Lok Sabha Debates
Discussion On The Motion For Consideration Of The Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited ... on 13 December, 2006
an> Title: Discussion on the motion for consideration of the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Amendment Bill, 2006 moved by Sh. Sontosh Mohan Dev.
THE MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV): Sir, I beg to move:
“That the Bill to amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981, be taken into consideration.” The Bill seeks to amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981 so as to empower the Cement Corporation of India Limited to dispose of the assets of its unit at Charkhi Dadri (Haryana). This unit was acquired under the Act, in 1981 and the Central Government transferred it to CCI by a notification on 23.6.1981.[R19] The CCI, a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises became a sick company and was under reference to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) since 1996. The BIFR in 2005 circulated a Draft Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS) for the CCI, prepared by IFCI, the Operating Agency. The DRS was considered and recommended by the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) on 2.9.2005 and subsequently approved by the Government on 9.3.2006. The BIFR approved the Scheme on 21st March, 2006. The Scheme, inter-alia, provides for closure and sale of assets of seven non-operational plants of CCI. The sale of the plants is an integral part of the Scheme and the proceeds are to be utilized for modernization and expansion of the operating plants, for settling the liabilities of the non-operating units and for repayment of Government of India loans. The CCI on the whole, as a company is to be revived on sustainable basis according to the Scheme. Charkhi Dadri Plant is one of the seven non-operating plants proposed to be closed.
Assets having been acquired under the provisions of the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981, it has been decided to suitably amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981 so as to empower the CCI to dispose of the same as per the Scheme approved by BIFR.
Now I commend the Bill for consideration of this august House.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Motion moved:
“That the Bill to amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981 be taken into consideration.” SHRI P.S. GADHAVI (KUTCH):Mr. Chairman, Sir, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to speak on this Bill.
Sir, the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Amendment Bill, 2006 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28th July, 2006 and it was referred to the Standing Committee on 4th September, 2006 for their examination and report to this August House.
As you would know that CCI is a Public Sector Enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. The company became a sick unit under the Sick Industrial Unit Special Provisions Act of 1985 and a reference in respect of which was made to the BIFR in 1996. The BIFR had circulated one Draft Rehabilitation Scheme, known as the DRS, for revival of this company. The DRS, inter-alia provided for closure and sale of assets of seven non-operating units and for expansion and modernization of three plants. When the Minister would reply I would like to know from him as to which the seven non-operating plants are and which the three plants that are operational are. This is because the House should know as to what are the functions of these plants and why they remained non-operational. This being a fully owned Government company, there should be some administrative control of the Government over them. Since it was a fully owned Government company there must have been a Board of Directors. What were the duties performed by these Directors? Why did the CCI go into loss? [R20] So, [MSOffice21] when the hon. Minister would reply to the debate, he may kindly let the House know on these points. Why did it remain non-operative? Were the Directors doing their duty properly?
The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Industries and the Committee had thoroughly examined the matter and it held three meetings… (Interruptions) The CCI informed that the Company was established in January 1965 with a paid-up capital of Rs. 446.82 crore, 100 per cent owned by the Government of India. However by 31st March, 2005, the Company had accumulated losses of Rs. 1321.02 crore which reduced its net worth to negative to the tune of Rs. 874.20 crore. So, this Company which is owned by the Government has this negative trend. It has incurred losses for many years. How did this loss occur during all these years? Were the Directors performing their duties properly? The Committee also wanted to know these things. But I am sorry to say that the Committee did not get a proper and satisfactory reply from the Government. What is the need for this and why we have been compelled to sell it? … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please maintain order in the House. A parallel Parliament should not function there.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, the Standing Committee was informed that the CCI was referred to BIFR in 1995 after its net worth eroded and was declared sick in August, 1996. In June, 1998, BIFR circulated the first Draft Rehabilitation Scheme with a proposed cost of about Rs. 41.60 crore of which Rs. 35 crore was for the planning expenditure and the remaining Rs. 6.60 crore were meant to clear the VRS dues. At that time, why did the Government not make a commitment for the VRS? If this would have been done, the Company would have survived. The Government allowed it to go into losses and nobody cared for it at that time. Naturally, when the matter was referred to the BIFR, it circulated the Draft Rehabilitation Scheme. The Government should have considered it at that time itself. But it was allowed to proceed with the result we have come to a position that we have to go for sale of these things.
Now, the land in Dadri is very costly. It is about 200 acres of land. I would like to know from the hon. Minister as to how much land is there under Dalmia Dadri Cement Plant and the prevailing market price there. How has it been assessed? How have you made this assessment for sale of the land and plant? We would like to know from the hon. Minister, through you, the present or the prevailing market price of the land, how the assessment was made, the cost of the plant and what they are going to do with the money arising out of it. How this amount be utilized? Will it be utilized for refunctioning of other plants or will it be absorbed for other dues? [MSOffice22] The hon. Minister may kindly inform us about that. I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister about the Committee’s further recommendations. It says:
“The Committee takes serious view of the massive cost of delay in implementing the revival scheme. The revival which could have cost only Rs. 41.60 crore in 1998, has now swollen to Rs. 1,577.05 crore in 2006. This cost will rehabilitate only three of the currently operational units. For six years the losses and liabilities have been allowed to accumulate whereas assets have eroded during the same period.” So, all assets have eroded. I am reading only from the Committee’s Report. It further says:
“With a negative net worth of the Company, a major part of the sale proceeds of the seven units are likely to be used in settling the old dues instead of funding upgradation and expansion of the remaining units.” Here, the objective is to upgrade. … (Interruptions) So, when the objective is to upgrade the units, will the proceeds which will come by selling these units be used for upgradation? This land is a prime one in Haryana at Dadri. It is a very important land. The Government would like to dispose it of. In the cement sector, many private companies are coming and foreign investment is also coming. The price of cement has increased like anything. A few years back it was Rs. 120 per bag. Now, the price is more than Rs. 212. After the UPA Government has taken over, the prices have gone up. How is it happening? Poor people cannot afford to buy cement now. These units should be upgraded. But they are not doing that. … (Interruptions) I would like to further quote from the Committee’s Report. It says:
“The Committee expresses its apprehension that if most of the sale proceeds are to be spent on settling previous dues instead of expanding prospective business, there was only a limited chance of long-term viability of CCI even after such rehabilitation, as there will be only a very limited addition in the capacity. The Committee observes that the Government should take a view of the current trends in the cement sector, where private players were expanding their capacities, acquiring new plants and even global cement giants picking up stakes in Indian cement sector. In competition with such players, the CCI with its limited capacity will remain untenable and may eventually seek Budgetary support from the Government.” I would like to know from the hon. Minister, as the CCI is the fully Government-owned Company, as to what are the views and opinions of the Government Directors on the Board of the CCI during the loss-making years. The same question was posed by the Committee also. I am sorry to say that no specific reply was provided to the Committee. Can the hon. Minister explain to this august House whether the Government wants to fix any accountability on these Directors? What steps have been taken by the Government for fixing accountability over such loss? These are important lands which we are selling. I definitely oppose this type of sale. This type of sale should not have been allowed.
सभापति महोदय : आज आपका जन्म-दिन है, हम आपको बधाई देते हैं।
विशेष परिस्थिति में श्री बसुदेव आचार्य जी संक्षेप में बोलें। नम्बर तो इधर का था, लेकिन विशेष परिस्थिति है, इसलिए आप बोलें।
श्री बसुदेव आचार्य (बांकुरा):हम संक्षेप में ही बोलेंगे, डेढ़ बजे हमें मीटिंग में जाना है।
सभापति महोदय:ªÉc ¤É½É +ÉSUÉ ®cäMÉÉ* SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA): Sir, Cement Corporation of India (CCI) came into existence in 60s. During the initial period this public sector undertaking used to earn profit. But gradually it became sick and it became sick since 1990. The networth became negative and the CCI with all its units was referred to the BIFR. The BIFR took many years to recommend the rehabilitation of this Company.
I know about one unit which was under the CCI and it is in my constituency. The Damodar Cement Company Limited was one of the units of the CCI, but it was a separate unit and it had a separate Board of Management. That unit was also referred to the BIFR, not along with other units. In 1996, there was a change in the management. From the first year when the ACC took over this company, this company became a profitable company. But from the inception this company incurred losses. The accumulated loss was more than Rs. 65 crore within four years. Now, this company is earning a profit of Rs. 25 crore in a year.
What was the problem with the CCI? There was no efficient management. They could not manage all these units. There was a shortage of clinker. Clinker is required for the manufacture of cement. It has clinkerisation plant also. But clinker was not supplied properly and in required quantities to all these units. Then, gradually it became sick. What was to be done by the Government of India as hundred per cent share was with the Government of India? The Government of India did not take any step to make all these units viable. Almost all the cement units are earning profit. Why are the units of CCI incurring losses? So, the Government has not gone into the depth of the problems of the units of the CCI. Afterwards when the Government decided, they have brought in this legislation to empower the CCI to dispose of the assets of the Charkhi Dadri Cement Plant. The main purpose, which has been stated in the Statement of Objects and Reasons, is to utilize a portion of the sale proceeds for the revival of three units and also for clearing the debts as well as liabilities.
I would like to know from the hon. Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises whether with this amount the three units which are to be revived and which have been recommended by the BIFR and which has been proposed by the Draft Rehabilitation Scheme prepared by IFCI, the CCI will be able to revive its three units and these units become viable in future.[a23] [a24] [a25] For the revival of these three units, a Fund will come and a certain percentage of that Fund would be utilized for the revival of the three units. I would like to know whether, with this Fund, the three units would be revived or not.
The Standing Committee on Industry has stated that initially when the revival scheme was prepared, the amount which was required was only Rs.40 crore. By spending just Rs.40 crore, the Government could have revived most of the units of the Cement Corporation of India. But our experience is that due to dithering in taking concrete and positive action in regard to revival of sick public sector undertakings, even after the recommendation of BIFR, in many cases, the Government of India has failed to act in proper time. As a result of this, the losses continue to accumulate. Then, the cost of revival becomes much higher and higher. After this, the Government decides to close down some of the units.
Regarding the unit of Charkhi-Dadri Cement Company, if the Government had spent money or taken some positive action in proper time to revive it, this company also could have been revived. Today, after passing this legislation, by empowering the CCI to close down this unit and to dispose of its assets, the Government would get money. Had the Government acted in time, this necessity would not have arisen. So, I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether the Government wants to continue with the Cement Corporation of India or not.
Today, there is stiff competition. There is monopoly. The Cement Corporation of India’s share is less than one per cent now. All the major cement units are monopolizing and the price is being hiked. Today, one bag of cement costs Rs.210. So, the existence of a strong public sector undertaking can deter the monopolizing of this sector by the major cement producing companies. Hence, I would like to know whether the government of India is going to see that the Cement Corporation of India is strengthened, the units could be revived. These units can be made viable by spending some money and making some sincere efforts. These units can very well be revived.
Hence, I demand that these units should be made viable.
SHRI ADHIR CHOWDHURY (BERHAMPORE, WEST BENGAL): Sir, I rise to support the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Amendment Bill, 2006 that has been brought forward by the hon. Heavy Industries Minister.
It is a brief legislation. I do not think that any exhaustive deliberation is required. As you know, the Government believes in the concept of liberalization with a human face. In pursuant to that concept, this Government has been pursuing all possible measures to revive the sick industries in our country.[R26] It is easy to create a confusion, but it is difficult to find a solution. As we all know, today infrastructure sector is growing exponentially in our country. Naturally, the demand for cement is also growing by leaps and bounds. The Cement Corporation of India is an age-old organization. Now, we are living in the world where cut-throat competition is a mantra. In the age of cut-throat competition, we cannot keep abreast ourselves without having upgraded technology and innovative approaches because cement majors who acquire modern technology are easily edging out the age-old public sector undertakings. So, we have to have some innovative approaches to deal with this situation. In this scenario, simply maintaining an unviable organization does not merit itself. Therefore, the Ministry has taken a very prudent decision to dispose of the loss-making Charkhi-Dadri Cement Plant.
Sir, the transfer of this undertaking to the Cement Corporation of India took place in the year 1981 through a notification of the Ministry of Industry. So, the Government would not be able to dispose it of without bringing a fresh legislation and, therefore, the situation warrants that this legislation should be passed so that the disposal of the loss-making units named after Charkhi-Dadri Cement Plant could be facilitated. On every occasion, whenever any organization is to be closed, all stakeholders, all the pros and cons and all the parameters are taken into consideration by the BIFR under SICA. In this case also, over the years, an exhaustive examination has been carried out by the BIFR. But if no way is found to get an organization revived up to the desired level, then the Government does not have any alternative but to dispose of the loss-making organization because it will simply cost our National Exchequer also.
So, I think, this Ministry has taken a very prudent decision in this case. However, I want to make a submission to the hon. Minister. In the Statement of Objects and Reasons of this Bill it has been stated that it has been decided to suitably amend the Dalmia-Dadri Cement Act, 1988 so as to empower CCI to close and dispose of the assets of the Charkhi-Dadri Cement Plant. I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether the sale proceeds of the Charkhi-Dadri Cement Plant will be ploughed back to revive the Cement Corporation of India.[R27] Sir, I would like to know very specifically how CCI will get any benefit from the sale proceeds of its Charkhi Dadri Cement Plant. Therefore, I think, the Government is honest enough to do the right thing in a right manner because we are not favouring any indiscriminate selling of our national asset. But those assets which have been incurring losses over the years must be disposed of for the sake of our economy and furthermore our national economy would not have been burdened because of the loss making sick industries.
With these words, I support the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Amendment Bill, 2006.
प्रो. रासा सिंह रावत (अजमेर) : महोदय, मैं आपके माध्यम से सरकार द्वारा प्रस्तुत डालमिया दादरी सीमेंट लमिटेड (उपक्रमों का अर्जन और अंतरण) संशोधन विधेयक, २००६ के सन्दर्भ में कहना चाहूंगा कि इसयूपीए सरकार की सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों के बारे में जो नीति है, वह आधा तीतर और आधा बटेर वाली नीति है। एक तरफ वर्ष १९९१ से उदारीकरण के नाम पर, भूमण्डलीकरण के नाम पर निजीकरण को बढावा देना और सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों में जहां-जहां घाटा हो रहा है, उनको बंद करना या उबारने का काम यह सरकार कर रही है। यह सरकार निरन्तर हमारे वामपंथी साथियों के दबाव में आकर घाटे वाले उपक्रमों को, जो चाहे कितने ही घाटे में हों, कभी बीआईएफआर के नाम पर और कभी उनके पुनरूद्धार के नाम पर उनके घाटे का भार उठाती रहती है। मैं जानना चाहता हूँ कि बीआईएफआर के माध्यम से जिन सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों का पुनरूद्धार हुआ है या नवीनीकरण हुआ है, रिवाइवल हुआ है, उनमे से कितने उपक्रम वापस लाभ में आ गए हैं, इसके बारे में भी मंत्री जी स्थिति स्पष्ट करें।
महोदय, मेरे निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में एचएमटी की एक इकाई है, जो घाटे में चल रही है। हालांकि जब कभी काम आ जाता है तो उनके पास काम बढ़ जाता है और वहां के लोगों को थोड़ा काम मिल जाता है अन्यथा हमेशा यह तलवार लटकी रहती है कि एचएमटी, बंगलौर का हेडक्वार्टर और उसकी सभी शाखाएं घाटे में चल रही हैं, वे कब बन्द हो जाएं या कब क्या हो जाए। इसी तरह मेरे निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में एनटीसी की दो मिलें - महालक्ष्मी और एडवर्ड - हैं। नेशनल टेक्सटाइल कारपोरेशन में मिलों के मैनेजमेंट पर तो दुनिया भर का खर्च हो रहा है, लेकिन कर्मचारियों को वीआरएस दी जा रही है। इसके परिणामस्वरूप न तो उनमें उत्पादन बढ़ रहा है और न ही उनको माल उपलब्ध हो रहा है, दूसरी तरफ मैनेजमेंट सफेद हाथी की तरह महंगे साबित हो रहे हैं। यहां हमारे भारी उद्योग एवं सार्वजनिक उपक्रम मंत्री जी बैठे हुए हैं। मैं उनसे यह जानना चाहता हूं कि आखिर यह स्थिति कब तक बनी रहेगी?आज यहां सीमेंट कारपोरेशन ऑफ इण्डिया पर चर्चा हो रही है। मैं कहना चाहूंगा कि एक तरफ सरकार की यह नीति है कि हमारी आवासीय समस्या हल हो, देश के गरीबों, मध्यम वर्ग और शहरी एवं ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में बढ़ती आबादी की आवासीय समस्या का निराकरण हो, हालांकि इसके लिए बैंक्स लोन आदि भी दे रहे हैं, लेकिन सीमेंट और स्टील के भाव पर आपका कोई कंट्रोल नहीं है।
सभापति महोदय, मैं इस विषय पर आपका संरक्षण चाहूंगा। आप स्वयं भी इस स्थिति से भली प्रकार अवगत होंगे कि आज बाजार में सीमेंट और इस्पात के भाव बहुत बढ़ गए हैं। जब मंत्री जी जवाब दें तो इसे भी बताएं कि आज हम क्यों सीसीआई को सशक्त करना चाहते हैं। जो यूनिट्स घाटे में हैं, उनकी जमीन और परिसंपत्तियों को बेचकर हम जिनका विस्तार करना चाहते हैं, वह करें, सीसीआई को सशक्त बनाएं, लेकिन सीसीआई देश में सीमेंट का सस्ता उत्पादन करे। [H28] मेरे क्षेत्र में सीमेंट की दो इकाइयां चल रही हैं। उनमें एक श्री सीमेंट है, पहले उसकी एक इकाई थी, बाद में दूसरी खुली। उसके बाद गुजरात अम्बुजा ने भी अपनी सीमेंट इकाई खोली। मुझे आश्चर्य होता है कि जब ये निजी सीमेंट इकाइयां लाभ में चल रही हैं तो सरकार की यूनिट्स क्यों घाटे में चल रही हैं।
१९६०-१९६५ में यह जो सरकारी उपक्रम स्थापित हुआ, यह १९९५ में घाटे में आ गया और फिर इसके रिन्यूवल की स्कीम बनी। अगर १९९८ में ही इसका रिन्यूवल हो जाता तो उस समय कम पैसे में काम चल जाता, लेकिन आज २००६ चल रहा है, अब काफी पैसे की जरूरत पड़ेगी। इस बिल में बताया गया है, ‘ In view of the judgment of the hon. Supreme Court of India…’ भारत के सर्वोच्च न्यायालय द्वारा, एक जनहित याचिका यानी पीआईएल जो इस सम्बन्ध में दायर की गई थी, उस पर निर्णय दिया गया है-
“Centre for PIL versus Union of India, 2003.
It has been decided to suitably amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981 so as to empower the CCI to close and dispose assets of the Charkhi Dadri Cement Plant. ” आप जानते हैं कि चरखी दादरी हरियाणा में है, जो दिल्ली के पास है इसलिए वहां जमीन के दाम आसमान छू रहे हैं। मंत्री जी यह बताएं कि वह इसे नीलामी के द्वारा बेचेंगे या अन्य तरीके से बेचेंगे अधिकारियों के भरोसे छोड़ दिया जाएगा? अगर ऐसा किया जाएगा तो वे लोग अपनी मनमर्जी करेंगे। इस तरह जो उसके एसेट्स हैं, उनसे इनकम नहीं हो पाएगी। इस यूनिट के बारे में कहा गया है: “The DRS, inter alia provide for closure and sale of assets of the seven non-operating plants …” Which are these seven non-operating plants? इसकी जानकारी बिल में नहीं दी गई है। इसलिए कृपया जवाब देते समय इसकी भी जानकारी दें।
Then, it is said: “Expansion or modernization of the remaining three plants.” ये तीन प्लांट्स कौन से हैं, जिनका विस्तारीकरण और आधुनिकीकरण किया जाएगा? सात प्लांट्स को बंद किया जाएगा, लेकिन अभी एक के बारे में ही आप बिल लेकर आए हैं, बाकी का क्या होगा, उसके बारे में भी जानकारी दें?
देश के प्रथम प्रधान मंत्री पंडित जवाहर लाल नेहरू ने सबसे पहले सार्वजनिक उपक्रम स्थापित किए थे। उस समय इन्हें हमारा तीर्थ क्षेत्र कहा जाता था। इनके द्वारा भारत का विकास, भारत का निर्माण और दुनिया में भारत की समृद्धि होगी, ऐसा उनका विचार था। लेकिन अफसोस है कि धीरे-धीरे इन सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के उपक्रमों की दयनीय स्थिति हमारे सामने आ रही है। इससे पता चलता है कि मिसमैनेजमेंट के कारण यह स्थिति पैदा हुई है। वहां आईएस अधिकारियों की नियुक्ति की जाती है, जो इस मामले के एक्सपर्ट नहीं होते और थोड़ा समय वहां रुककर अन्यत्र चले जाते हैं। इस कारण वे इसमें कोई इंटरेस्ट नहीं लेते। मंत्री जी जवाब देते समय इन सभी बातों का भी उल्लेख करेंगे, इस आशा के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
SHRI K. SUBBARAYAN (COIMBATORE): Mr. Chairman, Sir, this Bill has been brought before this House to get the approval to close down the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited, which was transferred to the CCI in 1981.
It is said that the CCI became a sick unit in 1996. But it is surprising as to how the CCI had become a sick unit. There were several allegations of neglect and corruption on the Chairman and other top officials of the CCI by trade unions.
Initially, an inquiry was ordered. But today, nobody knows what are the findings of that inquiry. None of the top officials has been removed, rather workers of seven cement factories have become the victims. Factories are closed and the workers are thrown out. They are running from pillar to post, but there is no result.
Now, there is a big demand for cement. A nation with 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent annual growth of economy, needs more and more infrastructure. Cement is an important and essential material for the growth of our economy. How come that there is loss to cement factories? It was Rs. 80 to Rs. 85 per bag in 1996. But now, it is Rs. 220 per bag, and it is likely to go further up. But some factories in the country are making huge profit.[r29] The loss of CCI is due to the miserable failure of some officials, and the public sector is a victim. I oppose this Bill. Instead I propose to reopen all the seven sick units of CCI to which necessary amount should be given for modernization and for expansion of their capacity. I am sure all your investments will be back within three years.
Also, you abide by the Common Minimum Programme to revive the sick units and make them viable.
SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY (PURI): Hon. Chairman, Sir, this piece of legislation is intended to rectify and to amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981 so as to enable the Cement Corporation of India to close and dispose of the assets of the Charkhi Dadri Cement Plant in view of the Supreme Court’s decision.
I do not understand how the Supreme Court has intervened in this matter and how the original Act was wrong. Now, the Minister is intending to amend this Act so as to facilitate the closing down of seven plants of CCI and selling off their assets. These are very valuable assets. The seven plants, which the Government is intending to sell off, have valuable assets. Charkhi Dadri Cement Plant has three captive mines. Government has offered to sell these three limestone mines which have reserve of about 91.37 million tonnes, which are located in Madhya Pradesh. These are very valuable mine.
Also, the BRPE was deeply divided on the issue of closing down of these seven units and selling off these units. They were divided on this issue. Even though they are divided, the Government is going ahead with the decision to close down the seven units of CCI and to sell off their land. The land itself is a very valuable land. One of the units in Madhya Pradesh has 1,100 acres of very valuable land. In Haryana also, it has another unit. It has also very valuable land.
Now, the private players are coming up. The Birla Group of companies is coming up. Grasim is also showing its interest to take up all these units. Then, what are the difficulties with the Government of India? The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is controlling these undertakings of CCI. What is its difficulty? Now, we know how cement is so valuable here in our country. The cost has increased so much. The cement companies are getting profit like anything. The cement price has gone sky high. The commoners are suffering like anything.
If the Government will take a decision to sell whatever the units of other public sector, then Cement Sector will be completely under the control of the private enterprises and they will monopolize. So, the price can go sky high at any time. There will be no control of the price by Government. With this money, Government want that they will improve and modernize three other units. They are also not out of these seven units. One of these seven units is a very modern unit. Why Government is selling this unit? Only small amount of money is necessary for the working capital and other things. But Government is selling that unit also, where Government have also invested money for modernization.
So, we want to know the real intention of the Government. Why are they interested in this? Why are they not investing money to revive these seven units? Why are they so much interested in selling off these units? When there are captive mines available and valuable lands are available, why are they taking so much interest to sell off? Is it because that the private parties are interested and that is why, the Government is interested to dispose of all the seven units? Or, do they have real intention?
Of course, it was referred to the BIFR, and that has recommended this. I do not say anything about the BIFR. The Government should have contested but the Government has conceded. Government have referred to the BIFR in 1996. The Government has also, without contesting with the BIFR, requested the BIFR to sell these seven units. Now, the Government is in a position to dispose of these seven units. So, I want to know this categorically from the Government. The Minister should tell us what the real intention is[MSOffice30] ?
What about the other six units? What will Government do with the other six units? Now Government is coming with this amendment for one particular unit. What will happen to the other six units? Is this amendment sufficient enough just to go ahead with the other six units also and that the Government will not come with another amendment for those other six units? We are interested to know this.
With these words, I am opposing this amendment.
श्री थावरचंद गेहलोत (शाजापुर) : महोदय, वैसे तो सभी बिंदुओं पर चर्चा हो गई है, लेकिन फिर भी मैं एक-दो बातों की तरफ माननीय मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकृष्ट करना चाहूंगा। मंत्री जी बताएं कि इस संशोधन विधेयक में उन सातों इकाइयों को, जो रुग्ण हैं और बीआईएफआर ने जिन्हें बंद करने का निर्णय लिया है, उन्हें बेचने के बारे में सदन की अनुमति क्यों नहीं ले रहे हैं? क्या यह बात सही है कि दादरी सीमेंट संयंत्र को कुछ लोगों ने खरीदने का मन बना लिया है। उन्होंने सरकार से अप्रोच की है और सरकार ने मन बना लिया है कि यह रुग्ण संयंत्र उन्हें दे दिया जाए। अगर ऐसा है, तो इस सदन को अवगत कराया जाए कि जो संस्थान आपके पास आया है, उनसे किस आधार पर चर्चा की है? इसकी कुल परिसम्पत्ति का विवरण क्या है, देनदारियां कितनी हैं, मजदूरों के हित से संबंधित वेतन-भत्ते ईपीएफ का कितना बकाया है, उनके बारे में कब-कब क्या करने वाले हैं, बीआईएफआर ने इसके बारे में क्या निर्णय दिया है और आप मजदूरों को कब तक पेमेंट करने वाले हैं। अगर इन बातों का उत्तर सदन में दे देंगे, तो हम मानेंगे कि सरकार की नीयत इस उद्योग को बेचकर पुनर्जीवित करके चलाने की है, अन्यथा हम मानने के लिए बाध्य हैं कि कहीं न कहीं षडयंत्र हो रहा है और सीसीआई अच्छी हालत में होने के बावजूद दादरी सीमेंट को बेचने का काम कर रहा है। यह प्रमुख बात आपके उद्देश्य और कारणों में जो कथन आपने दिया है, उसमें परिलक्षित होती है। हम जानना चाहेंगे कि इसके रुग्ण होने का कारण क्या है? सीसीआई जैसी संस्था इन संस्थानों को चला रही थी। सीमेंट के भाव देश भर में बढ़ रहे हैं। उसका उल्लेख मेरे पूर्व माननीय सदस्यों ने किया है। सीमेंट उद्योग भारी मुनाफे की ओर अग्रसर हो रहे हैं। ऐसी स्थिति में पुनर्विचार करने की आवश्यकता है कि क्या फिर से पैसा लगा कर इन उद्योगों को सरकार स्वयं चलाए।
उच्चतम न्यायालय ने कोई निर्णय दिया था। उस निर्णय से आप सदन को अवगत कराएं कि उन्होंने इस निर्णय में क्या कहा था? निर्णय का तारातम्य तो आपने दर्शाया, किंतु न्यायालय ने क्या कहा, यह नहीं बताया। इसे बेचने का जो तरीका है वह नीलामी है, टेंडर है या विज्ञापन जारी करके उद्योगपतियों को आमंत्रित करना है। अगर ऐसा करने वाले हैं, तो समझ में आएगा कि आप इस उद्योग को फिर से चालू करना चाहते हैं और अगर सीधे-सीधे किसी एक पार्टी को बेचेंगे तो हम मानेंगे कि आपने पहले से कोई कार्य योजना बना ली है।
हम यह भी जानना चाहेंगे कि इस उद्योग में लगे श्रमिकों को क्या वीआरएस देने की योजना है? आप इस उद्योग को बेचने वाले हैं और इसमें जो काम करने वाले श्रमिक हैं क्या वे इसमें कार्यरत रहेंगे या उन्हें इस उद्योग में कार्य करने में प्राथमिकता देंगे? अगर विधेयक में कहीं न कहीं इसका उल्लेख किया होता तो ज्यादा अच्छा होता। अगर इसमें आवश्यक नहीं है, तो क्या आप जिसे उद्योग बेचेंगे, उससे अनुबंध करेंगे कि इसमें जो श्रमिक कार्यरत हैं, उन्हें प्राथमिकता के साथ यहीं नौकरी करने को कहा जाएगा। ऐसी कुछ आशंकाएं हैं और अगर सदन को इन सब बातों से अवगत कराने के बाद अगर आप अनुमति लेंगे तो ज्यादा अच्छा होगा।
14.00 hrs. SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU (RAJAPUR): Sir, first of all, I would like to draw your attention to one thing and request your indulgence. When a Bill is presented to the Parliament, the Government is obliged to take the Parliament into confidence by giving as much of information as possible. If you go through the object clause of the Bill, you will find that it is a deliberate attempt to conceal as much as possible. When was the matter referred to BIFR? When was the judgement given by the BIFR? After the BIFR judgement was given, why did the Government not act on it? How did the Supreme Court come into play? What was the order of the Supreme Court? Unless the hon. Minister informs the House about all these issues in a proper and comprehensive manner to seek the approval of the House on such an important issue, I think, it is highly objectionable. First of all, I would request the Minister to take us into confidence. If he wants to withdraw the Bill, it is all right. Let him go back, do a proper home-work and come back to us to tell us everything. Then only, he can say that the House is making an informed decision. In the absence of this, if he conceals the key information, it is not an appropriate way to pilot a Bill in the Parliament.
This Bill has very limited purpose, but it raises very important issues. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as was pointed our earlier, had said that ‘public sector enterprises are the modern temples of India’. Therefore, he invested lot of public money to create new institutions and to create new factories in the key sectors like steel, cement and what not. Later on came the second phase when Shrimati Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. Public money was used to buy several sick units which were run by the private companies. Then came the third phase between 1991 and 1996 when the Government headed by Shri Narasimha Rao was there and our present Prime Minister was the Finance Minister. He said that ‘public sector enterprises, which are losing money, are a drain on public resources’. So, he said that ‘we must refer several of these companies to the BIFR’. In-between came the NDA Government. Now, the UPA Government has come. Now, I am a little confused. Are these modern temples of India or not? If they are not modern temples of India, then what are they? You have invested good public money in those companies. What has happened to that money which was invested to buy sick companies from private enterprises? We had invested that money. Has that money been properly used? The House must know about it. The Government must prepare a White Paper, bring it before the House and tell us how much public money has been invested to buy private sector enterprises, to bail them out.
Now we are saying that we want to sell these companies because the companies cannot run in profits. The question is that when we acquired those companies, they were already running in losses. Now, these companies have run for some time. What is the accountability of the person who ran these companies? What is the responsibility of the Government under whose control these companies were running? If the companies have run into losses, what were the causes for their incurring losses? I think, the Minister should tell us all these things so that we can understand why these companies have gone into losses and what the purpose of this is.
BIFR has taken cognizance of several companies. BIFR has already recommended closure with respect to so many companies. Hon. Minister must tell us with respect to how many companies, the BIFR has issued orders for their closure and in respect of how many companies, they have acted to close them down. It is a pick and choose by the Government. I can understand if all the companies, which have been recommended for closure by the BIFR, are closed down. For some companies, they will say that they are going to close down and for some other companies, they will say that they are not going to close down them. What is the rationale behind it? Is it something which is done at the whims and fancies of the person who is going to decide or is it something done at the collective will of the Government? So, we would like to know the basis on which they are deciding to close certain companies and the basis on which they are deciding not to close certain companies. He must tell this to the House. We have the right to know about it.
Sir, we have always seen that the Government is trying to become a land developer. The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises’ job is to run the company. If they cannot run it, its property is sold. The Ministry of Textiles sold certain properties in Mumbai, when the land was sold for several crores of rupees. Sir, as you know, whenever the land is sold, one hundred per cent of money is paid by way of a cheque.[s31] Therefore, some money could be lost. It is really important for us to know whether the Government should become a land developer. Should the Government try to sell, and buy land? Is this the job of the Government? I am asking this because finally it amounts to acquiring sick companies, and selling it after some time. Should we buy land or sell it? Is it the job of the Government? We would like to know about this issue from the hon. Minister. There should be a proper policy for deciding how to acquire a company; how to sell it; why you want to sell it, etc. There is another very important point, which I want to mention here. The Supreme Court has given a judgement, and I would like the hon. Minister to enlighten us about it. Probably, the Supreme Court judgement comes from the fact that when you acquire a property, the Parliament passes the law to nationalize the business. Hence, if you are denationalizing or selling it, then the Parliament’s approval is to be taken. This should be done. The Supreme Court wants the Parliament to be involved in it so that the Parliament takes an informed decision. Is it not the responsibility of the Government to put all the relevant papers before the Parliament? Otherwise, somebody else can even file a PIL, and he can say that we did not get a choice because the Government put before us only this piece of paper, and there was no other evidence of the papers related to this made available to us. Hence, the basis on which the Parliament takes this decision will become very important. Therefore, I would request the hon. Minister to make sure that all the relevant papers and information should be placed before us, and we will be able to take a decision on this only after that is done.
There is also an issue of the cement companies. If you look at the Bombay Stock Exchange Index, you will find that all the companies -- that are in cement business -- are making profit, but the Government companies are making losses. A company starts making profit once it is sold. Has the Government become a parking lot? I am asking this because if you lose money, then you park the company in the Government. On the other hand, if you want to make money, then take it out of the parking lot, and start driving the car. Is this what the Government’s money is being used for now?
श्री गणेश प्रसाद सिंह (जहानाबाद):माननीय सभापति महोदय, आपने मुझे डालमिया दादरी सीमेंट लमिटेड संशोधन विधेयक, २००६ के संबंध में बोलने का मौका दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपका धन्यवाद करता हूं। इस बिल के संबंध में बोलने से पहले मैं कुछ बातें आपके समक्ष रखना चाहता हूं। सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों का एक इतिहास रहा है, आजादी की लड़ाई में जिन्होंने त्याग और बलिदान दिया, आजादी के बाद पहली पंक्ति के नेताओं ने काफी सोचसमझकर निजी क्षेत्र की जगह सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र को बढ़ावा देने का फैसला लिया था और ऐसा काम भी किया परंतु धीरे-धीरे सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के जितने उपक्रम थे, सारे के सारे घाटे में चलने लगे, बंद होने लगे और कुछ रुग्ण हो गए। आप इसके कारणों में जाएंगे तो यही पता चलेगा कि बाद की पंक्ति के नेतागणों ने अपने स्वार्थ के लिए, खास तौर से अफसरशाही के कारण अपनी ऐश, मौज और लूटपाट के लिए इन उपक्रमों को बर्बाद कर दिया। आज निजी क्षेत्र की तरफ काफी जोर दिया जारहा है। लेकिन मैं कहता हूं कि सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के उपक्रम में लाखों लोग रोजगार पा रहे थे, ऐसे लोगों के लिए यह इस देश के हित में है कि सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के उपक्रमों को पुनर्जीवित करने की आवश्यकता है। डालमिया और दादरी सीमेंट लमिटेड संशोधन विधेयक लाया गया है, पहले भी वर्ष १९८१ में एक्ट बना था जिसके माध्यम से यह सीमेंट निगम को सुपुर्द किया गया था। इस बिल के माध्यम से सीमेंट निगम का अधिकार जो इस उपक्रम पर था, उस अधिकार को केंद्रीय सरकार में शामिल करने के लिए विधेयक लाया गया है।[r32] सभापति महोदय, सरकार ने विधेयक की धारा ९ में संशोधन का प्रस्ताव किया है जिसका मैं समर्थन करता हूं। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
14.10 hrs. (Shri Devendra Prasad Yadav in the Chair) श्री मोहन सिंह (देवरिया) : सभापति महोदय, चूंकि हमारी पार्टी की बात इस विधेयक के बारे में नहीं आई, इसलिये मैंने पांच मिनट का समय मांगा है। मैं इस विधेयक का समर्थन कर रहा हूं।
सभापति जी, इस सदन में बार बार भावनाओं की बातें कही जाती हैं। पं. जवाहर लाल नेहरू ने सभी सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों को आधुनिक भारत का मंदिर कहा था। यह बात कहने में बहुत भावुक और अच्छी लगती है लेकिन जब हम व्यावहारिकता के धरातल पर आते हैं तो परिस्थितियां बदल गईं। उस समय जब हमने राष्ट्रीयकरण की नीतियां बनाई तो वह ऐसा समय था जब हमारे देश के निजी क्षेत्रों में बड़े कारखानों को खोलने की हैसियत नहीं थी। हमने देश में सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के उद्योगों को खड़ा करने के लिये एक औद्योगिक वातावरण बनाने की कोशिश की। जब हमने सर्वसम्मति से इस देश में भू-मंडलीयकरण कर आर्थिक नीतियों को स्वीकार कर लिया और हमारे देश ने प्रतिस्पर्द्धात्मक आर्थिक व्यवस्था को अंगीकार कर लिया तो दुनिया में उसकी बयार बह निकली। ऐसे में हम समझते हैं कि निरंतर सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के लिये यह हल्ला मचाना वाजिब बात नहीं है। इससे देश का औद्योगीकरण रुकता है और हमारे देश में विकास की धारा अवरुद्ध होती है।
सभापति जी, अभी जब माननीय मंत्री जी इस विधेयक को पेश कर रहे थे कि इस विधेयक के पारित होने के पीछे क्या कारण है और जब उसका पूरा विवरण हमारे सामने रखा तो श्री सुरेश प्रभु, जो इस समय सदन में मौजूद नहीं थे, अगर उपस्थित रहते तो उनका यह उलाहना कि सदन में सारी चीज़ें अंगीकार करके मंत्री जी इस विधेयक को पारित कराना चाहते हैं, इस उलाहने का अवसर उन्हें नहीं मिलता। यह बात पूर्ण रूप से स्पष्ट है कि हमारे देश में सीमेंट कॉरपोरेशन का गठन इसलिये किया गया था ताकि इस देश के सामान्य उपभोक्ताओं को सस्ती दर पर सीमेंट मुहैय्या कराया जा सके। आज निजी क्षेत्र के लोगों का सीमेंट उद्योग में एकाधिकार होने से सीमेंट के भाव निरंतर बढ़ते जा रहे हैं। हमें निजी क्षेत्र को इस बात के लिये छूट देनी चाहिये कि वे अधिक से अधिक सीमेंट का उत्पादन करें। लेकिन उत्पादित वस्तु उपभोक्ताओं को किस मूलय पर आपूर्ति करनी है, इस अधिकार को सरकार को अपने हाथ में रखना चाहिये।
सभापति जी, जैसा विधेयक के कारणों और उद्देश्यों में कहा गया है कि इससे प्राप्त होने वाला धन दूसरी औद्योगिक ईकाइयों के आधुनिकीकरण और उसके विस्तार पर किया जायेगा। यह बात सही है। श्री सुरेश प्रभु ने शिकायत की कि क्या यह गृह निर्माण समति की तरह काम करेगी? मैं सरकार से कहना चाहता हूं कि सरकार ने टैक्सटाइल कॉरपोरेशन मुम्बई की मिलों को बेचा और उन सभी मिलों को बड़े नेताओं ने खरीदा। यह स्थिति इन मिलों के बारे में नहीं आनी चाहिये। इन मिलों को ऐसे लोगों को बेचना चाहिये जो आगे इनवैस्टमेंट करके इससे अच्छे ढंग से कारखाना लगाकर इस देश की उत्पादन क्षमता को बढ़ावा दे सकें।
इन शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV: At the very outset, I would like to convey my thanks to all the hon. Members who have participated in the discussion on this Bill. Shri Mohan Singh has already stated two points about which I need not repeat. Firstly, this Bill came to this House long before, then, it was sent to the Standing Committee, to which we have submitted all the documents, as per the practice. The Standing Committee made certain recommendations. We have accepted all the recommendations. So, there is no question of keeping the Members of Parliament in dark. Secondly, as you have rightly pointed out, the basic thing is that we have come before Parliament because this particular company was taken over by an Act of Parliament. That is why, the Law Ministry has stated that if any asset of the public sector has to be sold in public or disposed of, the same has to go back to Parliament and get its consent. Only then, we can take. This is the simple thing. This judgement has been given by the Supreme Court and the same has been accepted by the Law Ministry. These are the two reasons.
Hon. Members have asked as to which are the seven plants which are to be closed. I would like to say that they are Mandhar, Kurkunta, Nayagaun, Akaltara, Charkhi Dadri, Adilabad and Delhi Grinding unit. Why are they going to be closed? This is the basic question most of them asked. Mostly machinery in these units have become obsolete. Today, cement industry is making profit not because they are using vintage machinery. You are an engineer and you understand better than me this. This is the position.
Tandur in Andhra Pradesh, Bokajan in Assam and Rajbans in Himachal Pradesh are the profit earning units. At the moment, Cement Corporation of India is earning profit. Why is Cement Corporation of India not taken up for renovation? The policy of the Government is that – it is there in the NCMP – those units which are viable, will be revived and those which are not viable, will be sold. It would be given to private sector, if they want to take. In this case, private sector companies have come forward to take it.
As very rightly stated, people are interested in buying land, not factory. We have got a very transparent panel of selling and that is followed by the judgements of the High Court, the Supreme Court and the BIFR. The Committee will be formed and it will have the representatives of IFCI, SBI, and from the concerned bank of that company. The Revenue Secretary of the State Government will also be there. It will be sold through public auction. We have sold lands in Kolkata of Kolkata Tyres and we have got a good price by public auction. We have sold land in HMT Bangalore. There also, we have got a good price but the gentleman who got the land backed out. Then, the Urban Development Ministry applied for taking it. They wanted to take it at a negotiable rate. Once we came, we said that no to negotiated rate. Those who are interested should buy at the price which was fixed in the open auction. They have taken at this price and we have given it. In a transparent manner this is being done.
Some Members have asked as to how this valuation is being done. It is done through the SBI Capital Market. We pay them the price and they carry out the work.
A question has been raised about the Government. Why is the Government not starting a cement factory when it is a profitable venture? Shri Mohan Singh has slightly touched this point. Where the private investment is there, why should there be public investment. [r33] Private investment is available in cement now. Those units which are earning profits, we shall maintain and we will not close them. The loan that is available, the money that is coming out of sale will be utilized for the sick units that are there. We have to pay certain liabilities. Whatever money comes, we have to spend on expansion, modernization and operation plan of Rs.110 crore. We have to refund to the Government of India under Plan, loan of Rs. 155.90 crore and under non-plan, loan of Rs.153 crore; liability of non-operating units Rs.125.04 crore, refund of inter corporate loan Rs.37 crore and employees dues Rs.12.75 crore and others Rs.28.01 crore, total Rs.617 crore. These are the liabilities which have to be paid from the proceeds that will come.
Shri Adhir Chowdhury wanted to know whether we are paying the outstanding credit to the creditors. Yes, we are paying it. We are also taking into consideration expansion in the manner I have already told. There will be no difficulty on that.
As in the past, my Ministry, has revitalized Scooter India, U.P. BIFR gave us the package and we accepted that package. It was a sick industry. Now, it is doing well. We hope that their market share will be good. In HMT we are now producing Janata Tractor. It is a public sector unit and it is very popular with the farmers now. It is priced at just Rs.1.8 lakh. A junior engineer came to me and said that he could produce it in the market for Rs.3 lakh to Rs.4 lakh. With Rs.1 lakh also it can be produced. We encouraged it and within one year it has been produced and marketed also. It has a very good market. Agencies are willing to take it up. We are happy that our Government has encouraged it.
A question was asked as to why other six units have not been brought for amendment. The other six were not taken by an Act of Parliament and that is why we have not brought them.
Another question raised was why the Government of India has not taken any step before. It was because before there was a proposal which came from our BJP friends. Unfortunately, the records available with us say that it came up during the NDA regime and at that time the Government did not act on it.… (Interruptions) My point is, the then Government did not do a wrong thing because if at that stage if the then Government would have spent this money, it would have got wasted. The number of employees and the production quantity was very-very poor. So, at that time this decision was taken and we carried it forward. We are not criticizing it. Since Members have asked as to why it has not been done, I would say that it has not been done wisely. I am appreciating the decision taken by the NDA Government, which has saved the money of the exchequer. You cannot run properly certain companies at certain stage. It will just be next to impossible. Suppose, in a company vintage labourers are more than 50 or 55 and if you try to invest Rs.2000 crore, if I were the Minister, I would be the last man to spend money on that. Shri Prabhu mentioned about steel. I was the Minister of Steel. At that time Vizag Steel was supposed to be closed and given to a private party. I opposed it. We revitalized it. This is one of the sea shore plants in the world today which is doing very well.[R34] It is now doing very well. We have re-vitalised it during Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao’s time. When your Government came, it gave more help to it.
प्रो. रासा सिंह रावत : मंत्री महोदय, सीमेंट के भाव क्यों चढ़ रहे हैं?
SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV: It is not my cup of tea. I am not going to answer why the cement cost of production is going up. The infrastructure is the priority of the Government. Now the infrastructure is very good. In Maharashtra, certain roads were constructed with cement. I have gone and seen that. They are quite good. Then, Maha Sadak which was started during the BJP’s time in certain hilly areas, they are also utilizing the cement.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : As per the recommendations of the Standing Committee, are you going to re-assess the valuation of the land? How much price are you going to get and how much of it will be utilized for the revitalization and how much for repaying the debt?
SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV: The first thing is the liability of the workers. Their dues will be paid first. The second liability is the debtors but I cannot forecast the amount. The third thing is the revitalization in a better way. So, the recommendation from the Standing Committee was like this and we have accepted that. It will be done not by me or the BIFR. The Board of Directors will do it. Some people have asked why the Directors who had not functioned well were kept. When the industry fell sick, gradually all the Directors also said good bye. Many Directors were not there. That would have increased the cost.
*m13 SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU : First of all, I am very happy that Mr. Mohan Singh decided to support the Bill because I was all the time thinking what is the selective support that Samajwadi Party is offering to the Government. I know exactly when they really come out to support. So, I am very happy about it.
Sir, I agree with the Minister. The Bill is introduced because the Supreme Court said that the law was passed by Parliament to nationalize. So, if you want to sell off the assets which were nationalized, you must have another law in Parliament. That is precisely my point which I was requesting the Minister. Just look at the clauses. There are only two clauses in the Bill. There is hardly anything in the Object clause. At least, you should place before the House all the supportive documents. Otherwise, anybody can go to the court and say that Parliament has passed the law without taking into consideration all the aspects of it. Therefore, my request is that in future if you take the House into confidence on what basis we are passing the Bill because you are de-nationalizing and you are willing to sell the assets. But all the supportive documents, at least, should have been put in the Library of the House. Anybody who is desirous of going through it, could do so. So, this is my request which the Minister may like to consider. Otherwise, the Minister can, at least, say that now it is not available but he will place it on the record of the House. That will be useful for the Minister so that in the court. it would not be challenged.
SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV: I will bring it to the notice of the House.
MR. CHAIRMAN : The question is:
“That the Bill to amend the Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1981, be taken into consideration.” The motion was adopted.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, the House will take up clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.
The question is:
“That clause 2 stand part of the Bill.” The motion was adopted.
Clause 2 was added to the Bill.
Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the long Title were added to the Bill.
SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV: I beg to move:
“That the Bill be passed.” MR. CHAIRMAN: The question is:
“That the Bill be passed.” The motion was adopted.[R35] श्री खारबेल स्वाईं (बालासोर):हमारी तीन महीने पहले जो तनख्वाह बढ़ी थी, उसमें से अधिकांश हमको अभी तक नहीं मिल रही है। अखबार वाले सब लिख रहे हैं कि जो तनख्वाह बढ़ा ली, वह ले गये, लेकिन हमको वह नहीं मिल रही है तो मनिस्टर साहब इसको देखें।…(व्यवधान)
संसदीय कार्य मंत्री तथा सूचना और प्रसारण मंत्री (श्री प्रियरंजन दासमुंशी) : इसमें जरा नोटफिकेशन की कुछ प्राब्लम है, उसे लॉ मनिस्टर क्लियर कर चुके हैं। अगर तनख्वाह नहीं मिली तो बकाया ब्याज समेत मिलेगी।
श्री खारबेल स्वाईं :ãÉäÉÊBÉExÉ BÉE¤É ÉÊàÉãÉäMÉÉÒ?
श्री प्रियरंजन दासमुंशी: जल्दी मिलेगी। जल्दी मिलेगी तो खर्चा हो जायेगा।