Further Discussion On The Supplementary Demands For Grants In Respect Of Budget ... on 14 December, 2012

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Lok Sabha Debates

Further Discussion On The Supplementary Demands For Grants In Respect Of Budget ... on 14 December, 2012

> Title: Further discussion on the Supplementary Demands for Grants in respect of Budget (General) for 2012-13 (Discussion concluded).

MADAM SPEAKER: The House shall now take up Item No.18. Shri Arjun Roy to speak.

श्री अर्जुन राय (सीतामढ़ी):महोदया, सप्लीमेंटरी डिमांड्स फार ग्रांट्स पर कल बहस शुरू हुई और आज मैं फिर इसका शुभारम्भ कर रहा हूं। माननीय मंत्री जी की एक स्टेटमेंट से मैं इस बहस को शुरू करना चाहता हूं जिसमें फिसकल डेफिसिट को कम करने के लिए मंत्री जी ने एक योजना बनाई है और उस योजना को एक कार्यक्रम के माध्यम से मंत्री जी ने देश को बताने की कोशिश की है कि 12वीं पंचवर्षीय योजना के अंत तक जो घाटा वर्तमान में 5.3 प्रतिशत आंका गया है वह 3 प्रतिशत तक चला जाएगा।“The Finance Minister wants to cut the fiscal deficit to 3 per cent by 2016-17.” यह मंत्री जी का बयान है और मंत्री जी ने देश को बताने का काम किया है कि 12वीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में देश पर जो आर्थिक संकट है, उसके लिए रास्ते निकल जाएंगे। मंत्री जी के बयान और इनके कार्यक्रम को देखने का मौका मिला है, जिसमें मंत्री जी ने बताया कि वर्ष 2013 तक यह फिसकल डेफिसिट 5.3 प्रतिशत रहेगा, वर्ष 2013-14 में यह 4.8 प्रतिशत, वर्ष 2014-15 में 4.2 प्रतिशत, वर्ष 2015-16 में 3.6 प्रतिशत और वर्ष 2016-17 में तीन प्रतिशत हो जाएगा। यह सुनने से बहुत सुखद अनुभव होता है कि आज देश की जो वित्तीय स्थिति है, देश की जो माली हालत है, इसमें सुधार होने की गुंजाइश है।

12.54 hrs (Dr. M. Thambidurai in the Chair) लेकिन मंत्री जी ने किस आधार पर देश को यह बताने का प्रयास किया या देश को गुमराह करने का प्रयास किया कि यह फिसकल डेफिसिट 12वीं पंचवर्षीय प्लान में घटकर तीन प्रतिशत तक चला जाएगा। यह माननीय मंत्री जी का बयान है। मुझे लगता है कि केलकर समिति की रिक्मेंडेशन के आधार पर माननीय मंत्री जी ने बयान देने का काम किया है। वहीं केलकर समिति की जो सिफारिश है, वह यह कहती है कि जो वर्तमान वाली हालत है, वर्तमान अर्थ-व्यवस्था है, उसके मुताबिक इस साल के अंत तक 6.1 प्रतिशत फिसकल डैफिसिट रहेगा और मंत्री जी 5.3 प्रतिशत कहते हैं।

हम आपके माध्यम से सरकार से यह जानना चाहते हैं कि जब 2012-13 का बजट पेश हुआ, प्रणब दा उस समय वित्त मंत्री थे। उन्होंने देश के सामने बजट पेश किया और उस समय साल भर के लिए आकलन किया गया ताकि फिसकल डैफिसिट साल के अंत तक 5.1 प्रतिशत होगा और मंत्री जी स्वयं स्वीकार करते हैं कि 5.1 प्रतिशत संभव नहीं है। मंत्री जी का बयान है: He admitted that the fiscal deficit target of 5.1 per cent stated in the Budget was challenging. He said that ‘I think, part of my job is to tell the truth as I see it. I think, 5.1 per cent is challenging and 5.3 per cent is do-able. So, we intend to work hard and achieve 5.3 per cent.’ He admitted this. यानी 5.3 प्रतिशत डय़ूरेबिल है। इसके लिए वे कठिन मेहनत करेंगे। क्या कठिन मेहनत करने से फिसकल डैफिसिट घट सकता है?

इसीलिए हमें लगता है कि वर्तमान में जो लक्ष्य था, उससे फिसकल डैफिसिट इनका बढ़ रहा है और वह बढ़ता ही जा रहा है। एक तरफ इंफ्लेशन बढ़ रहा है औऱ दूसरी तरफ फिसकल डैफिसिट बढ़ रहा है तथा तीसरी तरफ जीडीपी की ग्रोथ में कमी हो रही है यानी देश की अर्थ-व्यवस्था जीर्ण-शीर्ण अवस्था में है। माननीय मंत्री जी अपने वक्तव्य से देश को गुमराह कर रहे हैं। मंत्री जी यहां नहीं हैं और इन्होंने केलकर समिति की सिफारिश के आधार पर कुछ बातें कही हैं। मंत्री जी ने कहा है कि फिसकल डैफिसिट कम करने के लिए हम प्लान साइज और नॉन प्लान साइज को कम कर देंगे। हम आपसे यह जानना चाहते हैं कि प्लान साइज से देश का विकास होता है और लोगों को रोजगार मिलता है। उद्योग धंधे स्थापित होते हैं। अगर इसके क्षेत्र में बजट में कमी की जाती है तो निश्चित रूप से बेरोजगारी बढ़ेगी, उद्योग-धंधे स्थापित नहीं हो पाएंगे।...( व्यवधान)सभापति जी, अभी मैंने शुरु ही किया है, MR. CHAIRMAN : You have already spoken yesterday.

श्री अर्जुन राय : सभापति जी, देश का निर्माण ठीक से नहीं हो पाएगा और इस आधार पर खर्च को रोककर फिसकल डैफिसिट कम करना देश के लिए हितकारी नहीं है। सरकार का एक और पक्ष एक उदाहरण के माध्यम से बताना चाहता हूं। आर्थिक स्थिति सुदृढ़ करने के लिए सरकार ने जो प्रयास किये हैं, उनको सुनने के बाद आपको हंसी आएगी औऱ इस देश में सरकार द्वारा किये गये कार्यक्रम औऱ इनकी जो गतिविधियां हैं, उन पर देश को शर्म आएगी। माननीय मंत्री जी ने क्या किया है, मैं आपको बताता हूं। मेरे पास एक अद्भुत उदाहरण है। दुनिया में गेहूं की उपलब्धता घट रही है और गेहूं और चावल के जो मार्केट मूल्य हैं, दुनिया में बढ़ रहे हैं। जब दुनिया में मूल्य बढ़ रहे हैं तो डिमांड बढ़ेगी और यदि उपलब्धता कम होगी तो डिमांड बढ़ेगी और इसका मूल्य बढ़ रहा है। इससे प्रोत्साहित होकर सरकार ने चावल, गेहूं के निर्यात पर से प्रतिबंध हटाकर इसे गैर-प्रतिबंधित कर दिया। निर्यात के लिए जो टेंडर किया गया है, उसके मुताबिक जो लोग खरीदने के लिए तैयार हुए हैं, ...( व्यवधान)सभापति जी, अभी तो मैंने बोलना ही शुरु ही किया है, MR. CHAIRMAN: Please wind up.

श्री अर्जुन राय : सर, तीन चार मिनट औऱ दे दीजिए। मैं सब बोल दूंगा। विदेशी कंपनियों के माध्यम से गेहूं खरीदने की जो तैयारी हुई है, वह 17000 से 18000 रुपये प्रति टन है लेकिन देश की गेहूं की इकोनॉमिक कॉस्ट 19000 रुपये टन है। हमारे कहने का मतलब यह है कि जब देश में इसकी 19000 रुपये प्रति टन है तो 17000-18000 रुपये बेचने से देश का यह निर्यात देश के लिए लाभकारी होगा या अहितकारी होगा?

दूसरे, जो फूड प्रोसैसिंग के प्रोडक्ट्स हैं,उनके उत्पादन पर सरकार ने ध्यान नहीं दिया और 2011-12 में इन्होंने लगभग 39000 करोड़ रुपये का निर्यात किया और 2010-2011 में 15000-16000 करोड़ के आसपास किया। कहने का मतलब इन्होंने दुगुना से अधिक निर्यात किया लेकिन जो इंडैक्स बताता है,...( व्यवधान)

MR. CHAIRMAN: You have already taken 15 minutes. Please wind up.

…( व्यवधान)

श्री अर्जुन राय : सभापति जी, दो मिनट का समय मुझे बोलने के लिए और दे दीजिए। दो मिनट में मैं कुछ महत्वपूर्ण आंकड़े बताना चाहता हूं जिससे सरकार की पोल खुलेगी। जो निर्यात में वृद्धि हो रही है लेकिन जो इंडैक्स बताता है, जो महंगाई की दर है, वह खाद्य पदार्थ और फल-सब्जी में सबसे ज्यादा है। लेकिन उत्पादन पर आपने ध्यान नहीं दिया केवल निर्यात में आपने बढ़ोतरी की ।

13.00 hrs सरकार ने 2012-13 में प्लान साइज 5,21,025 करोड़ रुपए तय किए थे। मेरे पास अक्टूबर महीने तक का सरकारी रिकॉर्ड है। इन्होंने मात्र 43 प्रतिशत खर्च किया है। 43 प्रतिशत सरकार ने प्लान साइज़ में खर्च किया है। नॉन प्लान साइज़ में 57 प्रतिशत खर्च किया है। सरकार कहती है कि हमारा माइनोरिटी कम्युनिटी के प्रति कमिटमेंट है। लेकिन माइनोरिटी के क्षेत्र में अक्टूबर तक कितना खर्च किया है? इन्होंने 23 प्रतिशत प्लान साइज का खर्च किया है।

MR. CHAIRMAN: Please wind up now. It is 1 o’clock.

श्री अर्जुन राय: कहने का मतलब यह है कि सरकार का जितना भी बजट है, जितने भी खर्च के लिए सरकार ने प्रयास किया है, वह नॉन-प्लान साइज़ में किया है। वी.के. चतुर्वेदी की रिकमेंडेशन केंद्रीय योजनाओं की संख्या कम करने की थी। मुख्यमंत्री नीतिश कुमार जी ने भी आग्रह किया था, वकालत की थी कि केंद्रीय योजनाओं की संख्या कम की जाए लेकिन भारत सरकार ने वित्त मंत्रालय की अनुशंसा के बावजूद केंद्रीय योजनाओं की संख्या कम न करके बढ़ाने का काम किया है। संघीय ढांचा बताता है कि राज्य का सेवा का काम है और केंद्र की राजस्व प्राप्ति की जिम्मेदारी है। सरकार ने संघीय ढांचे पर कुठाराघात करने का काम किया है। सेवा के क्षेत्र में राज्य को योजना बनानी थी, इन्होंने राज्य की अनुशंसा का अवलोकन नहीं करते हुए, ध्यान नहीं करते हुए, संघीय ढांचे पर कुठाराघात किया है। सरकार वर्तमान में सप्लीमेंटरी डिमांड्स फार ग्रांट्स लाई है, मुझ में इसका समर्थन करने की हिम्मत नहीं होती है।

इन्हीं बातों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।

MR. CHAIRMAN: We shall skip lunch hour. Those hon. Members who want to lay their written speeches are allowed to lay their speeches on the Table of the House.

Now, the next speaker is Prof. Saugata Roy.

PROF. SAUGATA ROY (DUM DUM): Sir, can I speak right now?

MR. CHAIRMAN: Yes. We are continuing the discussion as there is no lunch break. Hence, you can start speaking.

PROF. SAUGATA ROY: Sir, I rise to speak on the Supplementary Demands for Grants. The Government has asked for a Supplementary Demand of Rs. 32,119.50 crore on 60 Grants and two Appropriations. Normally, the rule is that in discussing the Supplementary Demands one should confine to the Grants included. But I have listened to so many speakers and none of them have stuck to the Grants. So, with your permission, I shall take up some extraneous matters.

Firstly, let me speak about the State of West Bengal. A new Government has come to power in 2011. When this Government came to power, it had a total outstanding debt of Rs. 2,03,000 crore. Annually, the Government is bearing an interest burden of more than Rs. 20,000 crore. Our Government has represented many times to the Centre to give a moratorium on this loan for three years. The loans incurred by another Government for 34 years should not be a burden on us. Unfortunately, the Central Government has not responded to West Bengal’s pleas so far, and there is no such proposal to grant any moratorium or debt relief in this Supplementary Budget. So, let me, on behalf of the people of West Bengal, whose development is being curtailed due to this huge loan and interest burden, for their development purpose this moratorium should be granted. This is our demand.

West Bengal is not the only debt-stressed State. According to the last Finance Commission, there are three States in India that have got big debts, namely, West Bengal, Punjab and Kerala, and West Bengal is at the top of the list. I do not object if the other debt-stressed States are given some relief, but relief we must give. This is my first demand.

Second, these Rs. 32,000 crore are mainly being taken through the Supplementary Demands for Grants to meet the subsidy cost, that is, Rs. 28,l500 crore for petroleum products, and Rs. 3,000 crore for fertilisers. Earlier, the Government was saying that it shall cut down on subsidies, but subsidy is still being continued.

In this context, I must mention this that we are against cutting of subsidies in the name of reforms which is why we had protested against the raising of diesel prices and capping of LPG cylinders. We believe, in a developing, welfare State, subsidies are a must. I am glad that the Finance Minister has said that somewhere.

The Kelkar Committee said in its report that all food subsidies should be done away with. I saw Mr. Chidambaram responding to that by saying, ‘No, subsidies will be necessary’. I would request him not to remove the existing subsidies.

There is pressure on Mr. Chidambaram to immediately give subsidy on food. I will say that he must first preserve the existing subsidies and then, when the economy stabilises, then he can go for more subsidies. Please do not give subsidies for political or electoral purposes which is what the Government is planning to do.

I agree that the economic situation in the country is in a very bad shape. This winter can be called a winter of discontent. If you see, Sir, our rate of growth has gone down to 5.3 per cent in the last quarter. Inflation rate is roughly 7.5 per cent, and food inflation is touching the double digit. The value of rupee is going down. It is more than Rs. 55 per dollar. The economy is in a very bad shape. You also know that exports are also not very encouraging. It has contracted for the seventh straight month and the trade deficit has widened. Now, they are saying that the third quarter growth may be lower than 5.3 per cent because of poor performance by the farm sector.

I saw a very nice statement by the Chief Economic Advisor. The Finance Ministry has a new team – there is a new Finance Minister; a new Chief Economic Advisor after Dr. Basu had gone. The new Chief Economic Advisor is from the IMF. I do not agree with the IMF line, but the new Chief Economic Advisor has made a sensible statement which I want to point out to the Finance Minister. He said that we must tap the domestic sources of growth to spur the economic activity. That is what I would also like to say that rather than the Prime Minister taking the route that only FDI in the economy will develop the economy, they should take more steps to spur domestic economic activity.

It is true that the value of rupee is falling. One reason is that exports have suffered. They have suffered because of the Euro Zone crisis, particularly in the European Union. But slowly, the European Union, USA, China and Brazil are coming out of their bad economic situation. Our industrial output has risen by eight per cent in October. However, one should not be too encouraged when this is compared to the low base last year. Our economy is yet to show enough signs of recovery.

I again say that no growth can be entirely a spotlight and no growth should be absolutely dependant on FDI and I also want to say that the reforms which the Government is talking of cannot shut down the throat of the people. Reforms can be achieved by consensus. The Government wants Banking Reforms, which is opposed by a majority section of the politics. The Government wants Insurance and Pension Reforms. We, on our part will oppose raising of the FDI in Insurance to 49 per cent and also raising of FDI in the Pension Sector. We have already opposed. Sir, along with you, FDI in multi-brand retail, we said that rather than boosting the economy, it will be a big jolt, it will be a backward movement. The Government should not have forced it. They should have tried to have some consensus. Otherwise, the Government must understand the results which will be politically disastrous. I do not object if they say that they will not give subsidy to affluent sections. It is the Government’s responsibility of devising ways so that subsidy goes to the targeted people.

Three and a half years ago, you had announced Aadhaar, Unique Identification Authority so that the subsidy will go to the deserving people. I want to ask why after three and a half years you have not been able to do that. At one go, you are raising the prices of LPG, fertilizers, diesel and you are saying that subsidy should not go to the rich. If there has been any failure in targeting subsidy, it has been that of the Government. I again want to say on petroleum, Rs. 28,500 crore subsidies were proposed in this Budget. But our own production has to be improved. Look at what is happening in the Krishna-Godavari Basin. The Reliance has been given the contract. They are limiting the production, they are trying to control the price and Sir, it would not be out of place Mr. Jaipal Reddy, please pardon me to say that the former Petroleum Minister was removed from his Ministry because of the dispute with the Reliance. This is not right. This sends the wrong signals that you do the FDI at the behest of the American Secretary of State. You removed an efficient Minister because of dispute with Reliance and now, again see that there is some proposal in the Ministry of Coal. They are giving Rs. 65,000 crore for the compensation. What a big loot of natural resources! You have given coal mines licenses to the people who have never produced coal. And now you have employed the CBI to find out which license are false. Is this not a loot of natural resources? On the one hand, Reliance loots Krishna-Godavari Basin. New people are coming and looting our coal reserves without the Government really gaining anything out of it. How can the economy develop if there is so much corruption, if there is so much crony capitalism? We must fight against this. This is my humble submission Sir.

Sir I also want to say that the Government must think of it. You would be surprised to know that it is cutting its own costs. You have been a long time Parliamentarian. See in the supplementary Budget, there are huge expenses for buying arms and machinery for Special Protection Group Rs. 50 crore and then providing the additional fund towards maintaining cost to Air India for VVIP travel Rs. 73 crore. We are concerned about the security of our VVIPs. But this is a poor country. Even in the Supplementary Budget you ask for Rs.123 crore for the protection of the VVIPs. We are supposed to cut down on the cost of Government. Where is the effort on the part of the Government to really cut down costs? Please take note of this matter.

The Supplementary Demands also provides some money for the Rajiv Avas Yojana. I want to mention that this Rajiv Avas Yojana was announced by the then President in 2009 in her Address to the Joint Session of Parliament. Till today, this Yojana has not taken off. I promised many people that it would be a slum free India in three years. This slum free India project has not even taken off. Now they are asking for Supplementary Grants for the same.

Again, in this Supplementary Budget, they are giving Rs.2,000 crore for equity inclusion into Air India. Now the Government in all these times has not been able to announce the turn around plan for Air India. Just yesterday, my colleague Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was saying that Air India employees have not got their salary for the month of November up till now. They have not got their productivity linked incentives for almost six months. On the one hand, they are depriving the people and on the other, they are not able to announce the turn around plan. There is a talk of Air India going into private or foreign hands. They have allowed 49 per cent FDI in Civil Aviation. Air India is our national carrier. We, of course, want to save it. But there has to be a proper turn around plan. I have not seen such a turn around plan placed in this House.

Again in the Supplementary Budget, they are asking for Rs.2,000 crore. All I want to say is that this is the mid-term period. We will have the Budget in another two months. It is a very serious economic situation. The previous Finance Minister had announced that the fiscal deficit would be controlled at 5.1 per cent. Now, people are forecasting that it would go up to 5.8 per cent. Inflation is rising. What is the Government’s plan except announcing FDI? It has to really turn around the economy. I do not see any such effort in the proposal for the Supplementary Demands. I want to say that we want growth with social justice. We want protection of the poor people who are given subsidy. We do not want subsidies to be given to rich people.

Lastly, we want moratorium on interest payment to the debt stripped States of which West Bengal is the first. We have no money to develop the State. We have to pay interest every month. Let us not be discriminated against on grounds of politics.

*श्री हंसराज गं.अहीर : सरकार द्वारा वर्ष 2012‑13 के लिए अनुदानों की अनुपूरक मांगों (सामान्य) को चर्चा तथा मतदान के लिए रखा गया है। इससे यह स्पष्ट होता है कि सरकार के बजटीय आकलन गड़बड़ा गये हैं। आज देश भयंकर महंगाई की मार झेल रहा है। सरकार ने अपने राजकोषीय घाटे को कम करने के लिए अन्य वित्तीय अनियमितता पर ध्यान देने की बजाय सबसिडी कम करने का आसान तरीका ढूंढा है। सरकार ने आम आदमी की जरूरत के घरेलू रसोई गैस सिलेंडर की संख्या सीमित करने का जनविरोधी निर्णय लिया है। इससे आम आदमी का जीना दुश्वार होगा। आज कम से कम एक परिवार में पांच लोग रहते हैं ऐसे में उन्हें छह सिलेंडर की सीमा के दायरे में लाना उचित नहीं होगा। देश में जीवनावश्यक वस्तुओं के दाम आसमान को छू रहे हैं। इसमें सिलेंडर की सीमा तय करने से आम आदमी पर कुठाराघात हो रहा है। सरकार इस पर विचार करे तथा सब्सिडीयुक्त सिलेंडरों की संख्या बढ़ाने का मैं आग्रह करता हूं।

देश में सिंचाई क्षेत्र में विषमता है। मैं नियम 377 के अंतर्गत इस मामले को सरकार के संज्ञान में लाया हूं। पंजाब, हरियाणा जैसे राज्यों में 80 से 90 फीसदी सिंचाई के कारण वहां के किसान साल में तीन फसलें लेते हैं। महाराष्ट्र में केवल 19 फीसदी सिंचाई है। हमारे यहां के किसान साल में मुश्किल से वर्षाजल आधारित केवल एक फसल लेते हैं। ऐसी विषमता होने के बावजूद सरकार द्वारा न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य तय करते समय इस विषमता को दरकिनार कर एक ही दाम सुनिश्चित किया जाता है इससे हमारे किसानों पर घोर अन्याय हो रहा है। हमारे यहां के किसानों को समान अवसर नहीं मिल रहा है। इसलिए हमारे क्षेत्र के किसान आत्महत्या के लिए प्रवृत्त हो रहे हैं। इसका सरकार को संज्ञान लेना होगा। सिंचाई विषमता सरकार द्वारा निर्माण की गयी है। इसलिए जब तक हमारे यहां सिंचाई सुविधा सार्वत्रिक नहीं होती तब तक हमारे यहां के किसानों को न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य के साथ केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा अधिक बोनस धनराशि दी जानी चाहिए। मैं सरकार से आग्रह करता हूं कि स्थिति कि भयावहता को देखते हुए सरकार इस बारे में तत्काल निर्णय ले। सभी क्षेत्रों में समान अवसर देने का प्रावधान किया गया है लेकिन सिंचाई क्षेत्र में विषमता के कारण यहां समान अवसर के नियम का उल्लंघन हो रहा है। इसका भी सरकार को ध्यान रखना होगा।

मैंने इसके पूर्व कई बार कहा है कि हमारे यहां प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के अकूत भंडार हैं। देश में उपलब्ध खनन भंडारों का देशहित में दोहन करने की नीति बनाने की आवश्यकता है। सरकारें आएंगी और जाएंगी लेकिन देश हित को सर्वाधिक प्राथमिकता देकर हमें खनन नीति बनाने की आवश्यकता है। इस सरकार ने कोयले के कैप्टीव ब्लाक निजी क्षेत्रों में आवंटित करने में नियमों में धांधली तथा अनियमितता करने के बारे में भारत के महानियंत्रक तथा लेखा परीक्षक (कैग) ने रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत कर सरकार को इस बंदरबाट के बारे में चेतावनी जारी की लेकिन सरकार चेतती दिखाई नहीं दे रही है। अगर हम हमारे प्राकृतिक और खनन संपदाओं का निजी क्षेत्रों में आवंटन करेंगे तो भविष्य में सरकार के सामने इन संसाधनों के आधार पर राजस्व जुटाने में समस्या आ सकती है। अतः मांग करता हूं कि सरकार द्वारा किए गए कोयले के निजी क्षेत्रों के सभी आवंटन रद्द करें तथा खनिज संपदाओं के दोहन हेतु एक राष्ट्रहितकारी नीति बनायें।

इस वर्ष पिछले वर्ष के मुकाबले कपास का उत्पादन कम हुआ है। पिछले वर्ष करीब 352 गांठों के मुकाबले इस वर्ष 334 गांठे उत्पादन होने के बावजूद कपास के दामों में विश्वस्तरीय मंदी के कारण देश में कपास के दाम गिर गये हैं। सरकार द्वारा समर्थन मूल्य पर खरीद केन्द्रों के द्वारा विलंब से खरीद करने से उन्हें निजी व्यापारियों को औने‑पौने दाम में कपास बेचना पड़ा है। इससे किसानों की इस साल काली दिवाली हो गई। वैश्विक स्तर पर कपास के दामों में आयी मंदी के कारण अमेरिका अपने यहां के किसानों को 22 हजार करोड़ रूपये की सब्सिडी दे रहा है। भारत सरकार को भी इसका अनुकरण करते हुए न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य के साथ कपास उत्पादक किसानों को हो रहे घाटे की प्रतिपूर्ति करनी चाहिए। कपास उत्पादक क्षेत्र यह किसान आत्महत्या प्रवण क्षेत्र कहलाता है। इस लिए स्थिति और बिगड़ने से पहले सरकार स्वयं संज्ञान लेकर उचित मुआवजा देने की घोषणा करने का मैं सरकार से आग्रह करता हूं।

देश के व्याघ्र अभयारण्यों तथा संरक्षित वन क्षेत्रों के अंतर्गत रहने वाले वन ग्राम तथा राज्यस्व ग्रामों में वन्य पशुओं के आतंक का बड़ा मामला सामने आया है। वन्य पशुओं द्वारा लोगों पर हमला करने उनके मवेशियों तथा खेतों में खड़ी फसलों पर आक्रमण करने से भारी नुकसान हो रहा है। वन बहुल क्षेत्रों में रहने वाले लोग तथा किसानों के हो रहे नुकसान का संज्ञान लेकर सरकार को उचित कार्रवाई करने की आवश्यकता है। वन क्षेत्रों में वन्य पशुओं जैसे बाघ, तेंदुआ और जंगली सुअर जैसे विनाशकारी पशुओं के लगातार आक्रमण के कारण अब वहां के किसान खेती करने के इच्छुक नहीं हैं। केवल खेतों में खड़ी फसलों के नुकसान के कारण हो रही हानि को देखते हुए किसान अपने कृषि कार्य से निवृत्त हो रहा है। यह स्थिति देश के लिए हितकारी नहीं है। अतः सरकार से मांग करता हूं कि सरकार महात्मा गांधी राष्ट्रीय रोजगार गारंटी योजना के अंतर्गत इन क्षेत्रों में सौर बाड तथा कंटीली बाड लगाने का विशेष प्रावधान करे तथा इस बारे में सभी राज्यों को दिशानिर्देश जारी कर इसके लिए विशेष धनराशि का आवंटन करे।

देश आज पेट्रोलियम उत्पादों का प्रमुख आयातक हो गया है। पेट्रोलियम उत्पादों के आयात हेतु हमें भारी विदेशी मुद्रा खर्च करनी पड़ती है। पेट्रोलियम उत्पादों के आयात पर निर्भरता खत्म करने के लिए हमें बायोडीजल पर ध्यान देना होगा। यह देश की आयात निर्भरता खत्म करने के साथ पर्यावरण हितकारी है। हमारे यहां के वनक्षेत्रों में बहुतायत में पाये जाने वाले मोहा, करंजी जैसे अन्य वन उत्पादों का अल्कोहोलिक उपयोग होने के साथ इसे बायोडीजल में उपयोग करने में आसानी है। सरकार ने 2003 में जटरोफा के वनीकरण हेतू राज्य सरकारों को सलाह तथा दिशानिर्देश जारी किए हैं। अगर सरकार जटरोफा की तरह मोहा, करंजी जैसे अन्य वन उत्पादों के वनीकरण हेतु राज्य सरकारों के दिशानिर्देश जारी करे तो भविष्य में यह बायोडीजल निर्माण का एक बड़ा जरिया बन सकता है। इसके लिए इन वन क्षेत्रों में रोजगार और निर्माण संयंत्रों के कारण उद्योगों और विकासों की बयार बह सकती है। वन क्षेत्रों में रोजगार उपलब्ध करने से इन क्षेत्रों में पनपे नक्सलवाद को भी यह प्रतिउत्तर साबित हो सकता है। इसलिए सरकार इसे गंभीर रूप में लेकर तत्काल निर्णय लेने की मैं मांग करता हूं।

सरकार ने अनुपूरक मांगों के चर्चा हेतु रखे गये प्रस्ताव में बेरोजगारों के बारे में कोई जिक्र नहीं किया है। एक सर्वेक्षण के अनुसार आज हम विश्व की सबसे बड़ी युवा आबादी वाले देश बने हैं। ऐसे में इन युवाओं को रोजगार उपलब्ध कराने की हमारी प्रमुख जिम्मेदारी होते हुए भी सरकार इस बारे में गंभीर नहीं है। सरकार द्वारा बेरोजगारी के मामले में दिए जा रहे आंकड़े को भी हम देखें तो देश में करोड़ो युवा आज रोजगार विहीन हैं। रोजगार सृजन कर बेरोजगारों को रोजगार उपलब्ध कराने में सरकार की नाकामी के कारण युवाओं में निराशा निर्माण हो रही है। यह स्थिति देश हित की नहीं है। इसलिए सरकार को रोजगार सृजन पर ध्यान देना होगा। ऐसी नीति बनानी होगी जिससे देश में बड़े पैमाने पर रोजगार उपलब्ध हो। आज शिक्षा के अवसर बढ़ने के कारण शिक्षित युवा रोजगार के लिए सरकार से अपेक्षा रख रहा है। इस युवा बेरोजगारों के अपेक्षापूर्ति हेतु हमें रोजगार सृजन प्राथमिकता देनी चाहिए। मैं सरकार से आग्रह करता हूं, सरकार शहरी युवाओं के साथ ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में भी रोजगार उपलब्ध कराने के लिए आवश्यक प्रयास करे। केवल विकास दर बढ़ने का पैमाना रखकर सरकार देश में उचित माहौल बनाने का लाभ नहीं उठा सकती। लोगों को वास्तविक में इसकी अनुमति होनी चाहिए। लेकिन खेद के साथ कहना पड़ता है कि सरकार इस मामले में असफल साबित हुई है। आज आम आदमी प्रताड़ित महसूस कर रहा है। देश के सभी वर्ग सरकार के कामकाज से असंतुष्ट हैं। अनिर्णय की स्थिति में सरकार द्वारा लिए जा रहे निर्णय जन विरोधी साबित हो रहे हैं। खुदरा क्षेत्र में प्रत्यक्ष विदेशी निवेश इसका ज्वलंत उदाहरण है। इसलिए सरकार इसे चेतावनी समझकर आम आदमी के लिए उचित निर्णय लेने का आग्रह कर मैं अपना वक्तव्य समाप्त करता हूं।

*DR. SANJEEV GANESH NAIK (THANE): First of all I want to say thanks to the UPA II Govt. for taking initiative for the common people by launching cash subsidy for the poor people in the country. The Govt. has started various schemes for needy and common people.

Around 42% of the population in the country belong to Urban areas and now a days the condition of poor people in the urban areas is not good. UPA Govt. has implemented JNNURM programme successfully in the Urban areas. I am a Member of Parliament from Thane (Maharashrta) an urban city where large number works are done under JNNURM. For this I want to specially thanks our Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji, Hon’ble UPA Chairman, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Shri P. Chidambaram, Hon’ble Finance Minister and National President Shri Sharad Pawar Ji. The funds which sanctioned to Govt. of Maharashtra under JNNURM in 1st Phase has fully utilized and I hope that in the 2nd Phase of JNNURM, Central Govt. will release more funds to Govt. of Maharashtra. Govt. has sanctioned funds but still there is demand of new roads, bridges, Foot over bridges, Railway over Bridges etc in all over Maharashtra. So, I would like to request the Government to provide more funds to Govt. of Maharashtra for this. Roads are the back bone of any development. So, special fund may kindly issued for construction of new roads in Maharashtra specially in MMRDA Region.

More than 80% people of the country are not getting pure drinking water. World Health Organization has issued guidelines in this regard from time to time but we are not able to fulfill it. So, Govt. should take immediate and necessary steps for providing proper drinking water in the country. We have to strengthen our distribution system of water so that wastage may be minimized. There is scarcity of water for irrigation. We have to improve our irrigation system so that Agriculture sector gets proper growth.

There is immediate requirement of proper sewage treatment in Micro City as well as in Metros. All the sewage of cities usually be dropped in the Rivers and seas without treatment which pollutes our water. The Govt. should allocate funds for installing of sewage water treatment plants so that recycled water can be utilized for Agriculture in the rural areas, parks, dying industries, washing vehicles, construction of buildings, cooling towers of air conditioners etc. Railways is an important mode of transport in our country. Railways is the life of line of Mumbai and sub-urban area. For the last three years as a Member of Parliament of Thane. I have tried to bring the problems of Railways into the notice of our Hon’ble Minister but I am not happy by the support given by the Govt. Thane being an historical Railways destination where first train was started in 1853. After more than 150 years of start of first train, the condition of Thane Railway station has not improved much beside the population of the city has increased many folds. The then Railway Minister Kumari Mamta Banerjee has declared Thane as World Class Staion but it is still on paper. No work has been started up till now. The condition of local train is also not in a good condition. The number of racks in the local trains have been increased from 9 to 12 and in some trains it is up to 15 but the trains running over capacity on Central Railway and Western Railway. So, there is an urgent need for increase of local trains in my constituency. If there is scarcity of funds, Govt. should look for PPP mode so that the work should be done.

In my constituency Navi Mumbai city we have around 9 stations, Thane, Mira Road and Bhayandar Station. In Navi Mumbai, CIDCO has constructed the Railway Stations but in Thane, Mira Road and Bhayandar Stations there is scarcity of funds so development could not be done. I request the Hon’ble Minister to grant more funds to reconstruct the old station for this as only 1 ½ years is left.

I am thankful to the Hon’ble Minister for increasing the MPLADS fund from 2 crores to 5 crores but in the large Constituency of Member of Parliament this fund is meager. I would like to request Hon’ble Minister to increase it to atleast 10 crores.

You had given good amount for the Urban poor people under Rajiv Awas Yojana started by the Govt. of India. The funds granted under this scheme is for maximum 300 Sq. Feet construction. I would like to request the Hon’ble Minister to increase the area to 500 Sq. feet so that joint families of urban poor people can live happily.

The Govt. has granted funds under JNNURM in which a large number of buses are purchased for the poor people in the cities. I would like to request the Govt. to start Metro Rails in the cities where population is more than 50 lakhs and Mono Rails in the towns where population is 15 lakhs. Madam, I hope that JNNURM Part II will be likely to start in coming Budget and Govt. will allocate more funds under this scheme.

I hope Govt. will consider all my requests to support common people of the country.

*SHRI C. SIVASAMI (TIRUPPUR) : A nation’s development is mainly dependent on so many reasons such as the development of poor people, providing self-employment opportunities to educated youth, and agricultural revolution leading to improvement in the lives of the farmers. It is the duty of the government to ensure this. But the development of our nation is affected because of the additional taxes that are imposed by the present Union Government. The income of the government through proper sources is affected because of the corrupt practices and there is a great loss to the public exchequer. Comptroller and Auditor General in a report stated that the estimated loss to the government on the auctioning of 2G Spectrum was to the tune of Rs. 1.76 lakh crore. It is for the government to accept its mistakes, and to take proper action so as to recover the money lost in the auctioning process. This is the solution. But the government is not ready to accept its fault. Rather it is denying that such a high level corruption has occurred and to prove this, it is conducting some more tendering processes and that is again creating doubt in our minds. It is a government which has failed in different spheres and this fact is deeply imprinted in the minds of the people. Corruption is seen at all levels in this government. To hide huge scams that have exploded one after the other, such as Commonwealth Sports scam, allocation of coal blocks scam, government is trying to divert the attention to various other issues during the current Session of Parliament. This attitude of the government is not good for the country as well as its financial condition. I wish to remind that it may also be dangerous to the future of our country.

With the available raw material in our country, we should encourage our youth to go. for self-employment. We should create proper guidelines for them so that they can get loans on low interest rates. Through this, we can pave way for creation of more industries. Inland and foreign trade may be improved and ultimately this will lead to the development of the nation.

Tirupur is one of the developing cities where garment industries have their bases. The move of the government to permit FDI in retail sector has endangered our trading community, at large. In the past, British came to India as traders and later they ruled us. Now we are once again inviting foreigners to come to our nation for trading and which will eventually lead to exploitation of our wealth and resources. This will be a danger to our democracy, as well.

Union government is very much interested in patronizing foreigners, rather it is partial towards matters relating to the people of different States of the Union. Tamil Nadu is a high revenue earning State for the Union government. But the Union government deny additional funds to Tamil Nadu, even after the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has requested for it. When Tamil Nadu government asks for more kerosene to the State, the Union government makes a cut to the existing supply of kerosene. When the State government asks for electricity from the Central Grid, then again it is denied. When we demand for total supply of the electricity generated in the Koodankulam Power Plant, in Tamil Nadu for the state of Tamil Nadu, the Union government do not have any reply to it. The Union government has time and again denied the State of Tamil Nadu its right and the State has been forced to go to the Hon’ble Supreme Court for restoration of its rights to get Cauvery river water for the people of the State.

Whenever the Tamil fishermen are attacked by the Navy personnel of Sri Lanka, the Union government forgets the fact that the fishermen of the State of Tamil Nadu also belong to India.

The Union government, which is earning more funds from the State of Tamil Nadu and giving back very minimal funds in return as central assistance, should come forward to release additional funds to the State of Tamil Nadu, as requested by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.

Union government should provide additional kerosene, additional electricity to the State of Tamil Nadu and should ensure protection of Tamil fishermen who are victims of attacks by the Srilankan Navy personnel in the international waters. Having in mind that Tamil Nadu belongs to the Indian Union, the government at the Centre should act on war-footing.

I urge upon the Union government to look into this matter.

* SHRI P. KUMAR (TIRUCHIRAPPALLI) : A nation’s development is mainly dependent on so many reasons such as the development of poor people, providing self-employment opportunities to educated youth, and agricultural revolution leading to improvement in the lives of the farmers. It is the duty of the government to ensure this. But the development of our nation is affected because of the additional taxes that are imposed by the present Union Government. The income for the government through proper sources is affected because of the corrupt practices and there is a great loss to the public exchequer. Comptroller and Auditor General in a report stated that the estimated loss to the government on the auctioning of 2G Spectrum was to the tune of Rs. 1.76 lakh crore. It is for the government to accept its mistakes, and to take proper action so as to recover the money lost in the auctioning process. This is the solution. But the government is not ready to accept its fault. Rather it is denying that such a high level corruption has occurred and to prove this, it is conducting some more tendering processes and that is again creating doubt in our minds. It is a government which has failed in different spheres and this fact is deeply impacted in the minds of the people. Corruption is visible at all levels in this government. To hide huge scams that have exploded one after the other, such as Commonwealth Games scam, allocation of coal blocks scam, government is trying to divert the attention to various other issues during the current Session of Parliament. This attitude of the government is not good for the country as well as its financial condition. I wish to remind that it may also be dangerous to the future of our country.

Tiruchchirappalli is a major town in Tamil Nadu with a population of 10.27 lakhs. People can go to Chennai, various southern districts and major towns of the State through Tiruchchirappalli. It is the connecting point. Union government has recently upgraded Tiruchy Airport as an International Airport. The district administration of Tiruchy and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma have sent written requests to the Union government to provide 164.68 acres of military land which is required for the expansion of Tiruchy Airport.

I urge upon, the Union government to pay attention to the demands of the State of Tamil Nadu and to provide the military land in Tiruchy to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on war-footing.

Tiruchy Municipal Corporation’s limit has been expanded recently. In order to meet the infrastructural requirements in the expanded region as well as in the existing areas of the Corporation, I sincerely request that Tiruchy Municipal Corporation should be included in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Part-II.

Union government is very much interested in patronizing foreigners, rather it is partial towards matters relating to the people of different States of the Union. Tamil Nadu is a high revenue earning State for the Union government. But the Union government deny additional funds to Tamil Nadu, even after the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has requested for it. When Tamil Nadu government asks for more kerosene, the Union Government reduces the existing supply of kerosene. When the State Government asks for electricity from the Central Grid, then again it is denied. When we demand for total supply of the electricity generated in the Koodankulam Power Plant, in Tamil Nadu for the state of Tamil Nadu, the Union government do not have any reply to it. The Union government has time and again denied the State of Tamil Nadu its right and the State has been forced to go to the Hon’ble Supreme Court for restoration of its rights to get Cauvery river water for the people of the State.

Whenever the Tamil fishermen are attacked by the Navy personnel of Sri Lanka, the Union government forgets the fact that the fishermen of the State of Tamil Nadu also belong to India.

I urge upon the Union government to look into these matters.

DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME (BOLPUR): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to speak on the Supplementary Demands for Grants (General), 2012-13. While participating in the discussion, I wonder whether we should support and vote for mismanagement of country’s finance of colossal magnitude. Should we support taking the country to the brink of an economic disaster? Should we support and vote for these Supplementary Demands which fail the people of this country in fulfilling their aspirations? Should we support and vote for increasing the miseries of the common man, aam admi? Should we vote for the Government for taking the country to a paradise of unchecked corruption through its disastrous economic policies?

The Government has made people suffer from the unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities including foodstuffs. Unemployment is left unchecked. There is massive deprivation of the vulnerable people of our society.

Recent surveys appearing in the mainstream media show that nearly half of Indian working class people did not get their customary festival bonus this year. More than 60 per cent of Indians reported spending less this year than in the previous years. On the other hand, confirming the widening gap between the two Indias, only 20 per cent boasted of spending more this season.

There are many other important issues apart from the menacing growth of corruption and the looting of natural resources in our country. It is a very shameful thing that it is going on unchecked. The impact of the economic slowdown is having a tangible effect on the people pushing more and more of them into growing misery.

The relentless rise in prices, which is called back-braking prices, especially of foodstuffs is leaving very little in the hands of the vast number of families after meeting their survival needs. This economic slowdown is leading to a larger degree of unemployment and salary squeezes. Factory output fell by 0.4 per cent in September this year. Exports fell by 1.63 per cent in October this year contracting for the sixth successive month. Job cuts and retrenchment are on the rise.

For the vast millions of rural Indians, the agrarian distress continues with farmers’ suicides simply not abating. About 2.9 lakh farmers have committed suicide so far in our country. This is the most tragic thing. In Bengal, about 90 farmers committed suicide in the last one and a half years of the incumbent Government.

Unchecked starvation deaths in the tea garden area in Bengal are going on and no Government is by their side. The so-called GDP below the downgraded projection of 2012-13 fiscal year is just 5.23 per cent. Recently IMF did forecast that it will go further down to 4.2 per cent from 6.9 per cent as projected.

The UPA-II Government tries to tackle the economic slowdown by proposing to march along with the GenNext reforms of financial liberalization, to attract greater inflow of foreign capital, the so-called, FDI and to increase the level of investment leading to higher growth. But the fundamental flaw of this diagnosis is that no amount of increased availability of funds will lead to growth, unless people have the necessary purchasing power to buy what is produced. The Government is clearly in the opposite direction, hoping that the growth will increase, but this is nothing but an illusion.

At a time when the global economic crisis has deepened, especially after the crisis in Euro Zone, and the US is facing the fiscal cliff, a global economic devastation is in the offing in 2013. US is the largest indebted country presently with about 16.4 trillion US dollar internal debt burden. This is more than its annual GDP growth, amounting to about 15 trillion US dollar. With this impending crisis, the international financial capital is in search of newer revenues for its profits and survival. Permitting such international financial capital to further enter Indian economy, through multi-brand retail trade, liberalizing to 51 per cent of FDI cap in the insurance and banking sector, in the pension funds, etc. would place humongous amount of working peoples’ life-long savings at the disposal of the foreign capital and its speculative activities, thus making Indian people extremely vulnerable to international financial fluctuations which will have disastrous consequences. Instead of focussing on expanding domestic demands through increased public investments, to build our much-needed infrastructure, to generate substantial new employment, the GenNext reforms will only lead to further contraction of domestic demand, leading to further heaping up of misery of common people.

Our Finance Minister, in the IMF meeting at Tokyo recently expressed concerns saying:

“Should the economic situation in the US worsen, its impact on emerging market economies will be much more severe than in the case of the situation in the Euro Zone.” This is the factual position of the internal economic situation in our country. So, against this backdrop, recently in a reply to a question in the Upper House, the Finance Minister stated that an amount of about Rs. 1 lakh crore, and to be exact, Rs.99,000 crore which was allotted for priority sector like infrastructure building in the rural areas, housing for the poor and flagship employment generation programme of MGNREGA, was unspent in the last fiscal year. This is the existing situation. On the contrary, we have to bear this burden by raising the prices of petroleum products, LPG cylinders and de-subsidization of fertilizers and other inputs in the agrarian sector. Against this backdrop, the situation is very gimmick and grim, and the Government is boasting of so-called economic growth. The Government should rethink and review their entire economic policy to rejuvenate our economy, to render actual justice to the aam aadmi, by way of food security, by way of employment security and by way of other social welfare benefits. So, the Government should rethink about its policy.

I have to refer to the North Eastern Region. It has smaller States. The State of Tripura especially, and other States also, are in great economic distress. The Government is depriving them, for a long time. Even in the last 11th Plan Period, the Tripura Government did not receive the appropriate allocation. So, they have been deprived. I request and urge upon the Finance Minister to look into this matter and the entire North Eastern Region should be given priority in their development of backward regions in different sectors.

With these words, I sincerely think that if the Government does not change the direction of policies in the economic front, it will be disastrous for our country. That is why, I am unable to support this Supplementary Demands for Grants.

SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA (KENDRAPARA): As I rise to speak on the Government’s Supplementary Demands for Grants, this august House must consider the context in which these Demands are made.

The hon. Finance Minister has been widely acclaimed in the past for his handling of the Indian economy, but the situation in which he has recently taken charge of this portfolio again is quite different. He has inherited a situation which is very different from what it was during his last stint. Rather than being fated and boasted about, this is an economy that is ailing. We can have people say that five per cent growth rate is still very high in the world. But that is not true. Five per cent is not high considering a country of India’s size and level of development which is still aspiring to really become a middle-income country.

Let us look at the impact that the current fiscal situation has on the aam aadmi, which this Government claims to represent so much. Look at the inflation figures. We are almost touching double-digit inflation. When you look at the consumer price index, the numbers have been discussed, but some inaccurate numbers have been stated. Let me cite the numbers as recently reported in a major national daily – November’s report has just come out – it says that the inflation is at 9.9 per cent, which is knocking at the doors of double-digit inflation. If you look at what was the case in September and October, it was 9.73 per cent and 9.75 per cent, which means that the trend is worsening, steadily, but gradually.

If you look at the items that particularly impact the average citizens, we have consumables like oils and fat, which every household requires for cooking. In November, it has grown on an annualized basis of 17.67 per cent; it is totally beyond the means of aam aadmi. If you look at sugar, it was 16.97 per cent. If you look at pulses - 14.19 per cent; vegetables – 14.74 per cent; and for non-vegetarians, it is not very much better. Meat, fish, eggs have risen by 11.33 per cent.

Sir, if you look at rural versus urban, rural Indians are suffering even more. While urban inflation and Consumer Price Index was 9.69 per cent in November, rural was 9.97 per cent. It is almost touching double digit. In this context, the Government asked this august House to approve demands of a further Rs.32100 and odd crore, out of which they will only bring about savings of Rs.1314 and odd crore, that means a net cash outgo of more than Rs.33800 crore is there. We must look at some of these items but because of limited time, I want to highlight one or two issues.

The Air India issue has been talked about by some people. I want to put a different perspective on it. We know the civil aviation industry is going through a bad patch, not just in India but throughout. But even with that bad industry, you can distinguish which are the airlines that are genuinely trying to make a difference and which are not. Around Rs.2000 crore that this Government proposes that we approve for further infusion into Air India comes on top of the following. In 2009-10 – Rs.800 crore; in 2010-11 – Rs.1200 crore; in 2011-12 - another Rs. 1200 crore; already this year in the Budget of 2012-13 – Rs.4000 crore; and now yet again Rs. 2000 crore. How long will this go on? This is a bottomless pit and it does not seem to have any end point. I do not think it will be wrong to describe this truly as a Maharaja’s ransom.

I just wish to illustrate with an anecdote, the kind of difficulties the passengers and consumers are facing. Just two day’s ago, one East Asian Airline have been negotiating for wages and their staff have announced a strike. Their version of a strike is a no smile strike. Their staff is threatening that they will stop smiling. I would venture to say that in India even if such a strike were announced, I think passengers could not feel the difference from normal times.

Sir, Air India’s functioning has been criticised by the constitutional bodies such as the Committee on Public Undertakings. It has been criticised by the C&AG. This is a whole other matter and I do not want to go into the details but for the Government to simply come and ask us for Rs.2000 crore as if it is petty change without actually putting forward a game plan for rehabilitating Air India is not the right approach. Even in this economic condition, there are airlines which are doing well. Indigo Airlines is running efficiently and running a profit.

For somebody from Odisha and somebody who is in the opposition but wishes to take a rational approach to the Government’s demand, they are not making it easy. Very recently, Air India has withdrawn flights from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata and Chennai. On the plan to convert Bhubaneswar into an international airport, the Government has been dragging its feet for years now. The new airport terminal which is under construction has missed several deadlines and is today lying stalled and construction is not going on. This Government does not make it easy for us to approve this kind of expenditure. Give us a rationale game plan, show us that you intent to do the right thing by us, it will make it easier for us to support these kinds of things. Air India is only one aspect.

If you look at the petroleum sector, this Government is not only not doing the right thing, I venture to say that it does not treat this House with respect in proposing these numbers to us. Let me point this out. The oil marketing companies have an under-recovery of more than Rs.28000 crore and Rs.28000 crore as compensation for under-recovery is proposed and another Rs.500 crore to incentivize States for cash transfers for PDS kerosene. I want to point something out here. In this year’s Budget, 2012-13, only Rs.40,000 crore was budgeted under this head by this Government. Despite the fact, if you look at the track record of the past few years, our actual subsidy on this account has always been high. So, there was really never any question that the Government could manage with Rs.40000 crore. Therefore, it has now come in with this extra demand. Sir, if you look at 2011-12, the subsidy was Rs. 65,000 crore. One can only draw the conclusion that despite having Rs. 65,000 crore in 2011-12, if the Government is now proposing only Rs. 40,000 crore this year, it was done only with an intention to window-dress the Budget to show that the deficit to be less which was never actually going to pan out. That is exactly what we are seeing now to have a very radically increased subsidy for this. Diesel subsidy which was only Rs. 2001 crore in 2004-05 has gone up to 81,000 crore in 2011-12. There are a lot of distortions that is happening. We all know what has happened to diesel and the approach that the Government has been taking has been piecemeal. Now, recently, an effort has been made to put an extra cess on diesel passenger cars. There has to be a more comprehensive, more holistic approach to deal with this, not piecemeal and not taking an approach of one quarter or two quarters at a time, but to come up with a proper solution.

I know time is of essence and so I will come to the conclusions. I want to point out that there are so many things that we have been demanding and if the Government had been taking seriously some of our demands, then it would have made it much more easier for us to cooperate and support these kinds of Budgetary provisions. In the State of Odisha, we have been asking for upgradation of three medical centres to AIIMS like institutions under the PMSSY – Pradhan Mantri Swastha Suraksha Yojana. This has not been taken up. We have a desperate shortage of doctors in the State. In my own constituency, in Kendrapara and throughout the State of Odisha we have a 50 per cent shortage of doctors. It is impossible to get enough doctors to go to rural areas. We need more medical colleges. We want to raise the number of seats for admission to MBBS courses from 150 to 250 in the three medical colleges. In agriculture, there is a proposal to set up a Central Agricultural University to serve the needs of Odisha, particularly the KBK districts about which from the time of the former Prime Minister, Late Rajiv Gandhi so much of Crocodile Tears have flown down the Mahanadi.

Projects relating to flood management, a large number of them, are pending without getting attention from this Government. About Railways, the less said the better. We have unmanned crossings that endanger lives; we have projects that have been going on for 32 years and we have one of the lowest density of rail track to either geography or to population. I urge upon this Government to keep these demands in mind and take some concrete steps to make it easier for us to support such Budgetary Demands.

*श्री वीरेन्द्र कुमार : सामान्य अनुदान मांगों पर चर्चा हो रही है देश का विकास आजादी के बाद सभी राज्यों में समान आधार पर होना चाहिए था किंतु काफी असमानता देखने में आती है। महाराष्ट्र और गुजरात औद्योगिक दृष्टि से विकसित हुए हैं, पंजाब में कृषि में विकास हुआ है, वहां नहरों का जाल बिछाया गया है, पानी प्रचूर मात्रा में है किंतु नार्थ इस्ट के राज्यों में शिक्षा, उद्योग, कृषि, यातायात की दृष्टि से अभी बहुत कुछ करना शेष है। उडीसा मध्य प्रदेश में कृषि की दृष्टि से सिंचाई केलिए नदियों को जोड़ने के लिए एवं नहरों को बनाने के लिए अधिक धनराशि आबंटित करने की आवश्यकता है। मध्य प्रदेश की केन‑बेतवा नदी को जोड़ने का कार्य एनडीए की सरकार के समय नदी जोड़ो अभियान के प्रथम चरण में लिया गया था, किंतु सत्ता परिवर्तन के बाद सरकार ने उस दिशा में कुछ भी नहीं किया है। अतः इस हेतु तुंत पहल होनी चाहिए। छतरपुर जिले में प्रस्तावित एनटीपीसी थर्मल पावर हेतु जमीन का अधिग्रहण किया जा चुका है, राशि आबंटित कर शीघ्र प्लांट लगाकर विद्युत उत्पादन प्रारंभ करवाना चाहिए। इससे मध्य प्रदेश के बुन्देलखंड के साथ ही उत्तर प्रदेश के बुंदेलखंड के जिलों को भी विद्युत उपलब्ध हो सकेगी जिससे बुंदेलखंड में कृषि में सिंचाई में सहायता के साथ ही औद्योगिक विकास की भी संभावनायें बढ़ जायेंगी। ललितपुर‑सिंगरौली रेल लाईन के लिए भी जिसका कि अभी तक टीकमगढ़ तक रेल लाइन बिछाने का कार्य हुआ है, बजट में ज्यादाराशि आबंटित कर इसे शीघ्र खजुराहो तक एवं पन्ना, सतना होकर सिंगरोली तक बढ़ाकर प्रारंभ किया जाना चाहिए जिससे इन क्षेत्रों का पिछड़ापन दूर हो सकेगा तथा औद्योगिक विकास तीव्र गति से हो सके। छतरपुर टीकमगढ़ जिले मध्यप्रदेश के सभी मेडीकल कालेज से दूर हैं, अतः केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा खजुराहो पर्यटन स्थल पर स्थित एयरपोर्ट को ध्यान में रखकर केन्द्रीय स्वास्थ्य विश्वविद्यालय छतरपुर में स्वीकृत कर शीघ्र युनिवर्सिटी खोली जानी चाहिए। झांसी छतरपुर खजुराहो मार्ग जो अभी राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग है इसे फोर लेन एक्सप्रेस की स्वीकृति हो गई थी, जमीन अधिग्रहण की कार्यवाही भी प्रारंभ हो गई थी, किंतु फिर केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा रोक दिया गया। इस मार्ग पर खजुराहो एवं ओरक्षा देश के प्रसिद्ध पर्यटन एवं धार्मिक स्थल हैं। अतः फोर लेन एक्सप्रेस मार्ग की शीघ्र स्वीकृति कर राशि आबंटित कर यह मार्ग बनाया जाना चाहिए। झांसी हरपालपुर मिर्जापुर राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग, कानपुर छतरपुर सागर राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग एवं झांसी छतरपुर राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग की स्थितियां बहुत ही खराब हैं। अतः बजट में अधिक राशि आबंटित कर इन सभी राष्ट्रीय राजमार्गो का पुनः निर्माण शीघ्र कराना चाहिए। गैस सिलेंडरों पर सब्सिडी जारी रखना चाहिए। रोजगार के अवसरों को बढ़ाया जाना चाहिए।

डॉ. रघुवंश प्रसाद सिंह (वैशाली):सभापति महोदय, इनका सप्लीमेंटरी बजट, अनुपूरक अनुदान की मांगें 32 हजार करोड़ रुपये की हैं। हमें लगा कि ये इसलिए लाये होंगे, कुछ काम बढ़ाएंगे, क्योंकि, सप्लीमेंटरी बजट में तो सरकार ज्यादा काम करना चाहती है, तब आता है। अगर इसे आइटमवाइज़ देखें तो उसमें टाइम लगेगा, इसलिए 2-4 आइटम्स के बारे में मैं कहना चाहता हूं।

रवीन्द्रनाथ टैगोर जी की 150वीं जयन्ती, स्वामी विवेकानन्द जी की 150वीं जयन्ती, पंडित मदन मोहन मालवीय जी की 150वीं जयन्ती है। रवि बाबू और विवेकानन्द जी की जयन्ती के लिए आपने इसमें 50-50 लाख रुपये मांगे हैं और एक के 22 लाख रुपये मांगे हैं तो पंडित मदन मोहन मालवीय जी को क्यों छोड़ दिया, कोई बताये? पंडित मदन मोहन मालवीय जी की 150वीं जयन्ती है, आजादी की लड़ाई में उनकी अग्रणी भूमिका थी, सैण्ट्रल हॉल में उनका फोटो लगा है तो उनका नाम कहां छूट गया। दूसरे, ये जो 50 लाख रुपया खर्च कर रहे हैं, कहां यह खर्चा हो रहा है? अभी स्वामी विवेकानन्द जी की 150वीं जयन्ती रामलीला मैदान में हुई, रामलीला मैदान में पहले राजनीति होती थी। प्रथम राष्ट्रीय पुस्तक मेला राष्ट्रकवि रामधारी सिंह दिनकर स्मृति न्यास के द्वारा बिना खर्चे के आयोजित हो रहा है। अध्यक्ष महोदया उसका उद्घाटन करने अभी गई हैं, उसमें हमको भी शामिल होना है।

देश भर के साहित्यकार, नृत्य के कलाकार, कत्थक नृत्य के श्री बिरजू महाराज, डॉ. नामवर सिंह, हिन्दी के साहित्यकार, समालोचक, एक से एक सांस्कृतिककर्मी जुट रहे हैं। सरकार बताये कि अभी तक राष्ट्रीय सांस्कृतिक नीति क्यों नहीं बनी? हमारे देश हिन्दुस्तान की संस्कृति में वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम की कहावत है, दुनिया में हम जगद्गुरू हैं, लेकिन हमारी राष्ट्रीय सांस्कृतिक नीति नहीं है। राष्ट्रीय संस्कृति नीति कब बनेगी? बिहार से यह शुरू हुआ कि मदिरालय नहीं पुस्तकालय चाहिए, शराब नहीं किताब चाहिए, गरीब, बेरोजगारों को रोजगार चाहिए। यह आंदोलन चल रहा है। नेशनल लाइब्रेरी मिशन का क्या हुआ? पुस्तकालय का क्या हुआ? नशाबंदी के संबंध में आर्टिकल 47 में कहा कि नशाबंदी करो, महात्मा गांधी ने कहा कि नशाबंदी करो, पैगंबर साहब ने कहा नशाबंदी करो, जीसस क्राइस्ट ने कहा, बाइबिल में लिखा, सभी जगह लिखा कि नशाबंदी करो, श्रीमन् नारायण कमेटी ने सन् 1953 में कहा, जस्टिक टेकचंद कमेटी ने सन् 1963 में कहा, वर्ष 2006 में सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा, लेकिन नशाबंदी का क्या हुआ? हमारे यहां सौ आदमी मर गये, बिहार में जाली शराब पीकर गया में, अभी हाल में आरा में 24 आदमी, मुजफ्फरपुर में बारह-चौदह आदमी मर गये, शराब पीकर वहां लोगों को सरकार मरवा रही है, इतनी दुकानें खुलवा दीं। इसलिए मदिरालय नहीं पुस्तकालय चाहिए आन्दोलन शुरू हुआ। यह जो सरकार बजट बढ़ायी है, हम जानना चाहते हैं कि इसमें इन्होंने महंगाई रोकने के लिए कौन सी कार्रवाई की है, भ्रष्टाचार रोकने के लिए कौन सी कार्रवाई की है, फिजूलखर्ची रोकने के लिए कौन सी कार्रवाई की है, बेरोजगारी हटाने के लिए इन्होंने कौन सी कार्रवाई की है, कहां डिमांड है, कहां मांग है, कहां अनुपूरक है, कहां सप्लीमेंट्री है? सबसे ज्यादा 32, 600 करोड़ रूपए में क्या है? 28,600 करोड़ रूपए तेल कंपनी को बढ़ाने के लिए हैं। इधर सब्सिडी घटा रहे हैं और कहते हैं कि सब्सिडाइज्ड गैस के 6 सिलेंडर से ही साल भर काम चलाइए। यह कैसे चलेगा? 28,600 करोड़ की क्यों मांग कर रहे हैं? इसको पास नहीं करना चाहिए। इधर जनता की सहूलियत घटा रहे हैं, आप कहते हैं कि अब छः सिलेंडर्स ही देंगे और उधर कह रहे हैं कि 28,600 करोड़ उसको दीजिए।

महोदय, बिहार में एक बरौनी रिफाइनरी है। देश भर में सात रिफाइनरी हैं। बरौनी में रिफाइनरी की क्षमता 6.5 मिलियन टन है। देश भर में सौ मिलियन टन सबका करने जा रहे हैं, लेकिन बरौनी का 6.5 से 15 मिलियन टन करने का है, सरकार की तरफ से इसकी उपेक्षा है। ऑयल कंपनियों को क्यों 28,600 करोड़ रूपए जाना चाहिए। फिनाल की जो यूनिट बैठाना है, जो इनके यहां लंबित है, कोई उसे सुनने वाला नहीं है। यह हमारे खिलाफ है। बरौनी रिफाइनरी की जो क्षमता विस्तार का काम है, फिनाल का कारखाना बनाने का काम है, उसमें भेदभाव सरकार की तरफ से है, उपेक्षा है। पानीपत का बढ़ेगा, मथुरा का बढ़ेगा, हल्दिया का बढ़ेगा, पारादीप का बढ़ेगा, लेकिन बरौनी का जहां का तहां रहेगा। यह नहीं चलेगा। इसके लिए लड़ना पड़ेगा, ऐसा लगता है।

जहां तक नगर विमानन की बात है, वैजयंत पांडा जी सदन से चले गए, इसके लिए दो हजार करोड़ मांग है, घाटा में घाटा और सरकार उसकी पूर्ति के लिए खजाने से व्यवस्था करे, इस सवाल का कोई जवाब दे। 400 पायलटों ने हड़ताल की। यह तय हुआ कि सब ज्वाइन करो, हम लोगों ने भी हाउस में कहा कि मूंछ की लड़ाई मत बनाओ। डूब रहा है, एयर इंडिया उसको पलटाओ। अभी तक दुश्मनी भाव से 13 पायलटों को क्यों नहीं ज्वाइन कराया गया? इसका जवाब कौन देगा? सदन से दो हजार करोड़ रूपए मांग रहे हैं कि इसे मंजूर करो। उन 13 पायलटों ने क्या बिगाड़ा है, उनकी ज्वाइनिंग क्यों नहीं हुयी? हम लोगों के यहां वे आए और बताये कि आज-कल, आज-कल कर रहे हैं। जो देश-विदेश में जहाज चलाने वाला विशेषज्ञ है, उसको नहीं रखा जा रहा है। कैसे एयर इंडिया का काम बढ़ेगा?

इस्पात के लिए इन्होंने सवा सौ करोड़ रूपए की मांग की है। जब राम विलास पासवान जी मंत्री थे, उन्होंने महनार में शिलान्यास किया कि वहां इस्पात का कारखाना बनेगा। सन् 2008 में शिलान्यास हुआ। वर्ष 2012 चल रहा है, चार वर्ष हो चुके हैं। मेहनार, गया जिला में एक-एक और बेतिया जिला में तीन, यूपी में कई जगहों पर क्यों इस्पात का कारखाना नहीं बैठा? यहां मांग है कि सवा सौ करोड़ रूपये बढ़ाए जाएं। किसी को दो लाख रूपये, चार लाख रूपये या पांच लाख रूपये बढ़े हैं। इनको सवा सौ करोड़ रूपये बढ़ेगा तो हमारा तीन कारखाना कहां छूट गया? हमें यह बताएं।

महोदय, किसान का सवाल है। किसान का धान-चावल कोई पूछ नहीं रहा है। न्यूनतम प्राइस कहां है? उनका गोदाम भर गया है और वे औने-पौने दाम पर बेचने को मजबूर हैं। किसान भारी तबाही में है। गन्ने का मूल्य तय नहीं हुआ है। गन्ना का मूल्य 400 रूपये प्रति क्विंटल तय होना चाहिए, जो हिसाब है, उसे देखते हुए अभी तक मूल्य तय नहीं हुआ है। गन्ना किसानों को खाद नहीं मिल रही है। वे ब्लैक से खरीदने को मजबूर हैं। चीनी मिलें बंद हैं और फल-सब्जियां औने-पौने दामों में बिक रही हैं। जैसे दूध का कॉपरेटिव है वैसे ही फल-सब्जी का कॉपरेटिव बनना चाहिए।

डाक-तार विभाग में, ग्रामीण डाक सेवकों ने अलग हड़ताल की लेकिन उनकी बात कोई सुनने वाला नहीं है। खाद्य सुरक्षा का बड़ा नाम सुनते हैं, वह कहां चला गया है। खाद्य सुरक्षा करेंगे, खाद्य सुरक्षा विधेयक कहां है? यह कहां अटका हुआ है? यह क्यों नहीं आया है? इसका कौन जवाब देगा?

महोदय, अभी विदेश के लिए 365 करोड़ रूपये की मांग की गई है। यह किस बात के लिए होना चाहिए। तिब्बत में एक सौ से ज्यादा लोगों ने आत्मदाह कर लिया। यह मानवाधिकार का सवाल है। विदेश नीति कहां है? भारत सरकार कहां है? चीन दावा करता है कि हम इंडो-चीन, चाइना बार्डर पर बहस चला रहे हैं। तिब्बत के ऑटोनामी का सवाल है। तिब्बत की आजादी का सवाल है उसको उठाना चाहिए। भारत सरकार को हर मोर्चे पर जोर से उठाने की जरूरत है।

महोदय, इसी तरह से शिक्षा में 104 करोड़ रूपये की मांग है। स्कूल-कॉलेज में शिक्षक नहीं हैं। 11 लाख शिक्षकों की कमी है। जब शिक्षक नहीं रहेंगे तो पढ़ाई कहां से और कैसे होगी, इसे सरकार बताए। सप्लिमेंट्री बजट में शिक्षा के लिए 104 करोड़ रूपये बढ़ा दिए जाएं। मास्टर्स और प्रोफेसर्स हैं ही नहीं। हमारे यहां नियोजित शिक्षक इस बात के लिए लड़ रहे हैं कि उनका स्थायीकरण कब होगा?

सेन्ट्रल यूनिवर्सिटी की पटना की मांग पुरानी है। यह कब बनेगी? उत्तर बिहार सेन्ट्रल यूनिवर्सिटी बना, नहीं। मोतिहारी में महात्मा गांधी सेन्ट्रल यूनिवर्सिटी होनी चाहिए और गया में गौतम बुद्ध सेन्ट्रल यूनिवर्सिटी होनी चाहिए। यह सवाल है। उत्तर-दक्षिण विश्वविद्यालय हमको मंजूर नहीं है। ...( व्यवधान)

महोदय, बिहार में पांच एम्स होने चाहिए। झारखंड की आबादी 2 करोड़ है, वहां एक एम्स है। छत्तीसगढ़ की आबादी 2 करोड़ है, वहां एक एम्स है। उत्तराखंड की आबादी 85 लाख है, वहां एक एम्स है। बिहार की आबादी 10 करोड़ है, हम को भी एक एम्स। वहां पर पांच एम्स बनना चाहिए।

आशा-आंगनवाड़ी, स्वास्थ्य विभाग में जो आशा के लोग कार्यरत हैं उनका रेम्यूनरैशन नहीं है।...( व्यवधान) आशा में कार्यरत लोगों को कब मासिक भत्ता मिलेगा? आंगनवाड़ी की सेविका-सहायिका भी आंदोलन कर रही हैं।

महोदय, इनकी राजीव गांधी विद्युतीकरण योजना भी फेल हो गई है। वहां छोटे-छोटे ट्रंसफार्मर्स जल गए उनको कोई बदलने वाला नहीं है। एपीएल और बीपीएल का भेद खत्म हो, यह कब होगा? नक्सली प्रभावित जिलों में लोग मारे गए हैं। गृहमंत्रालय की सारी स्कीमें फेल हैं। वे लागू नहीं हो रही हैं। ...( व्यवधान)

महोदय, इसी तरह से पेंशन का सवाल है। हम मांग करते हैं कि देश के जो सभी बुर्जुग लोग हैं।...( व्यवधान) जिस देश-समाज ने बुजुर्गों का सम्मान खत्म किया है उन बुर्जुगों का सम्मान होना चाहिए। खास कर किसानों का सम्मान होना चाहिए और भी अन्य लोग हैं उन के लिए कम से कम 3000 रूपये पेंशन का प्रावधान होना चाहिए। यह हमारा सवाल है।...( व्यवधान) इन सभी मांगों को पूरा किया जाना चाहिए। सप्लिमेंट्री बजट में जो अलग-अलग बताया है, सारा घालमेल है। इसमें किसानों के लिए कुछ नहीं है। पढ़ाई, दवाई, बेरोजगारी हटाने और भ्रष्टाचार मिटाने के लिए कुछ नहीं है। काला धन कहां गया, काले धन का कब चिट्ठा आएगा, कब जब्त होगा, देश के अंदर और बाहर काले धन का बोलबाला हो गया है। ये सारे सवाल हैं, जिनका हल होना चाहिए, तब यह सप्लीमेंटरी बजट पास हो, नहीं तो गरीब विरोधी, किसान विरोधी, विषमता लाने वाले, फिजूलखर्ची बढ़ाने वाले इस बजट के हम खिलाफ हैं। इन सभी मामलों पर सरकार जवाब दे।

SHRI R. THAMARAISELVAN (DHARMAPURI): I thank you very much for allowing me to speak on this Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for the year 2012-13.

I rise to support the Supplementary Demands for Grants presented by the hon. Finance Minister.

At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to put forth certain grievances pertaining to my parliamentary constituency, which is situated in the most backward area in the State of Tamil Nadu.

My parliamentary constituency which is situated in Dharmapuri District, is one of the most backward region of the country. Considering its backwardness, the Central Government has decided to set up a Defence Research Centre of the Defence Research & Development Organisation. If this Centre is set up, it would provide both direct and indirect employment to at least 20,000 people, more particularly, youths will get employment opportunities. The percentage of unemployment in this district, is one of the highest in the country. That is why, the Government has come forward to establish this very important project in Dharmapuri District. The Central Government has also accorded sanction for land acquisition for this project. About 900 acres of land has already been identified for this purpose. But, I see no funds have been allocated in this Supplementary Demands for Grants for this project. In fact, not even a token amount has been included in it.

Therefore, I urge upon the hon. Minister to include this item also in the Supplementary Demands for Grants so that we can start this DRDO project.

Another thing which I would like to mention here is that we are in the midst of discussion for increasing the LPG Cylinder cap. In this connection, I would like to mention here that preparation of food and having food is the right of every human being. It is undesirable to have any restriction on the preparation of food or on food. Therefore, it is not correct to fix any cap on LPG Cylinders. Of-course, we should prevent misuse of subsidy but at the same time, it should not have any obstacles in the case of genuine users. Therefore, I urge upon the Government, to take a wise decision in this regard.

Another thing which I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister to include this in the ensuing budget. Dharmapuri district is an agricultural based, fruits and vegetables and also flowers are grown here in large quantities. If a Food Park is set up in my parliamentary constituency, Dharmapuri, it would not only generate adequate employment but also can put to optimum use of the produce.

It would also generate considerable foreign exchange by way of export. Moreover, the industrial development in the district would also be hastened. In fact, there have been demands for setting up of a Mega Food Park in my parliamentary constituency, Dharmapuri.

So, I take this opportunity to request the hon. Finance Minister to allocate adequate funds for setting up of the Defence Research Centre as well as to set up Food Park in Dharmapuri District.

With this, I conclude and support the Supplementary Demands for Grants.

*DR. TARUN MANDAL (JAYNAGAR): I want this Supplementary Grants should be utilized for giving subsidy to Domestic Cooking Gas, so that the cap put on supply of only 6 cylinders per year to a family, could be removed. Common people, especially low income people are hard pressed due to this reduction of Cooking Gas Cylinders and unable to purchase them with higher market price-rise. Inflation and skyrocketing price-rise of food grains and food materials are making aam aadmi’s lives miserable and more over this gas cylinder cut will push them to further crisis. Subsidies also be increased to Diesel, kerosene, Fertilizers, Sugar and Food grain supply. During placing the Budget in this fiscal, the then Finance Minister told growth will be nearly 8% which has been assessed to be around 5.5%, of late, by present Finance Minister. Should we call it that the earlier Finance Minister belied the House and the nation in terms of financial growth? The world over, there is economic depression, and as a part of crisis ridden capitalist economy India can not escape its effect. Growth in industry and agriculture sectors have reduced in India, despite claim on the contrary. Fiscal deficit and current deficit cannot be remedied by inviting more FDI in multibrand Retail, Pension, Civil Aviation, Telecom and other sectors. It will not create employment generation rather destroy our Retail sector and perish our farmers. Within a decade 18 to 19 crore families of India would be jobless and impoverished by entry of FDI. PDS should be revitalized to give benefit to low economic people. Black-marketing and hoarding could be stopped by all out state trading of essential commodities. Corruption, Scams, tax evasion must be checked and terminated for the interest of common man. The brunt of such looting of public money finally hit poor people.

Indian corporates and industrialists are hand-in-glove with foreign corporates and exploiting the people world over. Their capital are increasing by leaps and bounds whereas the gap between rich and poor is gradually increasing in India. Unless there is employment of the unemployed, their purchasing power will not increase and market can never be stimulated. In the present form of reforms, there is no guarantee of employment. Thus, India economy cannot be enriched with the reform measures. Unless farmers get subsidized fertilizers, seeds, diesel, electricity and Minimum Support Price of their produce, they will increase the list of suicides in India. In Jute industries, Government must roll back its decision of reduction of use of jute bags for sugar and food grain packaging. Jute Corporation of India (JCI) should purchase total jute production from the farmers, at the minimum rate of Rs. 5000/- per quintal. Equally, Tea Garden employees are suffering and living inhuman life in West Bengal. Closed Tea Gardens be opened and employees be re-employed with adequate salary, wage and other facilities.

Government should increase budget in Education and Health, 10% each at the minimum. Privatisation and commercialization of both the sectors be stopped and Government should take entire responsibility of education and health of the people of India. Union Government must stop giving economic stimulus, Tax Relief, Relief for Bank Loans in the tune of 5 lakh crore rupees. Non-performing Assets (NPA) of nationalized banks is mainly (80%) due to receipt of loan by big industrialists and capitalists. Government should not give any concession to these exploiters. Around 5 to 6% of G.D.P. is exempted as tax relief to industrialist – capitalists. And people are taxed further, to meet our fiscal deficit. This fiscal policy of benefiting capitalists, corporates and exploitation be changed in favour of common citizens of India.

*Dr. RATTAN SINGH AJNALA (KHADOOR SAHIB) : Hon. Chairman Sir, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on the Supplementary Demands for Grant (General) for 2012-2012. Sir, during my college days, if someone failed in any subject, he had to appear in the supplementary exam so that he could pass in that exam. Similarly sir, I feel that all the lacuna and shortcomings of the budget are done away with in the Supplementary budget. The General Budget was presented in the House by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, who now adorns the post of the President of India. Now, it has been left to our Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram to improve the condition of that Budget and do away with the shortcomings.

13.59 hrs (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair) Sir, the General Budget depends on three things. It should take care of the G.D.P. of the country. This budget has only reduced our G.D.P. Secondly, the budget should take into account the fiscal deficit scenario. Hon. Deputy Speaker sir, this budget has led to an increase in the fiscal deficit. Thirdly, the budget should keep an eye on inflation. Sadly, this budget has led to sky-rocketing inflation. Prices have gone through the roof.

Sir, 65 years have passed since we attained independence. The Congress party led Governments have presented at least 55 General Budgets in the Parliament. However, these budgets have failed to improve the living condition of people of India. Poverty has increased manifold. We have failed to check the spread of illiteracy, and corruption has become the bane of society.

Sir, this is the 12th Session of the House. The 10th Session was washed out due to the 2G Spectrum scam worth thousands of crores of rupees. The 11th Session became a washout due to the disturbances generated by the coal scam.

Hon. Deputy Speaker Sir, this Session has been hit by disturbances due to the FDI. The Government forced the FDI down the throats of Indians. The alibi given was that it would improve the economy of India. The NDA and other opposition parties wanted a detailed discussion on FDI in both the Houses of Parliament under Rule 184 which entailed voting. At first, the Government refused to accept our demands. It agreed only when it was able to garner adequate numbers by any means.

Sir, the BSP and SP members became the saviours of this Government. By resorting to walkouts, they came to the rescue of the Government. During the discussion on FDI, both these parties condemned FDI. However, the irony is that their words and their actions were poles apart. They helped the Government from definite embarrassment.

Hon. Deputy Speaker Sir, the Government should never compromise on the issue of economy of the country. The issue of bribes paid by Walmart to influence the decision in India in its favour is another scam which has rocked the nation. Who are the middlemen who have indulged in this malpractice? The opposition wanted a thorough probe in this matter. On our request, a judge will now probe the alleged bribery scandal. But, all this has resulted in frequent disruptions in Parliament as the Government did not agree to our demands at first. If the judge takes an year to submit his findings, justice delayed will be justice denied. We all know what is happening to the JPC probe on 2G Spectrum.

Sir, the Congress party wants to save its Government at all cost. It is always apprehensive that its Government may fall. The DMK is also against FDI but it bails out the Government. Sir, this Government is surviving only because different parties are bailing it out due to various compulsions although they oppose many policies of the Government.

Sir, the people of India do not want FDI. However, I don’t know what are the compulsions of the Government. Why has the Government thrust the FDI upon us?

Our Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is an eminent economist. Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia is another eminent economist. And our Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram is the third eminent economist. The Indian economy is being spoiled by all these three men.

Sir, I hail from Punjab. Ours is an agricultural state. We are facing a lot of problems. Our paddy farmers are suffering due to drought conditions prevalent in the state. The centre has provided financial assistance to many drought-hit states. However, it has not granted even a single rupee to Punjab. Our Chief Minister has requested several Central Ministers for financial assistance but in vain.

Sir, Punjab is reeling under severe drought. The Centre should provide relief and succour to Punjab immediately. The present Home Minister was the Power Minister before the recent cabinet reshuffle. I and our Chief Minister met him and appealed to him to provide uninterrupted power supply during the paddy season. However, he refused to grant us electricity.

Sir, despite this, our farmers were able to produce a bumper harvest of paddy. But, the Government agencies are not ready to purchase the foodgrain from the markets where it is rotting. Our godowns are full.

Sir, the Supreme Court of India had to intervene. It asked the Government to distribute the foodgrains free to the poor instead of allowing it to rot. However, the Prime Minister refused to distribute it free to the poor.

Actually, this is the Government that favours profiteers, black marketers, and corrupt people.

Hon. Deputy Speaker sir, our ground water level has dipped further. The prices of fertilisers and diesel have increased by leaps and bounds. But, the Central Government refuses to give remunerative prices for foodgrains to the farmers. I requested the Agriculture Minister to declare the MSP for foodgrains. Even that is not being done.

Sir, the population of Punjab is hardly 2% of the population of entire India. Punjab has hardly 1.5% area of the total area of India. Still, Punjab is contributing 60% foodgrains in the central pool. It is the food-basket, the granary of India. Sir, by the dint of their sweat and blood, our farmers are producing a bumper harvest of foodgrains. But, they are finding themselves in a miserable condition. Their plight cannot be described in words. Farmers are committing suicide. Their children cannot get education. They are dying of cancer and other diseases. But, the centre has turned a blind eye towards them.

Sir, our citrus fruit ‘Kinnu’ is being purchased at Rs.14/- per kg in Punjab. It is being sold for Rs.50/- per kg outside Punjab. Middlemen are gobbling up all the profits. There is no control on such elements. The farmers and labourers in the villages find themselves at the receiving end.

Sir, the industries in Punjab are in shambles. Neighbouring states like H.P. and Uttarakhand are luring away our industries as the Central Government has provided tax- concessions to industries in these states. However, no tax-concessions have been given to industries in Punjab. I want all our neighbouring states to flourish. But, why is step-motherly treatment being meted out to Punjab?

Hon. Deputy Speaker Sir, our farmers are groaming under the yoke of debt. There is a burden of debt on our state also. Time and again, we have asked the centre to waive off this loan but to no avail. The rise in diesel prices have become a pain in the neck of farmers. The Government has further aggravated the problems of the people by its faulty policies on cooking gas.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude.

Dr. RATTAN SINGH AJNALA : Sir, the people of our state are suffering. But the Government is deaf to their agony.

What is the logic behind putting a ceiling of 6 cooking gas cylinders in an year? We prepare mid-day meals for poor children. We have to use wood and coal to cook the food as we don’t get cooking gas cylinders. Is this fair? No concessional rates for cooking gas cylinders are granted to even educational institutions.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please wind up.

Dr. RATTAN SINGH AJNALA : Now, the number of cooking gas cylinders have been increased from 6 to 9. It is a drop in the ocean. Actually, cooking gas cylinders should be given on demand. There should be no limit of numbers. Why create confusion and misery for people?

Sir, our brick-kilns are shutting down. All construction activities have come to a halt as we are not getting raw materials for brick kilns. No clearance is being given for mining.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude. You have spoken at length.

Dr. RATTAN SINGH AJNALA : Sir, let me ventilate our agony and grievances. If I do not air our pain here, where else will I do so? Sir, the brick-kiln workers are sitting idle. The Central Government must permit us to extract raw materials that are needed for this industry.

Sir, Shri Chidambaram has a helpful nature. He must help the brick-kiln industry.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude. The Hon. Minister will look into the matter.

Dr. RATTAN SINGH AJNALA : Sir, the prices of medicines have gone beyond the reach of poor people. They cannot educate their children as education has become very costly. Hence, the Central Government must find a solution to these problems.

Hon. Deputy Speaker Sir, although, there are many other problems that I want to highlight, you have compelled me to conclude my speech.

*DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA (INNER MANIPUR): This being a constitutional obligation, it has been laid before Parliament in pursuance of sub-clause (a) of clause(1)of Art 115 of the Constitution. The recommendation of the president, as required under clause (3) of Art 123 read with clauses (1)(a) and (2) of Art 115 for making the Demands has been obtained.

This Supplementary Demands include 56 grants and only one appropriation. The approval of Parliament is sought to authorize gross additional revenue of Rs.29,429.22 crores to the Government. Of these, Net Capital totals to Rs.2,547.84crores.

Under the able leadership of UPA Chairperson, Smt Sonia Gandhi, the PM, Shri Manmohan Singh and the FM, Shri Chindambaram, the UPA is doing well. We have gradually come out from the undesirable effects of global economic slow down and recession. What is very encouraging is that the GDP growth rate is now around 6% and it is expected that the growth rate will further increase. Still, we cannot remain complacent. We have to do better in order to make our economy more strong and vibrant. No doubt, India is emerging as a global economic power.

I strongly feel and believe that if UPA rule continues India will become a super- power in the next 2 to 3 decades. This is not only my projection or our projection. Such kind of projections is also found in media of foreign countries.

Growth rate is steadily improving, inflation is being checked effectively. India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves is in a very comfortable position. Recently we have purchased more gold/ bullions- more than what we had sold during Janta Regime.

India’s emergence as a Global economic player is being acknowledged by all. Even the world Economy Super Powers like the USA and Japan acknowledge our potentials. Every one of us should be proud of it.

Yes there are areas of concerns like increasing price of essential commodities, Farmers’ plight etc. the UPA Government is not running away from its responsibilities. Because of our loan waving policy, MGNREGA etc to mention a few, the number of farmers’ suicides have gradually reduced. We have faith in the leadership of Hon’ble Finance Minister. He is a seasoned economist and strategist and he can handle any situation and eventualities. I am glad to inform this august House that in the last few months the prices of the essential commodities have stabilized.

The state Governments are also equally responsible. Both Central and State Govts. should share the responsibilities. The blame game will not help the common men. Something more needs to be done to check the price rise of essential commodities and also about farmers’ suicides.

I would like to urge upon the Hon Finance Minister that there should not be any shortage of funds for the UPA Flagship programmes like MGNREGA, National Health Mission etc..

All the States have implemented the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. It was extremely difficult for the poor states to implement it. Therefore, I would like to request the Hon Finance Minister to give financial assistance to the poor states to help them mitigate the financial burden faced by these states while implementing the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. Without Centre’s financial backing and assistance, it will be out of question for these poor states to fully implement it.

We have to go for an equitable development of all states or regions. We need to do away with regional imbalances. For this, a new approach, a new policy is necessary on the part of Govt, Finance Ministry and Planning Commission. If a state or a region is legging behind vis-a-vis development, there will be discontentment and revolt. Therefore, we need a new thinking and a new approach to our economic planning and financial management. More attention must be given to the poorer sections and disadvantaged sections of the society.

Finally , UPA Govt is fully committed to inclusive growth for all. UPA Govt is committed to the cause of common people-Aam Aadmi. UPA Govt is committed to equitable development of all the states. Under the able leadership of Madam, Sonia Gandhi, Shri Manmohan Singh and Shri Chidambaram, we are confident that we will be able to overcome all financial problems and become an economic power. Once again, I fully and wholeheartedly support the Supplementary Demands for Grants 2012-2013.

DR. M. THAMBIDURAI (KARUR): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to participate in the discussion on the Supplementary Demands for Grants (General). Out of the Supplementary Grants, the hon. Finance Minister seeks approval of Parliament for appropriating an amount of Rs. 32,119.5 crore for all the 106 Ministries. The soundness of the economy depends on the growth of the economy of a country. The GDP indicates what is the actual growth that is taking place in India. Regarding the inflationary condition, the price rise, you know very well how the prices of essential commodities and consumer products are increasing. It is a very well known fact as to how the common man is suffering.

The Government is now proposing to bring Banking Law (Amendment) Bill in due course of time. They want more funds and that is why they want to bring it. It is already a known fact that all the banks are having sufficient funds. If at all the Minister says the funds are not sufficient, that shows that our bank reserves are low and there is low cash flow.

They have also introduced FDI saying that they want more foreign funds. The balance of payments is low. Therefore the GDP is also low; the growth is also low. Also, according to the Ministry, the cash flow is low in the banking sector. All these indicators show that the Indian economy is not in a sound condition. Most of the hon. Members in the House demanded that the Government should give more importance to the development of the States. The States need a lot of fund for their development. That is what all the hon. Members are insisting. In the same way I am also insisting on that. I request the hon. Finance Minister to consider the request of the hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He knows very well about the financial conditions of Tamil Nadu. The previous Government had left a loan of nearly Rs. 1,35,000 crore for the State of Tamil Nadu. The State Government has to pay interest on that. Our hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is facing with a lot of problems due to paucity of funds. As soon as our Government was formed, our hon. Chief Minister, hon. Amma, had come and met the hon. Prime Minister. She had requested him to give a special package for Tamil Nadu. Still it is not finalised. Therefore, I request the hon. Finance Minister to consider this and grant more money to the State of Tamil Nadu.

Now, what is happening is this. Most of the financial authority is taken over by the Central Government in the form of income tax, 4 per cent cess for educational purposes and now the GST is going to come. By every possible way, the Central Government is earning money. The State Governments are fully depending on the Central Government for their activities. Therefore, most of the State Governments are coming to the Central Government, as beggars with bowl, to get the funds. This is the situation. But we are in a federal set up.

Why are we asking for more funds? Now-a-days, we have to implement most of the welfare programmes for the common people. In the same way, the State Governments have to have many welfare measures. For instance, if we take the State of Tamil Nadu, our hon. Chief Minister is implementing so many programmes for the poor people. You are discussing often about the Food Security Bill here. But, in Tamil Nadu, our hon. Chief Minister has already introduced free rice to all card holders – 20 kg of rice is given to every card holder.

So many schemes are implemented in Tamil Nadu for educational purposes. Even for marriage purposes, the Tamil Nadu Government is giving free gold for mangalsutra. We all know the price of gold. She has come forward to help the poor people for marriage purpose also. There are so many schemes that we are implementing but we need more funds for them. At the same time the Central Government is announcing many programmes. I have requested the Central Government to release the fund for all the programmes and let the State Government to implement them. Why are you interfering in their activities?

There are so many issues that you have to tackle. You have to spend more money for our defence purposes. That is more important. We have no objection if you want to raise more funds for that. You also have to develop good relationship with our neighbouring countries. Our relationship with Pakistan is not good; our relationship with Bangladesh is not good; on the Nepal front, we are suffering; and in relations with Sri Lanka also, we are suffering. The duty of the Central Government is to defend the country and to develop the foreign relations. That is more important. You concentrate on that, and allow the State Governments to develop their local activities.

When Rajaji was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he had introduced the Sales Tax at that time. That was the only revenue that he thought would be best to raise funds for the State Government. But you have indirectly taken that away by introducing GST even though there are controversies about it. There is also Service Tax. By all measures, funds are coming to you. Then, where is the source of fund for the State Governments? Why are the regional parties coming in more numbers? You are not respecting the feelings of the State Governments. Even our hon. Finance Minister also had floated his own party T.M.C. Why? It is because to develop his own State. That is the demand of the situation now. That is why, I am requesting you to allow the State Governments to implement their own programmes. You concentrate on other issues which are more necessary.

You are telling about Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. It is a good scheme. We are not denying that fact. You are giving funds in the ratio of 65:35. That is not enough. Education is in the Concurrent List. It is also a State Subject. You have to give 100 per cent assistance to all the States. That is very important. You are taking away the rights on the issue of Anganwadis. Even for fixing the salary of Anganwadis, you are bringing it to the Cabinet. Why can you not allow the State Government to do all these things? You provide all the money to the State Governments directly and let them do it.

You are levying education cess of three per cent. With that money, you are starting some IITs and IIMs. It is a good suggestion. I am not against that. For example, take Tamil Nadu. In Thiruvarur, you have started a Central University. Who are the people serving there? Even the Syndicate members are coming from outside. Even take the people who are serving there. They are not from Tamil Nadu. Even, the Vice-Chancellor of that University does not belong to that area. In Puducherry it is a different issue. When you are setting up so many institutions, you are not … (Interruptions)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY): Why is it a different issue? It is also the same issue. … (Interruptions)

DR. M. THAMBIDURAI: You are having many Syndicate members from Puducherry. But in Tamil Nadu, it is not like that. … (Interruptions) What I am suggesting is this. Even though ‘education’ is in the Concurrent List, you can leave it to State. Also you are bringing in the Common Entrance Examination.

You are spending crores of rupees for education, even for elementary education, and the students are studying. When you are bringing in the Common Entrance Examination, what will happen to the students studying there? In Tamil Nadu hey are studying in their mother tongue. We are advocating mother tongue. They will have to write the Entrance Examination in English or Hindi. You should see whether the students studying in the rural areas are capable of writing the Entrance Examination in the language other than their mother tongue. Therefore, to support the students studying in the rural areas, I am suggesting that the Central Government must not come forward to have the Common Entrance Examination at the all India level. Let the State Governments have their own way of running the programme.

In regard to electricity, we are facing a lot of problems. That is the main crisis. For modernizing the existing electricity units, we need funds. Also we need to connect them with the Central Grid. Now the corridor is not sufficient. Only now, the Central Government has decided to have one more corridor and they have started it. It will take some more time. Therefore, we would like to make a request to the Central Government that the entire power that is generated in Kudankulam should be given to Tamil Nadu. That is our request.

When we started this Atomic Energy unit, some States objected to it. When it is given to them, they did not like to have that unit. Then, it had been given to Tamil Nadu. You have invested nearly Rs.12,000 crore there, and now you are facing a problem. The hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has come forward to give a lot of protection for maintaining law and order there. … (Interruptions)

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please conclude now.

DR. M. THAMBIDURAI : Sir, I have to make one more point.

We know that law and order is a State subject. What is the condition? Most of the States are facing the problem of terrorist activities. The present Finance Minister was the Home Minister also, and he knew the actual problems which the Home Ministry is facing. When he was the Home Minister, he needed money. Now, he is the Finance Minister, and he can allocate more money for modernizing the Police system in India. Without money, we cannot modernize the Police Force. Now, the technology is developing. Many crimes are taking place. Therefore, what I am humbly requesting the Finance Minister is to consider the demands of the State Government because for maintaining law and order in the State they need a lot of money. The State Government of Tamil Nadu needs a lot of money also for modernizing the Police Force and also for generating more electricity.

Already the hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has submitted a proposal Special Package to the hon. Prime Minister, and that has to be sympathetically considered. During the ‘Thane’ cyclone, Cuddalore, Villupuram and other places have suffered a lot. At that time the State Government demanded money from the Central Government but we could not get sufficient funds, and a meagre amount of Rs.500 crore was sanctioned. After that, we are going on requesting the Central Government to provide more funds. We have already spent Rs.2,000 crore. Therefore, when such a kind of calamity takes place, where will the State Government go?

Now, the farmers in the Delta region are suffering a lot because they could not get sufficient water from the Cauvery river. The Cauvery river dispute is going on and the farmers of Tamil Nadu are suffering now. Therefore, we need money from the Central Government to provide assistance to the farmers. The Minimum Support Price, which the Central Government has fixed, is not sufficient. Therefore, I am requesting that, considering the plight of the farmers, the Central Government must come forward to give more money and also enhance the Minimum Support Price for paddy.

I would request the Finance Minister to consider these things and try to do whatever is possible. For solving the problems in Tamil Nadu, we need the financial support from the Central Government. Therefore, I would request the Finance Minister to consider these things.

चौधरी लाल सिंह (उधमपुर): उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, आपने मुझे बोलने का समय दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं। आज सदन में सप्लीमेन्ट्री डिमांड्स फार ग्रांट्स लाई गई हैं, मैं इसकी ताइद के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं, मैं इसकी सपोर्ट करता हूं। यह जरूरी है कि जब यह बिल पास होगा तो हिंदुस्तान में जो तमाम लोग डैवलपमैन्ट कर रहे हैं, नौकरियां कर रहे हैं, उन्हें तनख्वाहें मिलेंगी।

मेरे कुछ सुझाव हैं, मेरे इलाके की कुछ तकलीफें हैं, जो मैं आपको बताना चाहूंगा। आप यह जज कीजिए कि मेरी अपनी कांस्टीटुंसी हिंदुस्तान की सबसे बड़ी कांस्टीटुंसी है। यह 25 हजार स्क्वायर किलोमीटर की कांस्टीटुंसी है, यहां 17 एम.एल.ए. हैं, सात जिले हैं, 1500 सरपंच हैं, 11 हजार पंच हैं, 1360 काउंसलर हैं। You tell me, how I can justify this constituency. आप सबकी भी कांस्टीटुंसी हैं और मेरी कांस्टीटुंसी भी है, हम सब एक जैसे एमपीज. हैं। जिसकी कांस्टीटुंसी फुलफ्लैज्ड तरीके से डैवलप हो चुकी है, उसे भी एमपीलैड से पांच करोड़ रुपये मिलते हैं और जिनकी कांस्टीटुंसी में एक-दो एमएलएज हैं, उसे भी पांच करोड़ रुपये मिलते हैं। लेकिन जिसकी कांस्टीटुंसी में 17 एमएलएज हैं, जिसका एरिया 25 हजार स्क्वायर किलोमीटर है, उसे भी इतने ही पैसे मिलते हैं। आपको अंदाजा नहीं होगा कि मेरी अपनी कांस्टीटुंसी में दस परसैन्ट कनैक्टिविटी है। How can you justify it? आपने देखा होगा कि मैं सारे दिन स्पोर्ट्स शूज डालकर दिल्ली में ही घूमता रहता हूं। मुझे पैदल चल-चल कर आदत हो गई है। मुझे समझ नहीं आ रहा है कि मैं कब अपने इलाके में गाड़ियों में चलूंगा। आप मेरे इलाके में डिस्ट्रिक्ट डोडा, रामबन, रियासी, किश्तवाड़, कठुआ और उधमपुर में चलिये, ये मेरे डिस्ट्रिक्ट्स हैं। मुझे आपसे इंसाफ चाहिए। आपका प्लानिंग कमीशन क्या करता है, जब आप फंड्स देते हो, You must see the condition of my constituency. आप उन लोगों को भी देखिये, जो आखिरी कोने में ऊंचे पहाड़ पर बैठे हैं। उन्हें आप कब पानी दे पाओगे। हमारे यहां नलका दिखाई देता है। बड़े खूबसूरत तरीके से टीवी पर दिखाते हो, साफ पानी पीओ, इतना नलका खोलो। हमारे यहां पानी आता ही नहीं है, वहां नलके ही नहीं लगे हैं। एक स्कूल में पीने का पानी नहीं है तो दूसरे स्कूल में स्विमिंग पूल है। What is the justification? मैं आपसे कहना चाहता हूं कि हमारे यहां ऐसे इलाके भी हैं, जहां मोमबत्ती जलाकर बिजली देखनी पड़ती है कि बिजली आई या नहीं आई। पुत्र जरा देख मेरी बिजली आई है कि नहीं। वह देखने जाता है और कहता है कि हां बापू बिजली आई है। कहने का मकसद यह है कि हमारे यहां ऐसे रिमोटैस्ट एरियाज हैं, जिनको अभी तक आप कनैक्ट नहीं कर पाये, बिजली नहीं दे पाये। देश में राजीव गांधी विद्युतीकरण स्कीम आई। मैं कहता हूं कि जितना शोषण जम्मू-कश्मीर में इस स्कीम का हुआ, उतना कहीं नहीं हुआ। आप देखिये मेरी स्कीम मेरा डिस्ट्रिक्ट कठुआ एनएचपीसी को दे दिया, उन्होंने एल एंड टी को दे दिया। एल एंड टी ने कॉमन लोगों से काम कराया, लेकिन लोगों को क्या मिला। I want to ask, मेरी आपसे विनती है, स्कीमें बनती हैं, योजनाएं बनती हैं और पैसा आता है, लेकिन जमीन पर कितना पैसा लगता है, इसे कौन मानीटर करेगा।

चिदम्बरम साहब मैं आपसे कहना चाहता हूं कि आप बढ़िया इंसान हो, बड़े तजुर्बेकार भी हो। लेकिन मैं जानना चाहता हूं कि क्या आपने कभी अपने पैसों का हिसाब लिया है? क्या आप कभी देखने के लिए गए कि आपने मुझे जो बिजली का पैसा दिया, क्या वह लगा, आपने मुझे पानी का जो पैसा दिया, क्या वह लगा, आपने जो टय़ूबवैल दिये, क्या वे लगे। अगर लगे हैं तो क्या वे पानी दे रहे हैं, फंक्शनल हैं या नॉन-फंक्शनल हैं, आप मुझे बतायें। जब चिदम्बरम साहब आप नहीं जाओगे तो यही होगा। आप हिंदुस्तान के एकाध गांव में चल जाओ, आप मेरी कांस्टीटुंसी का कोई एक गांव ले लो। जब कोई जम्मू कश्मीर आता है तो कहां जाता है? श्रीनगर जाता है, जम्मू शहर जाता है। दोनों शहरों में जाता है। वहां एक जगह वाजवान खाता है, दूसरी जगह दर्शन कर के वापस आ जाता है। जम्मू कश्मीर घूम लिया।

जनाब, मैं आपको मेरे जिले की और बाकी जिलों की कहानी सुनाता हूँ। एक जिला रियासी है, जहां 47 प्रतिशत लोग अनपढ़ हैं। 200 गांवों में से 95 गांव अनपढ़ हैं। कमाल हो गया। बड़ी भारी तरक्की है। इतने बड़े कॉलेज, इतनी बड़ी वर्ल्ड क्लास यूनिवसिर्टी हैं। लेकिन मेरी तो प्राइमरी एजुकेशन का सवाल है। मेरी मिडल एजुकेशन का सवाल है। मेरी हाईस्कूल की एजुकेशन का सवाल है। मेरी हायर सेकेंड्री स्कूल की एजुकेशन का सवाल है। इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर कैसा है? न टाट, न चाल्क, न घोड़ी न बोर्ड है। एक प्राइमरी स्कूल को एक कमरा मिला है, उस कमरे में पांच क्लासें हैं। टीचर पढ़ाता है पहली को तो सुनता है पांचवी वाला, पांचवी को पढ़ाता है, तो सुनता है सातवीं वाला। वह पूरी एक ही क्लास बना कर रखी हुई है। This is the position of a far-flung hilly area. आपने मनरेगा की योजना बना कर हमें दे दी। मज़दूरों को कार्ड दे दिए और कह दिया कि बहुत बढ़िया स्कीम है। कहा गया कि पंद्रह दिन के अंदर आपको काम मिलेगा। मैं आपको ऐसी मिसालें दूंगा कि लोगों को पंद्रह महीने भी काम नहीं मिला है। ऐसे हजारों केस हैं, जिनको काम नहीं मिल पाया है। मैं आपको कहना चाहता हूँ कि कौन इधर आ कर तकरीरें देगा? बस्ता उठा कर घूमें, बड़ी सादगी दिखाएं और उस इलाके के मज़दूर को न पूछें कि तुम्हें मज़दूरी मिली के नहीं मिली? उसको दिहाड़ी कितनी मिलती है? डिप्टी स्पीकर साहब, उसको 131 रूपये मिलते हैं। क्या 131 रूपये से एक आदमी का चूल्हा-चौका चलेगा? क्या एक आदमी की रोजी-रोटी चलेगी? क्या उसके बच्चे पढ़ेंगे? You tell me. कह रहे हैं कि यह पॉलिसी मैटर है। मेरा बच्चा ठीक-ठिकाने पढ़ेगा, आप सब का बच्चा ठीक-ठिकाने पढ़ेगा और जिनको हम रिप्रेज़ेंट करेंगे, उनका बच्चा नहीं पढ़ पाएगा। What is the fun of that?

मैं जनाब से कहना चाहता हूँ, क्योंकि ये होम मिनिस्टर भी रहे हैं तो इनको सब पता है। इनको पता है कि वहां सिक्योरिटी रिलेटिड फण्ड जाता है। इनको पता है कि विलेज डिफेंस कमेटियां बनी हुई हैं। इनको पता है कि स्पेशल पुलिस ऑफिसर्स बनाए गए हैं। उनको ऑनरेरियम के तौर पर 3100 रूपये महीना मिलते हैं। उसमें पांच हज़ार लोग शहीद भी हो गए हैं। न उनके घर वालों नौकरी मिली है, न उनके बच्चों की तकदीर है। इन्होंने रिक्रूटमेंट की है। लेकिन किनकी रिक्रूटमेंट की है। नए लोगों की रिक्रूटमेंट की है। जिन्होंने इस देश के लिए बंदूक उठाई हैं for the sake of this country. जिन्होंने इस देश का झण्डा उँचा करने के लिए बंदूकें उठाई हैं, उनको नौकरी से वंचित किया गया है। जिन्होंने एंटी बातें की हैं, उनको कहा कि आओ आपको एडजस्ट करते हैं। You do justice and justice for all.

सर, इन्होंने गैस की बात कही है। पहले तो किसी को गैस की आदत नहीं थी। कोई नहीं चाहता था। आपने कहा कि फोरेस्ट रोको, नहीं काट रहे हैं। हमारे यहां तो फोरेस्ट हैं। आपने लोगों को समझाया और लोग समझ गए। आप जानते हैं कि गांव में एक आदमी के कितने बच्चे होते हैं? मैं यह भी कहना चाहता हूं कि जो ज्वाइंट फैमिली रहती है, उसमें कितने-कितने बच्चे होते हैं? उनके यहां एक गैस थी और आपने कह दिया कि केवल छह सिलेंडर लो। आप किसी चूल्हा जलाने वाली औरत से पूछिए कि रोटी पकाने के बाद क्या तुम चूल्हा जलाये रखोगी? उसे छह सिलेंडर मिलें या एक सिलेंडर मिले, क्या वह गैस जलाये रखोगी, वह बिल्कुल नहीं जलाये रखेगी। उसके पास एक सिलेंडर होगा, दस होंगे या बीस होंगे, वह उतना ही जलाएगी, जितनी उसे रोटी पकानी है। How do you restrict it? This is the only exploitation. इससे यह हुआ कि गैस एजेंसी वालों ने लोगों को लूटना शुरू कर दिया, लूट मच गयी है।...( व्यवधान)

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : अब आप समाप्त कीजिए। श्री प्रबोध पांडा जी आप शुरू कीजिये।

…( व्यवधान)

चौधरी लाल सिंह : कामरेड आप अपनी बात शुरू करने से पहले मेरी बात सुनिए।...( व्यवधान)

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : इनकी बात रिकार्ड में नहीं जाएगी।

(Interruptions)* … उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आपकी बात रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रही है, बैठ जाइए।

(Interruptions)* … उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रहा है, बैठ जाइए।

(Interruptions)* … उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रहा है, कृपया बोलना बंद कीजिए।

(Interruptions)* … उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : प्रबोध पांडा जी, आप बोलिए।

SHRI PRABODH PANDA (MIDNAPORE): Thank you, Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise not to support this Supplementary Demands for Grants rather I rise to oppose this one. The Government seeks the approval of this House for the demands for Rs.32,000 crore. I am against this proposal not because of Rs.32,000 crore, I am against this proposal because of the concept of this Government itself.

The Government brings this proposal when the economic scenario of our country is gloomy. What are the main features? Firstly, the GDP growth has slowed down considerably. The Asian Development Bank had earlier projected it to be seven per cent, but, now, it has come down to 5.6 per cent. It has decelerated from 6.5 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.6 per cent this year. Secondly, industrial production has decelerated sharply along side lackluster investment. Thirdly, agricultural growth is below target, and mostly came to the stagnation stage. The inflation pressure persists. In today’s newspaper it has appeared that in retail the inflation is touching the two digit mark. In food materials and foodstuffs, the price hike is very alarming and it is galloping out of reach of the poor people. In this scenario, what is happening? The farmers are committing suicide. Not less than 2,76,000 farmers have committed suicide. Even after whatever the Government declared in its package for farmers, the trend could not be checked and it is continuing particularly in some States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Retrenchment of the jobless particularly in textiles is more than five lakhs. They have lost their jobs. Unemployment problem is a matter of great concern. In this scenario what proposal has the Government brought before us for approval? Though this is not a complete Budget, this is first batch Supplementary Demands for Grants, what is the concept, what is the idea? Look at the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. Not a single rupee in capital expenditure; there is proposal for only Rs.1 lakh in revenue expenditure. In the case of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, the proposal for capital expenditure is nil. In the case of the Department of Rural Development also it is nil, only Rs.2 lakh revenue expenditure. On the other hand, in the case of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, proposal for capital expenditure is Rs.2,000 crore. In the case of Ministry of External Affairs, it is Rs.365 crore. It shows that this Government is very insincere to the masses – the Aam aadmi – to the farmers, to the workers, to the unemployed youth and to the 80 per cent people of our country who are the suffering lot. That is why I am opposing it.

The problems of farmers have been rightly highlighted by the previous speakers. It is said that the Minimum Support Price has been increased. How much has it been increased? It is increased by 13 per cent only while the import cost has gone up by not less than 40 per cent. What is the match? As rightly mentioned by Dr. Raghuvansh Prasadji – I support his point – that we are providing pension in different sectors like industrial sector and service sector. Why not make a provision for providing bonus for farmers, who form 70 per cent of our population? They are the real base of our country. Why not pension be provided to them? My request to the Government is to please think over it, please restructure it. If it is not possible right now, at least immediately increase the Minimum Support Price.

We are talking about the rural credit to agriculture – subvention and all other things have been talked about. Four per cent interest is the recommendation of the Swaminathan Committee. The Government is saying that they are also making provision for four per cent interest for the poor farmers who will timely repay their loans. But, it has not been allowed in the term loans – not in the long term loan and not even in the medium term loan. Please extend this provision not only in the case of crop loan, not only in the case of short-term loan, but also in the case of term loan, particularly the long term and medium term loan. All these points should be considered by the Government. I think the Government will consider this as the Demands for Grants do not reflect the interests of the people properly, particularly the farmers, agricultural workers, workers in general and the unemployed youth. So, I oppose this proposal and I think my observations deserve consideration of the Government.

*SHRI PRASANTA KUMAR MAJUMDAR (BALURGHAT): I have been in this Parliament for the last 4 years. Since the very beginning, it was being said by the leaders of the country that India would become a country to take note of; it would become a developed nation in no time. But the ground reality is something different. If we check the parameters of development, we will be able to know how developed the country actually is – fiscal deficit is 6%, inflation is double digit, export is pegged at 1.6%, import is rapidly increasing and growth of employment is 1%, value of money is diminishing. Subsidy is being withdrawn from the agriculture sector. So what kind of development is this?

With decreasing subsidy in agriculture, price of fertilisers is on the rise. The farmers are not getting credits from the financial institutions. The Swaminathan Commission had recommended that loans should be provided at 4% interest rate to the marginal farmers, but that has not been implemented. MSP to the farmers has been raised by 13% while production cost has increased by 40%. Like the organised sector, the cultivators do not get bonus and their pension is also very less. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Irrigation facilities must be extended and expanded, otherwise agricultural production will not be augmented. The income of the farmers will also not increase. If there is crop failure, the poor farmers are forced to commit suicide. In North Bengal, so many tea garden workers have been driven to suicide because many tea estates have been shut down. The Teesta project of North Bengal is still pending. If the project is not completed in time, one crore people will die out of starvation.

In the Budget, every time the corporate houses, big industrialists are given tax benefits but the poor people are given no relaxation at all. When the prices of medicines shoot through the roof, the common people face the music. They cannot afford costly drugs and thus die without proper treatment. Such is the plight of the ordinary men in our country. The rural population are worst affected but the Government is highly indifferent.

When on one hand, subsidy is being withdrawn, on the other hand allocation for the airline sector is touching Rs.2000 crore. Inspite of such huge allocation, the condition of Kolkata airport is extremely poor. There is no cleanliness, no proper place to sit or even to stand. There is no shop which sells tea or food items at reasonable rates. The runway is also very risky. So these should be looked into.

Number of people in the BPL category is increasing day by day while tons of foodgrains are decaying in state godowns. The Supreme Court had passed the verdict that these foodgrains should be distributed among the poor farmers but that order is not being followed.

29 thousand crore rupees out of 32 thousand crores are the non-plan expenditure of the Government whereas only the remaining 3 thousand crores are earmarked for plan expenditure. Corruption is rampant in this country and black money is stashed away in foreign banks. If that money can be brought back, it can be put to good use and developmental works can be carried out. The Government is inviting FDI but that will shrink job opportunities more and more.

Therefore, Deputy Speaker Sir, the Government should consult all quarters before preparing the budget. All funds are in the hands of the centre which should be released and given to the states also so that the State Government can carry out welfare activities. The poor people, common men, farmers, labourers should be allowed to live a life with dignity. They should have food to eat, homes to live and it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure their livelihood.

With these words, I thank you for allowing me to participate in this debate and I oppose this supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for 2012-13.

श्री अजय कुमार (जमशेदपुर):उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, सप्लीमेंटरी ग्रांट का जो लगभग 32,000 करोड़ रुपये की रक़म है, ये सब रेवेन्यू एक्सपेंडिचर के लिए जा रहा है जो देश के लिए चिंता की बात है। इसमें 2,000 करोड़ एयर इंडिया के लिए और करीब 20,000 करोड़ हमारी तेल कंपनियों के लिए है। हमसे पहले भी हमारे साथियों ने इस बिन्दु पर काफी चर्चा की है। हमारे झारखण्ड में यदि एक जिले के हर गांव में आप 2,000 करोड़ रुपये में एक तालाब बना देंगे तो करीब-करीब 20 करोड़ रुपए में हर गांव में एक तालाब बन जाएगा। इसका मतलब 200 जिलों में आप इस राशि से गांव की स्थिति सुधार सकते हैं। उसी ढंग से चिंता इस बात की है कि भारत सरकार का जो एक्सपेंडिचर है, काफी एक्सपेंडिचर रेवेन्यू पर ही जा रहा है। अगर हम लोग इस पैसे को बचा दें तो प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना हो जाएगा।

महोदय, एन.एच.-33 जो जमशेदपुर और रांची का एक महत्वपूर्ण रोड है, इसका एक छोटा-सा उदाहरण है। उसकी स्थिति इतनी खराब है कि पिछले एक साल में इस पर 200 दुर्घटनाएं हुई हैं और वे हेड-ऑन कॉलीज़न नहीं हुयी हैं। इसमें इतने गड्ढ़े हैं कि गाड़ियां उलट गयी हैं। यह एक राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग की स्थिति है।

इसी तरह से अगर आप स्कूल की स्थिति देखें। हम हर वक्त सर्व शिक्षा अभियान की बात करते हैं। हमारे यहां कूडाडुगा एक आदिवासी गांव है। वहां पर एक टीचर है। मुझे यह समझ में नहीं आता है कि इतने सालों से यह चर्चा हो रही है, पर टीचर का रिक्रूटमेंट लोकल ब्लॉक लेवल पर क्यों नहीं होता है? हर ग्रामीण स्कूल में आप देख लीजिए। एक दाल-भात वाली योजना बन गयी है, लेकिन शिक्षा की कोई व्यवस्था नहीं है।

जहां तक महत्वपूर्ण खर्च की बात है तो उसमें एनआरएचएम का खर्च है। यह एक छोटी-सी कहानी के रूप में है कि एक छोटा-सा लड़का था श्रीकांत गिरि। वह हमारे क्षेत्र में एक फुटबॉल टूर्नामेंट में खेल रहा था। उसे एक छोटा-सा इंफेक्शन हुआ। वह स्वास्थ्य केन्द्र गया। वहां डॉक्टर नहीं थे। उसने अपने घर पर इलाज़ कराया। कुछ दिनों बाद खबर आयी कि टाटा मेमोरियल अस्पताल में उसके घुटने से नीचे का पैर काटना पड़ा। यह स्थिति ऐसी है कि वहां गांव में न तो कोई डॉक्टर है, लेकिन बजट बढ़ता ही जाता है।

गांव में बिजली की स्थिति तो सबको मालूम है। वित्त मंत्री महोदय से एक छोटा-सा अनुरोध होगा। यह जो पब्लिक डिस्ट्रीब्यूशन सिस्टम में इतना लीकेज़ हो रहा है, इसलिए वे बजट में यूनिवर्सल फूड स्कीम के बारे में सिन्सियरली सोचें क्योंकि जब भी हम लोग गांवों में जाते हैं, हमें दिखाई नहीं देता कि कौन बीपीएल है, कौन बीपीएल नहीं है। आपके माध्यम से यही अनुरोध होगा कृपया उस पर ध्यान दिया जाए।

महोदय, हमारे साथियों ने किसानों की आत्महत्या के बारे में काफी चर्चा की। इसमें मैं आपका ज्यादा समय बर्बाद नहीं करूंगा। लेकिन, एक छोटा-सा अनुरोध है। बहुत सारी चीजें सरकार के हाथ में है जो किसान की स्थिति सुधार सकती है। जैसे एग्रीकल्चर प्राइस मार्केटिंग कमेटी का एबॉलीशन, जीएसटी को साथ में लगाना, किसानों के लिए प्राइवेट क्रॉप इंश्योरेंस। जंगल के प्रोडक्ट्स की कोई मार्केटिंग नहीं है, खास तौर से झारखण्ड में।

महोदय, एक छोटा-सा उदाहरण गन्ने के मोलास्क के बारे में है। आप उसका मूवमेंट नहीं कराते हैं। इसमें आपने सिर्फ एक ही काम किया है कि आपने यह सुनिश्चित कर लिया है कि जो लीकर माफिया हैं, वे पैसा कमाएं। एक अखबार में आर्टिकल आया था कि करीब-करीब 70,000 करोड़ के आसपास का मोलास्क नॉन मूवमेंट के कारण बर्बाद हुआ है। अगर हम लोग मोलास्क को एक्रॉस स्टेट बॉडर्स मूवमेंट कराएंगे तो कम से कम किसान को उसका सही दाम मिलेगा। लेकिन, हम लोगों ने इस कानून के माध्यम से यह सुनिश्चित कर लिया है कि किसान को सही दाम न मिले, पर लीकर माफिया खूब पैसा कमाए। आपसे यह अनुरोध है कि इसका अध्ययन करने की आवश्यकता है।

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : कृपया आप अपना भाषण समाप्त करें।

श्री अजय कुमार : महोदय, बस दो मिनट में मैं अपना भाषण समाप्त करता हूं। मैं आपकी बात हर वक्त मानता हूं।

महोदय, मैं तो यह कहता हूं कि भारत में चिंता इस बात बात की है कि किसी भी मॉडर्न इकॉनोमी में गुड और बैड बिलियनेअर्स होते हैं। यदि हमारे देश में सिर्फ़ प्राकृतिक संसाधन के एलॉटमेंट के मुताबिक अगर बिलियनेअर्स बन रहे हैं तो यह चिंता की बात है। एक चावला कमेटी की रिपोर्ट आयी थी। मैं वित्त मंत्री महोदय से यह अनुरोध करूंगा कि वे चावला कमेटी की रिपोर्ट को सब्मिट करें ताकि इस देश को यह समझ में आ जाए कि देश का जो प्राकृतिक संसाधन है, उसका ऑक्शन किस ढंग से होना चाहिए।

महोदय, अन्त में एक-दो प्वायंट और है। हम सभी लोग ऑरगेनाइज्ड लेबर के बारे में चर्चा करते हैं। इस देश में 94 प्रतिशत लेबर अनऑरगेनाइज्ड हैं। ईएसआई और पीएफ के बारे में कोई चिंता नहीं है। हमने एक कमिश्नर को लिखा था कि जमशेदपुर में एक लाख मजदूर अनऑरगेनाइज्ड हैं। सब कहते हैं कि उनके पास ईएसआईसी कार्ड है। सच्चाई में दो प्रतिशत, तीन प्रतिशत से कम ईएसआईसी कार्ड है। लेकिन, लोग कहते हैं कि हमारा कवरेज 100 प्रतिशत है। देश में 94 प्रतिशत अनऑरगेनाइज्ड लेबर है और यदि सरकार उन्हें ईएसआईसी और पीएफ कार्ड दे तो जब भी उनके परिवार का कोई व्यक्ति बीमार होगा तो वे कम से कम गरीबी की स्थिति में नहीं आएंगे। इस देश में यह सोचना चाहिए कि हमारी सरकार इतनी ग्रो क्यों होती है। नये कंजरवेटर्स ऑफ फोरेस्ट होते हैं,, लेकिन जमशेदपुर और झारखंड में फोरेस्ट गार्ड नहीं हैं। डीजीस बनते हैं, लेकिन सिपाही नहीं हैं, सैक्रेटीस बनते हैं, लेकिन बीडीओ नहीं है।

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, मेरा आपके माध्यम से वित्त मंत्री जी से अनुरोध होगा, वाइट पेपर तो छोड़ दीजिए, यदि हम लोग एक कमेटी बना दें। हम लोग किसी तरह से इस देश में कॉस्ट रिडक्शन कर लें। फूड कार्पोरेशन ऑफ इंडिया 20 परसैंट लॉस ऑफ फूड,...( व्यवधान)

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय: कृपया अपनी बात समाप्त करें।

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श्री सुशील कुमार सिंह (औरंगाबाद):उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, आपने इस महत्वपूर्ण विषय पर मुझे बोलने का मौका दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपको धन्यवाद देता हूं। मैं आपके माध्यम से वित्त मंत्री जी को यह कहना चाहूंगा कि आज के दिन देश में मनरेगा चल रहा है। सरकार की बहुत महत्वकांक्षी और महत्वपूर्ण योजना है। सारे लोग इसकी बढ़ाई करते नहीं थकते, लेकिन इसके कारण जो कमियां हैं, मैं उनको गिनाना चाहता हूं और सरकार का ध्यान...( व्यवधान)

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श्री सुशील कुमार सिंह : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, अभी तो हमने अपनी बात शुरू ही की है और यह इतना महत्वपूर्ण विषय है। मैं आपका ज्यादा समय नहीं लूंगा, लेकिन आप मुझे अपनी बात पूरी करने देंगे, यह मेरा आपसे अनुरोध है।

उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, कोई भूमिका नहीं, मैं सीधा-सीधा यह कहना चाहता हूं कि मनरेगा के कारण आज देश में खेती प्रभावित हो रही है। इससे कोई स्थाई परिसम्पत्ति क्रियेट नहीं हो रही है, इससे खेती प्रभावित हो रही है। वित्त मंत्री जी, मेरा आपसे अनुरोध के साथ यह सुझाव होगा कि मनरेगा में मजदूरों को जो काम दिया जाता है, खेती में मिलने वाले काम को उससे जोड़ दिया जाए। आज के ही दिन खेती प्रभावित हो रही है, आज से दस साल बाद क्या होगा, यह हर कोई समझ सकता है। यह मेरा एक सुझाव था। दूसरा मैं यह कहना चाहता हूं, वित्त मंत्री जी इससे पहले गृह मंत्री थे। इन्होंने उग्रवाद पर बहुत चिन्ता व्यक्त करते हुए दो-दो बार बैठकें बुलाईं, सांसदों को बुलाया और उनसे सुझाव लिए। इन्होंने दा भर में जो उग्रवाद प्रभावित जिले चयनित हैं, उनमें सड़क निर्माण की एक योजना शुरू की - एलडब्ल्यूई। उसका फर्स्ट फेस शुरू हुआ, लेकिन उसका सैकिंड फेस आज से डेढ़ साल पहले से प्रपोज्ड है। राज्यों ने अपने प्रस्ताव भेज दिए हैं, उसे सड़क मंत्रालय ने वित्त मंत्रालय को भेज दिया है, लेकिन आज तक वित्त मंत्री जी, वह क्रियान्वित नहीं हो रहा है। आपकी यह नीति है, आप ये सोचते हैं कि उग्रवाद पर हम काबू कर सकते हैं, उस पर नियंत्रण हम विकास करके कर सकते हैं। आपने इस योजना को लाँच किया है तो फिर इसका दूसरा चरण आप क्यों नहीं शुरू करते हैं? मैं आपको अनुरोध के साथ यह कहना चाहता हूं कि आप सैकिंड फेस को सैंक्शन दें ताकि सड़कों का निर्माण हो और उग्रवाद प्रभावित जिलों में सड़कों के निर्माण के कारण उग्रवाद की समस्या पर नियंत्रण हो सके।

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उपाध्यक्ष महोदय: आप संक्षेप में बोलिए।

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15.00 hrs उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आपकी बात रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रही है। अपना भाषण बन्द कर दीजिए, आपकी बात हो गई। समाप्त कर दीजिए, वह तो आपने बोल दिया। प्लीज़ बैठ जाइये।

(Interruptions)* … उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : आपकी बात रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रही है। कृपया समाप्त कीजिए।

(Interruptions)* … श्रीमती अन्नू टण्डन (उन्नाव): उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, आपका धन्यवाद कि आपने आज मुझे सप्लीमेंटरी डिमांड्स ऑफ ग्राण्ट्स, 2012-13 पर अपना पक्ष रखने का मौका दिया।

जरूरतें हर इन्सान की होती हैं। उसी तरह आज हमारे देश के लिए अतिरिक्त पैसे की जहां जरूरत है, उस पर चर्चा हो रही है। मेरे ख्याल से कृषि प्रधान देश होने के नाते यह सब जानते हैं कि अगर कृषि का क्षेत्र तरक्की करता है या किसान खुशहाल होता है, उसका परिवार खुशहाल होता है तो हमारा देश भी आगे बढ़ सकता है। इससे हमारे ये जो प्रयास और चर्चाएं हैं, वे सार्थक हो जाती हैं। इसी को ध्यान में रखते हुए बजट में माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने कृषि क्षेत्र के बजट में 18 प्रतिशत की वृद्धि की थी और टोटल प्लान आउट ले में डिपार्टमेंट ऑफ एग्रीकल्चर एण्ड कोऑपरेशन 2012-13 में 20,208 करोड़ रुपये आबंटित किए और राष्ट्रीय कृषि विकास योजना में भी बजट बढ़ाकर उन्होंने 9217 करोड़ रुपये आबंटित किया। सीधे किसान को लाभ पहुंचाने के लिए माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी ने कृषि के क्षेत्र में ऋण के वास्ते भी 5.75 लाख करोड़ रुपये का प्रस्ताव रखा, जो कि पिछले साल से एक लाख करोड़ रुपये ज्यादा है।

15.02 hrs (Dr. M. Thambidurai in the Chair) मैं सरकार की सराहना करना चाहती हूं कि वह आम जनता व खासकर किसानों को ध्यान में रखकर फैसला करती है। कभी-कभी विपक्ष की बात भी अजीब लगती है, जैसे बी.जे.पी. के वरिष्ठ नेता सांसद अपनी सप्लीमेंटरी डिमांड्स ऑफ ग्राण्ट्स पर चर्चा करते हुए कह रहे थे कि वित्त मंत्रालय और आर.बी.आई. में तालमेल नहीं है, कोल्ड वार चल रही है तो सरकार जब यहां मैनेज नहीं कर सकती तो देश की अर्थव्यवस्था को कैसे मैनेज करेगी। यह तो वही बात हुई कि चित्त भी अपनी और पट्ट भी अपनी, जब मिलकर काम करो तो कहते हैं कि आपस में मिले हुए हैं और जब देश की भलाई में अलग-अलग मत रखो तो कहते हैं कि मैनेज नहीं कर पाते। मैं सिर्फ यह कहना चाहती हूं कि यू.पी.ए. की सरकार सही मायने में लोकतंत्र को समझती है, लोकतंत्र के हित में फैसला करती है और आम जनता को प्राथमिकता देती है।

सप्लीमेंटरी डिमांड्स फॉर ग्राण्ट्स, 2012-13 में 32,119.5 करोड़ रुपये की मांग की गई है और इस माध्यम से विभिन्न क्षेत्र जैसे कृषि, स्वास्थ्य, परिवार कल्याण, ग्रामीण विकास, सामाजिक न्याय, जल संसाधन, महिला एवं बाल विकास, इन सब पर ध्यान दिया गया है, जो कि आवश्यक है। मैं इसका समर्थन करती हूं पर कुछ बातें माननीय मंत्री महोदय जी से और इस सदन में आपके माध्यम से रखना चाहती हूं। किसान की जरूरत क्या है, बिजली, पानी, शायद डीजल, बीज, खाद, साथ में जमीन और पसीना। इसी के साथ अन्त में खास जरूरत उनकी उपज का कोई सही दाम दे दे या खरीद ले, परन्तु क्या यह हो रहा है? यह बहुत बड़ा सवाल है। अब तक केन्द्र सरकार की ग्रामीण और कृषि क्षेत्र की योजनाओं की कोई कमी नहीं है, पैसा भी पर्याप्त मात्रा में आबंटित किया जाता है, परन्तु इनका क्रियान्वयन सही तरीके से नहीं हो रहा है। क्या इसका लाभ एक हाशिये पर खड़े किसान तक पहुंच पा रहा है? मुझे माननीय श्रीमती इन्दिरा गांधी की याद आती है, जब उन्होंने एक समय भूमिहीन किसानों के लिए पूरे देश में, वैसे ही मेरे संसदीय क्षेत्र उन्नाव में भी पांच बीघा जमीन, यानि करीब तीन एकड़ का पट्टा आबंटित किया था और किसानों को नॉन ट्रंसफरेबल पट्टाधारक या लैंड होल्डर बना दिया था। 15 वर्ष के बाद तत्कालीन क्षेत्रीय पार्टियों की विपक्षी सरकारों ने इस नॉन ट्रंसफरेबल पट्टा धारकों को ट्रंसफरेबल लैंड ओनर बना दिया, जिसका नतीजा यह हुआ कि कई किसानों ने अपनी जमीन कौड़ियों के दाम पर बेच दी और आज वे फिर भूमिहीन हो गये हैं, यानि अच्छी सी स्कीम बिना बात के किसानों के लिए नाकाम साबित हुई।

MR. CHAIRMAN: Please wind up. Please wind up.

श्रीमती अन्नू टण्डन : मैं अब केवल दो मिनट और लूंगी।

MR. CHAIRMAN: He has to reply. He has to reply.

SHRIMATI ANNU TANDON : I am asking for just two minutes. Two minutes will not make a difference.

MR. CHAIRMAN: That is there but what to do? The time factor is there.

SHRIMATI ANNU TANDON: I am just asking for two minutes.

MR. CHAIRMAN: No, he has to reply and we have to pass the Bill. There is no time. Please cooperate and wind up.

SHRIMATI ANNU TANDON : I do not think Sir that it is possible to just wind up like this. If I have known, I would have laid the whole speech on the Table but I will lay the rest on the Table.

MR. CHAIRMAN: You can lay the rest of the speech on the Table.

*....*श्रीमती अन्नू टण्डन : अच्छा होता कि अगर कोई राज्य सरकार इससे सहमत नहीं थी तो उसको लागू न करती ताकि स्कीम कम से कम फ्लॉप तो न हो और आगे लागू होने की उम्मीद रह जाए ।

यही बात एफडीआइ पर लागू होती है । एफडीआई के बारे में लोगों को भ्रम है कि किसान विरोधी है या छोटे व्यापारियों को नुकसान पहुंचा सकती है । ये सिर्फ भ्रम है ।

सही मायने में इसके मानक के द्वारा यह कहा गया है कि 50औ निवेश बैक-एंड एवं ग्रामीण इलाकों में लगाया जाएगा, तभी मल्टीब्रांड रिटेल स्टोर्स खोलने की इजाजत सरकार से मिलेगी ।

यह साबित कर देता है कि सरकार की नीयत किसानों के हित में है और किसान एफडीआई का कई तरीके से लाभ उठा पाएंगे । उदाहरण - नई तकनीक, बेहतर उपज, अच्छे दाम, कोल्ड स्टोरेज वे अन्य अन्य स्टोरेज की सुविधा आदि और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण जो हमारे खाद्यान्न का नुकसान होता था वो काफी हद तक कम हो जाएगा ।

अच्छा यह है कि जो राज्य सरकार इस बात को पूरी तरीके से समझ न पाए उसे एफडीआई इन मल्टी-ब्रांड रिटेल न लागू करने की पूरी छूट है ।

किसान के लिए सही मूल्य बहुत जरूरी है । मिनिमम सपोर्ट प्राइज (एमएसपी) के बावजूद कई खरीद केन्द्रों में होती हेरा-फेरी से सब ही वाकिफ है । पिछले वर्ष के 1170 के मुकाबले इस वर्ष गेहूं 1,285 का खरीदा जाना था पर उसके बजाए 900 रूपये में भी कहीं-कहीं गेहूं खरीदा गया । इस नुकसान को गरीब किसान कैसे सहे ? इन केन्द्रों में काम सही हो तो काई तकलीफ नहीं पर किसान के पास विकल्प होना चाहिए । विकल्प, बाजार के बिचौलियों के अलावा, एफडीआई लेकर आए बड़े व्यापारी भी हो सकते हैं । जितने विकल्प हम किसान को दे सकें उतना अच्छा होगा ताकि वो ठगे न जा सकें और अपनी इच्छा से जहां सही समझे अपना अनाज बेचें ।

बाढ़ या बरसात की वजह से भी जो नुकसान किसान को सहना पड़ता है उसमें अब सप्लीमेंट्री डिमांड फोर ग्रांटस में राष्ट्रीय कृषि बीमा योजनाओं के क्रियान्वयन के अंतर्गत 235 करोड़ अतिरिक्त राशि की अपेक्षा रखी है जिसका मैं समर्थन करती हूं । संशोधित कृषि बीमा योजना के अंतर्गत भी 115 करोड़ की अतिरिक्त राशि की मांग का भी मैं समर्थन करती हूं ।

लेकिन साथ ही जो 100 करोड़ के अतिरिक्त सामान्य सहायता अनुदान की मांग ऑयलसीड्स/ऑयलपॉम/दालों और मक्का के विकास के लिए रखी गई है, मेरे विचार से यह राशि काफी कम है, इसे और बढ़ाने की जरूरत लगती है ।

खेत में धान फिर गेहूं बदल-बदल कर लगाने का जो जमीन की गुणवत्ता का नुकसान होता है, खासकर नाइट्रेट्स का और साथ में वहां की वायु मीथेन गैस से प्रदूषित हो जाती है जो क्लाइमेट चेंज में एक बड़ा योगदान देता है इसे हमें नियंत्रित करना होगा । सबसे बढ़िया तरीका है कि उन खेतों में दाल/पल्सस या लेगुम्स की खेती करें जिससे हमारे खेतों में नाइट्रोजन सप्लाई बढ़ेगी और ग्रीन हाऊस गैस इमीशन्स भी कम हो जाएंगी । सिर्फ किसान या किसानी के लिए नहीं परंतु प्रदूषण रोकने के वास्ते भी सामान्य सहायता अनुदान की मांग करती हूं । दलहन और तिलहन के लिए भी जो पैसा आवंटित किया जा रहा है वो बहुत कम है और उसके लिए भी मैं माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी का ध्यान आकर्षित करना चाहती हूं ।

ज्वार, बाजरा, रागी जैसे मोटे अनाजों के बारे में भी ध्यान देने की आवश्यकता है । बल्कि ध्यान देना ही पर्याप्त नहीं है, इसके लिए काफी अधिक मात्रा का बजट एवं किसानों के लिए लाभदायी योजनाओं की जरूरत है ।

संयुक्त राष्ट्र में भी साल 2013 को "द इंटरनेशनल ईयर ऑफ क्यूनोआ" यानि क्यूनोआ का अंतर्राष्ट्रीय वर्ष घोषित किया गया है । धान नहीं, गेंहू नहीं, क्यूनोआ जोकि एंडेस के मूल निवासियों का परंपरागत खाद्यान्न है उसको संरक्षित रखने के लिए संयुक्त राष्ट्र की ये पहल है । हमारे कई मोटे अनाज जैसे ज्वार, बाजरा, मक्का अब किसान पैदा नहीं करता क्यांकि उसका उपयोग, खरीद एवं संरक्षण की कोई सुविधा नहीं है ।

माननीय वित्त मंत्री जी से आपके द्वारा इस सेक्टर को तवज्जो देने के लिए, कुछ धन आवंटित करने के लिए अनुरोध करना चाहती हूं ।

सिंचाई के लिए भी अतिरिक्त धन आवंटित करने की आवश्यकता है ।

बजट में सिंचाई के लिए एआईबीपी में 13 प्रतिशत की वृद्धि करके 14,242 करोड़ आवंटित करने का निर्णय लिया गया था । इसे और बढ़ाने की जरूरत है । जल के खातिर चाहे, जल संसाधन हो या सिंचाई के लिए इस सप्लीमेंट्री डिमांड फॉर ग्रांटस में कोई डिमांड नहीं रखी गई है ।

किसानों की मदद के लिए केन्द्र सरकार की कई योजनाओं के साथ कम ब्याज पर ऋण देने की जो नीति है उसकी सराहना करती हूं पर बताना चाहती हूं कि किसान अपनी अज्ञानता के कारण लूटा जाता है । बैंक के या अन्य अधिकारी उनको सही सहयोग न देकर अक्सर शोषण करते हैं । मेरे पास मेरे संसदीय क्षेत्र उन्नाव के अनेक किसान इस बात की शिकायत आकर करते हैं ।

मैं आपके द्वारा, सभापति महोदय, गुजारिश करना चाहती हूं कि ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों की बैंकों में या जिले स्तर पर एक खास "केन्द्रीय सलाहकार समिति" इन मुद्दों को यानी ऋण, बयाज, किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड आदि के लिए गठित की जाए ताकि सिर्फ किसानी के लिए ही नहीं परंतु पशु पालन या कुटीर उद्योग चलने हेतु ब्याज मुक्त या कम ब्याज पर बिना कमीशन दिए किसानों को सहयोग मिल सकेगा, खासकर उन किसानों को जो ज्यादा पढ़े-लिखे नहीं है और अपने अधिकार जानने या लेने दोनों में असमर्थ है ।

अंत में, मैं आपके द्वारा माननीय वित्त मंत्री महोदय से गुजारिश करना चाहती हूं कि अपने देश में अगर किसान खुशहाल है तो हमारा देश खुशहाल है, अतः इस क्षेत्र पर अधिक तब्बजो देने की कृपा करें।*....* *SHRIMATI BOTCHA JHANSI LAKSHMI (VIZIANAGARAM) : I whole heartedly support this Supplementary Demands for Grants (General ).

The United Progressive Government-II is moving ahead under the stewardship of leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh, Smt. Sonia Gandhi with more and more pro-poor schemes to ensure that every citizen of the country country could have a sigh of relief and get two square meals a day. I can roll out schemes, which the hon. Members from both Houses too know. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sarva Shiksha Programme, Right to Education, etc. I would not hasten to add that there are issues in the implementation; there are complaints against certain schemes but if one takes the overall views and the success of the schemes being implemented by the United Progressive Alliance-II Government, one can deny its contribution in uplifting the poor and providing succour to the needy and depressed sections of society, both in rural and urban areas.

Here, I would like to stress that my opposition-ruled States like Gujrat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka are claiming and usurping the good name that is there because of the schemes of the Central Government. This is not proper to say the least. People who are the beneficiaries across the country know the Central Government is behind all these Central Schemes which are being implemented at the State level. No opposition party can snatch away the good governance, decent performance and excellent job being provided by the UPA- Government during the last 8 years.

Since efforts are being made to bring in real change in rural India and to ensure benefits reach the poor.

Kindly allow me to highlight a few flagship schemes which have brought in a sea-change in the employment scheme in the rural parts of the country. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Rural Health Mission, National Urban Health Mission, which aims at fulfilling the needs of urban populace. Not only that, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana has been a success in country. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana which aims at development in agriculture is also a huge success and we can see marked impeovement in agricultural sector in the rural areas. Likewise, Rural Infrastructure Development Fund took care by exclusively creating warehousing facilities in the rural areas.

No right thinking person can deny that impact MGNREGS has on the livelihood security in the rural areas. This is a massive scheme which has brought in much needed solace to the agricultural sector and brought about a synergy in the rural areas. Even the BJP’s top leader, Shri L.K. Advani while speaking in the United Nations in October, 2012 appreciated MGNREGA. Such is the success of this scheme.

Right to Education-Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is making a great impact in the field of education. It is heartening to note that 6,000 schools are proposed to come up at block level as model schools in 12th Plan. This would further give fillip to the education sector. Sir under Rajiv Vidhya Mission, I demand to set up special schools for differently avled people particularly where the PHC population is high like in my constituency Vizianagaram.

The UPA2 Government is aimed to get it cleared the National Food Security Bill. When this is implemented, it would be an historic decision of the Government which would cater to the needs of crores of people in our country, who find it difficulty to make both ends meet. I am hopeful that the Government would study in depth as to who should be benefited out of this National Food Security Programme, when it becomes a reality.

We can go on highlighting major breakthrough and achievements of our UPA2 Government in the last 8 years. There is no dearth of data to show case the successes of our Government. In every field- be it education, health, textiles, agriculture, IT, -the UPA2 Government has performed excellently.

Another feather in the cap of the UPA2 Government is completion of enrolment of 20 crore persons under UID mission. Another 40 crore enrolment is expected to be completed, for which adequate funds have been allocated.

I would like to urge upon the Government to waive off the interest part on the loan given to unemployed youth. This act of the Government would in the right perspective and give relief to the students as well as unemployed youth of the country.

Concerted and sincere efforts are being made by the Government to ensure inclusiveness under these trying circumstances.

Our UPA Government has made great strides in every conceivable field. But one cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that we face the problem of shortage of drinking water, population explosion, inadequate health care, malnutrition, shortage of power, floods and droughts ravaging States, year after year, etc. But the UPA2 Government, under the leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh and our UPA Chairperson, has the resilience to steer through all these problems and that there is no doubt this Government will go a long way. This Government has stood the test of time in these 8 long months trying to solve the impending problems of the country with dexterity and finesse with the given situation and finances, surrounded with problems galore that crop up from time to time.

Another important problems we face is shortage of drinking water, particularly in cities during summer. The stark reality is that in India water problem would continue to haunt us as long as we depend on monsoon. We should develop a fool- proof rain harvesting system in each and every household to solve the problem of water. I hope the hon. Finance Minister would look into this aspect with the seriousness it deserves.

Farmers face a lot of problem in their lives. Most important of all is that when their produce is ready, the Minimum Support Price offered is not adequate and there is a gap between the MSP and the Market price. The gap between the two should be bridged taking into consideration the contribution of farmers in feeding the country and indulging in producing food grains in trying circumstances.

Health is one area in which, I firmly believe, the government should show considerable importance in improving the general health condition of the people. It is reported recently that even after 65 years of Independence, and after achieving all round development, more than 26 crore people in the society I urge upon the Government to sanction the trauma care center in my Viziangaram District for saving and treating the people in road accidents in National Highways.

Our Government is making efforts to improve the lot of rural areas. I welcome such noble effort.

Education is another area, where we have to lay more emphasis in the years to come. Dropouts from schools have not reduced over the years. Innovatives and effective steps should be made to ensure that each and every child, particularly from the underprivileged sections of the society and people living in despicable conditions attend the school. If we provide education to one and all, there is no doubt that our country would become a developed country sooner rather than later.

Power is another subject which is to be treated with utmost seriousness. We should give emphasis on power thefts to ensure that same is stopped. Emphasis should be given to the use the renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy to overcome huge shortage of electricity in various parts of the country, particularly when summer sets in.

Kindly allow me to raise a few important issues concerning my parliamentary constituency, Vizianagaram. There is an urgent need to construct a permanent building to run the ICDS in Vizianagaram. Secondly, there is no hostel for girls studying in the Post Graduate Centre of Andhra University in Vizianagaram. Building Ladies Hostel would go a long way in helping the girls from economically lower strata of society to pursue higher education. I urge upon the Government through you Sir kindly sanction women university in our most backward district in North Costal Andhra Pradesh.

I would like to humbly request the Government to launch SABALA programme under ICDS to the backward district of Vizianagaram also. There is and urgent need to introduce SABALA programme under ICD so that there would be improvement in the nutritional standards of adolescent girls and pregnant women in Vizianagaram.

Likewise, I would request the Government to think of conducting a study to ensure that milk routes in Andhra Pradesh are demarcating for the distribution of milk which would help the farmers ultimately and kindly upgrade veterinary dispensaries across the country where cattle population is high like in my Andhra Pradesh State.

We, in Vizianagaram, have a National Highway No. 5 which passes through Maharanipeta or Rajapulova, Vizianagaram, Gajapathinagaram, Bobboli, Ramabhadrapuram, Salur in Andhra Pradesh. This is a 4-lane National Highway. Due to huge traffic on this National Highway particularly en route above places in Andhra Pradesh including Rajapulova Palasa via Etcherla, there is an urgent need to convert 4-lane into 6- lane. I hope the Government would look into constituency, Vizianagaram.

In the end, I would like to congratulate the Government for granting equity infusion of Rs. 2000 in Air India as part of the turn around plan and reconstructing package. This would undoubtedly be of great help and would be a much awaited fillip for the national carrier. Likewise, Government has sanctioned a total additional outgo of Rs 28,500 crore to compensate oil marketing companies. I have no hesitation to say that this would led to removal of pressure and overburden on oil companies, which would consequently result in the benefit to the general public. Sir Finally, I request the Hon’ble Minster for enhancement of LPG Cylinder to at least 12 per year so that our women will be grateful to our Government, I support this Supplementary Demands for Grants,( 2012-2013) THE MINISTER OF FINANCE (SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I am grateful to the 18 hon. Members who have spoken on the debate on the Supplementary Demands for Grants beginning with Shri Ananth Kumar and ending with Shrimati Anu Tandon. I am sorry that some of them may not have had enough time to speak. But there is some consolation. Even I do not have too much time to reply. I will try to be very brief and deal with the points.

Sir, in the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants which includes 60 Grants and two Appropriations, we are seeking authorization for gross additional expenditure of Rs.32,119.50 crore. Of this, the cash outgo is only for Rs. 30,804 crore. Of the cash outgo there are two major items. One is equity infusion in Air India as part of the turn around plan of Rs.2000 crore and the second is providing compensation towards estimated under recoveries on account of sale of petroleum products to oil marketing companies of Rs.28,500 crore.

There was a lot of comment on the subsidies that are being provided. There was some criticism about Air India. Let me briefly reply. Today, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have under recoveries. We may call it under recoveries or losses. But they are not able to recover the cost of the products that they are producing because the selling price is much lower than the cost price. It is only in petroleum that we are able to recover the price at which the product is produced. Even there, the price correction does not take place immediately and sometimes there is an under recovery.

But as far as the under recovery is concerned, this is met from three sources. The first is the subsidy that is provided in the Budget. The second is the contribution of the upstream companies, namely, ONGC and others. And the third is the Oil Marketing Companies’ (OMCs) own contribution. In 2010-11, the Government provided Rs.41,000 crore, upstream companies provided Rs.30,297 crore and the OMCs themselves provided Rs.6,893 crore. Likewise, in 2011-12, the Government provided Rs.83,500 crore and upstream companies provided Rs.55,000 crore. In the current year, so far, Rs.85,586 crore is the estimated under recovery. Of this, the Government has provided Rs.30,000 crore, the upstream companies have provided Rs. 30,169 crore and OMCs themselves provided Rs.25,417 crore. What we are now doing is that we are providing an additional Rs.28,500 crore in the Supplementary Budget. It is my hope that the upstream companies can provide a little more and some money can come from the oil marketing companies.

We are in a very difficult situation. It is in such a difficult situation that we have to provide subsidies on kerosene, LPG and diesel. I know there is an intense debate on the matter. I share the concerns of the consumers. But I want this House to know that these difficulties are difficulties which have to be shared by everybody. Today what we are providing is only a part of the under recovery and a large part of the under recovery remains un-provided. We have to depend upon the upstream companies as well as OMCs themselves to meet the under recoveries.

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, I want the hon. Minister to yield for a while.

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: There is no time for that.… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN : Let him finish.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : I want to say that oil companies are telling that they have got only a comfort letter.… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: That is why, we are providing Rs.28,500 crore.… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : I have got copies of allocations made in the first quarter. … (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, you please ask him to resume his seat. I am not yielding. There is no time. It is true that we gave a comfort letter. It is to replace the comfort letter that we are providing Rs.28,500 crore.

As far as Air India is concerned, there is a turnaround plan. I am not happy with the way the plan has been implemented in the past. There have been several setbacks. But what do we do with Air India? If I do not provide this Rs.2,000 crore, we will have greater difficulty. I do not think there is any consensus that we should do away with Air India. We have to find some way to deal with the problem, and I think the Minister is dealing with the problem. There is some indication of an uptick in Air India in the last quarter. But I sincerely hope that Air India employees and Air India management will be equal to the task of turning around Air India.

There are airlines in this country and in this world which are running on a profit, and there is no reason why Air India should not be turned around. If Air India is not kept afloat what will happen is, airfares will go up. Other airline companies will simply push up their airfares because so many seats will not be available, which is why we are providing Rs.2,000 crore for Air India. Earlier also we have provided money. These are the two main cash outgoes. The rest are minimal outgoes.

An hon. Member asked me what I am doing about Shri Madan Mohan Malaviya’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations. Money has been provided for Madan Mohan Malaviyaji’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations. Rs.10 crore has been provided for Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s birth anniversary celebrations and a coin is being released on the 25th of December.

There were some questions about the fiscal consolidation. I want this House to recall that during 2004 to 2008 there was a determined and successful effort to bring about fiscal consolidation. The fiscal deficit was 5.9 per cent of GDP in 2002-03. In the first four years of UPA-I, we took determined steps; we brought it down to 2.7 per cent in 2007-08. Our Government has a track record of fiscal consolidation.

What happened thereafter is well-known. Thanks to the international financial crisis of 2008, we had to take counter cyclical measures. The counter cyclical measures meant that we had to suffer shortfall in revenue, increase in expenditure - thanks to the stimulus packages - in order to keep the economy going. Because of the counter cyclical measures that we took and the additional expenditure that we incurred in order to protect the flagship programmes and to insulate the vulnerable sections of the society, the fiscal deficit expanded.

The crisis is not over. The international financial crisis which began in 2008 is not yet over. The European zone technically today is in a recession with two quarters of negative growth. The United States is growing at a slow pace. Japan and Brazil, two large economies, are almost stagnant. It is only China and Indonesia which are growing at a rate higher than India’s growth rate. There are only a handful of countries which are growing at over five per cent. We happens to be one of them.

I am not happy that we are growing at over five per cent. But the international financial crisis has its impact on the Indian economy. Our exports have suffered a decline of 6.8 per cent. Our imports have become costlier, thanks to oil being at 107 dollars a barrel and commodity prices being elevated. Therefore, the economy is challenged. But I am confident that with the measures that we have taken recently we will put the economy back on its rails. And when I present the budget on the last date of February, I am confident I will be able to present to this House a much better picture of India’s economy.

Sir, I have announced a fiscal consolidation path. Some questions were raised – how confident are you? I am as confident as I am confident about the support that I will get from this House. If this House extends support to the measures that we have taken, I am confident that we will achieve the fiscal consolidation that we have chalked out.

The Budget estimated the fiscal deficit at 5.1 per cent. After I took over, our review showed that 5.1 per cent was difficult to achieve. At the same time, we have to bear in mind, what the rating agencies have cautioned us – that if we do not succeed in fiscal consolidation, there is a risk of downgrading India to ‘junk’ status. That will have terrible consequence. We cannot afford that; no developing country can afford that.

Therefore, taking note of our revenues, our expenditures and taking note of the difficult situation, we had asked Dr. Vijay Kelkar to do a study. He did a study. Based on the study, I came to the conclusion that while 5.1 per cent is not do-able, 5.3 per cent is do-able. Therefore, I have announced a fiscal consolidation path, where we will begin with 5.3 per cent in the current year and achieve the target of 3 per cent by the end of the Plan period. This has been welcomed widely around the world. They think that this is do-able, provided we take a number of measures. If we do this and if we are able to adhere to this fiscal consolidation path, there is no danger of downgrade for India, and we will put our economy back on the rails.

But I seek the support of all sections of the House in order to achieve the fiscal consolidation. Some bitter medicine has to be taken; this year, we have to take some bitter medicine and there is no other way. But this bitter medicine is a good medicine and it will restore the health of the economy. Next year, we can look forward to a much higher growth.

Sir, there were some comments about subsidies for petroleum products. Petrol is not subsidized. All subsidies that we are talking about are only on kerosene, LPG and diesel. Why do prices of petrol appear to be higher? It is because there are taxes on petrol, that is regarded as a source of revenue for the Government. This is not the first Government that had imposed taxes on petrol. Taxes on petrol had been imposed from the very beginning. The taxes on petrol are to the extent of about 14-15 per cent. There are also State taxes. For example, the State taxes are 16 per cent in Delhi, 21 per cent in Mumbai and Chennai, as a percentage of the retail selling price in the case of petrol. 12 per cent in Delhi and 19 per cent in Mumbai, in the case of diesel; 3 per cent in Mumbai and 5 per cent in Chennai in the case of kerosene and 3 per cent in Mumbai in the case of LPG.

All States impose taxes on petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG. Practically, no State is an exception.

If you look at the amount collected by way of taxes, in 2011-12, the Centre collected taxes on petroleum products only for Rs.83,723 crore, whereas the States collected Rs.1,12,899 crore. Before you point the finger and ask, why you are collecting taxes on petroleum products, the finger must also point to the States to ask, why the States are collecting taxes on petroleum products. The reason is, we need revenue. … (Interruptions) I am not yielding. Why are you interrupting?

MR. CHAIRMAN : In the end, I will give you a chance.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : He is misleading the House.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: If I am misleading the House, you may move a privilege motion. … (Interruptions) Please sit down; I am not yielding. … (Interruptions) I am not yielding; please sit down. … (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: Please sit down, Shri Aaron.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: I did not interrupt him. … (Interruptions) I am not yielding. … (Interruptions) I did not interrupt; he could show the courtesy of not interrupting me now. … (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: Okay, you can continue now.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Please sit down; I am not yielding. I did not interrupt you… (Interruptions). I could have interrupted you ten times yesterday… (Interruptions). I am not yielding. Why are you getting up?… (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN : I will call you.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: I am not yielding. If I am wrong, he knows how to correct me in the appropriate method.

Sir, questions were raised about drinking water. The Drinking Water Mission is an important programme of the Government of India. The total expenditure on drinking water in the five-year period from 1999 to 2004 was Rs.10922 crore. In the five-year period from 2004 to 2009, it went up two and a half times to Rs.25923 crore and in the four-year period from 2009 to 2013, it has gone up to Rs.43761 crore. No one can say that we are not providing enough for drinking water. I accept what you say. Nevertheless, there are parts of India which do not have drinking water. They have brackish water. Their water is contaminated by fluoride or arsenic.

One of my colleagues said this morning in the Question Hour session that the State Governments must deal with this. There are serious limitations on what the Central Government can do. We can frame a scheme. We can sit with the State Governments and design a proper scheme. We can give money. Ultimately, the implementation is in the hands of the State Government, the district administration and the officers of the line Departments. There is very little that the Central Government can do in actual implementation. Money has been provided from Rs.10922 crore in the five-year period from 1999 to 2004 and in the nine-year period, we have provided Rs.69000 crore for drinking water.

Sir, there were some questions about the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Again, this is a sharing scheme – 75:25 between the Centre and the States. In 2010-11, Rs.9124 crore; 2011-12 – Rs.9890 crore; 2012-13 – Rs.11934 crore were given. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is of uneven quality. It is not good in some States. But let me cite at the risk of being accused of being parochial a successful example of Mid-Day Meal Scheme is Tamil Nadu. Successive Governments have set great store by the Scheme. It was started by the late Shri Kamaraj. It was improved upon by successive Governments led by Shri Karunanidhi, Shri M.G. Ramachandran and now Miss Jayalalithaa. Every Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu has put great store by the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and everyone has improved upon. One Government added egg once a week. Then they added two eggs. Then they have added other protein items. Now banana has been added. It is for the State Government to use the money and provide a nutritious meal. What is it that the Central Government can do in looking at whether food is properly cooked or properly served? Therefore, I am saying that the money is being provided. This is the largest mid-day meal feeding programme in the world. Thirteen crore children have a mid-day meal and if in some States the child is not getting a decent meal, all I can say is that I am deeply distressed that even a Scheme like Mid-Day Meal Scheme people are not paying enough attention. The States must pay attention, use the money and provide the meal. We have a successful example in Tamil Nadu which I would urge all the State Governments to emulate.

Sir, paddy procurement was raised. I do not have too much time but in kharif marketing season of 2012-13, the target of paddy procurement was 25 lakh metric tonnes – 50,000 metric tonnes to be procured by FCI and rest was to be procured by the State agencies. Actual procurement till date is 4.48 lakh metric tonnes. Last year, figures of the corresponding period was 7.29 lakh metric tonnes. This issue has been raised in the Rajya Sabha. The Minister for Food and Public Distribution is attending to it and I believe that he will answer a Question on this subject on Monday. We have enough stocks of paddy and rice. In fact, we have much more than the minimum buffer stocks. The actual stock of wheat as on 1.12.2012 is 376 lakh tonnes. The actual stock of rice on the same day is 306 lakh tonnes. So, a country which 30 years ago had to import food, today has 682 lakh tonnes of wheat and paddy together. Thanks to our farmers that we are self-sufficient today and we are even exporting them. … (Interruptions) Of course, we are exporting. We should export so that our farmer gets a better price.

There was a question about inflation. Inflation is a challenge. Inflation worries the Government The Consumer Price Index inflation is rather sticky at about 9.7 to 9.9 per cent but the good news is WPI inflation ‘seems’ – I am choosing my words carefully – to be trending downwards as against last month’s number of close to 7.5 per cent. Numbers released today show that WPI inflation is 7.24 per cent. Our expectation is that it will trend downwards over the next two to three months. If it trends downwards, then I think there is reason for comfort. … (Interruptions)

PROF. SAUGATA ROY (DUM DUM): Can the Minister say something on moratorium of loans? … (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, what about cap on LPG?… (Interruptions)

SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Sir, GST is a matter that we are discussing with the States. When GST is introduced, it will subsume not only the VAT of the State but it will also subsume the excise duty and the service tax. So, it is a win-win for everybody. Just as VAT turned out to be a win-win for everybody, GST also will turn out to be a win-win for everybody.

The issue of MSP was raised. The MSP is decided on the advice of the CACP. We have rarely departed from the advice of the CACP. When the CACP gives its Report, the Cabinet will decide on the MSP.

With these words, I commend the Supplementary Demands for Grants (General). … (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, the hon. Minister has not replied to any of my questions like price rise, inflation, fall in GDP growth, fiscal deficit and economic crisis in the country.… (Interruptions) The economic crisis of the country today is because of the UPA Government, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and Shri P. Chidambaram.… (Interruptions) Sir, he has not given any reply to the LPG cylinder cap raising issue.… (Interruptions) So, in protest, we are walking out.… (Interruptions)

PROF. SAUGATA ROY : Sir, I am not satisfied with the reply given by the hon. Minister regarding moratorium. Hence, in protest, I am walking out.… (Interruptions)

15.28 hrs At this stage, Shri Ananth Kumar, Prof. Saugata Roy and some other hon. Members left the House.

MR. CHAIRMAN : I shall now put the Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for 2012-2013 to the vote of the House.

The question is:

“That the respective supplementary sums not exceeding the amounts on Revenue Account and Capital Account shown in the third column of the Order Paper be granted to the President of India, out of the Consolidated Fund of India, to defray the charges that will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 2013, in respect of the heads of Demands entered in the second column thereof against Demand Nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 to 14, 16, 19, 20, 27, 29 to 33, 41 to 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 52 to 54, 57 to 62, 65, 66, 68, 72, 73, 77, 82, 85, 88 to 93, 96, 97, 101, 102 and 104 to 106.” The motion was adopted.

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Lok Sabha Debates

Further Discussion On The Supplementary Demands For Grants In Respect Of Budget ... on 14 December, 2012