People's Democracy

CITU Also Opposes

The CITU condemned the government’s decision to amend the Indian Patents Act through ordinance and termed it as a deliberate trickery to avoid discussion in parliament which was in session till only two days back.

The central government has promulgated an ordinance amending the Indian Patents Act on December 26, 2004.

In a statement issued on December 28, the CITU alleged that this amendment is being carried under pressure from powerful multinational corporations, with WTO as their front, in order to maximise commercialisation, corner markets and earn higher profits from scientific and technological inventions by mankind.

Having opened the door for limitless patenting and patenting of products, this amendment proves that government of India has willingly weakened its own position vis-a-vis the powerful economies who control 99 per cent of all patents. India is not at the same platform with them financially or technologically or in the matter of enforcement. This amendment removes all the protections India has enjoyed so far, charged the CITU.

The CITU warned that the people of India will be at the receiving end and will have to pay heavily for everything, particularly medicines, pesticides and biotechnological products. Peasants and patients are to be worst affected endangering their livelihood and life.

Rejecting the plea that meeting the WTO deadline has prompted this ordinance, the CITU underlined that our national interests, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceutical and traditional products must be protected before going for actual amendment of the Patents Act.

The CITU appealed to the working class to launch a powerful movement so that the new patent regime takes care of the interests of the country. (INN)