» CPI Manifesto and Parliament scrutiny
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has released its election Manifesto for the 15th Lok Sabha Elections, being held in five phases starting April 16th. With reference to FTAs, it states “when the government has been pursuing FTAs, party will demand complete transparency and democratic process in the negotiations, consultations with state governments and also consultations with all stake holders.” Also, “CPI will demand a white paper on this question and discussion in parliament.” (www.cpindia.org) Current practice in India allows the government to ratify treaties without the approval of the parliament. As a result, many international agreements including agreements emerging from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and FTAs, which affect the livelihood of millions, escape the scrutiny of parliament. There is a strong demand from civil society organizations to amend the constitution and make it mandatory to obtain approval of parliament before ratifying such treaties. Presently there are two private bills pending in the Rajya Sabha seeking amendment of the constitution. Similarly, a Public Interest Litigation is pending in the Delhi High Court.