2019 CPI(M) Manifesto Highlights
The CPI(M) for the first time, has released their manifesto in New Delhi.
For the first time in any election since independence, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has released their manifesto for the 17th Lok Sabha Elections, in 2019.
These elections are the most important, in the history of independent India.
Internet governance and regulations:
With reference to the internet, the CPI(M) seeks to take the governance of the internet out of the control of the United States, and give it to some other suitable international body. They seek to promote the people's right to privacy, and prevent surveillance by government bodies
Privacy & Surveillance Issues:
The CPI(M) wants to introduce new laws to protect the people from misuse of their private data for commercial use. They want to reduce the monopoly by certain companies like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone etc, over the internet
Aadhaar:
The CPI(M) wants to stop using biometrics for all social welfare schemes. They will provide 12 Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders per year, at a subsidized rate without Aadhar linking.
Fake News:
They want to introduce steps to help in controlling fake news. They also want to take action against the groups that promote fake news
Cybersecurity:
By building talent within the country itself, they want to protect the Indian Internet and Telecommunications network from cyber attacks
Media and its Regulation:
The CPI(M) wants to set up a Media Council which will act as an independent regulatory body for the media. They also want to strengthen Prasar Bharat to make it a reliable public broadcasting service for tv, radio etc.
They also seek to give power to the state governments, to have a say in the programmes shown.
Telecom:
The CPI(M) aims to strengthen public sector telecom companies like BSNL and MTNL by giving them the resources to upgrade their services. They also want to reduce prices, in order to make it more affordable to the people.
Transport:
The CPI(M) wants to remove the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill
Smart Cities:
The CPI(M) wants to set up smart cities which will be planned and based on including people. They will do so through discussions by local elected governments.
International Trade:
The CPI(M) wants to keep certain areas like health, education, water resources, banking etc, out of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
