Sir,

I am writing to thank the party for carrying the articles on the Union Budget in two parts. The articles are clearly written and well thought out, and explains to the party cadre what the scope and nature of the annual budget making exercise is. It explains in no uncertain terms, that the budget and the brouhaha surrounding it serves to disorient the masses into thinking that the present state of affairs of the rule of the bourgeoisie is capable of solving any of the problems of the people. The articles point out in great detail the nature of the taxation system in the country that has in the recent years increased the burden on the poor. The articles discuss the manner in which the Government leverages the funds of the country to benefit the big bourgeoisie. The analysis of the tax exemptions that the trends of the recent past bring out the features in sharp relief. The articles also explain the manner in which the Government on the one hand claims that it has no money for the basic needs of the people, while on the other goes out to become one of the largest spender on armaments in the world. The articles have also pointed out the sops that are enjoyed by the corporate sector, the export sector, the big agriculturalists, while the `iron hand in the velvet glove' is used to hammer only the weak and the helpless. What should also be grasped by the working masses is that irrespective of which party is in power, the budgetary policies of the Government have essentially been the same. While this or that section of the bourgeoisie cries hoarse that it has been short changed, what is beyond doubt is that the entire class benefits in no uncertain terms.

The question before the working masses is what the aim of the budget should be. The answer is quite simply that the wealth generated by the toiling masses should be firmly placed to improve their lot, and to ensure a safe future for them. The masses deserve the fulfilment of basic needs that would ensure a human existence for them. They deserve protection from economic (manmade) forces in the same manner in which they deserve protection from the elements (natural forces). Investment into manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, education, etc., should be the primary focus of any budget, rather than reckless expenditure that endangers the finances and the future of the country. There should be an urgent call from the working people for, e.g., a moratoria on all loan servicing, scaling back on military expenditure, unequivocal cancellation of debts of indebted farmers. By putting forward such a call the working people would be providing a vision of what the purpose of a state and its expenditure should be, and in practice, challenging the vision of the bourgeoisie for the role of the state, which is that of being a guarantor for the rights of private property and in particular that of the big bourgeoisie.

I take this opportunity to thank the CGPI for its unwavering work in the field of educating the rank and file of the party and the working people of the issues facing them.

Sincerely,
S. Nair, Kochi