Lok Sabha Debates
Reference Made In The House By The Speaker Regarding Losing Of Lives And Injuries ... on 26 November, 2007
> Title: Reference made in the House by the Speaker regarding losing of lives and injuries to many in the serial bomb blasts that took place at Faizabad, Varanasi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on 23 November, 2007.
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, as you are aware, on 23rd November, 2007, serial bomb blasts rocked the court premises in the cities of Faizabad, Lucknow and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in which about 14 innocent people have lost their lives, and 59 were injured.
Further, two people have also lost their lives and 18 have been injured in blasts in Assam that took place.
The House strongly condemns these cowardly acts of terrorism and expresses its condolences to the bereaved families.
The House may now stand in silence for a short while as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.
11.02 hrs. The Members then stood in silence for a short while.
प्रो. राम गोपाल यादव : महोदय, आज पूरे उत्तर प्रदेश में वकील हड़ताल पर हैं।...( व्यवधान)
योगी आदित्यनाथ : महोदय, हमने एडजर्नमेंट मोशन दिया है, कृपया हमारी बात सुन लीजिए।...( व्यवधान)
MR. SPEAKER: I have included Assam also.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I know that you are agitated because these are serious issues, which I have mentioned. I have requested the hon. Home Minister to make a statement.
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI): The hon. Home Minister will make a statement at 12 noon immediately after the Question Hour.
MR. SPEAKER: He will make a statement at 12 noon immediately after the Question Hour, and if you want a discussion to start, I will allow it. Let him make the statement. I am thankful to the hon. Home Minister that he has immediately agreed to make a statement.
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI: Sir, let there be a statement from the Government first.
MR. SPEAKER: I know. Let the Question Hour be there and let that important statement be there. Thank you very much for raising these issues, I appreciate it.
प्रो. विजय कुमार मल्होत्रा : स्टेटमेंट के फौरन बाद डिस्कशन शुरू होना चाहिए।
MR. SPEAKER: If you want, I can start. I have no objection. Thank you very much, we have started well today.
(Q. No. 141) श्री श्रीचन्द कृपलानी : महोदय, हमने पिछले दिनों यह महसूस किया है कि यहां इस सरकार के बनने के बाद से ही, राजस्थान सरकार के साथ भारत सरकार की विभिन्न योजनाओं में लगातार अन्याय हो रहा है और इसलिए मैंने यह प्रश्न पूछा है, क्योंकि भारत सरकार की अन्य जितनी भी योजनाएं हैं, चाहे वह सम्पूर्ण ग्रामीण रोजगार योजना हो, एनएफएफडब्ल्युपीएस हो या जल ग्रहण विकास कार्यक्रम हो, सभी में भारत सरकार द्वारा राजस्थान सरकार को जो भुगतान किया जाना चाहिए, वह भुगतान समय पर नहीं किया जा रहा है। इसकी वजह से राजस्थान सरकार के कई कार्य रूके हुए हैं। मंत्री महोदय ने मेरे प्रश्न का जो उत्तर दिया है, उसके बारे में, मैं यह जानकारी चाहूंगा कि जो राष्ट्रीय भण्डारण निगम है, उसमें आपने क्या कोई ऐसी नीति बना रखी है या कोई समय-सीमा तय कर रखी है ताकि किसान को निश्चित समय पर भुगतान मिल जाए, क्योंकि इसे आपने अपने उत्तर में भी स्वीकार किया है कि सन् 2005-2006 का भुगतान अभी बाकी है? इसकी क्या वजह है और क्या इसकी कोई निश्चित समय-सीमा है? [R1] MR. SPEAKER: Let him reply.[r2] [R3] कृषि मंत्री तथा उपभोक्ता मामले, खाद्य और सार्वजनिक वितरण मंत्री (श्री शरद पवार): अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं आपके माध्यम से माननीय सदस्य से कहना चाहता हूं कि कोई भुगतान बाकी नहीं है। छोटी सी बात है कि राजस्थान स्टेट वेयरहाउसिंग कार्पोरेशन को एडवांस एमाउंट दिया गया था, उनका हिसाब-किताब अभी तक मिला नहीं है इसलिए चार साल में वह एमाउंट एक्ज़िस्ट रह गया है। जहां तक टोटल एमाउंट और उसका इंटरेस्ट है, राजस्थान स्टेट वेयरहाउसिंग कार्पोरेशन का कहना है कि उसमें नौ लाख रुपए का फर्क है। इस बारे में बैठकर कोई रास्ता निकाला जा सकता है, लेकिन राजस्थान सरकार ने या राजस्थान स्टेट वेयरहाउसिंग कार्पोरेशन ने यह तय किया कि इस बारे में कोर्ट में जाया जाए, इसलिए वे हाई कोर्ट में चले गए। अतः यह मामला सबज्यूडिस है। मेरा सुझाव है कि सिर्फ आठ-नौ लाख रुपए के लिए केन्द्र सरकार के खिलाफ कोर्ट में जाना ठीक नहीं है। आपस में बैठकर रास्ता निकाला जा सकता है, बाकी कोई समस्या नहीं है।
श्री श्रीचन्द कृपलानी : अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं मंत्री जी से कहना चाहूंगा कि ऐसी क्या परिस्थिति बन गई कि एक तरफ आप कह रहे हैं कि आठ लाख रुपए हैं और दूसरी तरफ राजस्थान सरकार द्वारा 70 लाख रुपए से अधिक का भुगतान बताया गया है, जिस पर हाई कोर्ट ने स्टे दिया है। मेरा मंत्री जी से पूछना है कि यह भुगतान कब तक हो जाएगा, क्या इसके लिए आप कोई समयावधि निश्चित करेंगे? पुराना हिसाब-किताब अब तक क्लियर नहीं हो पा रहा है लेकिन इतना फर्क कभी नहीं आ सकता। इसलिए मैं जानकारी चाहूंगा कि कब तक भुगतान हो जाएगा?
अध्यक्ष महोदय : उन्होंने जवाब दिया है कि केस अदालत में पेंडिंग है।
श्री श्रीचन्द कृपलानी : आठ लाख रुपए और 70 लाख रुपए में तो बहुत अंतर है। इसकी वजह क्या है?
अध्यक्ष महोदय: उन्होंने जवाब दे दिया है।
चौधरी लाल सिंह। क्या आप राजस्थान के बारे में जानना चाहते हैं?
चौधरी लाल सिंह : मैं देश के बारे में प्रश्न पूछना चाहता हूं।
फूड कार्पोरेशन ऑफ इंडिया राज्यों में पैडी और व्हीट प्रोक्योर करती है। हमारा जम्मू-कश्मीर राज्य ऐसा है, जहां आपका यह आर्गेनाइजेशन तो है, लेकिन पैडी और व्हीट की खरीद वह नहीं करता है। क्या केन्द्र सरकार के पास ऐसा कोई प्रपोजल है ताकि वहां भी इनकी प्रोक्योरमेंट की जासके, ताकि वहां के किसानों का जो शोषण हो रहा है, उन्हें लूटा जा रहा है, उससे उन्हें बचाया जा सके?
MR. SPEAKER: I allowed you because you come from Jammu and Kashmir.
श्री शरद पवार: जहां तक व्हीट और राइस की बात है, देश के स्टाक में इनकी स्थिति अच्छी नहीं है। अगर कोई राज्य सामने आकर कहे कि हम देने को तैयार हैं या इस सम्बन्ध में कोई प्रपोजल दे कि आप हमारे यहां प्रोक्योरमेंट शुरू कीजिए, तो हम तुंत शुरू कर देंगे।
चौधरी लाल सिंह : क्या हमारे राज्य से भी खरीदेंगे?
अध्यक्ष महोदय : उन्होंने ठीक कह दिया है कि जो राज्य कहेंगे, वह करेंगे।
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : Sir, I would like to ask a specific question. FCI is procuring paddy. However, during the last couple of years, during this Government’s period, there has been a lot of distress sale in KBK area of Orissa and other backward regions of the country. A lot of posts of Quality Inspectors are lying vacant in various FCI circles. Will the Government assure the House that it would recruit staff in full so that procurement is not delayed? Secondly, as the Government has announced MSP for wheat at Rs.1000 a quintal, will the Government announce MSP for paddy also at Rs.100 per quintal? Most of the people in the Eastern and Southern parts of the country are dependent on rice. So, will the Government increase the MSP for paddy to Rs.1000 a quintal or not?
MR. SPEAKER: If is beyond the question.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR: The question is specifically about the payment to States and particularly about Rajasthan. I expect a separate notice for this question. If I get a separate notice, I have no objection to reply. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The Minister has offered to give you a reply. Put a question or write a letter to him.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : Sir, the question mentions States in general and Rajasthan in particular. I would like to know about the other States also.
MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Deo, he is a very experienced and cooperating Minister and you all know that. You were referring to the procedure for procurement and you heard what he said.
[R4] (Q. No. 142) SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : The Standing Committee on Labour and Employment, in its 18th Report, which was presented in the Lok Sabha on 12th December 2006, has recommended that the Union Government should bring out an amendment to the existing Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to define the term "minimum wages" and the criteria for fixing the minimum wages so that the employers are legally bound to pay minimum wages at the National Floor Level, that is, at Rs.68 at present. The Committee also expressed its displeasure at the reply of the Government that the system is working reasonably well in States. The Committee reiterated their earlier recommendation and urged the Government to bring outan amendment in the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 so that the labourers are not deprived of their legitimate rights of minimum wages. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You cannot read it.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : It was also mentioned in the Report that the Committee also strongly recommended that the State Governments be relentlessly persuaded to ensure that minimum wages are paid to the workers, till an amendment in the Act is carried out.
MR. SPEAKER: Put your question, please.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : May I know from the Minister whether the Union Government is considering to bring out an amendment to the existing Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to define the term `minimum wages’ and the criteria for fixing the minimum wages? I would also like to know by what time this Amendment is likely to be introduced in the Parliament. Is the Union Government also considering to increase the minimum wages at the National Floor Level, which is very much low comparing to the present huge increase of essential commodities and inflation in the country? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You cannot have all this.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : I am asking the same question. I would like to know as to when the Government is likely to arrive at a final decision in this regard.
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: I am happy to mention here that in October, 2007 , we had recommended to the State Governments that the National Floor Level Mininum Wage with effect from 01.09.2007 will be Rs.80/- from the present Rs.66/- per day. This is within the purview of the State Governments. We make the recommendations and the State Governments accept the same. As far as amendment is concerned, we are deliberating on this issue and we need time to consider this.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : Sir, I would like to quote the report of The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 31st August 2007, … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: No. You put your question. Do not read it. That is not permitted.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : I would just take one or two minutes, Sir.
It has been mentioned in the said news item that the Government has decided to launch an insurance scheme on October 2, 2007. Initially, for the benefit of 1.50 lakh rural households, who do not own land, the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana has been cleared by the Union Government, which would cover half of them over the next one year. It was also mentioned that under the scheme, the Government would provide the head of the family Rs.30,000 as compensation in case of natural death, Rs.75,000 in case of accidental death and disability. … (Interruptions) It is connected to the agricultural labourers. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You cannot discuss this.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : It is connected to the question, Sir. Has the Union Government introduced this Aam Aadmi Bima Yojan? If yes, what are the salient features of this Yojana?
MR. SPEAKER: You are misusing this.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : I am not misusing, Sir.
MR. SPEAKER: All right, speak. But this is my view, unfortunately! SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : What are the main reasons for not introducing the Yojana? Is the Central Government considering to provide any fund for this Yojana? Would the Government provide the details of the total number of persons that would be covered under this Yojana?
MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Minister, if you have information, give it to him.
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: In the first instance, we have decided to cover the poor people in the country who are below the poverty level and the poor people will be covered under the Bima Yojana. In the next round, we will cover various categories of people, who are earning wages and those who are above the poverty level, in different schemes, which are brought before the Boards. We would try to extend them to the poor people.
MR. SPEAKER: Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal – not present.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : I would like to draw the personal attention of the hon. Minister to a very urgent point. In Annexure – II, the average daily agricultural wages - a Table is given – in Kerala , it is Rs.254.14 per day. The lowest is in Andhra Pradesh Rs.61.11; it comes next to Kerala … … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: These figures are given.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : This is the position. There is a difficulty of migration of workers from one State to another. Until and unless we devise a uniform policy in the matter of wages, this will not be tolerated. This has created a very serious situation in our State also, where agricultural workers are migrating to Kerala, thereby, the chances of Kerala workers are getting reduced. [r5] In order to prevent such a contingency, I would request the hon. Minister to bring in a legislation for determining a uniform wage applicable throughout India. Is it possible? Let the hon. Minister reply.
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: Having a uniform wage throughout the country will be quite difficult because the conditions of work in different States are different. The conditions of work in North East are different than the conditions of work in Kerala. Practically there is no worker available in Kerala because the people of Kerala are going abroad and are earning. This is the situation. So, it may be difficult for us, to have a uniform wage, in one stroke. But we have issued a floor price and on the basis of that floor price, the State Governments will have to decide what wages they should have for the State.
SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI : According to the recent data and reports, India is having fourth highest number of dollar billion years in the world, but in the human development rating, it takes 126th place. We have one lakh dollar million years, but yet 36 million of our population live on Rs.20 per day. It is also reported, according to the NSS, which the Minister also referred to in his reply, that the monthly per capita expenditure of an Indian farm household is Rs.503. The Minister while replying said that the aggregate output levels in agriculture production would be possible through achievement of higher crop yields per hectare.
MR. SPEAKER: Please formulate the question.
SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI : After doing all those things, whatever reply is given, after getting more yields, they can alleviate the farm labours. But the point is they now have even the distress sales and others; and whatever they are producing, they are not getting appropriate price. In this context, my specific question to the hon. Minister is that what are the constructive steps and the measures that the Government proposes to improve the bottom-line standards of living of farmers and farm labours.
MR. SPEAKER: No. Sorry. This is for wages.
SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI : It is about farm labour.
MR. SPEAKER: Maybe. I share your concern and I appreciate it. But there should be some relevance to the question.
Mr. Minister, are you willing to answer now?
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: Sir, the point is that the agricultural labourers do not have work throughout the year. So, under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, we have brought in a scheme under the Agriculture Ministry, whereby 100 days of guaranteed employment is given. With that, we are able to, to some extent, help the farmers in the country and the agricultural labourers.
श्री सन्दीप दीक्षित : अध्यक्ष महोदय, जो सवाल पूछा गया है, इसके पहले खंड में पूछा गया था कि क्या खेतिहर मजदूर की गरीबी का आंकड़ा सरकार के पास है। महोदय, यह सवाल वैसे तो श्रम मंत्रालय से संबंधित नहीं है, लेकिन योजना आयोग ने जो उत्तर दिया है, उससे बहुत निराशा होती है। योजना आयोग से जवाब आया है कि कृषि मजदूरों के लिए अलग से कोई सर्वेक्षण नहीं कराया जाता है। इसमें एक गड़बड़ी यह है कि प्लानिंग कमीशन के एनएसएस द्वारा हर पांच साल में जो वृहद् सर्वेक्षण कराया जाता है, उसमें खेतिहर मजदूरों के बारे में भी सम्पूर्ण जानकारी ली जाती है। अगर प्लानिंग कमीशन एक कदम आगे चलकर, अपने सर्वेक्षण में तय कर दे, तो खेतिहर मजदूरों में कितनी गरीबी व्याप्त है, इसके बारे में स्थिति स्पष्ट हो सकती है। मेरा श्रम मंत्री से केवल यही निवेदन है कि क्या वह अपने मंत्रालय के माध्यम से योजना आयोग से कहेंगे कि जब वह गरीबी के आंकड़े निकाले, तो उनके मंत्रालय से संबंधित जो देश में खेतिहर मजदूर हैं, उसके अलग से आंकड़े निकाल कर छापे जाएं।
MR. SPEAKER: It is a suggestion for action. You can note it.
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: Yes, Sir.
MR. SPEAKER: He has noted it.
श्री मोहन सिंह : अध्यक्ष महोदय, हमारे कई माननीय सदस्यों ने जायज प्रश्न पूछ लिए हैं, क्योंकि खेतिहर मजदूरों की वेजिज़ की समस्या काफी गंभीर है। बिहार और पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश में इन्हें दिए जाने वाले दैनिक वेतन तथा पंजाब और हरियाणा में दिए जाने वाले दैनिक वेतन में काफी अंतर होने से हजारों की तादाद में हर साल, हर सीज़न में पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश और बिहार के खेतिहर मजदूर पंजाब और हरियाणा की ओर जाते हैं। हमारे देश का जो मिनिमम वेजिज़ एक्ट है, उसके अनुसार राज्य सरकारों को ही इस बात का अधिकार है कि खेतिहर मजदूर के न्यूनतम वेतन का निर्धारण करे।[MSOffice6] मैं माननीय मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि राज्यवार परेशानियां तो हैं लेकिन हरियाणा और पंजाब के किसानों की जो पेईंग कैपेसिटी है, वह उत्तर प्रदेश और बिहार के किसानों की नहीं है। ऐसी हालत में क्या भारत सरकार एक यूनिफार्म पॉलिसी बना कर, अधिकतम नहीं लेकिन न्यूनतम वेतन, दैनिक वेतन का जो आधार होगा, वह निर्धारित करके, पूरे देश के लिए समान रूप से न्यूनतम वेतन तय करके, इस सिद्धांत पर कानूनी तौर पर अमल कराएगी?
SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES: As I have earlier narrated, the working conditions and the situations are different in different States. We would very much like to do that but on the practical side it is very difficult. We are studying the matter and that is why we have given a fair price of Rs.80. We have increased it recently. We will constantly monitor this issue to see that fair wages are given to the agricultural labourers.
MR. SPEAKER: Q.No. 143.
Shri Ranen Barman – Not present.
It seems on Mondays there should be no Question Hour.
Shri P.S. Gadhvi: Question No. 144(Q. No. 144) SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, due to cartelization in Telecom sector, all the large telecom operators increased tariff simultaneously at the cost of consumers. Government is not making any effort to build new operators, like many countries have working operators. So, through you, my question to the hon. Minister is, what is the contractual agreement between Government and licence holders for allotment of spectrum and has any operator been given more than the contracted amount of spectrum; if so… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Gadhavi, how does it relate to the main Question?
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : It is there in hon. Minister’s reply.… (Interruptions) What is the contractual agreement between the Government and licence holders for allotment of spectrum and whether any operator has been given more than the contracted amount of spectrum; if so, names of such holders with reasons for excess spectrum allotted and steps being taken to withdraw excess spectrum.
DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD: Sir, the hon. Member had asked a very specific question as to whether the Government has constituted a Group of Ministers to finalize… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: You need not read that. Please refer to his Supplementary.
DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD: The Government has not constituted any GoM on spectrum allocation.
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. Member has asked as to whether you have given special treatment to any particular party.
DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD: No, Government is technology-neutral. We have not given any preference to any specific operator. The matter is under TDSAT which will decide about it. We have made a commitment to the TDSAT that we will not allocate further spectrum to any particular operator before 12th December, which is the date with the TDSAT.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Till now, is there any law to see as to whether the excess… (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI A. RAJA): Sir, I may be permitted to clarify that. The hon. Member’s question relates to the fact as to whether the Government is having contractual obligation towards some of the operators or what all criteria are being followed to give more spectrum to the operators. As my colleague has put it, the entire matter is before the Tribunal. However, I can share with the House and the hon. Member the facts available with me.
The moment LOI is complied with, the licence is issued to a new operator. The moment the Government receives the licence fee, the Government consider but is not duty bound to give initial spectrum. If the Government has to give more spectrum, as assured before the TDSAT, it will be done according to the criteria being devised by the Government. It has been referred by the TRAI also. TRAI gave its recommendation which has been challenged before the Court. Subject to all these things, it will be taken care of.[R7] MR. SPEAKER: Shri B. Mahtab to ask his supplementary.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, please allow me to ask my second supplementary.
MR. SPEAKER: You have asked two.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, I have asked only one.
MR. SPEAKER: Two Ministers have replied to your one question.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, he only supplemented to it.
MR. SPEAKER: All right.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI : Sir, so nice of you and so kind of you.
My second supplementary is whether the New Telecom Policy of 1999 guideline of issuing new licences subject to availability of spectrum has been superseded by the new guidelines issued to implement the Cabinet decision of October, 2003 which suggested that the Government may issue licences without any restrictions on the number of entrants for provision of universal access services in service area on all India basis. If so, why have these guidelines not been implemented and whether the Government is contemplating to issue LOIs to all applicants who have applied for licences?
MR. SPEAKER: I want a brief answer.
SHRI A. RAJA: Sir, the hon. Member’s observation is correct. It is true that earlier when the National Telecom Policy was declared in 1999, there was a categorical observation in the Policy that wherever the licenses are issued, it must be in accordance with the availability of spectrum. In other words, if the spectrum is not available, the Government should not give new licences. It was referred to the Group of Ministers in the year 2003 wherein the unified access licence policy came into existence. The paragraph 11 of the Guidelines which were approved by the Group of Ministers and were also placed before the Cabinet said that the licences shall be issued without any restrictions on the number of entrants for provisions of unified access services in the service area. The Government is sticking to it. We are going to permit the new entrants according to the new guidelines which are available with the Ministry.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you very much. Both the supplementaries and answers were beyond the question. However, I appreciate that you came ready in anticipation.
SHRI B. MAHTAB : I have a direct question to the Minister, through you, Sir.
MR. SPEAKER: A direct one which has to be via me.
SHRI B. MAHTAB : That is what I said that a direct question to the Minister, through you, Sir.
I would like to know whether despite Telecom Engineering Committee’s recommendation, over spectrum allocation has been accepted ‘in principle’. The Government has constituted a panel to review it. Would they review the spectrum allocation criteria to licence operators based on the subscribers figure?
SHRI A. RAJA: Sir, it is true that the practice being adopted by the Government for allocation of spectrum is subscriber base. The matter was referred to the TRAI and it gave its recommendation. The new subscriber base was not accepted by some of the quarters from the existing operators. Notwithstanding, the TRAI recommendations, even earlier the Government directed the Telecom Engineering Centre which is available within the Ministry to assess what subscriber base can be enumerated for the operators. Fortunately or unfortunately, the TRAI recommendation itself was opposed by the operators, but the TEC report recommended higher than the TRAI recommendation. So, the existing operators went to the court saying that they are not able to accept the TEC report. Of course, TEC study had commenced before earlier TRAI recommendations came into existence. The allegation was not against the TRAI or the Government. The TRAI recommendation was not based on the scientific reasons whereas the TEC recommendations were based on the scientific reasons. In spite of that it was challenged in the TDSAT. The Cellular Operators Association represented before the Ministry saying that the calculations made by the TEC are unilateral and that their grievances were not at all ventilated before the forum. So, taking into consideration all these issues, we constituted an independent committee consisting of professors from IIT, Chennai and Kanpur. They are having unique degrees in the radio frequency. So, this independent Committee is looking into all these things notwithstanding the matter before TDSAT. After that, the matter will be decided.
[R8] (Q. No. 145) SHRI SWADESH CHAKRABORTTY : Sir, my Question had three parts. In the third part of my Question I had asked about the number of farmers who had benefited. But unfortunately, the hon. Minister has not replied to that part of my Question.
Sir, however, my supplementary is that according to the statement of the hon. Minister, the total amount spent on irrigation has gone up from Rs. 60,000 crore in the Ninth Plan to Rs. One lakh crore in the Tenth Plan. But in actual practice the area irrigated during the Ninth Plan period was 32.4 per cent and the area irrigated during the Tenth Plan was 36.7 per cent. So, there has been an increase of just four per cent during these two Plan periods. Also, in the Eleventh Plan there is a proposal for an investment of Rs. Two crore for irrigation. I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether the Government will take a firm decision to arrive at a 10 per cent increase in irrigated land of the country per year.
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ : Sir, I am happy that the hon. Member is concerned this much about increasing the irrigation potential of the country. He also has quoted some figures. Yes, a lot of funding has gone into irrigation over the years. In the Ninth Plan the investment on irrigation was Rs. 60,147 crore and in the Tenth Plan the investment on irrigation had been Rs. 1,00,151 crore and for the Eleventh Plan the Working Group of the Planning Commission has projected an investment of Rs. 2,10,825 crore. Therefore, a lot of funding as such has gone into irrigation but according to the hon. Member, the potential of irrigation has not been commensurate with the kind of investment made. My plea is that we have tremendous irrigation potential. In the Sixth Plan proper funds for irrigation was available. Thereafter there was some dwindling. I will not go into that question. But since the UPA Government came to power, irrigation has been in sharp focus. Funds are available. I want to generate a situation of hope with the hon. Member and through you to the august House that upto the year 1951 the irrigation potential then was 2.26 crore hectare of land and today at the close of the Tenth Plan the irrigation potential is 10, 20,00,000 hectare of land. So, it is a sizeable achievement. Although my stand is that irrigation should receive much more attention than it is receiving now. It is only last week I took up the matter with the hon. Prime Minister and he has been very kind in supporting our demand because irrigation is key to agricultural development in the country.
MR. SPEAKER : His question is, when will you reach 50 per cent?
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: So, my hope is that more money will be available and more irrigation potential will be achieved and Bharat Nirman is also in focus in the Ministry.
SHRI SWADESH CHAKRABORTTY : Sir, in spite of the reply of the hon. Minister I am not convinced if irrigated area in the country will come even to 50 per cent of the total land holdings during the Eleventh Plan period.
Sir, in my opinion, land reforms and irrigation are two very vital elements which can solve the problem of food security; the problem of drought and the problem of flood. Everything can be solved only if we go through land reforms and have proper irrigation in the country. [R9] My second supplementary to the hon. Minister is whether the Government of India will be kind enough to allocate sufficient funds for the completion of Teesta and Damodar projects in the State of West Bengal during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
MR. SPEAKER: Yes, that is the only question.
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: Sir, the hon. Member has raised a question about drought-prone areas. I want to tell him that the minor irrigation schemes from the State of West Bengal did receive our attention and we had sanctioned money in the end of October.
As regards Teesta and other projects, we must understand and appreciate the fact that water is a State subject. The Central Government comes to the help of the State Governments, earlier through loans and now through grants. Since last year, Teesta is in very sharp focus. But accounts of Teesta are not available. We took up this issue with the Government of West Bengal. You give us the utilization certificate and money would be made available to you. That is not being done. We can work on projects which are taken up with us.
Our colleagues from West Bengal, including hon. Ministers, have been raising this issue. Teesta is part of the national project. The Cabinet Committee is looking into that. Teesta will be one of the national projects for 100 per cent funding from the Government of India.
SHRIMATI M.S.K. BHAVANI RAJENTHIRAN : Hon. Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.
We all know very well that UPA is doing very well in the field of development of irrigation facility. The hon. Minister, in his reply, has mentioned about the expenditure on irrigation during the Ninth Plan. But there are no details about the Tenth and Eleventh Five Year Plans.
Hon. Speaker, Sir, I would like to know from the hon. Minister, through you, whether there is any special scheme or proposal with the Ministry for the State of Tamil Nadu, especially with regard to its southern parts, which are really drought-prone. Our hon. Chief Minister, Dr. Kalignar Karunanidhi, had recently announced a special scheme of Rs. 616 crore to bring Cauvery water to the southern parts of Tamil Nadu, including my constituency Rameswaram.
Is the Ministry willing to help the Government of Tamil Nadu for this special scheme? Thank you.
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: Tamil Nadu will receive attention. The figures for Tenth Plan are available. During the Tenth Plan, the expenditure in Tamil Nadu for raising irrigation potential was Rs. 1,571 crore.
As regards the suggestion that the State of Tamil Nadu should receive the attention, I would request the Government of Tamil Nadu, through the hon. Member, that any proposal that is available with that Government should be sent to us. It will receive our attention.
श्री भँवर सिंह डांगावास : अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं माननीय मंत्री महोदय से आपके माध्यम से सीधे प्रश्न करना चाहता हूं कि जो नदियां जोड़ने की योजना थी, उस योजना को, जब तक जो बाढ़ का क्षेत्र है और पानी जो बाढ़ में बह जाता है, उसे अगर सेन्ट्रर के कंट्रोल में नहीं लिया जाएगा तो कोई भी राज्य नदियों का पानी दूसरे राज्य को नहीं देगा और जब तक ऐसा नहीं होगा, तब तक अकाल ग्रस्त क्षेत्र में कभी भी पानी नहीं आ सकता। आपने राजस्थान में दो प्लान में कुल मिलाकर करीब 650 हजार हेक्टेअर में पानी की व्यवस्था की है। यह व्यवस्था भी राजस्थान द्वारा स्वयं अपने प्रयासों से इंदिरा गांधी नहर के माध्यम से ज्यादातर हुई है। मैं मंत्री जी से यही जानना चाहता हूं कि वे नदियां, जिनमें हर साल बाढ़ आती है और सरकार करोड़ों रुपया बाढ़ पर खर्च करती है, क्या उन नदियों का पानी केन्द्र के तहत लाकर, विशेषकर हमारे अकालग्रस्त राज्यों में सरकार देना चाहेगी या नहीं?
प्रो. सैफुद्दीन सोज़ : अध्यक्ष महोदय, यह सवाल इस प्रश्न के साथ जुड़ा हुआ नहीं है लेकिन मैं जवाब देना चाहता हूं।...( व्यवधान)[MSOffice10] अध्यक्ष महोदय : वे आपके प्रश्न का जवाब दे रहे हैं।
...( व्यवधान)[r11] प्रो. सैफुद्दीन सोज़ : Inter-linking of rivers is not a question here. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: He is not refusing.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Yes, you are absolutely right. It is not the matter here.
प्रो. सैफुद्दीन सोज़ : मैं जवाब दे रहा हूं। मेरी इस सदन से दरख्वास्त है कि जो यह गलतफहमी है कि जो पहले रीवर्स इंटरलिंकिंग की बात थी, वह शायद बैक बर्नर पर है, ऐसा नहीं है।
It is on the front burner. It is receiving attention. मैं अपनी जबान से कह रहा हूं कि जो पांच नदियों के इंटरलिंकिंग का सिलसिला है, उनमें एक तो यह है कि केन-बेतवा नदी का जोड़ने का काम बहुत कठिन है। यह मामला सैंट्रल गवर्नमेंट के हाथ में नहीं है। हमने स्टेट गवर्नमेंट से मिन्नत-समाजत करके मिलाना पड़ता है और एक दरख्वास्त देनी पड़ती है।
Regarding Ken-Betwa, I am reporting to this House that DPR is being prepared. DPR is a very difficult situation. They want to take three years, but I am insisting that they should complete DPR in two years. But there are four to five links in very sharp focus:
Parvati –Kali Sind, Narmada-Partapi and Godavari Krishna.
श्री भँवर सिंह डांगावास : मैं बाढ़ के पानी की बात कर रहा हूं...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : अब इसे छोड़िये।
प्रो. सैफुद्दीन सोज़ : जहां तक राजस्थान और मध्य प्रदेश की बात है, मैं आपको बताना चाहता हूं कि अभी पिछले दिनों, मैंने एक डी.ओ. लिखकर दोनों स्टेट्स के चीफ मिनिस्टर्स से विनती की है और MOU दिया है कि दोनों आपस में इस पर साईन करेंगे तभी यह पानी राजस्थान और मध्य प्रदेश के लिये होगा और उससे उनको बड़ा फायदा होगा। सैंट्रल गवर्नमेंट आपकी सेवा में है, इसलिए मेहरबानी करके इस पर दस्तखत कीजिये। हम इस में दिलचस्पी लेंगे। माननीय सदस्य की यह बात सही है कि जहां-जहां मुमकिन है, हम वहां नदियों को जोड़कर काफी ईरीगेशन पोटैंशियल बना सकते हैं और राहत मिल सकती है।
अध्यक्ष महोदय : आप मेहरबानी करते बैठ जाइये। आप थोड़ा चेयर पर मेहरबानी कीजिय़े। मेहरबानी करके मानिये। I am finding a trouble here because the question becomes irrelevant. On any supplementary which is being asked in the House, the hon. Ministers are obliging because they are very knowledgeable Ministers. But, I think, the relevance and brevity is also important.
श्री सानछुमा खुंगुर बैसीमुथियारी : माननीय अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं आपके जरिये आदरणीय मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकर्षित कराना चाहता हूं कि असम में बोडोलौंड-तीस्ता अंचल में जिस तरह से ईरीगेशन फैसिलीटीज़ देनी चाहिये थी, वह आज तक नहीं दे पाये हैं। इस साल वहां जबर्दस्त फ्लड आ गया है और मेरी पार्लियामेंटरी कांस्टीटुवैंसी के दो असैम्बली सेगमेंट्स आज तक पानी में डूबे हुये हैं। मैं इस सिलसिले में आदरणीय मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकर्षित कर चुका हूं, लेकिन आज तक कुछ नहीं किया गया है। जितने ईरीगेशन डैम थे, वे सब टूट गये हैं। भूटान से एक नदी - बेकी- निकलती है। इस नदी ने पिछले दो हजार साल से लोगों को बहुत तकलीफ दी है । इस साल भी नदी के एम्बैकमेंट में ब्रीच की वजह से फ्लड आ गया है। मैं आदरणीय मंत्री जी से जानना चाहता हूं कि सरकार बेकी एम्बैकमेंट, जो टूट गया है, के पुनर्निर्माण के लिए क्य़ा कदम उठाना चाहती है और असम सरकार की ओर से केन्द्र सरकार को क्या क्या सिफारिशें मिली हैं?
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: The proposal which the hon. Member has given, and he has also written a letter to me, is under examination and I will definitely take an action. It is a very difficult situation in Assam. I would like to report to this august House that I recently visited Majouli island which has suffered a great deal. But during the flood period, this Ministry cannot do anything because it is a situation of relief. However, I had promised the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi, and hon. Members from that region, that I will visit Majouli. It was not that easy.
Sir, I was told and it was a pleasant surprise that after late President, Dr. Fakruddin Ali Ahmed, I am the first person to go to Majouli. … (Interruptions) Please listen to me. Majouli is now safe. I feel that the money available in two or three phases is not sufficient. I am examining that and we shall certainly save Majouli from further incursions there. As far as other proposals are concerned, they are also receiving my attention. Your letter is with me. I will certainly invite you further in the Ministry and will sit with you and I will respond very positively to whatever suggestions you want to give in this regard.[a12] MR. SPEAKER: Very good. Thank you.
डॉ. वल्लभभाई कथीरिया : माननीय अध्यक्ष महोदय, जब पानी की बात आती है तो हमें पता है कि देश में बहुत सी नदियां हैं और बारिश का पानी बहुत ज्यादा मिलता है लेकिन उसका व्यवस्थापन ठीक नहीं है। किसानों को तीन फसलें पैदा करने के लिए समुचित पानी की आवश्यकता है। आज हमारे देश में मानसून के अलावा विन्टर सीज़न में केवल एक तिहाई खेती के लायक ज़मीन में ही हम पानी दे सकते हैं, दो-तिहाई ज़मीन में पानी नहीं मिलता है क्योंकि पानी की शार्टेज है। यदि ड्रिप इरिगेशन और प्रिंकलर की व्यवस्था हो जाए तो मुझे लगता है कि न केवल विन्टर सीज़न में, बल्कि थर्ड क्राप लेने के लिए भी हमारे किसान तैयार हैं। गत बजट में प्रिंकलर और ड्रिप इर्रीगेशन के लिए बजट में 500 करोड़ रुपये का ही आबंटन किया गया जो बहुत कम है। मुझे लगता है कि प्रिंकलर और ड्रिप इर्रीगेशन के लिए बजट में सबसिडी के रूप में ज्यादा से ज्यादा आबंटन किया जाए तो न केवल विन्टर सीज़न में बल्कि थर्ड क्राप भी किसान ले सकते हैं और आज जो अनाज और गेहूँ की कमी है, उसे भी हम पूरा कर सकते हैं। इसके लिए सरकार द्वारा क्या प्रावधान किया गया है?
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: I am sorry, it will get a little longer reply.
MR. SPEAKER: No question of a little longer reply. You can send him the reply.
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: I will be very brief because he has talked about drip irrigation. It has a background. The hon. Prime Minister instituted what is called the Groundwater Advisory Council for Recharging Ground Water which held a congress this year.
MR. SPEAKER: Next Question is very important.
PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ: We have top scientists. A Committee was instituted under Dr. Swaminathan. We have produced a book that has been circulated now. Our aim in the Ministry is that ground water is very important. It is like a deposit in the bank. We can draw interest. We cannot draw the principal amount. So, following that theory, we are trying to recharge ground water. There is, now, a situation about which we have circulated, throughout the country, to all the Chief Ministers saying that we want more crop and income per drop of water. In that situation, the sprinkler irrigation issue will also be attended to.
(Q. No. 146) SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : I have gone through the Statement. It is very unfortunate that several States have been included in the Centrally-sponsored Scheme – National Food Security Mission – but not Kerala. I think we had a discussion with the hon. Minister. I think it was due to some faulty parameters or wrong information with the Ministry that this unfortunate thing has happened. The fact is that nearly 5 districts which are contiguous are the districts that are producing rice. Those districts are Palghat, Trichur, Ernakulam, Alleppey and Kottayam. If these districts are taken together, probably a good Scheme could have been implemented. I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether the Ministry has an open mind to consider our request favourably.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR): This particular Scheme was discussed in the National Development Council Meeting on 29th May last year and it was approved. We took a decision to include 16 States and 305 districts. One of the criteria was that in respect of a particular crop, at least 50 per cent area has to be under that particular crop in a particular district. Secondly, if we have to improve production and productivity, the availability of water is also should be there. So, on that basis, all the districts have been selected. There are some States which are not in a position to fulfil these criteria and that is why these States are not included at this juncture.[R13] We have discussed Kerala in depth. We could not get a district in Kerala where such and such area is under a particular crop, namely, paddy. The thrust of Kerala is essentially on the plantation crops. That is why, there are some problems. But, I met recently a delegation of hon. Members of Parliament from Kerala and they have given me names of three districts. There is a recommendation also from Dr. Swaminathan. On that basis, we had decided to give a second thought to this matter and give weightage to kerala also.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.
SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : Sir, it is a very good thing that the Ministry has considered this matter favourably and given a second thought to it. Actually, there are five districts, when you consider this matter. Palghat, also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, itself has more than 50 lakh acres of land for cultivation of peddy. Its adjoining Trichur district is known for cold land cultivation. Then, there are Ernakulam and Kuttanad districts. This area is spread over to two districts – Kottayam and Alleppey. So, I would like the Minister to see the recommendations made by Dr. Swaminathan and also consider the request made by Members of Parliament from Kerala and take a final decision on these districts.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR: We have already said that we are going to consider this matter.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao – Not present.
श्री रवि प्रकाश वर्मा : माननीय अध्यक्ष महोदय, माननीय मंत्री जी ने अवगत कराया है कि नेशनल फूड सिक्यूरिटी मिशन के अंतर्गत करीब 305 जिलों में इस स्कीम को लागू किया जाएगा, हालांकि जिलों की सूची नहीं दी है। मैं उम्मीद करता हूं कि मंत्री जी जिलों की सूची भी उपलब्ध करा देंगे।
जैसा आप जानते हैं कि किसानों की स्थिति अच्छी नहीं है। मैं माननीय मंत्री जी से जानना चाहता हूं कि क्या वह काश्तकारों के साथ एग्रीमैंट करने के बाद, उनसे क्राप पर्चेज़ करेंगे या सामान्यतः जैसा पीडीएस में चलता है, उसी तरह काश्तकारों से प्रोक्योरमैंट करने का काम करेंगे, और क्या उसके लिए कोई स्पैसिफिक अधिकारी अलग से नियुक्त किये जाएंगे? जितनी स्कीम्स आपने बताई हैं, उसमें जो सुविधाएं दी जानी हैं, उनको कैसे फैसिलिटेट किया जाएगा?
श्री शरद पवार : अध्यक्ष महोदय, यह जो योजना है इसके अंतर्गत खास तौर से तीन क्राप्स का उत्पादन देश में बढ़ाने की कोशिश की जाएगी- पल्सेज़, चावल और गेहूँ। अगले पांच-दस सालों में देश की जो ज़रूरत होगी, उसको पूरा करने के लिए उत्पादन बढ़ाने की आवश्यकता है और इसलिए इस स्कीम को मंज़ूरी दी गई है। 5000 करोड़ रुपये के आस-पास की रकम इस स्कीम के लिए रखी गई है। मैंने जैसे शुरू में कहा कि 16 राज्यों का नाम इसमें स्वीकार हुआ और वहां वास्तव में काम भी शुरू हुआ है। माननीय सदस्य जो पूछते हैं, वह स्थिति बाद में आएगी। उन्होंने सवाल उठाया कि प्रोक्योरमैंट के बारे में क्या नीति रहेगी। प्रोक्योरमैंट के बारे में मैंने इससे पहले भी सदन में जवाब दिया है कि चाहे आंध्र प्रदेश हो या कोई भी राज्य हो, जहां सरप्लस फूड प्रोडक्शन है, सरकार को मिनिमम सपोर्ट प्राइस पर देने के लिए वह तैयार हैं तो उसे खरीदने का इंतज़ाम एफ.सी.आई. और स्टेट गवर्नमैंट की एजेन्सीज़ की मदद से हम करेंगे।
श्री रवि प्रकाश वर्मा : क्या सरकार किसानों से एग्रीमैंट करेगी?
MR. SPEAKER: No. Please ask questions briefly. Many important issues are pending.
श्रीमती किरण माहेश्वरी : मैं आपकी आभारी हूँ कि आपने मुझे प्रश्न पूछने का अवसर दिया। मैं आपके माध्यम से माननीय मंत्री जी से पूछना चाहती हूं कि राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा मिशन के अंदर हम जो अनाज खरीदते हैं, जो अनाज विदेश से आता है, उस पर कितना खर्च केन्द्र का लगता है और उसमें कितने लौसेज़ होते हैं? हम आये दिन सुनते रहते हैं कि गोदाम भरे पड़े रह गए, [h14] उसका बराबर वितरण नहीं हो पाया। मेरा यह सवाल है कि लॉसेस कितना आता है और उन लॉसेस को कम करने के लिए सरकार किस तरीके के कदम उठाती है?
श्री शरद पवार : यह मिशन उत्पादन बढ़ाने का है, इस मिशन में खरीदने की बात नहीं है।
MR. SPEKAER: Q. 147 Shri Eknath Mahadeo Gaikwad -Not present Shrimati Nivedita Mane - Not present Q. 148 Shri N.N. Krishnadas - Not present Shri Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi - Not present.
It is a very unhappy situation. We have to decide whether to have Question Hour on Mondays.
Shri S.K. Kharventhan: Question No. 149.
[R15] (Q. No. 149) SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN : Mr. Speaker, Sir, over the years there has been huge fluctuation in the area of cultivation, production and yield of food grains in the country which results in shortfall in the availability of foodgrains. Moreover, the buffer stock of wheat and rice has gradually declined. The Government is also importing wheat at a much higher price. So, I would like to know whether the Government have taken any steps to improve the area of cultivation, production and yield of food grains in the coming years and whether any steps have been taken by the Government to safeguard and to protect the agricultural land from diversion to other purposes than the purpose of irrigation and to improve the productivity of food grains in the country.
MR. SPEAKER: You want the whole gamut of Agriculture Ministry to be discussed in Question Hour! SHRI SHARAD PAWAR : Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is an important question and that is the reason why the Government took a conscious decision to introduce Food Security Mission in the country, and under the Food Security Mission, additional area will be brought under cultivation of wheat, rice and pulses. Then, planning has also been made to see that production is improved. This particular question is mainly about how to improve productivity, what is the total requirement of production and how to fulfill that. The answer has been given.
SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN : Sir, in recent years the farmers in some parts of our country, particularly in some segments of Tamil Nadu, have slowly been switching over to organic farming and they have stopped their dependence on imported chemicals and fertilizers which saves huge amount of money of the Government Exchequer. As a result, they gradually get high yield and the land also becomes fertile. So, I would like to know whether the Government have proposed to give financial and other forms of assistance to those farmers who have shifted to organic farming which helps in food grains production. I would also like to know whether there is also a proposal to educate the farmers about the usage and the benefits of organic farming.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you for your brief question.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR: Sir, there is a scheme which has been introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture to popularize organic farming. There are some incentives also and some sort of guidance is also provided to farmers under this scheme. Today, in a country like ours the main requirement is how to improve productivity. Of course, organic farming is important. It has a market not only within India but also outside India and that is the reason why we are encouraging that.
MR. SPEKAER: Shri Manoranjan Bhakta, your name is there on the list. Do you want to ask a supplementary?
SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA : Yes, Sir.
Sir, the Union Territories, which have far-flung islands, have requested the Government that they should be provided adequate quantum of food grains so that in case of any problem there will be no crisis for food grains in those areas. I would like to know what steps the Government have taken to ensure that.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR: Necessary precautions will be taken.
12.00 hrs.