will take place. With the slogan ” Business is not the Business of the government” and in full steam to favour the  corporates and MNCs from whom huge election funds have been received, the BJP Government is certainly going to take ‘tough’steps against the people.

It is only through sustained struggle of the workers and common people that this attack on the people can be stopped. It is high time to strengthen the struggles.