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SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Including NTC.
DR. B.B. RAMAIAH (ELURU): Hon. Chairman, Sir, the main discussion is disinvestment which is the most important item. The three aspects which we have to see are: whether we should continue with the disinvestment; if it is so, for what purpose we have to do it; and how do we utilize the fund.
">Disinvestment was started in the year 1991-92. The object was very clear. It was to see that we should be able to strengthen the strategic industries and also we give proper consideration for their sickness. What we said in the second object is also very clear. As Shri Acharia has mentioned, the policy and the Common Minimum Programme of the United Front Government, while focussing on the economic growth with social justice, emphasized that the Public Sector would continue to be an important component of Indian industry. It stated that any decision on disinvestment should be taken and implemented in a transparent manner. That is the main object.
">SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Now, they are making profits.
">DR. B.B. RAMAIAH : I will tell you what had happened. I will give you all the details. Then, I told them how to do it. They have a lot of assets and manpower. I said that they require collaboration and technology in order to see that the manpower and resources can be utilised in the best interests. So, they changed the strategy. The same thing happened in the Bharat Electronics Limited. They were making only black and white TVs. I said that they should change the technology and should have a different collaboration methods. So, the policy of the Government should be able to save the industrial development of the country and utilise the resources usefully.
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : I am sure, they have not even consulted you. They do not believe in consultation.
DR. B.B. RAMAIAH : Whatever it is, some of these things are required and, I am sure, they would be able to strengthen this...(Interruptions)
DR. B.B. RAMAIAH : Well, I think no matter whatever it is. I said, this has to be done in the interest of the country, in the interest of the people, in the interest of the workers. No matter whoever does it, the country is more important, the object is more important, not the basis on which probably some of these things have happened....(Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now please conclude. You have taken five minutes extra. You were allotted only six minutes but you have taken five minutes more.
DR. B.B. RAMAIAH : Sir, the purpose of today"s discussion is only to see what are the things that have happened, what are the problems that are being faced and what are the suggestions that we can give. That is the main objective of this discussion. I still feel that disinvestment has to be done, but it has to be done in a proper way, by a proper method, and the Government should take all these things into consideration before they go further. I thank you very much, Sir.