From a Digital ecosystem perspective, the CPI (M) Manifesto makes some of the right noises, but broadly suggests that the role of government needs to be increased, with greater participation from the public sector, reduction in FDI, . The manifesto is largely a rant against neo-liberal policies from the 6 years of BJP rule and 10 years of Congress rule, saying that the pursiot of neo-liberal policies "need to be reversed. What is required are alternative economic policies in the interests of the people and the country. Some key policy changes that might have an impact on the digital industry: 1. Foreign Direct Investment: - Prohibiting FDI in Retail Trade: "The FDI in multi-brand retail is a graphic example of how the interests of Walmart and other foreign supermarket chains supersede the livelihood and employment of 4 crore (40 million) people in retail trade in India. To start with this executive decision has to be scrapped and FDI policy governed by the interests of national sovereignty, priorities of national development and the employment needs of the people." - Reversing the entry of FDI in the print and electronic media - Reversing FDI guidelines to prevent backdoor entry of FDI and prevent FDI through acquisition route of domestic industries. - Foreign capital to be channelled for building productive capacities and acquiring new technology - No FDI in higher education; Scrapping Bills such as "Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010", "The Higher Education and Research Bill (THER) 2011", and…
