– Interests of Policyholders in Danger due to Disinvestment of LIC: Hitendra Bhatt
Nagpur :- Ex. General Secretary of Western Zone Insurance Employees Association (WZIEA)Hitendra Bhatt today expressed in his inaugural speech here that the Government of India’s economic policy of disinvesting shares of LIC – the apex public sector institution and the bedrock of the country’s social and economic security – in a phased manner, will jeopardize the interests of 30 crore policyholders.
The 65th two-day Annual General Conference of the Nagpur Divisional LIC Employees’ Union began successfully at the local Sahakar Jeevan Hall, under the presidentship of Shiva Nimje and in the presence of senior insurance leader Ramesh Patne, renowned economist Dr. Shrinivas Khandewale, former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabrao Krushi Vidyapith Dr. Sharad Nimbalkar, Life Insurance Pensioners’ Union leaders T. K. Chakraborty, Dhanraj Dongre, P.V.Milindkumar, Hina Jibhkate, Y. R. Rao.
In his inaugural address, Hitendra Bhatt strongly opposed the government’s decision to privatize LIC through disinvestment. He said, “The financial management of the government has completely collapsed. There is no investment, no employment, no revenue. Therefore, to fill the national exchequer, the government is destroying the public sector. LIC is not a stock market company, but the trust of 30 crore policyholders.” He called upon insurance employees to raise their voice in an organized manner and build a comprehensive and broad-based struggle against this move of the government which weakens LIC.
Speaking on ‘Global Imperialism and Direction of India’s Development’, Chief Guest Dr. Shrinivas Khandewale criticized that the puppet government dancing to the tunes of America is destroying the country in the name of development.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabrao Krushi Vidyapeeth, Dr. Sharad Nimbalkar, underlined in his speech that due to the pro-corporate and anti-farmer policies of the government, the condition of farmers in agrarian India has become extremely miserable. Other labour leaders present on the dais also guided the gathering.
The conference began with hoisting of the Union flag by President Shiva Nimje and paying floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Column.
On this occasion, Asst. Treasurer of the Union, Manohar Pawanikar and other retired members were felicitated with shawl, shrifal and mementos at the hands of the guests. A large number of insurance employees from Vidarbha attended the conference.
The proceedings of this packed conference were compered by Preeti Patre, the introductory speech was delivered by Y. R. Rao and the vote of thanks was proposed by Hina Jibhkate. For the success of the conference, Vivek Joshi, Rajesh Vishwakarma, Abhay Pande, Rajesh Khandelwal, Abhay Patne, Sandeep Laturkar, Laxman Maundekar, Ravi Bannagare, Narendra Umale, Ashok Kalbhore, Salil Mule, Mukesh Jumde, Atul Thakre, Devidas Raipurkar, Jagdish Kale and others extended cooperation.