National Monetisation Pipeline is ‘daylight robbery’: Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Friday accused the Centre of selling government assets under the guise of monetisation under the national monetization pipeline (NMP). Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, the former Union finance minister said, all that has been built over the last 70 years is being pawned off into the hands of a select few. He also warned that the people must be aware of this danger and protest against it.
Criticising the Modi government, Mr Chidambaram said there was no criterion set for NMP and it was introduced without consultation with anyone. “For roads and railways, there is a PPP model in place. What is the difference between it and the proposed monetisation? Will there be a provision to avoid asset stripping by the lessee? What steps are being taken to avoid monopolies or duopolies? Has the Modi government decided that the Railways is no longer to be considered a strategic sector, he asked.
Last month, the Centre unveiled a four-year National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) worth an estimated `6 lakh crore. The policy aims to unlock value in brownfield projects by engaging the private sector, transferring to them revenue rights and not ownership in the projects, and using the funds generated for infrastructure creation across the country. The Central government had said that the NMP plan does not mean “selling land”, instead it talks about brownfield assets where investment is already being made and where there are assets either languishing or not fully monetised or underutilised.
The BJP accused the Congress and Mr Chidambaram of doublespeak. BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar said, “Congress governments gave roads and airports on lease when Dr Manmohan Singh was the PM and Mr Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Now they are opposing the same decision. This only shows Mr Chidambaram’s duplicity.”
For roads and railways, there is a PPP model in place. What is the difference between it and the proposed monetisation? Has the Modi government decided that the Railways is no longer to be considered a strategic sector?
— P. Chidambaram, Congress leader