Lok Sabha Debates
Combined Discussion On The Budget (General) 2004-05, Demands For Grants On ... on 20 July, 2004
12.32 hrs. GENERAL BUDGET (2004-2005) GENERAL DISCUSSION– Contd.
DEMANDS FOR GRANTS ON ACCOUNT – GENERAL (2004-2005) Contd.
AND DEMANDS FOR EXCESS GRANTS – GENERAL, 2001-2002 Title: Combined discussion on the Budget (General) 2004-05, Demands for Grants on Account for Budget (General) and Demands for Excess Grants of Budget (General). (Not concluded).
MR. SPEAKER: Now, Shri Vasudevan Nair, who was on his legs, to continue his speech.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The time for Special Mentions is over. You are aware that all Parties have decided on this. I cannot allow you to speak. Nothing will be recorded. Why are you shouting? Only Shri Vasudevan Nair’s speech will be recorded.
(Interruptions)* श्री चंद्रकांत खैरे (औरंगाबाद, महाराष्ट्र) : अध्यक्ष जी, एक मिनट के लिए बोलने दीजिए।…( व्यवधान)
12.32 ½ hrs. (At this stage Shri Chandrakant Khaire came and stood in the floor near the Table.) अध्यक्ष महोदय : १२.४० बजे नहीं १२.३० बजे।
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: This is a very important debate on the General Budget. All the hon. leaders including your leader have agreed that at 12.30 hours the discussion on the General Budget would start.
MR. SPEAKER: You cannot decide one thing inside and do another thing here.
Now, Shri Vasudevan Nair.
… (Interruptions)
* Not Recorded MR. SPEAKER: You cannot hold the House to ransom. The House cannot be held to ransom by any hon. Member.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : श्री चंद्रकांत खैरे, कल आपको नम्बर वन पर बोलने का मौका देंगे, यह हमने कमिट कर लिया। लेकिन अभी हम नहीं सुनेंगे।
12.33 hrs. (At this stage Shri Chandrakant Khaire went back to his seat.) MR. SPEAKER: Kindly co-operate. The House is not of the Chair alone.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Is the debate on the Budget not a serious debate? I am trying to regulate the proceedings of the House with your co-operation. If you do not want to run the House, please tell me.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदय : हम हाथ जोड़कर आपसे विनती करते हैं कि सदन चलाने में सहयोग दीजिए।
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Ramdas Athawale, please do not cross the limit. Nobody on either side should cross the limit.
I am watching that some hon. Members are particularly trying to disturb.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please sit down. This is a very serious discussion. We are taking up the financial business—the debate on the Budget of the country. You have no patience to hear the debate.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Silence please. No running commentary please.
Shri Vasudevan Nair.
SHRI P.K. VASUDEVAN NAIR (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM): Sir, last time when I was speaking about the implications of the verdict of the people in the last elections, I said that that verdict was definitely against the economic policies of the NDA Government.
People rejected it. Those people, who would like to make some soul searching, should do it for their own good. But, Sir, I should like to add that the verdict was not only against the economic policies of the NDA Government. As far as the economic policy is concerned, many State Governments were following the footsteps of the Central Government. . … (Interruptions) The election results go to show that in almost all such States, the people gave a verdict against those Governments. Some of those Governments were led by the Congress Party, as in Kerala, my own State, where the Congress Party-led UDF was routed in this election. Again, in Karnataka, it was led by the Party of Shri Chidambaram. Of course, in Andhra Pradesh, there was another Party. We find that in State after State, including Punjab, people were not happy with the performance of whatever the Party that was ruling the States, mainly with the economic policy of those State Governments.
So, I think this experience in the various States in the last elections will be taken into account, especially by the Central Government because they initiated this economic policy in 1991. Even now their tendency is to harp too much on reforms and forget the people. So, this is a big lesson for them also.
Sir, I was supporting the Budget when I began my speech last time, but now with a little time at my disposal, I should express my disagreement, my differences with the Budget and my reservation on certain issues. That is known to everybody. It is nothing new. It is not a matter of detail. It is a basic question.
Why are we, the Left Parties, against this FDI hike in strategic sectors like civil aviation and telecom. There is a debate going on in the country. In the media, there is a lot of discussion about it. So, I do not want to repeat the arguments for our objections. I only wanted to say this. Was it wise on the part of the Finance Minister and the Government to include those proposals in this Budget at this juncture? Was it a good tactics? I think it was not at all a good tactics. A debate has started by that step of the Government. When we want to go together as much as possible, unnecessarily a difference of opinion is projected.
Sir, my personal opinion is that if I were in the place of the Finance Minister, I would not have announced such a proposal at this point of time. They could have discussed the matter before announcing it. They know our position. Shri Chidambaram knows very well our position. He was the Finance Minister in another Government. So, he should have taken patient steps to discuss with the Parties which are supporting him and the Government from outside. So, now an unnecessary difference of opinion is projected. We have expressed our views both inside and outside the House. Whoever is concerned with it knows everything. The ball is in their court. They should decide whether they should go ahead with these proposals or they should withdraw them or modify them or they should come to some understanding.
Now, apart from this, as the hon. Minister knows, there is another important issue. The working class is very much agitated about this question of interest rate of the Provident Fund.
I think, irrespective of party affiliations, almost all the Central trade unions have taken a position that the Government should revise its stand and should rethink about it. I hope the hon. Minister of Finance would pay attention to that.
On another issue, our Chief Minister has already written a letter to the hon. Minister. The MPs from Kerala, are also informed by the Government of Kerala that there is a proposal to impose a new income tax on NRI deposits. What would be the impact of it? Has a study been made about it? Anyway, the Government of Kerala and the Chief Minister have informed us that according to their assessment this would adversely affect NRI deposits in the first place. In Kerala, the hon. Minister knows, we have the greatest contribution as far as NRI deposits are concerned. So, this is not a wise step according to our Government. Now, the hon. Minister can enlighten us why this step has been taken, whether it would adversely affect NRI deposits and also the economy of Kerala. The Government of Kerala is naturally worried about that. Suppose NRI deposits are withdrawn or there is a tendency to put the money somewhere else, what will happen? This is an issue that should be considered by the Government seriously.
Nitin 06.08.2004 I welcome the Budget because there is a real change in direction, especially in favour of the agrarian scene but the hon. Minister has not mentioned anything – though it is in the Common Minimum Programme – about the problems of the agricultural workers. The agricultural workers and their organisations are demanding for a long time a national legislation for taking care of their welfare in respect of minimum wages and many other things. My State has got an excellent law as far as agricultural workers are concerned. We are pioneers, I should say, in this field but somehow or the other the Central Government is evading the issue. I know, there is a lot of opposition to it whenever the Government tries to bring in a legislation in favour of agricultural workers. I think, the hon. Minister forgot to mention about the problems of agricultural workers in his Budget Speech. I hope, he would seriously give a thought to this matter and the Department concerned in the Union Government would come forward with a legislation.
All the declarations made by the Government are good on paper but the main question is how they would be implemented. Which Government does not say good things for the people? But there is such a divergence between words and deeds that those declarations do not get implemented. This is a big problem in this country. So, the Government has to be very serious about implementing what is stated in the Budget and also in the Common Minimum Programme.
This time, our electorate has behaved in a very mature manner. I am sure, my friends on my right never expected something like this. They never understood the mood of the people. So, the verdict of the people has to be taken very seriously. This Government should take care that they do not fail in keeping their promises, in doing what they declared. Performance is the main thing. It is not an easy matter. Everybody knows that it is a Herculean problem, a very big task, and a very big challenge. The Government should be serious about implementing the proposals which are in favour of the agriculturists, the rural economy, and the traditional workers. I should thank the hon. Minister for making a mention about traditional industries like coir. He has allocated Rs. 100 crore. Of course, I am thankful to him for making that allocation but he would have to revise it because it is a big area. He has not included here cashew, which is a very vital traditional industry at least of my part of the country and also of his State. There are lakhs of women who are working and their plight is very bad. So, you will have to do something about the regeneration of such traditional industries. Regeneration of traditional industries is a task which should be taken very seriously. If the Government comes forward with proposals and take steps to implement these proposals, we, on this side of the House, say that we will give our fullest cooperation in the implementation of the proposals. Proposals alone are not enough. We have seen promises for so many decades and years. So, we should break the record not in announcing programmes but in performance. The record break should be in performance.
With these words, once again, I would like to give my general support to the Budget.
श्री हरिन पाठक (अहमदाबाद) : अध्यक्ष महोदय, सन् २००४-२००५ के अंदाज पत्र पर कड़ी आपत्ति और दुख के साथ मैं अपने विचार आपकी अनुमति से सदन मे रखना चाहता हूं। तकरीबन १५ साल से इस सदन में मैंने कई अंदाज पत्र देखे हैं और चर्चा में हिस्सा लिया है। रिवाइज्ड बजट देखे हैं पर इस अंदाज पत्र के बाद आने वाले सात महीनों में जो चित्र देश के सामने उभरकर आने वाला है, इस देश की गरीब शोषित जनता इस बजट के कुछ आंकड़ों के मायाजाल से जो थोड़ी-बहुत आशान्वित बनी है, उसको निराशा होने वाली है। मुझे लगता है, मेरा कर्तव्य है कि मैं सदन का ध्यान और विशेषकर वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान इसके प्रति आकर्षित करूं।
जहां तक वित्त मंत्री जी का सवाल है, व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं उनका बहुत बड़ा प्रशंसक हूं।…( व्यवधान)वह पहले यहीं थे। चार महीने पहले ही वहीं गये हैं। वह इस तरफ थे। हमारे साथ नहीं थे। मैं राजनैतिक बात करना नहीं चाहता लेकिन विशेष रूप से मैं उनकी मृदुभाषिता, अर्थशास्त्र पर उनका ज्ञान वह बिल्कुल बेजोड़ है, मैं उससे सहमत हूं। लेकिन संगत ऐसी हो जाती है कि संगत का असर पड़ गया है। बीच में जो संगत छूट गई थी, …( व्यवधान)अब जब संगत आ गई है तो उनका जो सारा ज्ञान था, वह संगत के कारण गुमराह हो गया और यह कांग्रेस की अब तो यू.पी.ए. सरकार बन गई है। यह उनकी फितरत है, यह उनका स्वभाव है। अगर मैं आरोप लगाता तो कुछ लोग कहते कि आप हार गये हैं, इसलिए आप आरोप लगाते हैं लेकिन यू.पी.ए. जिसका मेन कम्पोनेंट कांग्रेस है, उनका ४५-४७ साल का पुराना इतिहास है। For long 47 years we have seen so many learned hon. Ministers’ of Finance who presented Budgets in this august House.
श्री भरतसिंह माधवसिंह सोलंकी (आनन्द) : वे कांग्रेस के ही थे।…( व्यवधान)
श्री हरिन पाठक : वे कांग्रेस के थे, इसीलिए मैं कहता हूं कि जो काम ४७ साल में आपने नहीं किया, वह आने वाले सात महीने में आप कैसे करेंगे ? कम से कम देश को गुमराह मत करिए। आपको ४७ साल तक देश से गरीबी हटाने का मौका मिला था लेकिन वह काम आपने नहीं किया।…( व्यवधान)सलीम जी, उन्होंने नहीं किया। आप भी यहीं थे और मैं उससे सहमत हूं। कई बातें हैं।…( व्यवधान)
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले (पंढरपुर) : आपने ६ साल में क्या किया ?…( व्यवधान)
श्री हरिन पाठक : हमने तो ६ साल में जो कुछ किया, वह किया। कुछ विषय ऐसे होते हैं जो रामदास जी के लिए उचित नहीं हैं। यह आपका विषय नहीं है। आप दूसरे विषय पर बोलिए। यह फाइनेंस है। आपको तकलीफ होगी और मुझे आपको समझने में तकलीफ होगी। यह बजट महज आशावाद का एक पुलिंदा है।
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Harin Pathak, you please address the Chair.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY (DHENKANAL): Sir, are we listed? … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER : Shri Harin Pathak, you please address the Chair.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK: Yes, sir. … (Interruptions)
SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY : Sir, what about BJD’s time?
MR. SPEAKER : Shri Satpathy, this is not the time to find it out. This is not the manner to make a request. You are interrupting another hon. Member.
श्री हरिन पाठक : मैं इस बात में नहीं जाना चाहता, क्योंकि इस पर बहुत चर्चा हुई है कि कौन सा मेनडेट और कैसा मेनडेट। अभी मेरे पूर्व वक्ता बोल रहे थे, उन्होंने कहा कि यह मेनडेट इकोनोमिक पालिसी के खिलाफ है। कोई कहता है यह मेनडेट साम्प्रदायिक तत्वों के खिलाफ है। मुझे अर्थशास्त्री मंत्री जी से और प्रधान मंत्री जी से पूछना है, मैं साइंस का विद्यार्थी कम रहा हूं, केवल दो साल रहा, मैंने लिटरेचर में ग्रेजुएशन किया और फिर पोस्ट ग्रेजुएशन किया।
उसमें से १४५ सीटें मेनडेट मानी जाती हैं। देश में चुनाव हुआ, ५० प्रतिशत भी सीट्स आपको नहीं आईं। अगर मेनडेट था तो आपने पहले कोई प्रोग्राम बनाया होगा। पश्चिम बंगाल में आप चुनाव लड़े, उस वक्त तय नहीं किया कि देश को साम्प्रदायिक शक्तियों से खतरा है इसलिए सब एक हो जाओ। उस वक्त साम्प्रदायिक ताकतें नहीं थीं, आर्थिक नीतियां सामने थीं। यह कांग्रेस की फितरत है इसलिए मैं कहता हूं कि बजट से कुछ निकलने वाला नहीं है। चुनाव से पहले व्यक्ति के नाम पर, पालिसी के नाम पर देश को गुमराह किया गया। कुछ सीट्स मिल गईं तो मेनडेट की बात करने लगे। मैं यहां नाम नहीं लेना चाहता, कई-कई बड़े-बड़े नेताओं का उस समय मैं टी.वी. में इंटरव्यू देख रहा था।
Most of the leaders now sitting on the Treasury Benches were forcefully telling to the people and the nation that if NDA would get less than 245 seats, they have no moral authority to form the Government.
सही बात है सबने कहा कि २४२ भी आती हैं, तो एन.डी.ए. को सरकार बनाने का कोई नैतिक अधिकार नहीं है। फिर १४५ में कैसे हो गया, चलो २२८ मान लो, उसमें कैसे हो गया।
श्री रघुनाथ झा (बेतिया): जैसे आपने बनाई थी।
श्री हरिन पाठक : हमने २७२ में बनाई थी। हमने यह नहीं कहा था मेनडेट है। इसलिए पहले यह स्पष्ट होना चाहिए। मैं इसमें नहीं जाना चाहता था, लेकिन मुझे टोका गया इसलिए कह रहा हूं। Otherwise I would have definitely come to the budgetary provisions and my reservations on the Budget. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER : You are now coming to the Budget.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : Yes, sir. I am coming to the Budget. … (Interruptions)
SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY (BASIRHAT): You please come to the Budget. … (Interruptions)
श्री हरिन पाठक : यह सरकार एक समझौता है। आपके मंत्री जी, लालू जी ने कहा था, हम शिक्षा देते हैं कि नमन करके आओ और नमन करके जाओ।
अध्यक्ष महोदय : आप १५ साल से सांसद हैं। Do not get upset.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : No, sir. I am not upset.
MR. SPEAKER : You address the Chair. I want to listen to you very attentively.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : Why should I be upset? मैं अपसेट नहीं हूं। १५-१६ साल से यहां सांसद हूं इसलिए मैं क्यों अपसट होऊंगा। लेकिन इनको सच्चाई सुनकर तकलीफ होती है। रेल मंत्री जी ने बजट्री स्पीच में कहा था कि नमन करके आओ, नमन करके जाओ, तो नमन करने का देश का मेनडेट नहीं है। देश ने कहा कि आर्थिक नीति गलत थी। मैं इसमें लम्बी चर्चा नहीं करना चाहता।
Definitely, with all respects to the hon. Minister of Finance and affections personally to you, this Budget will create confusion, is going to create confusion. This Budget is directionless. It will increase inflation. This Budget is such a document, एक ऐसा डाक्यूमेंट है I would rather say that this is a Budget in which it is over-estimated in revenue and under-estimated in expenditure. क्योंकि आपने जल्दी-जल्दी हड़बड़ाहट में इसको बनाया है। पता नहीं कैसे सात महीने के इस बजट में आपने सारी फिगर्स डाल दीं।
I would definitely now come to the specifics since I remarked that this Budget is over-estimated in revenue and under-estimated in expenditure. I would, through you, draw the kind attention of my learned and beloved hon. Minister of Finance, Shri Chidambaram to page 4 of the ‘Budget at a Glance.’ Let us look at direct taxes and indirect taxes. It is surprising to see that the increase the hon. Finance Minister expects in collection during this short span of seven to eight months is what was never seen in the last 45 or 50 years. First, I come to indirect taxes. The revised estimates for the year 2003-2004 for Union excise duties is Rs. 92,379 crore. Now, this Government, this learned Finance Minister is so much hopeful and optimistic that he has mentioned in Budget At A Glance that he is expecting this to increase to Rs. 1,09,199 crore. So, the increase expected in the Union excise duties is Rs. 16,820 crore and the percentage of increase is 18.20. Now, we see customs duty. The revised estimate for 2003-2004 is Rs. 49,350 crore and the hon. Minister is expecting it, within a span of seven months, to increase to Rs. 54,250 crore. That is an increase of Rs. 4,900 crore.
Now, I come to direct taxes. For corporation tax, the revised estimate for 2003-2004 is Rs. 62,986 crore. How much is the hon. Finance Minister expecting to get within seven months? It is Rs. 88,436 crore. It comes to an increase of Rs. 25,450 crore, that is, 40.40 per cent. मुझे बताएं कि पिछले ४५ सालों में कभी इतनी ज्यादा टैक्सेज में राइज हुई। इसलिए मैं आपसे कह रहा हूं कि यह बजट आंक़ड़ों की माया है। ४० प्रतिशत की राइज सात महीनों में किस जादू की लकड़ी से होगी। He is expecting a total increase of Rs. 57,830 crore and it has been nowhere mentioned in any of the documents from where it would come. मुझे लोक सभा में १५-१६ साल हो गये। Before that, I was in Ahmedabad Corporation for 17 years and preparing Budget as a member of the Standing Committee. As per the Corporation Act, you cannot make a deficit Budget in the Corporation.उसमें उल्टा-सीधा करके लिखना पड़ता है कि यह टैक्स की इन्कम होगी, ऑक्ट्राय वगैरह को ठीक-ठाक करेंगे। मकानों का बकाया पैसा ठीक-ठाक करके पैसा लाएंगे। ऐसा करके बजट को ठीक-ठाक करना पड़ता है क्योंकि आप डैफेसिट बजट नहीं लाते हैं। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी, आपने तो यहां भी कारपोरेशन जैसा कर दिया। आप बताएं कि कहां से इतना सारा पैसा आएगा? आपने कहीं इसका उल्लेख नहीं किया है।
अब मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी की स्पीच के पेज २४ पर आता हूं। अब यहां पर ५७०० करोड़ का यानी कुल मिलाकर २६ प्रतिशत राइज हो गया। I come to end of his speech, para 152 and para 153. That is why, I say that the Budget is a confused document. मैं अर्थशास्त्र का छात्र रहा हूं लेकिन जब में पैरा १५२ पढ़ता हूं तो मेरी समझ में कुछ नहीं आता है। कारपोरेशन की तरह मैं यहां पर ऐसे शब्दों का प्रयोग नहीं करुंगा लेकिन माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने हौवा खड़ा किया है।
12.59 hrs (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair) I quote para 152 of his Budget Speech. It says:
"Besides my tax proposals, I have looked at another source of revenue. There are large recoverable arrears both in direct taxes and indirect taxes. "वह कहते हैं कि डायरेक्ट और इन-डायरेक्ट टैक्स में बहुत पैसा पड़ा है।He further says:
"Even the undisputed arrears are quite substantial. I have, therefore, assumed that I would be able to recover a tidy sum this year." 13.00 hrs. उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मेरी समझ में नहीं आ रहा है कि यह पैसा कहां से आएगा और किस तरह से आएगा। इस बारे में कोई अन्दाज तो होना चाहिए कि इतना पैसा होगा। इस संसद में यह बजट रखा गया है। देश की सौ करोड़ की जनता की एक-एक पाई का हिसाब होना चाहिए और यह बताना चाहिए कि इस तरह से पैसा एकत्र किया जाएगा। How much money will you get by doing so? बजट केवल आशावाद का पुलिन्दा नहीं है। Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, now I would like to refer to para number 153 on page 29 of the Budget speech made by Shri P. Chidambaram in this House. मैं पैरा-१५३ को पढ़कर कन्फ्यूज हो गया हूं। महोदय, मुझे आपसे ज्ञान चाहिए।
On the one hand you expect to raise Rs. 57,000 crore by having an increase in the direct and indirect taxes, and on the other hand in your own speech you say, and with the kind permission of the Chair I would like to read para number 153. It says : "My tax proposals on direct taxes are expected to yield a gain of Rs. 2,000 crore." I fail to understand it, and I would request you to kindly explain it to me later. Then, it is further stated in the speech : "On the indirect taxes side, they are broadly revenue neutral." On the one hand you say that you are going to increase about Rs. 21,000 crore, and on the other hand in your own speech you say that the indirect taxes revenue will be neutral. It is quite confusing for us. … (Interruptions) देश जानना चाहता है, जो आपने वायदा किया है, क्या वह इस बजट में है? जैसा मैंने शुरु में कहा, लोगों को सिर्फ एक आशा की किरण बता दी गई है…( व्यवधान)आपने ठीक कहा कि यह मायाजाल है। आप गुजरात के आदमी लगते हैं, गलत जगह जाकर बैठ गए हैं। …( व्यवधान)महोदय, सन् १९९१ से १९९६ तक इनके दल की सरकार रही है। उस समय वायदा किया गया था कि प्रतिवर्ष एक करोड़ लोगों को रोजगार देंगे …( व्यवधान)यह ठीक है, हम भी बोले। लेकिन यह बजट मेरा नहीं है। हमें जब दोबारा मौका मिलेगा, तब हमारे बजट पर बोलना, लेकिन अभी तो यह इनका बजट है। मैं पूछना चाहता हूं कि एक करोड़ लोगों के लिए रोजगार कहां से लायेंगे?…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: It is not to be recorded.
(Interruptions) …* श्री हरिन पाठक : अगले छ:-आठ महीने में जब हमारे दल की सरकार बनेगी, तब बतायेंगे, लेकिन अभी तो यह उनका बजट है। यूपीए के एजेंडे में है कि पांच साल में एक करोड़ लोगों को रोजगार देंगे।…( व्यवधान) One of the objectives spelt out by the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is that : "Assuring 100 days employment to the breadwinner in each family at the minimum wage."
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY (SABARKANTHA): Do you oppose it?
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : No, I do not oppose it. But, do you know how much money would you need to implement it? … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please do not indulge in running commentary in the House.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : Sir, it is not running commentary. He does not know his finance. … (Interruptions) I am sorry. I want to know from the hon. Finance Minister as to how much money would be required to give assured 100 days employment to the breadwinner in each family at the minimum wage? It will come to Rs. 50,000 crore. You have not mentioned that in the Budget. आप लोगों को गुमराह कर रहे हैं। Do not mislead the nation. You would need Rs. 50,000 crore, and you have not mentioned from where you will get Rs. 50,000 and odd crore for implementing this objective. There are five crore people who are living below the poverty line in our country.
देश की जनता वित्त मंत्री से जानना चाहती है, वित्त मंत्रीजी देश की जनता को आपसे अपेक्षायें हैं। व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं आपका प्रशंसक हूं। देश को सही रास्ता दें, सही दिशा दें। आठ प्रतिशत प्रगति की बात कही गई है। मैं पूछना चाहता हूं, यह कैसे होगा?
The question is about implementation of the policies. The policies are always framed with good intentions only.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please, no running commentary in the House.
श्री हरिन पाठक : सन् १९८४ में राजस्थान में आपके दल के एक पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री ने भाषण दिया था।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं स्मरण दिलाना चाहूंगा in 1984, the late ex-Prime Minister addressed a public meeting वहांउन्होंने कहा कि सरकार की तिजौरी से जनता के लिए एक रुपया निकलता है तो केवल १५ पैसे नीचे पहुंचते हैं। ८५ पैसे बीच में चले जाते हैं। अब सरकार की तिजौरी से १५ पैसे में से १० पैसे पहुंचेंगे, ७ पैसे पहुंचेंगे या ६ पैसे पहुंचेंगे, यह आप बताइए।…( व्यवधान)यह हमने नहीं कहा था। यह कांग्रेस के पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री राजीव गांधी जी ने पब्लिकली बयान दिया था। इससे पूर्व एनडीए की सरकार केन्द्र में थी। ४७ साल ऐसी पार्टी का शासन था जिस दौरान सरकार ने नीतियां बनायीं, गरीबों के लिए योजनाएं बनायीं लेकिन वे कार्यान्वित नहीं हुईं और नीचे तक नहीं पहुंचीं। मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से करबद्ध प्रार्थना करना चाहूंगा कि अब ये सारी योजनाएं कार्यान्वित हों। हमने गुजरात में टैंक्स और पौंड्स में सुधार लाने का काम किया।…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I would not allow any running commentary to go on. Please be silent. Please sit down, Shri Ramdas Athawale.
श्री हरिन पाठक : आप जितना मोदी साहब को याद करते हो वह उतना ही रात को आपकी नींद में आते हैं। …( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय: मैंने आपको बोलने के लिए एलाऊ नहीं किया।
(Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: These interruptions will not be recorded.
(Interruptions) …* श्री हरिन पाठक : मैं कभी गलती नहीं करता। आप मेरे बाद बोलिए। आपने पौंड्स और टैंक्स की बात कही। मैं आपको बताना चाहता हूं कthere are about one million and fifty thousand *Not Recorded.
ponds and tanks which are lying unutilised. मेरा वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना है कि आपने इसके लिए पैसा भी रखा लेकिन पानी नहीं है तो उनको रिपेयर करके क्या करोगे? हमारी गुजराती में कहावत है कि " कुंए में होगा तो एवाड़ा का आएगा"इसका मतलब है कि कुंए में पानी होगा तो बाल्टी में पानी आएगा।Where is the water? पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी ने नदियों को जोड़ने की योजना बनायी थी जिससे देश में पानी आने वाला था लेकिन आप वह योजना भूल गए। आप तालाब और कुंए ठीक करोगे लेकिन पानी कहां से आएगा? पहले पानी लाओ। इतना अच्छी योजना का कहीं पर नाम नहीं है। …( व्यवधान) When there is no water, I am sorry to say this, I protest with all the strength at my command. …( व्यवधान)उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, इनको मेरी कुछ बातें हजम नहीं हो रही हैं। मैं ज्यादा समय नहीं लेना चाहता हूं। मेरे पूर्व वक्ता ने जो बात कही, मैं उसके बारे में कहना चाहता हूं।
अब मैं एनआरआईज के बारे में प्रार्थना करना चाहूंगा। यह बड़ा संवेदनशील मामला है।
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please wind up your speech.
… (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Your Party has given you only 15 minutes time.
SHRI HARIN PATHAK : Sir, I will complete my speech within a few minutes. एनआईआईज का मामला हमारी भावनाओं से जुड़ा मामला है। जब से संविधान बना । They helped us and they are our real brothers. You may remember as to what happened in 1991. इससे पहले जब आपकी सरकार सत्ता में थी तो फॉरेन रिजर्व खत्म हो गया था। …( व्यवधान)गुजरात, केरल और दूसरे प्रदेशों के लोगों की भावनाओं से जुड़ा मामला है। आपने इसे टैक्सेबल स्थिति में डाल दिया है। जब देश का सोना बेचने की नौबत आई तो आपने एनआरआईज भाइयों से कहा कि तुम हिन्दुस्तानी हो, भारत की मिट्टी याद दिलाती है तो तुम देश के बेटे हो, पैसा दो, उन्होंने पैसा दिया । १९९१-९२ में कांग्रेस की सरकार थी जिसने वैरियस स्कीम्स इंट्रोडयूस की थीं- उनमें इंडिया डेवलेपमेंट बांड्ज़,१९९१ और फॉरेन एक्सचेंज इम्यूनिटी स्कीम थी लेकिन उनके लिये पैसा कहां से आयेगा। देश को पैसे की जरूरत है। उसके बाद एन.डी.ए. गवर्नमेंट में श्री यशवंत सिन्हा के समय इंडिया मिलेनियम बांड आया। पोखरन के समय अमरीका ने हम पर सैंक्शन्स लगाईं। अनेक भाई हमारे साथ खड़े रहे लेकिन आज की सरकार कह रही है कि यदि ०१.०९.०४ के बाद उनके डिपौज़िट्स बढ़े तो सरकार उनसे पैसा लेगी। आज अचानक कह दिया कि After the 1st of September, any deposit, either in currency or in terms of money, will be taxed. यहअपने देशवासियों के साथ अन्याय है। क्या उनकी भावनाओं पर आप चोट पहुंचायेंगे? आज चाइना जो कुछ है, It is only because of the Non-Resident Chinese.
उपाध्यक्ष जी, सरकार ने सरकारी कर्मचारियो के लिये एक लाख रुपये तक की आय पर छूट की बात कही है जिसे उन्होंने बहुत होशिय़ारी से रखा। इससे न तो महिलाओं को कोई लाभ होने वाला है और न अन्य कर्मचारियों को। The senior citizens are already covered because their exemption limit is 1.5 lakh. दो करोड़ लोग ऐसे हैं जिनको रिटर्न भरना पड़ेगा। लोगों को कागज़ात तो भरने ही पड़ेंगे और विभाग के आदमी काम में लग जायेंगे। इस प्रकार एक लाख तक कोई टैक्स नहीं लेकिन रिटर्न भरनी पड़ेगी। यदि इस से ऊपर १० रुपये भी ज्यादा इनकम है तो उस व्यक्ति को ९१८० रुपये टैक्स के देने पड़ेंगे। This is totally irrational.कभी ऐसा नहीं हुआ कि १० रुपये इनकम बढ़ने पर इतना बड़ा स्लैब हो जायेगा। मेरी वित्त मंत्री से जी से प्रार्थना है कि वे एन.आर.आईज़.,सीनियर सिटीज़न्स और शेयर मार्किट के बारे में सोचें।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, वित्त मंत्री जी ने एक अच्छा काम किया है। The Finance Minister has given exemption to the automobile industry to the extent of 150 per cent of their spending on R&D. ठीक है, उन लोगों को रियायत दी गई है, गाड़ी चलनी चाहिये लेकिन वित्त मंत्री जी, सरकार की गाड़ी कैसे चलायेंगे? यहां स्टीयरिंग पर तीन लोग बैठे हुये हैं। सरकार की गाड़ी कैसे चलेगी, पता नहीं। आपने अभी भाषण में सुना होगा कि ६ लोग ब्रेक पर पैर रखे बैठे हुये हैं। Nobody knows where the accelerator is. देश में अंधाधुंधी और, आर्थिक अराजकता होने वाली है। इसलिये मैं आपके माध्यम से मंत्री जी से करबद्ध प्रार्थना करना चाहूंगा कि मैंने जो मुद्दे उनके सामने उठाये गए हैं, उन पर ग़ौर करें। उन्होंने देश के सामने लोगों के साथ खिलवाड़ करने वाला जो बजट यहां रखा है, मैं उसका विरोध करता हूं।
SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA (GUNA): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of Budget 2004. This Budget statement is a reflection of the mandate awarded by the people to the Congress-led coalition.
We are a welfare State where the Government cannot I repeat, cannot abdicate its responsibility towards the weaker sections. The focus on agriculture, the focus on the physically handicapped, the focus on education, the focus on women, the focus on irrigation is the reaffirmation of the Congress’ slogan to be on the side of the common man, the teeming millions that constitute the asli Bharat.
There are three important qualifications of this Budget statement. First: The content and phasing of capital expenditure will depend upon the absorptive capacities of each of these sectors. Second: Efficiency and equity would be promoted while maintaining fiscal and financial discipline. Third: Macro-economic policies will balance stability, growth, and most importantly, social equity.
The Finance Minister in his Budget Statement said and I quote:
"The poor shall have the first charge of resources."
Indeed it is a dramatically different statement from the past NDA Government. The Finance Minister, under the able stewardship of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji has taken up the challenge of strengthening the third tripod of the economy, that is, agriculture, in addition to industry and services. This Budget, Mr. Speaker, Sir, brings cheer to 65 per cent of our population, lays down the roadmap for their betterment. This Budget looks at emphasis on health, on education, on the service sector, sectors that were crying for more finances.
I would now like to talk a little bit on the backdrop of the economy. हमारे माननीय सदस्य ने आज हम सबके सामने मायाजाल के बारे में अपनी भावनाएं प्रकट की। मैं औऱ कुछ नहीं कहना चाहता, लेकिन अगर हम इस एन.डी.ए. सरकार के छ: साल के इतिहास को देखें - from 1999 to 2004 it is cumulative, including this bumper year of growth. Agriculture has grown only at a measly 2.1 per cent, industry only at 5 ½ per cent, GDP growth rate is only 5.6 per cent. In contrast - this is not a statement but the fact - the Congress-led Government of Rajiv Gandhi Ji, from 1988 to 1991 delivered a 7 ½ per cent of GDP growth rate on an annual basis over the previous years. The 1994-97 Government where the hon. Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh was the Finance Minister and so was Shri Chidambaram, delivered 7.5 per cent GDP growth. Now, with the original reformers back in the saddle, we are confident that we will do it again to achieve a GDP growth rate of 8 per cent. Agriculture must grow at 4 per cent, up from the 2 per cent low level that we have experienced over the last year. In order to do this, the Finance Minister has taken up right action of concentrating on rural capital formation and credit.
My esteemed colleagues on the other side keep mentioning time and again about the fact that they had given the economy on a silver platter to our Finance Minister. Let us look only at the last year – 8.2 per cent GDP growth rate. It is agreed. Growth rate in agriculture was 9.1 per cent. It is agreed. Growth rate in industry was 6.7 per cent. It is agreed. But let us look at this year in isolation. There have been ten times, Mr. Speaker, Sir, when this country has faced severe drought and every year afterwards there has been a bumper growth for agriculture and bumper growth rate for GDP. This is merely a statistical blip.
Let me give you a couple of examples. 1966-67 was a great drought year in this country. बहुत अकाल पड़ा था।In 1967-68, agriculture grew at 14.3 per cent and GDP grew at 8.1 per cent. In 1975-76, agriculture grew at 12.9 per cent and GDP grew at nine per cent. Then in 1988-89, agriculture grew at 16.3 per cent, resulting in a 10 ½ per cent GDP growth rate. All these three years, the previous years were bad years. So the important thing is not to talk about a year. In India we still have to experience the magic of compounding. Small differences in GDP growth rates over a larger period of times can create magnitudes of differences. We must try for a continuous eight per cent GDP growth.
Therefore, I shift the focus from industry to agriculture. Equal focus is not only on political necessity, it is an economic one. The gap between the new and the old economy has only widened. Metropolitan India has started pulling away from the rest of the country. Emotionally and economically, our country has started to become divided into two areas.
This past NDA Government, I am sorry to say, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, concentrated too much on ‘India Shining’, और हमारे भारत को पीछे छोड़ दिया।
Let us look at some macroeconomic indicators. From the heady heights when industry grew at 12 per cent, we are now euphemistically, what we call, recovering when industry has risen from 3.3 per cent growth rate in 2001-02 to 6.7 per cent today. The situation is, indeed, alarming. The fiscal deficit is at 4.8 per cent of the GDP. If we combine that with the State deficit, we are looking at 9.1 per cent of the GDP. If we look at the revenue deficit figures, they have risen from 1994-1997’s 2.6 per cent to 3.6 per cent today. This is clear that this past NDA Government was financing consumption expenditure by raising the debt rate, which is why 70 per cent of our tax revenue goes towards meeting debt servicing. Our national debt, as it stands today, is 85 per cent of the GDP, which is not below Pakistan’s 105 per cent. We must learn to look across our borders.
If we look at China, China has experienced the growth rate of eight per cent. The success story there lies in a high investment and savings growth rate. It has an investment rate of 36 per cent and a savings growth rate of 40 per cent. In India, unfortunately, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, we are still at 23 per cent to 24 per cent. If we have to reach the target of eight per cent GDP growth rate, our investment and savings rate must increase to a minimum of 34 per cent to 35 per cent. The reason why my esteemed friends from the Opposition benches are a little confused is because in this Budget, our esteemed Finance Minister has very well combined the fiscal rectitude with higher capital plan outlay. The capital plan outlay in this Budget has grown by 15 per cent. The deficit reduction has not come at the cost of reduction in the capital expenditure. The programmes that have been put in place are for the betterment not necessarily of our generation only but of the coming generation, betterment of the future of India.
Subsidies have been controlled at their previous levels. If we look at the expenditure and income targets, they are realistic. My esteemed colleague Shri Pathakji just pointed out how we are going to meet these targets. I would like to elucidate to him that industry grew only by 1.5 per cent last year but that resulted in an increase in tax revenues of 18 per cent. Therefore, if we are able to meet our target of nine per cent industrial growth rate -- which we should be able to -- even the 24 per cent tax target that we have put forward may be a little too conservative. Also, the revenue expenditure has been capped at six per cent with an increase in nominal GDP growth rate of 12 per cent. This will result in a greater taxation to the GDP ratio and lowering of the revenue expenditure to the GDP ratio. Therefore, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, we have channelised resources from unproductive uses to more productive ones.
I would now spend a little time on agriculture. Indiraji launched the Green Revolution. In 1988-89, Rajiv Gandhiji gave a new fillip to agriculture with his five Technological Missions and his White Milk Revolution. As a result of that, we hit the agricultural record growth of 16.3 per cent translating into 10.6 per cent GDP growth rate. So, the farm sector is critical to our growth. Under the past NDA Government, if we look at three heads -- rural development, agriculture and irrigation, the plan outlay has been reduced annually from Rs. 12,834 crore to Rs. 8,181 crore, which is a reduction of 36 per cent. The share of public investment in agriculture has declined from the 1994 level of 33 per cent to 24 per cent today. This has led to widening of the GDP between not only rural and urban areas but also between the rural poor and the urban poor.
Correcting this, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, requires a re-orientation of our economy. Agriculture, today contributes almost 20 per cent of our GDP. But what I think is more important that 60 per cent of our country’s population survives on agriculture. The total investment, however, is only 1.3 per cent of the GDP. This must be raised to five per cent.
Irrigation is extremely important. Pathakji just now pointed out that the real success story on irrigation lies not in collective increase in water bodies but river linking. I would humbly beg to differ. If you look at the success stories of Israel and if you look at the success stories of the US, it is re-charging the existing water bodies, water harvesting of the existing water bodies that has prevented the severest droughts in all those countries. It is not that river linking is not important; that is important as well. But let us not under-estimate the importance of re-charging of our existing resources.
One of the biggest contributions in this Budget has been to take the benefit of economic reform to our farmers. Today, we have de-regulated industry. But the farmer still cannot sell where he wants to and at the price he wants to sell. He still is at the beck and call of the trader in the mandi. He cannot engage in contract farming, even though it may be more remunerative. He cannot go to another State where he can discover a better price. Therefore, it is truly landmark step by our Finance Minister that he has the new agro-marketing law that will replace the APMC. It is truly revolutionary. I would like to commend him for that.
The Finance Minister has put together a special task force for cooperatives. We must check the indebtedness of our States. But it pains me to see the position in Madhya Pradesh of the cooperative network.हमारी सहकारिता का जो संस्थान है उसे चकनाचूर किया जा रहा है। It is giving a body blow to democracy. I am sure that this present Government will look into the matter and give justice to our area.
Crop diversification is another step that has been taken through National Horticultural Mission. Four to four and a half per cent growth in agriculture is of course possible, but we must also concentrate on taking care of the excess labour in our agricultural areas. Therefore, setting up of agro-processing industries, closer to the agricultural areas will go a long way in taking care of this excess labour and also, the five-year tax holiday.
Agriculture has got a never-before thrust in this Budget. Allocation is up from Rs.4,600 crore to Rs.6,400 crore, up by 37 per cent. Also, the excise duty has been waived on tractors, farming machinery, dairy equipment, etc. I would take another five minutes.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: There are many hon. Members from your Party who are to speak.
SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA : Agriculture stands on five firm legs like credit, water, rural remuneration, rural incomes. The Finance Minister has strengthened each of these legs.
Now, I like to talk about fiscal consolidation. If only half of the fiscal deficit releases an amount of another Rs.1,00,000 crore into the economy per annum, then that will allow us to build 8,000 MW of power per annum, 1000 k.m. of road per annum and then, an amount of Rs.60,000 crore will be left over, which will be for education and health. The Finance Minister has taken the right step of reigning in revenue deficit, cutting the fiscal deficit to 4.4 per cent of GDP.
According to the AFRMB Act, this will release three per cent of fiscal deficit to be used for capital expenditure which will result in an amount of Rs.3,00,000 crore for the Plan period. This is why, the Standard and Poors Agency has commended our Finance Minister. No less daunting is the challenge of implementation. The previous Government announced numerous schemes, but it did little to implement them. We must target and we must eliminate duplicity. Let me give you an example.
I will take another 2-3 minutes.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please wind up. Your Party has given me a list of 31 hon. Members.
SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA : All right, please give me a minute more.
An amount of Rs.17,000 crore is the target for rural development. We have seven lakh villages in our country. That comes to Rs. 2 lakh per village per year. With an amount of Rs.10 lakh in a five-year period, can we not change the face of our villages? It is important, therefore, to target better. I would commend the Finance Minister on his ability to do that.
The fact is that he has looked at the ‘bottom-up’ approach – whether it is the initiatives that he has taken or the 100 districts that he has targeted. I would like to commend him for that.
In summary, this is a balanced charter of action. It speaks of economic reform, but with a human face. It speaks of massive investments in agriculture and irrigation, but does not forget industry and exports. It speaks of public and private sector partnership, but at the same time strengthens our profitable public sector undertakings. I would like to say that this is a Budget that gets removed from the Ivory Tower of the last Government; it is a Budget that concentrates on ‘Bharat Awakening’, rather than ‘India Shining’. This Government stands here today to right those wrongs, to re-define our priorities, to bring back India on the path of growth and also to shake the burden off youth and the poor.
I would like to conclude by quoting Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on that historic night of 1947. What he said on that day still stands for us today.
"That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today.
That service of India means the service to the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. "
The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us but as long as there are tears and sufferings, so long our work will not be over and the UPA Government stands by that.
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव (झंझारपुर) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने हमारे सामने जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है, उसका समर्थन करने के लिए मैं खड़ा हुआ हूं। अभी हरिन पाठक जी ने, मैं उनका नाम नहीं लेना चाहता था, लेकिन इस बजट के संदर्भ में बराबर उन्होंने और विजय कुमार मल्होत्रा जी ने जो कहा, इन लोगों को क्या हो गया है, हमें समझ में नहीं आ रहा है। हम बजट पर बोलना चाहते थे, लेकिन चूंकि आपने जिक्र किया है, इसलिए मैं भी जिक्र कर देना चाहता हूं।…( व्यवधान)
श्री हरिन पाठक : आपका नाम नहीं लिया है।
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : आपने लालू जी और सोनिया जी का नाम लिया है।…( व्यवधान)
श्री हरिन पाठक : यह कहा कि नमन करके जाएं।…( व्यवधान)
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : आप लोगों को फोबिया हो गया है।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आप बजट पर ही बोलने की कोशिश करें।
…( व्यवधान)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं बजट पर ही बोलूंगा।…( व्यवधान)इन लोगों को बुखार हो गया है। सोनिया जी के विषय में आप लोगों ने जो बात कही,…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Shri Yadav, please address to the Chair.
… (Interruptions)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : आप नमन करने की बात करते हैं।…( व्यवधान)सोनिया जी ने प्रधानमंत्री जी पद का त्याग करके प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ाने का काम किया है। आपको उनसे सीख लेने की जरूरत है, आप लोगों को उनसे लेसन लेना चाहिए।…( व्यवधान)पता नहींबीजेपी के लोगों को क्या बीमारी हो गई है। सोनिया गांधी, लालू यादव,…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Shri Yadav, you are wasting your own time. Do not waste your time.
… (Interruptions)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, जो जनादेश मिला है, उसका इन्हें आदर करना चाहिए।…( व्यवधान)पूरे देश की जनता ने इन्हें नकार दिया है।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मैंने सात मिनट आपको देने हैं और आपने दो मिनट बेकार कर दिए हैं।
…( व्यवधान)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, यह बजट क्यों बना है?…( व्यवधान)यह बजट जनादेश का आदर करने के लिए बना है।…( व्यवधान)इस देश का जो जनादेश है,…( व्यवधान)
श्री खारबेल स्वाईं (बालासोर):लास्ट ईयर आप हमारे साथ थे।…( व्यवधान)
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : आप इस जनादेश का आदर करिए।…( व्यवधान)मैं एक सवाल पर नहीं माना।…( व्यवधान)आप सदन की प्रोसिडिंग देख लीजिए।…( व्यवधान)आपने मेरी बात को नहीं माना, अब आप भुगतिए।…( व्यवधान)विरोध में बैठने का आपको मेंडेट मिला है, आपको जनता ने विपक्ष में बैठने के लिए मजबूर कर दिया है। अब आप वहां बैठिए और हमारी बात ध्यान से सुनिए। …( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry, you are wasting your own time.
… (Interruptions)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं बजट पर ही बोलना चाहता हूं*…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Please do not give a running commentary.
… (Interruptions)श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, इन्हें मेंडेट पर बोलने के लिए इजाजत दी है, ये मेंडेट पर बोलें, इसके लिए इन्हें रोका नहीं गया है।…( व्यवधान)यह जो मेंडेट मिला है, जनादेश मिला है, इसे इन लोगों ने चतुराई से कहा है, एग्रीगेट ऑफ द स्टेट्स मेंडेट है, पूरे देश का मेंडेट नहीं है।…( व्यवधान)यूपीए की सरकार बन गई और आप कहते हैं एग्रीगेट आफ द स्टेट्स मेंडेट है। आप लोग बड़ी चतुराई और बुद्धि से मेंडेट को नकारते हैं। आप इस मेंडेट को स्वीकार कर लीजिए, हार को स्वीकार करिए। लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था में हार को स्वीकार करने का साहस होना चाहिए। आपको इस जीत को मानना चाहिए। मैं नहीं चाहता था, लेकिन हमें जो मेंडेट सभी क्षेत्रों में मिला है, परिवर्तन करने के लिए मिला है। चाहे सामाजिक क्षेत्र हो, राजनीतिक क्षेत्र, मेहनतकश क्षेत्र या कृषि का क्षेत्र हो, इस बजट की जो दिशा एवं दशा है, स्पष्ट रूप से सभी क्षेत्रों में, जो एनडीए सरकार का किया हुआ जनविरोधी, किसान विरोधी और गांव विरोधी काम था, उसमें सुधार लाने का काम इस बजट में किया गया है। बजट की जो सही दिशा एवं संकेत होना चाहिए, बजट उसी दिशा में बढ़ रहा है। इस बजट में, वित्त मंत्री जी ने बहुत परिश्रम करके, कठिन परिस्थितियों में इस बजट को लाया है, इसलिए हम इस बजट का समर्थन करते हैं। यूपीए गठबंधन का कठिन परिस्थिति में, न्यूनतम साझा कार्यक्रम के तहत जो यह बजट लाया गया है, यह बजट गांव, किसान, कृषि और रोजगार उन्मुख है। इस बजट में असली भारत का चित्र, असली भारत की ओर ध्यान दिया गया है। ये लोग बराबर शाइनिंग इंडिया और फील गुड की चर्चा करते रहे। यह सब क्या था? दो प्रतिशत लोग जो इंडिया गेट के भीतर रहते थे, इंडिया गेट के बाहर तो इनका बजट का पैसा जाता ही नहीं था। चिदम्बरम जी को हम धन्यवाद देना चाहते हैं कि इंडिया गेट के बाहर लाखों-करोड़ों जो किसान हैं, गांवों में रहने वाले जो लोग हैं, उनकी तरफ बजट की दिशा बनाने की इन्होंने कोशिश की है, इसीलिए हम इन्हें धन्यवाद देते हैं। इस देश में इंडिया गेट के भीतर दो प्रतिशत लोग हैं, जो सब चीजों कब्जा किए पर बैठे रहते हैं। इंडिया गेट के बाहर जो लोग गांवों में हैं, जो भारत के गांव हैं, जिसे महात्मा जी ने असली भारत कहा था कि भारत की आत्मा गांवों में बसती है। गांवों में बसने वाले जो लोग हैं, उनकी तरफ इस बजट की दिशा जरूर है, इसीलिए मैं इस बजट का समर्थन करना चाहता हूं। बजट में आम लोगों पर कर का कोई बोझ नहीं लगा। देश में बहुत से लोग आशंकित थे, लोगों को बड़ी चिन्ता थी कि चिदम्बरम साहब आ रहे हैं, कहीं कर का बोझ न आ जाये, इससे लोग भयभीत थे, लेकिन उनका भय निर्मूल सिद्ध हो गया, क्योंकि आम लोगों पर कर का कोई बोझ, टैक्स का बोझ नहीं पड़ा।…( व्यवधान)
श्री खारबेल स्वाईं : हर चीज पर दो परसेंट सैस देना होगा।
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please do not record those hon. Members who speak without the permission of the Chair.
(Interruptions)* श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : वह कहने का आपको अपनी पार्टी की तरफ से अपने भाषण में मौका मिलेगा। वित्त मंत्री जी ने यह संकेत दिया है।
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Mr. D.P. Yadav, address the Chair.
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : अब इनकी बुद्धि को चेलैंज मत करिये, बुद्धि तो है ही कि ये बजटीय घाटा, राजकोषीय घाटा कैसे पूरा करेंगे। लेकिन बजट की दिशा देखिये, द्ृष्टि देखिये। इस बजट की दिशा देखिये, एप्रोच देखिये-यह देखने की जरूरत है।
मैं आपसे यह कह रहा था कि वित्त मंत्री जी ने अपने बजट में संकेत दिया है कि योजना आयोग को रीस्ट्रक्चर करेंगे। इससे आम जनता में एक नया विश्वास जगा है। यह जरूरी था कि प्लानिंग कमीशन को रीस्ट्रक्चर किया जाये। मैं इसलिए कहना चाहता हूं कि जैसे पिछड़े राज्यों के उत्थान के लिए आपने २५ हजार करोड़ रुपये का प्रावधान इस बजट में किया है, लेकिन चिन्ता इस बात की है कि योजना आयोग का आप रीस्ट्रक्चर करेंगे, उसमें अभी तक गाडगिल फार्मूले के तहत जो पिछड़े राज्य हैं, बैकवर्ड स्टेट्स हैं, जैसे बिहार है, उत्तर प्रदेश का कुछ पोरशन है, पश्चिम बंगाल का कुछ हिस्सा है, कुछ मध्य प्रदेश का भी हिस्सा है, जो बैकवर्ड स्टेट्स हैं, पिछड़े राज्य हैं, उनको प्लान का आकार दिया जाता है, on the basis of internal resources, mobilization न किon the basis of needs and on the basis of population. यदि उन राज्यों को प्लान को आकार दिया जायेगा, प्लान को आकार मिलेगा तो उनका पिछड़ापन, बैकवर्डनैस कैसे दूर होगी। ठीक है कि इधर कुछ तरमीम की जा रही है, कुछ रीस्ट्रक्चर करने की बात हो रही है, इसलिए मुझे बहुत ज्यादा आशा जगी है। हम वित्त मंत्री जी से यह निवेदन करेंगे कि इस विषय पर पूरे तौर से मौलिक रूप से, बुनियादी तौर से विचार कीजिए। क्योंकि जो बिहार जैसे राज्य हैं, जब से झारखंड बिहार से अलग हुआ है तब से उसके पास आंतरिक संसाधन हैं ही नहीं, उसके पास इण्टरनल रिसोर्सेज मोबीलाइजेशन कैपेसिटी नहीं हैं। हमारे यहां लोग आज बाढ़ से डूब रहे हैं, कभी आधा सुखाड़ और आधी बाढ़, ६ महीने बाढ़ और ६ महीने सुखाड़, बिहार जैसे पिछड़े राज्यों की यह नियति बन गई है। इन राज्यों के प्लान को जो आकार दिया जायेगा, केन्द्र से जो असिस्टेंस दी जायेगी, उसका आधार क्या होना चाहिए। उसका आधार होना चाहिए…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please do not disturb.
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : ग्रिड भी है, वह सब उसमें आ जायेगा। मैं पूरे बैकवर्ड राज्यों के लिए बोल रहा हूं। मैंने एग्जाम्पल के लिए बिहार का नाम लिया। इसमें उड़ीसा भी आता है, सभी राज्य आते हैं। गाडगिल फार्मूले में अगर मौलिक बदल भी करना पड़े, वित्त मंत्री जी से मैं एक अनुरोध करूंगा कि परम्परागत ढंग से जो गाडगिल फार्मूला चला आ रहा है, आपकी एप्रोच कुछ उधर गई है, ध्यान गया है और मैंने देखा है कि बजट के अन्दर आपने पोपुलेशन वगैरह का ध्यान रखा है। पिछड़ेपन के लिए २५ हजार करोड़ रुपया आपने पांच साल के लिए ईयरमार्क भी कर दिया, लेकिन On the basis of the needs of the concerned backward States, on the basis of poverty of the concerned backward States, on the basis of population of the concerned backward States, and on the basis of natural calamity-कैलेमटिक कंडीशंस, जो प्राकृतिक आपदा की स्थिति है, उसे भी ध्यान में रखकर यदि प्लान को आकार दिया जायेगा, तभी उन राज्यों का पिछड़ापन दूर करने की दिशा में कोई सकारात्मक पहल हो सकती है। इसीलिए मैं सुझाव के रूप में मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि इस पर और विचार किया जाये, विचार तो आप कर ही रहे हैं, लेकिन आपको और विचार करना पड़ेगा।
मेरा दूसरा पॉइंट बैंक की सी.डी. रेशियो के बारे में है। जो बैकवर्ड राज्य है, उसकी सी.डी. रेशियो देख ली जाये। मैं सम्यक रूप से, सम्पूर्णता में इस बात को कहना चाहता हूं कि पूरे देश में जितने बैकवर्ड राज्य हैं, उनके बैंकों की आप सी.डी. रेशियो देख लीजिए। आरबीआई की गाइडलाइन के अनुसार ३५ से ४० परसेंट है, यानी उस राज्य के एग्रीकल्चर सैक्टर में जो लोग पूंजी जमा करते हैं, जो पैसा वहां खर्च होगा, उसका ३५ से ४० परसेंट वहीं खर्च होगा। ऐसी आरबीआई की गाइडलाइन्स और डायरेक्शन भी हैं।
आज बिहार जैसे राज्य में मात्र १५ से १६ प्रतिशत पैसा ही खर्च होता है जबकि शेष ८५ प्रतिशत पैसा बड़े-बड़े शहरों में चला जाता है। उस राज्य का पैसा,जो गरीब लोग, कृषक, खेतिहर मजदूर, रिक्शा वाले या टांगा चलाने वाले, पांच या दस हजार रुपये बैंक में जमा करते हैं, वह चाहे कोई भी बैंक हो, वह पैसा दूसरे राज्यों में चला जाता है। इस पिछड़ेपन का कारण क्या है ? इस पिछड़ेपन का एक कारण यह भी है। यदि इस तरह से इसमें फेरबदल नहीं होगा या आरबीआई की गाइडलाइन्स का कड़ाई से पालन नहीं होगा तब तक पिछड़ा राज्य कभी उन्नत राज्य की श्रेणी में नहीं आ पायेगा। यही मेरी शंका है। मुझे उम्मीद है कि जब वित्त मंत्री जी चर्चा का जवाब देंगे तब वे इस शंका का निर्मूल करेंगे।
अभी संसद में आर्थिक पैकेज पर बहुत चर्चा हुई। मैं चाहता था कि हर राज्य अपने आर्थिक पैकेज की बात करे। उत्तर प्रदेश के माननीय सदस्य ने इस बारे में बात की। इससे मुझे खुशी हुई। उड़ीसा के कुछ साथियों ने भी यह सवाल उठाया। अब बिहार को आर्थिक पैकेज मिल गया। …( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Nothing except what Shri Yadav is saying, would go on record.
(Interruptions)* श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : यह अच्छी बात है। मैं इसका स्वागत करता हूं। …( व्यवधान)आप लोगों की ऐसी भावना है, तो यह अच्छी बात है। …( व्यवधान)मैं वही बात कहना चाहता था। …( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, सब माननीय सदस्यों ने कहा कि बिहार को पैकेज मिले, इससे हमें कोई आपत्ति नहीं है लेकिन हमें भी मिलना चाहिए। यह अच्छी बात है लेकिन मैं जानना चाहता हूं कि बिहार को क्या *Not Recorded.
मिला? …( व्यवधान)बिहार को ३३२५ करोड़ रुपये का आर्थिक पैकेज राष्ट्रीय सम विकास योजना के तहत देने की बात कही गयी है। बिहार के विशेष आर्थिक पैकेज पर यहां चर्चा हुई। मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि आपने २५ हजार करोड़ रुपये देने की उदारता दिखाई है। पिछले राष्ट्रीय सम विकास योजना के तहत एक चिट्ठी है, जिसे हमने पिछली संसद में ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव के रूप में उठाया था। उसका माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी ने १७ दिसम्बर, २००३ को जवाब दिया था। उन्होंने खुद इसका जवाब दिया था क्योंकि हमने यह सवाल उठाया था कि माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी इसका जवाब दें। उस समय श्री राम विलास पासवान जी ने भी ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव में सवाल पूछा था। उनके जवाब में कहा गया था कि चालू वर्ष के लिए बिहार को अतरिक्त केन्द्रीय सहायता प्रदान की जाती है। वास्तव में चालू वर्ष के लिए ३३२० करोड़ रुपये योजना परिव्यय का ८३ प्रतिशत केन्द्रीय सहायता के रूप में वित्त प्रेषित किया गया। यह जवाब माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी ने दिया था। मैं यहां केवल एक लाइन कोट करना चाहता हूं। …( व्यवधान)
आप पहले विषय को समझिये।…( व्यवधान)कौन किधर था, इससे कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता। कभी आप भी दोस्त की संख्या में आ जायेंगे।…( व्यवधान)आप असली संख्या में आने वाले हैं। अगर आप ऐसा बोलेंगे तो आने वाले पांच सालों में बीजेपी दो की संख्या में आ जायेगी। आप अपनी संख्या में आ जाइये। राष्ट्रीय सम विकास योजना में, इस कार्यक्रम के अन्तर्गत, दसवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना के दौरान २५३१.३५ करोड़ रुपये की लागत की निम्नलखित परियोजना का कार्यान्वयन हेतु चयन किया गया है--बिहार के विषय में प्रधान मंत्री जी ने संसद में यह जवाब दिया है। दसवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना के दौरान प्रतिवर्ष एक हजार करोड़ रुपये की दर से केन्द्रीय सहायता दी जाती है, बशर्ते इसका वास्तविक उपयोग किया जाये, यह एनडीए सरकार का, प्रधान मंत्री का संसद में दिया हुआ जवाब है।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अब आप समाप्त करिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : हमारी पार्टी से कोई और सदस्य अभी तक बोला नहीं है। आप हमारी संख्या देख लीजिए। ...( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Are you the only speaker from your party?
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : मेरे अलावा और भी माननीय सदस्य इस पर बोलेंगे।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मैंने आपको १५ मिनट से ज्यादा समय दे दिया है इसलिए अब आप अपना भाषण समाप्त कीजिए।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं अपनी बात रखना चाहता हूं। बिहार के आर्थिक पैकेज के बारे में लोगों के मन में जो संशय बना हुआ है …( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : यदि आपकी पार्टी से कोई और स्पीकर इस पर न बोले तोमुझे कोई एतराज नहीं है।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से केवल इतना कहना चाहता हूं कि वर्ष २००२-०३ में नधियां जारी नहीं हो पायीं। जो घोषणा हुई है, मैं उसके बाद कह रहा हूं। उनका १७ दिसम्बर, २००३ का जवाब है। २००२-२००३ में बिहार के लिए कोई नधियां जारी नहीं हुईं। २००३-२००४ में कितनी नधियां जारी हुईं, मैं मंत्री जी से जानना चाहता हूं। राज्य सरकार द्वारा कितना रुपया व्यय किया गया, हमें इसकी जानकारी चाहिए। जब आप यहां चर्चा का जवाब देंगे, तब हमें यह जानकारी दीजिए।
२००४-२००५ के सामान्य बजट में ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये का जो उल्लेख है, उसमें इस वर्ष का कितना रुपया है और पिछले वर्ष की कितनी राशि जुड़ी हुई है।
जम्मू कश्मीर और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों के अंशदान की कितनी राशि इसमें है और यदि नहीं है तो इसे भी स्पष्ट करें।
पिछड़ा राज्य अनुदान नधि २५,००० करोड़ रुपये, जो पांच वर्ष में खर्च होनी है, किन-किन पिछड़े राज्यों को कितनी राशि किस क्राईटेरिया के आधार पर दिए जाने का प्रावधान है, यह मैं जानना चाहता हूं।
अंत में, जिस तरह पूर्वोत्तर क्षेत्र के विकास के लिए इस राशि को नान-लैप्सेबल पूल में डालने का प्रावधान है, उसी प्रकार बिहार जैसे अन्य पिछड़े राज्यों के संदर्भ में, उन सभी योजनाओं के रिमेनिंग अनस्पैंट ऐलोकेशन को नान-लैप्सेबल पूल में रखा जाए, यह मेरा सुझाव है।
आपको मालूम है कि जिस तरह टैलीकॉम में प्रत्यक्ष विदेशी निवेश ४९ प्रतिशत से बढ़ाकर ७४ प्रतिशत, बीमा क्षेत्र में २६ प्रतिशत से बढ़ाकर ४९ प्रतिशत किया गया है, इसी तरह नागर विमानन में भी बढ़ाया गया है, इसे बढ़ाने की क्या जरूरत थी। यदि विदेशी निवेश ज्यादा बढ़ेगा तो मुनाफा भी उन्हीं को चला जाएगा। इसलिए वनिवेश का हमने बहुत विरोध किया था और कहा था कि राष्ट्रीय सम्पत्ति बेचो मंत्रालय को खत्म करो। सरकार ने इसे खत्म कर दिया, मैं इसका स्वागत करता हूं। लेकिन आप वनिवेश क्यों बढ़ाते हैं। जो कमेटी बन रही है, उससे इस पर पुनर्विचार किया जाना चाहिए। विदेशी पूंजी नहीं बढ़नी चाहिए।
जहां तक बाढ़ और सुखाड़ का सवाल है, अभी बाढ़ की स्थिति बहुत भयानक है।…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Your Party has given a list of five Members.
श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव : नैचुरल कैलेमिटी के नाम पर हर साल वित्त मंत्री जी बजट में ऐलोकेशन करते हैं। हम कहना चाहते हैं कि नैचुरल कैलेमिटी के लिए एलोकेशन की कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है। बाढ़ से प्रभावित सात राज्य, असम, पश्चिम बंगाल, उड़ीसा आदि जो भी इलाके हैं, सरकार को यह पैसा समस्या के स्थायी समाधान निकालने पर खर्च करना चाहिए। प्राकृतिक आपदा के नाम पर हर साल मैनडेट बनाने से देश के लोगों को पुरुषार्थहीन बनाया जाता है। रिलीफ इसका समाधान नहीं है। हम भीख मांगने की बात नहीं करते। तात्कालिक जान-माल का खतरा होता है, इसलिए लोग रिलीफ की बात करते हैं। इसका स्थायी समाधान होना चाहिए। स्थायी समाधान तब होगा जब वाटर मैनेजमैंट हो। जो देश अपने पानी का सही उपयोग नहीं कर पाता, वह देश कभी उन्नत नहीं हो सकता। हमारा कहना है कि हाई लैवल डैम बनाकर खासकर भारत-नेपाल वार्ता करके, विदेश मंत्रालय, गृह मंत्रालय और जल संसाधन मंत्रालय द्वारा संयुक्त रूप से जेपीओ कार्यालय खोलने की जो बात की गई है, उसे खोलकर, डीपीआर बनाकर, २५,००० करोड़ रुपये का आप ऐलोकेशन करें और इसका स्थायी समाधान करें। हाई लैवल डैम बनाकर, नेपाल से वार्ता करके, हाईड्रो-इलेक्टि्रक पैदा हो जो हमें २५ पैसे यूनिट मिले। अभी तीन से साढ़े तीन रुपये यूनिट मिलती है जो किसान नहीं दे पाते क्योंकि वे आर्थिक रूप से लाचार हो चुके हैं। इसलिए हाई लैवल मल्टी-परपज़ डैम बनाने पर जो २५,००० करोड़ रुपये जो अनुमानित लागत आई है, सरकार उसे रिलीज़ करे, ताकि समस्या का स्थायी समाधान हो। जब तक बिहार की बाढ़ और सुखाड़ का स्थायी समाधान नहीं होगा, तब तक वहां का आर्थिक पिछड़ापन दूर नहीं हो सकता। हर साल हजारों लोगों के मरने की सूचनाएं आ रही हैं। यह काफी संवेदनशील मामला है। मैं निवेदन करता हूं कि सरकार को इस बारे में विशेष ध्यान देना चाहिए।
मैंने जो बिन्दु उठाए हैं, उनका जवाब जरूर आना चाहिए।
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA (SAMBALPUR): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I have risen here to oppose this Budget. But, I am a bit hesitant to reject this Budget in toto. As you know, one section of the opinion here also is that this Budget is a continuation of some of the policies of the erstwhile NDA Government.
I think there are reflections in the Budget of some of the policies pursued by the erstwhile NDA Government. Therefore, I would try to be very judicious in evaluating this Budget. I would not hesitate to compliment the Finance Minister where I think this Budget is pro-people. But I would like to tell one thing. The Finance Minister is not present here, but the Minister of State for Finance is present here. I hope they will agree that microeconomic indicators have never been so sound in the last fifty years. I am afraid the hon. Finance Minister has not fully utilised that great opportunity in making this Budget 100 per cent pro-people, pro-poor and at the same time growth-oriented. I think the Finance Minister has lost a golden opportunity in utilising the privileges that have been provided by the erstwhile NDA Government in boosting the economy of this country during the last six years of its tenure.
I would certainly compliment the hon. Finance Minister because, as he has said in his Budget speech, he has laid much emphasis on the agriculture sector. He has decided to increase the credit facilities by two-fold in the coming three years. It is no doubt a welcome proposition. But I would like to point out one thing. Through which agency does the Finance Minister propose to extend this credit facility to the poor farmers of this country? It is basically through two arms of this Government. One is through the cooperative banking system which is primarily operating in the rural areas of the country and another is through the RRBs which are also basically operating in most parts of the rural India. I would like to say one thing. What is the condition of the cooperative banking system in this country now? I know particularly of certain cooperative banks, apex banks which are diverting their funds meant for agriculture sector to the non-agriculture sector. There is nobody to check it. If this is the behaviour of some of the cooperative banks, what is NABARD doing? I am surprised by that. Certainly, the cooperative banks are supposed to function under the leadership, under the guidelines and guidance of NABARD. I hope the Finance Minister will take a serious note of this thing.
The RRBs are functioning in the rural areas. Out of 195 or 196 RRBs, four or five years back, most of the RRBs were provided with financial assistance for restructuring. But some RRBs were left. No financial assistance has been provided to those RRBs for financial restructuring. Heavy cumulative losses are hanging over their heads. Under this poor financial condition, those RRBs cannot come to the help of the Government in providing financial credit to the poor farmers in the rural sector.
The Finance Minister, in his Budget speech, has proposed that he would hold the sponsor banks responsible for the malfunctioning of the RRBs. I want to bring it to the notice of the Finance Minister that in some cases, it is these sponsor banks which are creating bottlenecks in proper functioning and proper growth of the RRBs.
I would like to give certain suggestions. The RRBs should be amalgamated. Or State level banks or regional zonal banks should be constituted under which small RRBs should function. I hope the hon. Finance Minister will certainly take into consideration this proposal of restructuring of RRBs. When you put money in the agriculture sector, when you attempt to push the growth of agriculture sector, one thing is very important. I think the Government is not laying proper emphasis on that. Whatever production the farmers are making, whatever produces are there with the farmers, are they purchased properly? What steps or what infrastructure does the Government propose to build up to see that the products of the farmers are sold in the market at least at the Minimum Support Price. So, Mr. Minister, whatever amount you are flushing into the agriculture sector, how many times you may extend the credit facility to the farmer, unless you are able to purchase the produces of the farmers, be it paddy or wheat or sugar-cane or oil-seeds or whatever produces they may be, that will not be helpful. If the farmer is not in a position to sell his products in the market at the Minimum Support Price, you cannot expect a growth in the agriculture sector. I think, in this Budget, the Finance Minister has very conveniently forgotten this. What are the provisions he has made in the Budget to create infrastructure for the storage facilities in this country?
I would like to cite one example. I would like to cite the example of my own State of Orissa which is a poor State. The point is that 70 per cent of the people depend on agriculture there. On the one hand, the Food Corporation of India does not procure rice, paddy from the farmers on the plea that there is no storage capacity in the State, and, on the other hand, wheat and paddy procured from comparatively other rich States are poured into the State of Orissa for storage at the cost of the poor farmers of Orissa! What type of a policy is this? I hope the Government will take care of this problem. I also hope that the Government will take into consideration the other vital problem in the agriculture sector.
Sir, I am happy that the Finance Minister has mentioned about drinking water in his Budget Speech. It is a fact that there are many villages in this country today in the remote areas of India where my sister and my mother have to walk a distance of eight to nine kms. every day to fetch a bucket of drinking water during the summer season. There is no ground water. There is no tube-well. If at all any tube-well is there, it is defunct. It is not functioning. There is no tank. The ponds are dry. The level of the ground water is going down every year. I am happy that the Finance Minister has paid his attention to this problem. But, at the same time, I am surprised to find one thing. The erstwhile NDA Government, during Shri Vajpayee’s time, started a very unique programme called the Swajaladhara Yojana. Mr. Minister, I am happy that you are still continuing that Yojana. You have not abandoned that Yojana. The point is that you have decided to bring under one banner all the drinking water projects. I do not bother after whose name you are going to name that project. … (Interruptions) I say this because within 24 hours of your coming into the Government, all the hoardings on the national highways bearing the name of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee were removed. Do you think that by removing the horardings on the national highways, you will be able to remove the name of Shri Vajpayee from the hearts of crores and crores of Indian people? You cannot do it. So, this is wrong politics. Whichever side has done it, it is wrong. I do not agree to this. So, I do not bother after whose name you are going to name the water project. But one thing is there… (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI (GARHWAL): They are going to name it after Rajiv Gandhi. He has already said so.… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : I was talking of the Swajaladhara Yojana. I have come to know that the Government has sent a circular to the State Governments. It wants that the State Governments should sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the conditions: ( 1 ): that 10 per cent of the expenditure required for the Swajaladhara Yojana in a village has to be borne by the villagers, and (2) the State Governments cannot come to the rescue of the villagers and cannot, out of their own funds, fund the 10 per cent money or make up this 10 per cent. The Finance Minister, in his Budget Speech, has admitted that people are starving for drinking water in the remote village areas. As I said earlier, to fetch a bucket of drinking water, my sister and my mother in the remote area in a village has to walk a distance of eight to nine kms. in the scorching sun.
14.00 hrs. But when the poor villager does not know whether he will get his full bowl of meal in the evening, how do you expect 10 per cent of funding for this programme to come from the villagers? … (Interruptions) Why do they not change it? If our scheme was wrong, why do they not correct it?
Sir, we are getting Rs. Two crore per annum as MPLAD fund. Will the Finance Minister allow Members of Parliament to allocate, this 10 per cent, out of their MPLAD fund for this programme? I think he will agree to this suggestion because I know and everybody in this House knows that there are villages in this country where the common man does not get two square meals in a day and in such a situation, how can the Finance Minister expect 10 per cent funding for this programme to come from poor villagers so that they get a bucket of drinking water? I think the Finance Minister will take care of this problem.
Sir, I compliment the Finance Minister for one more thing. As I said at the beginning of my speech, I am not going to outright reject all the proposals that the Finance Minister has made in his Budget speech. Of course, there are some good proposals. I support his proposal to renovate ponds, tanks and other water reservoirs in the villages. I remember that during those days when kings, zamindars and village lords were ruling, they dug up ponds and tanks out of their fund and that helped in preserving the ground water level. I compliment the Finance Minister for this proposal, but I am surprised to see that he has allocated only Rs. 100 crore for this programme. How many lakhs of ponds are there in this country? This is a very meagre allocation. जैसा आप कहते हैं कि केवल नाम के वास्ते एलोकेशन नहीं होना चाहिए तो केवल नाम के वास्ते एलोकेशन बंद कीजिए।It is a good programme that he has taken up. I support this programme. I would urge upon the Finance Minister that he should allocate a good amount in the Budget to implement this good programme. This is my sincere request to him.
Sir, the Finance Minister has mentioned about flood control in his Budget speech. I am happy for that. Every year, one State or the other in this country is affected by flood. Now also, the flood situation is very serious in Assam and Bihar. There is a scanty rainfall in Orissa and we are afraid whether Orissa is going to face drought situation during this year also. But who knows, tomorrow there may be heavy rains and many parts of Orissa may be flooded. I am sorry to say that the Finance Minister has very well kept the tradition of forgetting the poor State of Orissa. In his Budget speech, when he was speaking about flood control programme he mentioned many States, but forgot to mention Orissa. Orissa is a perennially flood affected State. I urge upon the Finance Minister not to take any decision based on political considerations.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude soon.
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : Sir, I think I am the only speaker from my party and I hail from a poor State. Please give me some more time.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: All right. Please continue.
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : Sir, I now come to the tax portion of the Budget. I know you will not allow me to make a very lengthy speech. So, I will try to mention my points in a nutshell.
I would like to talk about textiles. Next to agriculture, it is the textiles sector which generates maximum employment opportunities in this country. The Finance Minister has decided to do away with the CENVAT system and it is very welcome suggestion. He wants to propose a different system of taxation. I also welcome his decision of withdrawing excise duty on pure cotton and pure wool. I am sure all the weavers will get a boost by this measure. But, I think, one important point has not come to the notice of the Finance Minister. The handloom sector generates a number of employment opportunities in this country. Most of the weavers in this country belong to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, the downtrodden sections of the society and they live below the poverty line.
Sir, I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Finance Minister one very important problem that has not come to the notice of, I think, any of the Governments or any of the previous Finance Ministers also. There are good designs and good designers in the handloom sector. I hail from an area which is dominated by weavers and this area Sambalpur is famous for this handloom tie and dye trick. Of late, what is happening is that the same design, manufactured by the weaver very skilfully in the handloom sector, is being copied, is being emulated exactly and being printed in huge quantities in the powerloom sector. A heavy quantity of such sarees,sardoski and suprabhat are flushed into the handloom market. Ultimately what is happening is that it is affecting the handloom market and because it is printed in a huge quantity, it is cheaper in production and the handloom sector is not able to compete with such printed designs which are emulated from the handloom weavers. The Government has to take care of this problem.
I know, in many parts of Orissa, in Erode in the State of Tamil Nadu, in Pali of Gujarat such printing is going on heavily and it is being flushed into markets of Orissa and some parts of Chhattisgarh and Bihar, as I know. It is seriously affecting the handloom weavers. Why not the Government come out with an Act to prevent this? The hon. Finance Minister has given some security to the small scale industry. There are certain items which he does not allow in the big industry because he has to protect the small scale industry. Accordingly, my proposal is that let the Government come out with some law to give some protection to the handloom weavers.
Sir, the hon. Finance Minister has mentioned about upgradation of 500 ITIs phase-wise. It is no doubt a welcome suggestion. But he has very conveniently forgotten about the IITs. He wants to upgrade the technical education in the country and the IITs are famous for their high quality and high standards of technical education. The NDA Government had decided to come out with six new IITs in different parts of the country. Those States where the erstwhile Government had decided to open these IITs are mostly backward States like Orissa. I would like to know from the hon. Finance Minister how much fund he proposes for opening up of these IITs, which as a matter of policy the erstwhile Government had already approved. I hope the Finance Minister will, during his speech, at least clarify on this point.
The earlier Government had decided to open six AIIMS type hospitals in six poor States of this country. In the last Interim Budget, a sum of Rs.60 crore was provided. I think, in this Budget also for the Demands for Grants on Health around Rs.500 crore or something he proposes to provide. But, I think, it is not sufficient and the opening up of six new AIIMS type hospitals is very important.
I am coming to my last point, which is the most vital past of my speech because it concerns my own State, Orissa. As Shri Yadav was saying, we do not oppose declaring of a special package for Bihar. I reiterate that none of us opposes the announcement of a special package for Bihar. We compliment the hon. Finance Minister for declaring a special package for the North-Eastern States too. I further compliment the hon. Finance Minister for declaring financial assistance for the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The day this Government came to power, it extended a sum of Rs.500 crore to Maharashtra to deal with the drought situation. I compliment the hon. Finance Minister for that and we all support it. But my only submission to the hon. Finance Minister is that when he was the Finance Minister in the United Front Government my impression was that our hon. Finance Minister never takes a decision on political considerations. He always takes decisions on ground realities, but alas, I am bound to say that my impression on him has been shattered. Sir, you are considered to be one of the best Finance Ministers of this country. I would not mince my words while saying this. But, Sir, I know your political compulsions when you are taking such steps. I know this is – I cannot say it is a khichri Government because the politics of coalition Government, the era of coalition Government has come – a coalition Government. I know about your political compulsions. I am confident that a Finance Minister of your calibre should not only be guided by political considerations but also should be guided by economic realities.
Sir, what are the economic realities in Orissa? The highest percentage of the people living below poverty line is in Orissa, that is 47 per cent. It is higher than Bihar. In Bihar, the percentage of people living below poverty line is 42.60 per cent. The all-India average is 22.33 per cent. Do you know, Sir, the highest percentage of SCs and STs is in Orissa? If you take together the SC and ST population of Orissa, it is 42 per cent of the total population of Orissa. It is the highest in this country.
Sir, what is the literacy percentage in Orissa? In Orissa the literacy percentage is 63.61 per cent. The per capita income of Orissa is the lowest in the country, perhaps next to Bihar. It is a little bit above Bihar. What is the economic growth? You go through yourEconomic Survey of this year of 2003-04, which has been provided to us just a week ago. What is the national economic growth last year? It was 8.2 per cent. To what extent did the economy grew in Orissa during that period? It grew by 0.63 per cent. You just compare all-India economic growth of 8.2 per cent with 0.63 per cent economic growth of Orissa during 2003-04. This is a pitiable condition. During the last five years we have been suffering from natural calamities like the super-cyclones, droughts and unprecedented floods. This is the condition of Orissa.
Sir, the Eleventh Finance Commission did not do justice to Orissa. We incurred a loss of Rs.7503 crore due to the wrong assessment of the position by the Eleventh Finance Commission. There was nobody to hear us. We petitioned, the State Government petitioned, and all the political parties petitioned but nobody was there to hear.
Sir, we are rich in minerals like Bihar and Jharkhand. Now all the minerals of Bihar have been transferred to Jharkhand. How are we being treated? We are rich in coal. We produce ‘E’ and ‘F’ grade coal. For years together, Governments are not revising the coal royalty. Bihar is also suffering for that. Due to these wrong and delaying tactics, Sir, we incurred a loss of around Rs.800 crore. When royalty for ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade coal is revised, for ‘E’ and ‘F’ grade coal, which we are producing, the revision is not made at that proportion. So, the Eleventh Finance Commission, hon. Finance Minister, has very categorically recommended that if due to non-revision of royalty for coal and minerals any State is suffering, the Central Government will compensate for that loss. I would like to know from the Finance Minister as to how much amount he has provided in the Budget to compensate such losses incurred by the States like Bihar, Jharkhand and the poorest of the poor States like Orissa.
My next point is this. There are KBK districts. You know that starvation deaths, sale of children and migration of farmers regularly take place in Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) districts of Orissa, in parts of Sambalpur district and in parts of Adivasi-dominated Sundargarh distrct. When Shri P.V. Narshimha Rao was the Prime Minister, KBK Project was initiated. KBK means undivided Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput districts. Sir, the revised long-term action plan for the KBK districts was to the tune of Rs.5527.41 crore.
During the last three or four years, what was the amount that we got against KBK? It was only a meagre amount of Rs. 590 crore. So, I would urge upon the hon. Finance Minister that what has happened has happened … (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE (SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM): You criticise. You find fault with what has happened in the past. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : Sir, I am not trying to indulge in politics. I am completely trying to orient my discussion on the picture … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please wind up your speech.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : Therefore, Sir, at the outset of my speech … (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: The point is that you cannot brush it aside by saying, ‘what has happened has happened’. At least express your concern that what has happened was wrong. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA : How long will this continue to happen?
In this Budget, you have very perfectly tried to follow the tradition of the erstwhile Government in neglecting Orissa. I would urge upon you to forego that tradition of neglecting the poor State like Orissa, start a new tradition and make certain special provision. Therefore, I would urge upon the Central Government to declare Orissa as a special category State. We want that Orissa like other few States should be declared as a special category State. Till such period, you please come out with a special package for Orissa as you have come out for Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar and other States.
श्री ब्रजेश पाठक (उन्नाव) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, संयुक्त प्रगतिशील गठबंधन की सरकार ने अपना बजट प्रस्तुत करते समय न्यूनतम साझा कार्यक्रम पर अपना ध्यान केन्द्रित रखा है। बहुजन समाज पार्टी सिद्धान्तत: इस बात से सहमत है कि सरकार ने अपनी प्राथमिकताओं में ग्रामीण विकास, रोजगार, शिक्षा और स्वास्थ्य जैसे महत्वपूर्ण विषय अपने सामने रखे हैं तथा बजट को भी प्रो पूअर, प्रो फारमर एंड प्रो हयूमैन फेस देने की कोशिश की गई है। जिसका बहुजन समाज पार्टी स्वागत करती है। यह बजट किसानों के हित में, ग्रामीण विकास एवं सामाजिक सुरक्षा के हित में और आम आदमी के अनुरूप खड़ा दिखाई देता है। ढेर सारे वायदे किये गये हैं, प्रावधानों का पुलिंदा पेश किया गया है और जताने की कोशिश की गई है कि पिछले १२-१३ सालों में किसी सरकार ने किसानों के बारे में सुध ली है और ग्रामीणों का दुख-दर्द सुना है, किंतु उन गरीब और दलित धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों के लिए जो बजट में प्रावधान है, वह ऊंट के मुंह में जीरे जैसा है।
महोदय, यदि बजट घोषणाओं पर चर्चा करें तो मोटे तौर पर कृषि के लिए दो बातें सामने आती हैं। एक कृषि ऋण और दूसरा सिंचाई एवं ग्रामीण आधारभूत संरचना। इसमें भी सर्वाधिक जोर सिर्फ कृषि ऋण पर दिया गया है। सरकार इस वर्ष ३० प्रतिशत ज्यादा ऋण देगी और अगले तीन सालों में कर्ज दोगुना कर दिया जायेगा। बैंको को जवाबदेह बनाया जायेगा और सरकारी क्षेत्रों को दुरुस्त किया जायेगा। बजट भाषण में सिर्फ यही लगता है कि सरकार के लिए किसानों की सबसे बड़ी समस्या कर्ज प्राप्त करने को लेकर है। शायद प्रधान मंत्री जी को आंध्रा प्रदेश के आत्महत्या पीड़ित किसान परिवारों से मिलने के बाद यही समझ में आया है। इस तथ्य के बावजूद कि कर्ज में फंसे किसान आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं। सरकार ने कर्ज को ही दवा बनाकर पेश कर दिया है। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने कहीं भी यह स्पष्ट नहीं किया है कि कर्ज में डूबे किसानों के लिए वे क्या कर रहे हैं, ताकि उन्हें पुन: कर्ज के जाल में फंसकर आत्महत्या न करें।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, दूसरा विषय सिंचाई एवं ग्रामीण आधारभूत संरचना है। मैं मानता हूं कि कृषि विकास का सिंचाई से सीधा संबंध है और यदि भारत के असिंचित क्षेत्रों में सिंचाई की व्यवस्था कर दी जाए तो हमारा कृषि उत्पाद करीब दोगुना हो जायेगा। माननीय मंत्री जी ने कृषि के क्षेत्र की उपेक्षा की दुहाई देते हुए इस तरफ अपना ध्यान केन्द्रित किया है। योजना आयोग के उपाध्यक्ष माननीय एम.एस.अहलुवालिया जी ने भी कहा है कि कृषि क्षेत्र में विकास दर में वृद्धि के बिना न तो बेरोजगारी दूर होगी और न ही गरीबी दूर होगी। हमारा भी मानना है कि बहुजन समाज की गरीबी एवं बेरोजगारी तभी दूर हो सकती है, जब कृषि क्षेत्र में विकास हो और यह विकास सिंचाई के बिना नहीं हो सकता।
बजट प्रावधान लागू करते समय ए.टी.बी.पी. को सरकार ने प्राथमिकता देने का आश्वासन दिया है तथा २८०० करोड़ का बजटीय प्रावधान भी किया है। मैं यह जानना चाहता हूं कि क्या सरकार मात्र इतने बजट से सूखा का समाधान कर लेगी तथा क्या सिंचाई योजनाओं को क्रियान्वित कर पायेगी। इसके साथ ही मैं यह जानना चाहता हूं कि जिस रूरल इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर के लिए जो ८००० करोड़ रुपये का प्रावधान किया गया है, क्या यह प्रधान मंत्री सड़क योजना का परिवर्तित रूप है। यदि नहीं, तो क्या प्रधान मंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना आगे भी चलेगी। मैं यहां सरकार का ध्यान इसलिए आकर्षित करना चाहता हूं कि इन योजनाओं को कारगर तरीके से लागू करने से बहुजन समाज पार्टी के उन करोड़ों लोगों को काम का अवसर प्राप्त होगा तथा कृषि क्षेत्र का विकास दर बढ़ेगा, जो अन्तत: हमारी अर्थव्यवस्था को मजबूत करेगा। यदि सरकार अपना बजट इस पर केन्द्रित नहीं करती है तो मैं यही समझूंगा कि सरकार दलितों, गरीबों और किसानों के लिए कोई स्पष्ट कदम नहीं उठाना चाह रही है।
मान्यवर, ग्रामीण और कृषि क्षेत्र में इन्वैस्टमैंट अधिक से अधिक बढ़ाया जाए। इस निवेश से न सिर्फ किसानों की आय बढ़ेगी बल्कि देश की परचेज़िंग कैपेसिटी भी बढ़ेगी जिससे देश में उद्योगों का विकास हो पाएगा।
मेरा दूसरा सवाल सरकार की उस घोषणा के संबंध में है जिसमें उन्होंने राष्ट्रीय रोज़गार गारंटी कानून बनाने का वादा किया है और बजट में भी उसे परिलक्षित किया है। परंतु पुन: यहां पर वही शब्दों की होशियारी की गई है तथा यह नहीं बताया गया है कि इस योजना को वास्तव में यदि कार्यरूप में परिणत करना है तो कितना खर्च आएगा और इसके लिए अलग से बजट प्रावधान क्या है। एक अनुमान के मुताबिक यदि सरकार इस योजना के द्वारा देश के तीन करोड़ बेरोज़गार परिवारों को जोड़ना चाहती है तो करीब इस पर ३० हजार करोड़ रुपये का खर्च आएगा। यदि सरकार फूड फॉर वर्क, मिड डे मील, सर्वशिक्षा अभियान, पीने योग्य पानी, बेसिक स्वास्थ्य सेवा आदि पर होने वाले खर्च को ही राष्ट्रीय रोज़गार गारंटी योजना में कवर करना चाहती है तो भी यहां भी बजटीय प्रावधान मात्र १० हजार करोड़ रुपये का ही है और इसके बजटीय प्रावधान में साफ कमी दिखाई पड़ रही है।
मैं पुन: सरकार से आग्रह करता हूँ कि यदि वह वास्तव में जनोपयोगी बजट देना चाहती है तो इस तरफ अपना ध्यान केन्द्रित करना पड़ेगा कि बजट दलित मज़दूर, किसान तथा बहुजन समाज के हित में हो तभी देश का उत्थान होगा।
महोदय, मैं उत्तर प्रदेश से चुनकर आया हूँ। हमारा मानना है कि उत्तर प्रदेश के दलितों, मज़दूरों को, किसानों, दबे, कुचले और पिछड़े लोगों के लिए जब तक हमारे देश की सरकार अपने बजट में अलग से प्रावधान नहीं करती, शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में अलग से प्रावधान नहीं करती, तब तक हमारे देश की सरकार अच्छा बजट नहीं दे सकती।
अंत में बहुजन समाज पार्टी की तरफ से मैं इस बजट का समर्थन करता हूँ और उम्मीद करता हूँ कि बजट में शोषितों के लिए, दलितों, पीड़ितों और नौजवानों तथा शिक्षा से जुड़े क्षेत्रों को शामिल किया जाएगा। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूँ।
*SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA: Thank you, Deputy Speaker Sir. Sir, it has been claimed that in this Budget a lot of emphasis has been given to the agriculture sector. But I would like to advise the Finance Minister that we should look into the root cause of this problem. Farmers constitute more than 60 % of the population. Our economy is based on agriculture, especially that of Punjab. We must look into the root cause of the problem. Slowly, the water table has receded in Punjab. The existing tube wells have become useless. A new tube well that pumps out water from greater depth costs at least one lakh rupees. About 9,32,000 tube wells are operated by electricity in Punjab and every day more and more tube wells are becoming useless. Farmers are committing suicide. The farmers of Punjab are reeling under a massive debt of Rs 10,000 crore. I am not talking about the rest of India. I would like to go back a little. There was a time when India had to import wheat. I am talking about PL480. People in India were dying due to shortage of food grain. It was during those times that the farmers of Punjab rose to the occasion and by the dint of their hard work, brought about the green revolution. And today, Punjab contributes more than 50% of wheat and rice produced in the country, to the central pool. But Mr Finance Minister Sir, I want to draw the attention of the Government towards this fact that injustice is being meted out to Punjab. Instead of being appreciated, we are being punished.
There is another important issue – that of SYL. I want to say something on this issue too because a lot of discussion has taken place on this issue here. While we in Punjab were busy growing food grains, our river water was given to others. Never in the history of world did this happen anywhere. In 1976, the PM unilaterally granted Haryana 50% of Punjab’s share of river water. But this was blatant injustice meted out to us. In 1979, this was challenged in Supreme Court and the matter was still pending in the Supreme Court when in 1981, the then Punjab Chief Minister was pressurised and forced to withdraw his petition from Supreme Court.
Sir, I would like to draw your attention towards a news item published on the front page of Indian Express dated 23rd July, 1981.
"The Prime Minister Indira Gandhi today flared up at Punjab Chief Minister Darbara Singh and asked him to resign immediately from Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Presidentship. Mr. Darbara Singh handed over his resignation from the party post to her.
At 5.35 p.m., Mrs. Gandhi came out of her office room in the South Block quivering with anger and saying, ‘I do not want to see anybody from Punjab. He should be asked to resign.’ ". So, the Punjab CM was pressurised to withdraw his petition from the Supreme Court and such an agreement was imposed on Punjab which was neither passed by the Assembly nor had the assent of the Governor.
Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, the agreement of 1955 was also not a genuine agreement. An agreement was to be signed with Pakistan regarding the use of water of rivers of Punjab by India. A World Bank team was visiting India. And so, Rajasthan was also included in it to show to the World Bank that India needed much water. Sir, I want to quote:
"Kunwar Sain, former Chairman of the Central Water and Power Commission feels that the Akali demand for the reopening of the river water issue is fully justified as the State was not given its due share.
Mr. Sain was the architect of the 1955 agreement reached between Punjab and Rajasthan on the utilisation of surplus water of Ravi and Beas rivers. He has drafted the agreement.
Mr. Sain was consulted by the Union Minister of State for Irrigation Mr. R.N. Mirdha on Wednesday on the issue. He told ENS that though he had a soft corner towards Rajasthan and Haryana, he felt that the Akali demand was justified. He said that the entire issue should now be referred to the Inter-State River Water Tribunal for a review. Even the 1955 agreement should be reopened, he said.
Mr. Sain said that the 1955 agreement was done in a hurry because of certain pressures. A World Bank team was to come for inspection of the areas. The project of the Rajasthan canal was also prepared in a hurry to overcome certain issues. Mr. Sain said, in the 1955 agreement, he had given a note stating, ‘Realities about assessment of requirements may be different.’ This was done because the decision had to be taken before the arrival of the World Bank team. Therefore, this agreement should be reopened."Sir, Mr Sain had drafted the 1955 agreement. He was sympathetic to the demands of Haryana and Rajasthan. Even he had seen some merit in the case put forward by Punjab.
Sir, some people of Haryana want to give this whole issue a different twist. The Act that has now been passed by the Punjab assembly clearly mentions that Haryana and Rajasthan will continue to get the same amount of water as they are getting now. Here, I heard a chorus of protest from some members that Punjab has stopped giving water to us. This is not true. The water that is being received by Haryana and Rajasthan today has been protected by that Act. As it is a State subject, the Assembly has the right to pass any Act relating to it. So I want to clarify this point today.
I am not talking about any political party. I am an MP from Punjab. So I am presenting Punjab’s case here.
Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, this should not be made a very big issue. Sir, it was this very issue which resulted in turmoil in Punjab. In 1981, Punjab withdrew its petition from Supreme Court. And after that, the situation deteriorated in Punjab. And Punjab and the entire country had to undergo a lot of suffering due to this. Because when Punjab presented its case peacefully and it was rejected, then Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale declared that political people cannot get you any justice and that one can get justice only with the help of bullets. And he used this issue to fan militancy with the help of youth. And so, for 10 years there was turmoil in Punjab and India and this was one reason for it. So, we should stop Haryana from again raking up this issue. Haryana is our brother. We have sympathy for Haryana. We do not want to do injustice to anyone. If we have surplus water, we are ready to give water to our neighbours. But this is not the case.
Sir, all previous agreements on water sharing should be abrogated and the matter should be presented anew in the Supreme Court. We will have no problems then. We will welcome such a move. But, injustice will not be tolerated. On one hand, injustice has been meted out to us. On the other hand, we are being dubbed a sinner and guilty by others. Never before has this thing happened in the world.
Sir, diversification is the need of the hour. If the crop cycle of wheat and rice cultivation continues, the farmers in Punjab will be ruined and Punjab will become barren. Punjab Government had formed a Johal Committee. Dr Johal is a renowned agricultural economist. He was also Vice Chancellor and was also in the Planning Commission. He had given a report. His recommendations have not yet been accepted by the Agriculture Ministry. As per the report of this Committee, to bail out the farmers from this cycle of wheat and rice cultivation, on an experimental basis, if the Central Government grants a sum of Rs 12,000 crore then a sum of Rs 3800 crore can be saved. This experiment can be done in an area of ten lakh hectares. Some concessions should be given to such farmers. In an area of ten lakh hectares, if the farmers grow wheat and rice, then the Government spends an amount of Rs 9000 crore annually. This is the money spent on the storage, purchase, etc. of the food grains. If you give Rs 12,000 crore then the Government can save Rs 3800 crore. This money is being spent by Food & Civil Supplies Ministry. So this is the way to come out of the cycle of wheat and rice. Otherwise, the condition of farmer today is pitiable and it will deteriorate further. He is neck-deep in debt. His debts should be waived off. At least, the interest on the debts should be written off. He is not in a position to return his debts.
Secondly, there is the issue of MSP. Whether it is our Government or some other Government, this is an important issue. If the wheat and rice crop cycle is changed and there is diversification towards pulses and oil seeds, then we should follow the report given by Johal Committee.
Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, now I want to say something regarding the industries in Punjab. Most of the industries in Punjab are in shambles. They are in ruins. Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Uttaranchal, they have been granted a special package. Sir, most of the industries are shutting down in Punjab and relocating in these neighbouring States. Ours is also a border State. A package should be granted to Punjab too. Whether it is the present Government in the State or the earlier Prakash Singh Badal Government, we have seen that unless a package is announced for Punjab, industries will suffer. Our State is too far away from ports also. So a package for Punjab is a must. Kindly consider the suggestions put forth by me so that Punjab can be saved.
__________________________________________________________________ *Translation of the Speech originally delivered in Punjabi.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : श्री प्रभुनाथ सिंह।
श्री प्रभुनाथ सिंह : उपाध्यक्ष जी, अभी हमारे एक मैम्बर राजीव रंजन जी बोलेंगे, बाद में हम बोलेंगे।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : ठीक है।
श्री राजीव रंजन सिंह ‘ललन’(बेगूसराय) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, वर्ष २००४-२००५ का जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया गया है, मैं उसका विरोध करने के लिए खड़ा हूं।
14.38 hrs. (Dr. Laxminarayan Pandey in the Chair) मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी के भाषण में जो प्रस्तावना अंश हैं, वहीं से शुरू करना चाहता हूं। माननीय मंत्री जी ने अपनी प्रस्तावना में कहा है कि प्रत्येक पांच वर्ष में अथवा कभी-कभी इससे भी पहले भारत अपनी सामूहिक आवाज में बोलता है। जब माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी प्रस्तावना के अपने इस अंश को तैयार कर रहे होंगे तो इस देश की अर्थव्यवस्था का और आर्थिक स्थिति का जो पुराना इतिहास है, वह उनके समक्ष और उनके ध्यान में जरूर आया होगा। पूरी ईमानदारी तब होती जब वित्त मंत्री जी अपने इस प्रस्तावना भाषण में इस बात का उल्लेख करते कि १९९८ में जब कांग्रेस और कांग्रेस समर्थित जो सरकारें थीं, उन सरकारों ने जब श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी के नेतृत्व में राष्ट्रीय जनतांत्रिक गठबंधन को और एन.डी.ए. ने जब वर्तमान सरकार को सत्ता सौंपी तो उस समय देश की आर्थिक स्थिति क्या थी। १९९८ में देश का खजाना खाली था, देश की पूरी आर्थिक व्यवस्था चरमराई हुई थी, लेकिन २००४ में जब आपने सत्ता संभाली तो उस समय १२० बलियन डालर विदेशी मुद्रा कोष था, निर्यात लगातार बढ़ता जा रहा था, मुद्रास्फीति नियंत्रण में थी, अनाज का भंडार इतना पर्याप्त था कि आपने अनाज से संबन्धित कई योजनाओं की घोषणा कर डाली और यह इस बात का प्रमाण है कि इस देश की आर्थिक व्यवस्था जब श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी के नेतृत्व वाली सरकार ने आपको सौंपी तो एक सुद्ृढ़ आर्थिक व्यवस्था वाली सरकार विरासत में आपको मिली।
मानननीय वित्त मंत्री ने अपने बजट भाषण के पैरा आठ में इस बात का उल्लेख किया है और इसे स्वीकार भी किया है। बजट भाषण के पैरा १४ में अन्त्योदय अन्न योजना का विस्तार करते हुए उन्होंने दो करोड़ परिवारों को इसमें शामिल करने की घोषणा की है। उनकी ये सारी घोषणाएं इस बात का प्रमाण है कि आज देश में अनाज का पर्याप्त भंडार है।
सभापति महोदय, हमारा देश कृषि प्रधान है। यहां ७५ से ७७ प्रतिशत लोग कृषि पर निर्भर हैं । लघु और सीमांत किसान हैं। वित्त मंत्री जी ने किसानों की बात की है। मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि जब तक किसानों की स्थिति सुधारने के लिए आप कोई कदम आगे नहीं बढ़ायेंगे तब तक इस देश की आर्थिक स्थिति सुधार नहीं सकती। मैं किसानों की स्थिति के बारे में बताना चाहूंगा। किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड की चर्चा माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने अपने बजट भाषण में की है। आज किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड के लिए जो व्यवस्था है, उस व्यवस्था के तहत उन्हीं किसानों को ऋण मिल सकता है, जो किसान बैंकों से भी ऋण प्राप्त करने की आर्हता रखते हैं। बैंक के ऋण की जो शर्तें हैं, उन शर्तों को जो किसान पूरा कर सकते हैं, उन्हीं को किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड मिलता है और उससे ऋण की सुविधा प्राप्त होती है।
हमारे देश में लघु और सीमांत किसानों की संख्या ७० प्रतिशत से अधिक है। आज कोई भी लघु और सीमांत किसान, किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड के माध्यम से ऋण प्राप्त नहीं कर सकता। आज किसानों को ऋण नहीं मिल रहा। उनकी पैदावार लाभकारी नही हो रही, इसीलिए किसान आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं जबकि आप किसानों और कृषि को सुधारने की बात कर रहे हैं। मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि वित्त मंत्री जी पहले इस बात का आंकलन करते कि देश के किसानों की हालत सुधारने के लिए कितने ऋण की आवश्यकता है, उस आंकलन के आधार पर वे बजट में प्रावधान करते और उसकी घोषणा करते। तभी इस देश के किसानों की स्थिति सुधर सकती थी।
सभापति महोदय, सरकार किसानों के हित की बात करती है। आज कृषि की जो पैदावार है, उसमें भारी अंतर है। धान की पैदावार पंजाब में किसी और दर पर है जबकि दूसरे राज्यों में किसी और दर पर है। अभी इस सदन में एक आतारंकित प्रश्न के उत्तर में ५.७.२००४ को स्वीकार किया गया है कि पंजाब में धान की पैदावार ५२६५ किलोग्राम प्रति हैक्टेयर है जबकि राजस्थान में १२१८ किलोग्राम प्रति हैक्टेयर है, मध्य प्रदेश में ९३० किलोग्राम प्रति हैक्टेयर है, हिमाचल प्रदेश में १५४३ किलोग्राम प्रति हैक्टेयर है और गुजरात में १८६१ किलोग्राम प्रति हैक्टेयर है। वभिन्न राज्यों में पैदावार की जो स्थिति है, उसे ध्यान में रखे बिना आप कैसे किसानों की स्थिति सुधार सकते हैं। इसके लिए किसानों के हित में कृषि अऩुसंधान को सुद्ृढ़ करने की व्यवस्था की जाये। माननीय वित्त मंत्री ने अपने बजट भाषण में इसके लिये जो उल्लेख किया है, वह ऊंट के मुंह में जीरे के समान है। इतने बड़े देश में इससे क्या होना है ? मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि यह सरकार किसानों के प्रति आज कहीं से भी सचेत नहीं है। जब तक आप किसानों की स्थिति नहीं सुधारेंगे तब तक इस देश की अर्थव्यवस्था सुधर नहीं सकती।
मैं बेरोजगारी की चर्चा करना चाहूंगा। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने अपने बजट भाषण में बेरोजगारी की चर्चा की है। मैंने पहले कहा था कि हमारे देश की ७५ से ७७ प्रतिशत आबादी खेती पर निर्भर करती है। आज बेरोजगारी बढ़ने का सबसे बड़ा कारण यही है कि खेती की पैदावार अलाभकारी हो रही है। लोग गांव में नहीं रहना चाहते क्योंकि उन्हें मेहनत करने के बाद भी अपनी पूंजी वापिस नहीं मिलती। इसलिए लोग गांव से शहरों की ओर रोजगार खोजने के लिए भाग रहे हैं जबकि रोजगार की कहीं कोई व्यवस्था नहीं है।
माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने कहा कि प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को १०० दिन रोजगार की गारंटी मिलेगी। नैशनल काउंसिल फॉर ऐप्लाइड इकोनामिक रिसर्च का आंकलन है कि प्रत्येक गरीब परिवार के एक व्यक्ति को अगर १०० दिन रोजगार की गारंटी दी गयी तो उसके लिए पांच वर्ष के अंदर ६८ हजार ४६८ करोड़ रुपये की आवश्यकता होगी। कहां है उसके लिए प्रावधान? आप कहां से प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को सौ दिन का रोजगार दे सकते हैं। इसलिए आपने जो बातें कही हैं, उनका धरातल से कुछ लेना-देना नहीं है। ये कोरी घोषणाएं हैं। इन सारी बातों में कुछ तथ्य नहीं है और मात्र घोषणा के लिये कही हैं।
मैं विशेष आर्थिक पैकेज की बात करना चाहता हूं। अभी श्री देवेन्द्र प्रसाद यादव ने उसकी चर्चा की। जब वित्त मंत्री जी ने बजट भाषण दिया तब उनके भाषण से और उनकी किताब पढ़ने से ऐसा लगता है कि बिहार के लिए उन्होंने ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये का विशेष पैकेज दिया है। कई राज्य के साथियों में बिहार के पैकेज के प्रति थोड़े गुस्से का इज़हार भी हुआ। दूसरे राज्य के साथियों को यह भ्रम है। इस विशेष पैकेज की घोषणा के साथ बिहार को छला गया, ठगा गया, बिहार के साथ अन्याय हुआ है। इसी सदन में १७ दिसम्बर, २००३ को तत्कालीन प्रधान मंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी ने ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव के उत्तर में इस बात की चर्चा की थी कि प्रत्येक वर्ष १,००० करोड़ रुपये बिहार को दिए जाएंगे। अब वित्त मंत्री जी ने कहा कि ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये दिए गए। हमने उस दिन भी वित्त मंत्री जी से पूछा था लेकिन उन्होंने कोई जवाब नहीं दिया। हमने कहा कि ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये का पैकेज, आदरणीय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी के नेतृत्व वाली राष्ट्रीय जनतांत्रिक गठबंधन सरकार ने जो विशेष पैकेज की घोषणा की थी, यह पैकेज उसके अंदर है या उसके अतरिक्त है। आप इस बात की घोषणा कीजिए। लेकिन इन्होंने नहीं की। बाद में पता चला जब वित्त सचिव ने कहा कि जो ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये की घोषणा हुई है, उसमें चार राज्य - जम्मू कश्मीर, नार्थ ईस्ट, बिहार और एक और राज्य हैं। इन ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये के पैकेज में पूर्वोत्तर के चार राज्य हैं। यह छलावा हुआ, बिहार के साथ धोखा हुआ और बिहार को अन्य राज्यों के सामने कटघरे में खड़ा करने का काम हुआ। कौन सा आर्थिक पैकेज आपने दिया? हम चाहेंगे कि कल जब माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी चर्चा का जवाब दें तो बिहार के साथ जो नाइंसाफी हुई है, उसका खुलासा अपने उत्तर में जरूर करें। वित्त सचिव ने जो बातें कही हैं, उनकी पुष्टि करें या उनका खंडन करें। इसके साथ-साथ इस बात का खुलासा करें कि जो ३२२५ करोड़ रुपये की घोषणा की गई है, क्या यह सिर्फ बिहार के लिए है। अगर यह सिर्फ बिहार के लिए है तो पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी ने जो घोषणा की थी, यह उसके अतरिक्त है या उसके अंदर है।
इसके अतरिक्त मैं आपका ध्यान एक बात की ओर और आकर्षित करना चाहता हूं। आज पंचायती राज व्यवस्था है। पंचायती राज व्यवस्था जनतांत्रिक संस्थाओं की सबसे निचली सीढ़ी है। आज पंचायती राज व्यवस्था में उनके अधिकार सीमित हैं। वित्त मंत्री जी, आप सारी योजनाएं पंचायती राज व्यवस्था के माध्यम से चलाना चाहते हैं लेकिन नीचे के स्तर पर पैसा नहीं पहुंचता। आज राज्य के माध्यम से पैसा जाता है जहां फंड्स का डायवर्शन होता है, खर्च नहीं होता। आज आवश्यकता इस बात की है कि आप यहां से सीधे, जो संभवत: योजना आयोग की सिफारिश भी है, पंचायतों को राशि उपलब्ध कराने की व्यवस्था कराएं। इसके साथ-साथ पंचायतों के माध्यम से जो राशि खर्च कर रहे हैं, उसका सही इस्तेमाल हो रहा है, इसकी मौनीटरिंग करने की व्यवस्था यहां से करें। इसलिए मैं इन शब्दों के साथ कहना चाहता हूं कि चूंकि यह पूरा बजट किसान विरोधी है, जन विरोधी है और लालू प्रसाद जी के दल के राम कृपाल यादव, जो बीच में कमेंट्री कर रहे हैं और जो वहां की व्यवस्था के पक्षधर हैं, इसलिए मैं इस बजट का विरोध करता हूं।
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA (HASSAN): Hon. Chairman, Sir, I would like to express my appreciation for some of the decisions made by the United Progressive Alliance Government. The Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister is going to reflect the thrust areas of the Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance Government. In this Budget, the Finance Minister tried his best to address the problems of not only the farmers, but also the problems of various sections of the society, like the problem of unemployment, housing problem, and the problems being faced by the agriculturists which are so acute. He tried to provide some sort of relief to all those who are facing these problems.
The Minister expressed in his Budget Speech that the time was very short and, in a very short span of 30-40 days, he was not able to go into the details of various issues concerning our country. I do not want to deal with all the issues related to the manufacturing sector, service sector, and the taxation remedies which he has tried to provide in this Budget. He has categorically mentioned the thrust areas mentioned in the Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance Government.
Sir, I have got the copies of the Manifestos or the Common Minimum Programmes of the United Front Government as well as of the present United Progressive Alliance Government. Fortunately, the present Finance Minister was also the Finance Minister at that time, and he was one of the prime architects behind the formation of the Common Minimum Programme during our period. All these friends, including the DMK and the Left Parties, were also party to the Common Minimum Programme which we have drawn and accepted.
Today, the same combination is there. Of course, I am supporting them. From our party we are hardly three Members here. But in Karnataka, I fought very bitterly with the Congress.
There is no question of any hesitation on my part to spell out that I opposed them very bitterly. But to keep the communal forces at a distance, I supported the Congress, and we formed a coalition Government. But my party manifesto is altogether different. Let me be very plain and frank that my party manifesto is different from the Congress manifesto as well as the Bhartiya Janata Party manifesto. The Bhartiya Janata Party is heading one group and the Congress is heading another group. And, the country has given its mandate for the Congress-led alliance to rule this nation. There is no hesitation on my part to tell that. We must accept the mandate of the people.
In Karnataka, we have not been given the clear mandate to run the State. But it is a fractured verdict. There was no other option. So, we have extended our cooperation to the Congress to form the Government in Karnataka.
I have got the manifestos of all the parties here. This is the manifesto of the Congress. I have gone through it. The manifesto of the Communist Party (Marxist) is also here with me. The manifesto of the Communist Party of India is also here with me. I do not want to go in depth about the concern of the suffering masses, particularly, from the agricultural sector.
It is not so easy by spending about seven to eight hours to debate on general discussion on Budget this very important sector, where more than 65 per cent to 70 per cent of the population depend on, particularly, agriculture. Since 1991, when I entered this House for the first time, I had made several speeches. At that time there was no restriction of time on me to express my views on the floor of the House. At that ime, Shri Shivraj V. Patil was the Speaker of the House, and I was allotted to speak for more than one hour. The then Agriculture Minister, Dr. Balram Jakhar, who is the Governor of Madhya Pradesh now, requested the then Speaker to spare some time to me, even out of the Government’s time. And, the then Speaker, allowed me to speak for more than one hour and 15 minutes, though I was the new entrant to Parliament. But today, I can understand that there are more than 30 parties in this august House. Every political party wants to express its concern. It is not the question of monopoly of any one political party. We are all concerned. That is why I wrote a letter to the hon. Speaker to allot more time, particularly, on agriculture while discussing the Demands for Grants on Agriculture.
Normally, Agriculture is neglected and various other Demands are taken up and discussed after the Standing Committees of the House submit their reports. So, I have already appealed to the hon. Speaker, the hon. Leader of the House Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the hon. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I can understand that the hon. Finance Minister cannot reply to the full satisfaction of the House. I do not want to blame him. I do not want to say that he has no concern or his party has no concern.
When Shrimati Sonia Gandhi had moved a No Confidence Motion in this very House, I supported that No Confidence Motion, particularly on the issue of the farmers. On the defence issue, when I rose, there was a big commotion inside the House. I do not want to go back to the past events.
15.00 hrs. The then Leader of Opposition, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi had shown her concern to the farming sector. Now, while finalising the Common Minimum Programme, that Party – whatever that Party has given as assurances in its manifesto – has tried to highlight those commitments. But I would like to request the hon. Finance Minister – it is not a question of making any criticism, but I would just like to draw his attention – to further consider my suggestions while he is going to come before this House either through Supplementary Budget or through the Budget of next year. I do not know whether he is going to come before this House with a Supplementary Budget for further allocation or not. But according to the Plan allocation that he has indicated, he has kept an amount of more than Rs.10,000 crore at the hands of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission. Every State Government has to go to the Planning Commission. How much share would they get? It is now left to the sweet will of the Planning Commission.
The country is fortunate today that the Prime Minister is an economist who is really, I can say, the author and the authority of economic reforms. At that time, what was the financial condition of our country? I know a little bit and I do not want to go back to those issues.
Shri P. Chidambaram was the Commerce Minister at that time; the then Finance Secretary is the present Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. So, one is like Brahma, the other is like Vishnu, and the third is like Shiva – the creator, the protector and the destroyer. If the three of you were not going to solve the problem, the fate that has happen to the BJP Coalition would happen to you; I have no hesitation in saying this.
I know that mine is a Regional Party. I know my limitations. I do not want to make any unnecessary comments. In Karnataka, I tried to project the problems of the common man. You might have seen the Budget that has been presented by the Karnataka Government. The Government is going to take the credit, even though the Finance Minister is from my Party. It is the collective wisdom. We have taken a decision to provide food grains to 75 lakh families at the rate of Rs.3 per k.g. In 1996, Shri Chidambaram was the Finance Minister; the credit had gone to the UF Government. We had formulated new schemes; we had launched new schemes. We have decided to provide food grains.
What did Shrimati Sonia Gandhi say in her marathon speech which went on for nearly two hours? I was very attentively hearing that speech. She said that people have no purchasing power in Rajasthan. I do not want to quote all those things. They have no purchasing power. She narrated what the Government of India is going to release foodgrain. But, the plight of farmers, etc. But today I am not satisfied.
Today we have taken a decision in Karnataka to provide food grains to the families, below the poverty line though the condition of finances of the State is not good. As you know, every State is living on borrowed finances; and Karnataka is no exception to that. But even then, we wanted to see that the farmers and the poor people get some benefit. You have to put your hands to the pockets of those people who have enjoyed benefits of economic reforms which were introduced in 1991.
When Shri Chidambaram was the Finance Minister, I was the Prime Minister; it is only by sheer coincidence or accident. I am not going to say that I had got the mandate of the people. After Shri Vajpayee lost the Government after 13 days, then the Secular Parties, in their wisdom, collectively took a decision and asked me to shoulder the responsibility. You had a major role to play then as the Finance Minister of the country. You might remember that we had Rs.17,000 crore oil pool deficit. I do not want to spell out what had happened in the Cabinet when the matter came before it. But we never allowed it and we did not increase the kerosene price from Rs.3. The suggestion made by the Department was a hundred per cent increase. I leave it at that stage. Even though the conditions at that time were so bad, we tried to implement the PDS so as to supply food grains to the people who are below the poverty line at 14.3 per kg. of Rice more in this country. What is the condition today? Rs. 6.90 per kg. Of Rice.
Our foreign exchange reserve is booming. It is more than approximately 130 billion dollars. What is the situation of the farmers? What remedy has the Government spelt out in its Budget based on the Common Minimum Programme? The President has said that the debt problem of the farmers is very acute. I am happy that the hon. Prime Minister went to Andhra Pradesh to see the condition of the farmers. After the new Government took over, more than 172 farmers have committed suicides in Andhra Pradesh. It is not the question of Party affairs. I am not going to divide this issue on Party lines. The entire House should consider as to what should be the remedy. Rather than criticising, we should think as to how to solve the problem. I must honestly appeal to the House to apply its mind to it.
The hon. Minister has announced a number of programmes. I do not want to go into them in-depth but when the Demands for the Agriculture Ministry are going to be taken up, I am going to deal with the each subject.
The Common Minimum Programme of this Government has been completely analysed by one reputed weekly magazine. But what exactly is the difference between the earlier CMP of 1996 and that of now? There is no difference at all. I tried to read it twice. Hon. Finance Minister is also responsible, not only today but also on previous occasion, for this programme. This is a clear analysis. There is no area of difference, some people though are trying to bring out certain differences in certain areas. I do not want to argue it further now.
Sir, the previous Government has neglected the farmers. I am not going to blame Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is also a Member of this House. I do not want to unnecessarily draw the former Prime Minister into this. I had submitted one memorandum to the hon. former Prime Minister. I had also submitted the same memorandum to the Party in power at present. I do not want to narrate all the demands mentioned in this memorandum. I had given it the name as Farmers’ Magna Carta. One of the issues I have tried to raise in this is that the farmers must get the lending to the tune of 25 per cent of the total lending fixed by the then Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi when she nationalised the banks. Shrimati Gandhi had fixed 18 per cent lending to one of the priority areas, that is agriculture. When I was the Prime Minister and he was the Finance Minister, we tried to review if we were able to achieve 18 per cent lending. No. Not even a single scheduled bank or the commercial bank or the RRB has been able to achieve that target. They have achieved only up to 9 per cent or 9.3 per cent or 10 per cent including lending to the plantation crop. We had given credit for the plantation crop. If you take all these into consideration, it has not reached more than 12 per cent to 13 per cent. If you take only agriculture, it has not crossed more than 5 per cent to 6 per cent.
Why are the farmers committing suicide in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh? I am not going to say that only the States are responsible. It is a concurrent subject. We are also responsible. This House is equally responsible. We have to take a collective responsibility. We cannot shift the blame to the States alone. The resources of the States are very meagre. I do not want to compare the States with a municipality or a corporation.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Devegowdaji, you have already taken 20 minutes. How much more time do you need?
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : Sir, I do not want to encroach upon the time of other Members. I will sit down. I do not want to unnecessarily waste the time of the House. If you do not permit me, I will just conclude.
MR. CHAIRMAN: How much more time do you need?
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : I will deal with lending to the farmers. I am not concerned about other issues. Why is even today the lending to the farmers so low? I requested the former Prime Minister in this regard. I virtually requested him with folded hands. Not only that, I went to the office of the Deputy-Prime Minister, for the first time, in the last five years. I requested him that `you are heading a Committee of the Cabinet. Please do not neglect the farmers. Otherwise, you are going to pay a heavy penalty’. I told him that. Advaniji is the Leader of the Opposition today. Let him deny that.
I would like to draw the attention of the Members to the report of the Standing Committee. I sent a letter to the present Prime Minister quoting the report of the Standing Committee which gave a unanimous recommendation. The Congress is also responsible. It is not the NDA alone. The Congress is equally responsible. The recommendation said:
"The Committee finds that to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers in the drought-hit areas, the Prime Minister announced the waiver of the interest on agriculture loans. However, the Committee feels that the announcement has not been properly implemented by the Reserve Bank of India and interest on loan for only first year has been waived which has given very little relief to the farmers. The Committee desire that the Government should look into the matter and provide the benefit of the waiver of the full interest on the loans to the affected farmers."I wrote a letter to the present Prime Minister and to the present Finance Minister. Though I am not a party to the Common Minimum Programme, I am a party to the Government running in Karnataka. I cannot keep quiet.
Sir, it is not the question of criticising the decision of the Government. It is the question of the survival of the farmers in particular and that of the nation in general. I have not come here to do any politics. I have no political desire. Let me honestly say that. I must be very clear in this very august House.
Why are our farmers committing suicide? It is because they are not being given sufficient support. I would not like to quote all the letters that I have addressed to the hon. Finance Minister and the hon. Prime Minister. I went to meet the hon. Prime Minister personally and represented to him about this problem. The hon. Finance Minister had made an announcement before the Budget was presented that the farmers would be given major benefits. What are those benefits? First, I would like to read from the Budget speech and then would come to this specific point. The hon. Finance Minister said, before the Budget was presented, that he was going to double the lending in the next three years. The same announcement was made by him in the year 1996. It said and I quote:
"The Common Minimum Programme lays emphasis on broad-based agricultural development and calls for doubling of the flow of credit to agriculture."It was made in the Budget speech of the Finance Minister of the United Front Government of which I also was a part. If that has not been achieved, then we must accept our failure. But if that was achieved, then you must take the credit. If a nine per cent growth in agriculture sector has been achieved, then it is not only to me to whom alone this credit is due. This credit goes to the entire United Front Government and the present Finance Minister, who was also the then Finance Minister, also was responsible for having achieved that. I welcome it.
What are the concessions that have been given? There has been an exemption of 15 per cent on Excise Duty. Is that sufficient? The hon. Finance Minister represents a constituency of common man, villagers. I neither want to question his expertise and knowledge on economics, nor do I want to question Dr. Manmohan Singh’s concern for the common man. What is the concession that the United Front Government gave? There were subsidies on tractors, farm tillers, drip irrigation equipment and all such things. It was announced in the Budget and it was the speech of the then Finance Minister, who is now also the Finance Minister. It was presented by him. Here, is the proposed reduction in Excise Duty on Tractors going to help only the cause of the farmers? Yes, to some extent only, to those farmers who are capable enough to purchase the tractors. Now, in the present circumstances, could the farmers do so? I would like to ask this question.
Sir, in the State of Karnataka, a separate manifesto was given. Ours is a regional Party. I am in no capacity and have no powers. I know the limitations of a regional Party. Can I dictate the Reserve Bank of India? Can I dictate the NABARD? Though there has been financial mismanagement, yet I have given an assurance to the people of Karnataka that I would waive the interest and the penal interest which is equivalent to the principal amount. Here, I would like to give a suggestion and the Government should consider this. If they do so, then people will remember Sonia Gandhi. People will remember Dr. Manmohan Singh. People will remember Mr. Chidambaram. People will remember the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission who is also an Advisor to bring in the economic reforms. Please see the condition of the farmers! A farmer takes a loan of Rs. 1,63,118. What is the amount he has deposited? It is Rs. 1,88,235. The amount of Rs. 1,88,235 is the total interest and he has deposited Rs. 1,64,119. After putting together the interest and the penal interest, the balance comes to Rs. 24,045. And his property has been attached for Rs.1,87, 163. That means the amount which a farmer has deposited by way of instalments is more than his principal amount. His property has been attached and auctioned. Where are we? What are we doing? Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, we are all having collective responsibility. It is not the question of Mr. Devegowda. It is not the question of Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar and it is not the question of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. It is the question of the poor farmers. It is not the question of Mr. Vajpayee.
I would like to read the direction of the Reserve Bank. I will read out the prudential norms. What are the prudential norms? You have said that in your Budget speech. I do not want to read it and consume the time of the House..… (Interruptions) Sir, I will conclude. Do not worry about it. The farmers will take care of themselves. This House cannot solve the problem of the farmers unless we all collectively apply our minds and unless, irrespective of parties, we all sit together and try to find out the resources. Resources is one of the major issues which I can understand. But resources is not a problem.
As regards the people who have got the money, when I suggested to your goodself to consider the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme, you hesitated and asked the Left Parties. You told me that you tried to convince the Left Parties’ friends who are supporting from outside. What is the net revenue you yielded? Is it more than Rs. 10,000 crore? And is the black money which is being converted into white money Rs. 33,000 and odd crores? I was not in office. But, that time, I demitted the office.
I would just read out the Reserve Bank guidelines. Do not try to be carried away by the Reserve Bank guidelines itself. You have been given the criteria, the public statement, Mr. Chidambaram’s formula of 30 per cent credit hike. It is said "Jai Kisan makes a comeback." What is that? "Loans for farmers to pay off moneylenders, from the clutches of the moneylenders to the clutches of the banks." Are these private moneylenders going to leave the farmers who are taking more than five per cent interest per month? It may be five per cent to ten per cent. With muscle power, they are going to harass the farmers. In Andhra Pradesh, why have so many farmers committed suicide? Mr. Chidambaram has made it clear that the measures will not impose any added burden on the Government. Then what is your responsibility? Mr. Chidambaram has made it clear that the measures will not impose any added burden on the Government. Is it so? No. We asked Mr. Vajpayee to waive the full interest for one year for all those farmers who are suffering due to severe drought. Madam Sonia Gandhi has made a bitter attack on it. I have got her speech here. I heard her very carefully. One year’s full interest and the penal interest amounted to Rs. 6,880 crore at that time. No. They have taken a decision. What is that decision? The Reserve Bank of India representatives, the representatives of RRBs and the Finance Ministry collectively applied their mind and took a decision. What is that decision? I will just read it out:
"As you are aware, a meeting was convened by the GOI, the Ministry of Finance with the Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and other representatives of banking industry. During the course of the meeting a decision was taken to peg the ultimate lending rate on crop loans up to Rs. 50,000 at nine per cent interest. "In Karnataka, I told my friends that it is the collective responsibility of Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) to fulfil the promise that we have made to the people. We had made a promise to give loans at six per cent rate of interest. We have announced it. We know our limitations. We have to reimburse that money. The Reserve Bank is not going to agree to that and NABARD is not going to agree to that. Only we are going to reimburse that. In 1994, when Shri Manmohan Singh was the Finance Minister, I became the Chief Minister. I declared that I am going to waive the entire penal interest. When I came before the Government of India, Shri Manmohan Singh did not agree to it; the then Prime Minister Shri Narasimha Rao did not agree to it. I took a decision to reimburse the entire money from the State resources. It is not at the mercy of anybody. I collected and raised the resources from various sources.
With Rs. 50,000, can a farmer purchase a tractor? This was the reward given by the NDA Government. Can he dug a well with Rs. 50,000 at nine per cent interest rate? You can purchase a car at Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 40 lakh or Rs. 50 lakh at six per cent interest rate. What sin my farmers have committed? They had bailed out this country’s honour. We were going to the western countries with a begging bowl. They fed the starving mouths of this nation. Today you are giving them only upto Rs. 50,000 at nine per cent rate of interest. What is the interest rate today? My Communist friends understand that. We are not here to share power, to become Ministers and have some privileges. No, it is not the aim. Everyday the farmers are committing suicide. My friend, Shri Virendra Kumar is sitting here. I know the plight of the farmers. Two days back, in my constituency the farmers had committed suicide. In my home district, they have committed suicide. I cannot see the plight of the farmers. It is a shame that we have to see the farmers in this plight after fifty years of Republic. When I first fought the election in 1962, the condition of the farmers was very good.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Devegowda, kindly cooperate and conclude.
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : Sir, I will take the issue to the BAC. let the BAC fix the priority for the demands of agriculture sector. There may be some other major issues which may stop the proceedings of the House. I do not know. I do not want to blame anybody. The situation is like that. Any kind of situation may crop up.
Let an assurance be given that in the next meeting of BAC, hon. Speaker, Leader of the House and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, would give first priority to the agriculture sector. Let us collectively discuss it and find resources. I know that resources is not an issue in this country. I know how people are escaping from the tax net. Now, by this increased tax exemption limit, we have excluded so many people from the tax net. Our Communist friends stated the figure. I do not have the figures at my disposal now. I know how the assets are being built up. Let us discuss this issue. I will come to your doors. I would give some suggestions. I have no hesitation in meeting my old colleagues. Today, this type of pronouncement is not at all going to help if the farmers are going to be bailed out.
I am going to make one or two last points. I am going to raise the other issues at the time of the discussion on the Demands for Grants in respect of the Agriculture Ministry. I would do this if the House permits me to participate in it. We are only three Members from our Party. I am not in the Business Advisory Committee. If the BAC allots time for the discussion on the Demands for Grants in respect of the Agriculture Ministry, then we can have a threadbare discussion. That is a different matter. Let me share my feelings now if the House agrees. I will make only the last two or three points.
I now come to agro-business. Mr. Finance Minister, what have your goodself said? You have said that if they earn profit, hundred per cent tax exemption would be there for five years. When are they going to earn profit? I have seen the experts’ opinion. I have taken the views of the people who are doing Agro business. They say that in agro-business, within five years, they cannot earn any profit. What are the incentives given to them? Diversification of crops is not a new thing. In horticulture, from the position of 15 million tonnes, we have gone up to 150 million tonnes. So, diversification is not a new thing. In Punjab, people are throwing tomatoes and other things in the streets. In Karnataka, onions and green chillies are thrown like that. What is the fate of the farmers who have taken diversification for Horticulture crops. They are dying in Punjab, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, etc. Shri Chidambaram, I may tell you very frankly about the fate of the coffee growers. What is the fate of the coffee growers? I do not want to mention each and every crop and the crop grower. There are coconut growers, rubber growers, arraca nut growers, etc. I do not want to go into the implications of the WTO Agreement at this juncture. There is no time. I can understand that.
Now, let me come to the other point. Let every Member in the House speak. Let us sit and discuss the issue. It is not a question of fixing two or three hours. Do not fix any time especially for agriculture. It is a vast issue. We must find a solution. Otherwise, it is very difficult. Blaming this Government or that Government, or blaming myself for having cooperated with the Congress is of no use. I have taken the decision. If at all I can mention your name, I would like to tell you that the United Front Government achieved 9.6 per cent growth in 1996-97. The GDP growth was seven per cent. I only read that portion to you. You applauded the farmers. It is not I who applauded them but it is Shri Chidambaram who applauded the farmers. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Devegowda, please conclude now because other hon. Members are to speak.
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : I will conclude. I will take only one minute because what he deserves, I must say.… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAKASH PARANJPE (THANE): Please allow him to speak. His speech is a most practical one. He is making an eye-opening speech. We are learning a lot of things from our ex-Prime Minister. He is telling about the features of our country. How are the farmers treated by all the politicians? His speech is very practical. We want to learn from his speech. Let him continue without any time bar.… (Interruptions) We are learning a lot more from him.… (Interruptions)
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : Sir, I will conclude.… (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI (GARHWAL): Let us have the discussion on the Budget today and tomorrow also. Let us not finish it today. We have got a lot of Members to speak on this. If it is accepted, we can have it tomorrow also.… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: The hon. Speaker will decide about it. Shri Devegowda, please be brief. I am requesting you to conclude now.
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA : I will take only two minutes. I come to the point that I was mentioning. I will get some other opportunity. He said and I quote:
"The outstanding feature of the economy is that the GDP has been growing during the last three years at an average rate of 7 per cent. I salute the farmers. "The hon. Minister stated this in his Budget Speech in February, 1997. Mr. Minister, are you going to salute the farmers today? Tell me what you honestly feel about the conditions of the farmers today.
He has tried his best, but he has failed. What is the lending rate for a loan of Rs. 50,000? It is nine per cent. … (Interruptions) We, Members of Parliament belonging to both sides of this House, have made mistakes. We are all responsible for the plight of farmers in this country. That is why I am not going to politicise this matter. We should all sit together and apply our mind collectively to find out ways as to how best we can bail out the farmers. There is no question of involving politics here.
Sir, you have asked me to conclude. I will conclude with the hope that the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Agriculture will get top priority while we discuss Demands for Grants in this House. The Finance Minister has quoted from Thirukkural in his Budget speech. I am very happy for that. I would like to conclude my speech with a quotation from the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. I quote:
"Remember that dark brown starved man bending under a scorching sun, scratching a little plot of land to eke out a living. Anything you do, do for his benefit."
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I appreciate many of the programmes proposed by our hon. Finance Minister in his Budget. I support the Budget because many of the issues of the common people are addressed in this Budget. But we have some reservations on some issues to which I will come a little later.
Sir, agriculture is a very important sector in our country. Agriculture and infrastructure have got importance in this year’s Budget. Drinking water has become the most important problem in our country these days. I think, after two or three decades, if a World War takes place, it may not be on the question of oil, but it will be on the question of water. So, the importance given to drinking water in this Budget has to be appreciated.
The emphasis given to primary and secondary education and imposition of two per cent cess is, of course, a positive step. But at the same time, I think, the allocation made for education is not sufficient to meet the demands. As per the CMP, the allocation has to be six per cent of the GDP, but the actual allocation is only 3.45 per cent and that is not sufficient.
Sir, the assurance given for 100 days of employment to a member of each poor family is a remarkable step taken by our Finance Minister, but I think the resource mobilisation is not sufficient for this purpose.
I am really glad to see that there is no Ministry of Disinvestment in this Government. Instead of that, we see an Investment Commission. Of course, this suggestion of the Finance Minister to set up an Investment Commission is welcome, but this Commission has to function properly.
Sir, special emphasis has been given to backward States in the Budget and also a special fund has been created for helping the backward States. Sharing of Central resources by States has become an important issue now-a-days. Of course, our Finance Minister has announced a reduction in the interest rate on lending to the States, but, I think, most of the States are really facing financial crisis now.
It is not because of their reasons. I think, the Fifth Pay Commission Reward is one of the reasons and the new economic policies that the Centre was following is also one of the reasons.
Sir, I think, the Centre borrows from other agencies at the rate of two per cent to three per cent, subject to correction, and at the same time the Centre gives it at 10 per cent or 12 per cent.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, if the hon. Member gives me money at the rate of two per cent or three per cent, I will take it.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Now, it is nine per cent, of course, it is a perspective step. At the same time the States have to be given more importance because healthy States are needed for a federal set up, for the healthy Centre also. So also, the public sector undertakings as well as the private sector undertakings and the cooperative sector are the most important financial sectors that we have to concentrate on. I congratulate the hon. Finance Minister that investments in the domestic market and also in the foreign market are to be done in a proper manner. I have no objection to that. There are a number of issues on which we can congratulate our Finance Minister because many of them are aimed at uplifting the poor.
At the same time, I would like to give some more suggestions and I would also like to project the reservation that we have with regard to these. When we come to the agriculture sector, I think, the allocation is not sufficient and at the same time when we think about agriculture, the land legislation is a very important thing as far as India is concerned. Without land legislation, it is not possible to have a prospective growth in the agriculture sector. With this land legislation, we cannot forget our agricultural workers. As stated by some hon. Members, we should ensure minimum wages for our agricultural workers and we should also have a welfare fund for the agricultural workers.
This august House is witness to the alarming scenes with regard to agricultural issues and suicides committed by farmers. I think, after 1998, about 7,000 farmers and workers have committed suicide. What we need is not the numerical figures to go to the Press and a sympathetic reaction, but what we demand is a concrete and time bound programme, a packaged scheme to give assistance and also relief to the common farmers. As stated by our former Prime Minister, when the farmers take the loan, they are unable to repay the loan as well as the instalments and, of course, they are forced, in many of the States, not to live but to die. That is the situation in the agriculture sector. So, the allocation to the agriculture sector should be enhanced. We not only need a prospective view but what we need is a short-term view to at least give assistance to the farmers and the agricultural workers. That is the main issue on which this House has to be enlightened.
Coming to the industrial sector, of course, we find that they have allotted about Rs.15,000 crore for public sector for assistance, but what we see now in India hundreds of units are becoming sick. That is seen in the public sector as well as in the small-scale sector. But I do not think that is because of the fault of the workers. It is because of the new economic policies that we have adopted previously. Sometimes, it is also because of the mismanagement. I have no doubt that the hon. Finance Minister will be cheered and greeted by the thousands of workers who are now suffering because we have to take a revival package with regard to the sick industries. Of course, the hon. Finance Minister has earmarked some crores of rupees for that.
As far as small-scale industries are concerned, I think, around 82 or 83 items are taken away. I do not know whether it will really have an impact. But of course, it is a welcome step in the small-scale sector that the hon. Finance Minister has raised the sum from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1 crore. In the small-scale industries also, there are sick units to which we have to give assistance. In these sectors, really the poor people, the SCs, the STs and the women are working. So, we should give this revival package to the public sector as well as to the small-scale sector.
Sir, now I come to the traditional industries. I really congratulate you for announcing Rs.100 crore for these traditional sectors. By giving excise duty exemption, especially the handloom workers and the power-loom workers are saved. But, at the same time, we know that in Kerala alone lakhs of people are working in these traditional sectors. When we talk on all-India basis, it comes to lakhs and lakhs. So, the Finance Minister may enhance the amount of Rs.100 crore. What we have seen in Kerala is that the workers are getting very low wages in this traditional sector. Most of the workers are women workers. You know that in handloom industry, of course, the exemption of excise duty is a positive step but what the Government of Kerala has asked is an incentive to the handloom industry as well as the reintroduction of the rebate that has been referred to in the House earlier.
Now, I come to the coir industry. Coir and coconut are the symbol of Kerala. As far as Kerala is concerned, 90 per cent of the workers are women. Coir can be saved only when you treat coir in the same way as jute is treated in Kolkata. Coir is also a biodegradable natural fibre. So, it is only by accepting this fact that this extra market assistance can be extended to coir and then this industry can be saved. It means that lakhs of people can be saved.
While coming to cashew, I think, nothing is mentioned in this Budget speech. We are exporting cashew worth Rs.2,000 crore out of which 70 per cent of cashew is being exported from Kerala. Some protective measure has to be taken especially for cashew plantation.
Sir, 98 per cent of the bidi workers are women. On the one hand, the Kerala High Court has prohibited smoking of bidi in public places, on the other hand, we are importing bidi. So, excise duty is also a problem here. Excise duty on bidi is not imposed on percentage basis. For production of every thousand bidies, they have to give Rs.9, which means they have to give duty plus welfare fund plus Re.1 for the Gujarat calamity. These innocent bid workers Kerala are not at all responsible for this calamity. So, at least you can reduce this one rupee, and this bidi Act can be implemented nationally.
Sir, when we think about khadi, we think about it with reference to the freedom struggle. At the same time, workers in the khadi industry are getting very low wages. Hundred per cent workers in khadi are women. I think here we can take the example of our Railway Minister because he has announced some package, some scheme for village and khadi industries. If you give direction to the States and the public sector undertakings that khadi can be used in public undertakings, for example in hospitals for bandage and for other materials, of course, you can, the Government itself can, save the khadi industry, and many of these village and cottage industries.
Sir, we think about our fisheries only when we go to the dining table. We get good meals full of protein from the fisheries. It is a sector where we get a very large number of employment opportunities and also foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, fishermen not only in Kerala but, I think, in India as a whole, are facing very difficult situation. We have a very long sea coast, and there also the erosion takes place. We have to spend crores and crores of rupees there every year. So, a national welfare scheme for fishermen is a must. I think that can be thought of by this Government.
Also, the price of kerosene is very high. The Kerala Government has requested the Central Government to permit them to import it, otherwise they cannot survive.
The previous NDA Government has given permission for deep-sea fishing by the foreigners. That also has to be banned. Otherwise, the ordinary fishermen cannot get employment.
With regard to the industrial sector, I mentioned something earlier. I really congratulate the Government for declaring the Vellarpadam terminal in Cochin and also for the stand taken by the Government but only a sum of Rs. 10 crore has been earmarked for this. So, some more amount is needed. The LNG terminal, I think, is promised by our hon. Prime Minister. I would like the Government to take steps in this regard.
Then, I come to the tax side. As has been stated by some other hon. Members, the tax on the interest of NRIs should be given up because we are not able to give employment to all. Many people go abroad, work and come back. They really assist us. We know that in Kerala, many of the people go to the Gulf countries. So, we have to consider this point. I think, the Government of Kerala has given some representations in this regard.
The bank deposit-credit ratio in Kerala has been criticised by the Reserve Bank of India itself. It is very poor. The Reserve Bank has made it clear that it should rise to 60 per cent and the intervention of the Finance Minister is essential on this.
Sir, the interest on EPF is now going to be eight per cent only and I suggest that it has to be raised to 9.5 per cent.
Another suggestion is to take away the Savings Accounts from the post offices to the banks. That proposal is there. I think, that will also … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude now.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : The other issue is the question of tea. Not only in Kerala but also in the entire country, tea industry is in crisis. In Kerala, 20,000 people in Idukki district alone are unemployed due to recession in tea industry. We are praised by our Prime Minister, by our Finance Minister and by all for the literacy, education and health condition. On the one side, Kerala is praised but on the other side, we are neglected. There are thousands of educated youth, engineering youth, MBBS and persons who have acquired technical education but we are not awarded IIT. It is the longstanding demand of the Kerala Government. I request our Finance Minister to consider this. Also you think about IMS, where medical colleges are there. One of the best RECs is working in Kerala. I would like to point out that issue also at this time.
Sir, our former Prime Minister, respected Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had visited Kerala for getting Ayurvedic treatment. We were proud of giving him an excellent treatment. He was fully satisfied with it. At the time of his departure, he announced the Kumaragam project for Rs. 4,000 crore. It is very sad to say that no money was released. When he came to inaugurate the Gym, he also announced Rs. 10 crore but we have not got anything. … (Interruptions) Sir, promises are many. … (Interruptions)
SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU (RAJAPUR): Ayurvedic treatment will take some time to cure. It is getting cured. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude now.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Sir, promises are many. Of course, many hon. Members have stated that the allocation under one head or the other is high or low. As far as I am concerned, whether we are able to implement the scheme within a time frame is important. That is the main point. Only seven months are left now for this financial year to end. A sum of Rs. 100 crore or Rs. 17 Thousand crore is to be given. There would be an exercise by the Planning Commission also.
Then, no doubt it will take one or two months. Anyway, after passing the Budget, of course, it will go in the hands of the officers. So, on the implementation side, the criterion is whether the projects can be implemented or not with the desire and will of the officers. So, here we should make it clear that the political leadership should have the say to implement the projects in time. … (Interruptions)
I am coming to the end of my speech. This is the first speech that I am making in this House.
MR. CHAIRMAN : There are two more Members also from your Party to speak. Then there will be no time for them.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : With regard to FDI, I fully disagree with it. Our friends have already made it clear. Sir, I am concluding by quoting a famous phrase or the words of Shakespeare. "To be or not to be" is the question to be served with cakes and not to be served with kicks. The people of India in the last elections preferred to be and cakes and not to be with kicks because the people of India have been experiencing these kicks for the last six years. So, I would like both our Prime Minister and the hon. Minister to go to the depth of the mandate that the people have given, and try their maximum to fulfil the wishes and the desires of the people. That is all that I wanted to say.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI (GARHWAL): Thank you Mr. Chairman. Sir, I rise to express my views on the Budget presented by Shri Chidambaram for the year 2004-05. At the outset, I cannot help expressing my surprise and sadness at the manner in which Shri Chidambaram has tarnished his credibility as a good, balanced finance man in presenting this Budget.
In 1997, he presented his first Budget and it was hailed as a dream Budget. This time around, Mr. Chidambaram, you have also presented a Budget with dreams but too much of an excess dose of dreams, knowing very well that all these are mirages. Mr. Chidambaram, you have utilised your ability, your expertise as a ‘Financial Trapeze Artist’ to hypnotise people into fictitious dreams. Mr. Chidambaram, you have done it. You have landed some people in some dreamland for a short while, but what happens when people start waking up and start getting de-hypnotised? Mr. Chidambaram, all these mirages which you have pandered in your Budget will haunt you, not in too distant a future, but in the very near future. And, I think, this process has already started.
But you have also very bravely said, "Main Hoon Naa."
15.58 hrs (Shri Varkala Radhakrishnan in the Chair) I think it has been said unwisely. Mr. Chidambaram, you should know much better than I know that management of the Budget is no Indian movie where the Hero can take double or triple somersaults, bashing up half a dozen tough looking guys and rescue the heroine.
In this Budget, you have made many promises which you are unlikely to fulfil. Then, I think, as I said, these would haunt you. But I personally think I should not blame you too much. For, as Mr. M.J. Akbar, an eminent journalist has said, and I quote: "An accidental Government can only present an incidental Budget."
Mr. Chidambaram, to make it worse for you, you are on so many crutches, and one of them is all the time baying at you to take not his provirbial pound of flesh, but tons of flesh. It will not enable you or it would not allow you to move around the way we expected you to have moved around in this Budget.
In this Budget, Mr. Chairman, Sir, one, the Finance Minister has indulged in hijacking some good programmes of the NDA Government without even having the decency to say, ‘with your permission’, leave alone appreciating these. Two, there is pitiable distortion of facts. About Bihar, many people have spoken and what you have given in your Budget something which, to say the least, is the distortion of facts.
16.00 hrs. Thirdly, there is an amazing use of semantics to confuse and mislead people. He has talked about irrigation as if all irrigation-related problems were going to be solved but has allocated only Rs. 829 crore. He has talked a lot about the water problem and also about water bodies to be revived. It is an excellent programme. I think, everybody would look forward to it but he is taking up only five districts. He is repeatedly saying that it is a pilot project. I wish he had not made it a pilot project but made it a proper project and invested some reasonable amount of money. In my part of the country also there are many water bodies which ought to be revived. He has started a good programme but I think he is only indulging in tokenism.
He has talked about providing a hundred days of employment to one member in each family but very little allocation has been given. There has been no increase made in the AID programmes also. I would talk about all this matter later.
Fourthly, he has also indulged in some sort of a jugglery when talking about farmers. Mr. Deve Gowda has given a long lecture, a long talk on that. I think, the farm sector has been neglected but he has tried to create an image as if he has done everything he can to the farm sector and as if he has done a great deal for the benefit of the farmers. I think, it is a false impression that he has created. My colleague, Prof. V.K. Malhotra has touched upon these aspects in great detail and because of paucity of time I am not going into these details.
As a result of the shortage of time and because many of my party colleagues want to speak, I would speak only on the salient points without going into the details though there is a lot to speak about. First, I would talk about road transport, which I had the fortune to deal with in the previous Government. I am very sad, sorry, and in fact amazed, Mr. Chidambaram, that you have made no mention of the National Highway Development Project in your speech. It is one of the most visible and most successful projects. I think, as a nation, we could be proud of this project and I expected you to say something about it. You have been talking about it in your interviews to newspapers but I do not know why you missed it out in your Budget Speech. Somehow, Mr. Chidambaram, knowing whatever little I know of you as a finance man, I am unable to convince myself that it is because of spite or political khundak. I do not know whether you understand the word khundak. It means a state of helpless desire, feeling of revenge or rage. I do not know for what reason you did not mention about it. It is a good achievement of the NDA which the nation is proud of. You should have said something about it, built upon it, and given some new input on that so that we can look forward to further developments in this programme. At the same time, I am also unable to believe that this is an oversight. So, we would like to know why you have ignored this aspect, Mr. Finance Minister.
You may say that you have not reduced the allocation. I have seen the figures and found that the same amount has been given this year as was given in the previous year. But you should know, Mr. Finance Minister, that this year a number of projects on the Golden Quadrilateral are going to be completed and money would be required for that. This year, we are also going to start a large number of projects in the North-South and the East-West corridors. For this again money would be required. It is not only that we need additional allocations but it would have been better if you had thought about an opportunity to mention about this programme. I do not know what is your thinking. I do hope that you do not "kill" this gift of the NDA Government to the people of India.
We had also started a programme called the Pradhan Mantri Bharat Jodo Pariyojana. … (Interruptions) Do you want me to give the abbreviated form? It is PMBJP.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Why did you call it that way? … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : What should it be called?
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Why did you call it a ‘Pariyojana’? … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Leave that aside. Is that a reason why you are going to kill it?
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: It sounds very clever but why? … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : If you are saying, ‘clever’, you should not ask why. The answer is obvious. … (Interruptions) Whatever it is, at your level, should you take that, as I said, as a khundak and totally ignore it? … (Interruptions)
The aim was to connect 16 State capitals, which were not connected, by four-lane roads. This included the North-East where there is a great demand. It was also to connect high-density corridors of NH which needed four laning. It is a good programme but again you have made no mention about this. I do not know what you are going to do and where you would the money becoming for this year. A lot of money is required for this project.
Thirdly, Mr. Finance Minister, I would like to have your views on a thing called "User Charge" which is levied on 4-6 Lane Highways. During the recent Lok Sabha elections one of your eminent economists, for whom I have tremendous respect, went on and said that "well, the NDA Government has given you toll highways and they are harassing you by charging at the tolls and we in the Congress, all these years, have given you `Free Ways’. I want to know what is your policy on this. In the Economic Survey this aspect has been dealt with.
Now, I would like to just read one paragraph from the Economic Survey. Are you going to make everything "Free Ways" as per your election propaganda or do you realise the necessity of "User Charge"? I quote from page no. 186:
"The outlook for further growth in user charges in the form of tolls is bright, given the steady completion of NHDP, and the nation-wide acceptance of the principle of tolling as the necessary price of high quality roads. These developments mark an important new phase in Indian infrastructure. The road sector demonstrates that significant revenues can be obtained through user charges to improve infrastructure and benefit the consumer. "So, Mr. Finance Minister, I would like to know whether what was said before the elections was merely an election gimmick or an election stunt or do you seriously believe that the nation should be given totally `Free Ways’ and not `Toll Ways’.
Now, I come to my fourth point. You have introduced service tax regime in the transport sector. It is fine. But there is a problem in that. At the moment, it is understood that the service tax will be collected and deposited by the transport sector, by the booking agents. I had been dealing with these people. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) people came to me with a request that this issue was discussed in 1997 when you were the hon. Minister of Finance and the then Secretary of Revenue had assured them after detailed discussions that they were willing to find an alternative mode of collection of toll charges. It is because they are in unorganised sector and that there will be a considerable amount of problem.
Now, I want to quote from the letter dated 9th April, 1997 written by the Secretary of Revenue:
"While working out the modalities for the collection of service tax rendered for the transport of goods by road, Government is willing to change mode of collection in such a manner that the tax would not be collected from road transport operators".So, my request is that you could kindly have a look at it. If another alternative method could be found out, it will be very convenient to everybody.
I now come to Defence forces. I hope that a full debate would take place while we discuss the Defence Budget. Here, I want only one clarification from you. There was a thing called "Three-year Non-lapsable rolling fund". It appears that it has been done away with. You have also stated in your speech, I quote, "Government is determined to eliminate all delays in modernising of Defence forces". Unquote you have increased funds from Rs. 20,953 crore to Rs. 33,493 crore for Capital expenditure. But how is this going to be spent in a year? We all have the experience. You also know that at the end of the year it does not get spent and gets surrendered. Is it your plan to do away with that roll-on-plan so that actually de facto you do not have to spend money? You only announce and you increase the Budget of Defence by another Rs. 20,000 crore. But you know that they will not be able to spend and neither you will have the commitment of spending this money. Is that the logic? So, we would like to know how exactly are you going to do this.
The next issue is about my own State of Uttranchal. I am saying it with a very heavy heart. Some other hon. Members from the concerned States have also probably met you. You have done away with the facility of tax concession which was provided to Jammu and Kashmir, North-East, Sikkim, Uttranchal and Himachal Pradesh for industrialisation of these States. This was a facility given by the NDA Government last year in 2003 for a period of ten years People would be allowed to establish industries, and once the production starts, they will be given certain tax concessions. Now, you have reduced it up to 31st March, 2007. It is a very unfair thing because today onwards nobody is going to invest. There is a gestation period for establishing industries. This tax exemption is after the production starts. Now, if anybody wants to start units, he cannot have the production till 2007.
Therefore, there will be no tax concession, and nobody will get new industries. This is a very cruel act. I would say that at least for Uttaranchal, which is a new state, which is a newly born State, you reconsider it. We are a State where there is gross inadequacy of infrastructure including roads and other things. Out of 13 districts, ten are zero or near zero industrial districts. How do you expect these to be industrialised? I can understand that you kept this concession for J&K and North-East region. It is very fine. But at least to a new-born State, newly created State with zero industrial growth, some concession should have been given. But you have brushed all of them aside in one stroke. I very sincerely request you to kindly reconsider this for Uttaranchal.
Uttaranchal is a newly-created State. Of course, my hon. friend from Akali Dal was also mentioning earlier that the industries are shifting. You please carry out a survey as to how many have actually been shifted. There is immense paucity of various infrastructural facilities. Unless you do give some facilities, nobody is willing to go to a State like Uttaranchal for industrialisation. The terrain there is difficult; the facilities are not there and the additional help that is required is also not being given. Therefore, I think that with this one cruel act, Mr. Chidambaram, you have eliminated the possibility of Uttaranchal becoming an industrialised State. I think it is a cruel act and I request you to kindly re-examine it.
About Hindustan Antibiotics also, you stated that you want to revive it. It is very good. I would also request you to examine the case of IDPL, Rishikesh. It had been examined earlier on. The total package of complete revival of the entire IDPL was probably not viable; but it is felt that IDPL Rishikesh, by itself, could be revived and it could be made possible. Therefore, I would like you to kindly examine this aspect.
I now come to a few miscellaneous points. Due to shortage of time, I am only mentioning the main items. Firstly, I will speak about AIIMS. The previous Government had, under the Pradhan Mantri Swastha Suraksha Yojana, attempted to give top-class medical facilities to the poor people of India. I think, you may be knowing it and all of us know it. We are all Members of Parliament. You know how we are crowded everyday with requests from people for help for admission in the AIIMS. All the MPs would know that. Not only that, people come and stay with you till they get admission in AIIMS. Therefore, six AIIMS-like institutions were attempted and six medical colleges/hospitals were to be upgraded. They are in all parts of the country. Therefore, it was considered a very good act. But I have not found anything about in your speech. What has happened is initially an amount of Rs. six crore has been spent on this and the work was started. In the interim Budget, an amount of Rs. 60 crore was given with an understanding or commitment that an amount of Rs. 1,000 crore will be given for this work during this financial year. But you have only continued with that amount of Rs. 60 crore. I do not know whether this has been brought to your notice or not. But I am quite sure that you will also agree with me. Otherwise, you kindly visit the AIIMS in Delhi on some day and you can see the type of scenario there with critically ill patients lying not only in the verandahs but on the internal roads also and the relatives of the patients queuing up in long and indefinite queues. The corridors are full of patients and it is total commotion there and it is a most undignified sight to see for anybody.
Therefore, if all people from all over India could go to the nearest AIIMS and get all the facilities, it will be an excellent thing for the nation. I do not know why this has not attracted your attention. I understand that the total base cost of this programme is Rs. 4,180 crore. If you are going to give Rs. 60 crore, then this thing is never going to comewith existence. Therefore, my request to you is to kindly review it. I think the proposal of giving Rs. 1,000 crore is floating around the Planning Commission and the Health Ministry or somewhere. I would request you to kindly take it up personally and help in the matter because this is for the betterment of the poor people who need good treatment. My sincere request to you is to kindly look into this and try to provide the funds.
The NDA Government initially fixed the completion time for this as three years; but then we said that it should be expedited and two years’ time was scheduled for completion. This has now been made to three years. My request to you is two-fold. Firstly, you please give an amount of Rs. 1,000 crore this year for this scheme and secondly kindly try to see that the timeframe is reduced to two years for all these 12 projects.
I now come to AIDS control. I have earlier mentioned about it. Para 27 of your speech says about ‘need for an accelerated AIDS control programme’. But you have not increased the allocation which was in the interim Budget. The interim Budget had given Rs. 259 crore and the same amount is being shown in this Budget.
The NDA Government had started the programme of giving free medicine from 1st April, 2004 under PMSSY to one lakh people. The NACO had asked for a budget of Rs. 476 crore for these one lakh people to be treated. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please address the Chair. It should not be a discussion between the two.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, I will address the Chair. This is an important point. So, I would request the hon. Minister for his personal attention.
The NACO wants Rs. 476 crore for this. I also want to bring to the notice of the hon. Finance Minister that Shrimati Sonia Gandhi had recently attended a conference at Bangkok where the theme was ‘Access of Treatment to All’ and incidentally, the Anchor there introduced Shrimati Sonia Gandhi as "She practically runs the largest democracy in the world.". She also had said that "we are going to increase the funding" whereas the funding is same as it was in the Interim Budget. I think, this area needs additional funding. I do hope that NACO’s budget, which has to take care of one lakh patients this year, will be taken care of.
My next point is about the Disabled. The "National Commission for Persons with Disability" was established in October last year. It started functioning from February this year. I do not have to explain the utility of this Commission, which is to take care of the disabled. There is tremendous scope of work to be done and there is tremendous social obligation also in this. Unfortunately, the budget provision for this is very low. Its annual budget is Rs. 1.44 crore. I would request the hon. Finance Minister that with this allocation, they will not be able to do anything. So, this Commission should be given additional budget of about Rs. 10 crore.
Somebody has already mentioned about Flood Control. You have allotted Rs. 30 crore for flood control from Uttaranchal to West Bengal. I think, it is too inadequate. This needs to be taken care of.
There are two more minor points which I would like to make. I have seen somewhere that you have reduced payment to State Governments for administering Central Acts and regulations, including surveillance of foreigners, from Rs. 23.4 crore to Rs. 2.01 crore. I do not know why it has been done. Is there any reason for this, as surveillance on foreigners and all that it is an increased activity? You have reduced the budget provision from Rs. 23.4 crore to Rs. 2.01 crore. He might like to look into it.
The Finance Minister seems to have acted tough on the pay and perks of the Ministers as if something major has been done. Their sumptuary allowance has been reduced from Rs. 2.73 crore to Rs. 2.55 crore. It is a reduction of Rs. 18 lakh only. I do not think it matters much. There is also reduction in salaries and tour expenses. I do not know whether salary of Ministers is going to be reduced or the number of Ministers is going to be curtailed. Some saving has been shown here also.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, my next point, as my friend from Orissa has also mentioned, is that Shri Chidambaram is indulging in ‘change the name game’. As was pointed out, it is unfortunate that within 24 hours of this Government coming into power, the hoardings, which showed National Highway Development Project on the four-six lane roads with logo and photographs of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, were removed. I think, if you do it in such a manner, it is shameful, particularly for a Government which has been naming every single corner and every single stone in India with names of their own people from one particular family. He also said that he wants to combine all the water supply schemes under the name Rajiv Gandhi Water Supply Scheme. I think, he should think again about doing this. It is a dangerous game. Others can also play this game. Therefore, this sort of a thing should not be done. We did not do this. There was Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana. When a parallel scheme was created, it was objected. So, we dropped that scheme. Therefore, it does not look gentlemanly … (Interruptions) Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, have you gone and seen in Chandigarh? When our Government was there, on the highway in Chandigarh … (Interruptions)
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL (CHANDIGARH): I know one thing that even on the roads which were in existence earlier, big hoardings with the photograph of Prime Minister were put up there and they say that they have achieved something great. … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Since he is from Chandigarh, let me inform the House that in his own town Chandigarh … (Interruptions)
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Take the case of Jaipur Highway. … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Now, you are not allowing me to speak. When you were speaking, I sat down. Now, you also sit down. You listen to me. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Khanduri, what happens to your programme?
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Mr. Chairman, Sir, I only want to reply to this. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Sir, ‘changing the name game’ as Shri Khanduri called it was started only by the BJP and the NDA people. They spent most of their time doing that only, and thinking as to which scheme is to be named after whom, etc. … (Interruptions) Sir, I will just give you an example. I have a building next door to my house with a board saying : "Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Gateway to Knowledge." Nothing has been done, and only a hoarding has been placed. … (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Let us not go into that, otherwise, I would also have to say that you also had changed the names of places in Delhi. … (Interruptions) In your constituency Chandigarh, big photographs of Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and Shri Amarinder Singh were put on a National Highway, similar to the ones that of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Sir, if he yields for a minute I would like to tell him as to what actually happened there. Bhoomi Poojan was done on a land that was not yet acquired by the Government and on somebody’s private premises the then hon. Minister had gone andbhoomi poojan ceremony was performed. No land whatsoever was acquired, no allocation was made, and bhoomi poojan was done on somebody else’s land. … (Interruptions) The BJP people had gone there and done it.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, Shri Bansal does not want to hear the truth. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please let Shri Khanduri conclude his speech.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, he has made an allegation and does not want to listen to the truth. In his own constituency Chandigarh, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi’s photographs and Shri Amarinder Singh’s photographs was put the National Highway -- which is the property of the Central Government. It is still there, and it was not removed during our tenure. Do you know that fact?
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Khanduri, kindly address the Chair.
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Is it not a fact that bhoomi poojan ceremony was performed by a former hon. Minister on a piece of land that was not yet acquired by the Government? Just before the elections it was announced that the Ambala – Chandigarh road was going to be widened. … (Interruptions) No procedure for acquisition was started and not even a token allocation was made for that piece of land. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Bansal, you can make all these points at the time of making your speech.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : We are now talking of signboards, etc. … (Interruptions) You kindly go back and see the hoardings of Shrimati Sonia Gandhi that are still there. We did not remove them. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Sir, it is the prerogative of the Punjab Government. Shrimati Sonia Gandhi being the Congress President, and the Congress being in the Government in Punjab, the Punjab Government has every right to do it. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please, do not do like this. It is very unfortunate. Shri Khanduri, please conclude your speech.
… (Interruptions)
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, he is trying to take away my time.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Khanduri, please conclude.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, I am concluding. I was only trying to conclude my speech, but he does not want to see the truth. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude.
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : Sir, I have been seeing the truth, but I was hearing untruths. So, ultimately I had to intervene.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude.
मेजर जनरल (सेवानिवृत्त) भुवन चन्द्र खंडूडी : वापस जाकर उस सड़क को ढूंढें जहां अभी तक वह होर्डिंग लगा हुआ है।
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing will go on record other than what Shri Khanduri speaks.
(Interruptions)* MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude.
MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) B. C. KHANDURI : Sir, I am concluding. I am a soldier and I will follow your orders. This Budget has been a total disappointment. It has been far too clever by half. Shri Chidambaram, the NDA Government -- have left a healthy economy with strong fundamentals, burgeoning foreign exchange reserves, economy growing at a healthy pace, fiscal deficit and inflation under control, and a booming market. You had yourself said this in one of your interviews, and it is also mentioned in a part of your Budget speech. You have yourself said before the presentation of the Budget that with this type of sound financial health of the economy, you could experiment with bold measures. I do not know what happened to your bold ideas because they are nowhere to be seen in this Budget of yours. With such a background, it is sad that the political compulsions, vote-bank mentality, and an anti-NDA Government phobia has made a total mess of this Budget.
In the beginning of my speech I had appreciated the ability of Shri Chidambaram, but I feel very disappointed with his Budget. Many projects have been promised, but with no funds. In implementing them, many path-breaking results are expected, but no care has been shown for any "delivery mechanism". They have postponed the zero revenue deficit, which we wanted to implement by 2007-2008 to 2008-2009 hoping that their tenure will become coterminous with the next Lok Sabha elections. But your Government would not last that long. So, you need not have worried on that account. The present Government is going to fall well before that period.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, for the sake of the nation, I still hope that the Finance Minister will look at this Budget and put it back on rail. I really respect a person like him, but I am totally disappointed with his Budget.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, Shri Ajay Maken.
श्री अजय माकन (नई दिल्ली) : आदरणीय सभापति महोदय, …( व्यवधान)
SHRI LAKSHMAN SETH (TAMLUK): Sir, I want a clarification from Maj.Gen. Khanduri.
MR. CHAIRMAN: No, please. I have already called Shri Ajay Maken. Please take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing will go on record except the speech of Shri Ajay Maken.
(Interruptions)* श्री अजय माकन : आदरणीय सभापति महोदय, मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी द्वारा प्रस्तुत किए गए बजट प्रस्तावों का पुरजोर और पूर्ण समर्थन करने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं क्योंकि ये बजट प्रस्ताव न केवल ग्रोथ की बात करते हैं बल्कि सस्टेन ग्रोथ की बात करते हैं और जहां सस्टेन ग्रोथ की बात करते हैं वहीं पर साथ में प्राइमरी हैल्थ, एजूकेशन हिन्दुस्तान के गरीब से गरीब लोगों को पहुंचाने एवं उनका किस प्रकार से भला हो सकेगा, उसकी बात करते हैं।
सभापति महोदय, मैं विस्तार में जाने से पहले बताना चाहूंगा कि हमारे विपक्ष के सदस्यों ने इस बात को बार-बार रेज किया है कि इस बजट के अंदर बहुत सारे फैक्ट्स को तोड़-मरोड़ कर पेश किया गया है और यह कहा गया है कि जो रैवेन्यू रिसीट्स की बात इसमें बताई गई है वह डाटा फाल्स हैं। अभी यह कहा गया है कि रैवेन्यू रिसीट्स के जो टारगेट दिए गए हैं, वे अनरियलिस्टिक हैं यानी वे इस तरह के टारगेट हैं जो कभी भी अचीव नहीं हो सकते हैं। मैं इस बारे में बताना चाहूंगा कि जब एन.डी.ए. की सरकार थी, तो उस सरकार के आंकड़ों की वजह से जो हमारे रैवेन्यू रिसीट के टारगेट हैं, इन्हें हम न केवल एचीव करेंगे बल्कि संभावना है कि हम उससे भी आगे निकल जाएंगे, लेकिन साथ-साथ मैं यह भी कहना चाहता हूं कि ऐसा कहने का कोई मौरल राइट इन्हें नहीं है। मैं यह बात आंकड़ों से बताना चाहता हूं। पिछले वर्ष इन्होंने इनकम टैक्स उगाही का ४२,५२४ करोड़ का बजिटरी एस्टीमेट रखा था उसके विरुद्ध इकट्ठा ३७ हजार करोड़ ही हुआ। उससे पहले २००२-०३ में इन्होंने कलैक्शन का टारगेट रखा ४०,६०० करोड़ रुपए और कलैक्ट हुए केवल ३७,४३८ करोड़ रुपए।
सभापति महोदय, जो हमारा रैवेन्यू रिसीट हाई होगा उसकी वजह यह है कि पिछली सरकार की एडमनिस्ट्रेटिव इनएबलिटी की वजह सेdirect टैक्स की पेंडिंग रिकवरीज १५ हजार करोड़ रुपए की हैं और इनडायरैक्ट टैक्स की पेंडिंग रिकवरीज ८ हजार करोड़ रुपए की हैं। इस प्रकार से कुल २३ हजार करोड़ रुपए की तो एडमनिस्ट्रेटिव इनएबलिटी की इनकी सरकार के समय की पेंडिंग रिकवरीज हैं जिन्हें हमारी सरकार एफीशिएंसी लाकर, एफीशिएंटली सरकार चला कर रिकवर करेगी जिससे हमारी सरकार ने जो टारगेट रखे हैं और जो प्रावधान किए हैं वे पूरे होंगे।
सभापति महोदय, हमारे बजिटरी एलोकेशन्स में जो सर्विस टैक्स ८ से १० प्रतिशत किया गया है और जो १३ नए सर्विस टैक्स ऐड किए गए हैं उनसे ५६०० करोड़ का एडीशन होगा। २ परसेंट सैस से ही ८ महीने के अंदर २५०० करोड़ रुपए और आने की उम्मीद है। विपक्ष के सदस्यों को इस बात को बोलने का कोई मौरल राइट नहीं है कि हमारी सरकार द्वारा प्रस्तावित टैक्स कलैक्शन की बात पूरी नहीं होगी क्योंकि वर्ष २००२ से लेकर २००३ और उससे आगे २००४ में लगातार फायनेंश्यल ईयर्स में जो टैक्स और जी.डी.पी. का रेश्यो है वह ९.०३ से शुरू हुआ था और २००० में तथा २००२-०३ में एन.डी.ए. की सरकार ने ८.७६ पर लाकर खड़ा कर दिया। आज हमारी सरकार का टारगेट टैक्स और जी.डी.पी. का रेश्यो १० प्रतिशत का है जो कि प्रीरिफॉर्म ईरा के अंदर था और हमने १० परसेंट टैक्स और जी.डी.पी. का रेश्यो लाकर के कोई बहुत बड़ा काम नहीं किया है, लेकिन अगर यह हमने एचीव कर लिया, तो हमारा २४.६ परसेंट टैक्स कलैक्शन केवल इसी से हो जाएगा।
सभापति महोदय, पिछली सरकार की कमियों की वजह से हमें न केवल टैक्स कलैक्शन फालतू होगा बल्कि हमारे फायनेंस मनिस्टर, लीकेज को प्लग करने के लिए जो इन्नोवेटिव आइडियाज के साथ आए हैं, उनसे बहुत सहायता मिलेगी। आप Finance Bill के क्लाजेज ३४, १३, ११, ५, ३, २ और बहुत सारे ऐसे क्लाजेज हैं, जिन्हें पढ़ें तो आपको पता चल जाएगा कि कांट्रेक्ट को अब स्प्िलट करके टैक्स से नहीं बचा सकता है जबकि कि पहले कांट्रैक्ट को स्प्िलट कर के इनकम टैक्स को बचा लिया जाता था, वह अब नहीं किया जा सकता। दूसरे सैलरी इनकम को दूसरे लॉसेस के साथ ऑफ सैट नहीं किया जा सकता है। टी.डी.एस. की कम्पलाइंस में अब और सुधार हो पाएगा क्योंकि इनकम टैक्स की डैफीनेशन को अब मॉडीफाई किया गया है ताकि लीकेज को प्लग किया जा सके और इस तरह से बेहतर ऐफीशिएंसी लाकर हम न केवल अपने टारगेट को पूरा करेंगे बल्कि हमें पूर्ण आशा है कि हम उससे भी आगे जाएंगे।
सभापति महोदय, मैं इस मौके पर कहना चाहता हूं कि हमारे खंडूरी साहब ने डिफेंस बजट के बारे में कहा। डिफेंस के बारे में मैं उन्हें बताना चाहता हूं कि इस वर्ष २७.६९ परसेंट हाइक हुआ है और डिफेंस के लिए बजिटरी एलोकेशन ६०,३०० से बढ़ाकर ७७ हजार करोड़ रुपए का किया गया है। कैपीटल एक्सपेंडीचर ३३,४८२ करोड़ से बढ़ाकर, जो पिछले साल १६,९०६ करोड़ रुपए था, डिफेंसspending २.५५ परसेंट जी.डी.पी. बढ़ कर हो गया है, लेकिन यह क्यों करना पड़ा. क्यों ऐसा हुआ कि हमें बजिटरी एलोकेशन डिफेंस के अंदर २७.६९ परसेंट बढ़ानी पड़ी। दूसरे, सोशल सैक्टर से शायद विदड्रा करना पड़ा और केवल इसलिए करना पड़ा, क्योकि इनकी इनएफशिएंसी की वजह से पिछले पांच वर्ष के अंदर ३३ हजार करोड़ रुपए डिफेंस पर ये लोग खर्च नहीं कर पाए।
सभापति महोदय, पिछले तीन वर्षों के अंदर १४.३ प्रतिशत डिफेंस बजट का हम खर्च ही नहीं कर पाए, इसीलिए इस साल हमें फालतू पैसा खर्च करना पड़ा और दूसरे सोशल सैक्टर से निकाल कर खर्च करना पड़ा, जो केवल इन लोगों की इनएफशिएंसी की वजह से करना पड़ा।
मैं फाइनेंस मनिस्टर को बधाई देना चाहता हूं, जो इन्होंने पानी के बारे में अपने विचार रखे। यहां बहुत सी बातें कही गईं। मैं सबसे पहले बताना चाहता हूं कि भारत ऐसा देश है, दुनिया के अंदर पापुलेशन में हमारा १६ प्रतिशत कंट्रीब्यूशन है, लेकिन अगर ग्लोबल रिसोर्सेस ऑफ वाटर को देखें तो केवल चार प्रतिशत है। अनफोरचुनेटली जब भी हम वाटर रिसोर्सेस की बात पहले करते थे तो ग्राउंड वाटर, सरफेस वाटर की बात करते थे, लेकिन रेन वाटर की बात नहीं करते थे। पहली बार हमारे फाइनेंस मनिस्टर साहब ने रेन वाटर को रिसोर्स समझ कर हिन्दुस्तान में पानी की स्थिति को ठीक करने के लिए, एवेलेबलिटी को ठीक करने के लिए कोशिश की है। पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में ११०० मिली मीटर की एवरेज से रेन फाल होती है। अगर पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में जो जमीन है, उसका केवल एक प्रतिशत इस ११०० मिली मीटर रेन फाल को, जो पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में एवरेज है, उसे स्टोर करने के लिए रखें तो हमारे पास ४० बलियन क्यूबेक मीटर पानी उपलब्ध हो जाएगा और इससे सौ लीटर प्रति दिन, प्रतिव्यक्ति के लिए पानी एडीशनल हमारे पास आ जाएगा। इतनी रेन फाल हमारे पास उपलब्ध है। किसी भी फाइनेंस मनिस्टर ने यह नहीं सोचा कि हम इसे कैसे टेप करें, हम इसे कैसे काम में लाएं। हमारे फाइनेंस मनिस्टर साहब का सपना है कि हिन्दुस्तान में इस प्रकार से पानी को इकट्ठा करके पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में पानी की दिक्कत को दूर किया जा सके। अगर हिन्दुस्तान में आगे आने वाली शताब्दी में पानी की दिक्कत को दूर करना है तो केवल रेन वाटर को प्रयोग करके दूर किया जा सकता है, जिसे हमारे फाइनेंस मनिस्टर ने इनशिएट किया है। इसके लिए मैं इन्हें बधाई देना चाहता हूं। यही नहीं, हमारे देश में आज जो ग्राउंड वाटर उपलब्ध है, उसे यूज़ करने के लिए, ३०.५ प्रतिशत हमारा जो टोटल बिजली उत्पादन है उसका उपयोग केवल पानी को जमीन से बाहर निकालने में किया जाता है। हमारे पास बिजली नहीं है, लेकिन उसका ३०.५ प्रतिशत ग्राउंड वाटर को बाहर निकालने के लिए किया जाता है। यह पानी हमें न केवल बचाएगा, बल्कि बिजली भी सेव करके देगा, जैसी इनकी आगे स्कीम है। इसलिए जो रेस्टोरेशन ऑफ वाटर बॉडीज़ हैं, जिसकी बात हमारे फाइनेंस मनिस्टर ने की है वह काबिले-तारीफ है। पांच डिस्टि्रक्ट्स के अंदर पायलट प्रोजैक्ट अभी शुरू हुआ है।
महोदय, अगर कोई इनका बजट ध्यान से पढ़े तो पांच से सात साल के अंदर पूरे देश में इस चीज को शुरू करने की बात ये कहते हैं, जो काबिले-तारीफ है। यही नहीं, वाटर हारवेस्िंटग की बात भी इन्होंने कही है और एक्सलरेटेड इरीगेशन बेनीफिट प्रोग्राम की बात कही है, जिसे इन्होंने री-शेडयूल किया है। रूरल वाटर सप्लाई प्रोग्राम के लिए २६१० करोड़ रुपए दिए गए हैं। अरबन वाटर सप्लाई प्रोग्राम के लिए १५१ करोड़ रुपए दिए गए हैं, जिसके लिए मैं इन्हें बधाई देना चाहता हूं।
महोदय, आज हम लोग यहां जीडीपी ग्रोथ की बात कर रहे हैं। मेरा कहना है कि हमें इसे दो नजरिए से देखना चाहिए - एक नजरिया यह है कि क्या यह सस्टेंड ग्रोथ है, क्या लगातार चलता आ रहा ग्रोथ है या स्टैगर्ड ग्रोथ है, किसी साल आठ प्रतिशत और किसी साल चार प्रतिशत, एक तो इसे इस नजरिए से देखना चाहिए। दूसरा नजरिया यह है कि जो ग्रोथ जीडीपी में हो रहा है, जिसकी वजह से सरकार और देश के अंदर इंकम तो बढ़ रही है लेकिन उस इंकम का फायदा देश के गरीब से गरीब आदमी को कितना पहुंच रहा है, इस चीज को ध्यान में रखना चाहिए। दो चीजें होनी चाहिए - एक तो ग्रोथ सस्टैंड होनी चाहिए और दूसरे ग्रोथ का फायदा गरीब से गरीब तथा निचले से निचले तबके के आदमी को मिलना चाहिए, किसान और बेरोजगार को मिलना चाहिए। इस चीज को हमें देखना है। जब विपक्ष की सरकार यहां थी तो हैदराबाद को साइब्राबाद बनना था, लेकिन आंध्रा प्रदेश में किसान आत्महत्या कर रहे थे। दिल्ली में मेट्रो बन रहा था, मैं यह नहीं कहता कि मेट्रो नहीं बननी चाहिए लेकिन जब दिल्ली में मेट्रो बन रही थी, जब बाहर से गरीब व्यक्ति आकर दिल्ली में मेट्रो देखता था और देखता था कि उसके यहां तो रेल गाड़ी या दूसरे परिवहन की व्यवस्था भी नहीं है और दिल्ली में मेट्रो बन रही है तो उस वक्त रूरल तथा अरबन ड्राइव और ज्यादा बढ़ता गया, और ज्यादा डिवाइड बढ़ता गया। यही नहीं, हम अपने आपको दुनिया के सबसे तेज बढ़ने वाली इकोनोमी की बात करते हैं, लेकिन हम हयूमन डेवलपमेंट इंडेक्स में, यूएनडीपी में १२४ से घट कर १२७ पर पहुंच गए हैं। आज भी हमारी ३४.७ प्रतिशत पापुलेशन इंटरनेशनल पावर्टी लाइन से नीचे हैं। आज भी हमारे ४७ प्रतिशत बच्चे, जो पांच वर्ष के हैं वे अंडरवेट हैं और २५ प्रतिशत बच्चे अंडर नरिश्ड हैं।
आज भी शहरों के अन्दर गाड़ी और कोठी खरीदने के लिए तो आसान किश्तों पर लोन मिल जाता है, लेकिन किसान के लिए आज भी लोन उपलब्ध नहीं है। आज भी किसान को पैसा लेने के लिए अपनी जान हथेली पर लेकर घूमना पड़ता है। विगत ६ वर्षों के काम की दुहाई देने वाली सरकार के विपक्षी सदस्यों से मैं पूछना चाहता हूं कि आज भी ५६ प्रतिशत बच्चे मीजल्स से इम्यूनाइज पहले हुए थे, आज भी स्टेगनेंट हैं, बढ़े नहीं हैं। ६७ परसेंट इन्फेंट मोर्टेलिटी रेट, जो इनके आने के टाइम पर थी, आज भी वही है, उसके अन्दर कोई बढ़ोतरी नहीं हुई है, फिर क्या इन्होंने सोशल सैक्टर के लिए किया है। ये लोग आज केवल जी.डी.पी. की ग्रोथ की बात करते हैं, लेकिन उसका फायदा गरीब से गरीब और किसान के पास कितना पहुंचा है, इनके पास कुछ बताने के लिए नहीं है।
यही नहीं, मैं यह कहना चाहता हूं कि भारत डैवलपिंग स्टेज से गुजर रहा है। हम लोग पुअर और डवलप्ड कंट्रीज के बीच में हैं और जब डैवलपिंग स्टेज से गुजर रहा है तो अर्बन और रूरल का डिवाइड, गरीब और अमीर का डिवाइड और ज्यादा बड़ा हो जाता है, यह इण्टरनेशनल एक्लेम्ड फिनोमिनन है, जो हर जगह होता है। इस स्थिति को टाइड ओवर करने के लिए एक और केवल एक तरीका है कि सोशल सैक्टर के अन्दर सरकार गरीब से गरीब की सहूलियतों की तरफ ध्यान दे। सरकार हैल्थ फैसलिटीज, एजुकेशन फैसलिटीज, अनएम्पलायमेंट को दूर करने आदि सब चीजों के ऊपर ध्यान दे, तभी जाकर हम लोग इस स्थिति से टाइड ओवर कर सकते हैं। इसके लिए मैं वित्त मंत्री जी को बधाई देना चाहूंगा कि उन्होंने १० हजार करोड़ रुपये की जो अतरिक्त राशि का जो फस्र्ट चार्ज है, जिसे गरीब के लिए रखा गया है। इसके साथ मैं यह भी कहना चाहता हूं कि खंडूरी साहब अभी कह रहे थे कि जो प्लान एलोकेशन है, उसे किस तरह से किया गया। मैं उनको बताना चाहूंगा कि पांच वर्ष वे भी मंत्री रहे और प्लानिंग कमीशन इसको किस तरह से खर्च कर रहा है, किस तरीके से इसका रीएलोकेशन करना है, यह प्लानिंग कमीशन डिसाइड करता है, जिसके चेयरमैन ने अभी जुलाई के पहले हफ्ते के अन्दर चार्ज लिया है। इन १० हजार करोड़ रुपये को किस तरह से खर्च करना है, १.३५ लाख करोड़ रुपये को किस तरह से खर्च करना है, यह प्लानिंग कमीशन जब पूरा फोर्म हो जायेगा, उसके साथ-साथ यह डिसाइड होग। उसके लिए ये जल्दी न करें।
एग्रीकल्चर सैक्टर के लिए जो इन्होंने विशेष ध्यान रखा है, उसके लिए भी मैं बधाई देना चाहता हूं। हमारी पूर्व सरकार ने इर्रीगेशन के लिए एक्सीलरेटिड इर्रीगेशन बेनीफिट प्रोग्राम introduce किया, जिसके लिए १७८ प्रोजैक्ट्स आइडेंटीफाइड किये गये, जिनमें से केवल २८ कम्पलीट हुए। अब इनको रीशैडयूल करके २८ सौ करोड़ रुपये इसके अन्दर हमारे वित्त मंत्री साहब ने रखे हैं, जिसके लिए मैं इनको बधाई देना चाहता हूं।
एग्रीकल्चर क्रेडिट के लिए कॉम्प्रीहेंसिव क्रेडिट पॉलिसी १८ जुलाई को इन्होंने एनाउंस की, उसके लिए भी मैं इनको बधाई देना चाहता हूं। एग्रीकल्चर क्रेडिट का फ्लो तीन वर्षों में डबल कर दिया जाये, इसकी घोषणा की गई, इसके लिए मैं बधाई देना चाहता हूं। आर.आर.बी. के स्पोन्सर बैंक को एग्रीकल्चर क्रेडिट की जवाबदारी होगी, यह भी एक स्वागतयोग्य कदम है और आर.आई.डी.एफ. को रिवाइव करके आठ हजार करोड़ रुपये इसमें डाले गये हैं। इसे और प्रेक्टीकल बनाया गया है, इसके अन्दर सड़कें पहले नहीं होती थीं। इसे इंटीग्रेटिड प्रोग्राम बनाकर इसके थ्रू अब सड़क भी बन सकती हैं। इसके लिए भी मैं इनको बधाई देना चाहता हूं। मैं साथ में यह भी बताना चाहूंगा कि एग्रीकल्चर सैक्टर में एन.डी.ए. की सरकार के दौरान १९९७ से २००२ तक केवल २.०२ परसेंट की ग्रोथ थी। हम अगर सस्टेंड ग्रोथ ७ से ८ परसेंट रखने की बात करते हैं तो यह तभी पोसीबल है, जबकि एग्रीकल्चर के अन्दर ग्रोथ हमारी चार परसेंट हो। इस ओर जो आप आगे बढ़ रहे हैं, इसके लिए मैं वित्त मंत्री को बधाई देना चाहता हूं। स्माल फार्मर्स एग्रीकल्चर बिजनेस कन्सोर्टियम बहुत फैनफेयर से शुरू हुआ था, लेकिन इसके कोरपस में केवल ११ करोड़ रुपये ही डाले गये। बजट में वित्त मंत्री ने इसे ठीक करने के लिए बात कही है, इसके लिए मैं बधाई देना चाहता हूं।
रूरल हाउसिंग के लिए उसमें ३० परसेंट बढ़ोतरी का प्रावधान है। इसके लिए भी मैं वित्त मंत्री को बधाई देना चाहता हूं।
अन्त में मैं कुछ अपने सुझाव देना चाहूंगा। हमारी एग्रीकल्चर इन्श्योरेंस कम्पनी को और स्ट्रांग करने की जरूरत है ताकि भविष्य में किसानों को बेहतर इन्श्योरेंस हम दे सकें। साथ ही साथ एग्रीकल्चरल क्रेडिट को डबल करने की बात है तो न केवल इसे एमाउंट में डबल किया जाये, बल्कि इसके बेनीफशियरीज भी डबल से ज्यादा होने चाहिए ताकि सही मायने में किसानों का भला हो सके।
मैं कहना चाहूंगा कि अर्बन सिटीज के अंदर, अर्बन पुअर्स के लिए, स्लम्स में रहने वालों के लिए हाउसिंग शैल्टर की व्यवस्था पर हमें विशेष ध्यान देने की जरूरत है। इसके साथ-साथ सरकारी कर्मचारियों के लिए एक लाख रुपये की आय तक इनकम टैक्स में छूट की घोषणा की गयी है। इससे सरकारी कर्मचारियों को विशेष तौर पर फायदा होगा। इसके लिए मैं वित्त मंत्री को धन्यवाद देना चाहूंगा।
मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि सरकारी कर्मचारी सरकार के प्रोग्राम्स और पालिसीज को इम्प्लीमैंट करते हैं। वे आगे और अच्छे ढंग से अपने काम को अंजाम दे सकें, इसके लिए हमें उनके वेल्फेयर को भी ध्यान में रखना है।
अंत में, मैं एक सजेशन देकर अपनी बात समाप्त करना चाहूंगा। हमारे वित्त मंत्री और दूसरे तमाम लोग स्टॉक मार्केट को डेली रेफरैंडम की तरह देखते हैं। यह माना जाता है कि अगर स्टॉक मार्केट ऊपर जा रहा है तो सरकार की पालिसीज को एप्रीशियेट किया जा रहा है या एक्सैप्ट किया जा रहा है। मेरा वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन है कि स्टॉक मार्केट ऊपर जाये या नीचे जाये, इसे रेफरैंडम न लें। हिन्दुस्तान के अंदर किसान आत्महत्या नहीं कर रहा, यही रेफरैंडम है कि हमारे देश की इकोनोमिक बेहतर चल रही है। स्टॉक मार्केट ऊपर जाये या नीचे जाये, केवल इस बेसिस पर हमारी पालिसी नहीं होनी चाहिए। रेफरैंडम का केवल यही मापदण्ड नहीं होना चाहिए। इससे गरीब को कितना फायदा हो रहा है, किसान को कितना फायदा हो रहा है, यही मापदण्ड होना चाहिए। आपका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।
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श्री रामजीलाल सुमन (फ़िरोज़ाबाद) : सभापति महोदय, मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलने का अवसर दिया। समाजवादी पार्टी का जो द्ृष्टिकोण है, उस सिलसिले में हमारे सहयोगी श्री मोहन सिंह ने अपनी बात यहां रखी थी। मैं उसी से कुछ मिलती-जुलती बातें आपकी मार्फत वित्त मंत्री जी के समक्ष रखना चाहूंगा।
बजट एक लेखा-जोखा होता है जो आय-व्यय में संतुलन बनाने के साथ-साथ हमारे उज्ज्वल भविष्य की गारंटी देता है। उज्ज्वल भविष्य का अर्थ विकास होता है लेकिन इसकी परिभाषा तय की जानी चाहिए, यह सुनिश्चित किया जाना चाहिए कि विकास का अर्थ क्या है ? विकास का सीधा अर्थ है कि जो बेसहारा हैं, गरीब हैं, बेबस हैं, लाचार हैं, भूखे हैं, उनको रोटी मिल जाये, मकान मिल जाये, कपड़ा मिल जाये। यह भी एक विकास है। दूसरा अर्थ यह है कि कुछ लोग जो पहले से सम्पन्न हैं, उनको मोटर गाड़ी मिल जाये और वे विलासिता की जिंदगी जीने लग जायें--यह भी एक विकास है।
मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि इस देश में विकास की परिभाषा तय होनी चाहिए। यह सुनिश्चित होना चाहिए कि आखिर विकास क्या है ? मैं चाहूंगा कि जब वित्त मंत्री जी इस चर्चा का जवाब दें तब इस सिलसिले में जरूर अपनी बात कहें। वित्त मंत्री जी का भाषण पढ़ने से लगता है कि चिदम्बरम साहब कहीं कन्फ्यूज्ड हैं। इन्होंने पेज तीन में पैरा नम्बर दस में लिखा है कि हमारी सबसे बड़ी सम्पदा हमारे मानव संसाधन, हमारे लोग हैं। लोगों को, विशेषकर गरीबों को शिक्षा और स्वास्थ्य तक उनकी सार्वभौम पहुंच बनाकर समर्थ बनाने और लाभकर रोजगार के माध्यम से विकास प्रक्रिया में उनकी पूर्ण भागीदारी को सुगम बनाने से उनके कल्याण में वृद्धि होगी।
इससे आगे पेज पांच में पैरा नम्बर २१ में चिदम्बरम साहब फरमाते हैं--मुझे विश्वास है कि विकास की कुंजी निवेश में नहित है, चाहे वह सार्वजनिक तथा निजी निवेश हो, घरेलू तथा विदेशी निवेश हो। मैं बड़े अदब के साथ चिदम्बरम साहब से कहना चाहूंगा कि हम आपकी सहयोगी पार्टी हैं। आपको सरकार चलाने में मदद कर रहे हैं। समाजवादी पार्टी का सबसे बड़ा अगर कोई विरोध है तो विदेशी पूंजी निवेश का विरोध है। इसलिए मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि इस बारे में आपको गंभीरता के साथ विचार करना होगा। आपके जो सहयोगी मित्र हैं, उनके साथ आपका क्या न्यूनतम साझा कार्यक्रम बना है, हम नहीं जानते, क्योंकि हम उसमें शामिल नहीं हैं। हमने अपना राष्ट्रीय धर्म समझकर कि इस देश में फिरकापरस्त, फसाद कराने वाले लोग, साम्प्रदायिक ताकतों को कहीं से लाभ न पहुंचे, इसलिए हमने स्वेच्छा से समर्थन करने का मन बनाया। लेकिन मुझे माफ कीजिए, हमारे समर्थन को समर्पण न समझा जाए, हमारे समर्थन को समर्थन ही समझा जाए। अगर हमारा समर्थन है तो गुण-दोष के आधार पर है। हम जरूर चाहेंगे कि विदेशी पूंजी निवेश के सिलसिले में आप गंभीरता के साथ विचार करें। आप नागरिक उड्डयन, टेलीकॉम और बीमा क्षेत्र में विदेशी पूजी निवेश की जो बात कर रहे हैं, मेरी आपसे दरखास्त है, फरियाद है, इल्तिजा है कि जब आप जवाब दें तो मेहरबानी करके इसे वापिस लेने का काम जरूर करें। यह निवेदन इसलिए करना चाहता हूं कि इसके उदाहरण हमारे सामने हैं। आप क्या समझते हैं कि जब हमारे देश में विदेशी पूंजी लगेगी तो क्या विदेशी तकनीक नहीं आएगी। यह सौ करोड़ आबादी से ज्यादा का देश खाली हाथ है। एक ही मंत्र याद रखने की जरूरत है। मैंने एक बार नहीं, कई बार इस सदन में कहा है कि जब तक कृषि पर आधारित बजट नहीं होगा तथा हमारे देश में श्रमप्रधान उद्योग नहीं होंगे, तब तक दुनिया की कोई ताकत हिन्दुस्तान के साथ इंसाफ नहीं कर सकती। यह बात लोगों को समझ में आनी चाहिए। मैं आपसे यही निवेदन करना चाहता हूं कि हमारे सामने जो पुराने अनुभव हैं, हमें उनसे सीख लेनी चाहिए। अगर हमारे देश में विदेशी पूंजी निवेश की बात होगी तो विदेशी तकनीक भी हमारे देश में आएगी और अगर हमारे देश में विदेशी तकनीक आएगी तो हमारे लोगों के हाथ से काम छिनेगा। क्या आपको इस बात की जानकारी नहीं है? क्या आप इतिहास से अनुभव नहीं लेना चाहते? ईस्ट इंडिया कम्पनी के लोग क्या हमारे ऊपर राज करने आए थे? वे व्यापार करने आए थे और व्यापार करते-करते इस देश के मालिक बन गए। चिदम्बरम साहब, आपको मालूम है कि हमने दाभोल विद्युत परियोजना को स्वीकृति दी थी और स्वीकृति के बाद जब बिजली बननी शुरू हुई तो दाभोल ने कहा कि हमारा बिजली का दाम सात रुपये प्रति यूनिट है, आपको खरीदनी है तो खरीदिए, नहीं खरीदनी तो मत खरीदिए। विदेशी पूंजी निवेश होगा तो वे हमारे ऊपर कोई मेहरबानी करने नहीं आएंगे, वे हमारे यहां से धन अर्जित करने आएंगे। हमें अपने संसाधनों पर भरोसा करना चाहिए। हमें कोशिश करनी चाहिए कि हम अपने पैरों पर खड़े हों। हमें प्रयास करना चाहिए कि हम आत्मनिर्भर बनें। आज आवश्यकता है कि अगर हम उसी दिशा में चार कदम चलें तो ज्यादा अच्छा है।
मैं आपके मार्फत निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि हमारे देश में सबसे अधिक रोजगार देने वाला क्षेत्र अगर कोई है तो वह कृषि है। ६०-६५ फीसदी लोग कृषि पर निर्भर करते हैं। मुझे बहुत तकलीफ के साथ कहना पड़ता है कि हमारे देश में कृषि की निरंतर उपेक्षा हुई है। अगर आप पंडित जवाहर लाल नेहरू के जमाने से लेकर अब तक का बजट उठाकर देखें तो हमारे देश में कृषि पर जितनी दौलत का आबंटन होना चाहिए था, उतनी दौलत का आबंटन नहीं हुआ। हम दुनिया के बाजार में पिट रहे हैं। दुनिया केबाजार में हम इसलिए पिट रहे हैं क्योंकि हमारी उपज दर विश्व के अन्य देशों की तुलना में कम है और उत्पादन लागत ज्यादा है। जब हम किसानों और खेती की बात करते हैं तो हमें याद रखना चाहिए कि अगर हमें विश्व स्पर्धा में ठहरना है तो अपनी उपज दर को बढ़ाना पड़ेगा और उत्पादन लागत को कम करना पड़ेगा। हमारे देश में बेतहाशा उत्पादन लागत हो रही है। आपको मालूम है कि आज स्थिति क्या है। ३४ मलियन टन गेहूं, चावल का हमने निर्यात किया। ३४ मलियन टन गेहूं, चावल का निर्यात करने पर हमें १६,००० करोड़ रुपये की सबसिडी देनी पड़ी। यह हम लोगों की स्थिति है। इसका क्या मतलब हुआ?बिना सब्सिडी के हम निजात नहीं कर पाए। जो उत्पादन लागत बढ़ोतरी का आधार है, सरकार उत्पादन लागत कम करने की दिशा में प्रयास करे। मैं समझता हूं इसकी सबसे बड़ी आवश्यकता है। समय की मर्यादा को मैं समझता हूं और हम चाहते हैं कि हमारी पार्टी के एक-दो सदस्य और बोल लें। खेती का प्राण अगर कोई चीज है तो वह सिंचाई है और सिंचाई पर जितना ध्यान दिया जाना चाहिए था, उतना ध्यान हमारे देश में नहीं दिया गया। आप विद्वान व्यक्ति हैं लेकिन अगर आपको मौका मिले तो आप पढ़ लीजिएगा।
पंडित जवाहर लाल नेहरू जी के जमाने में पहली पंचवर्षीय योजना के समय जो सिंचाई की तमाम परियोजनाएं स्वीकृत हुई थी, उनमें से कई परियोजनाएं ऐसी हैं जो आज तक पूरी नहीं हुई हैं। यह कहना बहुत आसान है कि हमने इतनी परियोजनाएं स्वीकृत कर दी लेकिन यदि उनको एक निश्चित समय में पूरा नही कर पाते तो हमारे ऐलान करने का कोई अर्थ नहीं है। बजट में आपने लगभग ३००० करोड़ रुपये के धन के प्रावधान की बात सिंचाई के लिए की है लेकिन मैं आपसे यह कहना चाहूंगा कि लम्बित सिंचाई की परियोजनाओं को पूरा करने के लिए अगर धन का प्रावधान करेंगे तो एक लाख करोड़ रुपये से ज्यादा की आवश्यकता हमें सिंचाई की परियोजनाओं को पूरा करने के लिए होगी । इसलिए हवा में उड़ने की जरूरत नहीं है। ज़मीन पर ही रहने की आवश्यकता है। जो आज परिस्थिति है, उस परिस्थिति का अगर हम मूल्यांकन करें तो आज स्थिति क्या है? सातवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में ११.११ मलियन हेक्टेअर सिंचाई क्षमता, आठवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में ५.१७ मलियन हेक्टेअर सिंचाई क्षमता, नौवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में ७.१२ मलियन हेक्टेअर सिंचाई क्षमता और चिदम्बरम साहब, दसवीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में १४ मलियन हेक्टेअर सिंचाई क्षमता पैदा करने का आपका उद्देश्य है। हम अपने उद्देश्य में पूरी तरह से सफल भी हो जाए तो मुझे माफ करिएगा, मैं यह कहना चाहूंगा कि हमारे देश में जो कुल भूमि है, उसमें से ३४ फीसदी भूमि को हम सिंचित कर पाएंगे। ६० फीसदी से ज्यादा भूमि असिंचित रह जाएगी। इसका जब तक हम लोग बंदोबस्त नहीं करेंगे, जब तक सिंचाई की समुचित व्यवस्था हमारे देश में नहीं होगी तो कैसे इस देश का कल्याण होगा और आज इस पर विचार करने की आवश्यकता है। लोक सभा में २१-०७-०३ को लगभग एक वर्ष पहले तारांकित प्रश्न संख्या १ का जवाब है और उसमें १५९ बृहद् और २४२ लघु सिंचाई की योजनाएं निर्माणाधीन हैं। ६० प्रतिशत से अधिक भूमि असिंचित है। सिंचाई परियोजनाओं का जाल बिछना जरूरी है और अगर आप पूरा आकलन करें तो लगभग ४०० सिंचाई की बड़ी परियोजनाएं ऐसी हैं जिन्हें पूरा करने की आवश्यकता है। अगर खेत को पानी नहीं मिलेगा तो जिस देश में जिसे आप किसान या भगवान कहते हैं, उसका कल्याण किसी भी कीमत पर नहीं हो सकता। अगर इस देश का किसान परेशान रहेगा तो पूरा देश परेशान रहेगा।
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude now.
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन : सभापति महोदय, मैं एक मिनट में अपनी बात समाप्त कर रहा हूं। देश की जो स्वास्थ्य व्यवस्था है, उसको हम बीमे के माध्यम से गरीबों तक पहुंचाना चाहते हैं। चिदम्बरम साहब, क्या आपका यह निर्णय अव्यावहारिक नहीं है? बीमे के मार्फत से आप गरीबों की चकित्सा की व्यवस्था कराइए। लेकिन जिस गरीब की मासिक आय ३२७ रुपए है, उससे आप क्या अपेक्षा करेंगे, उसके पास पैसा कहां से आएगा। इसलिए जब हम कोई चीज सोचें, उस पर विचार करें, तो हमारे सामने आम आदमी का नक्शा और शक्ल सामने होनी चाहिए कि उसकी क्या स्थिति है। इसलिए स्वास्थ्य बीमा योजना के बारे में गरीब तक पहुंच बनाने की बात जो आपने कही है, मैं अपेक्षा करूंगा कि इसको व्यावहारिक बनाने की आवश्यकता है।
देश में शिक्षा के नाम पर बजट में ५००० करोड़ रुपए की राशि उपकर के माध्यम से वसूलने की बात कही गई है। शिक्षा पर यह दौलत कैसे खर्च होगी, उसका कोई खुलासा नहीं किया गया है। मुझे लगता है सरकार की मंशा इस को कंसोलिडेटेड फंड में जमा करने की है। इसलिए मेरा निवेदन है कि आप शिक्षा के लिए अलग से फंड बनाएं। जिन मदों से शिक्षा पर दौलत खर्च होनी है, उस पर आपका नजरिया स्पष्ट होना चाहिए, क्योंकि आपका बजट इन सब सवालों पर मौन है। इसलिए मैं निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि आप मेहरबानी करके गम्भीरता से इन सब सवालों पर सोचें।
मैं समाजवादी पार्टी की ओर से एक बात फिर विनम्रता से कहना चाहता हूं। बजट की भाषा क्या है, लोगों ने क्या कहा, आप अर्थशास्त्री हैं, पहले यशवंत सिन्हा जी और जसवंत सिंह जी ने बजट पेश किए, इस बार आपने पेश किया है। समाजवादी पार्टी का द्ृष्टिकोण बहुत स्पष्ट है कि जब तक कृषि पर आधारित बजट नहीं बनेगा, श्रम पर आधारित उद्योग देश में नहीं बनाएंगे, उनको संरक्षण नहीं मिलेगा, तब तक इस देश का कल्याण नहीं हो सकता। महत्वपूर्ण यह नहीं है कि हमने बजट में क्या कहा, किस वर्ग के लिए कितने पैसे की व्यवस्था की है, महत्वपूर्ण यह है कि हमारे काम करने के तौर तरीके से हिन्दुस्तान के आम आदमी ने क्या यह एहसास किया कि ये लोग जो पहले राज में बैठे थे, इनसे बेहतर राज आप चला रहे हैं या नहीं । जब तक यह संदेश आप नहीं देंगे, मैं नहीं समझता सरकार परिवर्तन करने का कोई बहुत बड़ा मैसेज जनता में जा सकता है।
17.02 hrs. GENERAL BUDGET – 2004-05, GENERAL DISCUSSION– Contd.
DEMANDS FOR GRANTS ON ACCOUNT – GENERAL–2004-05,Contd.
AND DEMANDS FOR EXCESS GRANTS – GENERAL, 2001-02, Contd.
SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH (SRINAGAR): Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity. I rise to participate in the discussion on the Budget for the year 2004-05.
The hon. Finance Minister was very kind enough to mention my State, the State of Jammu and Kashmir, in his Budget Speech that he delivered to Parliament. I will confine my speech to some of the points that he made with regard to Jammu and Kashmir because the rest of the points, my colleagues have debated amply on the national provisions and the implications they have for the national economy.
The Finance Minister in his Speech allocated a sum, I believe, of Rs.300 crore to get the State of Jammu and Kashmir to switch over from the Overdraft facility of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to the Ways and Means facility of the RBI. This is something that the successive Central Governments have been very keen to do for a number of years now, perhaps, seeking further to erode the already eroded autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir. They have perhaps been uncomfortable with the fact that Jammu and Kashmir as a State is able to tide over its minor financial crisis without having to go and beg before the RBI. Minor financial shortcomings are met through Overdraft facilities with the Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
This time, the Finance Minister has made available a sum of money to get the State Government to switch over from the Overdraft facility to the Ways and Means of the RBI. He made a sum of Rs.300 crore available. But, much to my surprise, I later found out that the Rs.300 crore is actually to be deducted from the State Plan. So, the State, in effect, is going to have to pay for what. That, to my mind, is not to the benefit of the State Government. In fact, it only further erodes what little autonomy the State of Jammu and Kashmir is left with.
It is not only that. The money that the State Government proposes to raise from the Asian Development Bank is also to be cut from the State’s Plan size. If reports appearing in the State newspapers are correct, the State Government will be left with the Plan size of, perhaps, Rs.1500 crore or less. It is no wonder then that when the State Government was asked to react to the Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister here in Parliament, the Finance Minister of the State, who is an alliance partner of the current State Government – they were pre-poll allies – made a very damning indictment of the Finance Minister’s Budget when he said that the previous NDA Government was better than the current United Progressive Alliance.
Now, this is not an Opposition Member saying this. This is the Finance Minister, a member of the party that is in alliance with them both in the Centre and in the State. He himself says that the previous NDA Government was better than the current UPA Government.
Sir, the Finance Minister was kind enough to make money available for one power project, the Baglihar Power Project. This power project was started by the former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah during his last tenure as Chief Minister. This project was started in spite of much financial difficulty because it was felt that only through development and generation of hydro electricity would the State be able to be financially self-sufficient. It is only when we take advantage of the water resources that are available with us, we will be able to sell this power to the Northern Grid and to other grids and be able to earn some revenue for the State.
Jammu and Kashmir has been put at a disadvantageous position because of the Indus Water Treaty that was negotiated with Pakistan, unfortunately without any representation from the State of Jammu and Kashmir, without any consideration for the State of Jammu and Kashmir and without any consideration for what the Indus Water Treaty will mean for Jammu and Kashmir. The rivers of Punjab were kept with India, but the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir were handed over to Pakistan. What that means is that while Punjab can store water and use that water to generate electricity, Jammu and Kashmir was forced to make run-of-the-river projects. We cannot store the water that runs through our State. We have to let that water go to Pakistan. As a result of this, thousands of crores of rupees have been lost; not only have thousands of crores of rupees been lost, but we are also unable to adequately take advantage of the water resources.
The successive State Governments, the previous State Government and the current State Government, have time and again represented to the Government of India to adequately compensate the State of Jammu and Kashmir for the losses that we have suffered on account of the Indus Water Treaty. It is not an unfair request that we made. It was not a Treaty that we wanted. At a time when State Governments are unilaterally renegotiating water sharing agreements, at a time when State Governments are unilaterally stepping out of water sharing agreements, Jammu and Kashmir is bound by an agreement that it had no role in signing. Therefore, I request the hon. Finance Minister to make available an adequate sum of money to compensate the State of Jammu and Kashmir for the unfair and unjust Indus Water Treaty that has been signed, failing which I request this Government to kindly renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty so that, at least, two rivers are made available to Jammu and Kashmir and that we are able to store the water and use that water to generate hydro electricity.
Sir, money has been made available for one project. But unfortunately, perhaps, the Finance Minister is not aware that a few years ago, the then State Government headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of India at the time when the late Shri Rangarajan Kumaramangalam was the Power Minister and handed over, to my information, seven projects to the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) for development. We were promised that in a time-bound manner these seven projects would be taken up by the NHPC and power would be shared between the Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Nothing has happened on this MoU up-till now. Money has been made available for one project and we are grateful for that. But what about the other seven projects that we signed an MoU for? How long do we have to wait for money to be made available for these seven projects so that we can adequately take advantage of the hydro electricity generating capacity that we have?
The Finance Minister, in his speech, announced a one-year extension of tax concessions to be made available to the State of Jammu and Kashmir for industrial promotion and development. Mr. Chairman, Sir, when I was a member of the past Government, the NDA Government, in 1999 I came in as the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. We had, for a long time, been pressing for a package to be made available to the State of Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of the package of incentives that was announced for the North-Eastern States. When I became a Minister in 1999, I immediately set about working on such a package to be made available to Jammu and Kashmir. It took me a few years, but finally a package of incentives, similar to the package that was announced to the North-Eastern States, was notified for Jammu and Kashmir. The package was an immediate success. We started having investment enquiries. A number of large and medium Indian and foreign concerns came about making enquiries to invest in Jammu and Kashmir. Some identified lands, some even occupied land and some companies – I can name them even – went as far as to place orders for steel, bricks and other facilities to start constructing their factories.
To my surprise, Mr. Chairman, Sir, within a year, for reasons best known to the NDA Government, the same package of incentives was notified for Uttranchal and Himachal Pradesh perhaps on political considerations. The package of incentives was made available to Jammu & Kashmir because of the terrain problems, because of the problems with militancy, because of the problem with terrorism and because the problem of unemployment is so heinously taken advantage of by people who want to exploit the sentiments in the State and further the cause of terrorism.
When I asked for this package to be made available to Jammu & Kashmir, I was told that we would have to have a three-year cooling period so that the package would be made available to the North-East, and that three or four years later it would be notified for J&K so that there is no exodus of investment from the North-East to Jammu & Kashmir. Why then was the same proposal not made for Jammu & Kashmir? Why was this package for Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal not delayed for three to four years so that the investment in Jammu & Kashmir could settle in before this package was made available to neighbouring States? The neighbouring States do not face terrorism. They are more than adequately well connected to New Delhi. There is already investment flowing in. Now, the hon. Finance Minister announces one year’s tax benefit whereas the previous package has allowed for ten years’ tax benefit. I would be grateful if the hon. Finance Minister could re-look at this entire problem.
The problem of unemployment is a pressing problem in Jammu & Kashmir. We have signed an MoU with the State Government that prohibits us from making any further recruitment into Government services. This Agreement was signed by the past National Conference Government. That Agreement was renewed by the current Congress-PDP combine Government. That Agreement does not allow us any further Government recruitment. All we can do is private sector employment, and without an adequate package of incentives that will not be possible.
We are not asking for a rail coach factory. We are not asking for a rail wheel factory and other factories that come about on political considerations. We are asking for our right. We are asking for what is due. We are asking for what is justified and, I am sure, the Finance Minister will give a patient hearing to my demand.
Mr. Chairman Sir, the Finance Minister, in his speech, mentioned a number of airports that are being taken up for modernisation. It may please the Finance Minister to know that in May of last year, the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited my constituency, Srinagar. During the visit to my constituency he laid the foundation stone for an expansion and modernisation programme for Srinagar Airport. Srinagar Airport is the only civil airport in the Valley. It is the only airport that caters to a large population. This airport was to be modernised and made to international standards.
Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman Sir, more than a year has passed since the foundation stone was laid by the then Prime Minister, and but for a minor expansion in the size of the tarmac of Srinagar Airport, no work there has happened whatsoever. This was supposed to involve the expansion of the tarmac, a new terminal, aero-bridges and the airport was to be made to international standards, but there has been no progress on this whatsoever. I would humbly request the hon. Finance Minister that in the list of airports that he is proposing to modernise and improve, the airport in Srinagar, which is an ongoing project on paper, initiated by the past Government, be also taken up in this list of airports so that Srinagar also receives an airport of international standards.
The airport that is currently there was built during my grandfather’s time, perhaps when Shrimati Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, and the Finance Minister will appreciate that this airport is long overdue for expansion and modernisation.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, what the Finance Minister’s Budget means for this nation, only time will tell. How much his education cess will actually be spent on education, we will have to wait to see. How much of the 29 per cent or so or whatever per cent increase in Defence Budget that has been made available is actually spent on Defence, only time will tell. But as a Member of Parliament, representing the J&K State, all I can say is that once again the State of Jammu & Kashmir has been paid a lip service in announcements at the Centre. What sounds very good in words, translates very poorly into action.
I would request the hon. Finance Minister most humbly to take note of the concerns that I have raised, the points that I have raised. Please do justice to the people of Jammu & Kashmir because of what they deserve, because of the sufferings they have gone through, because of the promises that have been made to them and not yet fulfilled. I am sure the Finance Minister will not let us down this time.
श्री नरेन्द्र कुमार कुशवाहा (मिर्ज़ापुर) : सभापति जी, मैं वर्तमान बजट का सम्मान और समर्थन करते हुये कहना चाहता हूं कि यह हिन्दुस्तान सोने की चड़िया रहा है जहां की वसुन्धरा की व्यवस्था और नीति बनाकर देश को संचालित कर चौखम्भे तरीके से विकसित करना है तो जमीनी तौर पर जहां आदिवासी, वनवासी किसान किस्म के लोग रहते हैं जिनके लिये न सड़कें हैं, न पानी है और न रहने के लिये आवास की व्यवस्था है, वे सारे झंझावातों को सहकर जंगली जीवन-यापन करते हैं लेकिन उनके विकास के लिये इस बजट में कोई योजना नहीं है। जो योजना अनुसूचित जाति और अनुसूचित जनजाति के लिये बनी हैं, उसमें क्रमश:११४६ करोड़ रुपये और ११८० करोड़ रुपये का प्राक्कलन तैयार किया गया है। यह प्रावधान उन लोगों की आबादी के अनुपात में निश्चित रूप से बहुत ही कम है। इसलिये इस दिशा में बहुजन समाज पार्टी इस बजट प्रस्ताव का विरोध करती है और इस मामले में अपनी आपत्ति दर्ज करती है।
सभापति महोदय, मैं एक नया सदस्य चुनकर आया हूं। मैं केवल बजट सत्र में बजट से संबंधित बातें ही नहीं रखना चाहता बल्कि मेरे क्षेत्र में सामन्ती लोगो ने सैंकड़ों घरों को उजाड़कर बस्तियों को जला दिया है। प्रदेश सरकार और वहां के प्रमुख अधिकारी एस.डी.एम. मौजूद खड़े बस्ती को जलते देखते रहे। यह मेरे संसदीय क्षेत्र मिर्जापुर के लालगंज क्षेत्र का हिस्सा है। मेरे इस सवाल को वहां सुनने वाला कोई नहीं है। आये दिन हत्यायें हो रही हैं, लॉ एंड ऑर्डर नाम की कोई चीज नहीं रह गई है…( व्यवधान)मैं बजट भाषण में इस बात का उल्लेख करना चाहता हूं। यह सदन किसानों के बल पर बना हुआ है लेकिन वह खुद बेरोज़गार है, किसान का बेटा बेरोज़गार है जिसे किसी प्रकार से शिक्षा नहीं मिलती है जिसे मौका नहीं मिलता कि वह अपने चरित्र और प्रतिभा का विकास कर सके। मैं आज इस सदन के बीच सभी माननीय सदस्यों से कहना चाहता हूं कि किसानों को जो सब्सिडी दी जा रही है, वह बिलकुल नाज़ायज है। यह केवल दिखावा मात्र है। मैं बजट सत्र के माध्यम से कहना चाहता हूं कि यदि आप किसानों को कुछ मुहैय्या करा सकते हैं तो निश्चित रूप से इस सदन के सर्व समाज के लोगों से कहना चाहता हूं कि उसे यह कार्य करना चाहिये । हिन्दुस्तान एक कृषि प्रधान देश है। किसानों को दुनियाभर में मंडी मुहैय्या करायें जिससे किसान अपना गेहूं, धान, आलू, प्याज आदि बेचना चाहे तो उसे उसका उचित मूल्य मिल सके। वह अपनी उपज का स्वयं मूल्याकंन नहीं कर पाता है। क्या इस दिशा में किसान का उत्थान संभव है?
सभापति जी, मैं आपके माध्यम से माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी और प्रधानमंत्री जी से प्रार्थना करना चाहता हूं कि इस बजट के माध्यम से ऐसी कोई व्यवस्था लागू करें जिससे किसान को दुनियाभर में मार्किट मुहैय्या हो सके। हमारे देश का धनिया आस्ट्रेलिया में २५० रुपये पाव बिकता है लेकिन उसका भाव यहां २-३ रुपये प्रति किलो रहता है। बड़े लोग उसे खरीद कर विदेशों को एक्सपोर्ट करते हैं। इस दिशा में देश के किसानों के लिये एक ऐसी नीति बननी चाहिये जो किसानों के हित में हो। दलितो के वर्तमान बजट में जो योजना बनाई गई है, वह आंशिक है। इस दिशा में बढ़ोत्तरी लाई जाये।
इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM (KRISHNAGIRI): Mr. Chairman, Sir, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to speak on the General Budget. Having been elected to Lok Sabha for the first time, this is my maiden speech. My thanks go to Dr. Kalaignar, my leader and a senior statesman of India, who has chosen me to contest the election and who has proved that an ordinary man like me also can become a Member of this august House, as well as the untiring, dynamic leader of the young generation in Tamil Nadu, the Jupiter of Tamils, Thalapathi M.K. Stalin.
Next, I should thank the voters of Tamil Nadu in general and the voters of Krishnagiri Constituency in particular from where I have been elected. I feel very much privileged to be a Member of this House in which late lamented Murasoli Maran had adorned.
I also thank Annai Soniaji and our Prime Minister Manmohanji on this occasion. I congratulate our hon. Finance Minister Thiru Chidambaram for his agro-oriented Budget. I stand to support the first Budget of the United Progressive Alliance Government.
First of all, I welcome the announcement regarding the setting up of the desalination plant at Chennai with a cost of Rs. 1,000 crore. The first desalination project was set up in Tamil Nadu during the DMK rule headed by Dr. Kalaignar. I request that adequate funds should be allotted for the completion of this project on priority basis so that the acute water shortage prevalent in Chennai can be solved.
Handloom and Textile industry is one of the core industries in Tamil Nadu. Lakhs of workers are engaged in handloom and power loom. The Central Value Added Tax imposed previously struck a bolt on this industry. I, on behalf of my leader, my Party and also on behalf of myself, place on record the appreciation for the abolition of CENVAT on handloom as well as in power loom. But again our leader, Dr. Kalaignar was the first person who was against the imposition of CENVAT and demanded its abolition.
The liberal allocation for education and health sector is a welcome one. The allocation under the Indira Awas Yojana should be increased and should be ensured that every family gets one house at least in the rural areas.
Turning to the agricultural sector, due to concessions, the price of tractor has been reduced considerably and even the poor farmers can now afford to purchase it. Liberal agricultural credit would definitely boost this neglected sector but I would like to mention here that the agricultural workers and small farmers remain unemployed during off-season and they are unable to carry on their livelihood. I demand that a special scheme for employment of agricultural workers and farmers during their off-season should be included and in case if it is not possible, they should be given liberal off-season allowance to assist them. In our country, where agriculture is the major revenue earner, it is a matter of shame that for purchasing a tractor on loan, so many formalities have to be completed and that too, with high cost of interest whereas for purchasing a passenger car only minimum documents are required and loan is given at low interest. Rs. One lakh concession to Income tax assessees is a welcome decision.
The Sethu Samuthiram project in Tamil Nadu is a long awaited one and the Minister of Finance has assured that it would be taken up soon. I demand that the project should be taken up immediately and adequate funds should be allotted for its early completion.
Our Party leader, Dr. Kalaignar has been demanding the linking of inter-State rivers for the last many years. In fact, he envisaged this project many decades ago that this only would meet the needs of drinking water and irrigation purposes on a long time basis in the parched States.
I demand that this project should be undertaken on urgent basis so as to bring the unutilised water to the scarce States from the perennial rivers.
Now, I like to turn to my constituency. Hosur town in my constituency is a commercial centre and has many tiny industrial units. But it has no adequate infrastructure facilities. I urge upon the Central Government to take necessary action to set up an IT park. A Software Technology Park here would meet the needs of these industrial units and it should be set up immediately with Central assistance. Fruits, vegetable and flowers are growing in plenty in my constituency, but there is no processing unit to process and export the products.
Being perishable in nature, they cannot be put to worthwhile use. So, a food processing unit should be set up by the Central Government to exploit the availability of fruits, especially mangoes and roses so that they can earn considerable revenue through export.
Another important item grown in large quantity is tamarind. A Tamarind Research Centre should be set up here to boost the growth of tamarind.
Sir, there is an acute drinking water shortage in my constituency. The Hoganekal Drinking Water Project was to be set up with the Japanese assistance, and a blueprint was laid down when Dr. Kalaignar was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. But the successor Government has not taken any step in this regard. I demand the revival of the project at the earliest by allocating adequate funds so as to solve the drinking water problem in my constituency.
Even though it is a discussion on the General Budget, I have to thank the hon. Minister of Railways, Thiru Laluji and Thiru Velu for the announcement in the Railway Budget to review the new railway route between Jolarpettai and Hosur via Krishnagiri. Several lakhs of people will benefit by this scheme.
Sir, I know the time constraint on this discussion. Our United Progressive Alliance is committed to the welfare of the common man, and I appreciate this Government for including the schemes contained in the Common Minimum Programme.
I also demand a package for the debt-ridden Tamil Nadu farmers who depend on Cauvery water for irrigation purposes. My thanks also go to the hon. Prime Minister and Annai Soniaji for declaring Tamil as a classical language, the issue which was untouched and ignored by the previous Governments. In the election manifesto of the DMK and during the election campaign, our leader, Dr. Kalaignar had promised the people of Tamil Nadu that if the United Progressive Alliance comes to power, Tamil language will be declared as a classical language. His promise and request has been acknowledged both by the people and by the UPA Governments.
MR. CHAIRMAN : You should have spoken in Tamil. Why should you read it?
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM : I once again thank my leader Dr. Kalaignar and Thalapathi Stalin. On this occasion, I remember my beloved leader, Murasoli Maran who has been my inspiration, and it would be a fitting memento if his statue were erected in this august House.
I would like to quote a couplet from the classic Thirukkural written by Ayyan Thiruvalluvar 2000 years ago.
"ITHANAI ITHANAAL IVANMUDIKKUM ENTAINTHU ATHANAI AVANKAN VIDAL"It means, ‘select a person with appropriate means to tackle the jobs and entrust it for efficient management.’ The nation has selected the right persons and entrusted them with right job and we can expect efficient management from them.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Member, you should come prepared. Since it was your maiden speech, you were allowed to read. Hereafter, make it a point that you can either speak in Tamil or you may come prepared without reading from the written speech.
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM : Sir, this was my maiden speech.
SHRI S. BANGARAPPA (SHIMOGA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to oppose the Budget presented by the hon. Minister of Finance, my good friend, Chidambaramji.
The economy of our country has on many occasions been volatile and vibrant but it found its firm foundation during the rule of the NDA Government under the leadership of Vajpayeeji. I, in support of this statement, would like to quote certain statistics from ‘The Economic Survey, 2003-2004’ presented by the Government to this august House.
It has never been heard in the past history that during such a short span of time the economy of this country, in fact, grew at 8.2 per cent. During this period, agriculture grew by 9.1 per cent, industry by 6.9 per cent, and services by 8.4 per cent. The inflation rate would usually hover around five per cent to seven per cent but the average percentage of inflation during this period was 5.5 per cent despite pressure from rise in oil prices and things like that. Before the elections we were told that the foreign exchange reserves were $ 109 billion but it had actually touched $ 119.3 billion, a fantastic growth. These are not statistics that I am giving on my own these are Government statistics that appear in ‘The Economic Survey, 2003-2004’. These figures actually relate to the time when we had the NDA Government under Vajpayeeji. It is not that I have said this for the first time but this has been said by the IMF, the World Bank and even advanced countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America and other European countries that there has been a good amount of development that has taken place in our country.
During this period, the combined Centre-State fiscal deficit dipped to 10.1 per cent, which is unheard of in the economic history of this country. The food grain production touched 210.8 million tonnes as against 174.2 million tonnes in the previous year. Coming to Kisan Credit Cards, 114 lakh credit cards were issued during this period compared to 6.1 lakh in 1999.
We have to sustain all these developments like the growth in the GDP rate. We have to keep in mind that we have to sustain the GDP growth at 7.8 per cent and find out how to do that. You would have to keep the inflation rate around five per cent. You should also aim at pushing agriculture growth through diversification and agro-processing. This is very important since our economy is first an agricultural economy. After that comes our industrial economy, as all of us are well aware. Then, the industrial growth at ten per cent is to push employment. That you have to keep in mind. The other important aspect of fiscal management is controlling fiscal deficit – cutting government expenses and increasing revenue. In fact, for all these things, you have touched upon the inflow of the FDI in many sectors. As far as Telecom sector is concerned, you have gone up to 74 per cent from 49 per cent and as far as Civil Aviation and Insurance sectors are concerned, it has been raised to 49 per cent. Therefore, what I feel is that unless you maintain the FDI matter in a perfect perception, you will not see the growth rate of the economy at the point which you have now fixed in your Budget Speech. So, in the case of Telecom sector, the FDI limit was increased to 74 per cent from 49 per cent. As far as Civil Aviation Sector is concerned, it has been raised to 49 per cent from 40 per cent, and as far as Insurance sector is concerned, it has been raised to 49 per cent from 26 per cent. Like this it goes on. Now, wherefrom will you get money to manage this fiscal deficit? The hon. Minister of Finance is banking upon 24 per cent hike in tax revenue. But whether he will be able to collect this money to meet the demand of the fiscal deficit is also a question. I have my own doubt about all these things.
Now, you have not touched upon in your Budget speech the impact of the several agreements entered into by our Government with other Governments under WTO. If we go through the Budget Speech of the hon. Minister of Finance, we find that you have not reached an area where our thinking will have to be internationalised. It may be about the quality of the items that we produce along with quantum. For that, we have to impart training to our people. That is very important. In fact, you have not touched upon this thing in your Budget speech. If you do not do that, then how will you manage to cope with the demand under each of the agreements under WTO? Therefore, I am appealing to the hon. Minister that when he replies, he should come out as to where exactly we stand as far as these issues like agriculture sector, excise sector, industrial sector, fertiliser sector, etc are concerned. A number of agreements are also there under WTO. Though I have got many of the details yet owing to paucity of time I am not going into all these things. But the point is, you please come out as to where exactly our country stands because a lot of things have been said in previous years also.
Now, you have increased the tax on steel. That is going to touch the common man. Many of the hon. Members have also said about this aspect. So, I hope while giving your reply, you will keep this aspect also in your mind.
Then, for a sustained higher economic growth, you will have to take many measures to cut the worrying fiscal deficit. But you have not come out with that. So, sustainability in many of the areas will have to be there.
Actually, I find in the Budget Speech that you lack in your approach boldly in the matter of reforms and in many areas it was fairly disappointing. .
Fiscal management and revenue deficits are the matters that are to be kept in mind. But if you just look at all these things, I find that your speech is almost like an oasis in a concrete jungle. You have just created a huge thing in the minds of the common man that certainly you are going to give or create an oasis; but do not forget that there is a concrete jungle.
As far as the agriculture of this country is concerned, actually the agriculturist is called the backbone, a strong man of this country. But he is tired of being called a strong backbone of the agricultural economy of this country. He is tired of being called a strong man. Therefore, I appeal to you that you actually make him really feel strong by making a lot of allocations. I know that you have said in your speech that you have gone up to 30 per cent in excess when compared to previous years. That itself is highly insufficient. Hard decisions come actually from resolute minds. But I find it very much absent here in your Budget speech. That resolute mind is required to tackle all these things.
In the matter of investment sector, actually we would like to have assistance in the form of FDI. But where exactly is the resource generation well within ourselves, in our country? On that part, I think, you will have to come out with all the details. I am offering this only as my suggestion on this.
Coming to the other sectors like conservation of water etc., you have said in your speech about water conservation by ponds and wells and something like that. But you are forgetting one thing there about the difficulties like floods in certain areas. You take the example of this year itself. States like Assam and Bihar are highly flooded. The flooding there is on account of cloudburst and this is continuing, whereas in other areas there are heavy drought conditions. You have set apart some money for this. I do not say that money should not be set apart for conservation of water in all these ponds and wells and something like that. But if you see the past records concerning all the areas of the country for many years these tubewells and bore wells are dug in a very very loose manner and too deep. In almost all the areas that has completely eaten away the groundwater table. Even if you have spent money on ponds and wells and something on these tubewells, borewells, etc., they will just eat away all the water tables.
I request you to please think over it. Let us think of bringing certain legislation. This is my suggestion only. There should be legislative control over digging of bore wells also in our country so as to see that the water table and moisture in the soil is very much conserved. You have not touched that part in your speech.
I will now come to the point of bringing up the rural economy. What I feel is that apart from the credit facility etc. that you are trying to extend to the farming communities in many of the areas where drought conditions are very heavy in these areas, sometimes this money is wasted also. You have to come to know of it. How to control that? How to give the benefit to the farming communities of these areas? That has to be kept in mind. These are all matters that have to be kept in mind and we have to sit together and by exchange of views also we will have to come to a conclusion. That is not that easy.
Your Government is completely depending upon the support of the Left parties. You take up the matter of FDI increase. I just now heard our Samajvadi friend saying that FDI should not go to 74 per cent or something like that. I do not know what advice our Left Parties will give to you while coming up with this legislation.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Bangrappa, please conclude.
SHRI S. BANGARAPPA : Therefore, I would now give only one suggestion. The Left Parties are actually harping on your pound of flesh. I know that and you also know that. I would say that managing with the Left Parties, who are almost the coalition partners – though they have not joined the Government, they are extending full support to the Government from outside – is quite important, but if you just yield to the pressure tactics of the Left Parties, where will you be landed in managing all these things, if we see their threat? I am giving you a hint only. Side by side, when you bring up a legislation for passing in this House, our Samajwadi Party friends will also certainly fall upon you. You take it from me.
There are many other things. I do not want to go into the details.
श्री पवन कुमार बंसल (चण्डीगढ़) : सभापति महोदय, उस तरफ से कुछ सदस्यों को बोलते हुए मैं सुन रहा था, तो मुझे थोड़ा आश्चर्य जरूर हुआ। श्री मल्होत्रा जी ने एक तरफ संज्ञा पर संज्ञा लगा दी कि यह बजट ऐसा है, गरीब विरोधी है, लोग विरोधी है औऱ दूसरी तरफ उन्होंने यह कह दिया कि इसमें नया कुछ नहीं है। यह तो हमारा ही बजट है।
17.47 hrs. (Shri Arjun Sethi in the Chair) मैं नहीं जानता कि आज तक वह पिछले वर्षों में क्या करते रहे ? सचमुच मुझे तो यह भी महसूस हुआ कि उनकी जो प्रतक्रिया है, वह क्या इस बजट के लिए है ? नहीं, सही मायने में उनकी प्रतक्रिया अपने छ: बजटों के लिए थी क्योंकि उस वक्त जो हालात गरीब किसान के इस देश में हुए, उससे हम सभी वाकिफ हैं। जो सुधार आर्थिक व्यवस्था में लाये गये, उनकी शुरुआत कांग्रेस ने की थी। कांग्रेस जानती थी कि जब हमारी आर्थिक व्यवस्था का एक स्तर ऐसा पहुंच जायेगा जहां से सरकार आहिस्ता-आहिस्ता पीछे हट सकती है और उद्यमियों को आगे किया जा सकता है तो उसमें कोई बुराई नहीं। लेकिन साथ ही साथ कांग्रेस ने हर वक्त अपनी जिम्मेदारी महसूस की है।
जब हमने देखा कि पिछले छ: वर्षों में उस नीति में कुरीति आ गयी तो हमने उसे सुधारने की कोशिश इस बजट में की है। This has rightly been termed as an innovative, a progressive and growth-oriented Budget. विकास की दर का अगर हम हिसाब लगायें तो एक वर्ष छ: वर्ष नहीं होते। As one quarter does not make a year, one year does not make six years. The Congress, as has been promised by the hon. Finance Minister, has the target of sustained development of seven to eight per cent and we know how to achieve it. I was hearing Shri Bangrappa talking of a resolute mind. Where else could you have it other than the Congress? कहां से तरक्की हुई है आज तक--आप किसी चीज पर नजर दौड़ाकर देखिये। मैं आपको ज्यादा आंकड़ों में नहीं ले जाना चाहता लेकिन क्या यह सत्य नहीं कि वर्ष १९९८-९९ में सरकार का ऋण जीडीपी का ५१.२ परसेंट था जो वर्ष २००३-०४ में बढ़कर ६४.४ परसेंट हो गया। राजस्व घाटा ४ परसेंट था। इन्होंने इस बात को देखकर ऐलान किया कि हम क्या-क्या अपने कार्यक्रम कार्यान्वित करेंगे जिससे वह कम होकर इस वर्ष २.५ परसेंट हो जायेगा।
आपने"फिस्कल रिस्पौंसीबलिटी एंड बजट मैनेजमैंट एक्ट" बना दिया। हमने उसका समर्थन किया। हम जानते थे कि अगर हमारा समय आए, जैसे अभी आया है, हमें कुछ जिम्मेदारियां निभानी होंगी। लेकिन उसमें एक लक्ष्य २००७-२००८ का तय हुआ था, उसके लिए काम नहीं हुआ। यही देखते हुए वित्त मंत्री जी ने अगर उसको एक साल के लिए बढ़ाया है तो उस पर टिप्पणी करने की जरूरत नहीं है बल्कि समझने की जरूरत है कि एक-एक चीज में बिल्कुल विस्तार से ऐनालेसिज़ किया गया है और उसके बाद इस फैसले पर पहुंचे हैं कि जो जिम्मेदारी लेंगे, उसको निभाएंगे।
कई जगह सुनने में आया है, जैसे घिसी-पिटी बात को बार-बार दोहराया जाए, सुई कहीं अटक जाए, इसमें नया क्या है, क्या किया है। क्या आपको नजर नहीं आता कि जिस बात को आपने आज तक नजरअंदाज किए रखा, उसकी तरफ ध्यान दिया गया है। मुझसे पहले यह बात बखूबी के साथ कही गई है कि पानी को ऊपर लाने के लिए कितना पैसा खर्च होता है। सचमुच यह पहली बार हुआ है कि जितनी जगह हमारे टैंक गांव-गांव में पड़े हैं, उनका इस्तेमाल नहीं हुआ बल्कि वे गंदगी की एक जगह बन गए हैं। उनको फिर क्यों न अपने ऐग्रीकल्चर के लिए इस्तेमाल करें। यह एक कदम है। It is an ambitious project, but at the same time a realistic one.
मुझे एक जगह यह जानकर भी आश्चर्य हुआ जैसे यहां जिक्र किया गया कि किसान के लिए जो भी इम्प्लीमैंट्स होते हैं, उन पर अगर एक्साइज़ डयूटी हटाई गई तो उसे हास्यास्पद बात बनाई गई। क्या आप नहीं जानते कि आज के दिन भी देश के छोटे-छोटे गांवों में, छोटे-छोटे कस्बों में किसान अपना जो सामान खरीदता है, वह यहां का बना हुआ होता है, बाहर का नहीं होता। अजीब सी बात सुनने में आई है। उसका क्या फायदा होगा? आपके ज़हन में यह बात इसलिए नहीं जा सकती क्योंकि आपने उनके लिए कभी सोचा ही नहीं। आपके दिमाग में यह बात नहीं आई कि हिन्दुस्तान में ८० फीसदी लोग वे बसते हैं जो बहुत कम चीजों पर जीते हैं। हम जो नीति पहले लेकर गए थे, अगर आज उसका जिक्र करते हैं, देश ने बहुत आगे बढ़ना है, अगर उसके लिए बाहर से थोड़े निवेश की जरूरत पड़े, कुछ क्षेत्र ऐसे हैं जिन पर अगर हम बाहर से पैसा लगा दें, देश में तरक्की हो, लोगों को रोजगार मिले, यह नहीं कि अगर हम ग्रोथ की बात करते हैं लेकिन लोगों को रोजगार नहीं मिले तो ठीक नहीं होगा। अगर हम रोजगार के लिए आगे बढ़ें, ग्रोथ रोजगार के लिए हो, तो उस पर भी आपको ऐतराज है। क्यों? क्या जिम्मेदारी सिर्फ इतने में बदल गई कि आप दूसरी तरफ चले गए? सरकार को बने हुए अभी कुछ महीने भी नहीं हुए। बार-बार आगे आकर एक-एक बात पर ऐतराज करना शुरू हो गया। क्या समझते हैं कि इस सरकार के पास जादू की छड़ी है कि सात साल में जो आर्थिक व्यवस्था बिगाड़ दी गई थी, वह एकदम चुटकी में ठीक हो जाएगी। कांग्रेस ने पहले किया था। १९७७ में रोलिंग प्लान बना था। क्या मतलब था रोलिंग प्लान का? भारतीय जनता पार्टी जो उस समय दूसरे नाम से थी, उसमें शरीक थी। रोलिंग प्लान का क्या मतलब था--नो प्लान। कोई योजना बनाने की जरूरत नहीं है। पांच वर्षीय योजनाएं जो बड़े सोच-समझकर की गई थीं, उनको भी समाप्त करना चाहते थे। लेकिन जब कांग्रेस वापिस आई, वह आर्थिक व्यवस्था को फिर पटरी पर ले आई और आगे बढ़ी। बीच में ऐसा समय आता है, जम्हूरियत में होता है। मैं उस पर ज्यादा टिप्पणी नहीं करना चाहता। हम अपनी-अपनी जिम्मेदारी के मुताबिक अपना-अपना रोल अदा करते हैं। लेकिन आज बहुत कम समय में यह जानते हुए कि इस चीज को समझने की कोशिश करने के बाद कि पिछले समय में क्या हुआ, आर्थिक व्यवस्था को फिर से पटरी पर कैसे लाना है। एक गरीब इंसान के साइड से आपके रिफाम्र्स निकल गए। Your reforms have bypassed an ordinary man, a common man of the country. इसलिए हम जिक्र करते हैं कि एक मानवीय चेहरे के साथ हम यह सुधार लाए हैं। इससे एक-एक इंसान को फायदा होगा। आप पढ़ नहीं रहे हैं, सुन नहीं रहे हैं कि क्या नया है। वित्त मंत्री जी ने कहा कि इसके बाद एकदम नया विधेयक लाया जायेगा जिससे सरकार अपने जिम्मे लेगी, यह अनिवार्य होगा कि देश का एक-एक आदमी, जो गरीब है, उसको कम से कम सौ दिन के लिए न्यूनतम वेजेज पर काम मिलेगा। क्या यह छोटी बात है ? एक क्रांतिकारी कदम है। इसको समझने की जरूरत है। सरकार ने अपनी जिम्मेदारी समझी है और साथ-साथ यह कहा है कि जो निवेश हमारे कृषि पर होगा, वह तीन सालों में दुगुना हो जाएगा क्योंकि आज उसकी जरूरत महसूस हुई है। ठीक है, हमें इंडस्टि्रयलाइजेशन की तरफ जाना है लेकिन जब तक हम अपनी कृषि की तरफ ध्यान नहीं देंगे, उसमें अच्छा सुधार नहीं लाएंगे तब तक देश आगे नहीं बढ़ सकता।
पहली बार एक और बड़ा कदम उठाया गया है। बहुत समय से हमारा पब्लिक डिस्ट्रीब्यूशन सिस्टम, हम सब कहते रहे हैं, उससे पहले कांग्रेस भी सरकार में थी। मैं यह नही कहता कि उस वक्त ठीक था। लेकिन आपने उसको तोड़-मरोड़ दिया। आपने नयी व्याख्या ला दी। वह गलत नहीं था। आपने नयी व्याख्या ला दी कि बिल्कुल गरीब से गरीब लोगों के लिए कुछ किया जाए लेकिन आपने परिभाषा क्या बना दी कि अगर आपके घर में यदि एक पंखा भी है तो आप गरीबी की रेखा से ऊपर हैं। अगर साइकिल भी है तो आप गरीब नहीं हैं। आप अमीर है और आपको उसका फायदा नहीं मिलेगा और नतीजा क्या हुआ ? विडम्बना हुई कि हमारे अन्न के भंडार तो भरे पड़े हैं। उस नीति के कारण जो श्रीमती इंदिरा गांधी जी ने चलाई थी कि When Johnson was giving a short shrift to the country, उस वक्त उन्होंने अपनी खुद्दारी के साथ ग्रीन रिवॉल्यूशन की बात की थी। लेकिन गरीब इंसान पेट भरने के लिए ही रात-दिन मेहनत करता है। इसलिए एक कदम पायलट प्रोजेक्ट लिया गया है । पहली बार सचमुच लोगों को फायदा मिलेगा । फूड stamps का प्रावधान किया गया है कि व्यक्ति को फूड stamps मिलेंगे और वह कहीं से भी जाकर अपना सामान ले सकता है। क्या इस बात की प्रशंसा नहीं होनी चाहिए थी ?
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO (KALAHANDI): It is being implemented in only one district.
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL : It is a pilot project.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : It is a pilot project.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: It has to start somewhere. There is a Chinese proverb which says, "Even if you want to walk a thousand miles, you have to take the first step somewhere’. Please read the Budget Speech.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : I hope, it will continue.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: If it succeeds, it will continue. It is only an experiment.
श्री पवन कुमार बंसल : रिजॉल्यूट माइन्ड की बात हुई थी। आत्म-विश्वास से कहूंगा।
सभापति महोदय : बंसल जी, आपका समय अब समाप्त हो गया।
श्री पवन कुमार बंसल : सभापति जी, मैं अब समाप्त ही करूंगा। मैं बोलना भी पीछे चाह रहा था। मैं ज्यादा बोलना भी नहीं चाहूंगा। हमारे और साथियों ने भी अभी बोलना है। मैं सिर्फ एक-दो बातों का जिक्र करना चाहता हूं। पहली बार जिक्र हुआ है कि पीने का पानी सभी को दिया जाए। श्री राजीव गांधी जी ने उस वक्त technology मिशन इस पर बनाया था। काम इस पर होना शुरू हुआ था। उसके बाद कहां गया?उस वक्त आवास योजनाओं के लिए सोचा जा रहा था। यहां मेरे से पहले भारतीय जनता पार्टी के वरिष्ठ सदस्य की तरफ से कहा जा रहा था। सब स्कीमों के नाम बदल दिये। फिर अतीत की तरफ जाइए। आप देखिए कि कौन-कौन सी परियोजना किस वक्त शुरू हुई ? क्या-क्या काम ६ वर्षों में हुआ ? सिर्फ नाम बदले गये और उसके अलावा कुछ नहीं। मैं उस बात को यहीं छोड़ता हूं। मैं उस बात पर फिर आता हूं कि इस वक्त हमने संकल्प किया है कि पीने का पानी सभी को मिलेगा, बिजली का इन्तजाम सभी के लिए होगा और आवास योजनाएं ज्यादा बनाई जाएंगी। पिछले पांच वर्षों में क्या हुआ था ? मैं जिस जगह से आता हूं, मैंने वहां देखा। लोग हिन्दुस्तान में एक जगह से आकर दूसरी जगह कहीं भी बस सकते हैं। इन्होंने कहा कि गरीबी उन्मूलन का तरीका सिर्फ एक है। अगर लोग झुग्गी-झोंपड़ियों में बैठे हैं तो उनको उठाकर गिरा दीजिए, उनको वहां से निकाल दीजिए, बुलडोजर आए और उनको अपनी चपेट में लेकर खत्म कर दिये । यह समाधान उनके पास था। नहीं सोचा कि उनके लिए कुछ करना है। बैंकों के लोन दिये जा सकते थे। रेट ऑफ इंटरेस्ट कम करने की बात करते हैं। लेकिन किसके लिए ? उनके लिए जिन्होंने लाखों, करोड़ों रुपये बैंकों से ले रखे हैं। नहीं, उन गरीब लोगों के लिए कम होने चाहिए। तब हम इस बात का जिक्र करते कि अगर बाहर से पैसा आता और मैं समाजवादी पार्टी के सदस्यों से भी दरख्वास्त करना चाहता हूं कि उस बात में हम भी उसी सिद्धांत के हैं। कांग्रेस ने वह किया था। एक ऐसा माहौल देश में उस वक्त था जब हमें उस तरफ जाना था। लेकिन समय के साथ हमें आगे बढ़ना है। अगर हम आज इसी बात पर लगे रहें कि बाहर से निवेश की जरूरत नहीं है तो क्या हम आगे बढ़ सकते हैं ? मैं मानता हूं कि कई क्षेत्र ऐसे हैं जहां हमें सोचकर करना पड़ेगा लेकिन अगर किसी जगह हमें उससे फायदा मिल सके और जो हमारे देश का सरमाया है, उसका इस्तेमाल गरीब लोगों के लिए करेंगे। उनको हम बैंकों से कम रेट पर दे सकें जैसे कि सैल्फ हैल्प ग्रुप का वित्त मंत्री जी ने जिक्र किया था। उस काम में हम आगे बढ़े हैं।
18.00 hrs. उससे लोगों को फायदा हुआ है और वह स्कीम १९९२ में बनी थी। लेकिन पिछले छ: वर्षों में आपने कभी उसका जिक्र नहीं किया कि वह स्कीम कब बनी थी। आज हम उस पर आगे बढ़ना चाहते हैं, उन लोगों के लिए हमारा यह संकल्प है कि हमें उनके लिए कुछ करना है।
मैं एक-दो बातें सुझाव के रूप में देना चाहूंगा। मैं भी बहुत समय तक यही समझता था कि शायद सर्विस टैक्स लोगों पर बोझ है, लेकिन नहीं, वह इनोवेटिव है। एक तरफ आज सरकार कोशिश कर रही है कि हमें अपनी टैक्स प्रणाली में सुधार लाना है, रेट आफ इंटरेस्ट कम करना है, कहीं न कहीं, दूसरी तरफ मेल करना है। अगर हम इनकम टैक्स और डायरेक्ट टैक्स को खत्म कर दें, दूसरी तरफ हम खपत करते हैं, जैसे कंजम्प्शन टैक्स का अक्सर जिक्र होता है, हमने अगर एक तरफ पैसा बचा लिया, तो मैं यह कहने से गुरेज नहीं करूंगा कि कृषि पर कर न लगे पर अगर उनकी अच्छी कमाई है और वे महंगी-महंगी चीजों पर खर्च करना चाहते हैं, तो अगर उन पर सर्विस टैक्स लग जाए, इसमें बुरा क्या है। इसलिए दोनों के बीच में जैसा शब्द उधर बैठे हुए सदस्यों ने इस्तेमाल किया ‘ट्रपीज’मैं वह शब्द इस्तेमाल नहीं करना चाहता, लेकिन एक संतुलित बजट, लोगों को खुश करने के लिए नहीं, एक-एक इनसान का ध्यान रखने के लिए बजट बनाया गया है, उसकी प्रशंसा करने की जरूरत है। मैं सिर्फ उसमें इतना कहना चाहता हूं, मैं शामियाने का एक उदाहरण देना चाहता हूं कि मान लीजिए कि कई लोग ऐसे हैं जो शादी के अवसर पर इस पर दस-दस लाख रुपए खर्च कर देते हैं और दूसरी तरफ ऐसे भी लोग हैं, जो २००० रुपए या ५००० रुपए भी खर्च नहीं कर सकते, मैं समझता हूं इसमें थ्रैशोल्ड जरूर होना चाहिए। वित्त मंत्री जी इसको सोचें कि यह कहीं लोगों के लिए मुश्किल का कारण न बन जाए, क्योंकि सरकार किन लोगों में देखी जाती है। People will not see the Government of India in the Finance Minister. People of India will see the Government of India in the form of the Inspector there. जैसा पटवारी में सरकार देखी जाती है। इसलिए लोगों को दिक्कत आ सकती है। मुझे विश्वास है कि आप उस पर गौर करके उसको देखें ।
यह बहुत अच्छी बात है, हमें प्रशंसा करनी चाहिए थी कि इनकम टैक्स में कुछ राहत दी गई है, जिसकी काफी मांग थी। मुझे याद है इनकम टैक्स की लमिट आखिरी बार जब ५०,००० रुपए की गई, तो वह कांग्रेस पार्टी की सरकार के समय हुई थी। उस वक्त श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी को मैंने यह कहते हुए सुना था कि यह बहुत कम है, एक लाख रुपए होनी चाहिए। लेकिन आठ साल निकल गए, एक लाख रुपए की इनकम टैक्स की लमिट नहीं हुई। इस वक्त जो यह किया है, यह एक इनोवेटिव है। एक नया ढंग ढूंढ़ कर जिन लोगों को इमदाद की जरूरत थी, उनके लिए आपने देने की कोशिश की है, तो उसके लिए भी मखौल बनाया जा रहा है कि यह क्या नया तरीका है। आपको नए तरीके पसंद नहीं हैं, आप बंद दिमाग के साथ बैठना चाहते हैं। वित्त मंत्री जी ने कहा है- "I would revisit this subject if I find a better compliance".इसमें गलत क्या है। अगर उसमें अच्छा पैसा मिले, तो इससे सरकार के चार काम और होंगे। अगली बार हम उसके लिए भी कहेंगे। लेकिन मैं इसमें इतना ही कहना चाहता हूं कि जिसकी आमदनी एक लाख रुपए सालाना है, उसको आपने छूट दी है। अगर हम केलकुलेशन के हिसाब से देखें तो जिसकी आमदनी एक लाख रुपए से एक लाख ५०० रुपए या एक लाख एक हजार रुपए हो, तो टैक्स में उसको नौ हजार रुपए इस वर्ष कम से कम देने होंगे और उसकी आमदनी एक लाख रुपए से कम हो जाएगी। इसलिए आप इसको देख लें।
समय बहुत कम है, मुझे ज्यादा नहीं कहना है। आपने जो यह अच्छा बजट बनाया है, यह कहने में मुझे गुरेज नहीं है। लेकिन अगले बजट के लिए आपको अभी से प्रक्रिया शुरू करनी होगी। सचमुच में वह आपका बजट होगा। इस वक्त तो हालात को देखते हुए जो किया गया है, कई जगह फायर फाइटिंग है, कई जगह दूरंदेशी के साथ, इन पर्सेप्टिव आल्सो, बजट बनाया गया है, लेकिन आगे की प्रक्रिया अभी से शुरू करके इस चीज को देखते हुए बजट बनाएं कि कानून साधारण हो जाए, लोगों मुश्किल न आए। अगर यह होगा तो लोग अपना-अपना इनकम टैक्स देंगे, अगर वाजिब पैसा हो, सब लोग खुशी-खुशी देंगे। लेकिन इसके साथ इंसेंटिव भी हो। यह न हो कि किसी ने अपना नाम टैक्स के लिए दे दिया तो अफसरों ने शक की द्ृष्टि से उसको देखना शुरू कर दिया। बल्कि यह होना चाहिए कि वह उसको समझें कि यह देश का वह नागरिक है जो देश की तरक्की में हिस्सा ले रहा है इसलिए उसके लिए इंसेंटिव दें।
इन शब्दों के साथ आपने जो बजट बनाया उसकी मैं प्रशंसा करता हूं, समर्थन करता हूं। आपने समय दिया, उसके लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।
PROF. M. RAMADASS (PONDICHERRY): Respected Sir, I rise to defend the Union Budget for the year 2004-05 on behalf of the Pattali Makkal Katchi and its Founder President, Dr. S. Ramdoss Aiyya. In our view, the hon. Finance Minister deserves our fullest appreciation and compliment for presenting a Budget which addresses the current challenges facing the economy and its people.
Sir, the Union Budget, for that matter any Budget, can be better evaluated and appreciated if we keep three factors in mind. Firstly, the Union Budget is a major document which provides a direction to the Government about the wayin which the country will be taken in the next one year. Secondly, the Budget is not a planned document which addresses the medium and long-term measures while the Budget addresses the current important challenges facing the economy. Therefore, we should not confuse with the long-term issues of an economy which have not been solved in the last 50 and comment that these have not been solved by this Budget. Therefore, we should keep this distinction between a Budget as well as the planned document. The third consideration which one should keep in mind while evaluating the Budget is that the Budget has to be an exercise in political economy. It cannot merely be an economic document nor can it be a purely political document. If I can understand politics as a kind of a public service, then those public service activities should be reflected in the Budget. This is what the present Budget does.
Therefore, from that point of view there is good politics in the Budget and not political compulsions on the part of the hon. Finance Minister. And there is good economics and economic principles in the Budget as foreseen by the great economists of the country as well as different countries of the world. I remember of a statement purported to have been made by the hon. Prime Minister when he was the Finance Minister that there cannot be good politics without good economics and there cannot be good economics without good politics. Now, here is a Budget which combines the elements of good politics as well as good economics. By keeping these considerations in mind only, we will have to evaluate this Budget. When you take these considerations into account I have every feeling to say that this is an excellent Budget which the country needs today. We are happy that the Hon. Prime Minister as well as the Congress(I) President Smt. Soniaji have given necessary stimulus to the hon. Finance Minister for presenting this excellent Budget. We appreciate this Budget not on any subjective consideration but on many objective merits rather intrinsic merits that we are able to see, in the Budget given the constraints under which the Budget has been prepared today.
Firstly, from a theoretical macro fiscal economies point of view, we find that this Budget satisfies all the canons of a good Budget. The tax proposals satisfy the canons of taxation like the ability to pay, the canon of convenience, the canon of compliance, the canon of resource mobilisation, and the canon of least sacrifice. From the expenditure point of view, we find that the Budget strives to achieve the maximum social advantage, economy, prudence, greatest happiness of the greatest number, which is the ultimate goal of every welfare State. When we come to the deficit part of it, we find that there is a lot of element of fiscal prudence and fiscal discipline in this Budget. Therefore, taking the tax component, the expenditure component and the deficit component, one cannot but feel that this satisfies all the canons as enshrined in the various theories and theoretical frameworks.
The second merit of this Budget is that it is prepared in a highly professional manner, and we should congratulate the hon. Finance Minister for having exhibited high skills and dexterity in the Budget-making exercise. Perhaps his past experience as the Finance Minster and his committment to this country has enabled him to show this amount of professionalism. This Budget has been prepared in the background of the fiscal responsibility and the Budget Management Act of 2003 with concomitant three documents -- Mid-term Fiscal Policy Statement; Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement; and Macro Economic Framework Statement. I think that in the last 54 years, no Finance Minister has given all these documents and has shown a responsibility for budget-making exercises in this country except the present Finance Minister, who, therefore, deserves all appreciation. I think that this is an innovative idea, in the fiscal history of India and the arena of fiscal responsibility. The Budget Management Act opens a new era in the Budget-making because here is a Government which says that: "we will be responsible for all the actions of the Government."
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude, now.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, let him continue.
MR. CHAIRMAN: All right. Please carry on.
PROF. M. RAMADASS : The Government has laid for itself a Lakshman Rekha and says that it will not transcend the limits of this Rekha and it will act with a greater responsibility. Sir, not only he has given that commitment but has also shown it in the Budget by reducing the revenue deficit. The commitment is that the revenue deficit of the Government would be wiped out by 2008-09 and the fiscal deficit would be reduced to three per cent of the GDP by that period. True to this commitment, the present Budget itself has reduced the revenue deficit to 2.5 per cent and fiscal deficit to 4.4 per cent. This reduction has come despite the fact that there are compelling factors on the expenditure side. But he has been able to reduce the non-plan expenditure also to a greater extent, and thereby, he is able to show a greater amount of fiscal discipline and prudence.
If you look at the economic crisis of 1991, it was only the fiscal profligacy and indiscipline on the part of the Government that landed the country into an economic crisis. Therefore, if the country has to remain stable we will have to have this kind of fiscal responsibility. The Government of India and the UPA deserve a lot of appreciation for bringing this Bill. I think, the Indian economy would not derail from the path of economic stability hereafter.
All the nagging problems of this country, whatever problems that have been dragging on in the past decades, have been addressed very ably by the hon. Finance Minister in this Budget. He has given a growth-oriented strategy. The people have been asking whether the growth rate of seven per cent to eight per cent is possible. This is quite possible. When the BJP Government without a human face could achieve 8.1 per cent in the last year, why not this Government with all these initiatives can do this? The evidence of this growth path has been shown by an increased plan outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore this year alone. The total plan outlay now is Rs. 1,45,599 crores. Not only that, the Planning Commission has been advised to reprioritise all the items and the non-plan expenditure has also been reduced. Keeping in view the growth path, the hon. Finance Minister has emphasised on the need for investment in the economy, investment not only in the industry but also in all the sectors where investment has become a crying need of the hour. Agriculture holds the key to food productivity and employment.
Sir, in the last 10 years or so, agriculture has been considered as a big casuality in terms of investment. Agricultural investment has been continuously declining. The Eighth Five Year Plan has outlined it. The Ninth Five Year Plan has indicated it, and this Budget gives a clear indication of the fact that agricultural investment would be stepped up.
Therefore, this Budget is an agriculture-oriented Budget. There are measures for industrial development; there are measures for development of small scale industries, traditional industries, etc. The most gratifying part is that the glory of the public sector has been revived by the present UPA Government. In my view, the public sector has been the pride of this nation and the public sector has been built out of the money of the taxpayers of this country. Therefore, we would not tolerate any kind of denigration of the public sector. The hon. Finance Minister has brought about a golden compromise between wholesale privatisation and wholesale public sector by having a trade off between the two and by giving due importance to the public sector. He has established a Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises which shows the greatest concern of the Finance Minister for public sector restructuring.
More than anything else, in today’s federal structure about which the hon. Leader of Opposition was talking a great deal, the Finance Minister wants to build up a congenial relationship with the State Governments. Whatever our forefathers wanted, whatever Dr. Ambedkar wanted while drafting the Indian Constitution, whatever Jawaharlal Nehru wanted, about Federation have been translated in this Budget. He has made a provision that 28 per cent of the total resources of the Centre would be allocated to the State Governments. No other Government so far has done that. It should be able to please all the State Governments and it would be a great step forward in the area of Centre-State relations. He did not stop with that. He has announced debt relief for States.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude.
PROF. M. RAMADASS : I will take only two minutes.
The last merit is his promise towards Backward States. We know that without development of the backward States, India cannot progress further; we cannot achieve the goal of attaining the developed status by 2020. We know about BIMARU States. I feel that we should also include two more States, namely Assam and Orissa to that list. It should not only include backward States, but also the backward districts in various progressive States. There are a number of backward districts like Vidharba in Gujarat, Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu and a number of other backward districts in Andhra Pradesh. All these districts are to be taken into consideration, and we should be able to constitute a kind of Backward States and Backward Regions Commission, instead of the Grant Commission or fund that the hon. Finance Minister has given.
Therefore, what we need in the present context is, as Dr. Ambedkar said, that we have to adopt a policy of ‘unequal treatment to unequals’. We cannot think of giving equal treatment to all the States which have had wide-ranging development. We have to give special treatment to Backward States. All those BIMARU States and the two other States of Assam and Orissa, have 62 per cent of the population of our country. If 62 per cent of the population cannot be uplifted, then our planning process will not have any meaning.
There are many more points like this about which I can speak even for an hour. But since you have already rung the bell, I will stop here. At the same time, I would like to give some areas of concern which the hon. Finance Minister can take note of. Please give me a few more minutes.
In defining development, we should not often be tied to the growth strategy in terms of per capita income and national income. We should think in terms of human Development Index. The Planning Commission has started working out human development index for all the States. That should be the guiding factor for allocating resources. Rather than insisting on growth strategy of 7-8 per cent of GDP as well as per capita income, we should emphasise on HDI because these celebrated measures have lost their relevance in many countries and UNDP insists on HDI, now a days.
Therefore, we should think in terms of human development index. We should also evolve an effective delivery mechanism for rural credit. The Finance Minister has said that he would constitute a Task force on the Cooperative credit system. I would once again appeal to you Sir to go through Khusru Committee, that is, the Agricultural Review Committee, etc. which thought in terms of a National Bank for of Cooperative Credit, Debt relief can also be given to the farmers.
There are some areas in the CMP which have not been touched by the present Budget like the unorganised sector, the welfare of the people in that sector, fishermen. Some other categories of weaker section have also not been touched by him. In the whole of this country, Pondicherry is the only Government, which is providing relief to fisherman during the off-season period. For 45 days it gives Rs.300 plus 90 kg. of rice. Perhaps the Union Government could think of a national scheme to give relief to the distressed fishermen in future.
It is true that education, and more so primary education, is important. But what is more important is, we must know whether what is being taught in the primary schools is relevant and whether they have infrastructure etc. or not. Mere massive investment will not do, as we have seen in the case of Kumbakonam some two or three days back. Therefore, we should think of the infrastructure facilities.
Providing food is one innovative scheme.
To sum up, I should say that this is a Budget for human welfare, a Budget for growth, balance development, smooth Centre-State relations, translating the vision of the Common Minimum Programme, satisfying the aspirations of the common men of India who have voted the UPA to power. The Quintessence of this Budget could be expressed in terms of what the great poet of Tamil Nadu Mahakavi Bharathiyar has once said. Somebody was saying that it is a dream Budget. Early morning dreams always come true. For the last 45 days our Finance Minister has been working throughout the day and night, including early mornings. Therefore, we hope that his dreams, as desired by Bharathiyar, will come true. I would like to quote what Mahakavi Bharathiyar has said:
"VAYITRUKKU SORIDA VENDUM - INGU VAAZHUM MAVITHARUKKELLAM PAYITTRU PALAKALVI THANDHU - INTHA PARAI UYARTHIDA VENDUM NERUNGINA PORUL KAIPADA VENDUM KANAVU MEIPADA VENDUM KAIVASAMAVATHU VIRAIVIL VENDUM DHANAMUM INBAMUM VENDUM THARANIYIL PERUMAI VENDUM "I will translate it in English for you.
"The hunger of one and all on earth we must appease;
Train them all in many arts and education for the whole world to advance Quick dividends dreams fulfilled wealth and happiness and fame on earth."I hope that the hon. Finance Minister will be able to achieve this vision and translate it into a reality in the next four years in which case we will have a permanent Congress led Government in this country.
SHRI P.A. SANGMA (TURA): Thank you Mr. Chairman, Sir. Shri Ram Manohar Reddy in his article in The Hindu on the 17th of this month has observed and I would like to quote:
"The Central Budgets have long ceased to be the major policy documents. They are now prepared for the TV studios and headlines in the morning newspapers. "I could not agree more. Our Finance Minister, Shri Chidambaram is a very eminent lawyer. He is very articulate and has amply demonstrated his skill in presenting the Budget.
The first Budget which Mr. Chidambaram had presented before this House – I was presiding over this august House – was described as a dream Budget. That dream Budget had a very rough weather as to whether it would be passed or not. I had to find out a lot of ways and means to get that Budget passed. This Budget has been described by your well wishers as a dream Budget come true. I really do not know whether it is really a dream Budget. I do not find any new grounds, any new direction and any new approach in the present Budget.
I can understand the constraints of the Finance Minister. I have been following you very closely for a long time. I have been reading your articles in various newspapers and magazines. I do not find any reflection of what you have been writing and saying in the present Budget that you have presented. I was particularly impressed by an article which was published on the 21st of January, 2002 in the India Today. The title of your article was `Poverty Eradication – Spending is not investment’. I quote:
"Our approach to poverty alleviation is illogical and perverse. We attack poverty through subsidies and through too many anti-poverty schemes."This is what the Finance Minister had to write and today in this Budget what do we find? It is all schemes. We find schemes after schemes. I have gone through, at least, 23 schemes. The Finance Minister has just followed the on-going schemes which the previous Governments have introduced. There are schemes after schemes and what did the Finance Minister do in those schemes? I have tried to analyse each scheme. The Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, these are two schemes where there has been no enhancement at all. In your Budget Speech, you were very proud to announce the kind of importance the UPA Government is giving to the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme. But what is the allocation? The allocation is just the same as it was before. It was Rs.2800 crore in 2003-04 Budget and it is exactly Rs.2800 crore in the present Budget. Where is the pride in that?
Now I have identified six on-going schemes where, in fact, the Finance Minister has reduced the budgetary support. As regards Food-for-Work Programme, the food component of this Programme has been drastically reduced. The allocation has been reduced for Farm Income Insurance Project. As regards upgradation of the Industrial Training Institutes, I had been the Labour Minister of this country for nine long years and I had tried my best to see that the schemes for rural boys and girls are upgraded. The condition of our ITIs is very bad. I had an occasion to visit one of the States in the North-East. In their Automobile Section, I found a vehicle. When I asked them where did they get this vehicle from, they replied that it was left by the Britishers during the Second World War. I tried to upgrade ITIs. I am sorry to say that the Finance Minister did not give a singlenaya paisa more for upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes.
How is the Finance Minister going to complete the schemes? Take the examples of the schemes like the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, the Seed Production Programme, the National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oil Development Board. I do not find any increase in allocation for these schemes. Therefore, the Finance Minister has certainly not been allowed to present his Budget. It is certainly not his Budget. It is certainly not according to his thinking; according to his perception and according to his policies. It is because I am a regular reader of his articles and his articles like politically Correct and therefore, I find a different Chidambaram in this particular Budget.
Sir, a lot of things have been said in regard to emphasis having been laid on agriculture in this Budget Where is the emphasis on agriculture in the Budget? What has the Finance Minister said about agriculture in the Budget? He has only said that credit availability to farmers will be doubled in the next three years. The Finance Minister has put the farmers at the mercy of the financial institutions. Where is the investment? I do not find any significant investment in the agriculture sector, though he has been advocating for it. I have already quoted from his articles. Public investment in agriculture has been stagnant at constant rate of 1.5 per cent of the GDP. That is what the hon. Finance Minister had stated in his articles. Where is the investment here? Except that, he has said that the credit availability will be doubled in the next three years. I come from a village. I know how the financial institutions behave and who are the creditworthy farmers. It is they who have not been able to pay their loans that they took earlier and when they go to the financial institutions, they say, `you are not eligible. Please get out. You cannot get any loan’. Where is the investment in agriculture?
Sir, I wish to raise a particular point since my availability of time is very less. It is about Brahmaputra Flood Control. What is the allocation for this? Today the hon. Prime Minister is in Assam. A lot of people have already died. A lot of erosion have already taken place. Millions of people have got stranded and have got uprooted from their homes, but the hon. Finance Minister speaks so much about the North-Eastern region. How much has he allocated for Brahmaputra Flood Control? This is an on-going programme. Last year, the allocation was Rs. 10 crore and this year, the Finance Minister has allocated another Rs. 10 crore for this project. It is just Rs. 20 crore in all. How would this sum help in the control of floods in the Brahmaputra?
Mr. Chairman, Sir, in the last Government you were the hon. Minister for Water Resources. Once when I had spoken on this subject on the floor of the House and approached you through the hon. Prime Minister, the then Prime Minister instructed you to release a sum of Rs. 50 crore immediately and you were kind enough to do so. I am grateful to you for what you did at that time. But today what has been allocated in the Budget? A Government that has so much of a soft corner for the North-Eastern region has allocated a sum of Rs. 10 crore more than what it was last year for the Brahmaputra Flood Control programme. I am sorry this is not acceptable.
Sir, for the State of Bihar a sum of Rs. 3500 crore has been allocated for this purpose. I have a point on that also. How much has been the allocation in this Budget for flood control in the Ganga basin? A sum of Rs. 5.5 crore more than what was allocated last year. What is the position in Bihar today? Shri Nitish Kumar was telling me about the kind of sufferings people are undergoing owing to flood in the State. Today it has not been possible for him to be present here. But in the Budget it has been very proudly mentioned that the Government has allocated a sum of Rs. 5.5 crore more than what it was last year.
Sir, it has been mentioned that the Government is committed to speedy development of the North-Eastern region and all Ministries and Departments have been mandated to allocate at least ten per cent of their planned Budget for the schemes and programmes of the North-Eastern region. Is it a new thing? We have been hearing this from the days of Mr. Devegowda. As the Prime Minister, Mr. Devegowda went to the North-Eastern region and, as I was the Presiding Officer at that time, I did have some influence on him. He came out with a suggestion that every Ministry will earmark ten per cent of their budget for the development of the North-East and, if that money cannot be spent, it will go to the non-lapsable pool of resources. The Finance Minister has exactly said what Mr. Devegowda had said many years ago. What did you give us? Please tell us, Mr. Chidambaram. What did you give to the North-Eastern Region? Did you provide a single paisa more for the North-Eastern Region? You are just following what Mr. Devegowda has done. I am sorry that this is not the way to mislead the people of the North-Eastern Region.
I have watched the Finance Minister on the television. He has been repeatedly saying that they will carry on with reforms and he has also said recently that they are the original reformers. What is that ‘original reformer’? And how are you going to carry on with your reforms? I really do not understand. I was a member of the Council of Ministers when the reforms started in 1991. I was a member of the Cabinet and we were discussing about it in the Cabinet. The then Finance Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had been repeatedly saying that we have to see that the money is being spent for the public sector undertakings and if the public sector undertaking is not able to cope up or come up with any improvement, then the money that we saved from the investment towards the public sector undertaking should be given to the social sector. That was the idea.
I had the most difficult task those days of being the Labour Minister because labour unrest was there. Out of 224 public sector undertakings, 58 of them were chronically sick. The then Finance Minister told the Labour Minister that he cannot give the money and that it had to be closed down. I have been fighting for it. The argument was, "No, we have to close down because the money which we are wasting has to be given to the social sector." And what did your Budget say today? You have gone back from that.
Coming to State Electricity Boards, the then Finance Minister who is the Prime Minister today has been repeatedly telling in the Cabinet meetings and in the meetings of the Group of Ministers as, "Today, the biggest burden on the country’s economy is the Electricity Boards of the country The loss is Rs. 25,000 crore every year and we have to do something in that regard." I do not find a word about the public sector in your Budget speech. What is your plan about the power sector? Not a word is found in the Budget speech. Now, when talking about the power sector, I do not know how you are going to carry with your reforms. It is not possible. I do not find any answer on those points.
As regards FDI, I have no quarrel about FDI with you. The reform process has to go on and you carry on with that. But the problem is whether you will be able to carry it through. The NDA has said that they will oppose the enhancement of your FDI cap. The Samajwadi Party has said that they are going to oppose it. Your allies, the Left Front, have said that they are going to oppose it come what may.
SHRI S.P.Y. REDDY (NANDYAL): You support us.
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : You say, "We do not normally bark. We only bite." And when you bite, you bite very bitterly. Let us see how do you bite on this preposition. I have a strong feeling that as far as FDI and other major economic policies are concerned, we must have a national consensus. We should not take it on political lines. I would appeal to the Left Parties in this regard.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: You appeal to the right also.
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : I would appeal to the whole House on this issue. Why cannot we have a serious debate on this? Why cannot we have a national consensus on this major policy decision?
For my Left friends, I would like to point out the policy of China. What is the policy of Chinese Communist Government? I tell you that. Generally, the Chinese policy is that the capital from foreign parties should not be less than 25 per cent. So, they have set the minimum limit and not the maximum limit. Here, you are saying that the Government cannot go from 29 per cent to 49 per cent. The hon. Finance Minister himself has asked as to what is the difference between 29 per cent and 49 per cent. It is only a question of control, that is control by the Indian company or Indian Government or private investor or foreign investor. The hon. Finance Minister himself has repeatedly said that there is no difference between 29 per cent and 49 per cent. I do not know how the Left sees so much of difference in that.
I think it is better if the Left Front friends learn something more from the Chinese experience. Let them see what the Chinese are doing. I have some figures about China. In FDI, they have surpassed everybody. They have even surpassed, I think, the United States of America. In 2003-04, Foreign Direct Investment in China is 52 billion US dollars, whereas for the United States of America it is only 40 billion dollars. Why? It is because they have set the minimum limit, a minimum limit of 25 per cent. There is no maximum limit. Above 25 per cent, you can invest anything. But it cannot be below 25 per cent. Here we are making so much of noise. I do not know what we are talking about.
I would like to point out one more thing about fiscal consolidation that the hon. Minister talked about. He has projected that he would bring down the revenue deficit to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. I really do not know how he is going to achieve it. I am not going into the monsoon factor, I am not going into the issue of Left and the Right opposing his FDI proposals and all that. The fact is that the projections that the Finance Minister has given to this country are highly optimistic. I have my own doubts. What does he say? He hopes to get gross tax revenue to the tune of Rs. 62,810 crore. That is his expectation. This is 25 per cent more than what has been realised last year. Mr. Minister, do you agree? He hopes to collect service tax to the tune of Rs. 14,150 crore. It is 70 per cent higher than what has been realised in the preceding year. Now, he is getting into the problem of transaction tax or turnover tax. You have projected a revenue of Rs. 14,150 crore, which is 70 per cent higher than what the Government got last year. He hopes to collect corporate tax to the tune of Rs. 88,436 crore, which is 40 per cent higher than the realisation of 2003-04. As regards income tax, he hopes to get Rs. 50,929 crore, which is a hike of 26 per cent over the realisation of last year. I think it is over estimation. I have gravest doubts on the projections that he has made to bring down the revenue deficit to 2.5 per cent.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I know about the limitation of time. You are not interrupting me. You have been very kind to me.
I am worried about one thing. Budget will come and Budget will go and we will keep on debating about it. There are certain things which are happening in this country. I had an occasion to speak about how our institutions are decaying. We have not been able to keep up our institutions. We have our systems and our systems are not working. As I said earlier, our institutions are completely decaying – I do not know, I am very sorry to say that. Look at the kind of Governors. What has happened in Arunachal Pradesh? MLAs were going and gheraoing the Governor. They were asking him, by force, to sign. Where is the institution of Governorship? Our Speaker in this House is repeatedly saying everyday that the whole world is watching us, the whole country is watching us and we should behave properly. Where are the Parliamentary institutions going? Now, the latest victim is the institution of the Prime Minister himself. The Office of the Prime Minister has become the latest victim in this country. I do not understand what is the meaning of this National Advisory Council? What for is it required? It is a dangerous thing that you are doing. I am not going to elaborate much. I want only to warn this Government that it is going to be a dangerous precedent. Somebody is going to Chennai and saying: " I will give rupees one crore?" From where will it be given?… (Interruptions) Who is the authorised person for that?… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN (PALANI): Sir, he is setting a wrong precedent. You cannot allow it… (Interruptions)
MR. CHIRMAN : The hon. Minister is on his legs. He will reply.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : You have every right to say what you feel. I have every right to say what I feel.… (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, the hon. Member is certainly entitled to make a comment as long as he does not unwittingly ignore a certain fact. The announcement was made by saying: "I have been able to come here. The Prime Minister has asked me to make the statement. On behalf of the Prime Minister, I am announcing that from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, a sum of rupees one crore is given."… (Interruptions)
Just wait for a moment. If Mr. Sangma, when he was the Speaker or when he was a Minister, had occasion to be one of the earliest visitors to a place of tragedy and the Prime Minister asked Mr. Sangma – even as a Speaker – to make an announcement on his behalf, I think Mr. Sangma would have been perfectly right in making the announcement. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, it is clear.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : Mr. Chairman, Sir, I fully agree with the Finance Minister when he said that as the Finance Minister of this country, he can announce this on behalf of the Prime Minister. But who has announced it? With what locus standi was it announced? If it is a Minister announcing it, I have no objection. We used to do that. … (Interruptions) Do not take it lightly.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : I am talking of a very serious issue. You do not know that I am a responsible man.… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN : Madam has every right to announce it.… (Interruptions)
SHRI N.S.V. CHITTHAN (DINDIGUL): On behalf of the Prime Minister, she has announced it. She has got every right to do that.… (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, my learned friend Shri Sangma made a very thoughtful speech on the Budget. I have written a page of notes. Now, I am hoping to respond to him. It is a very thoughtful speech. But why does he do this? I think there is some chip on his shoulder. He is carrying this personal campaign to the extreme limit.… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Sangma, please conclude now. Your time is up. I am worried because so many hon. Members are to speak.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : You do not have to come to his rescue. … (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM): Mr. Chairman, Sir, the parents of the children are already hurt. Let him not quote this incident. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Sangma, please conclude. Many Members want to participate in this debate.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : Sir, I am not boasting. I have been in this House for more than 25 years. I have presided over this august House. I have been a Union Minister for more than 15 years. I have been the Chief Minister of my State. I have been the Leader of the Opposition. Whatever I am saying, I am saying it with full responsibility as a citizen of this country. What is being done is not good for the country. Tomorrow, if they come back to power… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM: Sir, the parents of the children are already very much hurt and are undergoing a great trauma due to this tragedy. He should not add fuel to the fire. … (Interruptions) So, he can quote some other incident. This is not fair. Today, an opportunity may be there. But he should not quote this incident.… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: The hon. Finance Minister has already clarified the matter. Please take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P.A. SANGMA : Sir, I am not opposing the money which has been given. It should have been more than Rs. One crore. I am only saying that the manner in which the person by whom it was announced was not correct. That is all I am saying.
They have provoked me so much. Let me put it very bluntly. Tomorrow, if they come back to power and they have a National Advisory Council chaired by the RSS President or VHP President, how will the Congress oppose it?
DR. M. JAGANNATH (NAGAR KURNOOL): Mr. Chairman, Sir, every Budget has got its own excitements and controversies. Likewise, the Budget of 2004 is no exception. It will be remembered for the introduction of turn over tax generating some revenue for the Government, but the turn over tax may succeed only in inhibiting the entry of individual investors and this may not be good for the healthy growth of the market as well as for the development of the country, as a whole.
Sir, much was expected from the new Government’s Budget because, after all, it was the first really serious policy document of the Government since the National Common Minimum Programme is a mere wish list of the proposed policies and programmes. It is just a replica of the National Common Minimum Programme rather than an action oriented document with any direction.
Certainly, the Budget speech was filled with many references to agriculture, education, health and employment. Some measures do indicate a commitment to changes in certain areas. For example, the Finance Minister has proposed to impose a two per cent cess on taxes for mobilising around Rs. 4,000 crore to Rs. 5,000 crore. It is a good move to improve the education system in the country. Likewise, the concessions announced on medical equipment in the way of either waiver or reduction in customs duty will be helpful to the poor patients.
Sir, here the Finance Minister has conveniently forgotten some people who are hearing impaired. The hearing aid is manufactured in India but the imposition of CVD on hearing aid manufacturing units is making it expensive in comparison to the imported ones.
The hon. Finance Minister has decided to revive the public sector enterprises. It is a good gesture. It has sent a ray of hope in the working class. But it should not be in toto and we must also keep in view the perennially loss making PSUs where the money should not be dumped or wasted.
Likewise, there are some positive moves for the agriculture. The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund has been revived. The intention to double the agricultural credit in three years is a positive move towards the farming community. But any action taken for the benefit of farmers should not boomerang, rather it should be helpful to them. It should not harm the farming sector. To cite one example, in a good sense the Government of Andhra Pradesh has come out with some packages and also brought a Bill of moratorium on private lending for six months to the farmers. This has created a problem in the agricultural sector where the banks are not in a position to sanction loans to the farming community immediately, when there is a need, out of fear. Nobody is coming forward to lend them and the farming community is in a lurch for money. Such a situation should not arise. Because of this, in some places, the private moneylenders, in spite of moratorium, are playing havoc with the farmers in realising the loans from the farmers.
Yesterday, in an incident, where a private moneylender in order to realise the loan had beaten a farmer severely. Fortunately he has survived. In spite of having such moratorium. Any Government action should not be of such type. It should be helpful to the farmers.
Sir, the hon. Finance Minister has made a special allocation of Rs.10,000 crore in terms of budgetary support for the Central Plan, supposedly to implement the NCMP. But this amount is really nothing compared to the huge need of funds required to go even some way towards fulfilling the promises already made. This allocation needs to be increased further as this is not sufficient.
There is a budget allocation for crucial programmes like rural employment programmes, Antyodaya Anna Yojana. It is not more than the Budget, which was allocated by the previous Government. The 100 days Employment Guarantee Scheme in rural areas is merely on the paper than in any action. This should be implemented immediately to stop starvation deaths, suicides and migration from rural areas to urban areas. Any Government before coming up with any plan should work out the actual needs and then implement it. The farmers are dying, people are migrating from one place to another, half of the country is drought prone and half of the country is in floods. How long do we have to wait for the Action Plan to come? My request to the hon. Finance Minister is that in such types of cases, they must come out with an Action Plan so that it is helpful to the people in rural areas. It is because the 100 days employment programme is intended for rural people.
The other schemes, such as rural sanitation and drinking water, which are very important, the increase in outlay are relatively modest, in the range of Rs.40 crore to Rs.100 crore. Now, we have a severe drinking water problem throughout the country. The allocation should be enhanced for that.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude now. There are more than 50 Members who wish to participate in this debate.
DR. M. JAGANNATH : Sir, I will conclude in two minutes.
Sir, electricity and drinking water are needed by everybody, but no mention has been made about them in the budget allocation. How is he going to raise money for them?
Coming to the backward States, a Backward State Grant Fund has been created by the hon. Finance Minister and a sum of Rs.25,000 crore has been proposed. It is merely a renaming exercise rather than allocating some money on it. The exercise has been made to transfer funds from one head to another head. This needs a practical approach. It is a good programme. There is a disparity among many States and because of this in most of the States anti-social activities are occurring and Agitations are taken up with separatist demands.
19.00 hrs. Regional disparities are coming up because of this disparity only. We must have a national outlook. My request is to see that this is materialised and funds are mobilised. We should come out with the ways and means to achieve this target.
Sir, Defence is a good thing. Defence budget has been increased to Rs. 77,000 crore which is very much needed at this juncture. This will get the Defence forces modernised.
Sir, now I come to steel. There is 8 per cent to 12 per cent increase in excise duty on steel. Steel is required and it will be used in the real estate sector and in construction field to build up infrastructure. Though it seems to be only 12%, indirectly this will raise the cost of construction and it will become a hurdle in the infrastructure building.
Then I come to the welfare measures. For SCs and STs, Finance Minister have mentioned in the Budget document Sir in his Budget speech that he has got a special liking for these people; but that is not reflected in his Budget allocations. Sir, for the 25 per cent population of the country, only Rs.100 crore increase is there than the previous Budget. I believe that Mr. Finance Minister you have got a great respect and love for these people but this should be reflected in the Budget allocations also. My request to you is that you should see that the Budget allocation for them is increased.
Regarding State Governments, Sir, no effort has been made to correct the fiscal squeeze faced by the States. The Hon’ble Finance Minister said that the interest rate has been brought down from 10.5 per cent to 9 per cent. The Central Government is the usurious money lender to the States. Without any security, the Central Government gives money to the State Governments. Govt. of India take loans from various institutions at the rate of 4 to 6 per cent and lend to the States at the rate of 10 per cent. It is a great injustice. The interest rates on loans to the States should further be reduced.
Then, FDI is a welcome gesture. Though we need FDI for the development , it should not be at the cost of the loss of the domestic industry. We must be very careful.
Then coming to the overall Budget, I feel it is very disappointing. It is very disappointing for the reason that no concrete measures have been proposed for the employment generation. As I said earlier, the allocation is meagre for the welfare of SCs and STs. It should be made in proportion to the population of SCs/STs in the country. Twenty-Five per cent of the population consists of SCs and STs. For them the Budget allocation should be 25 per cent of the total Budget of the country. What is essential for the development of farmers… MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude.
DR. M. JAGANNATH : Sir, I will take one minute more. Sir, the legendary engineer and the former Minister Shri K.L. Rao had proposed long back about linking of rivers. We are seeing now in the country that in some parts of the country floods are coming. Most parts of the South – your State is not an exception, Sir, you too hail from South – namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu have become now perennially drought-prone States. During the NDA Government, the issue of linking of rivers was taken up in a big way and that goes with the opinion of Shri K.L. Rao. Sir, water which is wasted and which goes to the sea comes from glaciers of Himalayas. The glaciers melt and then the water comes. The rivers which flow through North India from Sub Himalayan regions are perennial rivers. Whereas the rivers which are not perennial are – I am saying it in the context of the rivers of Southern States, say Godavari, Krishna and Tungabhadra – deficient of water because of the failure of monsoon. Unless we connect these rivers, the problem will not be solved. When we connect them, then only the entire country will prosper and the farming community will prosper.
Nothing has been mentioned in the Budget about the linking of the rivers. In your reply, you have to say something about the linking of the rivers because it will help the farming community.
Then, Sir, no concrete measures for mobilisation of funds have been proposed. That is why, the Budget is disappointing. You would not have got enough time to frame the Budget because soon after you got elected, within 40 days’ period you have framed this Budget. I hope, your next Budget will be helpful to everybody.
श्री राम कृपाल यादव (पटना) : सभापति महोदय, वित्त मंत्री जी ने २००४-२००५ का जो बजट पेश किया है, मैं उसका समर्थन करने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। यू.पी.ए. की सरकार करोड़ों लोगों की भावनाओं के अनुकूल बनी है। मैं समझता हूं सरकार ने अपने कॉमन मिनीमम प्रोग्राम के अनुसार देश के अवाम और उसकी आवश्यकताओं के अनुकूल तथा पिछड़ राज्यों की आवश्यकताओं के अनुकूल इस बजट को पेश किया है। इस बजट के माध्यम से वित्त मंत्री जी ने यह बताने की कोशिश की है कि हमारी आर्थिक विकास की दर आठ प्रतिशत तक रहेगी। उन्होंने शिक्षा के सम्बन्ध में, चकित्सा सुविधा के सम्बन्ध में, कृषि, रोजगार के सम्बन्ध में आश्वस्त किया है और निवेश पर भी बल दिया है। राजकोषीय घाटे में सुधार आदि अनेक उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति के लिए सरकार ने बहुत सारे कमिटमेंट किए हैं। वित्त मंत्री जी काफी विद्वान हैं, चिंतक हैं, इनको काफी अनुभव है और पहले भी वह वित्त मंत्री रह चुके हैं, मुझे विश्वास है इनकी सोच के तहत देश के जो गरीब हैं, बेरोजगार हैं, आर्थिक विपन्नता से जूझ रहे हैं, उनके अनुकूल काम करेंगे।
मैं वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान अपने राज्य बिहार की ओर आकर्षित करना चाहता हूं। बिहार के सम्बन्ध में मैं समझता हूं सभी दलों के माननीय सदस्यों ने अपनी भावनाएं रखी हैं. मंत्री जी ने जो घोषणा की है, उस पर एक भ्रम सा फैल गया है, जिसके सम्बन्ध में मैं विस्तार बाद करूंगा। चूंकि समय कम है, काफी सदस्यों को अपने विचार प्रकट करने हैं इसलिए मैं अपनी बात बिहार तक ही सीमित रखूंगा। बिहार इस देश का दूसरा सबसे गरीब राज्य है। उसकी हालत बहुत ही खराब है। वहां गरीबी रेखा से नीचे गुजर-बसर करने वालों की संख्या का प्रतिशत ४२.६० है। मैं साफ तौर पर कहना चाहता हूं कि देश को आजाद हुए ५७ वर्ष होने जा रहे हैं, प्रथम पंचवर्षीय योजना जब बनी थी, राज्यों के विकास के लिए, उनकी आर्थिक मदद के लिए बनी थी। लेकिन उस समय से ही बिहार की उपेक्षा की गई है। उस समय से ही बिहार की उपेक्षा की गयी है। बिहार में असंतुलन और विषमता की वजह से आज भी बिहार पिछड़ा हुआ है। प्रथम पंचवर्षीय योजना के अंतर्गत अगर वहां की गरीबी को देखते हुए इंवैस्टमेंट किया जाता तो बिहार की स्थिति आज इतनी दयनीय नहीं होती महोदय, बिहार के बंटवारे के बाद उसकी आर्थिक स्थिति और भी खराब होती चली गयी। उसकी आमदनी का ७० प्रतिशत भाग झारखंड के पास चला गया जबकि इसके उल्टा बिहार के हिस्से में ७० प्रतिशत आबादी आई। उस ७० प्रतिशत आबादी के विकास के लिए जितनी राशि की आवश्यकता है, वह आज उसके पास नहीं है। आज ७० प्रतिशत आबादी की आर्थिक दशा सुधारने के लिए ३० प्रतिशत राशि बिहार खर्च कर रहा है। बिहार के बंटवारे के समय सभी पार्टियों ने और विशेष रूप से एनडीए की सरकार ने कहा था कि बिहार के बंटवारे के बाद बिहार को विशेष पैकेज दिया जाएगा। बिहार विधान सभा में सभी पार्टियों के सदस्यों ने मांग की थी कि विशेष पैकेज के माध्यम से बिहार की क्षति-पूर्ति की जाए। बिहार को बिहार को लगभग १ लाख ८९ हजार करोड़ रुपये देने की बात कही गयी थी। लेकिन एनडीए की सरकार ने बिहार की आर्थिक दशा को सुधारने के लिए एक पैसा भी नहीं दिया। बिहार में हर साल बाढ़ और सुखाड़ आता है जिससे बिहार की आर्थिक स्थिति और भी खराब हो जाती है। सदन में भी माननीय सदस्यों ने इस बात की चर्चा की है कि बाढ़ के बाद अरबों रुपये की क्षति बिहार को होती है और इस बार तो उत्तर बिहार के लगभग ७० जिले पूरी तरह से बाढ़ से प्रभावित हैं और लगभग १०० लोगों की बाढ़ के कारण मृत्यु भी हो चुकी है और अरबों रुपये की सम्पत्ति नष्ट हो गयी है। बाढ़ के कारण सड़कें टूट गयी हैं, संचार की स्थिति बिल्कुल खत्म हो गयी है और दिन पर दिन बिहार की आर्थिक स्थिति और खराब होती जा रही है। जब तक केन्द्र सरकार का नजरिया बिहार के प्रति नहीं बदलेगा, बिहार की स्थिति नहीं सुधरेगी। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी विद्वान हैं और उनका रुख बिहार के प्रति सकारात्मक रहा है। उसी सकारात्मक रुख को सामने रखकर मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी के निवेदन करना चाहूंगा कि बिहार को लगभग ७०० करोड़ रुपये केन्द्र सरकार को देने थे लेकिन शर्त लगा दी गयी कि पहले पंचायत के चुनाव कराओ, तब पैसा मिलेगा। पंचायत के चुनाव भी हो गये और तत्कालीन केन्द्र सरकार का ध्यान आकर्षित कराने के लिए तत्कालीन प्रधान मंत्री जी और वित्त मंत्री जी के पास बिहार से एक डैलीगेशन भी आया लेकिन तब भी उस ७०० करोड़ रुपये में से केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा एक पैसा भी बिहार को नहीं दिया गया। वह ७०० करोड़ रुपया आज भी केन्द्र सरकार के पास है। मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन करुंगा कि जो बिहार का पैसा केन्द्र सरकार की तरफ निकलता था, जो बिहार का हक था, उस पैसे को बिहार को देने की कृपा करें, ताकि बिहार का विकास हो सके।
सभापति महोदय, इंदिरा आवास योजना के नाम पर जो राशि दी जा रही है, वह बहुत ही कम है। मैं आपसे इंदिरा आवास योजना में पैसा बढ़ाने के लिए निवेदन करना चाहता हूं, ताकि गरीब जो पक्के मकान का सपना देख रहा है, वह सपना पूरा हो सके। गरीब आदमी वर्षों से पक्के मकान का सपना देख रहा है। सरकार इसके लिए कानून भी बना रही है, पैदा देने का भी काम कर रही है, लेकिन जो पैसा दिया जा रहा है, वह बहुत ही कम है। इस राशि को बढ़ाने की कृपा करें।
सभापति महोदय : यादव जी, संक्षेप में अपनी बात कहिए। अन्य माननीय सदस्यों ने भी बोलना है।
श्री राम कृपाल यादव : महोदय, मैंने तो अभी प्रारम्भ ही किया है।
सभापति महोदय : आपने दस मिनट ले लिए हैं।
श्री राम कृपाल यादव ) : महोदय, हमारी पार्टी से मैं भी दूसरे सदस्य के रूप में बोल रहा हूँ ।
सभापति महोदय : आप संक्षेप में अपनी बात कहिए।
श्री राम कृपाल यादव : लगता है, आपकी नाराजगी बढ रही है, बिहार के प्रति।
सभापति महोदय : नहीं, ऐसा नहीं है।
श्री राम कृपाल यादव : महोदय, मैं बिहार के बारे में कह रहा था कि बिहार की मुख्यमंत्री ने बाढ़ की स्थिति को देखते हुए, वित्त मंत्री और प्रधान मंत्री जी को एक पत्र के माध्यम से ध्यान आकर्षित किया है और एक हजार करोड़ रुपए की मांग की है, ताकि वहां कारगर कदम उठाए जा सकें, लेकिन तीस करोड़ रुपया ही दिया है। यह राशि बहुत कम है। इसलिए मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि बिहार के लिए विशेष व्यवस्था करें, ताकि राज्य में बाढ़ से पीड़ित लोगों के लिए राहत कार्य ठीक ढंग से किए जा सकें।
महोदय, उत्तर बिहार में जल-जमाव की सबसे बड़ी समस्या है, जो हर साल आती है। इस समस्या का निदान ठीक ढंग से नहीं करेंगे, उपयुक्त राशि की व्यवस्था नहीं करेंगे, तो स्थिति में सुधार नहीं हो सकता है। वहां तटबन्ध भी टुट गए हैं। वहां सड़कों की व्यवस्था के साथ-साथ अन्य व्यवस्थायें नहीं करेंगे, तो बिहार राज्य की स्थिति नहीं सुधर सकती है। जहां तक विशेष पैकेज की बात है, जैसी कि चर्चा हो रही है, उस बारे में वित्त मंत्रीजी स्थिति को स्पष्ट करें। आर्थक पैकेज को नाम पर जो भ्रम पैदा हो गया है, स्थिति को स्पष्ट करें। आपने कहा है कि ३२२५ करोड़ रुपए देने जा रहे हैं। विशेष पैकेज के नाम पर तत्कालीन सरकार के पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री, श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी ने एनाउन्स किया था कि एक हजार करोड़ रुपए हर साल देंगे, जिसमें से लगभग ४००-५०० करोड़ रुपए मिले हैं। मैं यह जानना चाहता हूं कि क्या ये ३२२५ करोड़ रुपए उस राशि से अलग हैं? वित्त मंत्री जी ने हमने सुना है, जो राशि राष्ट्रीय श्रम विकास योजना के माध्यम से दी जाती थी, यह वही राशि है। इस योजना में तो पूरे देश में पैसा दिया जा रहा है। हम चाहेंगे कि इस स्थिति को स्पष्ट करने का काम करें। क्या यह राशि राष्ट्रीय श्रम विकास योजना के अन्तर्गत है या इससे अलग है? हम आपसे विशेष तौर पर बिहार राज्य के बारे में सरकार के स्टैंड को जानना चाहते हैं। माननीय सदन के सदस्य जानना चाहते हैं। आप निश्चित तौर पर इस बारे में कुछ काम कीजिए। राष्ट्रीय श्रम विकास योजना के तहत २००२-२००३ में बिहार के लिए कोई राशि जारी की गई या नहीं? मैं जानना चाहूंगा कि ३२२५ करोड़ रुपए का जो प्रावधान किया गया, क्या २००४-२००५ में जम्मू-कश्मीर और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों का उसमें से हिस्सा है या नहीं? यदि है तो कितनी राशि जम्मू-कश्मीर और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों के लिए है और शेष कितनी राशि बिहार के लिए है?
कहा गया कि पूरे देश के पैमाने पर ६ एम्स अस्पताल खोले जाएंगे। बिहार में भी ऐसा अस्पताल खोलने का निर्णय तत्कालीन सरकार ने लिया। माननीय उपराष्ट्रपति ने पटना के फुलवारी में इसका शिलान्यास किया। शिलान्यास हुए ६ महीने बीत गए हैं लेकिन अभी तक कार्य प्रारम्भ नहीं हुआ। इसके लिए बजट में कोई एलोकेशन नहीं किया गया। क्या हम यह समझें कि बिहार की जनता की मांग को देखा नहीं जाएगा? खास तौर से बिहार की गरीब जनता यहां इलाज के लिए आती है। वे वहां अपना इलाज नहीं करा पाते। वहां के लोगों की आवश्यकता को देखते हुए शीघ्र अस्पताल खोला जाए। उसका केवल शिलान्यास होकर न रह जाए। आप उस तरफ जरूर ध्यान देने का काम करें। आप इस दिशा में कब शुरुआत करके कार्रवाई करने जा रहे हैं?
सीडी रेशियो का बहुत कम पैसा हमारे यहां खर्च करने का काम हुआ। हम पैसा जमा कर देते हैं लेकिन वह उन्नत राज्यों को दे देते हैं। कानून के मुताबिक हमारा पैसा हमें मिलना चाहिए। सीडी रेशियो पर्याप्त मात्रा में खर्च नहीं होता है जिससे स्थिति खराब होती है। बिहार के बंटवारे के बाद हमारे पास कुछ नहीं बचा है। केवल खेती बची है। वहां खेती पर आधारित कल-कारखाने नहीं लग रहे हैं। सारे कल-कारखाने झारखंड चले गए। आप जब तक कृषकों की तरफ देखने का काम नहीं करेंगे तब तक बिहार विकसित होने वाला नहीं है। आर्थिक समीक्षा सरकार की एक गाइड लाइन होती है और उससे पता लगता है कि सरकार क्या करने जा रही है। जो भ्रम का विषय बना है, मैं उसकी तरफ आपका ध्यान दिलाना चाहता हूं और मैं उसे कोट भी करूंगा। आपने कहा कि हम किसानों के लिए यह कर रहे हैं, वह कर रहे हैं, किसान उन्मुखी काम कर रहे हैं, किसानों की सहायता करने का काम कर रहे हैं। बिहार कृषि पर आधारित है। आप करप्शन को रोक नहीं पा रहे हैं जिससे बिहार के किसानों का बहुत अहित हो रहा है। आर्थिक समीक्षा में कहा गया है क " अधिक खऱीद से स्टाक में वृद्धि होती है, साथ ही साथ बकाया खाद्य ऋण में भी बढ़ोत्तरी होती है जबकि कुल खरीद बढ़ती है तो स्टॉक घटता है और बकाया ऋण में कमी आती है। पिछले एक वर्ष के दौरान खरीद में हुई वृद्धि की तुलना में बहुत अधिक कुल खरीद में वृद्धि के परिणामस्वरूप स्टाक और बकाया खाद्य ऋण, दोनों में गिरावट आई है। तथापि खाद्य स्टाक में हुई गिरावट ऋण की गिरावट से बहुत अधिक रही है जो स्टॉक मूल्यांकन के विशेष तरीके को दर्शाती है। "सही मायने में किसानों की उपज की जो खरीद होनी चाहिए, वह उतनी नहीं हो पाती है।
ओपन मार्किट में बेचने के लिये व्यवस्था की जाती है। इसमें बड़े पैमाने पर धांधली होती है और किसानों का हक मारा जाता है। इसलिये मैं आपके माध्यम से वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन करूंगा कि ये सारी चीज़ें कृषि मंत्री के ध्यान में लानी चाहिये और उपयुक्त कदम उठाने चाहियें ताकि किसान की उपज का उसे उचित मूल्य मिल सके जो उसने मेहनत से पैदा की है।
इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ, मैं विश्वास करता हूं कि माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने बिहार के प्रति जिस भावना को प्रदर्शित किया है और मैंने जिन बिन्दुओं को उठाया है, उनकी ओर ध्यान देंगे। आज देश की जनता को लगता है कि बिहार को विशेष पैकेज दिया गया है लेकिन ऐसा नहीं है। मेरा निवेदन है कि बिहार को विशेष पैकेज देने का काम किया गया है ताकि बिहार में बदहाली और मजबूरी दूर हो सके और वह आगे बढ़ सके।
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now, hon. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs will make a statement.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI BIJOY HANDIQUE): Sir, with your permission may I make an announcement? Dinner will be laid at 8 o’ clock in room No. 70 for hon. Members and members of the Press and in room No. 73 for the members of the staff. I have great pleasure in inviting them all.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now, dinner arrangements are made. Before calling the next hon. Member, I must request all the hon. Members that a large number of speakers are still there to speak and if you kindly cooperate, we will be able to complete this debate. Each hon. Member will be allowed to speak for two or three minutes, to a maximum of five minutes.
Shri L. Ganesan to speak now.
SHRI L. GANESAN (TIRUCHIRAPPALLI): Mr. Chairman, Sir, at the very outset, with all sincerity and honesty of purpose at my command, I wish to congratulate, appreciate and to pay highest tributes to our hon. Minister of Finance for having presented an admirable Budget. My admiration grows by leaps and bounds when we take into account the various constraints and restraints under which he had to play his role. First of all, ours is only a coalition government and as such, there are conflicting interests among the partners themselves.
19.28 hrs (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair) Shri Chidambaram, the hon. Minister of Finance was able to satisfy the conflicting elements of the very coalition itself. He has satisfied Shri Lalu Prasad and at the same time he has satisfied Shri Sharad Pawar. He is able to satisfy MDMK as well as the PMK and so many elements. It is really a very wonderful thing and he has done that.
Not only that the political parties are satisfied, that apart all sections of the people and all sectors of the people are also satisfied. The haves and have-nots, the industrialists and the agriculturists, and every section and every sector of our society, of our nation have been satisfied. In a way, if I am to put it in a nutshell, this is a populist as well as a reformist Budget.
As far as the Budget is concerned, it should declare the aims and objectives of a political body elected by the people at large to govern the country. It should delineate the ways and means of achieving the aims and objectives. It should spell out the determination and the directions of the governing body and as such to present a Budget for a far-flung nation consisting of diverse elements and conflicting sections is really a Herculean task which our hon. Minister of Finance has done admirably.
Some people are afflicted with congenital disease, the disease by birth. Also, some nations are afflicted with problems from very origination. The problems that we are facing now are not new ones, say poverty. It continues from pre-Independence days. The same is the case with inequality, not only economic but also social. These perennial problems have been there from even pre-Independence days. Therefore, I say that our Finance Minister is not an Aladdin. He is also not having a magic lamp in his hand. He is not a magician. So, by mere flourishing his wand, he cannot get things done.
After all, I wonder, since I know him pretty well, how it is possible for such a man to present such a Budget. A man is a creature of heredity and environment. He belongs to, he hails from a famous community, banking community, in our State. In good old days, in colonial days, his ancestors had gone, settled and done banking business in Malaysia, Singapore and so many other colonies. Therefore, perhaps the quality to manage the affairs is his inheritance. Not only that, he is awarded also. Let us look at his education. He has been educated in Harvard. Therefore, both of them have joined together and helped him in preparing this admirable Budget.
Sir, for want of time, for shortage of time, I wish to cut short my speech and go to very important things. On behalf of the people of India, particularly the people of peninsular India and notably the people of Tamil Nadu, I thank the Finance Minister for having decided to implement Sethu Samuthiram Project with determination. The Finance Minister is well aware that the project is a long pending dream of the people of Tamil Nadu. Every leader of Tamil Nadu had pleaded for the implementation of the project.
When my General Secretary or rather our General Secretary, Shri Vaiko had been a POTA detenu, he wrote a personal letter to the former Prime Minister which I wish to quote. It says:
"The Sethu Canal would achieve international significance like the Panama Canal and Suez Canal, boost the entire economy of India earning huge foreign exchange, provide enormous employment opportunities, give fillip to industry and agriculture in southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Once the Sethu Canal Project is implemented, Tuticorin Port will become a pivotal international port gaining importance than Singapore Port.
There had been more than nine committees constituted during the British days to make a thorough study of this important project. After Independence, in the fifties, the Government of India taking cognisance of the vital significance of the project constituted Shri Ramasamy Mudaliar Committee and initiated measures to implement the project with all sincerity. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet gave clearance in the year 1962 for the implementation of Sethu Samuthiram Canal Project.
Unfortunately, the Government of India abandoned the decision to implement the project and put it in a cold storage to oblige the objection raised by the Sri Lankan Government. In the backdrop of Chinese aggression, India wanted to develop friendly relationship with Sri Lanka even going to the extent of compromising the future benefits and welfare of India. Such an injustice was done to Tamil Nadu. "I quoted this from the letter my General Secretary wrote to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
On 15th September 1998 -- when MDMK launched the historic Renaissance rally to celebrate the birth anniversary of social warrior and a revolutionary Periar and the wisest man Anna -- our General Secretary Shri Vaiko persuaded the former Prime Minister, who attended the function, to give a solemn assurance before several lakhs of people in Marina Beach to implement the scheme.
For the first time, the Union Government made a reference about the Sethu Canal Project in the Parliament in 1999. But, subsequently its reference was lost in the successive Budgets. At last, you have declared in the Budget of 2004-2005 that the UPA Government will implement this project. In the implementation of this project, hon. Minister Mr. T. R. Baalu -- your colleague -- has a very vital role to play. I think that proper time has come for implementation of this project. The hon. Finance Minister and the Shipping Minister will -- I ardently hope -- implement the project. I can tell both of you that your names will shine like a morning star in the history of Tamil Nadu if you implement it expeditiously.
In this Budget, you have given much more importance to Agriculture and Rural Development, and more funds are allocated for both of them. I, as one who, was born in a agricultural family, and that too from the remotest village shall have to thank you for the same, and if I fail to do so, then I will be failing in my duty.
At the same time I will also be failing in my duty if I fail to point out a shortcoming in the Budget. There is no doubt that you have done your best and allocated more funds for agriculture. There is also no doubt that you have made provision for improvement of irrigation, but you thought about agriculture without thinking about agriculturists and that is the problem. So, whatever things you do for the sake of agriculture will not suffice if you do not take into account the living beings called agriculturists.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please, conclude your speech.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Sir, I appeal to you to kindly allot me two more minutes. Therefore, I appeal to the hon. Finance Minister that unless and until you rescue the agriculturists, peasants, farmers who are born in debt, live in debt, die in debt and pass on the debt to their children, they cannot be helped. This is the main problem. I know the restrictions or should I say the difficulties of a Finance Minister. But I appeal to you strongly that you should waive the debts of the agriculturists. If it is not possible to waive off the entire debt, at least the penal interest and the interest should be waived. I am particularly speaking about the agricultural debt, and the agricultural loans, and not about all the other loans. I appeal to you to seriously consider about this issue because this is a very vital issue.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude your speech.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Sir, please give me some more time.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, it is not possible for me to do it. I have a long list of speakers, who are yet to speak on this subject.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Sir, I would request you to give me two more minutes. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Sir, please be patient. Irrigation is another problem, which I would like to touch upon in my speech. We cannot look at irrigation in bits and pieces. It should be taken into account in a big way.
The inter-State rivers should be nationalised. There is no use of constituting Tribunals. Sir, with great difficulty Dr. Kalaignar got the Tribunal constituted in the good old days of Shri V. P. Singh’s regime, and it is all right. The Tribunals have given Interim Award, and it is all right. What happened by doing so? Nothing happened as a result of doing it like that. The Supreme Court has given a direction in this respect. Did they follow the directions given by the Supreme Court?
This morning I heard one hon. Member and I could not tolerate when he was talking about the sufferings of the agriculturists. He is a senior Member, and I have every respect for him for that. Which agriculturist was he referring to? He himself kicked on the belly of Tamil agriculturists, and he depicts as if he is very benevolent.
The Prime Minister had made a request, and it was turned down. What happened to the agreement relating to Sutlej? In Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan the agreements are torn to pieces and thrown to the winds.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, please sit down. Next speaker is Shri Kharabela Swain.
SHRI L. GANESAN : I am sorry, but I would request you to kindly give me some more time. I have no grievance against any individual in the Central Government. We are the actual suffers. We are suffering for the past so many years. Therefore, if anything is to be done, the inter-State rivers should be nationalised. This is the solution that should be followed in this matter.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please sit down. No, this is not allowed.
Shri Kharabela Swain.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Sir, please give me one more minute.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, please sit down.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Therefore, I appeal to the hon. Minister to please consider and waive the interest and the penal interest of the agriculturists. You are a young man and you have got time with you. The hon. Prime Minister is also with you. So, please nationalise the inter-State rivers.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, I cannot give you more time. Shri Swain is already on his legs to speak.
SHRI L. GANESAN : I would request the hon. Minister to kindly use all his efforts to nationalise the inter-State rivers.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please sit down.
SHRI L. GANESAN : Sir, with these words I conclude my speech.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE): Sir, I was listening with full attention when Prof. M. Ramadass was speaking. He said that the Budget is not a plan document. Yes, it is not a plan document. He said that it is related to politics of economy. He said that in one year all ills cannot be solved. It is all right, and I fully agree with him that it is not a plan document. But, is it not a policy document of the Government of the day? Does it not spell out the direction in which the Government wants to take the country? Is it not what really the Budget is? Yes, it is.
What does the Finance Minister have to say in his speech? He says that the people have sought a change in the manner in which this country is run, a change in the national priorities, and a change in the process of focus on governance. He also told the poor would have the first charge on development. It is all right. These are all very well intentioned statements, and they will fetch him very good votes.
It is the height of glorification of poverty, but it is not to take away the poor from the abyss of poverty. It is just to keep them in that way all the time by just giving them some loans or by giving them something so that they remain poor, and you can always say that you are working for the poor and let us get the votes.
What does the hon. Finance Minister have to say about agriculture? He wants to give a boost to agriculture. The way it is being projected is as if the previous Government did nothing and it is this new Government which wants to change the priority. Let me come to the point of agriculture. The capital formation was raised to 2.3 per cent in 2004 from what it was in 1998. When the NDA Government came to power in 1998, the agricultural credit stood at Rs. 32,000 crore. We have increased it from Rs. 32,000 crore to Rs. 80,000 crore in 2003-04. Then, we distributed Kisan Credit Cards to 4,27,00,000 farmers. I am quoting all these things from the Economic Survey, which the hon. Minister has published. Only 14,00,000kisans were left without any Kisan Credit Cards and they were supposed to have been distributed by 31st March, 2004. Now, to say that they have increased it by leaps and bounds, how does it hold any water?
Now, I am quoting from page 161 of the Economic Survey. The previous Government, the NDA Government, wanted to give to RIDF through Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narain Fund. An amount of Rs. 20,000 crore was provided in the Interim Budget presented by hon. Jaswant Singh this year itself. This Fund has now been reduced; rather it has been eliminated or done away with and a new Fund with Rs. 8 thousand crore has been proposed by the hon. Finance Minister. Ultimately, only Rs. 136 crore was allocated more in this year’s Budget for agriculture. Let me again point out that only Rs. 136 crore more was provided for agriculture and the drumbeat is being done as if agriculture has been given the prime of its importance.
This Budget does not have a thrust, and the goals set by the hon. Finance Minister are not achievable. It is an accommodation in conflicting expectations.
One of the hon. Members, Shri. Ajay Maken, said at the end of his speech that the hon. Finance Minister should not look at the Stock Exchange; the Minister should look at the agriculture and rural sectors. That is why, I am asking the Minister a very simple question. Why did the hon. Finance Minister go to Mumbai? What is the heading in The Economic Times? It says, "FM talks, but Sensex does not work’. He wanted the Sensex to walk, he wanted that it should rise, but it did not. However, their own people said, "Why did you go to Mumbai? You should not have looked at the stock market." The hon. Finance Minister, who is a great votary of reforms, knows it pretty well that the stock market is the creator of wealth. If he wants money, he will only get it from there only. The Finance Minister, most probably, got his compulsions, he is not confused, but his Party is thoroughly confused because it seems from the speech made by one of their speakers whom, I found, the hon. Minister ably supported with slips, facts and figures … (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: I do not send slips to anyone.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : The moment the hon. Finance Minister submitted his dream Budget many years back, seven or eight years back, it went bust; and the moment he became the Finance Minister just two months back, the business world was much less enthusiastic. Shri Sitaram Yechuri spoke only one sentence on TV about disinvestment and, immediately, the Sensex plummeted down by 800 points. The Foreign Institutional Investors wanted to withdraw the funds. This is how the image of the Government is. The Sensex, till now, does not want to rise; it has remained as it was just about two or three months back when this Government assumed power.
Another Economist, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was made the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, said: "We want hard decisions to have a GDP growth rate of 8 per cent." Where are those hard decisions? It was the NDA Government which took the hard decisions. … (Interruptions)
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI (HYDERABAD): It is because of those hard decisions that you are sitting there.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: There should be no running commentary.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : We brought down the interest rates. We had a very soft interest rate which actually facilitated the growth of the economy. Hon. Members from the left prodded the Finance Minister to hike it to 12 per cent. Can he do that? Has he been able to do that? It is simply not possible to do that. If you hike the interest rates now, it will be difficult to give loans to the industry. We are giving loans to the industry in order to create employment opportunities in this country. If the industry does not grow at 10 per cent rate annually, to achieve a growth of 8 per cent is impossible. Hon. Finance Minister knows it.
My point is, the Government is thoroughly confused. They say that it may not be possible to achieve eight per cent growth this time. After a growth of eight per cent last year, it may not be possible. That is what the Minister has said. He said that it may not be possible, but I say, it will not be possible.
Mr. Maken said that because of the administrative inability of the NDA Government, tax collections could not be improved upon. He said that we had brought down the tax to GDP ratio from 9.03 to 8.76. He said that they want to increase it to 10 per cent and that there would be greater tax collections. He said that we could not collect more tax, but that they will be able to do it. My best wishes to the hon. Finance Minister! Please let him show us after seven months that he has been able to achieve his goal, that he has been able to collect more, and that he has been able to show a human face to everybody.
The question is - has the Budget 2004 got a human face? Here is this week’s issue of India Today magazine. India Today has interviewed very prominent economists like Mr. Damodaran.
SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY (BASIRHAT): Sir, he cannot quote from that. He cannot show it to the Chair. As per rules, he cannot do this.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Why? I am not making any allegations.
SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY : It is not a document. He cannot show a magazine to the Chair like this. He cannot quote from a magazine. Sir, you should not allow him to quote.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: He can quote, but he cannot show it like this. Mr. Swain, please continue.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Thank you, Sir.
This is an opinion given not by me but by Mr. Damodaran, who is now the IDBI Chairman, who is now the UTI Chairman. Mr. Rajaraman was there. It was moderated by one of the members from the Congress party, Mr. Jairam Ramesh. Mr. Tendulkar, Mr. Gokarn, Mr. Debroy, everybody was there. What do they say in reply to the question, "Does the Budget 2004 present a new human face?" They say, ‘No.’ What do they say? They say that the Budget does not go beyond putting fresh paint on the human face of the past budgets. This is their opinion. But the Finance Minister has taken a view … (Interruptions)
SOME HON. MEMBERS: What is your opinion?
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : My opinion is the same as what they say.
SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY : Sir, it is not a document. A magazine cannot be a document.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please sit down.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Sir, if I say this on my own, they would say that it is because I belong to NDA, because I do not belong to the ruling party, so I am criticising them. I am simply quoting from the comments made by the prominent economists of the country.
The hon. Minister has said that he is an Investment Minister and that he will bring in investments. However, the moment he assumed power, foreign institutional investors wanted to withdraw their money from the stock markets. That is what they wanted to do. So, where is the investment coming from? If this is the sort of an impression being given by the Finance Minister, by the Government, who will come forward to invest in India?
Another gentleman, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is sitting just behind the Minister, said that unless there is a savings rate of 36 per cent, we cannot grow. He said that China has grown because it had achieved 36 per cent savings rate.
SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA (GUNA): Forty per cent.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Sir, I will simply make the point as to what is there in this Budget to boost savings. Has the Finance Minister done or said anything in this Budget which will boost savings, savings with regard to the creation of investment climate? Financial system in India has got funds at its disposal but it does not find borrowers now a days. I was the Member of the Finance Committee for the last five years. I have been told that the banks are sitting over heaps of money but nobody is coming forward to take the loan because they get it from outside, even with a lesser amount of interest. Hence, they simply refuse to take the loan. What else the Finance Minister has done which would give boost to the investment environment?
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please wind up.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Sir, you should give me some more time. … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I have a list of more than 20 speakers.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : This is the Budget discussion. Sir, please give me five more minutes and I will conclude my speech.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अगर आप ज्यादा टाइम लेंगे तो आपकी पार्टी के बोलने वाले सदस्यों को टाइम नहीं मिलेगा।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री खारबेल स्वाईं : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, आप इसमें आधा घंटा और बढ़ा सकते हैं।
...( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अगर आपकी पार्टी इस बात से सहमत है तो मुझे कोई ऐतराज नहीं है।
...( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You conclude.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Sir, I cannot conclude my speech within two minutes.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: As you wish.
Shri Madan Lal Sharma – Not present.
Shri Madhusudan Mistry.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY (SABARKANTHA): Sir, I will not take much time. I will simply make a few points.
At the outset, I congratulate the Finance Minister. After many years I have been able to find such a nice and good Budget which satisfies the aspirations of the poor people in general in this country who have been looking and demanding their own share from what the Government distribute through the Budget. When this Budget was presented, many titles or many headlines appeared in a number of newspapers the next day. One of the headlines was that he taxed India and funded Bharat. Until recently what I had seen of the Budgets, these people were sitting there herein taxingBharat and funding India. The Bharat has shown the door. Earlier, they were sitting here and now they are sitting over there because they neglected all these years the poor people, farmers, agriculture labourers, the unorganised sector, and the women. I mean to say that they have all been left out from the earlier Budgets of the NDA Government as a result they have to suffer.
I was looking at the Constitution. In fact, the word `Budget’ is not in the Constitution. It is mentioned as the financial statement of the Government. I was also looking at the Directive Principles of State Policy. I am very happy to see that this Budget in fact tried to satisfy those Principles for which I have been striving all these years - State particularly striving to minimize inequality in income and making endeavour to eliminate the inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities. Apart from that, it also states that the State shall rise the level of nutrition and standard of living, improve public health and primary duties and endeavour the whole economic interest. The State shall promote, with special care, education, economic interests and weaker sections of society and in particular, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and shall also protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. I am so happy to state in this House that this Budget tries to fulfil all those Directive Principles which have been in fact mentioned in the Budget.
20.00 hrs. Sir, the Budget is not merely a document of financial statement. In fact, it is expected that it should create a society which is based on equity and social justice with egalitarian income; and there is an income parity and not income disparity.
But over the years it has been seen especially during the regime of NDA Government that their Budgets have created an income gap between certain sections of the society and the upper layer of the society. That gap has widened. Not only that, their policies have created a regional imbalance between regions and regions, and States and States. But this Budget of the UPA Government has tried to minimise all these imbalances and disparities. This Budget is taking the masses of this country to the upper level and it is decreasing this income gap.
Sir, I have also tried to read the strategy through this document. There is twin strategy, and I can make it out that it is this document which always first starts with generating employment. It is a direction tower which creates employment opportunities for the poor people, for the masses of this country. By creating a policy statement, it is inviting investment in certain sectors especially in the primary sectors, and also inducing its own money by 100 days of the work. It is the State’s commitment. It is giving, investing and spending money in order to create employment opportunities. It is distributing financial resources which go into the rural India of this country.
So, Sir, this Budget would be creating more and more employment opportunities. Besides that, it is investing money on health and education. Having health and education, it also prepares its own human resource which can grab the opportunity which is created by private investment as well as the Government investment, and thereby giving an income in the hands of the people of this country who have been neglected so far by the NDA Government. I hope and I am very confident that this twin strategy which is being enshrined in this Budget document will definitely work.
Sir, these people who are there in the Opposition now, have always tried to propagate that they are nationalist. But looking at the Budget document, I have found that in the last two years they did not make any capital outlay for Defence purchases. It is this Government only which has allocated nearly Rs. 33,000 crore in the capital outlay for Defence. I was just looking at the Expenditure Budget and I found that the Air Force, Navy and all other sectors have been given enough money by the present Finance Minister. So, I congratulate him for doing all that. Not only that, this Budget has provided more than Rs. 10,000 crore over and above the money for which the provisions were made.
Therefore, Sir, in fact, it is the UPA Government which has come out very openly in support of the Defence services and provided them enough opportunities to equip themselves with such a huge amount of money.
Sir, having said this, I have a little bit of concern. The task for the Finance Minister is very daunting especially with the fiscal responsibility and Budget Management Act. While passing this Act, we had expressed our apprehensions when we were there. We said that it would tie down the hands of the Finance Minister. So, he would have to either generate resources from this country, and have less borrowings. He would have to curtail expenditure. Then, we had already expressed that the money which is allocated for social services may get affected. But I am very happy to say that the present Finance Minister has not decreased any allocation for the social services. In fact, he has increased it much more. Almost 27 per cent to 28 per cent of the money of the Government of India goes in meeting the interest payments.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude now.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : Sir, give me two or three minutes more , and I would conclude. I would not take much time.
Sir, nearly 16 per cent to 17 per cent of our money goes in meeting the defence expenditure.
Around 11.5 per cent go for meeting non-plan expenditure. This has tied down the hands of the Finance Minister and as a result it could affect allocation, but it has not.
I have 2-3 suggestions to make for the Finance Minister. The first one is that almost 92 per cent people in this country are in the unorganised sector and they also produce. I do not think there is any mechanism to measure their production and their share in the GDP. This is what my impression is. I think, we should find out some mechanism whereby the contribution of the unorganised sector in this country is measured so that they could get their due share.
My second suggestion is this.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : I have not even taken five minutes.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I have a list of 16 Members from your Party.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : Please give me 2-3 minutes more. I am just giving the points.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मेरे पास आपकी पार्टी की ओर से अभी बहुत से मैम्बर्स और बोलने वाले हैं।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री मधुसूदन मिस्त्री : उपाध्यक्ष जी, मुझे सिर्फ तीन मिनट चाहिए। पॉइन्ट्स के अलावा दूसरा और कुछ नहीं बोलूंगा।…( व्यवधान)
My second concern is about the whole criteria for deciding the number of poor people. I am just drawing your attention so that you could look at the criteria for deciding the number of poor in this country. What these people did last time was that even if one person has one fan or some units of electricity or if one person has one radio, etc. they are considered as if they had crossed poverty line. In fact, they have changed the definition. Instead of raising the income of the poor people, they did that. I would just request you to look at the recent survey which is having a number of questions. One of the questions that is irritating is on the number of pairs of cloth that one has. If one has four pairs of cloth, it means that he has crossed the poverty line. So, I just request you to look at the whole criteria of deciding the number of poor people in this country because the entire allocation depends on this.
In the entire planning exercise, skill and labour are not considered as assets. Artisans who have skills have been neglected. There is a necessity to create a Board to look at this issue of artisans; and artisans who have skill should be given a due place in the planning, and also in the allocation of money.
The third concern is specially with regard to Gujarat. You have mentioned about irrigation. I request you to look at the whole Narmada Yojana, which can provide water to a number of areas.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : Please give me some more time.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No. I cannot give you more time.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : I am just giving the points. I am not making any comment on anything else.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No. Please conclude.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : I am just talking about some points with regard to Gujarat. I have only 2-3 points more to make.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I have a list of six Members from your Party.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : I know. But I have taken not even seven minutes.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You have taken about 10 minutes.
SHRI MADHUSUDAN MISTRY : Please look at Gujarat. The entire tribal belt of the country is on the upstream of the major dams and those areas mostly remain unirrigated. There should be a special provision to look at the entire tribal belt of this country and they should be brought under irrigation because wherever water goes, it brings prosperity.
Look at Gujarat; it has a very long coastline. There are rivers and in fact, siltation takes place. Drudging has not been done. I would say that Bharuch could be an ideal port; Surat can be a port; Vasad can be another port. There should be enough money with the Shipping Department, which could get these things done.
Lastly, Special Economic Zone in the earthquake-ravaged areas of Kutch is there. You did mention in your speech about this, I just request you to extend the facilities for another year or two so that people in the Kutch region could get benefited; and it could help people in the affected areas of Kutch.
SHRIMATI ARCHANA NAYAK (KENDRAPARA): Respected Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak a few words on the General Budget 2004-05.
As a representative from the State of Orissa, I am particularly concerned about the implications of this Budget for the poor people of my State. I would like to draw the attention of the Finance Minister as to what made him forget a State like Orissa while he was pondering over the backwardness of Bihar. Why is Orissa the typically forgotten State? Why is Orissa mentioned only as an after thought? I want to make it clear to my colleagues from Bihar that I have no complaint against the Bihar Package or for that matter to the Northeastern States.
Sir, I would like to highlight the fact that when we make a comparison of the socio-economic conditions of Orissa and Bihar, we find many similarities between these two States. If we take the number of people living below the poverty line, the figure is 47.15 per cent in Orissa and 42.60 per cent in Bihar I would like to bring to the knowledge of the hon. Minister the fact that the number of people living below the poverty line in Orissa is the highest in the country.
Sir, I do not want to go into the obvious political considerations of the Finance Minister which made him announce the special package for Bihar. But I have a very simple question to ask the Finance Minister who is known for his uprightness and sense of balance. I want to know whether the Finance Minister also considers Orissa a fit case for a special package. If he does, he should announce a similar package for Orissa as well. If he does not, then I would like to know, why.
Sir, it is my demand and the demand of the Biju Janata Dal that a special package for Orissa be provided in view of the hard facts. Orissa with the highest number of people living below the poverty line, with 42 per cent of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population, needs and deserves special assistance from the Centre. Moreover, year after year, Orissa is devastated by flood, cyclone and drought continuously. Thus to ignore Orissa because there is no election round the corner in the State, would be not only politically cynical but also highly unethical.
Sir, I wish to further add that there are nearly 10 lakh youths waiting for employment in the State. About 99.5 per cent of the State’s revenue is spent towards the payment of salary, pension and other non-plan expenditure. What is left for development schemes can be well understood. The debt burden on the State at the end of 2003-04 financial year is to the tune of Rs.32.312 crore. The State is going through a severe economic crisis.
Sir, I would finally like to mention that there is obvious disparity with regard to Orissa’s share in Central taxes and grants. I need not furnish the statistics as the Finance Minister himself is fully aware of the fact. This disparity has to be removed.
Sir, with these words, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the debate on the General Budget 2004-05.
श्री शैलेन्द्र कुमार (चायल):माननीय उपाध्यक्ष जी, आपने २००४-२००५ के सामान्य बजट पर बोलने का समय दिया, उसके मैं आपका आभारी हूं। जब किसी भी सरकार का बजट आता है तो जनमानस में एक इच्छा सदैव रहती है कि बजट में क्या प्रावधान होगा और अपने साल भर के खर्चे की वह कैसे व्यवस्था करेगा। सस्ता बजट आएगा या महंगाई को बढ़ावा देने वाला बजट आएगा, यह हर व्यक्ति की चिंता होती है। इसी चिंता पर पिछली सरकार और वर्तमान के बजटों पर भी तुलनात्मक अध्ययन लोग करते हैं। जहां तक बजट की बात है तो बजट एक प्रशासनिक व्यवस्था है लेकिन जब सरकारों के बजटों की तुलना की जाती है कि पिछली सरकारों और वर्तमान सरकार का बजट कैसा रहा, तो व्यक्ति तुलना करके अपनी राय अवश्य जाहिर करता है। मैं माननीय मंत्री जी का ध्यान उत्तर प्रदेश की ओर विशेष रूप से आकर्षित करना चाहूंगा। उत्तर प्रदेश भारत की राजनीति का केन्द्रबिंदु रहा है। आजादी के ४५ वर्षों तक जितने भी प्रधान मंत्री हुए, वे उत्तर प्रदेश से हुए और वे कांग्रेस पार्टी और बीजेपी के रहे हैं। कांग्रेस और बीजेपी से भिन्न माननीय चौधरी चरणसिंह जी, और माननीय श्री चन्द्रशेखर जी रहे। लेकिन उन्हें काम करने का मौका नहीं मिल पाया। अगर उन्हें काम करने का मौका मिलता तो आज किसान की हालत ऐसी न रहती। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी के बजट से सबसे ज्यादा निराशा उत्तर प्रदेश के लोगों को हुई है, किसानों और मजदूरों को हुई है। उत्तर प्रदेश के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री मुलायम सिंह जी ने १२ जून को माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी को पत्र लिखकर १८,२३० करोड़ रुपये के आर्थिक पैकेज की मांग की थी। दूसरी बार माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी से मिलकर गन्ना किसानों का जो बकाया ५०० करोड़ रुपया है उसके भुगतान के लिए पैकेज की मांग की। उत्तर प्रदेश के गन्ना किसानों ने अपनी बकाया राशि के भुगतान के लिए जब भी आंदोलन किया तो पहले की सरकारों ने किसानों को गोली का शिकार बनाया। आज वहां गन्ना मिलें बंद बड़ी हैं और किसान भुखमरी के कगार पर हैं। आज केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा उत्तर प्रदेश की सरकार के साथ राजनीतिक विद्वेष की भावना से काम किया जा रहा है। मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से मांग करता हूं कि उत्तर प्रदेश के लिए आर्थिक मदद स्वीकृत करें। उत्तर प्रदेश देश का सबसे बड़ा राज्य है और उसकी प्रगति के बिना देश की तरक्की संभव नहीं है। अल्पसंख्यकों के आर्थिक एवं शैक्षणिक विकास हेतु केवल ५० करोड़ रुपये ही बजट में रखे गये हैं जबकि अल्पसंख्यकों में ईसाई, सिख, पारसी, जैन व बौद्ध भी आते हैं। आज देश के २० करोड़ मुसलमान सबसे बदहाली की हालत में हैं। अकेले अगर मुसलमानों के लिए अलग से पांच हजार करोड़ का पैकेज देते तो भी उनकी हालत में सुधार नहीं होता।
मैं आपके माध्यम से माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से मांग करुंगा कि उत्तर प्रदेश में ऊर्जा के लिए ४६५० करोड़ रुपये, औद्योगिक विकास के लिए २०५० करोड़ रुपये, सिंचाई के लिए १४४२ करोड़ रुपये, ग्रामीण पेयजल के लिए २७४४ करोड़ रुपये, नगरीय पेयजल के लिए १३५० करोड़ रुपये, प्राथमिक शिक्षा, पोषाहार व छात्रवृत्ति के लिए २१९५ करोड़ रुपये, उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य मार्ग प्राधिकरण के लिए ५०० करोड़ रुपये, समग्र ग्राम्य विकास के लिए ५०० करोड़ रुपये, पोषाहार के लिए ५३० करोड़ रुपये, वृद्धावस्था एवं किसान पेंशन के लिए १०३ करोड़ रुपये, वानिकी के लिए ५६६ करोड़ रुपये एवं सैकिंड स्ट्रक्चरल एडजस्टमेंट ऋण के लिए ११०० करोड़ रुपये दें तभी उत्तर प्रदेश का विकास संभव है और अगर उत्तर प्रदेश की तरक्की होगी तो देश की भी प्रगति संभव होगी।
एक बात और मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहूंगा कि सभी माननीय सांसदों की एक राय है कि किसी के क्षेत्र में पांच विधान सभाएं हैं तो किसी के क्षेत्र में ९-१० विधान सभा क्षेत्र हैं। प्रतिवर्ष प्रत्येक सांसद को दो करोड़ रुपये सांसद नधि से मिलते हैं जिसे अगर पांच करोड़ रुपये कर दिया जाता है तो क्षेत्र का विकास हो सकता है। हमारी पार्टी का कंसैप्ट रहा है कि बीमा और नागरिक उडडयन, संचार सरकारी उपक्रमों का निजीकरण न करें, नहीं तो उपरोक्त विभागों की हालत और बिगडेगी । कारण यह है कि विदेशी लोग हमारे देश में आयेंगे और हमारी पूंजी विदेश में ले जायेंगे और हमारे पास कुछ नहीं रहेगा। इस वजह से हमारा देश पीछे रह जाएगा।
महोदय, मैं आपसे मांग करता हूं कि उत्तर प्रदेश की तमाम परिस्थितियों को ध्यान में रखकर १८,२३० करोड़ रुपए की व्यवस्था इस बजट में करें। इसके साथ ही मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि उत्तर प्रदेश के किसानों के गन्ने का भुगतान सरकार द्वारा किया गया है, लेकिन अभी भी ५०० करोड़ रुपया बकाया है। मैं आपसे विशेष तौर पर मांग करता हूं कि इस मांग को शामिल करते हुए उत्तर प्रदेश को आर्थिक मदद करें, ताकि उत्तर प्रदेश का विकास हो सके। अगर उत्तर प्रदेश का विकास होगा, तो देश का विकास होगा।
इन शब्दों के साथ मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलने के लिए मौका दिया ।
*SHRI RATTAN SINGH AJNALA (TARAN TARAN): Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, I am thankful to you that you have given me this opportunity to speak on the Budget. Sir, for the last more than 50 years, Budgets have been presented in the House every year but the people of India continue to reel under poverty. Either those who present the Budget have not been up to the mark or those who implement the Budget proposals have failed in their work. Whatever facilities are provided for the poor in the Budget fails to reach these poor people. I want to appeal to the Finance Minister that whatever facilities are provided for the poor in the Budget must reach them. This should be ensured. This is something important.
Sir, I represent Punjab and my constituency is a border constituency. I would appeal to the Finance Minister that those districts which fall in the international border area should be declared ‘backward’ districts. People who reside in the border areas face a lot of problems. We have fought several wars against Pakistan. For instance, wars were fought in 1965 and 1971. Sir, a large area of cultivable land belonging to the farmers falls beyond the barbed wire fencing. These farmers face restrictions. The gates are opened only at 6 AM and 5 PM. We have been trying our best to provide assistance to those farmers whose land falls beyond the barbed wire fencing. But these poor farmers are suffering.
Sir, the NDA Government had decided to pay compensation to such farmers at the rate of Rs 2500 per acre but now, even this relief has been stopped. So I appeal to the Finance Minister to restore this compensation to these poor farmers. It is urgently needed as Punjab is an agricultural State.
There has also been some talk regarding diversification of crops. Some farmers tried this but for the last 3 years, those farmers who grew sugarcane have not been paid the price of their sugarcane crop. Whenever we raised this issue, we were told by the Congress Government in the State that the cooperative mills have not purchased sugar. So, the farmers have not been paid. How will diversification succeed?
Sir, Punjab contributes 60% of food grains in the Central Pool. We cultivate wheat and rice. But water is essential for irrigation purpose. Sir, injustice is being meted out to the people of Punjab. Sir, on the SYL issue, our point of view has been forcefully presented by my colleague Sardar Dhindsaji.
Sir, in Bhatinda work on a refinery was started by the NDA Government. But for the last 2-3 years, work on this 14,000 crore refinery has come to a standstill. So, I appeal to the Finance Minister that work on the refinery should begin again in right earnest, so that people of Punjab gain out of it.
Sir, Jammu & Kashmir is a border State. Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal are also border States. But, so is Punjab. So, the facilities that have been extended to these States should also be granted to Punjab. I do not say that the facilities granted to them should be withdrawn. Their facilities should be continued. But, Punjab too should be provided with such facilities so that people of Punjab too could gain out of it. And industries of Punjab could prosper. As of now, the industries in Punjab are in shambles. They are shifting to other States. Other neighbouring States like Jammu & Kashmir are providing concessions to these industries in the form of exemption in sales tax, income tax, etc. Sir, the Finance Minister has provided for a cess in the Budget to fulfill the educational needs of the poor. Sir, education is the need of the hour for the poor. Especially those who live in the border areas face a lot of problems. There are almost no schools. If there are a few schools, there are no teachers there. No fans are there. So, we must take steps so that education reaches the poorest of the poor, and the people of border areas too benefit out of it. In a few schools that are there, no drinking water facility is present, health problems are there, and no electricity connection is there. Also, there are no desks and benches for students. So, keeping in view the plethora of problems faced by the people of border areas, special concessions should be granted to them. These border areas should be declared ‘backward’ and liberal assistance should be given to them.
Sir, the Budget mentions the small-scale industries too. They are provided to these small-scale industries. No markets are available for their produce. Sir, for the small-scale industries to flourish, we must provide them with raw materials as well as marketing facilities.
Sir, regarding diversification of crops, I have to say that the farmer of Punjab can grow all kinds of food grains. But, he faces an acute marketing problem. Until and unless durable markets are provided to the farmers, the scheme of diversification will remain a pipe-dream.
Sir, in my constituency, the previous NDA Government had started the four-laning work of GT Road from Jalandhar to Wagah border. But this work has now come to a standstill. Sir, Governments may come and Governments may go but the development works should be kept out of politics. Development works should be implemented irrespective of the change in Government. So, this four-laning work of GT Road from Jalandhar to Wagah border should be restarted.
Similarly, Sir, some work is going on at the international Raja Sansi Airport. But the work is going on at a snail’s pace for the last 5-6 years. Sir, work at the airport should also be expedited. We start several projects but they are not completed in time. These projects go on and on for 20-25 years. People suffer due to this lethargy. So, sir, work at the international airport should be completed soon.
Sir, Punjab is a hard working State. People of such States should not be punished. Rather, they should be provided more facilities. The hard working farmers of Punjab brought about the ‘Green Revolution’. Punjab is called the ‘Granary of India’. So, such a State should be especially taken care of by the Centre.
Sir, I am grateful that you allowed me to speak on the Budget.
__________________________________________________________________ *Translation of the Speech originally delivered in Punjabi.
SHRI PRAKASH PARANJPE (THANE): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I am representing the second largest constituency of Hindustan, consisting of 32,40,272 voters. So, what I am expressing here is the feelings of my voters. I am neither going to criticise the Budget nor am I going to bite you as your colleagues have said. I know the dog is a pet animal. We keep dogs in our houses to protect the owners. If anybody encroaches, he should bark at them and he should bite them. I do not know what sort of friends you are keeping with you that they want to bite you yourself. So, be aware of the dogs! When WTO agreements were signed, our industrialists were asking that they must get a level playing field. Their demand was a just demand. But in India it is happening in your tenure that for the same product, there are different taxes. I am referring to the company, Wimco which is in my constituency. I have written a letter in that regard to remove this injustice. But under the garb of protecting the cottage industries, in your Budget you have increased the excise duty from 8 per cent to 16 per cent saying that it will be with Cenvat. Do you know that in the cottage industries maximum workers are children? You are increasing or putting 2 per cent cess on all the Central Government taxes to give good education to the children of our country. Under the banner of cottage industry, ITC is doing the entire business. Wimco, a Company of 80 years old, which has done a lot of social work is suffering now and it would be compelled to close down. May I request you that for one product, there should be the same taxation policy. You should apply excise duty to the entire match box industry irrespective of where it is produced and introduce eight per cent excise duty with Cenvat. Then and then only this Company will survive. If you can give an opportunity to me to meet you in person, I will be much more thankful. I am confident that injustice meted out to Wimco will be resolved by you. I hope so. I do not know why the Leftists have not taken up this issue of protecting a Company in India which is suffering because of disparity in taxation policy. The original Company is from Kolkata, but they are not taking care of their own Company.
We are always talking of NPAs. VDS Scheme was announced in order to collect the black money of our country. On the same lines, can you come out with a scheme for NPA account holders? Till December 2004, if the NPA account holders want to repay their loan in any form, either in cash or gold or silver or land properties, Income Tax Department will not question them from where they have brought the money. If such a scheme is brought, I am confident that more than 70 per cent of NPA account holders will be able to repay their loans. There is another problem with this. The Reserve Bank has got some policy for repayment of these loans. But in Maharashtra, the cooperative banks are not adopting the policy of the Reserve Bank. I would like to request the hon. Minister that the RBI guidelines should be made mandatory to all the cooperative banks which will give them a good result.
Thirdly, Mr. Minister, in your own speech, you said in 1996-97 that a huge funding for 178 irrigation projects was made. But only 28 have been completed so far. I would like to know the reasons for not completing this job. I want to know whether we have to make a lot of changes in our Forest Act or in the Environment Act also. Otherwise, simply saying that you raised the funds but the work was not completed is of no use. Since we are governing, we should know why the money allocated to certain jobs has not been used properly, why the work has not been completed.
A very bad thing has happened in the country because of supplying kitchidi. Hundreds of innocent boys and girls died because cooking was taking place in the school premises. I have raised this issue with my State Government also. The point is that instead of giving thekitchidi, something else can be given. We have seen in person what sort of materials or foodgrains are supplied to the schools. The worst quality of food is supplied to the schools because we have got excess food with us. I think this matter is still with the court and all that. If you can arrange to give eggs to our boys and girls, the poultry industry will also come up. When I was a School Committee Member in my Corporation, I introduced giving threptin biscuits. You need not give those biscuits every day. You have to give them only twice a week because it is very difficult to digest the threptin biscuits. So, I will be thankful to you if you can shift it. Without increasing any budgetary provision, instead of givingkitchidi, if you can introduce eggs to the small boys and girls, threptin biscuits to the senior people, I will be very much thankful to you.
One more irregularity is there.… (Interruptions) There are only two points. I know that I have got only five points to make. There is the Monthly Income Scheme. Generally, all the retired people or those who have taken VRS, are depositing the money in post office in the joint account having two names. The maximum limit is rupees six lakh only. Out of these two persons’ joint names, if one person expires, the post office is compelling the other one to withdraw 50 per cent of that amount. It is something surprising to me. Suppose I keep rupees six lakh in the joint name and if one partner from the joint name expires, the post office is asking that 50 per cent money should be withdrawn immediately.
Then, there is one more point. There is the 15 Point Programme of senior citizens. As on today, we have got 8.17 per cent senior citizens in our country. Out of all their demands, only one demand is having some financial burden on the Government. To my surprise, all the Ministers concerned, who are holding the portfolio where these demands are sent, are senior citizens. But a person like me, who has not yet become a senior citizen, has to bring to the notice of those Ministers - who are already senior citizens but are not solving the issues – the genuine issues of medical, health or a pension scheme or an LIC Scheme or something like that. They are not looking into it.
Last but not least, there is a disparity in the MPLAD Fund. I have given a letter to you, to the hon. Prime Minister and also to Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad. The point is that a Member representing a smallest constituency of our country having 36,000 voters, gets rupees two crore as MPLAD Fund. I am having the second largest constituency representing 32,40,000 voters. I am also getting only rupees two crore. Mr. Minister, you are always talking of removal of disparity. But here is the disparity that starts from the MP only! So, I would request you that the MPLAD Fund should be based on the number of voters. We will then get justice. Hardly, 23 Members are having more than 15 lakh voters in their constituencies. This increase will be only for five years because next time when the elections would take place, delimitation would come into operation and the constituencies would be at par with others. So, my request to you is to increase the MPLAD Fund in proportion to the number of voters.
Thank you. With these words, I conclude.
श्री मित्रसेन यादव (फैजाबाद) : माननीय उपाध्यक्ष जी, मैं आपका आभार प्रकट करते हुए आपने जो समय दिया है, उसमें कुछ सुझाव देना चाहता हूँ।
मैंने दोनों पक्षों के माननीय सदस्यों और विद्वान नेताओं को सुना। बहुत से सदस्यों ने बजट को निरुद्देश्य बताया और तरह-तरह की आलोचनाएं कीं। आलोचनाएं होती भी हैं। इस देश की जो शक्ल है, जिस तरह की सामाजिक आर्थिक और राजनैतिक स्थिति देश की है, उसके अनुरूप ही माननीय मंत्री जी को बजट बनाना चाहिए और कोई भी बजट किसी देश की आर्थिके व्यवस्था का एक मूल्यांकन होता है। हमारा देश गरीबी से पीड़ित है और किसान प्रधान देश है। इसलिए गरीबी का उन्मूलन और किसानों को सुखी जीवन प्रदान करना हमारे बजट का मुख्य उद्देश्य होना चाहिए।
महोदय, किसी भी देश की तरक्की तभी होती है जब उस देश में कृषि और उद्योग दोनों होते हैं। हमारे देश में किन्हीं प्रदेशों में कृषि है तो किन्हीं प्रदेशों में उद्योग है, लेकिन सभी प्रदेशों में कृषि और उद्योग नहीं हैं। इसलिए उद्योग को भी उतना ही बढ़ावा दिया जाना चाहिए जितना कृषि को दिया जा रहा है।
हमारे देश की जो भौतिक संपदा है और मीन्स ऑफ प्रोडक्शन्स हैं, उस पर व्यक्तियों का बहुत प्रभुत्व है। इस पर सामाजिक नियंत्रण होना चाहिए क्योंकि ऐसा न होने से शोषण के रास्ते खुलते हैं और गरीबी को बढ़ावा मिलता है। हमारे बजट में इस बात की व्यवस्था होनी चाहिए कि हमारी आर्थिक संपन्नता को मज़बूत करने के लिए जो हमारे मीन्स ऑफ प्रोडक्शन्स हैं और जो भौतिक संपदा है, उस पर व्यक्तियों का स्वामित्व न रहे। इन सभी चीजों को मिटाने के लिए और इनको सपोर्ट करने के लिए हमें ट्रांसपोर्टेशन की, इर्रीगेशन की, एजुकेशन की और इंडस्टि्रयलाइजेशन तमाम चीज़ों की ज़रूरत है और उसके लिए हमें धन की आवश्यकता होती है।
मान्यवर, हमारे देश में बाढ़ और सूखा बहुत होता है। अभी तक किसी केन्द्र सरकार और प्रदेश की सरकार ने इस बात के लिए योजना नहीं बनाई है कि बाढ़ के पानी को रोककर सूखा क्षेत्रों में पहुँचाया जा सके और जो भूमिगत जलस्तर नीचे जा रहा है, उसे उठाया जा सके। कहीं-कहीं पानी का संकट इतना है कि पीने के लिए पानी नहीं मिलता है और बहुत से प्रदेशों में पानी का जल स्तर इतना नीचे जा रहा है कि इसको रोकने के लिए बाढ़ के पानी को अगर संचित किया जा सके, डैम बनाए जा सकें तो उससे पानी का स्तर भी उठ सकता है, सिंचाई का प्रबंध भी किया जा सकता है और पावर जनरेशन भी की जा सकती है। ऐसी दूरगामी योजनाएं हमारे देश में नहीं बनी हैं।
20.43 hrs. (Shri Devendra Prasad Yadav in the Chair) हमारे माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी आर्थिक विषयों में माहिर हैं। वित्तीय अनुशासन और प्रबंधन के बारे में, अर्थव्यवस्था के बारे में जितनी जानकारी माननीय चिदम्बरम जी को है, उतनी जानकारी मेरे ख्याल से हमारे सदन में कम ही लोग होंगे जिनको होगी। उन्होंने अपने इस बजट में कोई कसर नहीं रखी है। जैसी हमारे देश की बनावट है, सबकी झोली में कुछ न कुछ डालने की कोशिश की है। अभी हमारे एक माननीय सदस्य ने कहा कि उत्तर प्रदेश में बहुत से पावर जनरेशन के प्लांट और बहुत से इर्रीगेशन के प्लांट, बड़ी-बड़ी सिंचाई की नहरें वर्षों से पड़ी हुई हैं। आज तक सरयू नहर नहीं बन पाई है। इसी तरह से बहुत सी परियोजनाएं हैं। इन परियोजनाओं को धन देकर पूर्ण कराया जाना चाहिए जिससे इन परियोजनाओं से जनता को लाभ हो सके।
इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं कुछ खास बातों की ओर मंत्री जी का ध्यान दिलाना चाहूँगा। हमारे ग्रामीण अंचलों में राष्ट्रीय योजनाओं से जो लाभ पहुँचाया जाता है, उन योजनाओं में बड़ी कांप्लीकेशन्स हैं, बड़े प्रतिबंध हैं। चाहे बैंकों से कर्ज़ा लेने की बात हो, चाहे किसी तरह की सुविधाएं देने की बात हो और गांवों में ग्रामीण बैंक चलाए हैं। वह ऐसा बैंक है जो सब बैंकों का गुलाम है। वह लीड बैंक के आगे किसी प्रकार का काम नहीं कर पाता है।
महोदय, या तो उस बैंक को बन्द कर देना चाहिए या ग्रामीण बैंक को स्वतंत्र कर देना चाहिए क्योंकि ग्रामीण बैंक के जरिए ही गांव के तमाम गरीबों को बहुत सी योजनाओं का लाभ पहुंचाया जाता है। जो दूसरे बैंक हैं, वे ग्रामीण योजनाओं को धन नहीं देते हैं।
सभापति महोदय : अब आप समाप्त करिए क्यों कि आपने समय-सीमा का ध्यान रखने का वायदा उपाध्यक्ष महोदय से किया था। अब आप कन्क्लूड करिए।
श्री मित्रसेन यादव : सभापति महोदय, मैं समाप्त करने जा रहा हूं। हमारे बजट का एक बहुत बड़ा हिस्सा रक्षा के लिए चला जाता है। उसे कोई रोक नहीं सकता है। देश की सुरक्षा आवश्यक है और उसकी जरूरत है।
महोदय, हमारे देश में जो लोग कवर में पैर लटकाए हैं, उन्हें पढ़ाने हेतु एक प्रौढ़ शिक्षा कार्यक्रम चलाया जा रहा है और इस पर बहुत धनराशि व्यय की जाती है। जो बच्चे अभी पढ़ने वाले हैं, जो नए बच्चे आ रहे हैं, जिन्हें पढ़ाने की जरूरत है, उनके लिए तो कोई योजना नहीं है, लेकिन जो बूढ़े लोग कवर में पैर लटकाए बैठे हैं, उन्हें पढ़ाने के लिए प्रौढ़ शिक्षा कार्यक्रम है। प्रौढ़ शिक्षा पर खर्च किए जाने वाला पैसा व्यर्थ जा रहा है। वे पढ़ने वाले नहीं हैं और समता और विषमता को पाटने के लिए तथा समता को सम्पन्नता की तरफ ले जाने का हमारे बजट का जो रुख होना चाहिए, वह अभी नहीं है।
महोदय, संगमा जी, बजट की आलोचना कर के चले गए, अब यहां नहीं बैठे हैं। उन्होंने चीन के बजट की बात कही। यहां के वामपंथी अपने देश की बजाय चीन के बजट से दर्शन लेते हैं और तुलना करते हैं। हम जिस देश में रहते हैं उस देश का बजट कैसा हो, यह हमें जानना चाहिए। मैं अपने उन साथियों को बताना चाहता हूं कि हमारे देश की अर्थव्यवस्था मश्रित है। यह बात हमारे देवेगौड़ा जी को भी जाननी चाहिए और संगमा जी तथा विपक्ष के साथियों को भी जाननी चाहिए।
महोदय, देश की मश्रित अर्थव्यवस्था को द्ृष्टिगत रखते हुए श्री चिदम्बरम जी ने जो बजट पेश किया है, वह सराहनीय और ठीक है। इसमें आलोचना की गुंजाइश बहुत कम है। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
श्रीमती करुणा शुक्ला (जांजगीर) : माननीय सभापति महोदय, इस सदन में माननीय वित्त मंत्री श्री पी. चिदम्बरम जी ने वर्ष २००४-०५ का जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है मैं उसका विरोध करती हूं और आपसे संरक्षण भी चाहती हूं। मैं छत्तीसगढ़ राज्य से हूं जिस राज्य की आयु सिर्फ तीन वर्ष आठ माह है। उस राज्य के लिए माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने कोई कृपा नहीं की, कोई द्ृष्टि नहीं डाली। आठ महीने पहले उसी राज्य में इस तरफ बैठे लोग दौड़-दौड़ कर जाते थे और उम्मीदें बंधवाते थे और उस राज्य की जनता से कहते थे कि जब हम आएंगे तब कुछ न कुछ आपको देंगे। छत्तीसगढ़ में हमारी सरकार आ गई और कुछ वधि का विधान भी ऐसा रहा कि ११ में से १० हम लोग आ गए और जो एक इकलौते उधर आए, वे भी छत्तीसगढ़ के लिए कुछ कर नहीं सके।
माननीय सभापति महोदय, मैं अपनी बात चिदम्बरम जी के बजट प्रारम्भ करते समय उन्होंने बजट में जो बातें कहीं उन्हीं से शुरू करूंगी और अपनी बात समाप्त भी उन्हीं की बजट में कही गई लाइनों से करूंगी। उन्होंने बजट में कहा है कि " आर्थिक आधारभूत स्थितियां सुद्ृढ़ जान पड़ती हैं और भुगतान संतुलन की स्थिति मजबूत है। यद्यपि मूल्यों पर अल्पावधि दबाव है तो भी वर्ष की सम्भावनाएं अनुकूल हैं।" मैं बहुत देर से सुन रही थी, उस तरफ के लोग अपनी पीठ स्वयं थपथपा रहे थे।
सभापति महोदय, गठबंधन की सरकार, राजग की सरकार, पूर्व प्रधान मंत्री माननीय अटल बिहारी की सरकार ने जो मजबूत नींव छ: वर्ष में रखी, चिदम्बरम जी ने उसका उल्लेख किया है, इसके लिए मैं उनको धन्यवाद देती हूं। इस मजबूत नींव पर उन्होंने जो मकान खड़ा करने की कोशिश की है, उसमें संभावनाएं अच्छी नहीं दिख रही हैं। वह काल्पनिक धरातल पर है, यथार्थ कहीं नजर नहीं आता है॥ उस मजबूत नींव पर आपने कल्पना के घोड़े दौड़ाए हैं। वे निश्चित रूप से धाराशायी होंगे। इस तरफ के लोगों ने इस बारे में आपको अनेक उदाहरण देकर आपके सामने वास्तविक स्थिति को प्रस्तुत करने का प्रयास किया है।
सभापति महोदय, जहां तक बिहार की बात है, मुझे ऐसा लगता है कि या तो बिहार की जनता ठगी गई है, या आपके केन्द्रीय मंत्रिमंडल में जो मंत्री श्री लालू प्रसाद यादव जी हैं, वे ठगे गए हैं। अब यह बिहार के लोग ही तय करेंगे कि आपने किसको ठगा है, लालू जी को ठगा है या जनता को ठगा है।
माननीय सभापति महोदय, बहुत सी बातें इस बजट में आई हैं। राजग सरकार की जो सबसे बड़ी योजना थी, उन्होंने छ:वर्ष में जो योजना देश को दी है, उसे देश का इतिहास हमेशा याद करेगा। राजनीतिक चश्मे से इस योजना को मत देखिए। अटल जी ने जो स्वर्णिम चतुर्भुज योजना दी थी, छ: वर्ष में आवागमन के साधन इतने अच्छे कर दिए गए थे कि सड़कों पर गाड़ियां दौड़ने लगी थीं। लोग कहने लगे थे, गांव का व्यक्ति कहने लगा था कि इन सड़कों पर चलना आसान हो गया है। उसके लिए आपने इस बजट में कोई जिक्र नहीं किया। नदियों को जोड़ने की बात ५६ साल की आजादी के बाद अटल सरकार ने पहले शुरू की, उसके लिए आपने अपने बजट में कोई प्रावधान नहीं रखा।
माननीय सभापति महोदय, शामियाना और केटरिंग में आपने जो दस प्रतिशत सर्विस टैक्स लगाया है, उससे मुझे ऐसा लगता है कि शादी, विवाह और खर्चीले हो जाएंगे। गरीब लोग, जो मध्यम वर्ग का आदमी है, वह कहीं से उधार, कर्ज लेकर अपनी बेटी के हाथ अच्छी तरह से पीले करना चाहता है, उस पर आपने रोक लगाने की कोशिश की है।
महोदय, खेलों की बात होती है। ओलिम्पिक अभी आने वाला है और आपने उसके अपने बजट में ८.३३ करोड़ रुपए की कमी कर दी। किसानों की बात बहुत देर से हो रही थी। इस देश के किसान लगातार आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं, जब आप इधर थे तो उधर के लोगों को कुछ न कुछ टिप्पणियां जरूर करते थे। मैं पहली बार आई हूं, इधर और उधर, दोनों को मैं टीवी पर ही देखती थी, मुझे सदन में पहली बार इधर और उधर दिखाई दे रहा है। किसानों की बात करने वाले लोग, जिनके लिए ग्रामीण भारत के लिए नई तस्वीर और आर्थिक सुधारों में मानवीय चेहरे को स्थापित करने का आपने जो थोथा प्रयास किया है, बजट में गरीबों और किसानों के लिए आपने ऐसा कुछ नहीं किया, जिससे वे लोग खुश हों और आपको आशीर्वाद दें। हमारे पूर्व कृषि मंत्री जी, जिन्होंने १४ प्रतिशत ब्याज को नौ प्रतिशत किया, उस पर आपने कहीं कुछ योजना को आगे बढ़ाने का नहीं कहा। आपने किसान को एक तरफ ट्रेक्टर में जो सब्सिडी देने की बात कही है और दूसरी तरफ आपने डीजल, इस्पात महंगा कर दिया है, मुझे लगता है कि इस हाथ से दिया है और उस हाथ से ले लिया है। महोदय, मैं एक और योजना का जिक्र करना चाहती हूं, इतने लोग बोले, मुझे ऐसा लगता है कि शायद जयप्रकाश नारायण जी को सब लोग भूल गए। राजग सरकार ने इस योजना के लिए शायद १५ हजार करोड़ का बजट रखा था और उसका आपने कुछ उल्लेख नहीं किया है। जयप्रकाश नारायण जी हमारे देश के उन महानुभावों में से एक हैं, जिनको शायद इस देश की जनता को हमेशा याद रखना चाहिए।
महोदय, मैं दो-तीन बातें कह कर अपनी बात समाप्त करूंगी। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने अपने बजट भाषण में प्रधानमंत्री रोजगार योजना के लिए बजट का प्रावधान किया है, लेकिन मेरी समझ में नहीं आता कि किस बजट के तहत उन्होंने सोनिया जी के लिए बजट का प्रावधान किया है, उसके लिए मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहूंगी - "तारीख की आंखों ने वह हाल भी देशा है, लम्हों ने खता की है, सदियों ने सजा पाई।" आप जो यह विरासत सौंप कर जा रहे हैं, जो यह काम करके जा रहे हैं, राजनीति में इधर और उधर होता ही रहता है, आने वाले समय में जब हम उधर होंगे तो इस बात के क्या परिणाम सामने आएंगे, इसे आप समझ नहीं रहे हैं।
महोदय, चिदम्बरम जी ने अपने भाषण के अंत में यह कहा है कि वही अच्छे शासक हैं, जो आचार एवं नैतिकता का पालन करते हैं, कोई अपराध नहीं करते और सम्मान एवं साहस के मार्ग पर चलते हैं। उनके इन शब्दों पर मैं यह कहूंगी कि जब विचार का चिराग बुझ जाता है तब आचार अंधा हो जाता है। मुझे ऐसा लगता है कि माननीय चिदम्बरम जी के विचार का चिराग बुझ गया है, इसलिए उन्होंने यह आचार प्रस्तुत किया है। महोदय, पिछड़े राज्य, चाहे वह उड़ीसा या छत्तीसगढ़ हो, जिन्हें एक भी फूटी कोड़ी देने की कृपा नहीं की है। नये राज्य के साथ अत्याचार हुआ है। मैं इस बजट का विरोध करते हुए अपनी बात समाप्त करती हूं। आपने मुझे जो अवसर प्रदान किया, उसके लिए आपको धन्यवाद देती हूं।
श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता (समस्तीपुर) : सभापति महोदय, मैं आपको धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि आपने मुझे वित्त बजट पर बोलने का समय दिया। मैं आपके माध्यम से यू.पी.ए. सरकार के इस अच्छे बजट की तारीफ में बहुत वक्त नहीं बिताना चाहता, क्योंकि अधिकांश पूर्व वक्ताओं ने इस बजट की तारीफ की है, मैं उनसे सहमत हूं और इसके बहुआयामी परिणामों को देखता हूं, तो मुझे लगता है कि यह जनसाधारण के लिए एक अच्छा बजट है और इस बजट में कई खूबियां हैं।
मैं चन्द बातें बिहार के संदर्भ में कहना चाहता हूं। बिहार एक उपेक्षित राज्य रहा है, खास तौर से पिछले पांच वर्षों में, जब यहां एन.डी.ए. की सरकार थी, भिन्न-भिन्न बहानों से उसके विकास की गति को अवरूद्ध करने की कोशिश की जाती रही है। इसके साथ अन्याय हुआ है। नेचुरल कैलेमिटीज का प्रकोप भी इस राज्य पर बहुत ज्यादा रहा है। हम यह कहना चाहते हैं कि जहां तक कृषि का सवाल है, बिहार एक कृषि प्रधान राज्य है। झारखंड के बंटवारे के बाद वह सिर्फ कृषि राज्य रह गया है। वहां नेचुरल कैलेमिटीज जैसे बाढ़ और सुखाड़ की वजह से किसानों को बहुत परेशानियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। कृषि के क्षेत्र में उत्पादित सामानों का मूल्य नहीं मिल रहा है। हमारे खाद्यान्नों की परचेज राष्ट्रीय पैमाने पर नहीं हो पाती है। उसका सेण्ट्रल पूल है, हम चाहते हैं कि सैण्ट्रल पूल में बिहार के लिये परचेज कोटा फिक्स किया जाये। मैं आपको बताना चाहता हूं कि पिछले वर्ष १० लाख मीटि्रक टन बिहार की जो उपज थी, उसमें जो सरप्लस था, उसके हिसाब से इसकी परचेज होनी चाहिए थी, जबकि मात्र आठ हजार मीटि्रक टन परचेज हो सकी। इतना बड़ा इम्बैलेंस अन्य राज्यों की अपेक्षा है। मैं समझता हूं कि यह ज्यादती कई वर्षों से चली आ रही है। इसलिए हम आपसे कहना चाहते हैं कि किसानों की जो उपज है, उसकी खरीद पर विशेष ध्यान दिया जाये और सपोर्ट प्राइस, जो खास तौर से धान की ५६० रुपये प्रति क्िंवटल फिक्स की गई थी, इन्फ्लेशन रेट के साथ, (महंगाई के साथ) उसमें भी फ्लैक्सीबलिटी रहनी चाहिए, उसमें बढ़ोतरी होनी चाहिए।
हम यह कहना चाहते हैं कि अन्य फसलों पर, जो सपोर्ट प्राइस के दायरे में नहीं हैं, उन पर भी सरकार का ध्यान जाना चाहिए। झारखण्ड और बिहार के बंटवारे के बाद बिहार में उद्योग नाममात्र के रह गये हैं, इसलिए जो कृषि आधारित उद्योग हैं, उनमें खास तौर पर फल और सब्जी की ओर ध्यान दिया जाना चाहिए, जिनका सरकार के द्वारा सपोर्ट प्राइस निर्धारित नहीं किया गया है। उन फसलों के वैल्यू एडीशन के लिए और वहां पर प्रोजैक्ट्स लगाये जाने चाहिए। वैल्यू एडीशन के प्रोजैक्ट्स में कोल्ड स्टोरेज, फूड प्रोसेसिंग इण्डस्ट्री, एग्रो एक्सपोर्ट जोन का वहां निर्माण होना चाहिए। कारगो एक्टिविटीज वहां से शुरू होनी चाहिए और गवर्नमेंट ऑफ इंडिया के एक्सपोर्ट हाउस का एक्टिव पार्टीसिपेशन होना चाहिए ताकि वहां के जो कृषि उत्पाद हैं, उनका एक्सपोर्ट हो सके।
21.00 hrs. ताकि वहां के लोगों को मूल्य मिल सके। बिहार के सारे पब्लिक सैक्टर यूनिट झारखंड में चले गये हैं जिसके कारण वहां बड़े पैमाने पर बेरोजगारी की समस्या खड़ी है।
मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि बजट में इस बात का प्रावधान हो और बिहार में बड़ी संख्या में पब्लिक सैक्टर यूनिट की स्थापना हो ताकि वहां पर इम्प्लायमैंट जेनेरेशन हो सके और वहां के लोगों की प्रोड़ेक्टिविटी बढ़ सके। वहां पर इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर पर अधिक पैसे लगाने की आवश्यकता है। मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से आग्रह करना चाहूंगा कि बिहार में इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर डेवलपमैंट के लिए जिसमें पावर सैक्टर और ट्रांसपोर्टेशन (आवागमन की सुविधा) का इस बजट में प्रावधान होना चाहिए। …( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : अब आप समाप्त करिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता : सभापति महोदय, मैं दो मिनट में अपनी बात समाप्त कर रहा हूं। …( व्यवधान)बिहार में इरीगेशन का मामला बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। बिहार में हाईड्रो इलैक्ट्रीक प्रौजेक्ट की बहुत संभावनाएं हैं। …( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : आपको बोलते हुए पांच मिनट हो गये हैं इसलिए अब आप अपना भाषण समाप्त करिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता : मैं चाहता हूं कि यहां मल्टीपरपस प्रौजेक्ट के रूप में डैम एवं केनाल नेटवर्क का डेवलपमैंट किया जाए ।…( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : बहुत से माननीय सदस्य बोलने वाले हैं। आप उनका भी ख्याल रखिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता:पावर जेनरेशन,फ्लड कंट्रोल और वाटर मैनेजमैंट इस प्रौजैक्ट के बहुआयाम हैं । आपके माध्यम से मैं इसका प्रावधान बजट में करने की मांग करता हूँ । सभापति महोदय, यहाँ पर हयूमन रिसोर्सेस बहुत बड़ी संख्या में उपलब्ध है इसलिए वहां ट्रेनिंग इंस्टीटयूशन जैसे आईटीआई, इंजीनियरिंग कालेज तथा मेडिकल कालेज जैसे संस्थान खोले जायें। क्योंकि बिहार में इनकी संख्या बहुत कम है।
मैं आपके माध्यम से वित्त मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि वहां स्किल डेवलपमैंट और दूसरे क्षेत्र के हयूमन रिसोर्सेस डेवलपमैंट के लिए काम किया जाना चाहिए। इसका प्रावधान बजट में होना चाहिए। रूरल डेवलपमैंट के क्षेत्र में और इन्वायरमैंट के क्षेत्र में भी काम करने की बड़ी आवश्यकता है क्योंकि झारखंड बंटवारे के बाद उद्योग, माइन्स और फॉरेस्ट, ये तीनों चीजें बिहार से गायब हो गयी। इसलिए हम चाहते हैं कि तीनों सैक्टर के लिए बजट में प्रावधान करके बिहार राज्य में योजना चलाई जाये और उसे कम्पनसेट करके बिहार को बराबरी में लाया जाए ।
यहां बिहार को आर्थिक पैकेज देने की बात चल रही है। …( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : माननीय सदस्य अब आप अपना भाषण समाप्त करिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री आलोक कुमार मेहता : आर्थिक पैकेज के संदर्भ में मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से रिक्वेस्ट करूंगा कि यह पैकेज इसलिए नहीं है कि बिहार पिछड़ा राज्य है। यह पैकेज इसलिए भी महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि बिहार के साथ वर्षों से नाइंसाफी हुई है। …( व्यवधान)बिहार के डिवीजन के बाद जो बैकलॉग्स हैं, जो स्लैक्स रहे हैं, उसे पूरा करने की आवश्यकता है । साथ ही बिहार के सारे रेवन्यू रिसोर्सेस झारखंड में चले गये इसलिए उस क्षेत्र के लिए आर्थिक पैकेज की आवश्यकता है।
इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं एक बार पुन: मंत्री जी से रिक्वैस्ट करना चाहूंगा कि बिहार में बाढ़ से हुई तबाही का प्रॉपर एसेसमैंट कराकर उसके अनुरूप पैसा दिया जाये। इसी के साथ मैं २००४-२००५ के आर्थिक बजट का समर्थन करता हूँ ।
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing should go on record except the speech of Shri Lonappan Nambadan.
(Interruptions) * *Not Recorded.
*SHRI LONAPPAN NAMBADAN (MUKUNDAPURAM): Mr Chairman Sir, today I will be speaking in my mother tongue, Malayalam.
Sir, the last election demonstrated a very strong protest against the policies of globalisation which were initiated by the Congress Government in 1991 and were being implemented vigorously by the previous BJP Government.
The proposal to raise the sectoral cap for Foreign Direct Investment in three strategically important sectors, namely, Telecommunication, Civil Aviation and Insurance tentamounts to throwing the people’s mandate to winds and is against the national security.
LIC has been providing financial assistance to various State Governments for their economic development activities. It was in 1997 that this public sector undertaking was first sought to be privatised. It was the same Mr Chidambaram who had led that endeavour. At that point of time, the left was in the forefront to oppose that move successfully. This time again the left front will successfully perform its duty. The previous Government’s policy of selling off public sector undertakings will not be allowed to continue. I strongly oppose the declaration that NTPC, a profitably running public sector undertaking, will disinvest 5 % of its holding in spite of the class assurance in the Common Minimum Programme that no profit making public sector undertaking will be privatised under any circumstances.
Sir, the Finance Minister’s promise to double agricultural credit in the next 3 years is laudable. Throughout the country thousands of farmers commit suicide under the burden of debt. In Kerala alone, about one thousand people have committed suicide. The rates of interest of the agricultural loans provided by banks should be reduced. Penal interest should be done away with absolutely. The poor farmers should be saved from the brink of suicide deaths by writing off at least a major portion of the outstanding agricultural loans. The Reserve Bank’s norm that 18% of the total bank loans should be given to the agriculture sector should be strictly followed. Seeds, fertilizers and pesticides should be made available at lower prices. Immediate steps should be taken to ensure fair price for agro-products and cash crops. Legislation for land reforms in the model of Kerala should be made and implemented in other parts of the country. Agricultural land should be given to farmers. Funds should be allocated to build protective wall along Kerala’s coastal line to prevent the erosion of seashore.
I congratulate the hon. Finance Minister who has made possible the development of a container terminal at Vallarpatam. The formation of a fund of 100 crore rupees as a beginning of revival and protection of such traditional industries as coir, handloom, etc. offers much relief.
This Budget contains a subtle objective to turn the Indian economy further right. A situation should not be created by acting in contravention of the Common Minimum Programme where the stability of this Government would be in peril.
The support of the left parties to this Government is for ruling on the basis of Common Minimum Programme. But a few of the proposals in the Budget presented by Mr Chidambaram are against this. Therefore, I request the hon. Finance Minister to repeal such proposals and conduct the financial administration in tune with the aspirations of the people.
Generally I welcome this Budget.
__________________________________________________________________ *Translation of the Speech originally delivered in Malayalam.
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA (LAKHIMPUR): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to speak on the General Budget on behalf of the Asom Gana Parishad.
Before I speak on the Budget, I appeal to the chair and also to hon. Minister of Finance to consider one important aspect. The present system of post-Budget deliberation by Members of Parliament is a mechanism of befooling ourselves, befooling the Members of Parliament. The Budget is prepared in consultation with the industrialists, trade unions and many other groups related to trade and commerce like chambers of commerce, etc., but the political parties and Members of Parliament are not consulted before the formulation of the Budget. It is a bureaucratic exercise. We are made to speak on the Budget which is already prepared. Hardly some changes are made after deliberations of several hours in this House. I hope, in future, there would be pre-Budget consultations with hon. Members of Parliament. After that, the Budget should be placed before the Standing Committees for scrutiny by them and then there should be another post-Budget analysis. I think, this would give better results in future.
Coming to the Budget, I appreciate the compulsions of the present Minister of Finance by way of getting very little time to put in for preparation of a balanced Budget but he has tried his best. I appreciate his efforts to give more thrust to infrastructure and education, especially through the cess on education and also the education loan.
As far as tea industry is concerned, the Budget Speech did not talk at all about the tea industry which is facing a burning problem of the present time.
As far as employment generation is concerned, it is stereotyped that some figures have been given that so much of employment will be created, but nothing tangible is visible in the Budget Speech of the hon. Minister of Finance. I do not know as to how the employment generation will be accelerated. As far as `Food for Work Programme’ is concerned, these are all temporary arrangements and nothing to do with the permanent employment and it will not help in the long run.
As far as infrastructure is concerned, it is a basic requirement thing for development. Power is a basic infrastructure for any development. Fund allocated for infrastructure is extremely low. I can give one example of broad gauge conversion of Rongia Murkongchelek Section. A sum of Rs. 900 crore were sanctioned, but the Railway Ministry has allocated only Rs. 3 crore. So, it will take more than 50 years to complete this project.
So far as the national highways to be constructed by the Border Roads Organisation are concerned, not even Rs. 100 crore annually were provided in the Budget. The total requirement was Rs. 6,000 crore during the Tenth Plan. So, these are the basic requirements of the development. I hope the hon. Minister of Finance will put emphasis on this particular aspect of infrastructure.
Now, I want to touch upon the issues relating to the North-Eastern Region. I am from a Regional Party. The North-East Industrial Policy was declared in 1997 when you were the hon. Minister of Finance. You were the key person for formulation of those incentives. This Policy was for creation of employment opportunities because insurgency was the root cause of unemployment considering the geographical isolation and backwardness of the region. So, that is why, the Industrial Policy was declared. A number of times the NDA Government modified this Policy by withdrawing certain incentives which has ultimately made many prospective investors to withdraw from the North-Eastern Region. Some of the incentives were not only withdrawn but some industries were also forced to recover the amount they enjoyed as excise exemption with retrospective effect. So, I request the hon. Minister of Finance to examine this issue and restore all incentives granted to the industries operating in the North-Eastern Region. I also request to withdraw the notification asking recovery of the excise relief granted to chewing tobacco and other industrial units under the policy which continued to operate in the Region despite withdrawal of incentives midway.
Moreover, I also request to declare additional incentives to North-Eastern Region because declaration of some incentives to other regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal has attracted the investors to these regions instead of going to the North-Eastern Region to face the insurgency problem and also to go to a very distant geographically isolated area.
The World Bank Millennium Development Goal indicated that at least five per cent of the GDP should go for infrastructure in the developing countries. I want to know from the hon. Minister of Finance as to what percentage of GDP has been allocated towards infrastructure in this Budget.
As far as flood control issue is concerned, it is a burning issue in many of the States like West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar etc. Assam is the worst sufferer from the time of Independence. Every time whatever investment is made and whatever allocation is made, it goes to water because everything is washed away by floods. A lot of money is spent on repair and maintenance of roads every year.
The Centrally Sponsored Schemes, which are being operated in these areas, are yielding no result because every time floods damage it and investment becomes wastage. So, I hope the hon. Minister of Finance will declare flood as a national problem because when the assets of any State is considered as assets of the country then why not problems and liabilities of a State is not considered as liabilities of the country. This time only Rs. 30 crore is allocated for flood control works, but during the United Front Government’s time Rs. 500 crore were allocated only for the Brahamputra Flood Control Works. The prefered allocation should be increased by several folds. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude. Your time is over. Shri Bir Singh Mahato.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing will go on record except the speech of Shri Bir Singh Mahato.
… (Interruptions)
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA : Sir, I am from a backward area and I hardly take much time. I take very little time. I am from a regional party. I should be given a little more time. I have seen that many other hon. Members are given some concession to speak more. I am speaking on a very important matter. … (Interruptions)
सभापति महोदय : आप वित्त विधेयक पर बोल लेना।
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : You can speak on the Finance Bill.
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA : Sir, I feel that this way the problems of our region are not being highlighted. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Shri Bir Singh Mahato, you may speak now.
SHRI BIR SINGH MAHATO (PURULIA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to support the Budget. … (Interruptions)
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA: Sir, I have not taken even five minutes’ time. The flood and erosion problem is not a problem of Assam but it is a national problem. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : More than 30 hon. Members want to speak. How can I give time to all? Shri Mahato, you speak now.
… (Interruptions)
सभापति महोदय : आगे फाइनेंस बिल आएगा, उस पर बोल लेना।
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA : The Central Government should have a 100 per cent funding programme for the flood problems of various States of the country.
सभापति महोदय : माननीय सदस्य का भाषण रिकार्ड में नहीं जाएगा।
(Interruptions)* DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA (LAKHIMPUR): Sir, I want to speak on the non-lapsable fund. Ten per cent of the budgetary allocation was given to the North-East and the unspent portion goes to the non-lapsable pool. So far more than Rs. 6,000 crore is accrued in this pool. … (Interruptions)
सभापति महोदय : आपकी स्पीच रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रही है। आप बैठ जाएं।
(Interruptions)* *Not Recorded.
SHRI BIR SINGH MAHATO (PURULIA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to support the maiden Budget of the UPA Government. The hon. Minister of Finance has opened his Budget speech by citing the Common Minimum Programme as the guiding light. The Common Minimum Programme spells out seven economic objectives. As the first step to meet poverty and unemployment problem, an additional provision of Rs. 10,000 crore in the gross budgetary support for Plan fund has been earmarked and the programmes are – food for work, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, mid-day cooked meal, healthcare, irrigation benefit, drinking water, more public investment in agriculture, roads and other infrastructure.
The thrust areas are also well-defined – electricity for all, universal telecommunication facilities, more housing and access to medical care. The noteworthy aspect is the flow of agricultural credit, completion of incomplete large and medium irrigation projects, repair, renovate and restore about half-a-million water bodies. All these programmes will boost the agricultural and the rural economy.
The hon. Minister of Finance extended the Antyodaya Yojana to take the total coverage to 20 million people.
Sir, there will be a new Food for Work Programme in 150 backward districts. In the Budget, a provision of higher education has been provided for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, minorities and self-help groups. Guarantee of 100 days of employment for the breadwinner is a unique feature of this Budget.
In the area of tax, there is no significant resource mobilisation beyond the estimated Rs. 2,000 crore, but the relief that the people with income up to rupees one lakh would not pay tax should benefit almost 14 million income tax assessees. Receipts from disinvestment have been pegged at just Rs. 4,000 crore in comparison to Rs. 14,500 crore realised in 2003-2004. Decision to establish Backward States’ Grant Commission is a very good thing and it will strengthen the federal structure of the nation and eliminate regional disparities.
Regarding the proposal to raise FDI limit in the telecom sector from 49 per cent to 74 per cent, in the civil aviation sector from 40 per cent to 49 per cent and in the insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent, I would say that it is uncalled for. I would request the hon. Finance Minister to roll back this proposal to raise FDI limits.
श्री जोवाकिम बखला (अलीपुरद्वार) : सभापति जी, संयुक्त गठबंधन की सरकार के माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है उसका समर्थन करने के लिए आरएसपी दल की ओर से मैं खड़ा हुआ हूं। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने इस बजट के द्वारा देश को एक दिशा देने की कोशिश की है। हमारी चिंता शिक्षा, रोजगार, स्वास्थ्य, ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों और किसानों की उन्नति को लेकर थी लेकिन माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने इन सभी क्षेत्रों के लिए बजट में प्रावधान करने की एक ईमानदार कोशिश की है। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी के लिए यह एक बड़ी चुनौती है कि विरासत में जो विकास दर उन्हें मिली है या तो उन्हें उसे बढ़ाना होगा या मैनटेन करके आगे बढ़ना होगा।
माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने जो भी घोषणाएं की हैं उसकी सभी लोगों ने सराहना की है और आम जनता बजट से शांति और चैन की सांस ले रही है। लेकिन आज आम लोगों की आकांक्षाएं बहुत बढ़ गयी हैं और आम लोगों की आकांक्षाओं को वित्त मंत्री जी को पूरा करना होगा और सभी मंत्रिमंडल के मंत्रियों को उन्हें सहयोग देने की आवश्यकता होगी अन्यथा माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी की सोच अच्छी होने के बावजूद उन्हें सफलता नहीं मिलेगी और देश विकास की ओर अग्रसर नहीं होगा। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने उद्योग की ओर ध्यान देने की कोशिश की है। लेकिन जो विदेशी मुद्रा अर्जित करने वाला चाय उद्योग है उसकी हालत इतनी गंभीर है कि आज चाय उद्योग में काम करने वाले मजदूर बेरोजगारी की समस्या से जूझ रहे हैं। आज हम रोजगार देने की बात करते हैं और माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने चाय उद्योग में काम करने वाले लोगों की ओर अपनी चिंता नहीं दर्शाई है। चाय उद्योग को आगे ले जाने के लिए और चाय उद्योग के मजदूरों की स्थिति को सुधारने के लिए माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी कोई उपाय ढूंढे, अन्यथा वहां बेरोजगारी बढ़ती जाएगी। साथ ही साथ माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी किसानों को ऋण उपलब्ध कराना चाहते हैं जिसमें आरआरबी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती है। आरआरबी को आप स्वतंत्रता देने की कृपा करें। ऐसा नहीं करेंगे तो जो कमर्शियल बैंक्स हैं जो अपना डोमिनेशन चाहते हैं, उनका एकाधिकार हो जाएगा। इसलिए आप आरआरबी को स्वतंत्रता दीजिए। ब्रहमपुत्र बोर्ड के लिए तीस करोड़ रुपए की बात कही गई है। इस बोर्ड के माध्यम से केवल वैली की ही रक्षा नहीं करेंगे, बल्कि भारत की भी रक्षा करेंगे। मैं यह मांग सन् १९९६ से करता चला आ रहा हूं। इसकी वजह से देश की सम्पत्ति का नुकसान हो रहा है। बंगाल की भी क्षति पहुंच रही है। किसानों की सम्पत्ति भी नष्ट हो रही है। मेरी यह भी मांग है कि इंडो-भूटान ज्वाइंट रिवर का गठन किया जाए, जिससे हमारी राष्ट्रीय सम्पत्ति बच सके। चाय बगान भी बच सकें और फिर हम उत्तरी बंगाल को भी बचा सकते हैं।
महोदय, मैं वामपंथी दल का सदस्य हूं। कुछ नीतियों में केन्द्र की सरकार से हमारे मतभेद हैं। ये मतभेद कोआर्डिनेशन कमेटी के माध्यम से, समन्वय समति के माध्यम से दूर करने की कोशिश करनी चाहिए। हम यूपीए की सरकार को पांच साल तक चलाने के लिए जरूर मदद देंगे, लेकिन कॉमन-मनिमम-प्रोग्राम को आधार मानते हुए, जो लक्ष्मरेखा खींची गई है, उसके तहत ही आपको कदम उठाने होंगे। इन शब्दों के साथ मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलने का मौका दिया।
श्री रतिलाल कालीदास वर्मा (धंधुका) : सभापति महोदय, मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलने के लिए समय दिया। सन् २००४-०५ के बजट का बहुत ढोल पीटा गया, चारों तरफ एक ही बात थी कि गरीबों के लिए, किसानों के लिए, कर्मचारियों के लिए और उद्योगपतियों के लिए ढेर सारी खुशियां लेकर वित्त मंत्री जी बजट लेकर आ रहे हैं, लेकिन खोदा पहाड़ और निकली चुहिया। जब गुजरात में भूकम्प आया, तो देश से ही नहीं विदेशों से भी मदद आई। राज्य सरकारों ने भी मदद दी। लेकिन गुजरात के लिए कोई पैकेज की बात नहीं की गई है। कच्छ जिले में भूकम्प के कारण काफी नुकसान हुआ है। बिहार को दिया जा रहा है, उसका कोई विरोध नहीं है, लेकिन गुजरात की स्थिति वहीं की वहीं है। गुजरात में चैक डैम को देखने के लिए वभिन्न राज्यों से लोग आ रहे हैं। तालाब गहरे बनाए जा रहे हैं। माननीय मुख्यमंत्रीजी के द्वारा एक साल में एक लाख फील-पॉट्स बनाए गए हैं। पानी का सिंचन भी करने का प्रयास किया जा रहा है। जहां तक डीजल का प्रश्न है, राज्य में सबसे ज्यादा डीजल की बिक्री होती है, लेकिन उसके हिसाब से गुजरात को हिस्सा नहीं दिया जा रहा है। एक्साइड डयुटी के मामले में गुजरात ईमानदारी से टैक्स देता है, लेकिन उसके साथ अन्याय हो रहा है। एक्सपोर्ट-इम्पोर्ट के मामले में गुजरात के साथ जो हमदर्दी की जानी चाहिए, वह नहीं की जा रही है। फसल बीमा योजना की राशि बहुत कम है, मैं आंकड़ों के जाल में नहीं पड़ना चाहता हूं। इसके साथ ही माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने एक लाख रुपए तक टैक्स में छूट दी है, लेकिन अगर किसी की एक हजार रुपए की अधिक आमदनी हो जाती है, तो उसे टैक्स देना पडेगा। यह सुविधा बच्चे के हाथ में लाली-पॉप देने के समान है। कर्मचारी लोग जैसे-जैसे समझ रहे हैं, वैसे-वैसे नाराज हो रहे हैं।
इसके साथ ही टैक्टर पर आपने एक्साइज डयूटी कम कर दी है, लेकिन लोहे के दाम बढ़ा दिए हैं। इससे पहले ही मारूति कम्पनी ने दाम बढ़ा दिए। किसानों को भी लग रहा है कि वित्त मंत्रीजी ने हथेली में चांद दिखा दिया है। आपने छोटी-मोटी सर्विस पर टैक्स लगा दिया। आज गरीब की बेटी की शादी महंगी हो गई है। आपने हलवाई और टैंट वालों को भी नहीं छोड़ा। जैसे-जैसे लोग समझ रहे हैं कि हमारा भी इसमें नाम आ गया वे लोग निराश हो रहे हैं। गांवों के लिए जो एलोकेशन करना चाहिए, उतना नहीं किया। इसलिए मैं कहता हूं कि बजट में जो आंकड़े बताए गए हैं, वे देश में कोई नया चेंज नहीं लाएंगे। एनडीए की सरकार के समय जो कदम उठाए गए और जो कार्रवाई की गई, उसके अलावा आप कोई नई चीज नहीं लाए और न ही नए कदम उठाये। आज देश की जनता आपसे पूछ रही है। सिर्फ नाम बदल गया है, सारी चीजें वहीं हैं। आपने भिन्न-भिन्न नाम बदल कर बजट को पेश किया है। गांवों की ओर दिशा बतायी है लेकिन कोई कदम नहीं उठाया। आप एक ही जगह खड़े रह कर गावों के विकास की बात कर रहे हैं। दो कदम गांवों की ओर चलना चाहिए था लेकिन आप वहीं खड़े रहे। क्या इससे गांवों का विकास होगा? आप एक कदम नहीं चले। एनडीए की सरकार गांवों तक गई। हमने गावों के किसानों के आंसू पोंछे। पंचायत से लेकर संसद तक उनकी आवाज को उठाया और लोगों का विकास किया।
अभी मेरी बहन ने कहा कि स्वर्णिम चतुर्भुज योजना को देख कर एनआरआईज ने दिल्ली सम्मेलन में कहा कि अगर देश का विकास इसी तरह से होगा तो हम इंग्लैंड, अमेरिका छोड़ कर पुन: भारत वापस आ जाएंगे। इस तरह के नए रास्ते, इस तरह नदियों का विकास, इस तरह पानी को रोकना, इस तरह गांवों का विकास इन सब को देख कर उनकी खुशी का ठिकाना नहीं रहा। ऐसी बातें हमारे एनआरआई मित्रों ने कहीं। आपने वे बातें नहीं दोहराई हैं। इसके लिए जो कुछ करना चाहिए, नहीं किया। आज देश के लोग परेशान हैं, गांवों के मजदूर परेशान हैं। आज नवयुवक हाथ खड़े करके कह रहे हैं कि हमें रोजी दो, रोटी दो क्यों कि हम परेशान हैं, बेबस हैं, हम जाएं तो कहां जाएं। उन्हें चारों तरफ निराशा ही निराशा देखने को मिल रही है। वित्त मंत्री जी ने खर्च करने की इच्छा जतायी है लेकिन उसके लिए पैसा नहीं है। पैसा कहां से आएगा, वह नहीं बताया। पब्लिक सैक्टर या कोआपरेटिव सैक्टर में कहीं विकास करने की बात नहीं कही गई है। फॉरेन इनवैस्टमैंट भी कहीं देखने को नहीं मिला। रिटायर्ड लोग बहुत बड़ी उम्मीद लगा कर बैठे थे। आपने उन्हें निराश किया। सीनियर सटिजन्स के लिए कुछ नहीं किया। आपने सर्विस टैक्स का दायरा बढ़ा दिया ताकि लोग अंधेरे में रहें और पैसे बटोरे जाएं। आपने पूरे देश के लोगों को अंधेरे में रखा और पैसे बटोरने का काम किया। आपने दो परसैंट सैस बढ़ा दिया। इससे हर चीज महंगी हो जाएगी। पीने के पानी की बड़ी-बड़ी बातें की हैं लेकिन पानी कैसे पहुंचाएंगे, यह नहीं बताया। आज बहुत से गांवों के लोग स्वच्छ पानी न मिलने के कारण परेशान हैं। इस बार भंयकर अकाल पड़ेगा। सिंचाई के लिए २८०० करोड़ राज्यों को ऋण देने की बात कही है लेकिन इसमें आपका क्या सहयोग है? आपने सौ दिन का रोजगार देने की बात कही है लेकिन वह कैसे उपलब्ध होगा?
आपने बताया है कि अनुसूचित जाति और अनुसूचित जन जाति के लोगों को नौकरी दी जाएगी, पढ़ाई के लिए पैसे मिलेगे, स्कॉलरशिप मिलेगी, काम मिलेगा जिससे उन बच्चों में उत्साह आएगा। ५७ साल के बाद भी अनुसूचित जाति और जनजाति के लोग उसी स्थिति में हैं। उनके जीवन में कोई चेंज नहीं हुआ, उनके घरों में तबदीली नहीं हुई है, उनकी इनकम में तबदीली नहीं हुई हैं। आज वे दुखी हैं, परेशान हैं। अनुसूचित जाति और जनजाति के लोगों के नाम पर उनके साथ खिलवाड़ हो रहा है और वह ऐसी जगहों में खास तौर पर हो रहा है जहां कांग्रेस का शासन है। जब हम वहां बैठे थे तो आप चिल्ला-चिल्ला कर कहते थे कि किसान मर रहे हैं, आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं। क्या अब आत्महत्या बंद हो गई है। वह आज भी आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं। माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी, कहां के लोग आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं? जहां कांग्रेस का शासन है। आपने आन्ध्रा प्रदेश के लिए क्या किया? वहां के किसानों ने आत्महत्या की। आपने उन्हें क्या दिया? आज वे दुखी होकर आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं। आज किसान कर्ज वापस नहीं कर सकते और सूद नहीं दे सकते। परिणामस्वरूप उन्हें मृत्यु को स्वीकार करना पड़ा। आपने रोड शो के वक्त मगरमच्छ के आंसू बहाए और कहा कि लोग दुखी होकर मर रहे हैं क्यों कि उनके पास पैसा नहीं है, खाना नहीं है। वे कैसे जीवन जीते हैं? क्या आज उनके जीवन में परिवर्तन हो गया? उनके जीवन में कोई परिवर्तन नहीं हुआ। जैसा मैंने पहले कहा कि आपने आन्ध्रा प्रदेश के बारे में कुछ नहीं किया। इस सब के लिये आपकी सरकार जवाबदेह है…( व्यवधान)
श्री रामजीलाल सुमन (फ़िरोज़ाबाद) : यह सारे देश की समस्या है, किसानों की समस्या है।
श्री रतिलाल कालीदास वर्मा : आप मेरा समय क्यों ले रहे हो, मुझे बोलने दीजिये। जब एन.डी.ए. की सरकार थी, उसने चार-साढ़े चार करोड़ लोगों को किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड दिये। इसकी शुरुआत हमारी सरकार ने की, उससे पहले किसानों को कौन याद करता था, उन्हें कौन पूछता था। यह हम लोगों ने ही किया।
सभापति महोदय :अब आप समाप्त कीजिये। आपकी पार्टी के दूसरे सदस्य भी हैं।
श्री रतिलाल कालीदास वर्मा : सभापति जी, हम लोगों ने १० करोड़ घर बनाने शुरु किये थे और कई लोगों को घर दिये गये हैं लेकिन सरकार ने तो अभी इस संबंध में शुरुआत ही नहीं की है। सारे देश में ५०० जिले हैं लेकिन आपकी सरकार ने तो ५ जिलों को प्रोद्योगिकी के रूप में चुना है। यह तो ऊंट के मुंह में जीरे के समान है। देश के महापुरुष श्री दीन दयाल जी उपाध्याय और डा. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी हुये हैं। उनके नाम के संस्थानों को बदला जा रहा है। चाहे यह सरकार रोड से श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी का नाम बदल दे लेकिन लोगों के दिलों में उनका नाम हमेशा रहेगा, वह हटने वाला नहीं है। आपने एजुकेशन के नाम पर २ परसेंट सैस लगाया है। इससे सरकार के पास ५ हजार करोड़ रुपया आयेगा लेकिन मैं यह जानना चाहता हूं कि यह सारा रुपया आप कहां लगायेंगे, यह नहीं बताया। जब एन.डी.ए. सरकार सत्ता से बाहर हुई, उस समय देश के पास १२० बलियन डालर विदेशी मुद्रा का भंडार था। इससे पहले देश की स्थिति कभी किसी प्रधान मंत्री के समय में नहीं थी। एन.डी.ए. की सरकार इतना बड़ा विदेशी मुद्रा भंडार छोड़कर गई है, आपको रोने की क्या जरूरत है? इसके पहले सोना गिरवी रखा गया जिसे हमने वापस लिया। एन.डी.ए. की सरकार के समय स्वर्णिम चतुर्भुज योजना बनी…( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : आप बैठिये। आपकी पार्टी के सदस्यों के समय में कटौती की जायेगी।
श्री रतिलाल कालीदास वर्मा : कच्चे तेल पर सैस लग रहा था और उस समय ४७००० करोड़ रुपया इक्ट्ठा किया गया था, वित्त मंत्री जी बतायें कि वह रुपया कहां प्रयोग किया जा रहा है? शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में सरकार…( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : वर्मा जी, हम न्यायबुद्धि से काम ले रहे हैं, जानकारी के आधार पर नहीं। अब आप बैठिये। मि. आर. प्रभु।
श्री रतिलाल कालीदास वर्मा : सभापति जी, केवल एक मिनट में खत्म कर दूंगा।
‘ वित्त मंत्री श्री चिदम्बरम्, महंगा हो गया तेल, सस्ता हुआ रम’ लोगों को उम्मीदें पहले से थीं कम, बजट सुनने के बाद टूट गया किसानों और मजदूरों का दम, मीडिया, पत्रिका द्वारा फैलाया गया भ्रम, और आंख में निराशा थी श्री चिदम्बरम्, अगले बजट में वायदे करना अब बहुत कम, किसान, मजदूर, दलित और आम जनता का न निकले दम(Interruptions) …* सभापति महोदय : वर्मा जी, आपका भाषण अब रिकार्ड पर नहीं जायेगा। आप बैठिये। मि. आर. प्रभु।
*Not Recorded.
SHRI R. PRABHU (NILGIRIS): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the General Budget 2004-05.
Sir, we witnessed one of the most tragic incidents in recent history in Kumbakonam where 100 children were burnt to death. It is a great shame that a man who has presided over this august House tries to use this tragic incident to score personal points and political points. I would like to place on record that the Congress President was only conveying the approval of the Prime Minister that he had released Rs.1 crore for the victim of this tragedy. I would just like to place this on record. I will make my references on the Budget proposals very pointed because I know there is a constraint of time.
Whenever you make a budget or formulate a budget for this vast country with its vast population, we should take into account that every rupee spent by the Government should reach the maximum number of beneficiaries. I am happy to say that this is the underlying principle in this budget with a human face.
Very innovative schemes have been programmed, especially the one for education where a cess of two per cent has been levied on all Government taxes. A fund of Rs.4,000 crore or Rs.5,000 crore has been specially earmarked for education of children and development of their mental and physical faculties. Another great thrust has been put on employment programme – hundred days of employment to one member of every family.
I would like to state that this Budget has focussed on rural India. The main problems in rural India are lack of protected drinking water supply, sanitation in the villages and health for all. All these are interlinked. If you are going to spend money, they should all be integrated. The hon. Finance Minister has stated in his Budget that he will try to give funds directly to the Panchayats. I wish he could do it. I know that most of the State Governments are going to object to this. But maybe in five years time, we could reach that stage where we can directly give the funds to the Panchayats.
We would like him to create a website which would give us information about how much money is allocated to every block in this country to implement each of these schemes. At least the Members of Parliament could be the watchdogs in their constituencies to see that these schemes are implemented. But what happens is that when we travel in our constituencies, all the Panchayat presidents complain to us that funds have not been allocated and that States have diverted the funds. Because of these complaints, I would request the hon. Minister to make the website available at the earliest.
I join my friend from Assam. He was very disappointed that the hon. Minister has not done anything for the tea industry. The tea industry is one of the largest employers in this country. After the WTO had been signed, tea imports have started, which has affected the tea industry in this country. We are net exporters of tea and one of the largest producers of tea. Even though the customs duty for import of tea is 100 per cent, but still according to the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, imports from Sri Lanka for tea are at a concessional duty of 7 ½ per cent. This is affecting our tea industry especially the small-scale sector of the tea industry where we have 65,000 small growers who particularly belong to my constituency. The import duty should be raised to 150%. I am very happy and thankful to the hon. Commerce Minister and the hon. Finance Minister for giving two rupee per kg. green leaf subsidy to the small growers for four months as soon the Government came in place. I would like to request them to extend the subsidy for 12 months so that the small growers could join the mainstream.
I would like to thank the hon. Finance minister on behalf of a large number of powerloom and handloom weavers of Tamil Nadu for abolishing the mandatory CENVAT cess.
I would also request him to think about the large number of employees in this country. Sir, this Budget is with a human face. Every rupee spent should make more humans smile. Now, interest on the Provident Fund in this country is at eight per cent. We want this to be increased to 9.5 per cent. After all, we have one crore employees in this country and the total financial implication of this would be Rs.1,000 crore. The Provident Fund has got Rs.12 lakh crore assets in this country and one thousand crore of rupees extra is not going to make any difference. It will make one crore employee smile and… (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude your speech.
SHRI R. PRABHU : I am concluding, Sir. I am not making any great speech, just making points.
In one of the pages – I do not want to quote because there is no time – the Finance Minister wants to give banks with proper risk management systems more leeway to invest in the stock market. Even now Banks are permitted to invest five per cent of their advances. Even if this is to be followed, SBI would invest lakhs of crores of rupees. I think he should reconsider this and not let banks invest more in the stock market because it is not far back we have seen UTI US-64 scam and Cyberspace Infosys Limited scam two years back. They are still in our memory. So, he should reconsider this aspect. I would also request him to reconsider taxing the interest on deposits of NRIs.
He wants to increase the FII exposure to this country from one billion dollar to 1.75 billion dollar. When he is doing that, he should not tax the NRIs who invest in this country. NRIs will not come and deposit their money in this country if we tax the interests on their deposits. So, I request him to reconsider it.
With these proposals, I support the Budget.
श्री पारसनाथ यादव (जौनपुर) : सभापति जी, मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूँ कि आपने मुझे बजट चर्चा पर भाग लेने का अवसर प्रदान किया।
देश की आज़ादी के बाद जो मनीषी और चिन्तक थे, जो आज हमारे बीच में नहीं हैं, उन्होंने एक सपना देखा कि हिन्दुस्तान गांवों का देश है और यहां ८० प्रतिशत जनता खेती पर जीवनयापन करती है। आज भी आंकड़े बताते हैं कि ७१ प्रतिशत लोग खेती पर जीवनयापन करते हैं। उस सपने के माध्यम से देश को शक्तिशाली देश बनाने के लिए एक दस्तावेज़ लिखा गया और उस दस्तावेज़ को हम संविधान कहते हैं। उस संविधान में जनता को मालिक बनाया गया। जनता के द्वारा चुनी हुई सरकारों के द्वारा व्यवस्था चलाने के लिए जनादेश लेकर योजनाएं बनीं। लेकिन ५७ साल की आज़ादी का लेखा-जोखा जब हम लेते हैं तो जो सरकारें बनीं इस गांवों और किसानों के देश में, ऐसा लगता है कि कोई भी किसानों का वित्त मंत्री नहीं है। किसानों का वित्त मंत्री केवल इन्द्रदेव हैं जो वर्षा करते हैं और पानी देते हैं। आज भी इस देश के किसान की खेती वर्षा पर ही निर्भर है। अगर एक महीने इस देश में सूखा पड़ जाए तो पीने के पानी की व्यवस्था तक इस देश की सरकारों ने नहीं की। फसल सींचना तो दूर की बात है। अगर तीन दिन की मूसलाधार वर्षा इस देश में हो जाए तो जल निकासी की व्यवस्था इस देश की सरकारों ने नहीं की, यह दुर्भाग्य हिन्दुस्तान जैसे देश का है। इसलिए मैं आपसे कहना चाहता हूँ कि माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी विद्वान हैं। उन्होंने कोशिश की है। कोशिशें पहले भी कई बार की गईं। गरीबी हटाने के नाम पर, गरीबी रेखा से ऊपर उठाने के नाम पर अनेक बजट पेश किये गये लेकिन कहने में कोई संकोच नहीं होता कि गरीब मिट गया लेकिन इस देश की गरीबी नहीं मिटी। देश आज़ाद हुआ तो देश की आबादी केवल ३५ करोड़ थी मगर आज हमारे देश सौ करोड़ का देश हो गया है। सौ करोड़ के देश में बेरोज़गारी बेतहाशा बढ़ रही है। शिक्षा और स्वास्थ्य जो हमारी बुनियादी आवश्यकताएं हैं, उनकी तरफ हम लाख प्रयास कर रहे हैं, हमारी स्वयंसेवी संस्थाएं भी काम कर रही हैं, सरकारी माध्यम से भी हम शिक्षा को बढ़ाने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं लेकिन ५८ प्रतिशत से ज्यादा लोगों को हम शक्षित नहीं कर सके। शिक्षा वह सोपान है जिस पर चढ़करक इंसान विकास की पराकाष्ठा पर पहुँचता है। यूं कहा जाए तो इंसान के जितने भी सद्गुण होते हैं, उनकी जननी शिक्षा है। दुनिया के बहुत से मुल्क हैं जो शिक्षा का विकास करके विकास की पराकाष्ठा पर पहुंच गए हैं लेकिन इस देश का दुर्भाग्य रहा कि ऐसा नहीं हो सका। मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से निवेदन करूंगा कि सरकारें चाहे जो भी हों, हम हों या आप हों, इधर के हों या उधर के हों, लेकिन जो देश की बुनियादी समस्याएं हैं, उनका निराकरण कनरे के लिए नीयत साफ होनी चाहिए। अगर नीयत साफ नहीं होगी तो चाहे नीतियां जितनी भी बनें, चाहे जितने भी कार्यक्रम बनें, लेकिन उन नीतियों और कार्यक्रमों का कोई मतलब नहीं रहेगा। इसलिए नीयत को साफ रखना पड़ेगा।
महोदय, उत्तर प्रदेश एक विशाल प्रदेश है। यूं कहा जाए तो हिन्दुस्तान का ह्ृदय उत्तर प्रदेश है, हिन्दुस्तान के फेफड़े उत्तर प्रदेश हैं। अगर ह्ृदय नहीं चलेगा, फेफड़े नहीं चलेंगे तो हमारा शरीर मर जाएगा। उत्तर प्रदेश की १७ करोड़ जनता के लिए बजट में कोई प्रावधान नहीं है। दूसरी तरफ यह भी है कि धर्म हमारी आस्था का विषय है कि हम मंदिर में पूजा करेंगे या मस्जिद में नमाज़ पढ़ेंगे या गरिजाघर में अर्चना करेंगे, लेकिन व्यवस्था को आस्था से जोड़कर उत्तर प्रदेश को जिस कगार पर पहुँचा दिया गया, जो भारत का ह्ृदय था, जिसने सबसे अधिक प्रधान मंत्री इस देश को दिये, आज भी गरीबी में उड़ीसा और बिहार को छोड़कर उत्तर प्रदेश सबसे गरीब प्रदेश है।
महोदय, उत्तर प्रदेश जैसे गरीब प्रदेश के लिए इस बजट में कोई व्यवस्था नहीं है। जहां अय़ोध्या, काशी और मथुरा का विवाद हो, जहां जनता की गाढ़ी कमाई को मंदिर और मस्जिद के विवाद में खर्च किया जा रहा हो, वहां के मुख्य मंत्री जी ने उत्तर प्रदेश को एक उत्तम प्रदेश बनाने का सपना देखा है। उसे पूरा करने के लिए उत्तर प्रदेश के लिए आप से अलग बजट देने की मांग करता हूं और आपसे अनुरोध करता हूं कि किसानों की माली हालत ठीक नहीं होगी, जब तक उनकी बुनियादी और आर्थिक स्थिति ठीक नहीं होगी तब देश तरक्की नहीं कर सकेगा और जब देश के किसानों और उत्तर प्रदेश के किसानों की हालत अच्छी हो जाएगी, तो यह देश दुनिया का शक्तिशाली देश बन जाएगा। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं। आपको समय देने के लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले (पंढरपुर) : सभापति महोदय, अब हाउस को कल तक के लिए स्थगित कीजिए। कल लंच आवर को खत्म कर के बजट पर चर्चा शुरू कराइए और तीन बजे तक चलाइए।
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please take your seat, Shri Athawale.
… (Interruptions)
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले : सभापति महोदय, अब समय बहुत हो गया है।
सभापति महोदय : रामदास बंडु आठवले जी, आप बैठिए। बी.ए.सी. की बैठक में सब कुछ पहले ही फायनल हो चुका है। बिजनैश एडवाइजरी कमेटी में सभी दलों के नेता होते हैं।
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले : सभापति महोदय, अब बहुत समय हो गया है। इसलिए अब आप सदन की बैठक कल तक के लिए स्थगित कीजिए और कल बजट पर बहस कराइए। …( व्यवधान)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please keep patience, Shri Athawale.
… (Interruptions)
सुश्री महबूबा मुफ्ती (अनंतनाग) : सर, पी. चिदम्बरम जी द्वारा इस ऐवान में प्रस्तुत बजट एक आम आदमी का बजट है। वह आम आदमी चाहे गांव का हो या शहर का रहने वाला हो। गांव और शहर में रहने वाले गरीब आदमी की सुविधा की बात इस बजट में कही गई है। Unfortunately, 57 years after Independence हमारे किसानों को इर्रीगेशन के लिए पानी नहीं मिल रहा है और जैसा हमारे मंत्री साहब ने भी बताया कि शहरों में रहने वाले लोगों को एक-एक बाल्टी पानी के लिए रात में लाइनों में लगकर तरसना पड़ता है। इस बजट में फोकस किया गया है इर्रीगेशन, पीने का पानी, शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य आदि को, यह अच्छी बात है । लेकिन मेरे ख्याल में सबसे बड़ा चेलेंज यह होगा कि आप उसे इम्पलीमेंट कैसे करेंगे। देश की इकनौमी को इम्प्रूव करने के लिए इनकनौमिक रिफार्म किए गए। इसी प्रकार इस बजट को इम्पलीमेंट करने के लिए, इस बजट के बैनफिट्स आम आदमी तक पहुंचाने के लिए हमें सबसे पहले अपने पालटिकल सिस्टम को रिफार्म करने की जरूरत है। जिस की खामियों की वजह से पिछले कई दिनों से सदन में शोर शराबा हो रहा है । इस सदन में रोज झगड़ा होता है, वह नहीं होना चाहिए। सबसे पहले यहीं से पालटिकल सिस्टम में रिफार्म शुरू होना चाहिए। इसी प्रकार एडमनिस्ट्रेशन रिफार्म लाने की जरूरत है। जब पालटिकल और एडमनिस्ट्रेटिव सिस्टम फेल हो जाता है, तो जुडीशियरी को आगे आना चाहिए, लेकिन वह आगे नहीं आती है। इसलिए जुडशियरी में भी रिफार्म लाने की आवश्यकता है ताकि एक आम इंसान को इंसाफ मिल सके ।
चेयरमैन सर, मैं समझती हूं कि जिस प्रकार से कांग्रेस ने ९० के डिकेड में इकनौमिक रिफार्म शुरू किए थे और उस समय हर तरफ से काफी रेसिस्टेंस हुआ था जबकि उस के अच्छे नतीजे निकले उसी तरह से एक स्टैप लेकर हमें पालटिकल सिस्टम, एडमनिस्ट्रेटिव सिस्टम और जुडीशियरी सिस्टम में रिफार्म लाने की जरूरत है। तभी हम जो बजट यहां प्रस्तुत किया गया है उसके बैनीफिट्स आम आदमी को पहुंचा पाएंगे।Only then, you can eradicate corruption, nepotism, favouritism, misappropriation of funds, etc. etc. सर, मैं यह कहना चाहती हूं कि अभी अपने भाषण में हमारे प्रैसीडेंट ने बताया कि 21st century is going to be India’s century. Why not? Of course, it will be. परन्तु अनलैस और अंटिल हम देश के लोगों के पूरे पोटेंश्यल का इस्तेमाल नहीं करेंगें तब तक काम नहीं चलेगा। हमारे देश में आधी जनसंख्या विमैन की है। हमें विमैन पावर का, विमैन पोटेंश्यल का इस्तेमाल करना चाहिए। हमें अपनेhumanरिसोर्सेस का पूरा इस्तेमाल करना चाहिए जिसमें मायनारिटीज और डिप्राइव्ड सैक्शन के लोगों का एक बहुत बडा वर्ग है, इनके साथ इंसाफ होना चाहिए तभी हम नेशन की सर्विस कर सकते हैं। We will be able to achieve our full potential.
सर, मुझे इस बात की खुशी है कि हाल ही में आंध्रा प्रदेश और महाराष्ट्र में जिस प्रकार से जो मायनारिटीज के लिए रिजर्वेशन रखी गई, इसी प्रकार से centre में भी उसको (reservation) फौलो करना चाहिए क्योंकि मैं समझती हूं कि जिस तरह से जिस्म का कोई हिस्सा, कोई भाग खराब होगा या देश का मायनारिटी सैक्शन, डिप्राइव सैक्शन कमजोर रहेगा, तो यह मुल्क पूरी तरह से कामयाब नहीं होगा और पूरा पोटेंश्यल अचीव नहीं कर सकता है। I will now come to my own State, Jammu and Kashmir.
चेयरमैन सर, यह एक साधारण बजट है, परन्तु हमारे जम्मू-कश्मीर के हालात साधारण नहीं है, यह आप अच्छी तरह से जानते हैं। हमारे यहां १५ साल से There is a war-like situation. हम एक जंग लड़ रहे हैं। वहां एक कनफ्लिक्ट है, यानि एक समस्या है। दुनिया के हर कोने में उस समस्या का जिक्र होता है। जिनेवा, वाशिंगटन और यू.के. आदि, आदि में कश्मीर समस्या पर बात होती है और उस समस्या का जिक्र होता है, तो हमें वहां बुलाया जाता है और वहां हम लोग जाकर तकरीरें करते हैं, लेकिन मेरा मानना है कि जम्मू-कश्मीर की समस्या का समाधान यहां होगा, (Parliamentमें) वहां नहीं होगा। इस समस्या का समाधान आप लोगों को ढूंढ़ना है, आप लोगों को इस समस्या को हल करने के लिए ध्यान देना होगा। इस समस्या के बारे में जब तक लोगों को नॉलेज नहीं होगी, तब तक इसको दूर नहीं किया जा सकता है। जम्मू-कश्मीर में प्रॉब्लम क्या है और वहां जो कनफ्लिक्ट है, उसके पीछे क्या-क्या चीजें हैं, जब तक हम इसको नहीं जानेंगे, तब तक इसका हल नहीं निकल सकता है। हर conflict के पीछे एक पालटिकलissue होता है, इमोशंस होते हैं औरideologyहोती है मगर वहां की समस्या के पीछे इस के अलावा इनजस्टिस भी है, अनएम्पलायमेंट भी है, पावर्टी भी है, under-development और इल्लिटरेसी भी है।
सर, जहां तक जम्मू-कश्मीर की समस्या का पालटिकलaspect है, मैं कहना चाहूंगी कि वाजपेयी जी ने काफी चीजें कीं। He took many steps which were path-breaking.
जिसमें लाहौर बस यात्रा, यूनीलेटरल सीज़ फायर, जम्मू-कश्मीर के लोगों के साथ अनकंडीशनल बातचीत, पाकिस्तान के साथ अपने संबंध सुधारने की बात बहुत अच्छी है। मैं यह भी कहना चाहूंगी कि जब-जब उन्होंने यह स्टेप्स लिए तो उस वक्त की अपोजिशन पार्टी, खास कर के मुख्य अपोजिशन पार्टी कांग्रेस पार्टी ने भरपूर साथ दिया और अब जब कि दोनों partiesके रोल रिवर्स हो गए हैं, मैं उम्मीद करती हूं कि अब भी एनडीए,FDI (Foreign direct investment) की तरह इस पर समर सोल्ट नहीं करेगी, यू-टर्न नहीं लेगी, बल्कि जो यूपीए सरकार इस वक्त कश्मीर को लेकर पाकिस्तान या कश्मीरियों के साथ अपने संबंध सुधारना चाहती है, समस्या का हल ढूंढना चाहती है, उसमें एनडीए पूरा कोआपरेट करेगी।
महोदय, मुझे खुशी है कि पिछले डेढ़ साल में जो पाकिस्तान के साथ कांफीडेंस बिल्िंडग मेजर्स हुए, कश्मीर के अंदर कांफीडेंस बिल्िंडग मेजर्स हुए, उसके अच्छे रिजल्ट्स आने शुरू हो गए हैं, परन्तु मैं यहां यह बताना चाहूंगी कि पाकिस्तान और यहां के बीच में लोगों का जो इंटरेक्शन हुआ वह बहुत अच्छा है, मगर अगर पाकिस्तान के लोग दिल्ली, मुंबई आते हैं, अगर कश्मीर आना चाहें तो उन्हें वहां आने दिया जाना चाहिए1 We have nothing to hide. हम अपने भारत स्काउट्स के बहुत शुक्रगुज़ार हैं कि उन्होंने गुलमर्ग में एक स्काउट्स–meet organise किया था, जिसमें बंग्लादेश, भूटान और पाकिस्तान के scouts भी आए थे। पाकिस्तान के साथ जो १५ scouts आए थे, मैं आपको बताना चाहती हूं कि जब वे पाकिस्तान से निकले होंगे, तो जो उस वक्त उन्होंने जम्मू-कश्मीर की तस्वीर ली होगी और जब वे वापस गए, उस तस्वीर में जमीन-आसमान का फर्क होगा । हम चाहते हैं किPakistanसे ज्यादा लोग आएं और देखें कि जम्मू-कश्मीर किसे कहते हैं। जम्मू-कश्मीर किस हाल में है।
महोदय, कांफीडेंस बिल्िंडग मेजर्स में जो बहुत अच्छी बात हुई थी, हमारे बार्डर पर सीज़ फायर हो गया, जिससे लोगों को बड़ा सुकून है। हम उम्मीद करते हैं कि हमारे एक्सटर्नल अफेयर्स मनिस्टर जो आजकल पाकिस्तान गए हुए हैं, वे वहां बात करके उन्हें आमादा करेंगे कि इंटरनली भी सीज़ फायर हो जाए और दोनों तरफ से हो ताकि लोगों को सुकून मिले । एक बार वाजपेयी जी ने छ: महीने का यूनिलेटरल सीज़ फायर किया था, मगर जब दूसरी तरफ से कोईresponse/reciprocationनहीं दिया गया, तो उसका कोई फायदा नहीं हुआ। हम चाहते हैं कि अगर सीज़ फायर हो जाए तो उससे हमारे लोगों को बड़ी सहूलियत होगी। वाघा बार्डर खुल गया, बस और ट्रेन चलती है, मगर जम्मू-कश्मीर की समस्या का समाधान न तो वाघा बार्डर से मिलेगा और न कराची फैरी सर्विस से मिलेगा, अगर मिलेगा तो मुजफ्फराबादSrinagar रोड खुलने से, असकरदू Kargil रोड, सियालकोटJammu रोड और राजौरी-पुंछ का रोड खुलने से मिलेगा। यहीं से हिन्दुस्तान और पाकिस्तान की दोस्ती का असली रास्ता निकलेगा, बाकी आप जितना भी घूमते जाइए, कोई रास्ता नहीं निकलेगा। वर्ष २००२ में जब इलैक्शन हुए तो हम लोगों को मौका मिला ।…( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : अब आप कंक्लुड कीजिए MS. MEHBOOBA MUFTI : Sir, please give me some more time as I am from Jammu and Kashmir which has a special status due to article 370. नई हुकूमत बनाने का मौका मिला। हमने कोशिश की, कोलिएशन सरकार में कांग्रेस हमारा बड़ा पार्टनर है, हमारी सबसे बड़ी कामयाबी यह रही कि हमने लोगों के साथ ताना-बाना जारी रखा। At the cost of even risking our life. जैसे कल भी आपने सुना, हमारे कांग्रेस पार्टी के Minister एक public mela attend करने गए थे और बड़ी मुश्किल से जान बचा कर आए, मगर हमने लोगों का ताना-बाना नहीं तोड़ा। सबसे बड़ी बात यह है कि लोगों का एहतमाद, इस गवर्नमेंट के ऊपर है। मगर जहां जम्मू-कश्मीर के लोग यह समझते हैं कि जहां तक पाकिस्तान के साथ बातचीत करने की बात है, जम्मू-कश्मीर में मसला हल करने की बात है या मुजफ्फराबाद रोड की बात है, वहां नई दिल्ली और Jammu & Kashmir सरकार की जिम्मेदारी ५० प्रतिशत है और ५० प्रतिशत पर (across) अथवा कश्मीरी गुट वालों को करना है। हम जो इकोनोमिकdevelopmentकेimportanceकी बात करते हैं, आपने देखा होगा, जब से दो साल से हमारी सरकार बनी, हमने जो सबसे अच्छी चीज की है, वह यह है कि डेवलपमेंट के प्रोसेस को बहुत तेजी से आगे बढ़ाया है। यहां फाइनेंस मनिस्टर बैठे हैं, मैं उनसे कहूंगी कि आप प्लानिंग कमीशन के अपने आफिसर्स को बुलाएं और उनसे पूछें कि पिछले दो साल मेंfiscal डसिप्लिन पूरे मुल्क में जम्मू-कश्मीर का टॉप पर रहा है या नहीं । अगर नहीं रहा है तो हम इनसे कुछ नहीं मांगेंगे। हमने हर पैसा, हर चीज का हिसाब दिया है और हर पैसे को वहां अच्छी तरह इस्तेमाल किया है, जिसका नतीजा यह हुआ है कि अभी जब हमने कश्मीर में पहला फ्लाई-ओवर का इनऑगरेशन किया, तो उस समय २०० गज दूर ग्रेनेड फैंका गया, जिसमें कई लोग जख्मी हुए मगर फिर भी उसके बावजूद हजारों की तादाद में लोग वहां पहुंचे और फ्लाई-ओवर के इनऑगरेशन में शमुलियत की । That means people also want development.
महोदय, हमारा इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर, स्कूल, अस्पताल, सड़कें, पुल सब बर्बाद हो चुके हैं। जम्मू-कश्मीर में जहाँ छोटी छोटी सडकें बन रही हैं वहां जम्मू कश्मीर की खुशहाली के लिये बडे बडे project को हाथ में लेना जरूरी है । हमारे जो inter रीज़न्स हैं, जैसे कि लद्दाख, गुरेज़ का रास्ता और तंदार का रास्ता, ये फेयर वेदर रोड्स हैं, जो साल में छ:महीने से आठ महीने बंद रहते है। हमें अल्टरनेटिव roads बनाने की जरूरत है। कश्मीर के एयरपोर्ट को इंटरनेशनल एयरपोर्ट बनाने का काम तेजी से करने के साथ साथ कारगिल एयरपोर्ट को भी expand करने की जरूरत है । मेरे कहने का मकसद यह है कि हमें इस तरह का इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर बनाने के लिए fund चाहिए ताकि हम लोगों को रोजमर्रा के development केprocess में involveकर सकें ।
22.00 hrs. हमारी सबसे बड़ी समस्या अनएम्पलायमेंट है। मुझे मालूम है कि पूरे मुल्क में अनएम्पलायमेंट है, मगर मैं फाइनेंस मनिस्टर से कहना चाहूंगी कि मैं किसी आम अनएम्पलायड यूथ की बात नहीं कर रही हूं। मैं जम्मू कश्मीर के उस नौजवान की बात कर रही हूं, जो १५ साल से बन्दूकों के साये में छिप-छिप कर कमरे के बीच में पढ़ता रहा, उसके इधर से भी बन्दूक, उधर से भी बन्दूक थी। जब हमारा साराeducation सिस्टम कोलैप्स हो गया तो हमारे गरीब लोगों ने अपनी जमीन बेचकर, अपने जेवर बेचकर अपने बच्चों को मुल्क के दूसरे कोनों में पढ़ने के लिए भेजा। जिसके पास पैसा नहीं था, उसने उस बच्चे को बाहर भेजने की बजाय वहीं पर घर के अन्दर उसे टयूशन दिलवाई। इस वक्त ये लड़के ३०-३१ साल के हो गये हैं। कई लोगों ने तो गांवों में यहां तक किया कि उसका जो लड़का नौवीं दसवीं क्लास में पढ़ता था, उसकी शादी कर दी, क्योंकि वे चाहते थे कि कहीं यह बन्दूक न उठा ले, कहीं यह दूसरे रास्ते पर न चला जाये, इसलिए इसकी शादी कर दो, घर में बीवी आयेगी, बच्चे होंगे तो यह दूसरे रास्ते पर नहीं जाएगा। इस वक्त हमारे सामने ऐसे ही बेरोजगार लोगों की समस्या है। ये वही लोग हैं, वही नौजवान हैं, जो १९९६ के इलैक्शन में हमें देखता था तो बड़ा सरकास्टिक होता था, बड़ा सिनेकिल होता था। इनको लगता था कि इलैक्शन का प्रोसेस फ्रॉड है। मगर धीरे-धीरे यह इलैक्शन प्रोसेस में इन्वोल्व हो रहे है। यह वही नौजवान है, जो सिर पर कफन बांधकर हमारी इलैक्शन की रैलीज में जाता है और वोट डालने के दिन यह वोट डालने के लिए निकलता है। आपने कई बार टी.वी. पर देखा होगा, ये नौजवान अपने मां-बाप का दिल रखने के लिए अपने चेहरे को कवर करते हैं ताकि मलिटेंट्स इनको न देखें और शक्ल न पहचानें। ये अपने चेहरे कोpolitical parties के झण्डे से लपेटता है ताकि इनके मां-बाप को तसल्ली हो कि हमारा बच्चा रैली में था या उसने वोट डाला तो उसकी शिनाख्त किसी ने नहीं की । यह आम नौजवान नहीं है। मैं आप सबसे गुजारिश करना चाहूंगी कि इन नौजवानों के मुस्तकबिल के बारे में आप सोचिये।
हमारे यहां इण्डस्टि्रयलाइजेशन बिल्कुल नहीं है। ऊपर से हमारे यहां पर मुलाजमत लगाने के ऊपर एम.ओयू. लागू किया गया है, उससे नौकरियों पर बैन लगा हुआ है, इसे हटाना पड़ेगा। इसके बगैर कोई चारा नहीं है, अगर हम लोग यह भी नहीं कर सकते तो फिर हम लोग इन नौजवानों के लिये क्या करेंगे। दूसरी बात मैं यह कहना चाहूंगी कि अभी पिछली बार फाइनेंस मनिस्टर साहब ने यह कहा था कि हम स्टेट्स को पावरफुल बनाएंगे,by devolution of resources. यह बहुत ही सराहनीय बात है। जब हम इन्जस्टिस की बात करते है तो मैं समझती हूं कि kashmir के साथ पोलटिकल इन्जस्टिस की बात नहीं करूंगी । हमारे आर्टिकल ३७० का इरोजन कितना हुआ, ऑटोनोमी के रेजोल्यूशन को कैसे बिना पढे खिड़की से फेंक दिया गया, उससे वहां के लोगों के दिलों पर क्या गुजरी। ऑटोनोमी के इरोजन या ३७० के इरोजन के साथ जम्मू कश्मीर का रिलेशन और मुल्क के रिलेशन में कितना इरोजन हुआ, I do not want to talk about it.
पिछले दिनों से सतलुज, ब्यास और यमुना की बात हो रही है, मगर मुझे लगता है कि यहां बहुत कम मेरे पंजाब के भाई होंगे, हरियाणा के होंगे, हिमाचल प्रदेश या राजस्थान के होंगे, शायद आप लोग नहीं जानते हैं कि आपके खेतों कि हरियाली में जम्मू कश्मीर के लोगों की कुरबानियों का बहुत बड़ा हाथ है, क्योंकि जो इंडस वाटर ट्रीटी में जो हमारे दरियाओं का पानी है, चिनाब का पानी है, Indus तथाJhelum का पानी है, वह पाकिस्तान को मिल गया। उनके खेत हरे-भरे हो गये, उन्होंने बदले में आपके (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Rajasthan) के खेत हरे-भरे कर दिये, लेकिन उससे हम कश्मीरियों को क्या मिला। हमें नुकसान हो रहा है, क्योंकि १६ हजार मैगावाट बिजली जो हम पैदा करने की क्षमता रखते हैं, वह हम नहीं कर पाते हैं, क्योंकि बैन लगा हुआ है। पाकिस्तान तो कहता है कि हम उनके सहरग हैं, पर हर साल वे पानी मैजर करने के लिए आते हैं और एक-एक लोटा देखते हैं कि कहीं किसी कश्मीरी ने एक लोटा पानी तो नहीं निकाला और शोर मचाते हैं। हमें इस ट्रीटी से जो लॉस हुआ है, It has not been monitized. सर्दियों में हमारी जो अपनी बिजली है, वह बर्फ और पानी कम होने की वजह से कम हो जाती है जिस की वजह से हमें सैण्ट्रल पूल से बिजली खरीदनी पड़ती है और हमें वह बिजली इतनी महंगी मिलती है, जिसका कोई हिसाब नहीं है।
हमारा स्टेट स्पेशल कैटेगरी स्टेट है, जिसे ग्राण्ट और एड ९०:१० में मिलनी चाहिए, मगर १९९१ तक हमें 70:30 के रेश्यो में मिली, जिससे हमें बहुत नुकसान हुआ है। आप लोगों को फैसला करना है। हम तो कोई बड़ी चीज नहीं मांग रहे, हम तो वह नहीं कह रहे हैं, जिनके लिए आप को कोई अनकंडीशनल बात करनी पडे । हम तो वही मांग रहे हैं, जो इंडियन कांस्टीटयूशन के अन्दर हमारा हक है। अगर हमारा पानी इस्तेमाल हो रहा है, पाकिस्तान के खेत हरे-भरे हो रहे हैं, हमारे मुल्क के खेत हरे-भरे होते हैं तो हमें कम्पेंसेशन मिलना चाहिए, आखिर कब तक हमारे साथ इस तरह से नाइंसाफी होती रहेगी। आप कश्मीरियों से कहते हो कि बोलो परन्तु हम बोलेगें तो आप बोलोगे कि बोलते हैं । मैं समझती हूं कि यह (कश्मीर) एक नेशनल इश्यू है। कहा जाता है,Kashmir is embedded in the soul of India. It is the soul of India. It is the core of Indian nationhood. It is high time that we should give it a thought. We should learn to respect, cherish and take care of that soul.
श्री भँवर सिंह डांगावास (नागौर) : सभापति महोदय, आपने मुझे बोलने का समय दिया, इसके लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। मैं वर्ष २००४-०५ के बजट का विरोध करता हूं। सर्वप्रथम मैं यही कहना चाहता हूं कि भारत वर्ष में कोई भी व्यवसाय ऐसा नहीं है जो लाभप्रद नहीं हो। लेकिन कृषि ऐसा व्यवसाय है जो घाटे का व्यवसाय है। इसे आज तक लाभप्रद नहीं बनाया गया और न ही कोई सही समर्थन मूल्य दिया गया। एनडीए सरकार ने जो समर्थन मूल्य बढ़ाया था, उससे इसे कुछ सहारा मिला। यह व्यवसाय लाभप्रद कैसे हो सकता है, इसके लिए दो तरीके हैं। सबसे पहले इनपुट्स की कीमत कम की जाये और प्रोडेक्शन की कीमत ज्यादा मिले। मैं आपसे प्रार्थना करना चाहूंगा कि अगर नहरों में पानी है तो इनपुट्स के पैसे कम लगते हैं और सस्ता पानी मिलता है। इसके साथ-साथ बीज, खाद की कीमत कम की जाये। आप जो सबसिडी दे रहे हैं, वह भी बहुत कम है। मैं किसानों के हित में आपसे प्रार्थना करूंगा कि आप सबसिडी को बढ़ायें।
इसके साथ-साथ एक तकलीफ और है कि जो सुई बनाने वाला व्यक्ति है, वह अपनी सुई की कीमत निर्धारित करता है जबकि किसान जो अरबों रुपये की फसल पैदा करता है, अपनी फसल की कीमत निर्धारित करना उसके हाथ में नहीं है। इसके लिए एक सीधा उपाय है। यदि किसान अपना धान उस वक्त मंडी में न बेचना चाहे, तो मंडी को चाहिए कि वे किसान की उपज अपने हाथ में रखे और उसकी तीन चौथाई कीमत बगैर ब्याज के किसान को दे ताकि किसान अपनी फसल को कौड़ियों के भाव बेचने को मजबूर न हो।
इस महान देश में एक तरफ बाढ़ आती है जिसे रोकने के लिए अरबों रुपये की राहत दी जाती है जबकि दूसरी तरफ राजस्थान, मध्य प्रदेश और गुजरात में अकाल पड़ता है, जिसे रोकने के लिए हजारों -करोड रुपये खर्च किये जाते हैं। नदियों को आपस में जोड़ने की जो योजना एनडीए सरकार ने बनाई थी, अगर उसे आप लागू करते, माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी यहां नहीं हैं, जो भी मंत्री यहां बैठे हैं, वे कृपया इसे नोट कर लें कि नदियों को आपस में जोड़ने से हिन्दुस्तान में खुशहाली आ सकती है, हर खेत को पानी मिल सकता है और हर गांव को पीने का पानी मिल सकता है। नदियों के जोड़ने की योजना आपने बजट में नहीं ली, यह आपने उपयुक्त काम नहीं किया।
मैं आपसे प्रार्थना करूंगा कि एनडीए सरकार की योजना के तहत, जो श्री सुरेश प्रभु द्वारा तैयार की जा चुकी है, नदियों को जोड़ने का काम आप अपने हाथ में लीजिए। मैं एक आग्रह और करना चाहूंगा कि प्रधानमंत्री ग्रामीण रोजगार योजना को आपने रोक दिया है। किसान अपने ट्रैक्टर में जब डीजल डालता है तो डेढ़ रुपये प्रति लीटर सडक कोष को देता है। वह यह पैसा इस बात के लिए देता है ताकि गांव में सड़क बने। प्रधान मंत्री ग्रामीण रोजगार योजना के लिए तथा बड़ी सड़कों के लिए पैसा इकट्ठा हो। आप हमसे पैसे ले रहे हैं, अगर सड़क पर ट्रक या कोई भी वाहन चले तो पैसा लिया जाता है। न मालूम आप उस पैसे का उपयोग कहां करेंगे ? इस बजट में आपने कोई सड़क बनाने की योजना गांवों को नहीं दी है। चूंकि समय बहुत कम है …( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : आप समय का ख्याल रखिये।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री भँवर सिंह डांगावास : राजस्थान ऐसा सूखा प्रदेश है जहां तीन साल से अकाल पड़ा हुआ था। आज भी वहां अकाल की छाया पड़ी हुई है। वहां पीने का पानी नहीं है। हमारी इच्छा थी कि नदियां आपस में जुड़ जाये और राजस्थान नहर से नागौर जिले को, जहां से मैं चुनकर आता हूं, पानी मिलता। इस संबंध में मैंने एक प्रश्न भी पूछा था। उस प्रश्न के जवाब में कहा गया कि यह विषय राज्य सरकार के हाथ में आता है। राज्य सरकार के पास साधन नहीं है। इसलिए मैं आपसे आग्रह करूंगा कि राजस्थान नहर का पानी नागौर जिले में लाने के लिये केन्द्र सरकार विशेष योजना बनाकर पैसा दे और राज्य सरकार को यह आदेश दे कि वे वहां पानी दे। ...(व्यवधान)आपने घंटी बजा दी है। मैं पहली बार बोल रहा हूं।
मैं यही प्रार्थना करना चाहता हूं कि अगर किसानों की आत्महत्याएं रोकनी है तो आपको किसानों को लाभप्रद कीमत देनी होगी। लाभप्रद कीमत देने के लिए आपको दो काम करने पड़ेंगे--सबसे पहले आप बीमा फसल योजना को पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में लागू कीजिए और दूसरे, किसानों के इनपुट्स में जो पैसा लगता है, उसे कम किया जाये। उनकी फसलों की वाजिब कीमत देकर किसानों को खुशहाल कीजिए। यही प्रार्थना करते हुए मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं।
श्री जय प्रकाश (हिसार) : सभापति महोदय, माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने जो बजट सदन के सामने रखा है, मैं उसके पक्ष में बोलने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। पिछले ६-७ वर्षों में पहली बार हिन्दुस्तान के किसान, मजदूर, छोटे वर्ग के लोगों और छोटे कर्मचारियों को लाभ हुआ है, चाहे एक लाख रुपये तक की इनकम टैक्स में छूट हो, चाहे ट्रैक्टर में १६ प्रतिशत एक्साइज़ डयूटी में छूट हो, चाहे मुर्गी पालन, मत्स्य पालन में उत्पादन शुल्क १६ प्रतिशत से घटाकर ८ प्रतिशत कर दिया गया हो।
हैंडलूम और पावरलूम का काम हमारे इलाके पानीपत में बहुत ज्यादा था। एनडीए सरकार ने हैंडलूम, पावरलूम का सत्यानाश कर दिया था लेकिन हमारी सरकार ने बुनकरों का बहुत फायदा किया है। मैं चाहता हूं कि कृषि को उद्योग का दर्जा देना चाहिए। मैंने वित्त मंत्री जी का भाषण सुना था। उसमें कहा गया था कि हम तीन वर्ष में कर्जे दुगने कर देंगे। एनडीए सरकार ने गलत वाह-वाही लूटने के लिए किसान क्रैडिट कार्ड बना दिए थे। क्रैडिट कार्ड से किसानों को जो नुकसान हुआ, वह मैं बताना चाहता हूं। जब किसान बैंक से कर्ज लेने जाता है, गोल्डन कार्ड तीन वर्ष के लिए बनाया जाता है, तीन वर्ष बाद जब दुबारा किसान बैंक में जाएगा तो उसे वही प्रक्रिया अपनानी पड़ेगी जो शुरू में अपनाई थी। मेरा सुझाव है कि जिस तरह उद्योगों के लिए लमिट बनाई जाती है, व्यापार के लिए लमिट बनाई जाती है, उसी तरह किसानों के लिए लमिट फिक्स कर दी जाए ताकि उसे बार-बार बैंकों के दरवाजे न खटखटाने पड़ें, रिवैन्यू डिपार्टमैंट के दरवाजे न खटखटाने पड़ें। मैं हरियाणा प्रदेश की बात करता हूं। बहुत से नैशनलाईज़्ड बैंक हैं। वित्त मंत्री जी बैंकों की बात करते थे। बैंकों में भ्रष्टाचार चरम सीमा पर है। ब्रांच मैनेजर किसान से ५,०००-१०,००० रुपये लेकर लोन देते हैं। उनपर पाबन्दी लगाई जाए।
हरियाणा प्रदेश में धान की बहुत ज्यादा फसल होती है। श्री चिदम्बरम ने १९९६ में धान से एक्सपोर्ट पर से सेल्स टैक्स हटा दिया था लेकिन मार्च २००३ में हरियाणा प्रदेश सरकार ने शुरू से दुबारा लगा दिया। जिससे आढती और मिलर को नुकसान हो गया । आज हरियाणा प्रदेश के किसान का धान २१०० रू. प्रति क्िंवटल से १२०० रू. प्रति क्िंवटल सस्ते दाम पर बिकने लगा । क्योंकि सेल्स टैक्स ज्यादा है। मैं चाहूंगा कि इस कमी को पूरा कर दिया जाए।
हरियाणा प्रदेश ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे देश में किसानों की जो जमीन अधिकृत की जाती है, अब कह दिया गया कि एक अप्रैल से इन्कम टैक्स लागू नहीं होगा। जिन किसानों की जमीनें पहले ली गई थीं, उनके ऊपर बहुत ज्यादा इनकम टैक्स लगा है। मेरा सुझाव है कि उसे पीछे से माफ करना चाहिए न कि एक अप्रैल से क्योंकि इससे किसानों को बहुत ज्यादा नुकसान हो रहा है।
किसानों के बारे में ऋण की बात की जाती है। नैशनेलाईज़्ड बैंक कार पर इंटरस्ट फ्री लोन देते हैं लेकिन किसानों को ट्रैक्टर के लिए जो लोन दिया जाता है, उस पर १४ प्रतिशत ब्याज है। मेरा सरकार से निवेदन है कि बैंकों को ऐसे निर्देश दिए जाएं कि जिस प्रकार मोटर कार पर इंटरस्ट फ्री लोन दिया जाता है, उसी प्रकार ट्रैक्टरों पर भी दिया जाए ताकि किसानों की तरक्की हो।…( व्यवधान)
सरकार ने कहा कि हम फूलों की खेती करेंगें, फ्लोरीकल्चर बढ़ाएंगे। हमारे इलाके में आलू की खेती होती है। सरकार इसकी सपोर्ट प्राइस निर्धारित करे और आलू को यदि उस कीमत से नीचे न खरीदा जाए तो सरकार उसे अपने भंडारों में रखे। सरसों का भी सपोर्ट प्राइस है। दलहन, तिलहन की बात की जाती है लेकिन सरकार की तरफ से आज तक कोई ऐसा प्रोसैस नहीं अपनाया गया। एनडीए सरकार ने कहा था कि फूलों की खेती करें, क्या पूरे हरियाणा प्रदेश में कोई एयर-कंडीशन्ड गाडी व्यवस्था है जहां फूल रखे जा सकें? पिछले छ: वर्षों में तिलहन, सरसों का भाव सपोर्ट प्राइस से नीचे होने से किसान लुटता रहा। यहां लोक सभा में बैठकर उस वक्त के कृषि मंत्री कहते रहे कि हमने किसानों को सबसे ज्यादा भाव दिए। पिछले वर्ष किसानों का सरसों का सपोर्ट प्राइस १६०० रुपये था लेकिन किसान १२०० रुपये क्िंवटल बेचकर लुटता रहा। मेरा सुझाव है कि आलू, तिलहन, सरसों आदि का भी सपोर्ट प्राइस हो, तभी किसान तरक्की करेगा वर्ना हरियाणा प्रदेश और इस देश के किसानों की आर्थिक हालत दिन-प्रतदिन कमजोर होती जाएगी। एनडीए सरकार ने छ: वर्षों तक किसानों को उनका उचित मूल्य दिलाने का काम नहीं किया जिसकी वजह से उन्हें काफी नुकसान हुआ। हरियाणा प्रदेश में भी एनडीए की समर्थित सरकार थी।
22.15 hrs. (Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair) उस वक्त ९ किसानों को सरेआम गोलियों से मारा गया और हरियाणा प्रदेश के मुख्य मंत्री ने यह कहा कि ये किसान नहीं बल्कि असामाजिक तत्व हैं।
अंत में, मैं सुझाव देना चाहूंगा कि हरियाणा प्रदेश में जहां से हम आते हैं, खासकर जो हरिजनों की बस्तियां हैं, वहां पर अनेक समस्याएं हैं। एक दिन एक सांसद साहब ने कहा कि हरिजन बस्तियों में नहीं पूरे इलाके में सुलभ शौचालय बनाये जाएं क्योंकि अब जंगल की कमी है। जब तक हरिजनों की बस्तियों में, दलितों की बस्तियों में सुलभ शौचालय नहीं बनेंगे, उनकी महिलाओं को शौच जाने के लिए अपमान का सामना करना पड़ता है क्योंकि गांवों में जगह नहीं है। अब जंगल खत्म हो चुके हैं। इसलिए मेरा सरकार से निवेदन है कि पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में चाहे न हो लेकिन हरियाणा प्रदेश में जरूर बनाए जाएं। मैं इस सैशन से पहले ५०० गांवों में जाकर आया हूं और हर गाव की एक ही समस्या थी कि सुलभ शौचालय बनाये जाने चाहिए और उसमें पंचायत की जिम्मेदारी रखनी चाहिए।
हमारी सरकार ने एक बात कही। मैं कुछ सुझाव ही देना चाहता हूं। मैं सिर्फ किसानों, गरीब लोगों के बारे में बोल रहा हूं। बड़े लोगों की लड़ाई मैं नहीं लड़ता।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मेरे पास लिस्ट बहुत लम्बी है। अगर इतना समय लगाते जाएंगे तो दो बजेंगे। अगली तारीख लग जाएगी।
SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE (IDUKKI): Sir, you may kindly adjourn the House now. We can have it tomorrow.… (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: That will be better.
श्री जय प्रकाश : =पाध्यक्ष जी, मेरा थोड़ा सा रह गया है। अगर आप कहेंगे तो मैं बैठ भी जाऊंगा। मैं जबर्दस्ती नहीं करता। पानी के मामले को लेकर हमारे हरियाणा प्रदेश में बड़ी चर्चा चली है। आप तो इस चेयर पर बैठे हैं, इसलिए आप नहीं बोल रहे हैं। लेकिन हमारे साथ बड़ा अन्याय हो रहा है। हमारे यमुना जल का पानी और पंजाब ने जिस तरीके से इस समझौते को रद्द किया है, सारे सदन से मेरा निवेदन है कि इस मामले में लड़ाई लड़नी चाहिए। पंजाब सरकार ने जिस तरह से रेगुलेशन पास करके राजीव-लौंगोवाल समझौते को रद्द करने का निर्णय लिया है, मैं इसकी निन्दा करता हूं और सारे सदन से प्रार्थना करता हूं कि इस मामले को सर्वसम्मति से पास करके सरकार से कहना चाहिए कि तत्काल प्रभाव से हमारी एसवाईएल नहर जो खुदनी है और सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने जिसमें एक महीने का समय केन्द्र सरकार को दिया था। मैं केन्द्र सरकार से निवेदन करूंगा कि हमारी एसवाईएल नहर खुदवाई जाए क्योंकि यह आपके फायदे में भी है। जब एनडीए सरकार थी, २००२ में सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने फैसला दिया कि पंजाब सरकार नहर खुदवाएगी क्योंकि ओमप्रकाश चौटाला साहब और बादल साहब के अच्छे लिंक थे, उस वक्त काम नहीं किया गया। दिल्ली में भी एनडीए सरकार थी। एक वर्ष तक न एनडीए सरकार ने इस नहर को खुदवाने का काम किया और अब राजनैतिक लाभ लेने के लिए जिस तरीके से पंजाब के सभी राजनैतिक दलों ने मिलकर उस रेगुलेशन एक्ट को कानून बनाने का काम किया, मैं सदन से प्रार्थना करूंगा कि उस एक्ट को निरस्त करके हरियाणा प्रदेश में नहर खुदवाई जाए।
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please be very brief. Kindly give us the suggestions only.
… (Interruptions)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मैं एक बात कहूंगा कि बजाए लम्बा भाषण करने के अगर आप सुझाव देंगे तो ज्यादा अच्छा होगा। मेरे पास लिस्ट इतनी लम्बी है कि अगले दिन चलना पड़ जाएगा। इसलिए एक-दो-तीन-चार करके सुझाव ही दें तो ज्यादा अच्छा होगा। बड़ी सीधी सी बात है कि अगर कांग्रेस की तरफ से ही इतना बोलते जाएंगे, संक्षेप में ही बोलें।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री लालमणि प्रसाद (बस्ती) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं बजट के समर्थन में बोलने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। यह बजट जनहित के लिए, आम जनता के हित के लिए लाया गया है और जो दबे-कुचले, पिछड़े-वर्ग और अनुसूचित जाति के लोग हैं, सबकी निगाहें इस बजट पर लगी हुई हैं। ऐसे मौके पर मैं चंद बातें कहना चाहूंगा। आज जो समस्याएं हैं, हमारे विपक्ष के लोगों ने उन समस्याओं की तरफ सत्ता पक्ष का और वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकृष्ट किया है। मैं इस संबंध में वित्त मंत्री जी से पूछना चाहता हूं कि आज ये समस्याएं क्यों हैं ? आज मुल्क की समस्याएं क्या हैं, इस पर हमें ध्यान देना चाहिए। इस धरती पर गौतम बुद्ध ने जहां मानवता का संदेश दिया, वहीं धरती पर मोहम्मद साहब की विचारधारा के मानने वाले लोगों ने आपसी प्रेम और भाईचारे का संदेश दिया। इस धरती पर कबीर साहब ने जहां रूढि़वादी और पाखंडवादी परम्पराओं का विरोध किया, वहीं इस धरती पर ईसा मसीह की विचारधारा के मानने वाले लोगों ने अपाहिजों और अपंगों को गले से लगाया। इस धरती पर गुरू गोविंद सिंह ने जहां स्वाभिमान और सम्मान की भावना पैदा की, वहीं इस धरती पर हजारों-हजार साल से इस देश के अंदर ऐसी व्यवस्था लागू थी, जिसके तहत यहां का बहुजन समाज लाचार, बेबस और मजलूम हो गया था। जिसकी जिंदगी कुत्ते-बिल्लियों की जिंदगी से भी बदतर हो गई थी। जो सारे मानवाधिकारों से वंचित थे। ऐसे समाज को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए डा बाबा साहेब. भीम राव अम्बेडकर ने इस देश में मनुवादी व्यवस्था के स्थान पर नया संविधान दिया, जिससे देश आगे बढ़ रहा है। लेकिन देश की आजादी को ५७ साल होने के बाद भी सही मानो में डा. बाबा साहेब भीम राव अम्बेडकर का संविधान पूर्णरूपेन लागू नहीं हुआ। यही कारण है कि आज मुल्क के अंदर जो राष्ट्रीय समस्याएं हैं, अस्पृश्यता, अमानवीयता, असमानता, असुरक्षा और अन्याय, ये मुल्क की पांच राष्ट्रीय समस्याएं हैं। यदि ईमानदारी के साथ डा. बाबा साहेब भीम राव अम्बेडकर का संविधान पूर्णरूपेण लागू हो गया होता, तो ये समस्याएं नहीं रहतीं। इस देश के अंदर आजादी के ५७ साल बाद भी जहां करोड़ों लोगों को दो समय का भरपेट भोजन नहीं मिलता हो, शुद्ध जल मुहैया न हो, करोड़ों लोग दवा के अभाव में दुनिया से कूच कर जाते हों, यह सब संविधान को सही ढंग से लागू नहीं करने के कारण ही है। सही मानों में जो संविधान में सात नीति निर्धारक तत्व हैं, जिनमें एक यह भी है कि एक साल से सात साल की उम्र के बच्चों को निशुल्क एवं अनिवार्य शिक्षा दी जाएगी, यह सब अभी तक लागू नहीं हुए। अनुसूचित जाति के जो लोग हैं, पिछड़ी जाति के जो लोग हैं, इसके परिणामस्वरूप वे आज भी शिक्षा से वंचित हैं।
सरकार को किसानों की समस्याओं पर ध्यान देना चाहिए। किसान जो पैदा करता है, उसका उसे वाजिब मूल्य नहीं मिलता, वह दिया जाना चाहिए। मैं ऐसे मौके पर कहना चाहता हूं कि ८० प्रतिशत लोग इस देश के जो गांवों में रहते हैं, जब तक भारत के बजट का ८० प्रतिशत हिस्सा उन गरीब, दबे-कुचले, अनुसूचित जाति और पिछड़े वर्ग के लोगों पर खर्च नहीं होगा, उन गांवों के विकास के लिए खर्च नहीं किया जाएगा, तब तक गांवों की तरक्की और खुशहाली नहीं हो सकती। इसलिए ऐसे मौके पर मैं चाहता हूं कि गन्ना किसानों का जो बकाया मूल्य है, वह तुरंत मिलना चाहिए। इसके अलावा अनुसूचित जाति, पिछड़े वर्ग अल्पसंख्यकों के कल्याण के लिए विशेष पैकेज सरकार को देना चाहिए। जो कल कारखाने साजिश के तहत बंद कर दिए गए थे, उनको चालू किया जाए, जिससे हर हाथ को काम मिल सके। बुनकरों की समस्या का निदान किया जाए। गरीबों को कम दाम पर अनाज देने की व्यवस्था सुनिश्चित की जाए। एक योजना के तौर पर पूरे देश में इंदिरा आवास योजना को लागू किया जाए। जिससे जितने भी दबे-कुचले समाज के पात्र लोग हैं, उन्हें इन्दिरा आवास मिल सके और अल्पसंख्यक समुदाय के लोगों के हितों का विशेष ध्यान रखा जाए। भारत देश की अर्थव्यवस्था जो चरमरा गई है, उसके लिए अनुसूचित जाति व जनजाति का मा. वित्त मंत्री जी से अनुरोध है कि अलग से राष्ट्रीय पैमाने पर इस पर चर्चा करके निर्णय लिया जाए।
मैं मंत्री जी से कहना चाहता हूं कि मेरा संसदीय क्षेत्र बस्ती (यू.पी.) एक पिछड़ा एरिया है। वहां डिक्सिर, हरैया और कप्तानगंज एवं नगरपूर्व का इलाका बाढ़ से प्रभावित रहता है। पूरा बस्ती जनपद बाढ़ प्रभावित क्षेत्र है। यह सरयू नदी के किनारे पर है। वहां पर बाढ़ से बचने के लिए पुराने बांधों की मरम्मत की जाए तथा नये बाँध भी बनाये जाये । कटरा से नवाबगंज और बेलसर होते हुए गोंडा तक जो सड़क जाती है, उसका चौड़ीकरण किया जाए। छावनी से राम जानकी रोड जो सीकरी गंज तक जाती है, उसका भी चौड़ीकरण कराया जाए। पुराने बांधों की मरम्मत की जाए, क्योंकि सरयु नदी के किनारे महाबाँध धुदवा कटाव की स्थिति पर है। वह कभी भी कट सकता है इसलिए मैं चाहता हूं कि सरकार द्वारा उस पर ध्यान दिया जाए। बस्ती से महुली नाथ नगर मार्ग का चौड़ीकरण किया जाना चाहिए। टांडा का पुल और बिडहरघाट का पुल ऐतिहासिक है, इसका भी निर्माण कराया जाए। बस्ती से बांसी होते हुए नवगढ़ कपिल वस्तु मार्ग का चौडीकरण कराया जाए। मुंडेरवा, खलीलाबाद बंद चीनी मिल चालू की जाए। गोरखपुर में खाद का कारखाना बंद पड़ा है, उसको चालू कराया जाए। हमारे यहां नेपाल से जो पानी आता है, जलकुंडी योजना जो पुरानी है, उसे पूरा करने से बाढ़ की समस्या हल हो सकती है और साथ ही साथ पूर्वी प्रदेश में विद्युत की समस्या भी हल हो सकती है। बस्ती मंडल का सर्वे कराकर बाढ की समस्या का समाधान हो ।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अब आप समाप्त करें, नहीं तो आपका रिकार्ड में नहीं जाएगा।
श्री लालमणि प्रसाद : मैं समाप्त कर रहा हूं। बस्ती मंडल मुख्यालय पर यूनिवर्सिटी और मेडिकल कालेज की व्यवस्था की जाए। इसके अलावा मैं यह भी कहना चाहता हूं कि प्रत्येक सांसद को एम.पी. लैड के अंतर्गत पांच करोड़ रुपए प्रति वर्ष दिए जाने चाहिए। प्रत्येक संसदीय क्षेत्र में १०० गांवों के विद्युतीयकरण हेतु अलग से धन की व्यवस्था होनी चाहिए। इसी तरह से प्रत्येक संसदीय क्षेत्र में २५,००० आवास इंदिरा आवास योजना के तहत बनाए जाने चाहिए जिसमें क्षेत्रीय सांसद की सहमति होनी चाहिए ।
श्रीमती प्रतिभा सिंह (मंडी) : माननीय सभापति जी, मेरे लिए यह गौरव, सौभाग्य एवं परम हर्ष का विषय है कि मैं देश की सर्वोच्च संस्था, लोक सबा में पहली बार सदस्य के रूप में सामान्य बजट पर बहस के दौरान अपने विचार व्यक्त कर रही हूं। मैं आपको भी कोटिश: धन्यवाद देना चाहती हूं कि आपने मुझे इस अवसर पर बोलने की अनुमति प्रदान की।
महोदय, इससे पूर्व कि मैं बजट प्रस्तावों पर सामान्य टिप्पणी करूं तथा हिमाचल प्रदेश के सम्बद्ध विषयों का विशेष उल्लेख करूं, मैं अपना परम कर्तव्य समझती हूं कि श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी के नेतृत्व में देश में जो राजनीतिक परिवर्तन हुआ है और देश की जनता ने उनके नेतृत्व में साम्प्रदायिक ताकतों के विरुद्ध जो विश्वास व्यक्त किया है, तथा जनमत दिया है, उसका विशेष उल्लेख करते हुए उन्हें मैं अपनी ओर से नमन करूं। महोदय, मैं ही नहीं, उनके सामने आज देश का प्रत्येक वर्ग नतमस्तक है और उनकी ओर बड़ी आशा भरी निगाहों से देख रहा है।
संयुक्त प्रगतिशील गठबंधन सरकार के राष्ट्रीय न्यूनतम साझा कार्यक्रम के सशक्त क्रियान्वयन का आरम्भ करने के उद्देशय से वर्ष २००४-२००५ बजट प्रस्तावों में सीमित समय में जो पहल की गई है, वह निश्चित रूप से सराहनीय है। डा. मन मोहन सिंह जी की सरकार ने अपना पहला बजट समाज के सबसे निचले पायदानों पर खड़े लोगों, खासतौर पर छोटे किसानों पर न्यौछावर कर दिया।
महोदय, चीजों को " बुर्जुआ और सर्वहारा"के खानों में बांट कर देखने वाली लैफ्ट पार्टियों को तो अमीरों से लेकर गरीबों को देने वाले रॉबिनहुड मार्का बजट से शायद ही कोई तकलीफ हो, लेकिन भारतीय जनता पार्टी जो आमतौर पर व्यापारियों की पार्टी कही जाती है, उसे तकलीफ अवश्य हो सकती है।
महोदय, वित्त मंत्री ने एक लाख की इनकम को टैक्स से आजाद करने वाली केलकर समति की सिफारिश को माना है, लेकिन इससे सिर्फ उन्हीं १ करोड़ ४० लाख आयकर दाताओं के चेहरे खिलेंगे, जो टैक्स के जाल से बाहर हो गए हैं।
महोदय, इस बजट में सबसे पहले उनकी चिंता की गई है जो समाज के दबे-कुचले, कमजोर वर्ग, पिछड़े वर्ग, आदिवासी, जनजाति, अनुसूचित जाति एवं समाज की आखिरी कतार में खड़े हैं। जिन सुविधाओं से गरीबों को सीधा लाभ मिलेगा, उन सुविधाओं का मैं संक्षेप में उल्लेख करना चाहती हूं। ट्रैक्टर, डेयरी, मशीनरी और फावडे जैसे हाथ के औजार उत्पाद शुल्क से मुक्त किए गए हैं। कृषि भूमि के अधिग्रहण से मिलने वाले मुआवजे पर कैपीटल गेन टैक्स में छूट दी गई है। सिंचाई के लिए २८०० करोड़ रुपए मंजूर किए गए हैं। अन्त्योदय योजना का दायरा २ करोड़ परिवारों तक और बढ़ाया गया है। १०० से ज्यादा बिस्तरों वाले देहाती अस्पतालों को टैक्स में छूट दी गई है। तालाब-जोहड़ के पुनरुद्धार के लिए दीर्घकालिक स्कीम बनाई गई है। गरीबी रेखा से नीचे रहने वालों की आबादी के लिए विशेष सेहत बीमा की योजना दी गई है। तीन साल में कृषि कर्जों के रूप में दुगनी राशि लघु तथा सीमांत किसानों में वितरित की जाएगी।
महोदय, वित्त मंत्री ने किसान भाइयों के लिए खजाने का मुह खोल दिया है। आज आम आदमी, जो इंडिया शाइनिंग जैसे नारों से अघाया था, उसे अरसे के बाद एक ऐसा बजट देखने को मिला है जो जमीन से जुड़ी जिंदगी, पानी, ताल-तलैया, ट्रैक्टर, खेती, देहाती अस्पताल, पारम्परिक कुटीर उद्योग, सिंचाई, हथकरघा, मिड-डे-मील, गरीब स्कूली बच्चों और हाथ के औजारों की बात करता है। इंडस्ट्री, सर्विसेज, एग्रीकल्चर, आयकर दाता, शेयर बाजार, हाउसिंग, उच्च शिक्षा, एक्साइज. स्मॉल सेविंग, सामाजिक सुरक्षा आदि कोई भी सैक्टर उठा लें, यह बजट उन्हीं के आंसू पोंछता दिखाई देता है, जो उस सैक्टर में आखिरी कतार में खड़े हैं।
महोदय, निर्धनतम परिवारों के लिए अन्त्योदय अन्न योजना के अधीन फूट सिक्योरिटी कवर में परिवारों की संख्या में लगभग ३३ प्रतिशत की वृद्धि निश्चित रूप से सराहनीय कदम है। खाद्य सब्सिडी के इस विवेकपूर्ण व सुनिश्चित लक्ष्य निर्धारण से यह सुनिश्चित करना संभव हो सकेगा कि उपदान सर्वोच्च पात्रता वाले परिवारों पर लक्षित रहे। स्वंय सहायता समूहों के माध्यम से देश भर के ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में सामान्य रूप से तथा महिला वर्ग के लिए विशेष रूप से एक मूक आर्थिक क्रान्ति का अभ्युदय हो रहा है। महिला सशक्तीकरण की दिशा में इस आन्दोलन का बहुत बड़ा योगदान रहेगा तथा इस कार्य-क्लाप को और अधिक महत्व देने की आवश्यकता है।
महोदय, शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में प्रारम्भिक शिक्षा व मिड डे मिल कार्यक्रम को सुचारू रूप से कार्यान्वित करने की दिशा में सभी केन्द्रीय करों पर दो प्रतिशत का सैस लगाने का जहां मैं पुरजोर समर्थन करती हूं, वहीं यह अवश्य कहना चाहूंगी कि राज्यों की वित्तीय स्थिति को देखते हुए मिड डे मील के परिवर्तित मूल्य का सारा दायित्व केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा वहन किया जाना चाहिए। कृषि और ग्रामीण अर्थ व्यवस्था के अन्तराल में पश्चात् उचित प्राथमिकता व दिशा देने का प्रयास किया गया है। आरआईडीएफ की पुनस्र्थापना भी एक सही कदम है। मैं सभी प्रस्तावों का स्वागत व समर्थन करते हुए केवल एक सुझाव प्रस्तुत करना चाहूंगी कि आर आई डी एफ (RIDF) के अधीन वर्ष २००३-०४ में जो सैक्टोरल ईयरमार्किंग की गई थी, उन्हें हटा दिया जाए ताकि हिमाचल प्रदेश जैसे पहाड़ी राज्यों केलिए सड़कों और सामाजिक सेवाओं के लिए अधिक से अधिक ऋण सहायता प्राप्त हो सके।
कृषि के क्षेत्र में वविधता को प्रोस्ताहित करने के लिए बजट प्रस्तावों में जो कदम प्रस्तावित हैं,उनसे निश्चित रूप से हमें फलों व सब्जियों के क्षेत्र में इन्टरनेशनल लैवल पर कम्पीटीशन बढ़ाने में मदद मिलेगी। मैं एक शब्द महिलाओं के बारे में कहना चाहती हूं। महिलायें देश की जनसंख्या का लगभग ५० प्रतिशत हैं। जैंडर बजटिंग का उल्लेख स्वागत के योग्य है, वहां मैं यह निवेदन करना चाहती हूं कि महिला विकास केलिए एक विशेष उपयोजना उसी आधार पर कार्यान्वित की जानी चाहिए, जैसे कि अनुसूचित जातियों व अनुसूचित जनजातियों के मामले में क्रमश: १९७९-८० और १९७४-७५ में शुभारम्भ की गई थी।
महोदय, उत्पाद शुल्क के मामले में विशेष क्षेत्रछूट उत्तर पूर्वी राज्यों व जम्मू-काश्मीर को यथावत् बनाए रखने का प्रस्ताव किया गया है, परन्तु सिक्किम, हिमाचल प्रदेश व उत्तरांचल में इसे केवल उन्हीं यूनिटों के लिए लागू किए जाने का प्रस्ताव है, जो कि दिनांक ३१.०३.२००७ से पूर्व स्थापित हों अथवा अपनी क्षमताओं मे विस्तार करें। मेरे विचार से विशेष श्रेणी राज्यों के बीच इस प्रकार का भेदभाव करना न्यायोचित नहीं होगा। साथ-साथ ही उद्योगों के लिए जिन प्रोत्साहनों की घोषणा वर्ष २००३-०४ में हुई हो, उन्हें २००६-०७ तक सीमित करना व्यावहारिक भी नहीं लगता। अत: मैं पुरजोर आग्रह करना चाहूंगी की यह सुविधा सभी विशेष श्रेणी राज्यो को समान आधार पर मिलनी चाहिए।
अतं में, मैं हिमाचल प्रदेश के दूरदराज क्षेत्रों की ओर आपके माध्यम से माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकर्षित करना चाहती हूं। हिमाचल प्रदेश पहाड़ी, पिछड़ा, दूरदराज सीमावर्ती, एवं हिमालय में बसा एक सुन्दर प्रदेश है। हिमाचल प्रदेश में जिला किन्नौर की सीमा तिब्बत के साथ तथा जिला चम्बा की पांगी-भरमौर तहसीलों की सीमा जम्मू कशमीर के साथ लगती है। हिमाचल प्रदेश में जिला लाहौल-स्पीति के मुख्यालय केलांग एवं काजा ऐसे दुर्गम एवं कठिन क्षेत्र हैं, जो भारी बर्फबारी एवं तूफानी हवाओं के कारण वर्ष में छ: महीने देश के शेष भागों से कटे रहते हैं। इन भागों को देश के शेष भागों से जोड़ने हेतु भारत के तत्कालीन प्रधान मंत्री स्वर्गीय श्रीमती इन्दिरा गांधी जी का यह सपना था कि इन क्षेत्रों के लिए रोहतांग दर्रे के नीचे सुरंग का निर्माण किया जाए जिससे यह क्षेत्र बर्फबारी एवं तूफान के समय भी देश के शेष भागों से जुड़ा रहे। मैं रोहतांग दर्रे के नीचे सुरंग निर्माण हेतु पर्याप्त धन का प्रावधान करने के लिए पुरजोर मांग करती हूं। अंत में आपका विशेष धन्यवाद करती हूं कि आपने मुझे बजट पर बोलने के लिए समय दिया।
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now, Shri Suresh Angadi. You kindly put forth your suggestions only.
SHRI SURESH ANGADI (BELGAUM): Respected Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I feel that our Finance Minister is working under pressure. In the Hon’ble Supreme Court, he is very free and fair. Many times he has stated that we should follow the system of the economy of China. Our Prime Minster has also stated this. There is no reference in the Budget as to how he is going to achieve this goal. He has not mentioned about the population control in the country and there is no common law for population control. It should be implemented to all the Government employees, even for MLAs and MPs, and they should only have two children. Even the political parties should think in this way. Then only, our schemes will be successful. Otherwise, all our schemes will be only on paper.
Sir, I oppose this Budget because this Budget belongs only to Bihar and Tamil Nadu because a sum of Rs. 1,000 crore for Tamil Nadu and Rs. 3,200 crore for Bihar have been allocated least bothered for Rural India. Whenever the water shortage is there in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka State helped Tamil Nadu and the relation is brotherly. I do not know why the hon. Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram has left out Karnataka for allocation of Special Shares. He has not given anything to Karnataka. So, this is the Budget only for Bihar and Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and it is not for the entire country, particularly Rural India.
The hon. Finance Minister has not taken the Vision of India into account. We do not have good roads in the rural areas. We have Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana. Everybody spoke about the farmer; everybody spoke about the kisan. When the kisan grows some vegetables in the field, it takes days together to send them to the market because we do not have proper roads in the villages. If it takes 24 hours to send the vegetables to the market, then they would not get proper price for their vegetables. The then Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had the vision and he said they should be able to send the vegetables within two hours. Even the consumers will get a better vegetables in the market and the farmers will get the better price. The present Finance Minister has not said about the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana. This programme should be implemented immediately in the interest of the farmers. Every Member spoke about the farmers but nobody said about constructing roads in the rural areas for the farmers. I feel very sorry about this.
Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, the customs duty, which had been imposed earlier, has been removed now and because of this, imported clothes will enter into the Indian market and our weavers are going to suffer now.
The then Finance Minister, during the Budget for 1996, had mentioned about 178 irrigation projects. The Government has said that only 28 projects are under progress. The Mahadahi project in North Karnataka is in the border of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. This project will be very useful. The State of Karantaka would get 56 tmc water if this project is executed. We are not getting this water because of the delay in the clearance of this project. The Central Government should make it very clear and the water share should be given to Karnataka immediately. The Government should respond on this subject/matter immediately. I would request the Finance Minister to complete this project early so that our farmers will be benefited in this country.
The dream project of Ganga-Cauvery also should be completed as early as possible. Only the kisan of India will shine. Otherwise, all the schemes will be only on paper.
Sir, I once again oppose the Budget.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi, you have to complete in two to three minutes.
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI (HYDERABAD): Sir, I speak on behalf of 15 crore minorities. At least, you give me seven to eight minutes’ time. I have been sitting from 4 o’ clock.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You should start now.
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI : Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, the people of India in the last Lok Sabha elections held in the months of April and May had voted decisively against the communal politics of the BJP-led NDA Government and also against the foreign-dictated new liberal economic policies. In keeping with this mandate, I think, Shri Chidambaram’s Budget has been a step towards it. But there are some loopholes in this Budget, which go contrary to the NCMP.
Sir, the first thing that I would like to point out here is that the allocation in the Budget for the minorities has been increased, especially for the National Minorities Finance Development Corporation. This Corporation was given last year only Rs.13 crore, and now the UPA Government has increased it to Rs.71 crore. Though it is an increase, it is not a big increase. The reason being that the Muslim minorities comprise 12 per cent of our population and based on that, the Finance Minister has allocated only Rs.50 crore for the NMFDC. I would like to know why we are being punished. Are we being punished because we have wholeheartedly voted en bloc for all the secular Parties?
Moreover, this mandate has been given to them because the people have seen what happened in Gujarat. The people have seen the sufferings of the Muslim minorities. Based on that, a mandate has been given to this Government. It is highly unfortunate that such a meagre sum has been allocated for the minority development. I do not expect the Finance Minister to say that Main Hoon Naa. I would like to know what is his Lakshya. What is going to do about the minorities? Moreover, this is a very important issue.
Regarding Maulana Azad Educational Foundation, it was supposed to have started with a corpus of Rs.1000 crore, but nothing has been allotted in this Budget. Another point regarding minorities is that we were expecting that the Haj subsidy that would be given would be more than what it was before. The previous Government had decreased the Haj subsidy, but it is very unfortunate to know that the Haj subsidy remains the same. It should have been increased to what it was two years ago. But this step has not been taken.
The main focus of the Budget is on this. It talks about maintaining growth, stability and equity. The Finance Minister has called for a growth rate of 7-8 per cent of the economy in accordance with the National CMP. But the economies of the last decade have seen a huge concentration of the Government on maintaining a high growth. But I would like to remind the House that this high arithmetic figure of high growth rate is neither necessary nor a sufficient condition for the elimination of unemployment. What we have seen is this, and the statistics also tells us this. If we look at all the Economic Survey books that have been given to us, despite a high growth, the unemployment remains the same. In fact, it grows higher and higher. It has not been able to solve the unemployment that has been increasing.
I request the hon. Finance Minister that, fine, you want to have a higher growth rate, but at the same time, the Government must focus on solving the unemployment problem also. Another point is regarding the allocation for the total rural employment. The allocation in this Budget has declined from Rs.9639.99 crore in the year 2003-04 to Rs.4590 crore in this year, which is an amount less by Rs.5049.99 crore. I would like to know from the Finance Minister how he is going to finance all these projects regarding rural employment, though they are very good on paper. Even the food subsidies are proposed at Rs.25,800 crore which is an amount less by Rs.2000 crore from the Interim Budget I have a special request to the Finance Minister to make through you, Sir, that because of the misrule of the TDP Government in my State of Andhra Pradesh, we have an agrarian crisis. More than 4,000 farmers have committed suicide in the last one-and-a-half-years. I request the Finance Minister to give a special package for the farmers of Andhra Pradesh because suicide is still continuing. We require the Central Government to come to the support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Another point is regarding the Finance Minister’s speech. He has enlightened the House when he gave special emphasis on primary education. In his statement he says, "No issue enjoys higher priority than providing basic education to all children."
This is a reflection of the commitment of this Government to provide basic and primary education to all the children of our country. The two per cent cess is a very good measure as it is expected to mobilise Rs. 4,000 crore to Rs. 5,000 crore but it is also of very great concern to me that the hon. Minister of Finance has not increased the total allocation for education beyond Rs. 11,062.07 crore. This amount had been allocated in the Interim Budget and there has not been any increase over that.
A very important aspect is that the Tapas Mazumdar Committee Report estimated a sum of Rs. 1,37,000 crore over a period of ten years for attaining universal education. I request the hon. Minister of Finance to please go through the recommendations of the Tapas Mazumdar Committee. In our country more than 35 crore people are illiterates. The Government should bring in more focus and stress on primary education.
Regarding higher education in general and university education in particular, only a policy statement has been made that the loan amount has been increased from Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh without any collateral. Even this applies only to students studying in professional courses. The allocation of Rs. 640 crore as Plan expenditure for higher education in the present Budget does not reflect any fresh view on the part of this Government. The idea that the emphasis on elementary education would give scope to the Government to wash off its hands from the responsibility of higher education is not fully encouraging.
One good aspect of the present Budget is the focus on the agrarian sector which has been neglected in the last five years. It is a fact that 65 per cent of our population gets employment from this sector. The recognition of the Government that the agriculture sector requires massive investment and the promise of doubling rural credit in three years is in tune with the NCMP. The allocation for rural housing has been increased by 30 per cent. Though these steps are encouraging the Budget has still not fully appreciated the depth of indebtedness and the generalised nature of the agrarian crisis which the peasants are facing right now. I have two suggestions to make to the hon. Minister of Finance through you. He should set up immediately a Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission headed by a senior administrator officer designated as Debt Relief Commissioner with provision for enough staff to run offices in every taluka. This relief should be given by this officer, a sanction letter should be given to the banks instructing them to honour and allow those farmers to draw loans, and the Government should stand as a guarantor for such loans.
My second suggestion to him is to waive off all the conditions at present in force for issue of BPL ration cards. The hon. Minister’s proposal to increase the issue of cards from 1.6 crores to two crores is highly insufficient. I think, a more universalisation of the PDS is the need of the hour. This would immediately give relief to the poor people. It would generate demand in the rural economy and the economy would improve as a whole through backward and forward linkages. Moreover, the rural budget allocation has been decreased to Rs. 4,540.9 crore. I want the hon. Minister to show in his reply how he is going to fulfil the promise of generating employment.
I totally oppose the FDI increase in telecom, civil aviation and insurance sectors. It is bad economics if this Government goes in for FDI in telecom sector. In the insurance sector, the foreign companies would wipe out LIC and GIC and the poor people would live without any insurance. It is unnecessary that the Government is going in for FDI in civil aviation. There is no need to increase the cap on FDI in all these sectors. There is a rumour that the hon. Minister of Finance would take away the 0.15 per cent turnover tax and also decrease the FDI. I want the hon. Minister to decrease the FDI but keep the 0.15 per cent turnover tax in tact.
I thank the hon. Minister of Finance for the increase in the allocation for the States where Andhra Pradesh is going to get more than Rs. 1,800 crore. Also, because of the lowering of interest rates, Andhra Pradesh stands to gain more than Rs. 90 crore.
I once again request the hon. Minister of Finance, while concluding my speech, that he should increase the allocation for the minorities in the Budget. A reduction is just not on. You have won the verdict because all the Muslims and minorities have voted en bloc for you. You must increase our Budget allocation. You can never take our votes for granted because times have changed. If you think that tomorrow you are going to go to elections and tell the Minorities that BJP will come into power, we have learnt to live with BJP and we have learnt to fight with them. We have lost everything. We are not afraid of BJP. What we want this Government to do is to give sufficient allocations to the Muslim Minorities so that they can prosper well.
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले (पंढरपुर) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, अभी बहुत रात हो गई है और इतनी देर तक यह चर्चा चल रही है। इस समय बहुत कम पत्रकार हैं। मैं सदन के माध्यम से आपको सूचना देना चाहता हूँ और प्रैस वालों को भी सूचना देना चाहता हूँ कि जब कभी इस तरह की लेट चर्चा होती है तो नाइट डयूटी लगाकर पत्रकारों को भी उपस्थित रहना चाहिए। हम भी यहां पर बोल रहे हैं।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : वे कवर कर रहे हैं।
श्री प्रदीप गांधी (राजनंदगांव) : ओवरटाइम देना चाहिए।
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले : वह भी हमारा सुझाव है।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, माननीय वित्त मंत्री चिदम्बरम जी ने जो बजट पेश किया है यह बजट सभी वर्गों को न्याय देने वाला है। यह बजट अमीरों पर ताला लगाने वाला है ...* इस बजट में इस देश का जो सर्वहारा वर्ग है, मध्यम वर्ग है, व्यापारी वर्ग है, हिन्दू है, मुसलमान है, बुद्धिस्ट है, क्रिश्चियन है, सभी जातियों और धर्मों के लोगों को न्याय देने का विचार इस बजट में किया गया है। जिस बजट का हमें इंतज़ार था, छ: साल से हम देख रहे थे कि जो बजट आता था वह ऐसा ही रहता था, लेकिन चिदम्बरम जी ने जो बजट पेश किया है, यह हरेक आदमी को अपना इकोनॉमिक डैवलपमैंट करने का मौका देने वाला है। इसीलिए इस बजट का हम तो समर्थन कर रहे हैं मगर सामने वाले समर्थन नहीं कर रहे हैं। वह कैसे कर सकते हैं? वह अगर हमारा समर्थन करेंगे तो उनको यहां आना पड़ेगा। इसीलिए वह समर्थन नहीं कर सकते हैं, मगर जो बजट अच्छा है, उसको अच्छा समझना चाहिए और लोकतंत्र में अपोज़ीशन को विरोध ही करना चाहिए ऐसा नहीं है। एन.डी.ए. वाले भी एक-दो निर्णय ठीक करते थे तो हम समर्थन करते थे और कहते थे कि यही काम ठीक है। इसलिए लोकतंत्र में हमें सब लोगों को एक साथ चलने की आवश्यकता है। कभी हम उधर रहेंगे तो कभी आप। हम छ: सालों से कहते थे कि अगले चुनावों के बाद हम इधर आएंगे और आप उधर जाएंगे। ऐसा ही हुआ। हम इधर आए और आप उधर चले गए। अब आपको वहां की आदत होनी चाहिए और हमें सत्ता चलाने की आदत होनी चाहिए, मगर अभी हम नए हैं। लोगों के विकास का जो कार्यक्रम है, उसको आगे ले जाने की कोशिश हमें करनी चाहिए।
गरीबी हटाने का नारा हमने बजट में दिया है लेकिन सिर्फ गरीबी हटाने का नारा देने से काम नहीं चलेगा। हमारे देश में २६ प्रतिशत लोग गरीबी रेखा से नीचे हैं। आज़ादी के ५७ साल हो गए हैं और हर साल हर बजट में हम इसी तरह की भूमिका रखते हैं, पैसा रखते हैं लेकिन गरीब लोगों के विकास क लिए जितना पैसा मिलना चाहिए, उतना पैसा नहीं मिलता है। अभी आपने शैडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शैडयूल्ड ट्राइब्ज़ के लिए अच्छा पैसा देने का प्रयत्न किया है मगर मैंने एक मांग की थी कि शैडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शैडयूल्ड ट्राइब्ज़ की पॉपुलेशन २८ प्रतिशत है तो बजट में २८ प्रतिशत बजट एलोकेशन उनके लिए होना चाहिए। हर डिपार्टमैंट का पैसा २८ प्रतिशत उस क्लास के लिए खर्च होना चाहिए। अगर शैडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शैडयूल्ड ट्राइब्ज़ में गरीबों की संख्या ज्यादा है तो उसी तरह से दूसरे समाज में भी गरीबों की संख्या है। सवर्णों में भी जो गरीब हैं, ऐसे लोगों को भी विकास के लिए पैसा मिलना चाहिए। उसके लिए भी सरकार को उचित कदम उठाने चाहिए।
मेरा सुझाव है कि अगर हमें देश की गरीबी सही मायने में मिटानी है तो प्रापर्टी पर बैन लगाने का कानून होना चाहिए। रिलायंस की प्रापर्टी अगर ७० हजार करोड़ रुपये की होगी, सहारा की प्रापर्टी अगर इतनी ज्यादा होगी तो हम क्या करेंगे? सारे उद्योग सहारा लेगा, सारे उद्योग रिलायंस लेगा तो हम क्या करेंगे? मेरा कहने का अर्थ यह है कि उनको उद्योग लगाने दो लेकिन प्रापर्टी पर बैन लगाने का एक कानून होता है। एक आदमी के पास कितनी ज़मीन होनी चाहिए, रिकार्ड में तो सीलिंग है, लेकिन सीलिंग का कानून स्टि्रक्ट करने की आवश्यकता है। एक आदमी के पास १०-१५ या २० एकड़ जमीन हो तो ठीक है।
महोदय, एक आदमी के पास २००, ५०० या १००० एक़ड़ जमीन नहीं होनी चाहिए। इस सरकार की, यू.पी.ए. सरकार की, हमारी सरकार की यह अच्छी बात है कि वह बनी, लेकिन हमारी सरकार को हमारे लिए काम भी करने की जरूरत है और रिवोल्यूशनरी निर्णय लेने की जरूरत है।
महोदय, यदि आप इसी प्रकार से वैल बजाते रहेंगे, तो मैं कैसे बोल पाऊंगा। आप गरीबी हटाने के लिए वैल बजाएं। इस सरकार को गरीबी बटाने के लिए वैल बजानी चाहिए। मुझे पांच मिनट और दीजिए। अगर गरीबी हटानी है तो बजट में स्पेशल कंपोनेंट प्लान में और ट्रायबल सबप्लान में शेडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शेडयूल्ट ट्राइब के लिए २८ परसेंट बजट एलोकेशन होनी चाहिए। मेरी दूसरी मांग यह है कि पांच एकड़ जमीन हर फेमिली को मिलनी चाहिए। इस बारे में कुछ विचार करने की आवश्यकता है। नौकरियों में जिस तरह से रिजर्वेशन मिलती है, उसी तरह से जमीन में भी हमें रिजर्वेशन मिलने की आवश्यकता है। प्राइवेटाइजेशन में रिजर्वेशन देने के संबंध में विचार होना चाहिए। इसके साथ-साथ शेडयूल्ड ट्राइब से भी बदतर स्थिति वहां पिसेंट्री कम्युनिटी की है। इसलिए पिसेंट्री कम्युनिटी को भी १० परसेंट रिजर्वेशन देनी चाहिए।
महोदय, १९४७ से १९५० के बीच में अनुसूचित जातियों की आबादी २२.५ परसेंट थी, लेकिन अब पापुलेशन २८ परसेंट हो गई है। इसलिए शेडयूल्ड कास्ट्स की रिजर्वेशन ५.५ परसेंट बढ़ाने की आवश्यकता है। मुस्लिम कम्युनिटी को १२ परसेंट रिजर्वेशन देने की आवश्यकता है। इसके साथ-साथ मेरी मांग यह भी है कि यदि शेडयूल्ड ट्राइब का ठीक ढंग से भला करना है, तो हमें मंत्रिमंडल में भी रिजर्वेशन देने की जरूरत है। अगर हमारे लोगों के २५ परसेंट वोट हैं, अगर हमारे लोगों की २५ परसेंट पापुलेशन है और इतनी सीटें हम जीत कर आए हैं, तो हमें २५ परसेंट रिजर्वेशन मंत्रिमंडल में मिलना चाहिए। हमें राज्यसभा में भी रिजर्वेशन मिलना चाहिए। इसके साथ-साथ विधान परिषद में भी रिजर्वेशन मिलना चाहिए। हमारी यह मांग भी है कि प्राइवेट नौकरियों में भी रिजर्वेशन देने के संबंध में आपको गम्भीरता से सोचना चाहिए।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, बाबा साहबे अम्बेडकर हमारे देश के संविधान के शिल्पकार थे। उनकी मृत्यु २६, अलीपुर रोड नामक बंगले में हुई थी। वह जगह भारत सरकार ने श्री जिन्दल को पैसा देकर अपने कब्जे में ले ली है, लेकिन वहां बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर के नैशनल मैमोरियल बनाने का काम अभी तक पूरा नहीं हुआ है। मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से मांग करता हूं कि बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर के २६, अलीपुर रोड, दिल्ली स्थित मैमोरियल को पूरा करने हेतु भारत सरकार की ओर से धन दिया जाए। यही नहीं उनकी मृत्यु के बाद उनसे संबंधित जो भी स्थान हैं, जैसे मुम्बई में बाबा साहब अम्बेडकर का मैमोरियल बनाने के लिए भारत सरकार को कम से कम ५० करोड़ रुपए देने चाहिए।
महोदय, इसके साथ-साथ शेडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शेडयूल्ड ट्राइब्स के स्टूडेंट्स को जो स्कॉलरशिप मिलती है, वह बहुत कम है। स्कालरशिप के रेट को प्राइस इंडैक्स के साथ लिंक करना चाहिए। इसके साथ-साथ हमारी मांग है कि १२वीं कक्षा तक एजूकेशन को कंपलसरी करना चाहिए और सभी के लिए फ्री एजूकेशन होनी चाहिए। एस.सी. और एस.टी. के साथ-साथ जो गरीब विद्यार्थी हैं, उनको भी फ्री एजूकेशन होनी चाहिए और शेडयूल्ड कास्ट्स और शेडयूल्ड ट्राइब्स के लिए जो होस्टल होते हैं उनमें जगह पाने के लिए दो-तीन हजार एप्लीकेशन्स आती हैं, लेकिन जगह केवल ५० या १०० होती हैं। मेरी मांग है कि जो लोग होस्टल में एडमीशन के लिए एप्लाई करते हैं और उन्हें होस्टल में एडमीशन नहीं मिलती, उन स्टूडेंट्स को ज्यादा स्कालरशिप देनी चाहिए और उन्हें पढ़ाई पूरी करने में ज्यादा सुविधाएं देनी चाहिए।
महोदय, आज एजूकेशन का प्राइवेटाइजेशन हो रहा है, यह खत्म होना चाहिए। आज स्थिति यह है कि मैडीकल और इंजीनियरिंग में एडमीशन लेने के लिए १५-२० लाख रुपए से लेकर ५० लाख रुपए तक देने पड़ते हैं। हमारे पास इतने पैसे नहीं होते हैं। इसलिए हमारे बच्चे इस एजूकेशन से वंचित हो रहे हैं। इसलिए राज्य सरकार और केन्द्र सरकार की जिम्मेदारी एजूकेशन देने की है, उन्हें अपनी जिम्मेदारी निभानी चाहिए और मैडीकल एवं इंजीनियरिंग का प्राइवेटाईजेशन खत्म होनी चाहिए। जितनी भी एजूकेशन है, चाहे वह मैडीकल की हो, चाहे वह इंजीनियरिंग की हो या चाहे एम.बी.ए. की हो, सभी तरह की एजूकेशन सरकार को देने की आवश्यकता है। उसके लिए सरकार को बजट में प्रावधान बढ़ाने की आवश्यकता है।
23.00 hrs. जो प्राइवेट संस्थाएं व्यापार कर रही हैं, ऐसी संस्थाओं पर पाबंदी लगाने की आवश्यकता है। यह काम भी हम लोगों को करने की आवश्यकता है। दो करोड़ रुपए जो एमपी लैड फंड मिलता है, वह बहुत कम है, वह कम से कम पांच करोड़ मिलना चाहिए। अगर पांच करोड़ रुपए मिलेंगे तो और पांच साल सरकार चलाने में कोई प्रोबलम नहीं आएगी, क्योंकि सभी एमपी आपको सपोर्ट करेंगे, बाद में उधर के एमपीज़ भी इधर आ जाएंगे। मतलब अगर पांच करोड़ मिल गया तो उधर के एमपीज़ इधर और आ जाएंगे।…( व्यवधान)लेकिन अभी नहीं आ सकते हैं। बहुत से लोग इधर आने के लिए बहुत उत्सुक हैं।…( व्यवधान)अगर आप गांधी जी हैं तो थोड़ी शांति रखिए।…( व्यवधान)
श्री प्रदीप गांधी : आप जितनी भी प्रशंसा करें, आपको श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी सरकार में नहीं लेने वाली हैं।....( व्यवधान)
श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले : मैं कहां प्रशंसा कर रहा हूं।…( व्यवधान)मंत्री का सवाल नहीं है, मैं मंत्री बनूं या न बनूं, मगर अगर आप लोग इधर आ जाएंगे,…( व्यवधान)
महोदय, एमपी लैड पांच करोड़ होना चाहिए। मेरा पंढरपुर, जो लोक सभा क्षेत्र है, वह एक तीर्थ क्षेत्र है। वहां विट्ठल रुकमणी का मंदिर है और वहां बहुजन समाज के बहुत से लोग आते हैं। इसलिए इस क्षेत्र को केन्द्र की सूची में लिया जाए, इसके साथ-साथ पंढरपुर के विकास के लिए भारत सरकार को १२५ करोड़ रुपए देने चाहिए, यह मेरा मानना है। वहां एक छोटा एयरपोर्ट होना चाहिए। महाराष्ट्र में अकाल बहुत होता है, इसे खत्म करने के लिए कदम उठाने चाहिए। जिस तरह शिवसेना वालों ने १७०० करोड़ की मांग की थी, जब इनकी सरकार थी तब हमने मांग की थी तो उस समय ५० करोड़ रुपए मिले थे, लेकिन हमारी सरकार ने ५०० करोड़ रुपए दिए हैं।…( व्यवधान)महाराष्ट्र को ज्यादा रुपया मिलना चाहिए। वहां काफी अकाल है, इसे खत्म करने के लिए नदियों को जोड़ने का जो प्रोग्राम है, एनडीए की सरकार ने एनाउंस किया था, इस सरकार ने अभी नदियों को जोड़ना है, लेकिन खाली नदियों को जोड़ने से काम नहीं चलेगा।…( व्यवधान)धर्म को, आदमियों को जोड़ना चाहिए।…( व्यवधान)
महोदय, महाराष्ट्र के लिए हमें ज्यादा से ज्यादा रुपया मिलना चाहिए, मैं इसका समर्थन करता हूं।…( व्यवधान)महाराष्ट्र में पानी कम होता है, लेकिन महाराष्ट्र में मुबंई और कोंकण में इतनी वर्षा होती है और वह पूरा पानी समुद्र में चला जाता है। मेरी मांग है कि कोंकण केनाल पट्टी पर मुंबई में पड़ने वाली जो वर्षा है, उसे रोक कर जहां पानी कम है, पश्चिम महाराष्ट्र मराठवाड़ा में, वहां पानी को ले जाने की स्कीम बनानी चाहिए। उसके लिए अगर सरकार ज्यादा से ज्यादा रुपया देती है तो हमारे महाराष्ट्र का अकाल खत्म हो सकता है। आपने मुझे बोलने का अच्छा मौका दिया है, इसके लिए मैं आपको धन्यवाद करता हूं।…( व्यवधान)मैं आपको कविता सुनाने वाला हूं।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आप कविता फिर सुनाना, अभी काफी टाइम हो गया है।
…( व्यवधान)श्री रामदास बंडु आठवले : मैं कविता सुनाने वाला था, लेकिन उधर कोई सुनने वाला है ही नहीं। यह कविता मैंने अभी लिखी है, बाद में सुनाने से इसका कोई उपयोग ही नहीं है।
"भारत के अर्थमंत्री चिदम्बरम, गरीबों की जिंदगी करो गरम, ...* उन्होंने पूरा नहीं किया उनका धरम, अगर आप सफल करोगे अपना धरम, दोबारा बन जाओगे अर्थमंत्री चिदम्बरम, अगर थोड़ा सा काम अच्छा करेंगे तो दोबारा बनेंगे, अगर अच्छा काम नहीं करेंगे तो वैसा ही हाल अपना भी हो सकता है, जैसा हाल इनका हो गया, लेकिन अपना हाल ऐसा नहीं होगा।"
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अनपार्लियामेंटरी शब्दों को एक्सपंज किया जाये। अब आपका भाषण रिकार्ड नहीं होगा।
(Interruptions) …** *Expunged as ordered by the chair.
**Not Recorded.
श्री प्रदीप गांधी (राजनंदगांव) : माननीय उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, संयुक्त प्रगतिशील गठबंधन सरकार ने यह जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है, यह गांव, गरीब और किसान विरोधी बजट है। इसलिए गांव, गरीब और किसान विरोधी बजट है, क्योंकि इसमें गांव की घोर उपेक्षा की गई है। इस सरकार ने जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है, इसमें ग्रामीण विकास के लिए ४०० करोड़ रुपये का प्रावधान कम किया गया है। इसलिए मैं इस बात को कहना चाहता हूं कि इस सरकार ने ग्रामीण क्षेत्र की घोर उपेक्षा की है और ग्रामीण क्षेत्र की उपेक्षा के परिणामस्वरूप आज चारों तरफ जो बात सामने दिखाई पड़ रही है…( व्यवधान)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Ramdas Athawale, please sit down.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN : Sir, kindly ask him to stop interrupting our Member. Why does he not stop speaking and sit down? Sir, you have asked him so many times to sit down, but he is not doing so. यह क्या हो रहा है, कैसे बात कर रहे हैं? … (Interruptions) He thinks as if he is still in the Opposition. He is taking the time of Shri Pradeep Gandhi, who is on his legs to speak on a subject, with your permission. इनकी रूलिंग पार्टी है, इनको बैठाइये। … (Interruptions) Sir, you should ask him to kindly sit down. I would appeal to the Treasury Benches to kindly ask him to sit down. … (Interruptions) The Treasury Benches do not have any control over their Members. … (Interruptions)
श्री प्रदीप गांधी : आपके भाषण का कविता से समापन हो गया, आपकी कविता हमने सुन ली है।…( व्यवधान)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आपका भाषण रिकार्ड तो होगा नहीं, आप बैठ जाइये।
श्री खारबेल स्वाईं : आप हमारी पार्टी के आदमी को बोलने दीजिए, इनका टाइम आप क्यों खराब कर रहे हैं। क्या ट्रेजरी बेंचिज का कोई कंट्रोल अपने मैम्बर्स के ऊपर नहीं है?…( व्यवधान)
श्री प्रदीप गांधी : इस बजट में गांव की घोर उपेक्षा की गई है और गांव के लिए इस सरकार ने एक नारा दिया, चलो गांव की ओर। इसके पहले श्रीमती इंदिरा गांधी के जमाने में इन्होंने गरीबी हटाने का नारा दिया, मगर आज तक हिन्दुस्तान से गरीबी नहीं हटी। अब सरकार ने चलो गांव की ओर नारा दिया है। ये गांव की ओर चलने की बात कर रहे हैं, मगर गांव के विकास के लिए इनके पास कोई द्ृष्टिकोण नहीं है।
माननीय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी ने प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना की घोषणा की और २००७ तक हिन्दुस्तान के अनेक गांवों को सड़कों से जोड़कर उनको कनेक्टिविटी प्रदान करने की बात उन्होंने की और उसे कार्य रूप में परिणत किया। लेकिन इस सरकार ने उस योजना को भी रोकने का प्रयत्न किया है। मैं आपके माध्यम से सरकार के इस कदम की आलोचना करता हूं, जिसमें पूरे हिन्दुस्तान के गांवों को जोड़ने की बात है। गांव भारत की आत्मा हैं, महात्मा गांधी कहा करते थे कि हिन्दुस्तान की आबादी के ८० प्रतिशत लोग गांवों में रहते हैं। गांवों में बुनियादी सुविधाओं की स्थापना करने के लिए यदि सरकार ने कदम नहीं उठाया है तो मैं इस सरकार की कटु निन्दा करता हूं, जिसने बजट में ४०० करोड़ रुपये की कटौती की।
इन्होंने कहा है कि हम गरीब लोगों को १०० दिन का रोजगार देंगे। गरीब लोगों को १०० दिन का रोजगार देने की बात करने वाली इस सरकार का रोजगार के लिए बजट में प्रावधान कहां है, पैसा कहां से आयेगा? हिन्दुस्तान में इन गरीब लोगों के सामने १०० दिन के रोजगार का सृजन कैसे होगा, इसके लिए माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी के सामने कोई स्पष्ट द्ृष्टिकोण नहीं है। यह सरकार किसान विरोधी सरकार है। किसानों के साथ इस सरकार ने छल किया है। आप रिकार्ड उठाकर देख लीजिए, चाहे समर्थन देने वाली सरकार वाम मोर्चा की हो, पश्चिम बंगाल में भुखमरी से और गरीबी से किसान आत्महत्या कर रहे हैं। आन्ध्रा प्रदेश में किसान गरीबी और भुखमरी से आत्महत्याएं कर रहे हैं। इस सरकार ने इस बजट में कहा है कि हम ऋण के प्रवाह को तिगुना करेंगे। मैं आपके माध्यम से सरकार को बताना चाहता हूं कि ऋण के प्रवाह को तिगुना करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है, क्योंकि ऋण लेने वाला किसान जब सक्षम नहीं होगा तो आप उसे ऋण कैसे देंगे। हिन्दुस्तान के गांवों का सर्वे करवाया जाये और सर्वे कराकर १-१ गांव में देखा जाये कि जितने लोग रहते हैं, लगभग सारे लोग किसी न किसी रूप में ऋण के बोझ तले दबे हुए हैं। इसलिए ऋण के प्रवाह को तिगुना कर देने से आपको ऋण लेने वाला किसान वहां पर नहीं मिलेगा। आज आवश्यकता ऐसे किसानों को एक बार ऊपर उठाने के लिए हमारी छत्तीसगढ़ की सरकार ने ५.५ लाख किसान परिवार के १२५ करोड़ रुपये का कर्ज माफ करके उनको वन टाइम रिलेक्सेशन देकर उन्हें वापस मुख्य धारा में लाने का प्रयास किया है। क्या कांग्रेस की सरकार, जो किसानों के बल पर चुनकर आई है, जिस गांव के बल पर चुनकर आई है, जिस गरीब जनता का वोट लेकर आई है, आपको इस बात को स्वीकार करना चाहिए कि न ये गांव के लिए कर रहे हैं, न गरीब के लिए कर रहे हैं, न किसान के लिए कर रहे हैं। मैं आपके माध्यम से इस सरकार से कहना चाहता हूं कि ये किसानों के लिए काम करें और किसानों को वास्तविक लाभ पहुंचाने के लिए नीतिगत निर्णय करें और बजट में इस तरह के प्रावधान करें कि हिन्दुस्तान के जितने किसान हैं, एक बार उन किसानों के ऋण को माफ करने की दिशा में इनको प्रयत्न करना चाहिए। हमारे पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री ने पूरे हिन्दुस्तान में स्वास्थ्य जैसी बुनियादी सुविधाओं को समाज के अन्तिम व्यक्ति तक पहुंचाने के लिए प्रयत्न किया। योजनाएं बनायीं, बजट में प्रावधान किया, शिलान्यास हुआ, पैसा गया लेकिन वर्तमान सरकार, हिन्दुस्तान की गरीब जनता को स्वास्थ्य लाभ पहुंचे, इसके लिए अपने बजट में कोई प्रावधान नहीं कर रही है। इस योजना के लिए दस करोड़ रुपये रखे गए हैं तथा तीन साल के अंदर यह परियोजना पूरी करनी है लेकिन यह सरकार जान-बूझकर उस परियोजना को लेट करने का प्रयत्न कर रही है। मैं चाहता हूं कि इन बुनियादी सुविधाओं को उपलब्ध कराने के लिए सरकार को बजट के अन्य क्षेत्रों में कटौती करके इन क्षेत्रों को प्राथमिकता देने का प्रयत्न करना चाहिए।
सभापति महोदय, मैं छत्तीसगढ़ के राजनंदगांव संसदीय क्षेत्र का प्रतनधित्व करता हूं। छत्तीसगढ़ एक नया स्टेट है। वहां किसानों से २७ लाख टन धान खरीदने हेतु समर्थन मूल्य तय करने के बाद, सरकार एक हजार करोड़ रुपये प्रतिवर्ष घाटा वहन कर रही है। ऐसी स्थिति में केन्द्र सरकार को कई राज्य सरकारों ने अपने प्रस्ताव भेजे हैं लेकिन बजट में उसके लिए कोई प्रावधान नहीं है। धान की खरीद केन्द्र सरकार, की एजेंसियां करें और समर्थन मूल्य का निर्धारण जब केन्द्र सरकार करती है तो किसानों को समर्थन मूल्य मिले और धान की खरीद करे, इसका पुख्ता इंतजाम होना चाहिए। इसके लिए सरकार को बजट में राज्य सरकारों के लिए उतना प्रावधान करके कुछ सपोर्ट करना चाहिए ताकि वह किसानों की वस्तुओं को समर्थन मूल्य पर क्रय कर सके। इसके लिए आवश्यक है कि केन्द्र की वर्तमान सरकार जो बजट में प्रावधान नहीं कर रही है, उसे उन चीजों हेतु प्रावधान करना होगा।
मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि यह जो गठबंधन की सरकार है, यह बेमेल गंठबंधन है। यह गठबंधन चुनाव से पहले का गठबंधन नहीं है। केवल भारतीय जनता पार्टी के भय के कारण एक स्थान पर खड़ा हुआ गठबंधन है। यह गठबंधन किस दिन टूट जाये, इसका कोई ठिकाना नहीं है। यहां वाम मोर्चे के साथी नहीं हैं। उन्होंने कहा है कि हम भोंकते नहीं हैं, किसी दिन हम काट लेंगे । मैं चाहता हूं कि वे काट कर बतायें। आपको इंजेक्शन भी प्राप्त नहीं होने वाला है। जिस दिन वे काटेंगे, उस दिन आप खोजते रह जायेंगे लेकिन आपको इंजेक्शन भी मिलने वाला नहीं है।
उन्होंने इस सरकार को चेतावनी दे दी है कि एफडीआई क्षेत्र में केन्द्र सरकार उनके पक्ष को ध्यान में नहीं रख रही है। ऐसे समय में, ऐसी घड़ी में सरकार ने जिस तरह का बजट प्रस्तुत किया है, उस बजट से सारे देश की जनता में घोर निराशा का भाव है। जनता याद कर रही है कि इससे पहले एनडीए सरकार ने सारी स्थिति को सुनियोजित तरीके से मजबूती प्रदान की थी। वर्तमान सरकार के बजट से लाखों लोगों की जुबान पर ला दिया है कि एनडीए सरकार मजबूत थी। उनके समय में सरकार सुद्ृढ़ थी, आर्थिक स्थिति मजबूत थी और इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर बढ़ रहा था। गांव, गरीब और किसान खुशहाल था। आज जनता याद कर रही है कि इस तरह का बजट जनता के सामने प्रस्तुत हुआ है। शुरू के दिनों में केवल बजट की प्रशंसा हुई थी। आज चारों तरफ आप सर्वे करवा लीजिए, बजट के कारण यह सरकार कटघरे में खड़ी हो गयी है। कांग्रेस के नेता इस बात को कहने लग गये हैं कि अब बहुत लंबे समय तक इस सरकार की आयु नहीं है।
मैं आपके माध्यम से कहना चाहूंगा कि सरकार इस दिशा में प्रयत्न करे और गांव, गरीब और किसान को मजबूती दे। केवल नारा न दे। नारे को कार्य रूप में परिणत करने की दिशा में अपना पुरुषार्थ भरा प्रयत्न करे।
SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN (DHUBRI): I congratulate the Finance Minister for presenting a popular and welfare Budget covering all aspects of the Common Minimum Programme. I support the Budget. Since the time is very short, I will only make some suggestions.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the hon. President of India said while addressing Members of both the Houses of Parliament, "It is a matter of concern that regional imbalances have been accentuated not only due to historical neglect but also by distortions in Plan allocations." This is the point that Assam and other North-Eastern States are always neglected. They are being deprived. They are exploited. I will cite some examples and request the Finance Minister to make up this loss.
The Tenth Finance Commission awarded Rs.710 crores to Assam. Subsequently, the Eleventh Finance Commission awarded only Rs.110 crore. Thereby caused a net loss of Rs.600 crore, to Assam and it was done by the NDA Government. I would request the Finance Minister to give some package to make it up.
The NDA Government caused another damage to Assam by imposing an MoU on it to the effect of banning that all appointments. There is no casual appointment, no temporary appointment or no any other appointment. This has been continuing for six years. Till date not a single chowkidar, or sweeper, or teacher is appointed. As a result of that, hospitals are running without nurses and sweepers, schools are running without teachers. New appointments are not made even to the posts of teachers which have fallen vacant due to retirement. The subject teachers are not there. This is the way Higher Secondary schools and colleges are running there. So, I request the UPA Government to lift this ban forthwith and try to solve the unemployment problem in Assam.
The NDA Government caused another damage to Assam in the industrial sector. It stopped the incentives for establishing new industries as admissible under the industrial policy. It was directed to other States, So, I request that these incentives be revived for the best interest of Assam.
On the 18th of August, 1998, Shri H.D. Deve Gowda the then Prime Minister of India announced that a special compensation package of Rs.500 crore to partially compensate the losses incurred by the frequent floods. He also promised that the expenditure incurred in course of anti-erosion schemes and relief and rescue of flood shall be reimbursed. Sir, I request the Finance Minister to fulfil the commitment of the former Prime Minister in respect of paying the package and reimbursing the amounts incurred over the last few years.
Sir, the NDA Government caused another damage to Assam by refusing the peace bonus to Assam. Perhaps, you know that Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Nagaland were given peace bonus for their endevours to restore peace insurgency and terrorism infected . As you know, Mr. Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister of Assam has restored peace in the State and solved the vexed Bodo problem. But Assam was denied the peace bonus on discriminatary attitude. So, I request you to award peace bonus to Assam to bring it par with Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram etc. in respect of peace bonus.
I would also like to say that the ULFA problem in Assam is a great problem, which is retarding the progress of Assam since last 25 years.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अभी आपकी पार्टी के बहुत सारे सदस्य बोलने वाले हैं, इसलिए आप जल्दी समाप्त कीजिए।
...( व्यवधान)
SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : Immediate dialogue should be started to solve this problem. Precedent of Naga talks which held outside India, should be followed if necessary.
Another issue is that of share of sales tax in Assam. Assam was entitled to have Rs.400 crore as share of sales tax from the sale of oil from IOC and other companies. Even after repeated requests, the NDA Government during the last six years did not pay the Rs.400 crore. I request the Finance Minister to release the amount immediately.
Sir, there is a proposed road named East & West Corridor Road Project. It has a plan to cover a distance of 800 km. The BJP proved its worthlessness by completing only 27 kms during its rule. I would request the Finance Minister to make sufficient allocation so that the road could be completed within a very short time. … (Interruptions) I must say something about the flood problem. … (Interruptions)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आपको ६-७ मिनट हो गये हैं। ऐसे तो आधा घंटा ले लेंगे। फिर आपकी पार्टी का और कोई सदस्य नहीं बोल सकेगा।
… (Interruptions)
SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : The people of Assam and also the Assam Legislative Assembly by a unanimous resolution demanded that the flood problem should be declared as a national problem. … (Interruptions). Please declare the flood and erosion problem of Assam as national problem.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Thank you.
SHRI ANWAR HUSSAIN : Thank you, Sir.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri P.C. Thomas – not present.
Shri W. Wangyuh Konyak. Only three minutes, please.
SHRI W. WANGYUH KONYAK (NAGALAND): Hon. Speaker, Sir, I rise to participate in the debate of hon. Finance Minister’s speech on the General Budget for 2004-05. Before I start my speech, I would like to state that I am a lone Member from Nagaland . Many MPs from one State has spoken. There are nine MPs who are the sole representatives of nine States. I am a single MP from a single State. Can I complete my speech within three minutes?
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: It is also not possible to give you more time.
SHRI W. WANGYUH KONYAK: Secondly, we cannot get even time. There are 38 party leaders in Parliament. We have been waiting for a chance to speak since yesterday. No one has got the chance. Those who can speak, they get the chance. Can I express all the Nagaland problem in three minutes? I think that this injustice in regard to allotment of time should be corrected.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: This is not my problem.
SHRI W. WANGYUH KONYAK : The Union Finance Minister in his speech has committed to maintain a growth rate of seven to eight per cent per year under the National Common Minimum Programme. It may please be noted that in the North Eastern Region the growth rate is marginal (perhaps two to three per cent). Thus, there is a substantial gap between the national and the North Eastern Region. Nothing has been outlined to reduce this gap. This has to be taken into consideration and focussed attention on a balanced development of the North Eastern Region is necessary.
Regarding the fiscal responsibility, a five year road map is required to meet the fiscal deficit of the North Eastern Region as the tax base in the region is very small and is very negligible and whatever funds are infused monthly go into the payment of salary, pension and meeting the expenditure on debt liability which are all of unproductive nature. As a result, hardly any development is possible and to sustain growth will be a distant dream. Restructuring of debt is absolutely necessary for the North Eastern Region in order to have a balanced economic growth of the country. In order to avoid diversion of Plan fund for meeting the non-plan expenditure, it is pertinent to point out that the earlier formula of funding pattern prior to 1989-90 for meeting the entire BCR gap by way of Central assistance should be restored in respect of the North Eastern States.
Regarding poverty and unemployment, I would like to state that empowering people is the right strategy for their self-reliability and collective responsibility can rise. Providing free education for at least eight years is not good enough they need to be given professional training. The idea of mid day food is not practicable in the rural areas as transportation of food is not possible.
Flexibility for implementation of the policy and programme is necessary. Programme under poverty and unemployment needs to be reviewed and made area-specific. State should be allowed to evolve its own scheme for implementing the project.
Sir, in regard to agriculture and rural economy policy, as per the Budget for 2004-05, the north-eastern States will not be much benefited. Coverage is very poor and the credit deposit ratio as mentioned in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech is also very low. The rural banking and cooperative banking is also very weak. It is suggested that the Task Force may take into account the poor credit facility and coverage, and suggest remedial measures. So far as Nagaland is concerned, the Village Development Boards can be declared as micro credit agencies. The nationalised banks should be the lending agencies. The State Government can be the guarantor to the extent of loan sanctioned by the nationalised banks. Necessary modalities may be worked out for maintaining 50 per cent credit deposit ratio.
Now, I would touch upon the area of water harvesting. I fully appreciate the nation wide water harvesting scheme to be launched by the Government. In addition to the introduction of rain water harvesting in the north-east region which is monsoon-oriented, the new scheme will be effective. In order to secure double cropping, summer surplus water storage scheme will be of great help and it can change the face of the economy. We have tender streams and valley. They can be converted into water bodies with small dam construction.
Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, when the mighty river Brahamaputra is in spate, we the people of our State are washed away. Remember that the brown frown water that roars down through Brahamaputra is the remains of its tributaries. The planners usually plan to take control at the end and forget the flood damages caused in the hills. The damages caused through torrential rain on roads and assets need to be compensated and the anti-erosion measures should be taken in the tributaries of Brahamaputra and Barak rivers. Also, anti-landslide measures should be taken effectively in the north-eastern States, as most areas of the States are landslide-prone areas.
Sir, as regards diversification, I would submit that the north-eastern States have ample scope for bamboo plantation and bamboo products. In addition to launching national horticulture vision, a national bamboo mission should also be taken up on a mission made, and the north-eastern States should be encouraged to increase the bamboo products substantially. Nagaland has already taken the initiative to form State bamboo mission and come out with a bamboo policy.
Sir, the communication bottleneck of the north-eastern States from the nation must be removed. National highways and the X road are yet to touch the east whereas we thought that the X road should start from the North-East. Trade corridor to East Asia is a dream of the North-East. Rail transport, national highway road, air and waterways should be explored. I suggest that an expert committee be set up to examine the prospects for early implementation.
Sir, in the present state of affairs, foreign direct investment in all the north-eastern States has not been possible. There is hardly any industrial activity in the State. Hence, I urge upon the hon. Union Finance Minister to direct the concerned Ministry to take all appropriate measures for revival of the Tuli Paper Mill which is the only major industry in Nagaland, and the same has been closed for the last one and half decade. Earlier, there was complaint on the power supply but today this difficulty has been removed. Now, there should be no other problem.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude now.
SHRI W. WANGYUH KONYAK : Sir, if you permit me, may I lay my papers on the Table? I have some points.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Yes, you can do that.
SHRI W. WANGYUH KONYAK : So, Sir, I am laying the remaining part of speech on the Table of the House.
*Sir, under the non-lapsable Central pool of resources, the 10 per cent allocation in various Ministries for schemes and programmes in the north-eastern region is mandated to be Rs. 5823 crore, and the allocation of Rs. 650 crore provided from the Central pool of resources for development in the north-eastern region is appreciated. I suggest that a mechanism be evolved to ensure that the Ministries actually spend the 10 per cent if not more, as mandated. This fund must be spent in the State sector and not in the Central PSUs. This is so because the north-eastern States, due to lack of resources and corpus fund are reduced to mere salary paying States without work.
As regards subsidy, though a colossal amount, approximately Rs. 50,000 crore is allocated for subsidies on food, fertilisers, diesel and gas etc., the State of Nagaland gets almost no benefit from this huge amount. Subsidies need to be targeted effectively and it should be specified State-wise. Nagaland is declared as an organic State. Subsidy grants on the export organic products, organic fertilisers and on transportation need to be given. Subsidy should also cover bamboo mission technology and its exported bi-products.
Sir, as regards State financing, we are happy that State share of union taxes and duties will increase to Rs. 82,227 crore from Rs. 63,758 crore which is substantial 29 per cent. Further, debt swap scheme proposal to reduce the Government of India loans from 10.5 per cent to 9 per cent, and allowing States to raise fresh loans to pay up high interest loans to NABARD and other financial institutions are welcome. In the context of Nagaland, it may be pointed out that the negative BCR can be reduced effectively if the rate of interest on all loans are brought down to five per cent.
Sir, I welcome the move in the direction of empowering States through devolution of larger resources. The States have been demanding that devolution of resources should come to 50 per cent from the present status of 29 per cent. I suppose that in the progressive years of 12th Finance Commission, this demand should be achieved. For the growth of manpower and attainment of maturity, it is time that the responsibility of determining the welfare of the citizens perhaps be transferred to the States and the Centre concentrate more on inter-State developments, communications on rail, roads sea and air, science and technology on technology and grow in strength in defence and foreign policy to be an effective world player in ensuring stability, peace and prosperity in the world. I am confident that I have the support of the Members of this august House in this endeavour and if this is the dream vision of the UPA Government, the policy will have the support of the entire nation.
Sir, as regards Backward State Grant Commission, creation of Backward State Grant Commission is the most welcome development. Presently, we have only one district – Mon under the scheme of Rashriya Sama Vikas Yojana. It will be absolutely necessary to include five more backward districts of Nagaland, that is, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Phek and Peren.
Mr.Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this time to highlight some of my concerns and I hope that the Government will take serious note of action. * *-------*This portion of the speech was laid on the Table.
DR. COL. (RETD.) DHANI RAM SHANDIL (SHIMLA): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak in support of the General Budget 2004 tabled by our hon. Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram on the 8th July 2004.
This is the first Budget of the UPA Government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh under the kind blessings of Shrimati Sonia Gandhi. The Budget is a growth- oriented one. It has catered to the needs of all sections of the society adequately. This is a Budget for the common man, for the rural poor, for the disadvantaged, for the youth, for the upliftment and emancipation of womenfolk.
We can say that it is a Budget for the nation. As a result of this bold step, fiscal prudence and financial discipline, there would be more of employment generation. This Budget has shown to the world that investment in education, health and infrastructure are the key areas, which will have a far-reaching effect on sustained growth rate. In fact, China has shown it to the world, and we can see it on the ground. The importance given to primary education is also praiseworthy, along with public health system. The levy of two per cent tax on all taxes is also praiseworthy. I think, the mid-day cooked meal scheme is a right step in the nation-building process. उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, भारत गांवों में बसता है। बजट की दिशा गांवों की ओर मुड़ी है, यह सुखद और क्रांतिकारी कदम है तथा राष्ट्रीय-निर्माण की ओर एक साहसिक प्रयास है। The basic objective, the rationale and the thrust of the Budget presented by Shri Chidambaram is to be appreciated. In fact, it is already having a lot of praise from all sections of the society and from everyone because it is a well-designed Budget which is meeting the requirements of the economy. The reform-oriented Budget has blended tax proposals and the development schemes well.
With your kind permission, Sir, I would like to focus on the State of Himachal, to some of the important areas like our economy, infrastructure, etc. I would urge upon the Finance Minister to provide incentive to set up hydel power projects in Himachal Pradesh. This will help in power generation. It will also help the deficit States and boost the Himachal economy as well. In the same way, I would request the hon. Finance Minister to please pay particular attention to the clearance of Renuka Dam which is actually held up for want of certain formalities in the Environment and Forest Ministry and the Supreme Court. Once completed, this Dam will not only give boost to power generation in Himachal, but it will also quench the thrust of our capital town, Delhi, which is the need of the hour.
The Budget makes a special mention of the water bodies, the charging of reservoir, etc. About half a million of water bodies would be charged, he says. This is a historic step and in the same way, we want Central assistance for Himachal. This is the prime need of our people.
The second important area which our colleague has already mentioned is with regard to horticulture, vegetable, food processing sector and floriculture. We need facilities of storage, packaging and transport of vegetables. In fact if we have the food processing industry and marketing system, we will have opportunities for employment in this region and our unemployed youth will get adequate employment.
The next important area is Himachal Tourism. Dev Bhoomi Himachal, as they call it, we have a lot to work, with regard to tourism. Availability of proper infrastructure is needed. We have to remove these inadequacies in air, rail and road services. It will give boost to the tourism and, in fact, sky is the limit. As far as tourism is concerned, there is a scope for eco-tourism, culture tourism, and adventure tourism. We can have it in a big way if we have central assistance.
As regards industrial growth, really speaking in our area there is a need to develop the small industries like small parts of watches, software, etc. which are eco-friendly also. They can develop in a very nice manner in that area if we get central assistance.
I would also request that for a better appreciation of the problem and Centre-State coordination, on the lines of North-East Development Council, we should also have Hill Development Board so that the problems are appreciated and coordinated at central level and there is a balanced development in the region.
Finally, to conclude I would say the Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram has taken care of all. In fact, this is a first unique and a good Budget which has been able to see the rural India, the farming sector, and those sections which have remained out of reach so far. They can also feel that they are in a participative democracy. At the same time, it has given a humane face to the reform process along with the higher economic growth. I fully support the Budget and think that this is one of the most successful Budget and it is going to get us a stable Government.
DR. SEBASTIAN PAUL (ERNAKULAM): Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I support the Budget and for want of time I am not going into the details. However, I am happy to state that I am delighted by the announcement of the hon. Finance Minister in his Budget Speech regarding International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam in Cochin Port.
Sir, towards the fag end of the debate and in this late hour, I take this opportunity only to congratulate and thank the hon. Finance Minister for his declaration regarding the International Container Terminal. The entire people in Kerala welcome his announcement that the much awaited project would become a reality soon. Cochin Port is poised for an unprecedented and unbelievable development. It, along with the Sethusamudram Project announced by the Finance Minister, will make the southern tip of the Peninsula the hub of international shipping activity. We, the people of Kerala, will remember with gratitude that it was during the tenure of two hon. Ministers from Tamil Nadu, namely, Thiru Chidambaram as Finance Minister and Thiru Baalu as Shipping Minister, that Cochin Port was ushered into an era of prosperity and development. I would request the hon. Minister to make the Container Terminal Project in Cochin the first Budget proposal to become a reality.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मेरे पास ११ लोगों के नाम हैं। अगर दो-दो मिनट में अपनी बात कहें, तो ठीक रहेगा।
श्री संतोष गंगवार (बरेली) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान केवल एक समस्या की ओर आकर्षित करना चाहता हूं। बजट को देखने से लगता है कि वह बजट कम बाजीगिरी अधिक है। यह कहा गया कि हर परिवार को सौ दिन का रोजगार दिया जाएगा लेकिन दुर्भाग्य की बात है कि मेरे निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में एक ऐसी यूनिट है जिसे बंद करने की कोशिश की जा रही है। विमको पूरे देश में मैच बॉक्स बनाती है और वह मैकेनाइज सैक्टर की एकमात्र यूनिट है। उसके ऊपर ८ परसैंट एक्साइज डयूटी है लेकिन उसे बढ़ा कर १६ परसैंट कर दिया जबकि कॉटेज इंडस्ट्रीज में कोई एक्साइज डयूटी नहीं है। इस कारण पांच हजार श्रमिक और २५ हजार परिवार बेरोजगार किए जा रहे हैं।
I would like to request the hon. Minister of State for Finance to kindly convey this concern to the hon. Finance Minister. This is a very sad thing. On the one hand this Government is talking about making sick units viable, on the other, the Government is proposing to close down the units of WIMCO in the country which would directly affect 5000 workers across the country and about 25,000 families associated with them. I would like to request him to kindly look into this matter. I would also like to request him to reduce the excise duty from 16 per cent to 8 per cent or to any other figure which the hon. Minister thinks fit.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं अपना शेष भाषण ले कर रहा हूं।
*अध्यक्ष महोदय, बजट आम जनता की आशाओं से बंधा होता है। गरीब से लेकर अमीर तक सारे लोग बजट का दिल थाम कर बाट जोहते हैं, परन्तु जिस तरह से वित्त मंत्री श्री चिदम्बरम ने एक हाथ से देकर दूसरे से छीनने का प्रयास किया है, उसे देख कर लगता है कि लोक कल्याण के नाम पर लोगों को अंधेरे में रखना ही बजट का दूसरा नाम हो गया है, जहां इस बजट में कठोर निर्णय लेने से परहेज रखा गया वहीं दूसरी ओर सस्ती लोकप्रियता बटोरने के लिए आधा सच प्रचारित किया गया।
वर्तमान बजट संकुचित द्ृष्टि का शिकार है क्योंकि इसमें राष्ट्रहित से अधिक पार्टी हित का चिंतन किया गया है। बजट के अधिकतर प्रावधान मंहगाई बढ़ाने वाले हैं। पेट्रोल-डीजल के दाम पहले ही भड़के हुए हैं, जिसमें बजट के प्रावधान आग में घी डालने का काम करेंगे। इनका सबूत हमें तब मिला जब मंहगाई वृद्धि की दर छह प्रतिशत पार कर गयी।
पी. चिदम्बरम द्वारा प्रस्तुत बजट कम बाजीगरी अधिक है। इस बार के बजट में लोक लुभावन घोषणायें करने के चक्कर में देश की आर्थिक प्राथमिकताओं और आवश्यकताओं की अनदेखी की गयी।
कहा जा रहा है कि यहं गांव और गरीबों का बजट है परन्तु वास्तविकता यह है कि गरीबों का कल्याण सरकारी घोषणाओं से नहीं हो सकता। गरीबी हटाने के लिए एक व्यापक और राष्ट्रीय कार्यक्रम चलाने की आवश्यकता है और इस कार्य में वर्षों लगेंगे। गरीबों का नाम बजट भाषण के दौरान दुहराने से की ही कोई बजट गरीबों का बजट नहीं हो जाता। वित्त मंत्री बतायें कि उन्हेंने ऐसी कौन सी घोषणा की है, जिससे गरीबों को अपना जीवन स्तर सुधारने में मदद मिलेगी।
अन्त्योदय अन्न योजना का नाम वित्त मंत्री ने लिया और घोषणा की कि अब इस योजना का दायरा डेढ़ करोड़ लोगों से बढ़ाकर दो करोड़ लोगों तक किया जा रहा है। जबकि पूर्व वित्त मंत्री श्री जसवंत सिंह ने अपने अंतरिम बजट में ही इसे १.५ से दो करोड़ लोगों तक बढ़ाने की घोषणा कर चुके थे। इसलिए श्री चिदम्बरम का इस कदम की पुन: घोषणा करके श्रेय लेना किसी भी द्ृष्टि से उचित नहीं कहा जा सकता।
गांवों और किसानों के इस बजट में ग्रामीण विकास के नाम पर जारी होने वाली धनराशि में भारी कटौती की गयी है। राजग सरकार के बजट में इस क्षेत्र के लिए १३.२८८ करोड़ रूपए जारी किए गए थे, जिसे वर्तमान वित्त मंत्री ने घटाकर ९,२३९ करोड़ रूपए कर दिया।
ताजा बजट में वित्त मंत्री ने सर्विस टैक्स के दायरे में आने वाली सेवाओं की संख्या तो बढ़ायी ही साथ ही सर्विस टैक्स की दर भी बढ़ा दी है। वित्त मंत्री ने सर्विस टैक्स की दर से ८ से १० प्रतिशत तक बढ़ा कर मंहगाई को न्यौता दिया है क्योंकि अंतत: इसका भार उपभोक्ताओं पर ही बढ़ेगा।
हमें नहीं भूलना चाहिए कि हमारे सकल घरेलू उत्पाद का ५२ फीसदी हिस्सा सेवा क्षेत्र से आता है और सेवाओं पर टैक्स बढ़ाने का सीधा अर्थ है मंहगाई बढ़ाना। वैसे कांग्रेस और मंहगाई का चोली दामन का साथ रहा। जब केन्द्र में राजग सरकार सत्ता में थी तो मुद्रास्फीति की दर हमेशा ३ प्रतिशत ही स्वस्थ दर के आसपास ही घूमती रही, जिसका फायदा देश की अर्थव्यवस्था को मिला।
चिदम्बरम का बजट कई जगह भ्रम पैदा कर गया। आम जनता को यह संदेश मिला कि आयकर में छूट सीमा, जो ५० हजार रूपए थी अब एक लाख हो गयी। जबकि वास्तविकता कुछ और है। यह छूट केवल उन लोगों के लिए है, जिनकी टैक्स योग्य आय एक लाख से कम है। इससे ऊपर की आय पर टैक्स की पुरानी दरें लागू रहेंगी। इस बारे में जैसे जैसे स्थिति स्पष्ट हो रही है, मध्य वर्ग इस बजट द्वारा छले जाने जैसा महसूस कर रहा है।
वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए ९ प्रतिशत की ब्याज दर वाली योजना की घोषणा करके लघु बचतों की ब्याज दरों में कोई बदलाव नहीं किया जबकि विपक्ष में रहने पर कांगेस इसी बात को लेकर खूब हो-हल्ला मचाती थी।
बजट से पहले संयुक्त साझा कार्यक्रम ने १०० दिन की रोजगार गारंटी हर बेरोजगार व्यक्ति को देने की बात कही थी। इस दिशा में काम करने के लिए करीब तीन लाख करोड़ रूपयों की जरूरत होगी। इसलिए बजट में इस दिशा में कोई ठोस कदम न उठाकर केवल हवाबाजी की गयी। बजट में काम के बदले अनाज योजना को ही झाड़ पोंछ कर नया रूप देने की कोशिश की गयी है। इस मद में एक भी अतरिक्त रूपया आबंटित नहीं किया गया है।
राजग सरकार के द्वारा प्रस्तुत सभी बजट आधारभूत संरचना को मजबूत बनाने पर काफी जोर देते थे। प्रधानमंत्री ग्रामीण सड़क योजना स्वर्णिम चतुर्भुज योजना, एक्सप्रेस हाइवेज, जैसे अत्यंत सफल योजनायें प्रारंभ की गयी, परन्तु यू.पी.ए की सरकार द्वारा जारी बजट में इन महत्वाकांक्षी परियोजनाओं के विषय में गहरी चुप्पी है। इस बारे में पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी ने भी अपनी चिंता प्रकट की।
इसी तरह राजग की सरकार ने नदियों को जोड़ने की परियोजनाओं की बात जोर शोर से उठायी थी, जिस पर इस बार का बजट पूरी तरह मौन है। जबकि जल संचयन और सिंचाई के बारे में यह बजट काफी मुखर रहा है। इसी तरह बाढ़ नियंत्रण के लिए कुल राशि २१७ करोड़ ९८ लाख रूपए रखी गयी है, जो श्री जसवंत सिंह द्वारा प्रस्तुत अंतरिम बजट में भी थी। लेकिन जनता को भरमाने के लिए कहा गया है कि तीस करोड़ की लागत से बाढ़ नियंत्रण कार्यक्रम शुरू होगा। चिदंबरम को किसानों की चिंता थी तो वे इस दर को और घटा सकते थे ,परन्तु उन्होंने किसानों को भी भ्रम में डाल दिया।
राजग सरकार द्वारा जारी अंतरिम बजट में ५०,००० करोड़ रूपए की जयप्रकाश नारायण ग्रामीण ऋण योजनाओं की भ्रूण हत्या करके श्री चिदम्बरम ने साबित किया है कि किसानों के हितों की चिन्ता करने के बजाय वे महज वाहवाही लूटने के चक्कर में हैं। कहने के लिए उन्होंने ट्रैक्टर पर एक्साइज डयूटी हटा ली मगर इस्पात और डीजल मंहगा कर दिया। यानि एक हाथ से राहत देकर दूसरे हाथ से गला घोंटने की तैयारी कर ली गयी।
शेयर बाजार में भी वित्त मंत्री के टर्नओवर टैक्स की घोषणा से मातम छाया है। एक ओर जहां लौंग टर्म कैपिटल गेन पर टैक्स समाप्त कर दिया, वहीं दूसरी ओर ट्रोजेक्शन टैक्स भी शुरू कर दिया गया।
आवश्यकता थी कि वित्तीय अनुशासन बरतते हुए देश रूपी वृक्ष की जड़ों को मजबूती प्रदान करने की परन्तु दुर्भाग्यवश केवल पत्तों और टहनियों पर थोड़ा पानी डालकर ही सारी कवायद रूक गयी है। इस बजट का असली असर आने वाले दिनों में साफ दिखेगा और तब हमें पता चलेगा कि हमें जो दिखाया गया वह केवल आधा सच था।* *------*This Portion of the Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE (IDUKKI): Sir, I rise to support the Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister for the UPA Government. Many points have already been mentioned by my colleagues here. We have sat through patiently for several hours. I am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity to speak in this discussion on the Budget.
Sir, the main thrust of the Budget has been to boost the agricultural sector of our country and it is rightly so. But I am sorry to say that the Finance Minister, probably not intentionally, has failed to address the most burning and vexed problem that is being faced by the agriculture sector in our country today. My colleagues who spoke earlier mentioned about the suicide committed by farmers in various States, particularly in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Everyday we are getting reports of suicide deaths of farmers especially from these two States due to the debt burden which they are unable to bear any more. Nobody will commit suicide in a happy frame of mind. It is an extreme step that one is pushed to under very compelling circumstances. It is only in very trying conditions that people go for this option. What we had asked for was a write off of the interest and the penal interest of the loan and not the capital. If the interest part and the penal interest part of the loan amount ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 is written off, then I think, most of the cases would be covered. The hon. Finance Minister has mentioned that we have to bring thought and passion into governance and the hon. Prime Minister has promised a new deal for the country.
Sir, the hon. Finance Minister has now mentioned that he would have a re-visit as far as the various proposals that have been announced in the Budget. There is a proposal to give exemption up to Rs. 1,00,000 in case of income tax. That is going to cost the Exchequer a sum of Rs. 1700 crore. He also has promised a re-visit in case of the transaction tax which was expected to earn the Exchequer an amount of Rs. 7500 crore. A paltry 0.15 per cent of transaction tax is being objected to by the trading community. On the traders and brokers, the Finance Minister is on record saying that this particular section is a `narrow constituency’ as compared to farmers, labourers, weavers etc. For this `narrow constituency’ the hon. Finance Minister has promised a revisit. What I would like to request the hon. Finance Minister is that he should revisit the agriculture sector and offer some concessions to those people who are really in trouble.
Certain measures have been announced connected with the agriculture sector, like restoring the water bodies and water harvesting. They are all welcome measures. Along with that, I would request the Finance Minister to give a thought to organic farming and to the construction of bio-gas plants which will go a long way in boosting the agriculture sector. The Finance Minister has talked about regeneration of traditional industries. In our country, plantation industry is the oldest one. It is almost 150 years old.
Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I just started speaking. Now, you have started ringing the bell.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now, it is not possible for me to give you more time.
SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE : I will just take two or three minutes more.
Now, the plantation industry is in deep crisis. In my constituency, more than 17 tea estates have been closed and twenty thousand workers have lost their jobs in the last two or three years. There is no mention of re-opening of these estates in the Budget.
The Finance Minister gives thrust to the education sector in our country in his Budget speech. He has announced that collateral security will not be needed for loans up to Rs. 7.5 lakh if satisfactory guarantee is provided. What exactly is this ‘satisfactory guarantee’? That is the problem. Many students who would like to go for higher studies are facing acute crisis. No bank is prepared to give loans for educational purposes without collateral security or the so-called ‘satisfactory guarantee’. A clear-cut instruction has to go from the Ministry as far as this particular aspect is concerned to help our students that guarantees or collateral securities should not be taken or should not be asked from students who want to go for higher studies.
In paras 17 and 18, there is a mention about minority welfare in our country. When we speak of minorities, there is one section called ‘converted Christians’. They are people who converted from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to the Christian community in our country. They have been denied reservation benefits. So, people who have opted for Sikh and Budhist faiths are getting full reservation benefits. But those who have opted for Christianity are not getting the reservation benefits. It is very unfortunate that they are not getting the benefits. It is guaranteed under the Constitution that any person can opt for any religion. Just because they have opted for a particular religion, denying the benefits of reservation is gross injustice. In this regard, I had requested and I had written letters to him. At least an announcement could have been made saying that this particular point will be considered. But this has not been done.
He has mentioned about Defence modernisation in the Budget. It is very good. The allocation for that has been increased. But the proposal of ‘One rank one pension’ has been hanging fire for a long time. At least, an announcement could have been made in this regard.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आप फाइनेंस बिल पर बोल लीजियेगा, उस समय मैं आपको ज्यादा टाइम दे दूंगा।
SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE : There is a proposal to tax the NRI account on the plea that it has outlived its utility. The NRIs or the Non Resident Indians have been contributing to a large extent in increasing our foreign exchange reserve. We want these people to come to India and to invest in our country. If you tax their savings, I think, it amounts to discouraging investment. We are talking of FDI or Foreign Direct Investment. Our own people are prepared to invest in our country. We must encourage them. So, I request the Finance Minister to revisit and to have a re-think on this particular aspect.
There has been an increase in the excise duty on various items. One particular item is that of candles. Candle is one thing which is being used in religious ceremonies of Christian community. Excise duty on candles has been raised from eight per cent to sixteen per cent. It is most unfortunate that the religious ceremonies of a minority community are going to cost more. I request the Finance Minister to withdraw the excise duty hike on candles. There are many things on which I would like to speak. But due to paucity of time and because of your insistence, I am concluding.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I have a list of 11 Members who are yet to speak.
… (Interruptions)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : मेरे पास लिस्ट में अभी ११ नाम हैं, अगर बोलना है तो …( व्यवधान)
श्री पवन कुमार बंसल : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, सबको दो-दो मिनट का समय दे दीजिए।
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अगर दो-दो मिनट लेंगे तो मुझे कोई ऐतराज नहीं है।
PROF. K.M. KADER MOHIDEEN (VELLORE): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to speak on this Budget.
The Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram has been welcomed by everyone in the country and hailed as the first Budget which has been prepared in so short a time to the satisfaction of so large a people in our country. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of our beloved Nation and the best Parliamentarian in the world of his times once remarked: "Delhi remains the political Capital of India. Bombay is a Capital of capital, Madras happens to be the intellectual capital of our country."
As one of the chosen intellectuals of Tamil Nadu, Shri Chidambaram, a great economist of our times, has presented the Budget which has been welcomed not only by the ordinary people but also by the eminent financial experts.
The United Progressive Alliance has given a clean and clear guideline in the form of the Common Minimum Programme for the nation. The hon. Finance Minister has brought the CMP in the Budget in its letter and spirit. He has taken the wise counsel of our beloved Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The zeal and enthusiasm of Shrimati Sonia Gandhi to work for the good and the welfare of the common masses has inspired our Finance Minister.
In order to achieve the objective of bringing about rapid growth with stability and equity, the hon. Finance Minister has presented this Budget which is democratic in spirit, progressive in thought, innovative and reformative in approach and utilitarian in purpose.
Our great leader of the Tamils Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi has happily welcomed the Budget and he has said that well-meaning people would find much of good in the Budget for all categories of people of our times.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Mr. Kader Mohideen, you are reading the speech. If it is possible for you, lay it on the Table. You can lay it on the Table of the House.
… (Interruptions)
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आप पढ़ रहे हैं तो ले ही कर दीजिए।
PROF. K.M. KADER MOHIDEEN : Sir, there is a proverb. There is a poem in Urdu:
आदमी आदमी से मिलता है, मगर दिल किसी से मिलता है।
Man meets man. But do the minds meet? This is the poet’s version. But here the minds of our hon. Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram, the minds of the Common Minimum Programme, the UPA and the minds of the people of this country have met together. Though the minds of BJP and the UPA do not meet, yet the minds of the people, the minds of the masses and the minds of our hon. Finance Minister met together and that has resulted in this very great Budget which has been hailed by everyone and all. If it is called pro-poor, it does not mean it is anti-rich. It may be called pro-minority but it does not mean it is anti-majority. If it may be called pro-labour but it does not mean it is anti-employer. But this Budget should be described as the Budget of the people and for the people of this country.
Naming of certain schemes in the Budget was criticised by our friends here. Naming of certain schemes after the national leaders is an acknowledged convention in this country.
Sir, the great nation of ours is known as ‘Bharat’. Bharat is a name of the character that appears in our epic. Therefore, naming schemes after great national leaders and makers of history is not a sin.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Mr. Mohideen, you can lay rest of your speech on the Table of the House.
PROF. K.M. KADER MOHIDEEN : Yes, Sir. I lay rest of my speech on the Table of the House.
*Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Ambedkar, Jawharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, Vallabai Patel and so on are the names of our great leaders and the makers of our history. So are the names of Shrimati Indira Gandhi and Shri Rajiv Gandhi. They had sacrificed their precious lives for our nation. So, Sir, it is unfair to criticise the scheme and projects named after great personalities as they were great leader of our country.
In my State of Tamil Nadu, Sir, to name the scheme of the Government after great leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Rajaji, Anna, Kamarajar, Quaide Millate, V.O. Chitambaram Pillai, Jeevananantham, Thiru.vi.Kalayanasundaram, Barathiyar, Barathidhasan and so on has become an accepted tradition. We are indeed happy to know such a tradition is followed by the Government of India.
The Budget happens to be a great boon for the agriculture sector. The Government should come forward to strive for linking the rivers of India. Delhi prays for rains, but in Assam and West Bengal people are praying for stopping rains. Drought in one corner, deluge in another corner of our country. The river linking project will certainly mitigate the problems of both drought and deluge. So, Sir, the projects shall be taken up at the earliest with missionary zeal.
Hon’ble Speaker, Sir, in U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia Khubs has become the food of the people. That is available everywhere any time. It is sold at the cost of one Dirham. It solves the food problem whether they are rich or poor. Similarly Rotis made of wheat may be made available everywhere anytime in the country. "Jantha Roti" scheme may be popularized throughout the country through the private sector agencies.
It will facilitate feeding everyone with the minimum earnings; it will generate huge employment facilities; it will accelerate the production of wheat and rice and it will prevent dumping into the sea millions of tonnes of wheat grain.
Moreover, the Government should come forward to establish Export Promotion Centres for agriculture products also. At present manufactured goods and products only come under the purview of Export Promotion Centres. Raw paddy, wheat, vegetables, flowers, groceries and the like should be encouraged to be exported through the Export Promotion Centres set up by the Government. In my Vellore constituency such an Export Promotion centre for agricultural goods shall be set up by the Government.
The Budget gives very much importance for harvesting water resources. Rain waters should be preserved in tanks, ponds, etc. that was the practice from time immemorial. When we forget this precious past practice, we suffer from lack of water. This is a very good thing that the Budget aims at preserving water in tanks and ponds. All the available ponds and tanks should be preserved and work of deepening and desilting should be done speedily.
The people of Vellore who have elected me to this august House have a long standing demand in this regard. The Vellore Fort of the 19th Century remains as the remarkable fort for secularism. It is in fact called a secular fort wherein there is a temple, Jala Kandeswarar. Temple for our Hindu brethren, a church for our Christian brethren, and a mosque for Muslim brethren. This is the fort from where the first fight for independent India started in 1806. One Abul Qasim who was assisted by the scions of Tippu Sultan inside the fort fought against the British. Abul Qasim’s efforts did not succeed. He was killed and his body was exposed for birds to eat. This historic fort of beauty and magnificence needs protection, preservation and beautification. The moats that surround the fort get water from one Suriyakulam in the adjacent area. Suriyakulam, the tank that is the source of water for the moats of the fort are full of silt, and filth. Rubbish and rotten things are dumped therein. This Suriyakulam Tank should be deepened, desilted and purified and maintained clean and thereby maintaining the moats of the fort full of water. The Government should come forward for beautification of this historic Vellore Fort.
Hon’ble Speaker, Sir, I wish to bring to the notice of the Government that farm-labourers, particularly women folk in my Vellore constituency who have got loans for purchase of gas cylinders are put into hardships. They are demanded by the banks to pay back the loans with combined interests running into thousands. Poor village women folk who wanted to get gas facilities are now shocked to hear about the amounts demanded by the banks. If there is any possibility of waiving such loans it will be of great benefit to the poor village farming women folk.
Sir, Government announces loan schemes. Rules are laid for borrowing. But the ground reality is that most of the loan seekers are not helped in time by the banks. The procedures seem to be very much cumbersome. The psychology of the banks should be to help the people, rather than to hinder them from getting loans. They should be guided by the ethical code that proclaims that those who help the helpless will be helped by God almighty.
In my Vellore constituency the township of Jafarabad, with more than five thousand people urgently need a Health Centre.
Group Housing under Indira Awas Yojana should be extended to the beedi workers who are below poverty line.
People of Tamil Nadu desire to have passenger ship service from Nagapattinam to Penang. This will accelerate trade and exports from our country.
The plan scheme such as SGSY, SGRY and IAY contain specific reservations for beneficiaries belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, I request the Finance Minister to include in the list of beneficiaries of SCs the Dalit Christians and in that of STs the Karumans including Kurumbar, Kurumba, Kurumban, Kurumba Gownder, Kuruba, Kuruma, all being the synonyms of Karumans.
I congratulate the Finance Minister for having made additional allocation of Rs. 50 core for the educational welfare of the minorities. The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation should come forward to extend loan facilities to the youths without delay. Subsidy for the Hajj pilgrims shall be restored.
The Budget that aims at maximum happiness of the maximum people of the country stands out as a super Budget.
May God the Almighty shower his choicest graces for our beloved country to grow, and prosper, develop and guide the countries of the world in peace and progress.* *-----*This Portion of the Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI LALIT MOHAN SUKLABAIDYA (KARIMGANJ): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Budget presented by the hon. Finance Minister for the financial year 2004-05. I support this Budget because it has laid emphasis on the needs of the poorer sections of the society. Fifty per cent of budgetary allocation to agriculture sector is justified because nearly 80 per cent of our people earn their livelihood from agriculture. Whenever we go to villages, we find that there is a demand for drinking water, medical care, electricity and education. The hon. Finance Minister has made provision for all these sectors in this Budget. He has announced 100 days of guaranteed employment to poor people in our country. This is a welcome step. He has also announced a health insurance scheme at reduced premium. Then, the marginal income tax payers are exempted from paying income tax. He has announced the setting up of an Investment Commission which will solicit and encourage domestic and foreign investment. He has also committed to quality education because he knows that education has taken a prime place in our life. For all these measures taken by our hon. Finance Minister, I appreciate him and I support this Budget.
Now, I would like to say a few words about my home State, Assam. Our State is a very poor State. Till recently, as you know, our Government could not pay salaries to our employees even on the 15th day of every month. But our Government, under the able leadership of our hon. Chief Minister Shri Tarun Gogoi, has improved the economic situation of our State and now we are able to pay salaries to our employees.
Sir, there is a section of teachers in our State whose condition is very painful. They are teachers of recognised schools. These teachers in recognised schools perform the same duties as their counterparts in Government schools. We have thousands of teachers who are serving in secondary recognised schools. Then, we have some primary schools and middle schools and permitted colleges where teachers are rendering honorary service since long. Many of them have already superannuated after rendering life-long honorary service, but their service could not be taken over by the Government due to want of fund. Our hon. Finance Minister announced imposition of two per cent education cess and he proposes to collect about Rs. 5,000 crore from that. I would like to suggest that a special package should be granted from this fund so that we can pay salaries to these teachers whose services could not be taken over by the Government. This is my earnest request to the Finance Minister.
We suffer from devastating floods every year. We suffer loss of human lives, cattle and crop. We incur millions of rupees as loss due to flood every year. I request that adequate fund should be allotted for the protection of our people from the curse of flood. The share of Rs. 30 crore is not sufficient for the protection of our people. We want a permanent solution.
My last point is, we are proud of our tea industry. But our tea industry is sick now. In our State, one million labourers are working in the tea industry.
24.00 hrs. If industry is not financially supported, there will be huge unemployment. That will also very badly affect our economy.
With these few words, I conclude my speech. I once again support the Budget placed by the hon. Finance Minister.
Thank you very much.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : बंसल जी, आपका क्या ख्याल है, मेरा ख्याल तो यह है कि जो बोलने वाले ११ सदस्य रह गए हैं, उनके नाम मैं पढ़ दूं, तो ठीक रहेगा। उनकी हाजरी लग जाएगी।
अगर किसी माननीय सदस्य का बोलना जरूरी हो, तो बताएं। नहीं तो मैं नाम पढ़ देता हूं।
आप लोगों के हाथ उठाने से ऐसा लगता है कि आप सभी बोलना चाहते हैं। फिर ठीक है। सभी बोल लीजिए। मेरी रिक्वैस्ट है कि कृपया दो-दो मिनट में अपने भाषण समाप्त करें।
SHRI SURAVARAM SUDHAKAR REDDY (NALGONDA): Mr. Deputy-Speaker Sir, on behalf of the CPI, I would like to say that there is an overall new approach in the Budget and we welcome it to that extent. There is certainly a concern in the Budget shown to the peasants, rural people, women, SCs and STs. But we feel that the provisions are not enough for different sections of the society.
We do not think that it is a dream Budget, but definitely it is a departure from the usual type of budgets, particularly from the NDA Budgets, for the last several years which they had presented. The previous NDA Government has brought disaster to the economy of this country and very serious efforts are to be made by the present Government to bring back to life several public sector industries in this country and also agriculture.
There were mass suicides in different parts of the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. This year itself, from 1st January to 13th March, 550 peasants committed suicides in Andhra Pradesh. We expected that there would be a special package to give relief to the rural indebtedness. But unfortunately, our Finance Minister has not given any such proposal. I would request him that at least in his reply he should think of it and I propose that a Joint Parliamentary Committee, comprising of the Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, be appointed and the problem of the debt trap of the peasantry should be studied. This Committee may present its report before the Winter Session to the Parliament so that the entire Parliament can discuss this and this important issue can be solved by us.
I also propose that a comprehensive Bill for the agricultural labour should be introduced and there should be a provision in the Budget for relief to the agricultural labour, who is suffering quite a lot.
As far as FDI is concerned, a lot of discussions are going on. The former hon. Speaker of Lok Sabha was suggesting that the Left should learn from China. In China, most of the foreign direct investments have come from the non-resident Chinese and not from the monopoly houses. We would certainly learn from them. We would like the Finance Minister to withdraw the proposals regarding the foreign direct investment in these key sectors.
There is no mention about the parallel economy or the black money or about the tax evasion in the Budget. These things should be taken into consideration.
Regarding package to Bihar, we understand the necessity of helping the most backward States. The Telangana region asked for a special package of Rs.5,000 crore because of the imbalance in the State of Andhra Pradesh and other areas. In other backward parts of the country, this type of special package is necessary. In my constituency Nalgonda, fluoride water is the biggest problem. That is the worst-affected district in our country. I want the Finance Minister to make special allotments for fluoride water victims to supply clean and healthy drinking water.
प्रो. चन्द्र कुमार (कांगड़ा) : आदरणीय उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, वित्त मंत्री जी ने जो बजट इस माननीय सदन में रखा है, उसके लिए हमारी युनाइटेड प्रोग्रेसिव एलायंस की अध्यक्षा, श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी तथा भारत के प्रधानमंत्री, डा. मनमोहन सिंह जी को मैं बधाई देना चाहता हूं। जो बजट सदन में रखा गया है, वह हमारे गरीब लोगों की आकांक्षाओं के अनुसार और हमारा जो नेशनल कॉमन मनिमम प्रोग्राम है, उसके आधार पर रखा गया है। इस बजट में विशेषकर सात मैन इकोनोमिक ऑब्जेक्टिव्स हैं, जिसमें ग्रोथ रेट ७.८ प्रतिशत बढ़नी है। इसी तरह बेसिक एजूकेशन और हैल्थ एजूकेशन को बढ़ाना है। सबसे ज्यादा सोशल सर्विस पर ध्यान दिया गया है। गरीब आदमी के लिए तीन चीजें बड़ी अनिवार्य हैं - फूड, शेल्टर और क्लोदिंग। इस बजट में यही चीज दर्शाई गई है कि गांवों में रहने वाले हमारे लोगों के लिए घर होना जरूरी है और खाने के लिए अनाज होना जरूरी है।
महोदय, पिछली एनडीए की सरकार के समय बड़ी विडम्बना की बात है कि हिन्दुस्तान का किसान जो पैदावार करता था, उचित दाम न मिलने के कारण उसे खुदकशी करनी पड़ी थी। हिन्दुस्तान के भंडार अनाज से भरे हुए थे, लेकिन गरीब आदमी को आत्महत्या करनी पड़ी थी। इन सब चीजों पर एक बार फिर हमें नजर डाल कर देखना होगा ताकि जो वितरण प्रणाली है, उसमें सुधार ला सकें। खास कर गांव में रहने वाले जो हमारे लोग हैं, उनका मैन आकुपेशन खेतीबाड़ी है। आज हिन्दुस्तान के बहुत से गरीब लोगों के आकुपेशन स्ट्रक्चर इरोड होते जा रहे हैं और बहुत से लोग शहरों की तरफ पलायन करते जा रहे हैं। महोदय, आप जिस राज्य से आते हैं, वहां जब पंजाब के मुख्य मंत्री, श्री कैरो थे, उस समय उन्होंने बहुत से एग्रीकल्चर कालेज पंजाब में खोले थे। उस समय उनसे यह प्रश्न पूछा गया कि आपने इतने एग्रीकल्चर कालेज पंजाब में खोले हैं, वहां के पढ़े-लिखे नौजवान बेरोजगार हो जाएंगे, फिर आप क्या करेंगे तो उन्होंने कहा कि मेरा किसान जाट है, यहां के पढ़े-लिखे नौजवान कृषि करेंगे और इतनी पैदावार हिन्दुस्तान में करेंगे कि पंजाब का नाम सारे विश्व के मानचित्र पर होगा। इसलिए आज जरूरत इस बात की है कि मेन एम्फेसिस हम एग्रीकल्चर पर देते हैं। हिन्दुस्तान की यह विडम्बना रही है कि हमारा बजट हमेशा,Indian Budget is the gamble of monsoon. जब वर्षा अच्छी हो जाती है तो हमारा ग्रोथ रेट बढ़ जाता है और जब नहीं होती है तो कम हो जाता है। हम ५०वर्षों से हिन्दुस्तान में क्लाईमेटिकल जोन चिन्हित नहीं कर सके कि कौन से एरियाज़ ऐसे हैं जो रेन डेफसिट हैं, जहां पानी मुहैया नहीं कर सके और कौन से एरियाज़ ऐसे हैं, जहां स्केयरसिटी ऑफ वाटर है, कहां पर इरीगेशन पोटेंशियल कम है। इन सब चीजों को देखने के लिए हमें एक अच्छी विस्तृत योजना बनानी पड़ेगी। मैं जिस क्षेत्र से आता हूं, आपको पता होगा कि हिमाचल से बहुत सी नदियां निकल कर आती हैं - रावी, सतलुज और व्यास। आप जानते हैं कि हिमाचल प्रदेश की जमीन के ऊपर पौंग डैम और भाखड़ा डैम बने हैं, पहले पंजाब का सारा क्षेत्र वर्षा के दिनों में जलमग्न होता था। वहां जितने किसान हैं, वे सिर्फ धुसी बनाने में अपना समय व्यतीत करते थे। आज पंजाब के सारे किसान खुशहाल हैं। वहां फ्लड्स रुके हैं।
महोदय, मेरी आपसे गुजारिश है कि जितनी नदियां हिमाचल प्रदेश से निकलती हैं, आज हमने पूरा प्रतिबंध जंगलों पर लगाया हुआ है, वहां केचमेंट एरिया में कटाव नहीं किया जाता। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने इसके ऊपर पूरी पाबंदी लगाई है। महोदय, मेरा आपके माध्यम से सरकार से निवेदन है कि हिमाचल प्रदेश को इस मामले में कम्पनसेट किया जाए। इसलिए कम्पेंशेट किया जाये, क्योंकि हमारे कैचमेंट एरियाज बिल्कुल इंटेक्ट हैं। आज बहुत सी योजनाएं यहां चिदम्बरम जी ने अपने बजट में रखी हैं कि हम रेन वाटर को, ग्राउंड वाटर को और सरफेस वाटर को हारवेस्ट करेंगे। मैं यह बता देना चाहता हूं कि हिमालयन इकोलोजी बड़ी फ्रेजाइल है। मुझे १९८४-८५ में आदरणीय राजीव गांधी जब हिन्दुस्तान के प्रधानमंत्री थे और उस वक्त मैं हिमाचल प्रदेश में जंगलात का वजीर था तो उस वक्त हिमालयन डवलपमेंट एथॉरिटी का एक कन्सेप्ट यहां पर आया कि हिमालय पर्वत को बचाकर रखा जाये, उसके कैचमेंट एरियाज को इंटेक्ट किया जाये। मैं आपको विश्वास दिलाता हूं कि अगर हिमाचल प्रदेश, जम्मू कश्मीर, इसी तरह नोर्थ ईस्ट एरियाज के फोरेस्ट्स को पूरी तरह इंटेक्ट किया जाये तो मैं बता सकता हूं कि २० प्रतिशत पानी हम सारे हिन्दुस्तान में ज्यादा बढ़ा सकते हैं, लेकिन इसके लिए एक लम्बा प्रयास करने की जरूरत है। इसके लिए जो बेनीफशियरी स्टेट्स को, चाहे वह पंजाब हो, चाहे हरियाणा हो, उनको इसके ऊपर विचार करना पड़ेगा।
मैं आपके माध्यम से एक बात और कहना चाहता हूं कि हिमाचल प्रदेश में २२ हजार मेगावाट बिजली के दोहन की क्षमता है। हमारे बहुत से जो नेबर स्टेट्स हैं, बहुत से जो भारत सरकार के प्रोजैक्ट्स हिमाचल प्रदेश में चल रहे हैं, मेरा एक निवेदन है कि हिमाचल प्रदेश को जो वहां की इकोलोजी है, एनवायर्नमेंट है, उसे पूरी तरह से खतरा है। जो भी प्रोजैक्ट्स वहां पर लगते हैं, उसके लिए वहां की सरकार को वाटर सैस और टैक्स उससे मिलना चाहिए ताकि हम उन इलाकों का, जो आर्थिक और सामाजिक रूप से पिछड़े क्षेत्र हैं, उनको हम ठीक ढंग से आगे बढ़ा सकें। मेरा आपके माध्यम से यह अनुरोध है कि जो हिमाचल प्रदेश एक छोटा सा राज्य है, पीसफुल स्टेट है, उसमें हमारे जो बहुत से एरियाज हिल काउंसिल में आते थे, बहुत से क्षेत्र नोर्थ ईस्ट के आते थे, इस तरह से आज का हिमाचल प्रदेश उसमें था, इसी तरह यू.पी. के कुछ क्षेत्र उसमें आते थे, वहां पर जो भी इंडस्ट्रीज लगाई जाती थीं, उनके लिए हमें १० साल का फायदा दिया गया था। इस बजट में देखा गया है कि हमें वह सुविधा २००७ तक रखी गई है, इसलिए मैं सरकार से, वित्त मंत्री जी से यह प्रार्थना करना चाहता हूं कि उस हिल एरियाज काउंसिल के बेनीफिट को बढ़ाया जाये और हिमाचल प्रदेश में इंडस्ट्रीज ज्यादा से ज्यादा लगाई जायें और जो कंसेशंस हम पहले एन्जाय करते थे, वे कंसेशंस दिये जायें।
इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं आपका आभार प्रकट करता हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलने का समय दिया।
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY (BELLARY): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak. I also thank people of my constituency, Bellary.
Sir, I am opposing this Budget because it has brought very much unhappiness and no word has been put in this Budget about the inter-linking of rivers project. The crores of farmers are looking towards this Budget because it not only solves the irrigation problems but also the water problems of the crores of people of this country.
Sir, everybody says that the farmers are the backbone of the country but we are not giving importance to this project of inter-linking of rivers. Many say that Green Revolution has been brought. I think, only with the inter-linking of the rivers project, Green Revolution will be brought.
Secondly, under IAY scheme, there is a 25 per cent subsidy to SCs and STs for housing. In the urban areas, under the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana, 50 per cent subsidy is given to SCs and STs. Why has this difference been brought by the Government for the rural SCs and STs and urban SCs and STs, I do not know. That has to be clarified by the Finance Minister.
Thirdly, I come to the most important point, that is the crop loan of the farmers. The crop loan, which is required by the farmers, exactly is not given by the banks. Only partial amount is given to the farmers. With that, they cannot meet their crop requirements. So, I would request the hon. Finance Minister, through you, Sir, to give direction to the banks asking them to give full amount which is required by the farmers.
Sir, there are so many points. You just permit me to lay the paper.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Yes, you can lay the paper.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY : I am laying the rest of my speech.
*Farmers are getting a part of it and for the balance amount, they have to go to private moneylenders where they are charged like anything upto 36% as interest. This harms their whole life. Many States are affected due to drought during the last four years and the farmers are facing great difficulty in getting the return for their produce. I would suggest that if the farmers are giving full amount of crop loan by the banks which they require, it will be good support to them and repayment will not be a difficult for the farmers.
Sir, this PMGSY Yojana was started by the last Government and with this Yojana, the rural roads are being connected with the urban cities. This project is getting improved and still lots of rural roads are to be connected with the urban areas. It is very sad that the Finance Minister has neglected this important Yojana as there is no mention in the Budget about the funds allotted for this Yojana. I appeal the Minister to allocate funds for the Yojana, which will be helpful for the rural people to improve their living. I think that with this PMGSY Yojana, the Gramin Vikas will be achieved fastly.
The Minister has proposed to increased to cover 2 crore families under this scheme. He has also mentioned that this scheme would received a subsidy of Rs.3500 crore. I would like to suggest that the Union Government have to purchase rice and wheat directly from the farmers which will ultimately help the farmers to get more return for their produce.
In the Budget speech, under the heading "Irrigation, Rural Infrastructure – Restoring water bodies", the Minister has pointed out that the crisis of water is the biggest crisis that the world would face in the 21st century. To resolve this, the Minister has proposed to launch a massive scheme to repair, renovate and restore all the water bodies that are directly linked to agriculture. In the current year, he pointed out that we would begin with pilot projects in at least five districts, and we would select at least one district in each of the five regions of the country and the estimated cost is Rs.100 crore and the funds for the five pilot projects would be drawn from existing programmes such as SGRY, PMGJSY, DPAP, DDP and IWDP.
Sir, I would suggest that the district from the Southern Region be selected from the Karnataka State and I would be very much happy that if the Bellary district is selected for this purpose.* * _____*This Portion of the speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI MANJUNATH KUNNUR (DHARWAD SOUTH): Respected Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I am very much thankful to you for having given me an opportunity to speak on the General Budget 2004-05.
The hon. Finance Minister has said a lot about agriculture and rural economy. Even the Prime Minister in his address to the nation on 24th June, 2004 promised a ‘new deal’ for rural India. After listening to these statements and while participating in this debate, I am reminded of a saying by an English poet. He says, "Words are easy like the wind but faithful friends are hard to find." This is what the farmer is telling everybody today.
The Centre tells us about massive investments in agriculture sector. But how much will reach the farmers is a big question. I would like to remember what the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi had said. He said that out of whatever amount being given from the Centre to the States, only 10 per cent would be reaching the farmers or the public. A major chunk of the Central and State grants are siphoned off by the middlemen.
Now what happened? Recently in Karnataka, in one of the schemes, which is called Kooligagi Kalu in Kanada and Food-for-Work programme in English, thousands of quintals of rice, which was given under that scheme, is being smuggled and it has been sold in Mumbai and Mangalore cities. So, the local police have registered a case also, but no action has been taken. No people have been arrested in this case. So, I want to know the details of this scandal. Since how many years this is going on? Who are all involved? How many of them have been arrested so far? In the same way, the money sent by the Centre is not reaching the needy persons to whom it is meant. This is a serious issue.
There are many schemes proposed by the Centre, but the States are not implementing the same. So, I would like to request the Central Government to see to it that the schemes are implemented properly so that the farmers can utilise them. Programmes like agricultural credit, irrigation and rural infrastructure, restoring water bodies, water harvesting, flood control and diversification of agricultural produce and others require an excellent monitoring scheme. If this is not done, I have no doubt in my mind that our country will be like an Andheri Nagari Chowpat Raja. Hence, I hope the hon. Minister, Shri Chidambaram, will take appropriate steps in this regard.
Also, I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Finance Minister and the Prime Minister that long ago K.L.Rao had suggested that linking of rivers is important. He had also said that Ganga and Cauveri rivers have to be linked. Since we have the ritual discussion in this House almost every year on flood and drought, why do we not find out a permanent remedy for this perennial tragedy? I say this is a tragedy because if we do not give top priority to water supply related programmes, water shortage is going to be the most serious crisis in the 21st century. So, I request the hon. Finance Minister and the Prime Minister to throw light on this also.
In my constituency, Kaveri district is the most backward area in Karnataka State. There is one Tunga river. Now, the Upper Tunga river project is going to be implemented. They are implementing this river without Malti reservoir. So, they have to construct a Malti dam in Malti river at Tirtahilli village in Shimoga district. So, this has to be considered.
In the Budget speech of the hon. Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, there is a mention about irrigation and rural infrastructure. I would like to bring to his kind notice that the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme was introduced in 1997, and 178 large and medium irrigation projects were identified. Out of which, only 28 projects have been completed. So, there are so many major irrigation projects which are to be completed immediately.
Whenever the Government of India is proposing a scheme, it is keeping the amount for such purpose. Now they have kept about Rs.2,800 crore for irrigation projects, but they have not given the particular plans and policies of the projects and how much amount is going to be given for each and every project. So, this has to be enlightened by the Government also. So, accordingly, the amount should be allocated to the respective projects also.
Kaveri district in my constituency is the most backward area. Therefore, one of the major industries has to be set up in my district to eradicate unemployment and also to develop my entire constituency.
There are food processing industries in Haryana and Punjab but there are no food processing industries in Karnataka. Therefore, a minimum of three food processing industries have to be set up in Karnataka and one of them should be located in my constituency.
In my constituency, we are growing a very good variety of chili at Byadagi. It is one of the best varieties in the international market but we are not providing a proper market for this chilli here. Therefore, we have to have a proper market and also get a good price for this chilli variety. For this, some arrangement should be made by the Central Government. Even last year, huge quantities of tomato were grown in Kolar and Bangalore but there were no buyers and so they had to be thrown out. So, marketing facilities should be provided so that the agricultural produce does not go waste again.
The Central Government proposes to introduce VAT this year. There is a proposal to set up a technical expert committee to go into the introduction of VAT for agricultural produce. I would request that on commodities like jowar and wheat zero per cent tax should be levied because we must look after the interests of the farmers. We must consider this aspect sympathetically.
I have a copy of my prepared speech which I could not complete due to paucity of time. I may please be allowed to lay the remaining part of my speech on the Table of the House.
* Sir, Karnataka State is reeling under severe drought for the last three consecutive years. There is acute shortage of water in Rajasthan. Tamil Nadu is always urging Karnataka to release more and more water. But in Assam and Bihar States, hundreds of people have lost their lives due to sudden floods. Why is this incident happening every now and then even after 57 years of our Independence?
Therefore, I demand that the Government of India should grant the following : At least two cold storages should be sanctioned to my Constituency. There is not even one major industry in Haveri. Hence it is very essential to set up an industry here to provide jobs to the unemployed youth and to develop the district. In States like Haryana, Punjab and others, we have a number of food processing industries. Why don’t the Centre have the same consideration towards Karnataka also. I request the Centre to set up minimum three food processing industries in Karnataka and at least one food processing industry should be sanctioned to Haveri.If we take up Upper Tungbhadra Project, 3 to 5 lakhs acres of land will be irrigated. It covers entire Haveri District but Byadagi taluk is not covered. Top priority should be given to implementation of the Upper Tungbhadra Project including Matti Reservoir.
Vaule-Added Tax is a proposal laid down by the Hon’ble Finance Minister for current year. They have advised Technical Expert Committee to work with States closely before the end of 2004. Hence, I request this Committee not be levy any Tax on agricultural produce like Jawar, chillies, cotton, groundnut, paddy, wheat, etc. 0% tax may be levied for seeds items.
Sir, in fact, I have many more genuine demands of the people of Karnataka and particularly the people of Haveri district. I shall bring them to your kind notice and to the knowledge of the Centre when participate in the Supplementary Budget. Sir, I thank you for permitting me to put forward my views on the General Budget 2004-2005 and with these words I conclude my speech.* * ------*This Portion of the Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA (ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I rise to support this Budget presented by the hon. Minister of Finance Chidambaramji.
I support this Budget because it is a rural-oriented and employment-oriented Budget. This would help to ameliorate the poverty in our rural areas.
I am sorry to say something here. The Union Territories are a part of India; they are not outside India. However, we find that the Union Territories are suffering everywhere. I have got this opportunity to speak at the fag end of the night. We do not have an Assembly in our Union Territory. So, only the Lok Sabha is the place where the grievances of the people of Andaman & Nicobar could be raised. I want to state that the Government should take enough care to see that these Assembly-less Union Territories are properly looked after.
During the last five years, the NDA Government was in power. As a result of their wrong policies and wrong actions, our Union Territory has become something like a prison. This is because there is a total ban on collection of cess on quarries and a total ban on wood-cutting. So, all the industries have been closed down. There is only one public sector undertaking, the Andaman & Nicobar Forest Plantation Corporation. That is also on the verge of closure. In such a situation, about one lakh people of our Union Territory out of a population of four lakh people have been rendered jobless. So, you can very well imagine the position. The hon. Minister of Finance is a good friend of ours. I expected that he would declare something for the benefit of the Union Territories but unfortunately he has not done that. I will make some suggestions to you and through you to the hon. Minister of Finance that during the late Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi’s time, he constituted an Island Development Authority which was one body. Two meetings meticulously used to be held one in Delhi and one either in the Andaman or in the Lakshadweep, the two island territories. At that time, the development and all these issues used to be discussed and then the policy was determined. But since seven or eight years, this Island Development Authority’s activity also is almost nil. Now, it is only for namesake and no activity is done. So, I would like to say that under such a condition, the hon. Minister of Finance should consider to again constituting the Island Development Authority. It is not only that, we are also citizens like others and we are not outside India. So, whenever you do anything, rights of the citizens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Punjab or any other place are same. But we are deprived of; we cannot participate in the President’s election. Our public has no say in the administration. There is one-man administration. Under such a condition, how things can be kept in control because it will be very difficult. Young people are gradually becoming restless.
As far as unemployment problem is concerned, I have already mentioned about it. If the Corporation is closed down, then about 25,000 people will be jobless because of direct or indirect employment.
Then, there are some encroachments. However, that is being removed. So, everywhere we are in a very bad shape. So, the Parliament of India and the hon. Members of Parliament will have to see that the small territories are not neglected because after all we are law-abiding people. We cannot go like many other places, the way they go. But if the Government of India and the Parliament do not consider our livelihood, the entire development activity will stop. There will be no road-construction activity, no building-construction activity and there will be nothing because you cannot collect sea-sand and you cannot collect stone. There will be no construction material and no wood and everything is stopped. So, under such a condition, I appeal to all of you, the Government, the hon. Prime Minister and the hon. Minister of Finance to consider these points and to create a package for these Union Territories. You are making a package for everywhere, but why not for the small territories. … (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM): Please support the Budget and we will support you. … (Interruptions)
SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA : We are supporting the Budget. … (Interruptions) There is no question of not supporting the Budget. … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA : I am concluding. I will not take much time because I am a very peaceful man. I would like to say only one thing that there is water problem and other problems are there. There are certain problems which need urgent attention of the Government.
Then one more suggestion I want to make. The suggestion is that we find that every now and then there are changes in the economic policies. These economic policies changes take place and when the earlier Government was, they had done in their own way. Then, UPA Government – our Government— has come and they have made some changes. But even frequently the disturbance is going on. So, there should be some consultation with all the State Finance Ministers, the hon. Minister of Finance and the hon. Prime Minister. Thereafter, there should be a common programme to finance economic policies which will continue for five or ten years. Once that is done, it will be applicable equally to any Government which comes to power. Then, the continuity of development will be better. That is my suggestion.
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to participate in the debate.
DR. K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, thank you so much for allowing me to take part in the discussion on General Budget 2004-2005. Since many of the former speakers have praised the positive points in the Budget, I do not go into the positive aspects of the Budget. Even though many aspects of the Budget go on par with the National Common Minimum Programme’s objectives, it receded from the NCMP in certain aspects like the move to raise the sectoral cap for FDI in telecommunication, civil aviation and insurance sector and also disinvestment of five per cent of holding of NTPC. As our Left leaders have pointed out, the Left parties will remain as watchdogs in implementation of NCMP of the UPA government.
Sir, I would straightaway go into certain sectors which have not found place in the annual Budget of the Government of India. As such, there are no welfare measures in the Budget regarding the fishermen folk. The coastal border of the country accounts for more than one-third of the boundary of our country. Kerala has got 590 kilometres of coastal border. More than one crore of people are residing along the sea coast of Kerala. The density of population is around 5,000 per square kilometre. Fishing is the major occupation of the people. More than 50,026 fishing crafts are there in Kerala according to 1999 census, that is 100 crafts per square kilometre. Fisheries sector is providing Rs. 6,928 crore to the nation’s exchequer from exports of fisheries products. But in the annual Budget, this section of people are neglected. Only a meagre amount of Rs. 144 crore is allocated in the Budget for a section of people who are procuring Rs. 6,928 crore to the nation’s exchequer. Some welfare measures should be directed to poor fishermen whose occupation is of very adventurous nature.
The traditional fishermen are facing acute shortage of kerosene oil used for their outboard engines used in fishing boats. Only one-third of their requirement is supplied from the Central Government. So, they have to resort to private agencies who charge a very huge price. So, adequate quantity of kerosene oil should be supplied for the traditional fishermen. The subsidy on imported kerosene oil has to be waived off by the Central Government. So, I humbly request the hon. Minister of Finance to reintroduce the subsidy on kerosene oil used by the traditional fishermen folk.
The outboard engines used by the traditional fishermen carry heavy customs and excise duties. It should be waived off by the hon. Minister as he has waived off the duties on tractors used by the farmers.
The relief-cum-saving scheme existed for the traditional fishermen in which some amount is collected from the fishermen and equal share is contributed from the State and Central Government. But the Central Government has withdrawn this contribution. This has to be reintroduced.
The coastal margin has to be considered as the boundary of the nation and has to be protected. Most of the time, every year sea erosions take place and many of the fishermen lose their houses. Out of Rs. 77,000 crore allotted for the defence, adequate amount has to be earmarked for the protection of seashore from sea erosion. Sea walls have to be constructed and strengthened. The Government has to withdraw the licences given to the deep sea fishing vessels. No more licence should be given as it will destroy the marine fisheries.
The Murari Committee has recommended the strengthening of traditional fishing groups. Allocation should be made for strengthening of the traditional fishing groups. Funds allotted for the construction of harbours should be allotted for construction of mini-harbours and to construct breakwaters.
The coir industry of Kerala is also important. Out of Rs. 100 crore allotted for the traditional industries, only Rs. 16 crore have been allotted for coir industry. The co-operative sector forms the backbone of the coir industry. So, rebate has to be given to the co-operative sector in order to strengthen the co-operative societies.
Because of the emergence of middlemen, that is, depot system, small-scale coir manufacturers are not getting the profit of the industry. Only the depot holders and the exporters are getting the maximum benefit. So, minimum export price and floor price for the coir products have to be re-introduced.
Houseboat tourism is gaining importance in Kerala. So, some budgetary allocation has to be given for the houseboat tourism.
श्री हरिसिंह चावड़ा (बनासकांठा) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, वित्त मंत्रीजी ने जो बजट प्रस्तुत किया है, वह बहुत अच्छा बजट है। समाज के हर वर्ग को उससे खुशी हुई है। इसके लिए वित्त मंत्री जी धन्यवाद के पात्र हैं और मैं इस बजट का अनुमोदन करता हूं।
महोदय, जिस प्रकार मां अपने बच्चे....
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आप बजट के बारे में बोलें, तो ज्यादा अच्छा होगा।
श्री हरिसिंह चावड़ा : अपने बच्चे का ख्याल रखती है, उसी तरह से वित्त मंत्रीजी को ख्याल रखना चाहिए। समाज के जो सबसे गरीब लोग हैं, पिछड़े हुए हैं, ऐसे लोगों के लिए बजट में ज्यादा प्रोवीजन करना चाहिए। जैसे मेरा निर्वाचन क्षेत्र बनासकाठा सबसे पिछड़ा हुआ क्षेत्र है। वहां हर साल अकाल पड़ता है और वहां पर कोई उद्योग नहीं हैं और अन्य सुविधायें भी नहीं हैं। मैंने वित्त मंत्रीजी और प्रधान मंत्रीजी से प्रार्थना की है कि वे इस क्षेत्र के लिए विशेष पैकेज देने की कृपा करें। इसके लिए मैं उनसे पुन: विनती करता हूं। इस क्षेत्र के विकास के लिए पीने का पानी की व्यवस्था की जानी चाहिए। इसी तरह किसानों के लिए ट्रैक्टर की व्यवस्था की है, लेकिन पर्याप्त मात्रा में बीज की सुविधा तथा उनके उत्पादन का उचित मूल्य मिले। इसके साथ खाद, बिजली और पानी की व्यवस्था की जानी चाहिए। समाज के जो सबसे गरीब वर्ग के लोग हैं, उनके लिए खास सुविधायें देने पर सरकार को विचार करना चाहिए।
महोदय, इतने सालों की आजादी के बाद भी हरिजन लोगों को सुविधायें नहीं मिली हैं। इनकी ओर सरकार को विशेष ध्यान देना होगा। आने वाले समय में हम भारत को कैसा बनाना चाहते हैं, इसके लिए बहुत जरूरी है कि हम अपने नौजवानों को शिक्षा के साथ-साथ संस्कृति दें। पैसा देकर ये लोग शिक्षा प्राप्त नहीं कर सकते हैं। इसलिए सरकार को इनकी ओर ध्यान देना चाहिए। सरकार कोई कदम नहीं उठाएगी, तो इन लोगों को तकलीफ होगी। शिक्षक हमारे गुरुजी होते हैं, वे हमारे बच्चों को शिक्षा ही नहीं संस्कार भी देते हैं और संस्कार देने वाले शिक्षक अच्छे से अच्छे होने चाहिए। इन शिक्षकों को पर्याप्त मात्रा में वेतन मिलना चाहिए। इनको ढ़ाई हजार वेतन देंगे, तो काम कैसे चलेगा, कम से कम इनको पांच से सात हजार रुपए देने चाहिए। समाज के अच्छे से अच्छे लोगों के हाथ में बालकों का भविष्य देना चाहिए। शिक्षकों को शिक्षक नहीं समझा जाता है। मैं ऐसा मानता हूं कि अच्छे शिक्षकों की भर्ती होनी चाहिए और उन्हें अच्छा वेतन देना चाहिए। मैं वित्त मंत्री जी से विनती करता हूं कि वह पिछड़े क्षेत्रों खास तौर से बनासकांठा क्षेत्र को सारी की सारी सुविधाएं दे। आज वहां बारिश नहीं हुई जिससे वहां के लोग बहुत परेशान हैं। वहां पीने के पानी की तकलीफ है। ऐसी स्थिति में गवर्नमैंट कोई न कोई सुविधा या पैकेज दें तभी हमारा क्षेत्र बचेगा। ऐसी विनती करते हुए मैं बजट का अनुमोदन करता हूं।(इति) DR. KARAN SINGH YADAV (ALWAR): Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I did not know that my name was there in the list of speakers. But as you have called my name, I would like to take a few minutes and very shortly present the problems of my State. First of all I would like to state that I support this Budget.
I would like to bring to the hon. Finance Minister’s kind notice the problem of severe drought in Rajasthan. With the special geographical condition of Rajasthan, it needs some special attention from the hon. Finance Minister. The State has sand-dune, and 56 per cent of the area of the State need special kind of privilege like the privileges enjoyed by States like Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh.
I would also like to request the hon. Finance Minister to grant more money for the Rajasthan Canal Project, which has been lying incomplete for the last 50 years. It is the lifeline of Rajasthan, and it needs much more attention from the Government side.
In my own constituency of Alwar in Rajasthan we have a big industrial area called the Malaviya Industrial Area (MIA) that is lying absolutely dormant or non-active. Approximately, eight years or ten years back, there was a large industrial township, which is now more or less deserted. So, I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Finance Minister to look into the problems that are faced by the MIA in Alwar. Please figure out some methods and devices that can be resorted to in order to further enhance the industrial climate in that particular area.
The last submission, through you, to the Government is that the Excise Duty on edible oils should be reduced. The last Government created a lot of big industries in the Kutch area, where large plants had come up. They are importing edible oils, and it has jeopardised the growth of the small-scale industries, seed growers, and oil plants in the country. As a result of this measure, the prices of oil seeds have come down. One the one hand we should equate the prices, and on the other we should increase the Customs Duty on edible oil. The crude, which comes from foreign countries to the Kutch port, is the basic reason for the small industries in States like Rajasthan not growing. It is a big problem, and I hope that the hon. Finance Minister will take some action in this regard too.
Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, with these few words I thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on the General Budget.
SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY (DHENKANAL): Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Satpathy, I would be able to give you only two minutes to speak.
SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY: Sir, I will abide by your instructions. Two of my learned colleagues have already mentioned that the study loans has been a consistent problem with a lot of students. The hon. Finance Minister has also mentioned about the study loans in his Budget speech. The way in which he expressed it made it seem as if it would be easy for the students to get study loan.
I would like to give an example of a student who was trying to get admission in the AMITY institute four days ago in Orissa. AMITY is a private educational institution, and that student needed a loan of Rs. 4 lakh. He went to three banks, namely, the State Bank of India, the UTI Bank, and the Bank of India and they all said that the Budget is a joke. They said that they have no information about it, and said that the Government has not informed them about anything like that. They said that they do not give loans like this. They asked him to bring somebody who was a PAN cardholder or a person who could stand as a guarantee or someone who is able to give them some collateral money. They were not even willing to accept land as guarantee. They told him that if he can get some collateral then only they would be able to give him loan. So, it is a joke.
The next thing is, the hon. Finance Minister claims that a lot of money has been given for horticulture and floriculture. On one side, learned comrade has already spoken about this. There are no FCI godowns in most of the States of this country where you can store what the farmers produce. Cold storages in this country or cold floor is very limited. Wherever there are cold storages, maintenance is very poor. I do not know about Punjab or a few other States, but in most States, there is acute shortage of electricity and the cold storages do not work. Most of the cold storages do not have generators which can keep them going. So, what happens is where you have perishable products like flowers and vegetables being produced with intense investment in them, if you cannot store them, it has no meaning. So, this is a lopsided Budget. I think, this Budget will only hamper the growth of this country.
As you know, four per cent tax has been increased on steel. That will have a negative impact on growth.
The last point I would like to say is, by bring up the base limit of personal income-tax to one lakh, supposedly, the Government is going to incur a big loss. As of now, the Government has not made paying income-tax an enjoyable experience for any Indian citizen. A PAN card holder is a non-entity in this country. He gets no benefit from the PAN card. It does not work as an identity card. He gets no priorities in simple things like train reservations, air reservations, electricity or buying land or anything. The PAN card is a useless piece of plastic which has no value in this country.
My humble submission to the Government, through you, Sir, would be if the Government can conceive of a project by which the PAN card becomes a relevant document and an identity, a thing of pride for the holder, then people would volunteer to pay income-tax. People would come up and say, ‘I would like to have a PAN card. I am willing to pay the Government income-tax even if I am below one lakh as an earning person. Please give me the PAN card because I will get so many benefits.’ It should entail, compulsorily, mandatorily, a minimum guarantee of insurance, say of Rs. 50,000 or Rs. 1,00,000. He or she should have certain benefits attached to it.
Finally, to sum up my speech -- there are a few other points, I will not mention it -- what I would like to say is that there has been no imagination, no drive, no interest put into this Budget. It is a Budget which is lifeless, which is aimless and it is not going to take the country to any greater heights of economic independence.
SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN (PALANI): Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support the Budget for 2004-05.
Our hon. Finance Minister, Shri Chidambaramji, submitted a very excellent Budget upon the advice of our leader, hon. Soniaji, and our hon. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji. He has covered all the areas, like agriculture, health, textiles, education etc. He has given more importance to agriculture. He announced a number of schemes to agriculturists. In this connection I want to mention one point, which is about the launching of "National Horticulture Mission" to double the horticulture production and also to encourage horticulture, it is decided to set up a State-level Cooperative Society in Anand Model for promoting horticulture. This has to be applied to medicinal plants and other important crops also.
In my constituency, there is a plant by the name ‘Gloriosa Superba’. It’s root is exported to Italy, France, Germany and Swiss. It is called as "KANNUVAZHI KILANG". It is purchased by one Altica International New Delhi through the agents in Mulanur, Markampatti, Rajapalayam and Jayakondam. They are purchasing it from the agriculturists by paying Rs. 400 per one kilo, but Exporting to foreign countries at the rate more than Rs. 2,400. They are sucking the blood of the agriculturists. The agriculturists are investing huge money for developing the above plant. Hence, these kinds of medicinal plants have to be purchased by the Government of India through the State level Cooperative Societies Union of India has to set up State level Co-operative Society like Horticulture. It is only then that the growers of "Gloriosa superba" will get a price not less than Rs.2000 per kilogram.
There are more than a lakh of "Tapioca" planters and thousands of "Sago" factories in Tamil Nadu. The previous Government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand to import starch at a customs duty of 30 per cent. To safeguard the interests of the Tapioca planters and Sago factory owners, this Government has decided to raise the customs duty from 30 per cent to 50 per cent. It is a welcome step and it must be implemented immediately. Customs duty on Palm oil is increased from 70 per cent to 75 per cent. In our area and in Kerala, coconut and other oilseeds are in abundance. So, customs duty on Palm oil must be increased to 100 per cent. Then only coconut growers and other oilseed producers will be saved.
My next point relates to Pensioners and Senior citizens. They are mainly depositing their money in the nationalised banks. They live on the interest accrued on their deposits. Now, the interest rates are reduced. Hence, they are affected badly. The senior citizens must be given 12 per cent rate of interest on their deposits.
I thank the hon. Finance Minister for safeguarding the power loom owners and handloom weavers in my Constituency, and also particularly in my area, by cancelling the ‘Cenvat’, the tax imposed by the previous Government.
Another important decision announced in the Budget 2004 is setting up of a Desalination Plant at Chennai. For a number of years, people residing in Chennai have been undergoing many troubles due to lack of water. The residents of Chennai are thankful to the Finance Minister for this. That scheme has to be started immediately.
Hon. Finance Minister is a senior Advocate in the Supreme Court. So, he would appreciate this well. State Governments are responsible for funding the judicial institutions. However, no State Government is giving any money for construction of buildings and providing infrastructure facilities to the mofussil courts. So, the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India has to allocate special funds for development of infrastructure facilities in courts in Talukas and Districts.
Finally, I request the hon. Finance Minister to waive the interest and penal interest payable by the poor farmers to cooperative institutions. With these words, I extend my total support to the Budget.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: List of speakers on General Discussion on the General Budget is finished. Reply of the Finance Minister will be today at 2 p.m.