CFBP had organized a seminar on the “Common Minimum Programme and the Consumer” on June 23, 2004 at the Babubhai Chinai Committee Room of Indian Merchants Chamber.

Mr. V. B. Haribhakti, President, CFBP welcomed the gathering and explicate the importance of the seminar. He further stated that the CFBP is formed by the eminent industrialists like Late Mr. J. R. D. Tata, Ramkrishna Bajaj, Mr. Arvind Mafatlal etc. Which is an unique organization, formed by the businessmen in order to protect the interest of consumers.

Mr. Subash Gogia, Hon. Secretary & Chairman, Programmes Committee explained the importance and relevance of the seminar. He further stated that the consumer needs to be educated not only about his rights but also about the numerous options available to him. And hence we are organizing series of Consumer Education Programmes in line with the mission of CFBP. He then introduced the speakers of the seminar and requested to commence the presentation.

Mr. Ram Mallar, President, Mallar Law Consulting enlighten the gathering about the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government. His presentation was focused on the following three aspects:

1. Summary of the CMP provisions relevant to Consumers and Industry
2. Actions by Government for implementation
3. Some comments on the CMP

He further explained the implication of the CMP with respect to the Industry, Labour, Employment, Reservation for Scheduled Caste & Tribes, Education and Health, Womens & Children, Food & Nutrition security, Privatization, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Administrative Reforms, Fiscal Policy and capital market.

Mr. Anand Patwardhan, Ex-Chairman, CGSI expressed his views on the CMP and its impact on the consumers. He stated that the problem lies in the implementation of the programme. He further stated that the success of the Common Minimum Programme is mainly dependent on the effective implimentation and the results.

He also pointed out that the reservation of the womens has to be given second thought since the same leads to gender discrimination.

Mr. V. S. Palekar, Past President expressed his views on the CMP with the following 10 points :

1. Economy to grow 7% to 8% annually.
2. Introduction of VAT.
3. Increase in Agriculture Credit
4. Increase in expenditure on Education
5. National Employment Act
6. Increase in expenditure on Healthcare (from 0.9% to 2,3% of GDP)
7. Elimination of Revenue Deficit by 2009
8. Privatisation
9. High priority to develop infrastructure
10. Hint of reservation in private sector

He also pointed out that this Government has to give due importance to the reduction in Govt. Expenditure, Productivity improvement, Massive investment in Infrastructure, Privatisation, Increase in domestic savings, Increase in Foreign Direct Investment.

Both the speakers then satisfactorily answered all the questions raised by the audience.

Mr. Dinesh Parekh, Vice President, CFBP then gave vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude towards speakers, sponsors, representatives of various newspapers - News Channels and the gathering.

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