By IANS
Shimla : The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) leader Prakash Karat Monday urged the central government to introduce employment guarantee scheme for the poor in the urban areas on the lines of the rural guarantee scheme.
“We want the central government to now introduce urban employment scheme for the poor,” said Karat while addressing a rally in Shimla for the elections to the 68-member state assembly.
Reiterating the Left parties’ stand on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector he said, “We will continue to oppose FDI in the retail sector.”
Karat said his party would oppose the bill to regulate private universities that would allow the entry of foreign universities in the country.
“The Left will not allow the passing of the private universities bill. Please understand we are trying to play the role of the opposition despite our support to the government at the centre,” he said.
The CPI-M is fighting the Shimla and six other assembly seats.
The second and final phase of the polls will take place Dec 19 for 65 seats and the counting starts Dec 28.The first phase for three seats was held Nov 14.