Reforms must benefit poor, says Left

Advocating a "course correction" in the economic reforms policy so that it benefited the poor, the Left today warned that inequitable growth could lead to social unrest.

"There is a need for course correction, a need to review the reforms from the viewpoint of the poor and the marginalised, otherwise such reforms will lead to social strife," CPI National Secretary D Raja said addressing a seminar on "poverty alleviation and economic reforms" here organised by the Assocham.

"It is not that the Left does not want creation of wealth, the only question is how its equitable distribution is taken care of. Economic development will have to take place along with social justice," he said.

Addressing the captains of industry, CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechuri said poverty eradication was economically beneficial as it would expand their market.