IT sector not to figure in CPM central committee

The information technology sector got a breather today with the CPI(M) politburo deferring any comprehensive discussion on the issue in the three-day central committee meeting, starting today.

Though the issue may come up for a brief mention, no serious decision is likely to take place at the meeting.

The politburo, which met here today, deferred any discussion on the issue, while reviewing the party's strategy in the light of developments in the "past three months".

"We have stated our position""that labour laws should be applicable in the IT sector and employees should have the right to set up trade unions and to do collective bargaining. There is nothing more to it," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told Business Standard.

In its last meeting on December 26, the politburo had decided to prepare a "comprehensive document" on the nature of work and services in the IT sector and put it up for discussion at the central committee meeting.

The politburo decision has come in the backdrop of West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's declaration in the wake of the September 29 strike by trade unions that all political and administrative measures would be taken to ensure that agitation did not affect the IT sector.

The chief minister's declaration had caused serious disgruntlement in the CPI(M)'s trade union arm, Citu. Both Bhattacharjee and Citu chief MK Pandhe were present during the politburo meeting.

"The document (on the information technology sector) is not ready yet. Besides, we have no time to discuss it as there are many other urgent issues," said Pandhe, indicating a rapprochement with the West Bengal government on this contentious issue.

Sources said all contentious issues including foreign direct investment in the retail sector, World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, reduction in the interest rate on employees' provident fund, pensions Bill and airport modernisation were discussed.

Politburo members were said to have expressed concern about the "widening gap between our point of view and the government's point of view" on these issues. "We have got to continue our tussle with the government. There is no way out," said a Politburo member.