Lok Sabha Debates
Called The Attention To The Situation Arising Out Of The Government''S Decision ... on 9 June, 1998
Title: Called the attention to the situation arising out of the Government's decision to import 1.5 million tonnes of exotic dangerous wheat from Australia, contracted by the previous Government at an exorbitant price and the steps taken by the Government in regard thereto. The Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs made a statement in regard thereto.
15.15 hrs. SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN (KARAD): I call the attention of the Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs to the following matter of urgent public importance and request that he may make a statement thereon:-
"The situation arising out of the Government's decision to import 1.5 million tonnes of exotic dangerous wheat from Australia, contracted by the previous Government at an exorbitant price and the steps taken by the Government in regard thereto."
">THE MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF FOOD AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (SARDAR SURJIT SINGH BARNALA): Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to make a statement on the ongoing import of wheat.
Ensuring food security is a prime responsibility of the Government. Accordingly, Government constantly reviews the stock position of foodgrains in the Central Pool vis-a-vis the prescribed minimum buffer norms, production of foodgrains in the country, procurement trend, requirement for public distribution system/other welfare schemes, open market prices etc. Decisions to import foodgrains are taken depending on the situation arising out of factors just mentioned by me. During 1996-97 and 1997-98, Government had decided to import upto 20 lakh tonnes of wheat in each year. Against this authorisation, 17.51 lakh tonnes in 1996-97 and 10.18 lakh tonnes in 1997-98 were imported from Australia, Canada and Argentina.
In January, 1998, the then Government reviewed the estimates of wheat production during the rabi season of 1997-98. It was decided that it would be desirable to immediately import 20 lakh tonnes of wheat through STC to build up adequate reserves for keeping prices under control. Accordingly, the STC was requested on 19.2.98 and 27.2.98 to take immediate action to arrange for the imports.
Let me elaborate here about our wheat production. The target fixed for wheat production during the rabi season of 1997-98 was 68.50 million tonnes against a production of 69.27 million tonnes in the previous year. However, due to inclement weather and untimely rains during the sowing season, the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that production was likely to be only 64.51 million tonnes. This meant that the production was likely to go down by almost five million tonnes. Producement of wheat for the Central Pool depends largely on the actual production during a particular year. Since there was a likelihood of shortfall in production of wheat, there could also be a corresponding drop in wheat producement for the Central Pool. This occurred in 1996-97 when wheat production fell by around 3.5 milolion tonnes and producement also decreased by four million tonnes at that time.
During 1996-97, procurement for the Central Pool was 81.44 lakh tonnes and in 1997-98, it was 93 lakh tonnes. After introduction of the targetted public distribution system from June, 1997, it has been estimated that around 110 lakh tonnes of wheat are required to feed the public distribution system and other welfare schemes of the Government. Moreover, during times of price rise, as a strategy, Government releases additional quantities of wheat in the open market to control prices. Therefore, it is necessary to build up adequate reserves of wheat for ensuring food security of the country's population and imports are resorted to whenever domestic production is likely to dip.
Let us now compare the relative costs of imported vis a vis domestic wheat. The Cost and Freight Price of imported Australian wheat is around Rs. 6,420 per tonne. This includes cost of grain at the rate of US$ 142.50 per tonne, which was the contracted FOB price, and approximate freight charges of US$ 18 per tonne, that is, US $ 160.50. One US$ has been taken at Rs. 40. In the past contracts of 1996-97 and 1997-98, the C&F price of Australian wheat varied between US$ 170 and US$ 178 per metric tonne C&F. The current C&F price is around US$ 10 to 17 less than the purchase made during 1996 and 1997 from Australia. I may add for Members' information that during 1996-97, wheat imports from Canada were at US$ 189 C&F and from Argentina at US$ 173 C&F per tonne. IF we compare the C&F price of imported wheat to that of the acquisition cost of indigenous wheat, the costs are quite comparable. FCI's acquisition cost of indigenous wheat, after adding cost of grain, procurement charges and carry over charges, amounts to Rs. 6,521 per tonne.
Permit me to share with you now the present import scenario. Up to 8th June, 1998, 32 ships have already been fixed by TRANSCHART of Ministry of Surface Transport for a quantity of 10.64 lakh tonnes of wheat. Twenty-two ships have already sailed from Australian ports with a quantity of 7.53 lakh tonnes. Six lakh tonnes have already landed at Indian ports, and the balance quantity for which ships have been nominated is expected in June and early July. As per the schedule drawn up, 10.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will come in by July, 1998, and the remaining 4.5 lakh tonnes will be shipped from Australia after the monsoons.
Now, I talk about the hon. Members' understandable concern about the quality of imported wheat. As regards the presence of exotic weeds in the Australian wheat, Ministry of Agriculture advised STC to ensure that the consignments should be fully in conformity with the provisions of the Plants, Fruits and Seeds Order, 1989, and the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. Weeds are an integral part of any crop, and I am informed that the complete elimination of weeds from any origin wheat is just not possible. However, in the contract with Australian Wheat Board, STC has specified that the wheat shall conform to PFS Order and PFA Act, and has also stipulated that the seller would endeavour to minimise the presence of exotic weed seeds in the wheat consignments shipped to India.
As per the contract entered into by STC, only sound Australian standard white wheat in dry and clean condition, free from insect infestation and fit for human consumption, is being imported from Australia. The imported wheat stocks, upon arrival at the Indian ports, are jointly inspected by the quality control officials of Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs and Food Corporation of India. As per the first inspection reports of our quality control officials, these stocks have been found conforming to the contractual specifications as well as the provisions under PFA Rules, 1955. The suppler, that is, Australian Wheat Board, an authority of the Australian Government, is also providing a certificate that wheat shipped is in accordance with the grade and quality specification stipulated in the contract and is fit for human consumption in respect of each vessel at the load port in Australia.
Each imported wheat consignment on arrival at Indian ports, is also inspected by the PPQ authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as by Custom Commissioners assisted by Port Health Authorities of the Ministry of Health. There are, thus, enough checks and balances in the existing system of inspection of imported wheat directly at the ports as and when these consignments arrive.
Sir, I fully share the concern of the House about protecting the interests of the country. I assure the House that the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs will continue to protect the interests of our farmers as well as our consumers.
SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN : Chairman, Sir, the statement of the Minister is silent over many crucial and important issues in the most scandalous contract I think ever executed in this country.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Mr. Chavan, no debate is allowed. You have only to ask a few questions.
SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN : This contract was concluded when the Lok Sabha elections were going on and the new Government was just about to take over. The tendering procedure was completely opaque. It was conducted in a great hurry, without any transparency, overruling the objections of FCI, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Department. There was no need to import this wheat at all. It was imported at a much higher price than the wheat prices in the international market, causing a great loss to the national exchequer. Deliveries also were accepted when our local Rabi crop was coming into the market causing great hardship to Indian farmers.
The tender was finally given to the Australian Wheat Board, which is a Government authority. This contract had a middleman, a company called Arco of Singapore. The penalty clause was added later on. It was not there in the original tender was offer. It was added later on just so that the new Government could not cancel the order easily. Enough protection was not taken against the harmful and dangerous weed which is capable of destroying Indian agriculture because the Government decided not to conduct phyto-sanitary tests. The Weed Discount Formula which could have lowered the price of wheat, was not entered into the contract. The STC Chairman, who was directed by the Government to go through the deal, rushed through it without taking his own Finance and Legal Directors into confidence. The Indian High Commission in Australia was not informed about this deal at all. It was completely misled. This was about the role of the previous Government, but the role of the present Government is also very important. When it took over, it took very crucial decision. It will just take me a minute to highlight the chronology.
On 16th February, this country went for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. On 19th February, the Government decided to import the wheat. On 21st February limited tender was floated. And, on 25th February, which was a holiday on account of Mahashivratri, the order was finalised. On 26th February, an order for the import of 10 lakh tonne of wheat was given to an Australian wheat company. I have got tender comparison chart. Out of the nine offers that were received, five offers were lower than the Australian Wheat Board offer but those were rejected and in a hush-hush manner on a weekend, on a holiday, orders were given for import of 10 lakh tonne of wheat from the Australian Wheat Board. Not only that, initially on the 19th when the Government wrote to STC, the Government wanted STC to import 10 lakh tonne of wheat, but the tender went for only 2 lakh tonne. One does not know why. After that, again the order was given for 10 lakh tonne. On the very next day, on 27th February, the Government wanted the order to be doubled. STC went to Australia but the Australian Government could not supply 20 lakh tonne of wheat. Therefore, the order was finally placed for 1.5 million tonne at a price which was decidedly higher than the international price ruling at that time.
I have got the tender comparison chart. The offer of the Australian Wheat Board was higher than the Columbian Grain, it was higher than the Continental Grain Company of Chicago and was higher than the Singapore offer. In spite of that the Government decided to favour only one company. It was higher than the Canadian Wheat Board, was higher than Kargil, was higher than the Continental Grain Company of America.
It was higher than that of the United Grain of America. All these companies had quoted lower prices. Still, STC favoured Australian Wheat Board. Many controversial issues have come up in this case. The order was placed in spite of FCI's objection. What was the objection of FCI? It was that there was no need to import this wheat because it contained exotic weed. It was not meant for use in North India because it could cause problems in North India. It was meant for consumption in South India. What was the consumption in South India? It was one lakh tonnes per month. And the stock in South India was five lakh tonnes. So, there was no need to import wheat. Also there was shortage of port facilities, storage facilities and there was shortage of gunny bags. All these objections were overruled.
They were in such a great hurry because they were afraid that a new Government would take over and something would go wrong. They were in such a great hurry that they wanted the wheat to come in when domestic wheat comes in. Prices of our wheat get depressed when this wheat comes in. STC pushed the whole deal in a matter of eight days, when elections were taking place and when all political personalities were busy. Who directed the STC to do so? Who was the Minister in charge of STC then? The Minister in charge of STC then belonged to Telugu Desam Party. That Minister directed STC to do it and the Government cleared it.
Sir, I come now to the price aspect. As I said earlier, the country has lost at least Rs.100 crore on account of this order apart from its effect on farm prices. The loss was Rs.100 crore in this deal of Rs.900 crore. What is the propriety of a deal of Rs.900 crore being executed in seven or eight days, on holidays, and during the days when elections are going on? There are many moral questions involved in this issue which the House must take serious note of. One of them is as to what extent a caretaker, lame-duck Government can go?
There is another very interesting aspect to this deal. At the time of tender, there was no penalty clause in the contract against Indian Government. The penalty clause of 2.5 dollars per tonne per month for delayed delivery was added later to make it difficult for a later Government to cancel the contract. I would like the Government to clarify whether it is a fact or not that there was objection from the Director (Legal) of the STC. I have got papers here and I can show that there was. There was objection from the Director (Finance) of STC that they were not taken into confidence at all. The FCI had objected to the whole deal. The Chairman, STC, dealt with the whole deal alone. Is it not a fact that the then Commerce Minister and the STC Chairman visited Australia from the 1st to 4th of September? What happened then? Suddenly elections came, the deal had to be put through at any cost and they had finally put through the deal when elections were going on. There are serious implications to it. Everybody was kept in dark.
I would like to ask this Government about its role in this. The dates are very crucial here. The contract was entered into on 27th Feb. The Government was going to take oath on 19th March. On 19th March, the STC Board met to take this deal on record. But the STC Board refused to take this deal on record because Director (Finance) had objected to this. But later on, Shri Barnala, who is a farmer himself and who has the interests of farmers at his hand ... (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Chavan, please conclude.
SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN : I will conclude in one minute, Sir. It involved Rs.100 crore.
After Shri Barnala became the Food Minister, a report was published in `The Economic Times' of 27th March. It said, "Barnala may tear up Aussie wheat import contract". Shri Barnala should have done it. He was reported to have said that the wheat import contract with Australia faces termination. Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, asks the Food Minister to send a status report on the issue as it may have serious legal and diplomatic implications. Shri Vajpayee calls a meeting with the Food Minister, Shri Barnala, on 25th. The Government was facing Vote of Confidence on 27th of March. On 25th, the Prime Minister calls a meeting with the Food Minister and asks for a written note on the matter and says that a a decision will be taken after the Confidence Vote. What decision did they take?
I quote from a report from `The Economic Times'. It says:
"Food Minister Shri Barnala while stating that imports would be gone through, if necessary, was of the opinion that figures (i.e., the wheat availability figures) add up to a comfortable wheat stock and hence no imports were needed."
He was also concerned about the import of wheat in the procurement season in April as it would not fetch the farmers a good price. The imported wheat will also create storage problem in FCI godowns which already had a bufferstock of 5.9 billion tonnes. This is what the Food Minister said after he took over the office.
You see The Economic Times of 6th April. It says that Vajpayee puts his seal on row-ridden wheat import suddenly. Government suddenly decides after the Vote of Confidence - it is very crucial - to allow the import.
There is another report in The Telegraph of Calcutta, dated 3rd April. It says that the Government begins probe into a 141 million dollar wheat deal. The new Government had started a probe into the 141 million dollar wheat deal signed by the previous Government. This is what the investigating officials said. They had received allegation that up to Rs.90 crore were paid as kickbacks and a probe had been ordered by this Government into the deal. It further says that the Australian deal had been finalised too quickly. This is what the investigating officials say. Even the State Trading Corporation, which is a buying agency in this case, did not know of the deal till the final stages. They were simply told to go ahead and sign. Who told the STC to go ahead and sign and who contracted everything? There is a political angle to it and it is very unfortunate.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Come to the question, Mr. Chavan.
SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN : Our High Commissioner did not know anything about it. This Government initially wanted to order a CBI inquiry but something happened. The Vote of Confidence was taken up. Certain political parties supported the Government. The survival of the Government was decided by a political party. If you remember, that political party was with you and that certain political party suddenly decided to support the BJP. The BJP Government survives the Vote of Confidence and there is no CBI inquiry. The deal is pushed under the carpet and nothing happened.
Many issues are involved here. My question to the Government is: Are you going to order a CBI inquiry or not? Is it going to be a Damocles sword over the TDP for continuous support? Some kind of deal is going on. A hundred crores of rupees of kickbacks have been alleged here. A deal worth Rs.900 crore was worked out in seven days - two holidays. Saturday and the Mahasivaratri and when the Lok Sabha elections were going on. What is this? There should be a thorough probe.
I demand the hon. Minister to institute a CBI inquiry into this whole deal. I demand that a Parliamentary Joint Committee be instituted.
Not only this, moral and ethical questions are also involved. Can a lame duck Government, which is going to demit the office in a matter of hours or days, can enter into such a deal involving thousands of crores of rupees and incur loss of a few hundred crores? Who made the money in this deal? Is the Government going to start a CBI inquiry or not? Is there a political deal between the TDP and this Government? This Government's survival is dependant on the continuous support of TDP whose Minister is completely behind this deal.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Ajit Jogi, you can ask only questions, no discussion and no debate.
">SHRI AJIT JOGI (RAIGARH): I can only ask questions. महोदय, यूं तो इस सदन में बहुत से घोटालों पर चर्चा हुई है, पर जिस घोटाले पर हम आज चर्चा कर रहे हैं, इसकी अलग खासियत है, भिन्नता है। इतने कम समय में, इतने कम अधिकारियों ने इतना बड़ा घोटाला देश के इतिहास में कभी नहीं किया, इसलिए मैं कुछ प्रश्न आपकी अनुमति से पूछना चाहता हूं। जिस बात का उल्लेख अभी किया गया कि ऐसे समय में यह सौदा किया गया जब कि पूरा देश चुनावों में व्यस्त था। हम सब १६, २२ और २८ फरवरी के चुनाव के मतदान के बाद चुनकर आये हैं। समयावधि के बारे में मैं ४-५ चीजें मंत्री जी से पूछना चाहता हूं। ऐसा कौन सा कारण था, आप यह पता लगाने का कष्ट करें कि जब देश चुनाव में व्यस्त था, तब इस सौदे को कयों अंतिम रूप दिया गया? २१ फरवरी को टैंडर बुलाते हैं और २५ फरवरी को अंतिम रूप दे देते हैं। चार दिनों में ९०० करोड़ रुपये का सौदा किस तरह से एस.टी.सी. ने पूरा किया, इसकी कया आप तहकीकात कराएंगे? जिस दिन आप टैंडर बुलाते हैं, वह दिन छुट्टी का दिन था और जिस दिन टैंडर को अंतिम रूप देते हैं, वह भी छुट्टी का दिन था। छुट्टी के दिन एस.टी.सी. के चेयरमैन, एम.डी. और अधिकारियों को इतना काम करने की कया आन पड़ी थी कि इस टैंडर को अंतिम रूप दिया गया? आप जानते हैं कि १५-२० दिन के बाद नई सरकार आने वाली थी। हम सब सरकार में रहे हैं, सब जानते हैं कि इतना बड़ा सौदा जब नई सरकार आने वाली हो, तो पूरा नहीं किया जाता। आप एस.टी.सी. के अधिकारियों की जवाबदारी तय करिए कि उन्होंने ऐसे समय में कयों इस सौदे को अंतिम रूप दिया, जबकि २० दिन के बाद नई सरकार पद ग्रहण करने वाली थी? इसकी भी जांच कराएं कि यह टैंडर चुपचाप कयों बुलाया गया? यह कहकर कि इंटरनेशनल वीट प्राइस बढ़ जाएंगे, केवल कुछ चुने हुए लोगों से ही टैंडर कयों बुलाया गया, सीमित टैंडर कयों बुलाए गए? जब कमेटी आफ सेक़ेट्रीज ने जनवरी में फैसला किया था कि हमें गेहूं की जरूरत होगी, हम कहते हैं कि यह फैसला गलत था, पर मान लीजिए उन्होंने यह फैसला किया कि हमें जरूरत है तो जनवरी से लेकर फरवरी तक कयों रुके? ऐसे समय के लिए कयों रुके रहे, जबकि देश चुनाव में जा रहा था, सारे देश का ध्यान चुनाव में था? जनवरी में यह कयों नहीं किया गया? कया इसका कारण यह है कि जनवरी में गेहूं की कीमतें कम थीं? कया इसका कारण यह है कि एस.टी.सी. जिससे गेहूं खरीदना चाहती थी, वे आपको कीमत नहीं दे रहा था और जो किकबैक का सौदा होने वाला था वह जनवरी माह में पूरा नहीं हुआ था? कया इसकी जांच की जाएगी कि जनवरी से फरवरी तक एस.टी.सी. के अधिकारी बैठे रहे और फरवरी में कयों इसे अंतिम रूप दिया गया? मेरे प्रश्न का ठब" हिस्सा कीमतों के बारे में है। एस.टी.सी. के चार्ट पर चार बड़े अधिकारियों वी.डी. जैन, एस.के. कपूर, एम. राव और के.के. सूद के दस्तखत हैं। इसमें नौ फमर्ों के कोटेशंस हैं, उनकी कीमतें दर्शाई गई हैं, मैं सबको पढ़ना नहीं चाहता। उसमें अधिकांश की कीमतें जिससे आपने खरीदा, उससे प्रथम दृष्टया कम दिखती हैं। जब कम दर पर और अधिक शैल्फ लाइफ का गेहूं उपलब्ध था तो कयों एस.टी.सी. ने यह गेहूं अधिक दर पर खरीदा? इसकी भी जवाबदारी तय जाए। जब अमेरिका के राजदूत ने एक पत्र लिखकर हमारे कामर्स मनिस्टर और फूड मनिस्टर को आपत्ित दर्ज कराई कि यह सौदा गलत हो रहा है, उसके बाद कया जांच की गई और कया उनको उत्तर दिया गया? यह पूरा सौदा किसान विरोधी सौदा था। आप चूंकि किसानों की रहनुमाई करते रहे हैं, किसान आपको अपना नेता मानते हैं इसलिए मैं किसानों के संदर्भ में तीन चीजें जानना चाहूंगा। पहली तो यह कि आप देश के किसानों को ५१० रुपये प्रति किवंटल दे रहे हैं और आस्ट्रेलिया जहां से आप खरीद रहे हैं, वहां ८५० रुपये प्रति किवंटल दे रहे हैं, कया आप इसको किसान विरोधी सौदा नहीं मानते? ऐसे समय में इसकी डिलीवरी कयों तय की गई, जबकि देश की मंडियों में गेहूं की आवक सबसे ज्यादा रहती है? अधिकांश डिलीवरी मार्च और अप्रैल के महीने में तय की गई। यह ऐसा समय है जबकि लेवी का गेहूं देश में सबसे ज्यादा मंडियों में आता है। इसलिए ऐसे समय में ऐसा गेहूं कयों बुलाया गया? ऐसा गेहूं जिसमें जहरीला खरपतवार है, जो अभी तक हमारे देश में नहीं पहुंचा। ऐसे बीज हैं जो हमारे गेहूं बोने वाले क्षेत्र में आ गए तो देश को आने वाले कई वषर्ों तक इसका नुकसान होगा। ऐसे गेहूं को कयों देश में आने दिया गया, जबकि इस पर आपत्ित दर्ज की गई थी? अब मैं अपने प्रश्न का ठस" हिस्सा पूछना चाहता हूं। सभापति महोदय (श्री बसुदेव आचार्य): आपके तीन सवाल हो गए।
SHRI AJIT JOGI : This is question No.l, (a), (b) and (c). (d) is still there. I have got some important questions which have not been answered. I would also like to get a reply to it. मैं यह जानना चाहूंगा कि कया मंत्री जी यह पता लगाएंगे कि सितम्बर १९९७ में श्री एस.एम. दीवान जो एस.टी.सी. के चेयरमैन हैं, उस समय वह पी.ई.सी. के चेयरमैन थे, उनका चयन एस.टी.सी. के चेयरमैन के रूप में हो गया था, वे तत्कालीन मंत्री श्री रमैया के साथ आस्ट्रेलिया गए। वहां उन्होंने हमारे राजदूत से सम्पर्क नहीं किया। वहां वे ए.एन.जेड. बैंक के अतथि रहे। यह आप जांच करके पता लगा सकते हैं कि उनके ठहरने का, होटल का, गाड़ी का इंतजाम ए.एन.जेड. बैंक ने किया। जिससे आपने अंत में गेहूं खरीदा है, वहां के एजेंट, उसके बैंकर के द्वारा इंतजाम किया गया। कया इस बात का पता लगाएंगे कि श्री रमैया और श्री दीवान सितम्बर १९९७ में आस्ट्रेलिया में थे, कया उनकी इनसे बातचीत नहीं हुई और कया यह पूरा सौदा और इसके पीछे जो किकबैक है, उसको सितम्बर १९९७ में अंतिम रूप नहीं दिया गया? जब सौदा हो रहा था, उसके ठीक पहले श्री ए.के. बहल जो जनरल मैनेजर, इंचार्ज थे, उनको जनरल मैनेज वीट एस.टी.सी. ने बदला और उनकी जगह दूसरे मैनेज श्री सूद को नियुकत किया गया, बिल्कुल सौदे के थोड़ा पहले नियुकत किया गया। सौदे के थोड़ा पहले कयों सूद को बहल की जगह लिया गया और कयों सूद से यह सारा काम कराया गया, इसकी भी आप हमें जानकारी दें?
I have just three or four questions which are relevant. As I told you it is a shady deal where three or four officers have cheated the country.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy. श्री अजीत जोगी : मैं यह जानना चाहूंगा कि सूद को जनरल मैनेजर बनाया गया, कया वे जनिवा और ज्यूरिख में जनवरी १९९८ में गए और वहां उन्होंने स्िवस बैंक से चर्चा की, उसके जूनियर मैनेजर से चर्चा की, इसका सत्यापन किया जाए? मैं यह भी जानना चाहूंगा कि जब-जब जांच का आदेश होता है, तब-तब यह जांच एक बार वजिलेंस कमीशन ने करने की कोशिश की, अभी सी.बी.आई. ने कागज मांगें हैं। मुझे अधिकृत रूप से पता चला है कि सी.बी.आई. के अधिकारियों ने बताया है, वजिलेंस के अधिकारियों ने बताया है और मैं सदन में बताना चाहूंगा कि उनका कहना है कि हम इनसे कागजात मांग रहे हैं, ये पूरे कागजात नहीं दे रहे हैं, हम जांच नहीं कर सकते। मैं आपके माध्यम से मंत्री जी से जानना चाहता हूं कि कया कारण है कि एस.टी.सी. के अधिकारी जो कागजात देने चाहिए, वे न तो सी.बी.आई. को उपलब्ध करा रहे हैं और न वजिलेंस को उपलब्ध करा रहे हैं? यह कागजात कब तक सी.बी.आई. के अधिकारियों को उपलब्ध करा दांगे, जिससे वे अपनी जांच पूरी कर सकें? इतना बड़ा घोटाला हुआ है, उसके पीछे इतना बड़ा राजनैतिक कारण है जो मेरे पूर्व वकता ने स्पष्ट किया कि एक बड़ी कीमत इस सरकार को तेलुगू देशम पार्टी का समर्थन प्राप्त करने के लिए देनी पड़ी। जो १०० करोड़ रुपये का घोटाला हुआ, उस पर हम जांच नहीं कराएंगे, इसी आश्वासन के आधार पर तेलुगू देशम पार्टी का समर्थन आपको मिला। अगर यह बात असत्य है तो आप समस्त कागजात सी.बी.आई. को उपलब्ध कराएं, अन्यथा इस सदन और दूसरे सदन के सदस्यों की संयुकत संसदीय समति बनाएं जो इस १०० करोड़ रुपये के घोटाले की जांच करे। अगर ऐसा नहीं किया जाता है तो देश यह मानेगा कि यह वह कीमत है इस भ्रष्टाचार को छिपाने की वह कीमत है जो भारतीय जनता पार्टी ने तेलुगू देशम पार्टी के समर्थन के लिए विश्वास मत प्राप्त करने की दी।
MR. CHAIRMAN : Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy. Only one question, Mr. Reddy.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : Why not more, Sir? What is the difference between Shri Jogi and myself, I want to know from the Chair.
MR. CHAIRMAN: There is no difference.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY (VISAKHAPATNAM): If you do not want me to speak, I shall sit down.
MR. CHAIRMAN: No, please speak.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : This is not fair, Sir...(Interruptions) संसदीय कार्य मंत्री तथा पर्यटन मंत्री (श्री मदन लाल खुराना): आप इस सरकार के बारे में प्रश्न लाए हैं जबकि यह स्कैंडल जिस सरकार का है उसका आप ... (व्यवधान) श्री अजीत जोगी : हम कहते हैं कि आप इसके बारे में ... (व्यवधान) श्री लाल मुनी चौबे (बकसर) : इसमें तो आपकी पार्टी शामिल है।
... (व्यवधान) सभापति महोदय : चौबे जी, आप बैठिये। श्री मोहन सिंह (देवरिया): कया आप इसे स्कैंडल मानते हैं? श्री लालू प्रसाद (मधेपुरा) : माननीय मंत्री खुराना जी ने उठ करके हाउस में हस्तक्षेप करते हुए कहा कि यहां का नहीं है, उस सरकार का स्कैंडल है। अब स्कैंडल मान लिया गया है, यह बात स्वीकृत हो गयी है। अब बात है कि जांच किससे कराएं, नहीं कराएं।
... (व्यवधान) श्री लाल मुनी चौबे : सभापति जी, घोटाले की बात नहीं कही है। उन्होंने कहा कि यह काम किसके समय में हुआ। यह उस समय हुआ जबकि आपकी पार्टी सरकार का समर्थन कर रही थी।
... (व्यवधान) कांग्रेस के नेता उसमें शामिल हैं।
... (व्यवधान) सभापति महोदय : चौबे जी, आप बैठ जाइये।
">DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY (VISAKHAPATNAM): Sir, I draw the attention of the hon. Minister, Shri Khurana. Here, in God's creation, Governments come and go but the matters are always perpetual. This is not the time for me to speak about the Government, I want to speak only about the facts that took place during the last few months. I want to question the hon. Minister. He gave a nice reply that two and two is equal to four. हम फ्रूट खाएं तो मीठा होता है, वे खाएं तो खट्टा होता है।
We would like to know what made the Commerce Ministry to decide to import wheat. First, in January, they decided to import one million tonnes and then again on February 21, they decided to float a tender and on 26th, they opened the tenders. Our country is full of red-tapism. When a tender is floated, it takes three to four months. But here, the tenders were opened within 24 hours. Perhaps in the last fifty years' history of India, this is the first time that this has happened involving Rs.950 crore. Then, on 27th, within 24 hours, the order was passed - not by you, by the then Government. Then immediately they got a dream that ten lakh tonnes was not sufficient, it should be twenty lakh tonnes. 20 लाख होना चाहिए, नहीं तो देश को मुश्िकल हो जाएगी, प्रॉब्लम हो जाएगी।
Immediately, within 24 hours, they made it two million tonnes and immediately they changed the contract to Australian people. Instead of one million tonnes, they said two million tonnes. But the Australian people said that they could not supply two million tonnes, they could supply 1.5 million tonnes. That is why it became Rs.950 crore. Rs.950 crore worth of foreign exchange is involved. Secondly, the Food Corporation of India vehemently, effectively and straightaway said that it was not necessary to import wheat. They said, they were going to get the new crop in the month of April. Then what made the Government to think of importing wheat in the month of February? They knew that elections were coming and the new Government was going to be formed in the month of March. Heavens were not going to fall. If such things happen, there will definitely be a suspicion in the minds of the people of India. Ninety crore people of India are wondering what made this wheat deal. The Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Telegraph, every newspaper highlighted the scandal of wheat import.
Has he not seen the newspapers? Similarly, the Commerce Minister recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the CBI had seen the papers. What made him to say so? It means they also looked into it. Unless there is a scam or a scandal, what made the CBI or others to see those papers? The Minister says that everything is all right and they wanted to import wheat only because the country required it as Kharif was not good and the country should have adequate wheat.
Originally, 64 million tonnes of wheat was expected to be produced in the country. Suddenly, they said 64 million tonnes can be produced and then, again they said that 66.5 million tonnes can be produced within the country. These three figures have been given by the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs only. I was surprised to see these figures. When 64 million tonnes of wheat is available in the country in the crop season, we needed only two million tonnes more. So, I want to question the basis to import two million tonnes of wheat. It was the most imaginary, vague, artificial, absurd and meaningless basis.
One more thing is that the Ambassador of the United States of America expressed his unhappiness about what made the Government of India, having accepted to give equal opportunity to the traders of America who are in the business of wheat, not to give an opportunity to American traders. This is a very serious matter. Of course, they say that the quality of the wheat produced in America is not good, but nobody will agree to it. This is a very serious matter. We have also to think on this point.
Another most important thing is that when there was found to be exotic dangerous wheat, they said that the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs had sent to them a confidential report about it a few days back. They say that this is a normal thing that when they import wheat, the exotic dangerous seeds also come in. But since in South India, people do not grow wheat, it was sent to South India. In South India, the Food Corporation of India is crying that they have no godowns to store that wheat as the demand of the people of South India is only one lakh tonnes per month and hence, they are unable to keep five lakh tonnes.
Like this, the circumstances leading to this Rs. 950 crore deal are malicious and it seems that some scam is there. I do not want to go into details. If the government feels that everything is fine and in order, it is very good and I welcome it. Then, why do they not institute a CBI inquiry or an inquiry by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, and make things very clear? They talk of Ram Rajya. Therefore, they should make the people of India know that they have followed the perfect rules. What made this present Government to say that everything is in order and there is no necessity to cancel the import of wheat? Should they lose the most valuable foreign exchange of India? There is one more thing that there is a penalty of 2.5 dollars per tonne if the wheat is not imported in time. They could not do it. They could not import more than five lakh tonnes. It is the most amazing and a sorrowful thing. Now, the Government is paying penalty also. Therefore, all these things give an impression, as Shri Khurana said, पर वह नहीं होता है, खाली मन में इंट्रेस्ट है, पर्सनल इंट्रेस्ट है तभी होता है।
MR. CHAIRMAN : Okay, Dr. Reddy.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : Sir, I have not even put a single question.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Okay, you raise your last question.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : Sir, I am going to speak about West Bengal and other States also.
Sir, I spoke just now without reading any paper. Is it not?
MR. CHAIRMAN: Yes.
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : As my friend said, it has been told several times that red-tapism is there even after 50 years of Independence of India. Please remove it. Let us attain prosperous progress of the country by removing red-tapism. But we must give a special award to the Commerce Ministry for they passed orders within 24 hours. If this takes place in every Ministry, perhaps, the glorious success of India will be an unparalleled and a matchless phenomenon in the world history. हमने नहीं किया, किसी और ने किया है। हम मानेंगे कि वे बहुत अच्छा बोले।
So, I want to put last few questions to Shri Barnala, our good and respect friend. I would request him that he may please see this matter more thoroughly and should not be led by only these things. Hegde Sahib is a very matured Commerce Minister. This has been done by the Commerce Ministry, State Trading Corporation and also Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry. He should take a lesson for future and he should be more cautious to estimate and assess the foodgrains' availability in the country as the foreign exchange is very sacred for the people of India and the country.
16.00 hrs. We cannot afford to only assume that we need two million tonnes of wheat. What was the basis to say, firstly, one million tonnes? Then what was the basis to make it two million tonnes? Again, what was the basis to make it 1.5 million tonnes? What was the basis to say that in the month of March, the country was going to produce 68.5 million tonnes of wheat? What was the basis to make it 64.5 million tonnes? ... (Interruptions)...
MR. CHAIRMAN : All right. Now, please take your seat.
... (Interruptions)
DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY : I am not politicising the issue.
As my friend has rightly said, there is some misconception, wrong inception and doubtful perception. It is most important to bear in mind that what the actual information is. When the CBI asks for the details, you must show all the relevant papers to them. They should not harass, as they have done in the case of Bihar with Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav. They should do all the inquiries under the rules to see that the things are put perfectly in order and make the people know the truth.
All the media persons are here. Every paper was wondering as to what had happened to this scam of Rs. 50 crore. Therefore, in conclusion, I am requesting this Government to show their capacity, cleanliness, dynamism and commitment for the satya, to come out with truth. Dharmam Karmam Ghachhami.
Thank you.
(ends).
">SHRI R. SAMBASIVA RAO (GUNTUR): I fully agree with the stand taken by the previous speaker with regard to import of wheat. I would not like to repeat the same thing. I would like to ask one or two questions from the hon. Minister.
MR. CHAIRMAN : You ask only one question.
SHRI R. SAMBASIVA RAO : I would like to know whether the then Food and Agriculture Minister has asked the STC or the Ministry of Commerce to import one million tonnes or two million tonnes of wheat.
The second point I would like to know from the hon. Minister is, what is the total penalty India will have to bear due to the delay in lifting the Australian wheat. When the present Government came to know about the dubious deal, the Prime Minister called for the files and then okayed the deal. After the deal was okayed, it is reported that Chief Vigilance Commissioner has launched an inquiry into the Australian wheat import deal and CVC gained some vital information pertaining to the deal. If so, I would like to know whether the Chief Vigilance Commissioner has given his report and what are his findings and what is the fate of this deal.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Manoranjan Bhakta will now speak. There is no discussion and there is no debate.
">SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA (ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS): I am not going for discussion because already Shri Madan Lal Khurana has said that this is a scandal and when it is a scandal, then it is the responsibility and the duty of the Government to clear it off. It is not known what action has actually been taken because there are allegations of Rs.90 crore kickbacks. This is the allegation which has been published in the newspapers. Thereafter, as you know, my colleague explained everything in detail. I am not going into detail. What I would like to ask is why the lower price which was quoted by Canadians and Americans was rejected.
Then a question arises. In every foreign deal, as far as my knowledge goes, the High Commissioners are consulted and taken into confidence in such deals. In this case, I would like to know whether the Indian High Commissioner in Australia was taken into confidence or not.
I would further like to know whether the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Food and the Minister of Commerce, all three of them, had a meeting in this regard and jointly they decided that needful should be done. I am posing this question because this deal involved more than Rs.900 crore.
I come to the next point. The Minister has stated in his reply that enough caution was taken in this regard and the Health Officers, the Port Officers and others examined whether the Australian wheat was good for human consumption or not. I would like to know whether any laboratory test was done or it was on the basis of just looking at the foodgrains that they had given the clean chit saying that it was good for human consumption. Is there any system or method which is applied to test such grains? I would like to know whether that was followed or not.
Basically, I would like to put only one question to this Government. First, the Government itself has accepted that this is a scandal. In the past, we heard many promises to eradicate corruption. If this Government is serious and sincere to end corruption, whether it will institute proper investigation either through the CBI or a Joint Parliamentary Committee, whatever it may be, so that the truth would come out. When some issues and allegations have come up before the people, it is necessary that this Government must clear itself by explaining its position as to why it is supporting this position, why the deal was done in such a wishy-washy manner and why the deal was completed hurriedly. These are my questions. If the hon. Minister kindly replies, we will be happy.
*m07 सरदार सुरजीत सिंह बरनाला"> : सभापति महोदय, कई सवाल उठाए गए जिनमें पहला सवाल यह था कि इम्पोर्ट नहीं करना चाहिए था, लेकिन कयों कर लिया । यह तो सबको पता है कि यह फैसला हमारा फैसला नहीं था। यह तो हमारे से पहली सरकार का फैसला था और किन हालात में फैसला किया गया तो यह मैंने बताने की कोशिश की। आयात की जरूऱत तब पड़ती है जब देश में अनाज की कमी होगी। यह पहली बार नहीं बल्िक कई बार इम्पोर्ट किया है। ६.९.९७ को यानि १९९७-९८ में आयात किया। सरकार को फैसला लेना पड़ा कि पांच मलियन टन अनाज की कमी हो रही है। यह बहुत बड़ी मात्रा होती है। इसलिए सरकार ने यह फैसला किया था कि दो मलियन टन अनाज आयात कर लेंगे। श्री राम विलास पासवान:इकोनोमिक सर्वे में है कि ६ मलियन टन की आवश्यकता थी। (सरदार सुरजीत सिंह बरनाला):ऐसी स्िथति में यह फैसला किया गया कि आयात करना जरूरी था। यह एतराज आया कि मार्च-अप्रैल में फसल आने वाली है तो इंतजार कयों नहीं किया। फसल की रिपोर्ट अच्छी नहीं आ रही थी कयोंकि व्हीट सोईंग के समय मौसम खराब हुआ था।
वर्षा आई और वर्षा की वजह से कुछ लेट हो गया। मौसम की खराबी की वजह से यह लगता था कि अनाज कम होगा, इस वजह से यह अटकलें लगाई जा रही है। दूसरा एतराज यह किया गया कि यह बहुत जल्दी में कर लिया गया, इसकी इत्ितला नहीं की गई, इसका कुछ और करना चाहिए था। रेड्डी साहब ने कहा कि चार-पांच महीने का टेंडर देना चाहिए था, दुनिया भर को इत्ितला की जाती कि हमें इतना व्हीट चाहिए, हम इम्पोर्ट करना चाहते हैं, आओ कौन आता है, कौन नहीं आता है, बिड कौन करता है और कौन नहीं करता। लेकिन ऐसा नहीं होता। ऐसा जब कोई देश करता है और हमारी यह परम्परा रही है कि जब भी हमें इम्पोर्ट करना होता है तो बहुत खामोशी से करते हैं, शोर मचाकर नहीं करते, बहुत लो की पर करते हैं। पता भी नहीं लगने देते, उससे उनकी कीमतें स्िथर रहती हैं। अगर पता लग जाए कि दो मलियन टन इनको चाहिए तो कीमतें एकदम बढ़ जाती है। इसलिए बहुत आराम से और चुपके से करते हैं। ऐसा मैंने देखा है, मेरे पास रिकार्ड मौजूद है, मैं आपको दिखा सकता हूं कि पहले १९९६-९७ तथा १९९७-९८ में इम्पोर्ट किया है, बताया यह गया कि हमें ५० हजार टन चाहिए जबकि इम्पोर्ट २० लाख टन करना था लेकिन कम बताया गया और वहां से बात शुरू करके मार्केट एंटर करते हैं ताकि मार्केट एकदम से फलेअर न कर जाए, इसलिए कॉशसली ऐसा किया जाता है और अब भी ऐसा किया गया। हमें २० लाख टन चाहिए था लेकिन दो लाख टन की बात की। इस पर यह एतराज हुआ कि यह बहुत खामोशी से कर लिया गया बहुत से लोगों को बताया नहीं गया। ऐसी बात नहीं है। मेरे पास इत्ितला है कि दुनिया भर के जो बड़े व्हीट सप्लायर्स हैं, उन सबको इत्ितला दी गई। व्हीट के २१ टोटल सप्लायर्स हैं, उन सबको इत्ितला दी गई।
A limited tender was issued to 21 internationally renowned wheat suppliers which included the Australian Wheat Board, the Canadian Wheat Board, European traders and American traders. उनके नाम दिये हुए हैं कि वे कौन-कौन से हैं और ट्रेडर्स के नाम दिये हुए हैं। २१ ट्रेडर्स को इत्ितला दी गई जिनमे से आठ लोग आगे आये कि हम सप्लाई कर सकते हैं। उनमें से चार अमरीकन छोड़ गये कि आपकी प्रीवेंशन ऑफ फूड एडल्ट्रेशन एकट की जो शर्ते हैं। वे बहुत सख्त हैं, हम इनकी कम्पलाएंस नहीं कर सकते। हमारी फैसला यह है कि अगर कोई फूड एडल्ट्रेशन एकट कम्पलाएंस नहीं करता तो उसका अनाज देश में नहीं आने दिया जाता। इन्होंने कहा कि हम माइको टॉकिसन का सर्टीफिकेट आपको नहीं दे सकते कि इसमें वह नहीं है या जो आपकी स्पेसीफिकेशन्स हैं उनकी कम्पलाएंस नहीं कर सकते। इसलिए वे तो बाहर चले गये और जो रह गये, उनमें आस्ट्रेलिया और कनाडा का मुकाबला था। कनाडा की सी.एंड एफ. बढ़ जाती है कयोंकि वहां पर जहाज का किराया २७ डालर के करीब लगता है। आस्ट्रेलिया में १८ डालर के करीब लगता है इसलिए उसकी कीमत बढ़ जाती है। उनकी कीमत ज्यादा थी और बढ़ जाती इसलिए अल्टीमेटली आस्ट्रेलिया से खरीदने का फैसला किया गया और यह पहली दफा नहीं है कि आस्ट्रेलिया से व्हीट खरीदा जा रहा है। इससे पहले भी आपने जब व्हीट परचेज की तो वह आस्ट्रेलिया से परचेज की। मेरे पास एक चार्ट है जिसमें दिखाई दे रहा है कि महंगी खरीदते आये हैं। जैसे दिसम्बर १९९६ में आस्ट्रेलिया से १४८ डालर के हिसाब से खरीदा। उसके बाद ११ दिसम्बर १९९६ को कनाडा से १५६ डालर के हिसाब से खरीदा। ३ जनवरी, १९९७ को आस्ट्रेलिया से १५६ डालर के हिसाब से खरीदा। अभी मैं आपसे अर्ज कर रहा था कि मार्य १९९७ में आस्ट्रेलिया से १५४ डालर में खरीदा था। अब १४२ डालर में खरीदा गया है। इसकी इंटरनेशनली जो लो प्राइस मिल सकती थी, वे मिली और ऐसा नहीं है कि पहली दफा यह व्हीट आया है। यह पहले भी कई दफा आयी है। ऐसा देखने में आया था कि अर्जेन्टीना से करीब १ लाख टन व्हीट खरीदी गयी थी। वह पसंद नहीं की गयी और वह अभी तक पड़ी हुई है उसमें से करीब ११-१२ या १६ हजार टन के आसपास पड़ी हुई है। इसलिए अर्जेन्टीना का फैसला कर दिया गया था कि वहां से व्हीट नहीं मंगवायेंगे।
यह भी कहा गया कि इसमें कोई एजेंट लगाये गये। जहां तक मुझे इत्तला मिली है, एस.टी.सी. ने कोई एजेंट नहीं लगाया, कोई एजेंट उधर से भी नहीं लगा। इनकी सीधी डील जैसे भी होनी थी, वह हो गयी। यह भी जिक़ आया कि यह बहुत जल्दी में हुआ और छुट्टी के दिन हुआ। हमारी छुट्टी चाहे वह शिवरात्रि की हो या कोई और हो, वह इंटरनैशनल टैंडर में कोई मायने नहीं रखती। उनके लिए वह छुट्टी नहीं होती और जब भी इंटरनैशनल डील हुई हैं, उसमें बहुत ज्यादा टाइम नहीं दिया जाता है।
... (व्यवधान) यहां भी इतना टाइम था कि हमें उनके डाकूमैंटस आ सकते थे, जो कि आयीं। ऐसा नहीं है कि डाकूमैंटस नहीं आये, डाकूमैंटस को एग्जामिन किया गया और एग्जामिन करने के बाद कार्यवाही हुई। एक जिक़ यह भी आया कि यह किसान विरोधी डील हुई। मुझे किसान का हर वकत ख्याल रहता है कि किसान को कोई फायदा हो। इसलिए मैं बता रहा था कि उसमें ऐसा नहीं हुआ है। ऐसा जिक़ आया कि वहां पर ज्यादा दाम दे दिये और यहां पर दाम कम मिलते हैं, तो उसके बारे में मैंने अपने स्टेटमैंट में कहा -
"The freight price of imported Australian wheat is around Rs.6,420/- per tonne." वह आठ, साढ़े आठ हजार की बात कर रहे थे। वह नहीं है। ६,४२० रुपए टन सी.एंड एफ. इसमें किराया डालकर इतना ही बनता है और यहां पर जो एफ.सी.आई. एकयूजीशन प्राइस है, वह ६,५२१ हो जाती है। चूंकि यह सारा सदर्न एरिया में जाना था, यह सारा हिसाब लगाकर मैं आपको बता रहा हूं। ऐसा नहीं है कि किसी किसान के साथ कोई धोखा हुआ हो। इसका एक असर जरूर हुआ है, जो मेरे देखने में आया है कि इस दफा जो प्रोकयोरमैंट मंडियों में हुई है, वह थोड़े समय में प्रोकयोरमैंट हो गयी और इसमें बहुत से ट्रेडर्स का हिस्सा नहीं रहा। इस दफा मंडियों में ट्रेडर्स बहुत नहीं आये, चूंकि उनको ऐसा लग रहा था कि प्राइसेस बहुत बढ़ेंगे नहीं, प्राइसेस में फलकचुएशन नहीं आयेगी इसलिए ट्रेडर्स ने ज्यादा नहीं खरीदा। जो हिसाब हमने लगाया है उसके मुताबिक शायद चार-पांच लाख टन ट्रेडर्स अनाज लेकर गया है, बाकी सारा का सारा प्रोकयोरमैंट में आया था, मंडियों में आया था। इसलिए यह गुंजाइश नहीं रही कि ट्रेडर्स के हाथ में अनाज आ जायेगा और फिर ट्रेडर्स अपनी मर्जी से इसको ऊपर नीचे करता रहेगा, उससे फायदा उठाता रहेगा। ये जो डील हुई है, ये ट्रेडर्स फ्रैंडली भी हुई है। इसके बारे में मैं इतना ही कहना चाहूंगा। मेरे कई दोस्त उधर से बोल रहे थे और उन्होंने शक जाहिर किया, मैं उस पर इतना ही कहना चाहूंगा कि हमारी तो डील नहीं थी, लेकिन डील हमारे समय में हुई है। जहाज हमारे समय में आ रहे हैं। हम अनाज उतार रहे हैं और बांटने की कोशिश करते हैं। जो हमारे समय में हो रहा है उसकी रिस्पांसबलिटी हमारी है, लेकिन इसके वाबजूद अगर आप समझते हैं कि कहीं गलती हो गई है, किसी ने कोई गलती कर ली है तो इंकवायरी की हमें कोई दिककत नहीं है। किसी भी किस्म की इंकवायरी हो सकती है ... (व्यवधान) सी.बी.आई. को कहा था ...
... (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Let him complete.
SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN (KARAD): Is it an assurance by the Government?
DR. ASIM BALA (NABADWIP): Who had made the survey? सरदार सुरजीत सिंह बरनाला : ऐसा भी कहा गया ... (व्यवधान) आप मेरी बात सुनिये ... (व्यवधान) यहां जिक़ आया कि आप कागज नहीं दे रहे हैं, सी.बी.आई. कोई दिककत नहीं है। सी.बी.आई. जब इंकवायरी करना चाहे, हमारी सारी फाइलें उनके पास रहेंगी।
... (व्यवधान) हमें कोई दिककत नहीं है। इसमें हम यह भी नहीं चाहेंगे कि इसी की इंकवायरी हो। हम यह भी चाहेंगे कि १९९६-९७, १९९७-९८ में जो डील हुई थीं, उनकी भी इंकवायरी हो जाए। जो तीन डील्स हुई हैं उनकी भी इंकवायरी हो जाए, हमें इसमें कोई आपत्ित नहीं है। मैं सारे मैम्बर्स से और आपसे यही कहना चाहता हूं। ... (व्यवधान) श्री प्ृाथ्वीराज दा. चव्हाण : आप इंकवायरी कर रहे हैं, ठीक है। सरदार सुरजीत सिंह बरनाला : इससे ज्यादा आपको कया एश्योरेंस चाहिए।.. (व्यवधान)
SHRI P. UPENDRA : How do you want to proceed?
MR. CHAIRMAN: The Minister has given assurance.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Members, there was a Statement to be made by the Home Minister at 4 o' clock today. Should we take it just now or after the Calling Attention is over?
... (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Or, Mr. Home Minister, do you want to make a Statement just now?
... (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: All right, first let the hon. Home Minister make a Statement about Communal Situation in Moradabad and Hyderabad. After that, we will come back to the Calling Attention.
Yes, Mr. Home Minister.
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