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Mr. Chairman, Sir, once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks for giving me this opportunity and for the patient hearing.

SHRI DALIT EZHILMALAI (TIRUCHIRAPPALLI): Sir, will you allow me to associate myself with the suggestions now expressed by my esteemed colleague?

Mr. Chairman, Sir, the general feeling that is prevailing in Tamil Nadu has now been expressed by our esteemed colleague. Every Member from Tamil Nadu will certainly share this feeling because we have a grievance for a long time now pertaining to the Centrally-sponsored schemes in general and the Ministry of Railways in particular. As our friend was expressing, the metre-gauge lines were laid during the days of Dalhousie and they have not been replaced even now. I do not know why this has been going on for decades. I do not blame the present Minister for that. In my own constituency, Tiruchirappalli, 9,000 employees are working in the ICF and other Workshops run by the Ministry of Railways.

MR. CHAIRMAN : You have not given your name and, therefore, you cannot speak like that. You wanted to associate yourself with what he has stated.

SHRI DALIT EZHILMALAI : I associate myself with what he has stated.

MR. CHAIRMAN: That is the end of the matter.

SHRI DALIT EZHILMALAI : Mr. Chairman, Sir, I want the Railway Minister to know that the general feeling prevailing in Tamil Nadu is that we are being marginalised or Tamil Nadu is being sidelined. Therefore, I appeal to the hon. Minister to sanction the projects that have been pending for years together.