In English and Hindi) of the President's Address to Both the Houses of Parliament Assembled Together on the 23Rd February, 2000

1-02 p.m.

3. President's Address Laid on the Table

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the President's Address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 23rd February, 2000.

"Honourable Members,

1) It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first session of Parliament in the year 2000. I felicitate the Members and extend to all of you my best wishes for the successful completion of the budgetary and legislative business that lies ahead.

2) Last month India completed fifty years as a Republic. It was a proud moment in the history of this ancient civilization, which re-emerged as a free and democratic nation in the modern era. For all of us, the last fifty years have been a period of triumph and tribulation, of achievement and shortfalls. The Golden Jubilee of our Republic is, hence, an occasion for both celebration and reflection.

3) If the global march of democracy was the hallmark of the 20th Century, India has won worthy laurels for not only being the largest democracy in the world, but also zealously preserving it against all odds. The entire world looks to India with hope and expectation. Our founding fathers did their duty by giving us a great Republican Constitution. It is now our responsibility to transform our democracy into an effective instrument for the economic, social and cultural development of every Indian. As the Father of the Nation always exhorted us during our struggle for freedom, we must ensure that the first claim on the fruits of development belongs to the poor and the weak.

4) The Constitution, which India adopted fifty years ago, has served us well. It has been a reliable guarantor of parliamentary democracy, secularism and fundamental rights, which all of us cherish. It has also inspired the spread of democratic consciousness in our society, empowering dalits, adivasis, backward classes and women and making our system of governance more participative and progressive. While keeping the basic structure and salient features of the Constitution inviolate, it has, however,

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000 become necessary to examine the experience of the past fifty years to better achieve the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. The Government has, therefore, set up a broad-based Constitution Review Commission. The recommendations of this Commission will be presented before Parliament, which is the supreme decision- making body in Indian democracy.

5) India has undoubtedly had many spectacular achievements in the past five decades. There is no other experiment in human history where a billion people, belonging to so many different traditions, are living and striving together for a better life without being denied their rights and freedoms. We cannot, however, be satisfied with this alone. As the experience of the many newly-independent and developing nations has shown, fifty years is a long time to achieve all-round progress for all. If the first half-century of our Republic makes any demand on us, it is simply this: we must lose no more time to eradicate mass poverty, remove illiteracy and assure basic minimum services to all our fellow citizens. While accomplishing this historic task, we must simultaneously strengthen social justice, promote gender justice, remove regional imbalances and bridge the rural-urban divide.

6) India cannot achieve the strength and prosperity that we all desire, and that our country is capable of, if vast areas and large sections of our population remain deprived and poor. Faster economic growth is a pre-condition for removing social and regional imbalances in development. The economic reforms started in the beginning of the last decade, with the express intention of accelerating economic growth, were a historical necessity. The shortcomings that have crept into our development process over the decades needed to be removed. It is a matter of pride and satisfaction that our country has implemented these reforms without social unrest and with a high degree of political consensus. These reforms are now yielding desired results in several areas. The sustainable rate of growth of our economy has increased. Our industry and financial system have become stronger and more competitive.

7) The Government is committed to accelerating the pace of economic reforms and to broadening their scope. At the same time, we shall make conscious and concerted efforts to bring the fruits of economic reforms to those regions and communities that have so far not benefited from them. The approach to India's economic development may have changed in the past ten years, but the goals of equity and social justice have not. We shall re-double our efforts to ensure that the poor and the deprived have an even greater stake in economic reforms than at present. We realize that this is essential for mobilizing people's enthusiastic participation in the development process.

8) The "Agenda for a Proud, Prosperous India", which is the common policy document of the Government of the National Democratic Alliance, provides the framework for faster development with equity and employment. The Government's record of speeding up the work of taking decisions on policy issues and the passage of pending legislation shows its determination to fulfil the promises made in this Agenda. The Government will continue to vigorously pursue a coherent plan of economic reforms. These reforms will cover agriculture, industry, public enterprises, fiscal consolidation and devolution, tax reform, financial sector reform and foreign investment policies. Most importantly, they will also cover policies for improving the performance of key infrastructure sectors - namely, power, roads, railways, ports, civil aviation, telecommunications and petroleum.

9) We are primarily a rural nation and most of our people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, development of agriculture, particularly in the rainfed and drought-prone areas where poverty is extreme, shall be accorded high priority. This would call for substantial capital formation in agriculture and investment in the areas where productivity has been relatively low. As the agriculture sector still employs about two-thirds of our total workforce, greater investment in agriculture, including agri-businesses would be mobilized to enhance employment opportunities and create greater prosperity in rural areas. The Government will shortly finalize the National Agriculture Policy to address these issues. 10) At present, the programmes relating to conservation, development and management of land resources are scattered in different Ministries and Departments in the Central Government. There is an imperative need to put in place an integrated mechanism capable of responding effectively to the challenges of managing our scarce land resources - especially those arising from globalization, liberalization and privatization. The Government will therefore, bring all the programmes and schemes as well as the institutional infrastructure relating to land in rural areas, under the control of the newly created Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development.

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000

11) Special programmes for the generation of productive wage employment in the rural areas, especially for creating permanent infrastructure assets and self- employment opportunities for the unemployed youth will be given greater thrust. The Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana and the restructured Employment Assurance Scheme will be vigorously implemented and closely monitored.

12) The process of urbanization has led to a rapid rise in the proportion of Indians living in cities and towns. Sadly, the rate of growth of urban infrastructure and civic amenities has not matched the explosion of our urban population. The Government realizes that urban renewal is critical to the emergence of a new and resurgent India. This calls for a better coordination among the Centre, States and municipal authorities to effectively implement the policies and programmes on urban employment, housing construction, transportation and other utilities. The Government will facilitate increased public and private investment in the development of physical and social infrastructure, with an emphasis on improving the living conditions of the urban poor. It will also step up efforts to promote good municipal governance.

13) Our nation's future lies with our children and youth. The Government will soon set up a National Commission on Children to promote and channel all the efforts in the government and non-government sectors to achieve their all-round development and to unleash their creative energies both now and when they grow up. All existing programmes for sports and youth affairs will be reviewed and re-activated to give effect to our resolve to encourage physical, social and cultural development of our young men and women.

14) A decision has been taken to launch Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to ensure that every child in the age group of six to fourteen goes to a school, or an Education Guarantee Centre, or a "Back to School Camp" by 2003. We shall intensify efforts to involve the non-governmental sector in higher and technical education. The Government proposes to come out with a policy that would fully incorporate non-governmental efforts within the national endeavour to provide Education For All.

15) Women constitute half of the Indian population but their status in our society is poor. They are largely excluded from decision-making in public life. No nation can progress unless its women enjoy good health, are literate and are equal partners with men in the socio-economic and political processes. Our Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination between men and women and we are committed to achieving this objective. The Constitution (85th Amendment) Bill, 1999, seeking to provide reservation of not less than one third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha and in Legislative Assemblies of States, was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the last session. The Department of Women and Child Development will also soon finalize a National Policy for Empowerment of Women, which aims to mainstream gender into laws, policies, programmes and budgetary allocations of the Government. The Indira Mahila Yojana will be made more effective and expanded to 450 more blocks.

16) India has one of the largest populations of older people in the world. In recent times, there has been a withering away of the joint family system, which has exposed elderly people to emotional neglect and a lack of physical support. The Government has formulated a National Policy on Older Persons and has established a National Council for Older Persons to focus on problems faced by our senior citizens. An Expert Committee has recently submitted a report on a proposed pension scheme for old age security, which is being examined by the Government. A decision will be taken on this scheme shortly.

17) When I last addressed both Houses of Parliament on October 25, 1999, I had taken the opportunity to lay before you the medium-term economic agenda of the Government. Since then, the economic data suggests a distinct upturn in the economy. Economic growth in 1999-2000 is expected to be around six percent. Inflation has also remained well under control during the current fiscal 1999-2000. Our foreign currency reserves at over US $ 32 billion are also comfortable. There has been a general upward trend in stock indices, primarily due to the revival in the industrial sector. To build on these clear economic strengths, we must seize the opportunity to deepen and accelerate the reform process.

18) I am happy to say that the Government has begun to implement the medium- term economic agenda outlined by me in my last address to Parliament. I will briefly dwell on some of these issues:-

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000 a) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 was promulgated to strengthen the TRAI. This will remove many hurdles in the path of speedy development of telecom services, increase investor confidence and create a level playing field between public and private operators. The corresponding Bill will be brought before Parliament in its current session. b) A Group of Experts has been constituted to recommend a new legislation reflecting the phenomenon of the Convergence of IT, Telecom and TV in place of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. c) The Government has already initiated a major programme of road construction to be called the National Highway Development Project consisting of the Golden Quadrilateral and the East-West, North-South Corridors costing Rs. 54,000 crore. We will ensure the speedy implementation of this vitally needed highway network. d) The Government is carrying forward the restructuring and reform process in the power sector. Emphasis has been given on development of hydel power, particularly in the North-Eastern parts of the country. The national power grid will be strengthened to facilitate efficient inter-regional power flows. e) In the petroleum sector, under the New Exploration Licensing Policy, 25 blocks have been awarded in a record time, thereby accelerating domestic exploration efforts. The Group on India Hydrocarbon Vision-2025 has also finalized its recommendations and the Government will initiate early action to implement them. f) A Bill to amend the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973 will be introduced in the current session of Parliament to allow Indian companies in the private sector to undertake coal mining. g) It has been decided to enable private participation in the airport sector through long-term leasing of airports. The existing airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta will be given out on long-term lease basis while a new international airport at Bangalore will be developed as a greenfield venture with private sector participation. This will go a long way in improving the airport infrastructure and the functioning of our airports to world class levels. h) The Government has also decided to take innovative steps to bring about a major improvement in the working of our ports and to develop other efficient and modern port facilities with greater private sector participation. i) The Information Technology Bill, 1999 to promote E-Commerce was introduced in the Lok Sabha in its last session. j) A National Venture Capital Fund of Rs. 100 crore for promoting new Information Technology businesses by promising entrepreneurs has been launched. Guidelines to allow acquisition of foreign companies abroad by Indian IT companies have been liberalized. To accelerate the growth of high-speed Internet services in the country, a liberal policy for setting up international gateways and use of foreign satellites for greater bandwidth has been put in place. Further measures will soon be taken to promote the spread of the Internet and telecom services, especially in rural and backward areas. k) The Ministry of Information Technology is taking further initiatives to promote the development of the IT industry in the country. These include the proposal to establish the "India IT and Software Brand Equity Fund", facilitate greater usage of IT for increasing productivity in small and medium enterprises, developing Indian initiatives in E-Commerce and setting up IT-enabled services and distance education programmes. l) The Insurance Regulation and Development Authority Act was passed by Parliament in its last session. This will enable participation by private Indian companies in the insurance sector leading to better service to customers, as well as mobilization of larger long-term investment for faster economic development. m) The Government has reviewed and recast the Foreign Direct Investment regime, ensuring an automatic route for FDI clearances except in a small list of carefully chosen areas. This will bring in greater transparency, cut delays and create an enabling framework to ensure FDI inflow of at least $ 10 billion a year. n) The Debt Recovery Tribunal Act has been amended by an Ordinance. It is one of the crucial measures underpinning financial sector reforms. The corresponding Bill for replacement of the Ordinance by an Act will be introduced in Parliament in the current session.

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000 o) The Second Labour Commission has been constituted to suggest changes in various labour laws in order to achieve the goals of labour welfare, generation of additional employment, higher investment and accelerated industrial growth. p) A major milestone in tax reforms was achieved with the introduction of a uniform rate of sales tax throughout the country from January 1, 2000. This was made possible by close co-operation between the Centre and the States. As a progressive step towards further tax rationalisation, the States have also decided to move over to a Value-Added Tax (VAT) regime with effect from April 1, 2001. q) A large number of outdated or inessential laws and regulations have been removed from the statute book. This is a part of the Government's continuing effort to speed up much-needed legal reforms.

19) However, the growing fiscal deficit continues to be an area of considerable concern. This is undoubtedly the most challenging macro-economic management problem faced by us. The deficit reduces public investment, crowds out private investment, raises interest rates and generates inflationary pressure. The burden of interest payments continues to be large at above 4 per cent of GDP, accounting for about two thirds of tax revenue of the Central Government net of States' share. As the interest burden on Government borrowing increases, it limits the ability of the Government to expand health and education services and anti-poverty programmes. Subsidies on non-merit goods which are currently very high, have to be brought down and phased out.

20) For India to sustain accelerated growth with high employment coupled with modest inflation, the growing fiscal deficit needs to be contained. We have to adopt measures to curb the rising trend of Non-Plan Expenditure. These require difficult decisions relating to the quality of Government expenditure, downsizing the Government, recovery of economic cost for goods and services and greater austerity in Government spending. The programme of disinvesment and restructuring of Public Sector Undertakings also needs to be accelerated. Our tax system must be modernized for improving the Tax-to-GDP ratio. If we achieve fiscal consolidation, then given our stable macro framework, India can truly hope to achieve growth rates of well over seven percent in the coming years. If sacrifices have to be made for achieving this challenging goal, they are well-worth making because the long-term rewards of restructuring will benefit all Indians and will far outweigh the temporary costs. 21) The financial condition of the States is also very worrisome. State Government finances have shown signs of rapid deterioration in the nineties. The year 1998-99 witnessed a very high gross fiscal deficit of States amounting to more than Rs.75,000 crores, touching a level of 4.3 per cent of GDP. This is, indeed, an unsustainable situation. The deteriorating trend in the fiscal position of State Governments needs to be urgently reversed. The Central Government has, therefore, initiated necessary measures in consultation with the States, to seek policy reforms aimed at fiscal correction and consolidation to bring about long term sustainability of the fiscal position of the States.

22) The Government is committed to the speedy economic development of the North-Eastern States. The North-Eastern Council is being expanded to include Sikkim and we shall strive to make it an effective agency for accelerated development of these States. In a meeting last month at Shillong, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Home Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, reviewed development and security issues with the Governors and Chief Ministers of the North-Eastern States and Sikkim. All assistance is being provided to those North-Eastern States that are affected by terrorism and anti-social activities.

23) The Government has announced an ambitious programme of over Rs.10,200 crores for the socio-economic development of the North-Eastern States and Sikkim. This programme includes new initiatives in industry, health, education and security. It will also give a major impetus to infrastructure development in the region, especially power, roads, railways, airports and telecommunications. An important objective of this initiative is to create large-scale local employment. Trade with neighbouring countries is also going to be a thrust area for development of this region.

24) The super-cyclone that struck Orissa in end October caused the death of thousands of people and devastated the social and economic life of a large section of the State's population. The entire country participated generously in supplementing the Government's efforts to mobilize relief and rehabilitation for the affected people. We express our appreciation for the

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000 excellent work done by the armed and paramilitary forces, the meteorological department, the Railways, port authorities, other government departments and agencies like the Food Corporation of India, the relief teams sent by State Governments as well as non-governmental and charitable organizations. To minimize the effects of natural calamities, the Government has set up a high-powered committee to prepare a Natural Disaster Management Plan. This will review existing arrangements for preparedness for natural disasters and their mitigation. It will recommend measures for strengthening of organizational structures and formulate a comprehensive model plan for natural disaster management at the national, state and district levels.

25) In the global context we shall continue to work for the establishment of a rule based, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, which is fair and equitable to all nations. As a founder member of the GATT and the WTO, India has been an active participant in all the previous international trade negotiations and in all the three WTO ministerial meetings. India has always pursued its mission for greater equity and symmetry in trade relations and for avoidance of linkage of trade with extraneous issues. Economic integration cannot advance if the interests of the poor are ignored. We would continue to persevere for equitable implementation of the provisions of the Uruguay Round negotiations.

26) In the months following the military coup in Pakistan, there has been a marked increase in Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, targeted especially at our security forces. There has also been an increase in Pakistani firing across the border. These developments underline the need for constant vigil by our defence forces. However, the threat of terrorist attacks is one that affects all Indian citizens. We must, as a people, become more security-conscious in the face of the unremitting terror campaign against our country. For its part, the Government is fully alert to all threats to India's external and internal security. We are prepared to meet any challenge to our territorial integrity and to our open, democratic way of life.

27) I salute the brave jawans and officers of the Indian Army who are standing guard along the LoC in the Kargil and other sectors, far from their families and loved ones. It is a tribute to the courage, determination and dedication of our forces that they have withstood freezing temperatures of minus 40 degrees celsius and below and the hardship of patrolling snow-bound heights. It is due to the valour and skill of our soldiers that our frontiers are secure from enemy forces.

28) The Subrahmanyam Committee, appointed by the Government to inquire into the events and circumstances that formed the backdrop to Pakistan's armed incursion into Kargil and other parts of the LoC, has submitted its report. This will be tabled in Parliament during this session. The Government is committed to take all necessary follow-up measures after a thorough scrutiny of the committee's recommendations.

29) Backing up our soldiers are our defence scientists and defence production units. I am happy to inform the Honourable Members that, since I last addressed both Houses of Parliament, our defence scientists have added two major successes to their list of achievements. The short-range, quick-reaction-time surface-to-air missile, Trishul, has been successfully tested. The remote-controlled Nishant has been successfully flight tested. Our defence production units have proved their capability to produce sophisticated defence equipment. Production in ordnance factories in the first nine months has been higher by 33 percent, compared to the corresponding period last year.

30) The overall law and order situation in the country has remained satisfactory except in certain areas affected by Pakistan-sponsored terrorist and separatist activities. Terrorist violence has been most pronounced in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after Pakistan's defeat in Kargil and the military coup in Islamabad. Government, both at the Centre and in the State, has met the challenge posed by Pakistan-backed terrorists and foreign mercenaries with determination. We are continuing with our four-pronged strategy to counter terrorist and separatist violence in Jammu and Kashmir by deepening of the democratic process, accelerating economic development, isolating foreign mercenaries and terrorists and playing a pro-active role to neutralize them. Apart from strengthening and modernizing the Jammu and Kashmir police, Government has been reimbursing the State's security related expenditure and providing financial support over and above the normal Plan assistance. I acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our armed forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel in combating terrorism and extremism in Jammu and Kashmir and some other parts of the country.

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000

31) The Government is fully committed to preserving and further strengthening the secular ethos of our country. Communal harmony in the country has improved remarkably in the past few years. The last two years have been largely free of communal violence. In 1999, this trend gathered speed with the number of communal incidents declining by 10 percent, the number of people killed by 32 percent and the number of injured by 11 percent.

32) The Government stands by its promise to create the States of Uttaranchal, Vananchal and Chhattisgarh. Bills for this purpose are being referred to the concerned State legislatures for their views.

33) The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted. Based on the experience of its working in the past, the Government will make it an effective platform for further harmonizing the relations between the Centre and the States and among the States themselves.

34) Our space programme continues to forge ahead in establishing systems that are crucial for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, disaster warning and management of natural resources. India has established indigenous capability to launch Indian remote sensing satellites into the required polar sun-synchronous orbit. We are now well on our way to develop the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle. The INSAT system is one of the largest domestic satellite systems in the world and the next satellite in this system, INSAT-3B, is awaiting launch. It is scheduled to be commissioned in March-April 2000.

35) The Government continues to pursue its policy of harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes for the welfare of the people. All nuclear plants have been operating smoothly and their average capacity factor has increased from 75 percent to 78 percent. India's eleventh nuclear power reactor at Kaiga in Karnataka achieved first criticality on September 21, 1999 and has been connected to the grid. The twelfth nuclear power reactor at Rawatbhatta in Rajasthan achieved first criticality on December 24, 1999.

36) The Government is fully committed to support science and technology in the interests of national development and national security. However, a serious concern that needs addressing is that not enough young men and women are taking up careers in research and development. The Government is committed to reversing this trend by guaranteeing our highly talented young persons an attractive career profile, so that they can produce world-class scientific research and technological development while living and working in India.

37) The Government is committed to rapidly moving towards electronic governance, which will ensure better citizen-Government interface and greater transparency. In order to increase accessibility to and application of, computers, the Government has intensified efforts in developing and promoting software for popular applications in Indian languages. I am happy that many State Governments have also taken major steps to complement the Centre's thrust to make India a front-runner in the IT revolution.

38) India's foreign policy of Non-Alignment and peaceful co-existence is relevant to the multi-polar world of today. This is based on the principle of protecting our vital interests and promoting our national ideals. The Government continues to pursue the policy of continuously expanding and deepening its friendly, close, wide-ranging and constructive relations with our neighbouring countries - Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives and Bhutan. Regular interaction with these countries has contributed to further strengthening of ties and mutual appreciation of each other's interests, sensitivities and concerns.

39) However, Pakistan has shown no inclination to end its policy of aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism and its hostile anti-India propaganda. Pakistan's role in acts of terror has been recently underscored by the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu. Irrefutable evidence has been provided by the Government about the Pakistani origins of the hijackers as well as the role of Pakistani officials posted in Kathmandu. We sincerely hope that Pakistan will reverse this policy of hostility towards India so that normal relations could be restored.

40) The return of peace and tranquillity in Afghanistan is important for the stability of our region. It is also necessary for curbing narco-terrorism. Above all, it is needed for the people of Afghanistan with whom we haveage-old ties. It is only through the setting up of a broad-based Government in Kabul, truly representative of all ethnic groups and the cessation of Pakistan's interference, that peace can be restored in Afghanistan.

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000

41) We shall continue to deepen and broaden our relations with our extended neighbourhood of Central Asia, West Asia, the Gulf and the Asia-Pacific Region. We value our relations with our Asian neighbour China and we will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. In this context, I am looking forward to my State visit to China in May this year. We hope that the Middle East peace process would reach a satisfactory conclusion. Our relations with Israel will continue to grow. India values her close and friendly relations with the European Union, as well as with the countries of East Europe, with whom our ties of traditional friendship have seen a new dynamism in recent years. We will further strengthen our friendship with African, Latin American and Caribbean countries.

42) India looks forward to the consolidation of her time-tested, comprehensive relations with the Russian Federation into a strategic partnership. We await a visit to India by the President of the Russian Federation and the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between our two countries.

43) Relations with the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and France have shown a gratifying consolidation in recent times. As a result of high-level decisions, we have launched a strategic dialogue with France that has produced encouraging results. The Indo-French Forum has also imparted a new dynamism to our engagement with France in the fields of culture, science and technology and business. I am looking forward to my State visit to France scheduled for April this year.

44) The Government has continued to engage the United States in a serious dialogue on security, non-proliferation and disarmament issues predicated on India maintaining a credible minimum nuclear deterrent. A significant outcome of this dialogue is the decision to set up a Joint Working Group to deal with cross-border terrorism, which is a menace to the whole world. We expect that President Clinton's visit to India next month will pave the way for a broad-based and multi-dimensional expansion of our bilateral relations.

45) India reaffirms her commitment to global nuclear disarmament in a time-bound manner on a comprehensive and non-discriminatory basis. While addressing multilateral disarmament initiatives and treaties, the Government will continue to abide by the imperative of preserving India's strategic autonomy.

46) The growing challenge posed by non-conventional threats, in particular by terrorism to global security, calls for urgent international co-operation and action so that these can be dealt with effectively. We call for the early adoption and implementation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. India shall participate in any global effort to battle this crime against humanity.

47) Our vision of achieving a higher growth rate is not aimed at benefiting only the rich or the middle-class. On the contrary, the poor are at the centre of all our developmental efforts. We must recognize that we cannot improve the lot of the common man without achieving high rates of growth in the economy. Only an expanding economy can ensure growing employment and rising incomes for all. Unless India's GDP grows at a brisk rate of seven to eight percent a year, there is no way we can banish poverty and underdevelopment. Higher growth alone will ensure that we can mobilize larger and larger resources for the social sector - for education, health, drinking water, sanitation and roads - particularly for those living in the villages and in urban slums. Towards this end, the Government stands committed to implement the social and economic agenda outlined in my last address to both Houses of Parliament.

48) Honourable Members, we begin the Budget session today, after transacting record legislative business in the last Winter Session of Parliament. Apart from financial business arising out of the General and Railway Budgets and the statutory requirement of replacing two Ordinances by Bills, we have a large agenda of legislative business relating to the all-round development of our economy and society. The Government is keen to complete this agenda in this very session.

49) I convey my best wishes to all of you.

JAI HIND"

23RD FEBRUARY, 2000

1-03 p.m.

4. Obituary References

The Chairman made references to the passing away of:

Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma, Former President of India;

Dr. Kalu Lal Shrimali (ex-Member);

Shri Jagdambi Mandal; and

Shri B. Rachaiah (ex-Member).

The House observed silence, all Members standing, as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

(The House adjourned at 1.13 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 24th February, 2000.)

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THURSDAY, THE 24TH FEBRUARY, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

Shrimati Ambika Soni (Delhi) made and subscribed oath and took her seat in the House.

11-12 a.m.

2. Starred Questions

The following Starred Question was orally answered. Starred Question No.2 regarding Hindi based computer operating system.

Answers to remaining questions (1, 3 to 20) were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1 to 136 were laid on the Table.

(The House adjourned at 2.40 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Friday, the 25th February, 2000.)

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FRIDAY, THE 25, FEBRUARY, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

Shri Kalzang Gyatso Bhutia (Sikkim) made and subscribed affirmation and took his seat in the House.

2. Starred Questions

Answers to Starred Question Nos.21 to 40 were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.137 to 291 were laid on the Table.

(The House adjourned at 11.06 a.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Monday, the 28th February, 2000.)

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MONDAY, THE 28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

Shri K.C. Kondaiah (Karnataka) made and subscribed oath and took his seat in the House.

11-02 a.m.

2. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No.41 regarding Processing of Anti-Dumping Duty cases.

Starred Question No. 42 regarding Illegal Godowns and Jhuggis in DIZ area.

Starred Question No. 43 regarding Clearance of revised script of film "Water".

Answers to remaining questions (44 to 60) were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.292 to 446 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

4. Papers Laid on the Table

The following papers were laid on the Table:

Secretary-General laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) showing the Bills passed by the Houses of Parliament during the Hundred and Eighty-eighth Session of the Rajya Sabha and assented to by the President.

Shri George Fernandes (Minister of Defence) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) Report of the Kargil Review Committee (Subrahmanyam Committee).

(ii) Executive Summary of the Report of the Kargil Review Committee.

(iii) Report on Action initiated by the Government on the Kargil Review Committee.

Shri Jagmohan (Minister of Urban Development) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Arun Jaitley (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , under sub-section (3) of Section 25 of the Press Council Act, 1978:

(i) G.S.R.445(E), dated 18.6.1999 publishing the Press Council (Procedure for Nomination of Members) Amendment Rules, 1999.

(ii) G.S.R.60(E), dated 24.1.2000 publishing the Press Council (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

Dr. Vallabhbhai Ramjibhai Kathiria (Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises) a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (a) Twenty-seventh Annual Report and Accounts of the Bharat Ophthalmic Glass Limited, Durgapur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Omar Abdullah (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry S.O No 1226(E) dated 9.12.1999 publishing the Tea (Marketing) Control (Amendment) Order, 1999 under sub-section (3) Section 49 of the Tea Act, 1953.

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Ordinances under sub-clause (a) of clause (2) of article 123 of the Constitution: The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 (No. 1 of 2000), promulgated by the President on the 17th January, 2000.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 (No. 2 of 2000), promulgated by the President on the 24th January, 2000.

Dr. Raman (Minister of State in the inistry of Commerce and Industry) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Productivity Council, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Economic Survey, 1999-2000.

12-01 p.m.

5. The Budget (Railways), 2000-2001

Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) laid on the Table a Statement (in English and Hindi) of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the year 2000-2001 in respect of Railways.

12-02 p.m.

6. Messages from the Lok Sabha

I. The Central Vigilance Commission Bill, 1999. II. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Bill, 1999. III. Re. Committee on Public accounts.

28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

IV. Re. Committee on Public Undertakings. V. Re. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Triber.

Secretary-General reported to the House that following messages received from the Lok Sabha, signed by the Secretary-General Lok Sabha:-(I) I am directed to inform you that Lok Sabha, at its sitting held on the 24th February, 2000, has adopted the following motion exetending the time for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Houses on the Central Vigilance Commission Bill, 1999:-

MOTION

"That this House do extend the time for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Central Vigilance Commission Bill, 1999, upto the last day of the last week of the Budget Session, 2000." (II)

I am directed to inform you that Lok Sabha, at its sitting held on the 24th February, 2000, has adopted the following motion extending the time for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee of the Houses on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Bill, 1999:-

MOTION

"That this House do extend the time for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Bill, 1999, upto the last day of the last week of the Budget Session, 2000."

(III)

I am directed to inform you that Lok Sabha, at its sitting held on Friday, the 25th February, 2000, adopted the following motion:-

MOTION

"That this house do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do agree to nominate seven members from Rajya Sabha to associate with the Committee on Public Accounts of the House for the term beginning on the 1st May, 2000 and ending on the 30th April, 2001 and do communicate to this House the names of the members so nominated by Rajya Sabha." (IV)

I am directed to inform you that Lok Sabha, at its sitting held on Friday, the 25th february, 2000, adopted the following motion:

MOTION

"That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do agree to nominate seven members from Rajya Sabha to associate with the Committee on Public Undertakings of the House for the term beginning on the 1st May, 2000 and ending on the 30th April, 2001 and do communicate to this House the names of the members so nominated by Rajya Sabha." (v) I am directed to inform you that Lok Sabha, at its sitting held on Friday, the 25th February, 2000, adopted the following motion:

MOTION

"That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do agree to nominate ten members from Rajya Sabha to associate with the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the House for the term beginning on the 1st May, 2000 and ending on the 30th April, 2001 and do communicate to this House the names of the members so nominated by Rajya Sabha." 7. Bills laid on the Table:-

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy of the each of the following Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:-

28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

I. The Central Vigilance Commission Bill, 1999. II. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Bill, 1999.

8. Reports of the Committee of Privileges

Shri T. N. Chaturvedi presented the Fortieth and the Forty-first Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Committee of Privileges.

9. Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry

Shri Raghavji presented the 33rd Report ( in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations/observations contained in its 23rd Report on Demands for Grants of Department of Steel (1998-99).

10. Report of the Public Accounts Committee

Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the First Report of the Public Accounts Committee(1999-2000) on "Union Excise Duties-Different classification for similar products."

12-04 p.m.

11. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman informed Members that the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on Wednesday, the 23rd February, 2000 allotted time the Government Legislative business as follows:

(I) Consideration and passing of Small Four Industries Development Bank of India Bill, Hours 1999 as passed by Lok Sabha

(II) Discussion on the Motion of Thanks on 4 days ( the President s Address 14 Hours)

12. Leave of Absence

Shri Nabam Rebia (Arunachal Pradesh) was granted leave of absence from 24th February, 2000 to 10th March, 2000 from the sittings of the House during the current Session of the Rajya Sabha.

12-05 p.m.

13. Motion for Extension of Time for Presentation of the Report of the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha on the Prevention of Money-Laundering Bill, 1999 :

Shri Vedprakash P. Goyal moved:

"That the time appointed for presentation of the Report of the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha on the Prevention of Money-Laundering Bill, 1999 be extended up to the first day of the 190th Session of the Rajya Sabha."

The motion was adopted.

12-06 p.m.

14. Motion for Extension of Time for Presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Patents (Second Amendment) Bill, 1999 :

Shri T.N. Chaturvedi moved:

"That the time appointed for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee of the Houses on the Patents (Second Amendment) Bill, 1999 be extended up to the last day of the first week of the 190th Session of the Rajya Sabha." The question was put and the Motion was adopted.

15. Statement regarding Government Business

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministries of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) made a statement regarding Government Business in the Rajya Sabha during the week commencing Monday, February 28, 2000.

12-07 p.m. 28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

16. Special Mentions

1. Shri Raghavji raised a matter regarding killing of police officials by terrorists in Bastar District of Madhya Pradesh.

12-10 p.m.

2. Shri Sanatan Bisi raised a matter regarding Kalahandi and poverty alleviation schemes.

3. Shri Onkar Singh Lakhawat raised a matter regarding impact of drought like conditions in Rajasthan.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) replied.

17. Government Bills Introduced

1. The Aquaculture Authority Bill, 2000

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministries of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) moved on behals of Shri Nitish Kumar moved for leave to inroduce a Bill to provide for the establishment of an Qquaculture Authority for regulating the activities connected with aquaculture in the coastal areas and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The motion was adopted.

Shri O. Rajagopal introduced the Bill.

12-17 p.m.

2. The Food Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2000

Shri Shanta Kumar** (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution)

______

** Spoke in Hindi.

The motion was adopted

Shri Shanta Kumar introdued the Bill.

18. Government Bill Passed The Small Industries Development Bank of India (Amendment) Bill, 1999

Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) moved :-

"That the Bill to amend the Small industries Development Bank of India Act, 1989, as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration." The following Members took part in the discussion:

12-21 p.m. 1. Shri Eduardo Faleiro

12-25 p.m. 2. Shri Khagen Das

12-33 p.m. 3. Shri S. Vidhuthalai Virumbi

12-38 p.m. 4. Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki

12-39 p.m.

Shri Yashwant Sinha replied to the debate.

The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clause 2 was adopted.

Clause 3 was adopted, as amended.

Clauses 4 to 25 were adopted.

Clause 1 was adopted, as amended.

The Enacting Formula was adopted, as amended.

The Title was adopted.

28TH FEBRUARY, 2000

On the motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill, as amended, be passed, the following Members spoke:

12-52 p.m. 1. Shri Sangh Priya Gautam **

12-53 p.m. 2. Shri Eduardo Faleiro

That the Bill, as amended be passed.

(The House adjourned at 12.56 p.m. and reassembled at 2-03 p.m) 19. Short Duration Discussion

Dr. Manmohan Singh raised a discussion on the failure of the Government of India to discharge its Constitutional responsibility to protect secularism which is one of the basic tenets of the Constitution of India by not prevailing upon the State Government of Gujarat to withdraw the circular removing the ban imposed on the State Government employees in participating in the activities of R.S.S.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-18 p.m. 1. Shri Ramdas Agrawal **

3-06 p.m. 2. Shri S. Ramachandran Pillai

3-16 p.m. 3. Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi **

3-30 p.m. 4. Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy

3-32 p.m. 5. Shri C.P. Thirunavukkarasu

3-38 p.m. 6. Shri Naresh Yadav **

3-45 p.m. 7. Shri Janeshwar Misra **

3-56 p.m. 8. Shri Brahamakumar Bhatt

______** Spoke in Hindi.

4-05 p.m. 9. Shri J. Chitharanjan

4-14 p.m. 10. Shri R. Margabandu

4-27 p.m. 11. Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan **

4-46 p.m. 12. Shri V. Kishore Chandra S. Deo

4-54 p.m. 13. Shri Kuldip Nayyar

5-00 p.m. 14. Shri Prafull Goradia

5-11 p.m. 15. Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan

5-27 p.m. 16. Shri Ram Jethmalani, Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs

(speech unfinished)

The discussion was not concluded. 5-54 p.m.

20. Statements by Ministers

1. Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) on all aspects of the hijacking of the IC- 814 on Friday, December 24, 1999 and its termination on Friday, December 31, 1999.

2. Shri Ram Jethmalani (Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) regarding lawyers strike and incident that occurred in the vicinity of Parliament on the 24th February, 2000.

(The House adjourned at 6.06 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 29th February, 2000.)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.

TUESDAY, THE 29TH FEBRUARY, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 61 regarding Construction of Jaleswar-Chandaneswar road with World Bank aid.

Starred Question No. 62 regarding Illegal satellite communication network at Ahmedabad.

Starred Question No. 63 regarding Lack of security at Kathmandu Airport.

Answers to remaining questions (64 to 80) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.447 to 601 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon 3. Papers Laid on the Table

Dr. C.P. Thakur (Minister of Water Resources) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri Sharad Yadav** (Minister of Civil Aviation) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the G.S.R. No. 257 (E), dated 26.12.1998 of the Ministry of Railways publishing the Statutory Investigation into Railway Accidents Rules, 1998 under section 122 of the Indian Railways Act, 1989.

Shri Tapan Sikdar** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

Shri EV alisa Balasaheb Vikhe Patil** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers : (i) Twenty-ninth Valuation Report of the Life Insurance Corporation as at 31st March, 1999, under section 29 of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956.

(ii) Consolidated Report on the working of Public Sector Banks for the year ended 31st March, 1999.

(iii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Acharyakul, Wardha, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. ______** Spoke in Hindi. 29TH FEBRUARY, 2000

(iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

12-01 p.m.

4. Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests

Shri C. Ramachandraiah presented the Seventy-first Report (in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests on the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design Bill, 1999.

12-02 p.m.

6. Special Mentions

12-02 p.m.

1. Shri Nana Deshmukh raised a matter regarding need to change the name of Agricultural Science Centre in view of its nature of working.

12-11 p.m.

2. Shrimati Shabana Azmi

Shri Eduardo Faleiro

Dr. Biplab Dasgupta raised a matter regarding withdrawal of two volumes of the "Towards Freedom" series by Indian Institute of Historical Research.

(The House adjourned at 12.37 p.m. and reassembled at 4-03 p.m.)

4-13p.m.

7. The Budget (General), 2000-2001 Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government for the year 2000-2001.

(The House adjourned at 4.21 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 1st March, 2000)

______

WEDNESDAY, THE 1ST MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 81 regarding Investigation into the death of IAS official.

Starred Question No. 82 regarding Conversion of tribal children in Rajgarh.

Starred Question No. 83 regarding Industrial production for mining.

Starred Question No. 84 regarding Harassment of innocent people while dealing with militants.

Answers to remaining questions (85 to 100) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.602 to 756 were laid on the Table.

1ST MARCH, 2000

12-01 p.m.

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri I.D. Swami (Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs) on behalf of Shri L.K. Advani laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Home Affairs G.S.R. 395 dated 11.12.1999 publishing the Border Security Force [Air Wing Non-Gazetted (Combatised) Group C` posts] Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 1999, under sub-section (3) of Section 141 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Home Affairs, under sub-section (2) of Section 156 of the Indo- Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992:

(i) G.S.R. 817(E) dated 24.12.1999 publishing the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, Engineering Cadre, (Group A` Posts) Recruitment Rules, 1999.

(ii)G.S.R. 62(E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Veterinary Cadre (Group A`) Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

III. (1)A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (2) of section 20 of the protection of Human Rights Act, 1993: (a) Annual Report of the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Memorandum of Action Taken on the Annual Report of the National Human Rights Commission for the year 1997-98.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

Dr. (Shrimati) Rita Verma (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals (Department of Mines) under sub- section (1) of Section 28 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: (i) G.S.R. 55(E) dated 18.1.2000 publishing the Mineral Conservation (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

(ii) G.S.R. 56(E) dated 18.1.2000 publishing the Mineral Concession and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

12-02 p.m.

4. Presentation of Petition

Shri Gurudas Das Gupta presented a petition signed by Shri Nibaran Chandra Chaki, resident of Calcutta, regarding the system of administration of justice in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

12-03 p.m.

5. Question of Privilege Shri V. Kishore Chandra S. Deo raised a Question of breach of Privilege arising out of delay in sending the intimation of arrest of Shri Vayalar Ravi, M.P. and ill treatment of the Member at the hands of Police.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) spoke.

12-07 p.m.

6. Special Mentions

1. Shri Janeshwar Misra** raised a matter regarding nation wide fear and insecurity amongst the public due to recent bomb blasts.

2. Shri Drupad Borgohain raised a matter regarding serious situation in Assam created by ULFA.

12-20 p.m.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

1ST MARCH, 2000

3. Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan raised a matter regarding urgent need to withdraw T.V. advertisements of private liquor and scooter companies that misuse and misrepresent fictitious figures from the Indian Armed Forces.

12-26 p.m.

4. Shri Gurudas Das Gupta and Dr. Biplab Dasgupta raised a matter regarding recent decision of the CVC to order probe and the reaction thereof.

12-42 p.m.

5. Shri Brahamakumar Bhatt raised a matter regarding grave drought condition in Gujarat.

12-51 p.m.

6. Shri S. Peter Alphonse

Shri Jibon Roy

Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia

Shri Ramachandra Khuntia Shri R. Margabandu raised a matter regarding privatization of Salem Steel Plant, Tamil Nadu.

(The House adjourned at 1.05 p.m. and reassembled at 2-06 p.m.)

2-09 p.m.

7. Short Duration Discussion

Further discussion on the failure of the Government of India to discharge its Constitutional responsibility to protect secularism which is one of the basic tenets of the Constitution of India by not prevailing upon the State Government of Gujarat to withdraw the circular removing the ban imposed on the State Government employees in participating in the activities of R.S.S. raised by Dr. Manmohan Singh on the 28th February, 2000, continued.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-09 p.m. 1. Shri Ram Jethmalani, Minister of Law, Justice and and Company Affairs.

(continued from 28-2-2000)

(The House adjourned at 3.08 p.m. and reassembled at 3-28 p.m.)

3-34 p.m. 2. Shri Kapil Sibal

(speech unfinished)

The discussion was not concluded.

(The House adjourned at 4.39 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 2nd March, 2000)

______

THURSDAY, THE 2ND MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 101 regarding Propaganda by Pakistan on Kashmir. Starred Question No. 102 regarding Famine relief to Rajasthan

Answers to remaining questions (103 to 120) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.757 to 893 were laid on the Table.

2ND MARCH, 2000

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya** (Minister of Labour) laid on the Table: (i) (a) Fortieth Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Board for Workers Education, Nagpur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(ii) (a) Forty sixth Annual Report of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Consolidated Annual Accounts of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

Shrimati Vasundhara Raje (Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural industries and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personal and Training) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the, together with a Memoranda thereon under sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the All India Service Act, 1951: (i) G.S.R. 754 (E) dated 4.11.1999 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Seventh Amendment Regulations, 1996.

(ii) G.S.R. 755 (E) dated 4.11.1999 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Pay) Seventh Amendment Rules, 1999.

______** Spoke in Hindi. (iii)G.S.R. 372 dated 13.11.1999 publishing the Indian Forest Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Second Amendment Regulations, 1999

(iv) G.S.R. 373 dated 13.11.1999 publishing the Indian Forest Service (Pay) Third Amendment Rules, 1999.

(v) G.S.R. 374 dated 13.11.1999 publishing the Indian Forest Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Fourth Amendment Regulations, 1999.

(vi) G.S.R. 375 dated 13.11.1999 publishing the Indian Service (Pay) Fifth Amendment Rules, 1998.

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) laid on the Table the following statements (in English and Hindi) showing the action taken by Government on the various assurances, promises and undertakings given during the Session shown against each: 1. Statement No. XLIX Hundred and Forty-ninth Session, 1989

2. Statement No. XXXVII Hundred and Sixty-first Session, 1991

3. Statement No. XXXII Hundred and Sixty-sixth Session,1993

4. Statement No. XXVII Hundred and Seventieth Session,1994

5. Statement No. XXXI Hundred and Seventy-second Session,1994

6. Statement No. XXII Hundred and Seventy-third Session, 1995

7. Statement No. XVII Hundred and Seventy-fourth Session,1995

8. Statement No. XIV Hundred and Seventy-fifth Session, 1995

9 Statement No. XIII Hundred and Seventy-ninth Session, 1996

10. Statement No. XI Hundred and Eightieth Session, 1997

11. Statement No. XI Hundred and Eighty-first Session, 1997

12. Statement No. VII Hundred and Eighty-fourth Session, 1998

2ND MARCH, 2000 13. Statement No. V Hundred and Eighty-fifth Session, 1998

14. Statement No. IV Hundred and Eighty-sixth Session, 1999

15. Statement No. I Hundred and Eighty-seventh Session,1999 16. Statement No. I Hundred and Eighty-eighth Session, 1999

Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture)the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation) S.O. 1068 (E) dated 4.11.1999 publishing the Fertilizer (Control) Second Amendment Order, 1999, under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

II. (1)A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(i) (a) Thirty-sixth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Seeds Corporation Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(ii) (a) Thirtieth Annual Report and Accounts of the State Farms Corporation of India Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

______** Spoke in Hindi. (iii) (a) Twenty-first Annual Report and Accounts of the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation Limited, Mangalore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

12-01 p.m.

4. Special Mentions

1. Shri Onward L. Nongtdu Shri Jalaludin Ansari raised a matter regarding dharna by All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association regarding their demands.

12-10 p.m.

2. Shri S. Peter Alphonse

Dr. M.N. Das raised a matter regarding large scale clandestine smuggling of fake Indian currency, stamp papers, from across Indo-Pak Border and their seizure in the Southern parts of the country.

12-18 p.m.

3. Shri J. Chitharanjan raised a matter regarding fall in prices of Copra and coconut due to the inordinate delay in announcing the support price of milling copra for the year 2000 and difficulties being faced by the coconut cultivators.

12-21 p.m.

4. Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan raised a matter regarding withdrawal of security cover of some prominent political leaders by State Governments.

Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) replied.

2ND MARCH, 2000

12-35 p.m.

5. Short Duration Discussion

The following Members took part in the discussion:

12-35 p.m. 1. Shri Kapil Sibal

(continued from 01/03/2000)

(The House adjourned at 1.02 p.m. and reassembled at 2-02 p.m.)

From 12-36 p.m. to 1-02 p.m. Some points were raised. 2-43 p.m. 2. Shri Gandhi Azad **

2-49 p.m. 3. Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia **

3-09 p.m. 4. Shri Narendra Mohan **

3-23 p.m. 5. Shri S. Peter Alphonse

3-35 p.m. 6. Shri Abani Roy

3-42 p.m. 7. Shri Madhavsinh Solanki

4-02 p.m. 8. Shri Onkar Singh Lakhawat**

4-09 p.m. 9. Shrimati Sarla Maheswari

______** Spoke in Hindi.

4-21 p.m. 10. Shri Sanatan Bisi

4-25 p.m. 11. Shri Sharief-Ud-Din Shariq

4-33 p.m. 12. Shrimati Saroj Dubey**

4-41 p.m. 13. Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik

4-48 p.m. 14. Shri Sangh Priya Gautam **

5-00 p.m. 15. Shri Jalaludin Ansari**

5-11 p.m.

Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) replied to the debate.

The discussion was concluded.

(The House adjourned at 5.59 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Friday, the 3rd March, 2000)

______

FRIDAY, THE 3RD MARCH 2000 (The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No.121 regarding Overlapping of assignments for Adult Education.

Starred Question No.122 regarding Withholding publication by ICHR

Answers to remaining questions (123 to 140) were laid on the Table.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

3RD MARCH AND 6TH MARCH, 2000

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.894 to 1048 were laid on the Table.

(The House adjourned at 12.02 p.m. and reassembled at 2-31 p.m.)

(The House adjourned at 2.45 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Monday, the 6th March, 2000.)

______

MONDAY,THE 6TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

Answers to Starred Question Nos.141 to 160 were laid on the Table. 2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1049 to 1185 and 1187 to 1203 were laid on the Table.

(The House adjourned and reassembled at 2-02 p.m.)

(The House adjourned at 2.12 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 7th March, 2000.)

______

TUESDAY, THE 7TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 161 regarding Waiting list for telephones in Ahmednagar and Pune.

Starred Question No.162 regarding Approval for shivadi-Nhaswa-Shewa Link Road and Western Express Highway projects.

Starred Question No. 163 regarding Cellular Telecom Services.

Answers to remaining questions (164 to 180) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1204 to 1358 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) on behalf of Shri Ram Jethmalani, laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Law, Justice & Company Affairs (Department of Company Affairs) under sub-section (3) of Section 642 of the Companies Act, 1956: (1) G.S.R. 788(E) dated 29.11.1999 publishing the Companies (Central Government s) General Rules and Forms (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 1999.

(2) G.S.R. 58(E) dated 20.1.2000 publishing the Companies (Central Government s) General Rules and Forms (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

Ms. Bijoya Chakravarty (Minister of State in the Ministry of Water Resources) on behalf of Dr. C.P. Thakur, laid on the Table a copy each (in

7TH MARCH, 2000

English and Hindi) of the Annual Report and Accounts of the Narmada Control Authority, Indore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor s Report on the Accounts.

Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta (Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation) on behalf of Shri Sharad Yadav, laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri N.T. Shanmugam (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) the following Notifications laid on the Table

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health), under Section 23 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 , alongwith the delay statement and extracts of existing PFA Rules, 1955:-

(i) G.S.R. 64(E) dated 3.2.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (1st Amendment) Rules, 1998.

(ii) G.S.R. 175(E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (4th Amendment) Rules, 1998.

(iii) G.S.R. 177(E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (3rd Amendment) Rules, 1998.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under sub-section (3) of Section 32 of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh Act, 1966 : (i) G.S.R. 715 (E) dated 2.12.1998 publishing the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, (Amendment) Regulations, 1998.

(ii) G.S.R. 152 (E) dated 26.2.1999 publishing the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, (Amendment) Regulations, 1999

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers : (i) National Population Policy, 2000.

(ii)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Medical Council of India, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Budget Division) S.O. 1299(E) dated 28th December, 1999 publishing the Notification relating to Extension of term of the Eleventh Finance Commission from 31st December, 1999 to 30th June, 2000, under Sections 6 and 8 of the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs (Banking Division) ,under sub-section (4) of Section 37 of the Industrial Development Bank of India Act, 1964 :

Notification No. 67, dated 19.8.1999 publishing the Industrial Development Bank of India (Employees Provident Fund) Amendment Regulations, 1999. Notification (F.No. LD-779-A), dated 3.10.1997 publishing the Industrial Development Bank of India Bonds and Deposits (Nomination) Regulations, 1997.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under sub-section (7) of Section 9 A of the Custom Tariff Act, 1975, alongwith the Explanatory Memoranda thereon:

7TH MARCH, 2000

G.S.R. Nos. 819(E) dated 24.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 132/99-Customs dated 24.12.1999 permitting import of Bisphenol-A (exported by M/s First Inter Continental Corporation USA) till the Completion of Review.

G.S.R. Nos. 824(E) dated 27.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 134/99-Customs dated 27.12.1999 imposing provisional Anti-Dumping duty on Sodium Cyanide originating in or exported from the USA, Czech Republic, European Union and Korea RP at varying rates effecting up to 26.6.2000

G.S.R. Nos. 830(E) dated 29.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 136/99-Customs dated 29.12.1999 imposing provisional Anti-dumping duty on optical fibres originating in or exported from Korea, RP and imported into India effecting upto and inclusive of 28.6.2000

G.S.R. Nos. 828(E) dated 29.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 137/99-Customs dated 29.12.1999 imposing provisional Anti-dumping duty on seamless pipes/tubes of specific grade- originating in or exported from Austria, Czech Republic, Russia, Romania and Ukraine and imported in India effecting up to and exclusive of 28.6.2000

G.S.R. Nos. 839(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 141/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999 imposing final Anti- dumping duty on PTFE originating in or exported from Russia at a rate higher than the provisional duty w.e.f. the date on which provisional anti-dumping duty was imposed.

G.S.R. Nos. 840(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 142/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999 rescinding Notification No. 83/99-Customs dated 30.6.1999 consequent to the imposition of final anti-dumping duty on PTFE originating in or exported from Russia vide Notification No. 141/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999.

G.S.R. Nos. 101(E) dated 9.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 12/2000-Customs amending the first schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 so as to increase the basic customs duty on imported sugar to 60 percent.

G.S.R. 27(E) dated 10.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 2/2000-Customs dated 10.1.2000 seeking extension of anti- dumping duty imposed on isobutyl benezene originating in or exported from China for a further period of six month.

G.S.R. 33 (E) dated 12.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 3/2000-Customs dated 12.1.2000 seeking imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty on Acrylic Fibre including tow and tops, falling under chapter 55 of 1st Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, originating in or exported from Taiwan.

G.S.R. 39 (E) dated 13.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 4/2000-Customs dated 13.1.2000 seeking imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty on Disodium Carbonate known as soda ash originating in or exported from Peoples of China at the rates recommended by the designated authority.

G.S.R. 68 (E) dated 27.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 7/2000-Customs dated 27.1.2000 seeking imposition of safeguard duty on Acetone for a period of two years and six months.

G.S.R. 69 (E) dated 27.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 6/2000 dated 27.1.2000 seeking imposition of provisional anti- dumping duty on six forms of oxo Alcohols.

G.S.R. 100 (E) dated 9.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 3/2000-Customs dated 9.2.2000 seeking to amend Notification No. 33/99- Central Excise to extend the scope of the exemption to goods cleared from Numaligarh refinery.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under sub-section (2) of section 38 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon: G.S.R. 815(E) dated 23.12.1999 publishing the Notification No.42/99-CE dated 23.12.1999 seeking to make a technical amendment in Sl.No.24 of Notification No. 5/99-CE so as to extend the scope of exemption to kerosene which is returned to a warehouse, of the refinery from which the kerosene was received. 7TH MARCH, 2000 G.S.R. 818(E) dated 24.12.1999 publishing the Notification No.43/99-CE dated 24.12.1999 issued to amendment existing Sl.No.9 of the Notification No. 9/96-CE dated 23.7.1996. G.S.R. 829(E) dated 29.12.1999 publishing the Notification No.44/99-CE dated 29.12.1999 seeking to amendment Notification No. 5/99-CE dated 28.2.1999 with a view to exempting from the Excise Duty goods supplied for the official use of foreign diplomatic or consular mission in India, subject to the procedure laid down in this Notification.

G.S.R. 843(E) dated 31.12.1999 publishing the Notification No.45/99-CE dated 31.12.1999 seeking to exclude tobacco products like cigarettes, biris etc and also pan masala from the purview of the aforesaid Notification No. 32 & 33/99-CE dated 8.7.1999

G.S.R. 49(E) dated 17.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 1/2000-CE dated 17.1.2000 amendment Notification No. 32 & 33/99-CE both dated 8.7.99 so as to restore the benefit of E.D. exemption to units, in the North East, manufacturing tobacco products and pan masala. These products were withdrawn from the purview of these exemption on 31.12.1999.

G.S.R. 73(E) dated 28.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 2/2000-CE dated 28.1.2000 seeking to amend the Central Excise notifications governing duty free procurement of indigenous goods by EOUs and the units in STP/EHTP/EPZ so as to provide for procedural simplifications.

G.S.R. 79(E) dated 31.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 4/2000-CE(NT) dated 31.1.2000 seeking to exempt Hot Re- rolled product and ingots and billets of non-alloy steel mfg. and cleared during the month of August 1997 by Hot Re-rolling mills and induction furnace unit paying duty on the basis of annua capacity of production under S. 3A of of CE Act, 1944 from so much of duty of excise as in excess of Rs. 300/600 PMT. (8) Ad-hoc exemption Order No. 78/1/2000-CX dated the 25th January, 2000 issued under Section 5A (2) of the Central Excise Act, 1944, which exempt all excisable goods in relation to the relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the cyclone in the State of Orissa .

V. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance G.S.R. 98(E) dated 9.2.2000 publishing Notification No 1/2000-ST dated 9.2.2000 seeking to exempt the taxable service provided by the Government of Rajasthan under Group Personal Accident Scheme, to its employees in relation to general insurance business, from whole of the service tax livable thereon under section 66 of the Finance Act, 1994 , under sub-section (1) of section 93 a of the said Act alongwith Explanatory Memorandum.

VI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Budget Division), under Section 12 of the Government Savings Certificates Act, 1959 : G.S.R. 47(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the National Savings Certificates (VIII Issue) (Amendment) Rules, 2000

G.S.R. 48(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the Kisan Vikas Patra (Amendment) Rules, 2000

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Budget Division), under Section 15 of the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873: G.S.R. 43(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the Post Office Time Deposit (Amendment) Rules, , 2000

G.S.R. 44(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the Post Office Recurring Deposit (Amendment) Rules, 2000

G.S.R. 45(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the Post Office (Monthly Income Account) Amendment Rules, 2000

G.S.R. 46(E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the National Savings Scheme (Amendment) Rules, 2000

G.S.R. 80(E) dated 1.2.2000 publishing the Post Office (Monthly Income Account) Amendment Rules, 2000

7TH MARCH, 2000

VIII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) Notifications, under Section 159 of the Custom Act, 1962 , alongwith the Explanatory Memoranda thereon :

(1) S.O 785 (E) dated 27.9.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice- versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

(2) S.O. 786 (E) dated 27.9.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice- versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

(3) S.O. 1048 (E) dated 26.10.1999 regarding Exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods alongwith corrigendum (S.O. 1057 (E) dated 28.10.1999) thereto.

(4) S.O. 1049 (E) dated 26.10.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods. (5) S.O. 1169 (E) dated 25.11.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

(6) S.O. 1170 (E) dated 25.11.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

(7) G.S.R. 825 (E) dated 27.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 135/99-Customs dated 27.12.1999 regarding facility for Re-import of goods exported under D.E.P.B. Scheme.

(8) S.O. 1303 (E) dated 28.12.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

(9) S.O. 1304 (E) dated 28.12.1999 regarding exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

(10) G.S.R. 15 (E) dated 5.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 1/2000-Customs dated 5.1.2000 regarding extension of validity period of DEPB scrips.

(11) G.S.R. 59 (E) dated 21.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 5/2000-Customs dated 21.1.2000 regarding extension of facility for operation of Duty Entitlement Pass Book Scheme to Mundra Port.

(12) G.S.R. 67 (E) dated 27.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 8/2000-Customs dated 27.1.2000 seeking to amend Notification No. 39/96-Customs dated 23.7.1996 so as to revalidate the exemption from customs duty to goods imported for SAMYUKTA programme of the Ministry of Defence upto 30.11.2002.

(13) G.S.R. 74 (E) dated 28.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 9/2000-Customs dated 28.1.2000 regarding amendment in the Customs Notification Governing duty free import by EOUs and the units in STP/EHTP/EPZ so as to provide for procedural simplifications, to bring uniformity in provisions of different notifications governing EOU/EPZ/STP/EHTP schemes, and to align the Customs Notifications with the provisions of Export and Import Policy, 1997-2002.

(14) G.S.R. 75 (E) dated 28.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 10/2000-Customs dated 28.1.2000 regarding amendment in the Customs Notifications Governing duty free import of goods by units in Special Jewellery complex in Jhandewalan, EOUs and EPZ so as to allow exchange of hand-made gold/silver/platinum plain jewellery with DTA unit against gold/silver/platinum of equal purity and quantity as that of the jewellery.

(15) G.S.R. 78 (E) dated 31.1.2000 publishing the Notification No. 11/2000-Customs dated 31.1.2000 seeking to amend Notification No. 39/96-Customs dated 23.7.1996 so as to revalidate the exemption from customs duty to goods imported for integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of the Ministry of Defence upto 31.12.2001.

7TH MARCH, 2000

(16) G.S.R. Nos. 803(E) dated 7.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 131/99-Customs dated 7.12.1999. seeking amendment in the parent Notification No. 36/97-Customs dated 11.4.1997 extending deemed export benefits to supplies made to the Rihand-Sasaram-Biharshrif HVDC Link Back to Back Station Project.

(17) G.S.R. Nos. 823(E) dated 27.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 134/99-Customs dated 27.12.1999 amending Notification No. 3/89 dated 9.1.1989 allowing duty free import of films for exhibition at a film Festival approved or recommended by the Central Government.

(18) G.S.R. Nos. 836(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 138/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999 to exempting gold and silver recovered from toll smelting or toll processing abroad of copper anode slime earlier exported from India from duty in excess of amount as would be livable if the value of the said gold and silver were equal to the toll smelting or toll processing charges and insurance and freight charges both ways.

(19) G.S.R. Nos. 837(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 139/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999 amending Notification No. 20/99-Customs dated 28.2.1999 as to (a) increase the rate of basic customs duty to 25% on refined vegetable oil (other than coconut oil,. RBD palm kernel oil and palm stearin) from 15%; and to continue the basic customs duty of 15% on crude vegetable oil (other than coconut oil) imported for refining or for the manufacture of vanaspati and, (b) withdraw the rate of basic customs duty of 25% applicable to sugar, Consequently, sugar would attract the tariff rate of duty of 40%.

(20) G.S.R. Nos. 838(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Notification No. 140/99-Customs dated 30.12.1999 amending Notification No. 22/99-Customs dated 28.2.1999 exempting vegetable oil (other than coconut oil), if imported either by refiners or manufacturers of vanaspati, from the levy of SAD.

(21) G.S.R. Nos. 102(E) dated 9.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 13/2000-Customs dated 9.2.2000 amending Notification No. 58/99-Custom dated 11.5.99 exempting imported sugar from the levy of surcharge.

IX. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Annual Report of the National Housing Bank, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor s Report on the Accounts, under sub-section (5) of section 40 of National Housing Bank Act, 1987.

X. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (5) of section 30 of the Small Industries Development Bank of India Act, 1989 :

a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Small Industries Development Bank of India, Lucknow, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

b) Review by Government on the working of the above Bank.

XI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (5) of section 18 and sub-section (5) of section 23 of the Industrial Development Bank of India Act, 1964 read with section 13 and 15 of the Public Financial Institution Laws (Amendment) Act, 1975: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Industrial Development Bank of India, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

b) Review by Government on the working of the above Bank.

XII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (5) of section 19 and sub-section (5) of section 24 of the Export- Import Bank of India Act, 1981 : (a) Seventeenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Export- Import Bank of India, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Bank.

7TH MARCH, 2000 XII. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(i) (a) Second Annual Report and Accounts of the Industrial Investment Bank of India, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Bank.

(ii) (a) Twenty-seventh Annual Report and Accounts of the General Insurance Corporation of India, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1)(ii) above.

XIV. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Statement of Market Borrowings by Central Government during 1998-99.

(The House adjourned at 12.28 p.m.and reassembled at 2-00 p.m.)

2-10 p.m.

4. Report of the House Committee

Shri Vedprakash P. Goyal presented the Fifth Report (in English and Hindi) of the House Committee.

2-11 p.m.

5. Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism

Shri Md. Salim presented the Fortieth Report (in English and Hindi) of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport & Tourism on "Problems Faced by the Tourists/Passengers at the Airports in the Country".

(The House adjourned at 2.12 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 8th March, 2000.)

______

WEDNESDAY,THE 8TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 181 regarding New capital for Haryana.

Starred Question No. 183 regarding Operational performance of SEB s.

Starred Question No. 186 regarding Purchase of aircrafts.

Answers to remaining questions (182, 184, 185, 187 to 200) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1359 to 1513 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

8TH MARCH, 2000

3. Reference on the International Women's Day

The Deputy Chairman made the following reference: "Today on the International Women's Day, through this august House and through you, Mr. Chairman, Sir, I want to congratulate the women of India and of the world for their persistent and constructive commitment to achieve equality in all spheres of society. The significance of the International Women's Day lies in our re-affirmation to improve the condition of women especially those at the margins of our society and empower them to take their rightful place in the society. Despite existing policies women are still socially disadvantaged section of our society. Even within the family they suffer the discrimination. There is a growing trend of crime against women. Domestic violence is the most prevalent form of discrimination against women.

They are the worst sufferers of the terrorism and civic strife. Not only they are physically and sexually assaulted but are left exposed to a hostile social environment.

Illiteracy is still high among women more so among the rural women. They are not able to take full advantage of new economic opportunities. The new knowledge based industry has opened new vistas for women, but a large section of women still lives in the darkness of ignorance.

They face significant drawback on account of health and malnutrition. They are the silent sufferers of new diseases like AIDS.

It is the duty before all of us to focus on these issues. We can take pride in initiating process of political empowerment of women at our grass root level by providing for their reservation in Panchayati raj institutions. This initiative has created a large pool of women who have the experience in the functioning of democratic institutions. However we have not been able to use this success at higher legislative bodies like Parliament or State Legislature.

I, therefore, call upon all the political parties to abide by their commitment to give reservation to women in the Parliament and in the State Legislature. Democracy is not complete if women are not given their rightful position. Today we miss great supporter of women's rights in Geeta Mukherjee who dedicated her life for this cause. The Women's Reservation Bill is pending before the Parliament. I call upon the Political parties to pass it despite their concerns."

12-03 p.m.

4. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Home Affairs G.S.R. 9 dated 8.1.2000 publishing the National Security Guard Senior Personal Assistant (Group "B" Post) Recruitment Rules, 1999 under sub-section (3) of Section 139 of the National Security Guard Act, 1986.

Shri George Fernandes (Minister of Defence) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Defence SRO 76 dated 19.4. 1999 publishing the revision of the retirement ages of Coast Guard Officers , under sub-section (3) of Section 123 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 alongwith corrigendum SRO 183 dated 11.10.1999. II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Defence SRO 01 dated 24.12.1999 publishing the revision of the retirement ages of Naval Officers, under Section 185 of the Navy Act, 1957.

Shri R. Kumaramangalam (Minister of Power) laid on the Table copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Power Notification No. 1/18(28)/99-CERC dated 31.12.1999 publishing Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Appointment of Consultants) Regulation, 1999 under Section 56 of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.

Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran (Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Jute Corporation of India Limited, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

8TH MARCH, 2000 (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri I.D. Swami (Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Home Affairs G.S.R. 63 (E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2000 under sub-section (3) of Section 30 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976.

Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Special Order dated 17.2.2000 authorising Governor of Nagaland for additional expenses during 1998-99 under "Tour Expenses" of Schedule II to the Governors (Allowances and Privileges) Rules, 1987 under sub- section (3) of Section 12 of the Governors (Emoluments, Allowances and Privileges) Act, 1982.

12-04 p.m.

5. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications

Shri Kartar Singh Duggal laid on the table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Communications:

(i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Third Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1998-99) relating to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

(ii) Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Fifteenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

(iii) Third Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Fourteenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.

(iv) Fourth Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Thirteenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.

(v) Fifth Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Sixth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding increase in Telephone Tariff of Basic Telecom Services.

12-05 p.m.

6. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman informed the House that the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on the 6th March, 2000 allotted time for Government Legislative and other business as follows:-

Business Time allotted

1. General Discussion on Railway 8 Hours ( 2 Budget for 2000-2001. days.)

2. General Discussion on General 8 Hours ( 2 Budget for 2000-2001 days.)

The Committee also recommended that in order to complete the listed Business, the House should sit up to 6.00 p.m. and beyond each day as and when necessary from Tuesday, the 7th Marh, 2000.

12-06 p.m. (The House adjourned at 12.06 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 9th March, 2000.)

______

THURSDAY, THE 9TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Question was orally answered.

Starred Question No.201 regarding Reducing import duties on crude and Petroleum Products.

Answers to remaining questions (202, 204 to 220) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1514 to 1668 were laid on the Table.

11-13 a.m.

(The House adjourned at 11.13 a.m. and reassembled at 2-01 p.m.)

2-01 p.m.

3. Statutory Resolution Adopted

Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) moved the following Resolution:

"That in pursuance of sub-section (2) of section 8A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, read with sub-section (3) of section 7 of the said Act, this House hereby approves of Notification No.12/2000-Customs dated 9.2.2000 (G.S.R.101 (E) dated 9.2.2000) which seeks to amend the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 so as to enhance the rate of customs duty applicable to goods under sub-heading Nos. 1701.11, 1701.12, 1701.91 and 1701.99 from "40%" to "60%".

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-02 p.m. 1. Dr. Biplab Dasgupta

2-05 p.m. 2. Shri Pranab Mukherjee

2-08 p.m. 3. Shri Gurudas Dasgupta

2-14 p.m. 4. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

2-15 p.m. 5. Dr. Manmohan Singh

2-18 p.m. 6. Shri Naresh Yadav**

The Resolution was adopted.

2-21 p.m.

4. Supplementary Demands for Grants (Railways), 1999-2000

Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) showing the Supplementary Demands for Grants (Railways) for the year 1999-2000.

2-22 p.m.

5. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) on behalf Shrimati Vasundhara Raje, the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Statement on the Ratification of ILO Convention No.105 concerning Abolition of Forced Labour, 1957.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Centre for the Development of Glass Industry, Firozabad, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

9TH MARCH, 2000 (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Institute of Hand Tools, Jalandhar, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(iii) (a) Annual Report of the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(iv)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(c)Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

Shri S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture)the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation) S.O. 1245 (E) dated 17.12.1999 regarding amendment in the Composition of Central Fertilizer Committee Constituted under clause 38 (1) of Fertilizer (Control) Order 1985, under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Eleventh Annual Report of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(ii)(a) Annual Report of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(c ) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya** (Minister of Labour) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Liquidator s Statement of Accounts and Auditor s Report and Annual Report of the Madhya Pradesh State Dairy Development Corporation Limited (under Liquidation), Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor s Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Statement and Report.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

9TH MARCH AND 10TH MARCH 2000

2-26 p.m.

6. Report of the Committee of Privileges

Shri T.N. Chaturvedi presented the Forty-Second Report (in English and Hindi) of the Committee of Privileges.

(The House adjourned at 2.27 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Friday, the 10th March, 2000.)

______

FRIDAY, THE 10TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Question was orally answered.

Starred Question No.223 regarding Special Dispensation Quota for admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Answers to remaining Questions (221, 222, 224 to 240) were lain on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos. 1669 to 1823 were laid on the Table.

(The House adjourned at 11.03 a.m. till 11.00 a.m. on Monday, the 13th March, 2000.)

______

MONDAY, THE 13TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 241 regarding Involvement of State Governments in exports.

Starred Question No.243 regarding Discussion with British Delegation on Trade. Starred Question No. 244 regarding Setting up of Industries in Meghalaya.

Starred Question No. 247 regarding Substitution of conventional materials in automobiles.

Starred Question No.248 regarding Production target.

Starred Question No.249 regarding Removal of casual news-readers in Doordarshan.

Answers to remaining questions (242, 245, 246, 250 to 260) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1824 to 1978 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Statement by Minister Correcting Answer to Question

Shri Omar Abdullah (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) made a statement correcting the reply given in the Rajya Sabha on the 20th December, 1999 to Starred Question 309 regarding Antidumping duties investigations.

12-02 p.m.

4. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary) on behalf of Ms. Maneka Gandhi laid on Tabel a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

13TH MARCH, 2000

(i) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, Kanpur, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(ii) (a) Fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998- 99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation. (iii) (a) Tenth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Finance Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute for Orthopaedically Handicapped, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

Shri Dilip Ray (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Steel) on behalf of Shri Arun Jaitley laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Children s Film Society, India, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri Dilip Ray (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Steel) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (a) Seventeenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant), Visakhapatnam, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Steel) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited for the year 1999-2000.

13TH MARCH, 2000

Shri Manohar Joshi (Minister of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(a) Forty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Industrial Development Corporation Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

III. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(a) Thirty-sixth Annual Report and Accounts of the MMTC Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above. IV. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 21 and sub-section (4) of section 18 of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985: (a) Fourteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Authority.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

V. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Industry (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion) S.O. 72(E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the amendment to the Newsprint Control Order, 1962, under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

VI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Centre for Trade Information, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

Dr. Raman (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Quality Council of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

5. Corrigendum to Budget Documents 2000-2001

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministries of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of Corrigendum to Budget Documents 2000-2001. 12-03 p.m.

13TH MARCH, 2000

6. Report of the Committee on Public Undertakings

Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the First Report of the Committee on Public Undertakings on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in their second report (12th Lok Sabha) on "Follow- up action on the Reports of C&AG of India (Commercial)".

12-04 p.m.

7. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals

Shri P. Soundararajan laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals:

First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Tenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Eleventh Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Chemicals and Faertilisers, Department of Chemcials and Petro- Chemicals.

Third Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Twelfth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Department of Fertilisers.

12-05 p.m.

8. Statement regarding Government Business

12-06 p.m.

9. Motion for Election to the Court of the Aligarh Muslim University Adopted

A motion for election of one member to the Court of the Aligarh Muslim University was moved and adopted. 12-07 p.m.

10. Motion for Election to the National Welfare Board for Seafarers Adopted

A motion for election of one member to the National Welfare Board for Seafarers was moved and adopted.

12-08 p.m.

11. Motion for Election to the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Adopted

A motion for election of ten members to the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was moved and adopted.

12. Motion for Election to the Committee on Public Undertakings Adopted.

A motion for election of seven members to the Committee on Public Undertakings was moved and adopted.

12-09 p.m.

13. Motion for Election to the Committee on Public Accounts Adopted

A motion for election of seven members to the Committee on Public Accounts was moved and adopted.

12-13 p.m.

13TH MARCH, 2000

14. Calling Attention to Matter of Urgent Public Importance

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy called the attention of the Minister of Agriculture to the steep hike in the price of DMS Milk causing immense hardship to the common man.

Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture made a statement.

Thereafter, Members sought clarifications on the Statement.

(The House adjourned at 12-57 p.m. and reassembled at 2-04 p.m.)

2-04 p.m.

15. Supplementary Demands for Grants (General), 1999-2000

Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) showing the Supplementary Demands for Grants (General), 1999-2000 (March, 2000).

2-08 p.m.

16. Short Duration Discussion

Shri Pranab Mukherjee raised a discussion on the role of Governors in discharging their Constitutional responsibilities in the formation of Governments in the States in light of recent events in Bihar.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-26 p.m. 1. Shri Gurudas Dasgupta

2-40 p.m. 2. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

3-13 p.m. 3. Shri S. Ramachandran Pillai

3-27 p.m. 4. Shri Ram Deo Bhandary **

3-41 p.m. 5. Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi **

3-52 p.m. 6. Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy

3-55 p.m. 7. Shri C.P. Thirunavukkarasu

4-01 p.m. 8. Shri Mohd. Azam Khan **

4-11 p.m. 9. Shri R. Margabandu

4-14 p.m. 10. Shri Shankar Roy Chowdhury

From 12-10 p.m. to 12-13 p.m. | Some points were raised.

From 2-05 p.m. to 2-08 p.m. |

4-20 p.m. 11. Shri Ram Jethmalani, (Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs)

5-08 p.m. 12. Shri Kapil Sibal

5-27 p.m. 13. Shri S.R. Bommai

5-39 p.m. 14. Shri Sharief-Ud-Din Shariq 5-44 p.m.

Shri L.K. Advani, Minister of Home Affairs replied to the debate.

The discussion was concluded.

(The House adjourned at 6-13 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 14th March, 2000)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.

TUESDAY, THE 14TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 261 regarding Settlement with the Port and Dock Workers Federations.

Starred Question No. 262 regarding linesman in phoney business.

Starred Question No. 263 regarding Expansion of repair faclities in Cochin Shipyard.

Starred Question No. 264 regarding Renovation and beautification of the Red Fort.

Answers to remaining questions (265 to 280) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.1979 to 2133 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri Ananth Kumar (Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Kala Akademi.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above School.

Dr. C.P. Thakur (Minister of Resources) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 21 of the Brahmputra Board Act, 1980: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Brahmputra Board, Guwahati (Assam), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Sharad Yadav** (Minister of Civil Aviation) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Civil Aviation) and the Indian Airlines Limited for the year 1998-99.

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Civil Aviation) and the Indian Airlines Limited for the year 1999-2000.

Dr. Debendra Pradhan (Minister of State in the Ministry of Surface Transport) the following papers laid on the Table:- I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

______** Spoke in Hindi.

14TH MARCH, 2000

(a) Thirty-first Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation Limited, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 24 of the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, (Noida), for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Authority.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

III. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 106 and sub-section (2) of section 103 of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963: (a) Annual Administration Report and Accounts of the Cochin Port Trust, Cochin, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Port Trust.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

IV. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (2) of section 103 of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963: (i) (a) Annual Accounts of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (b) Review by Government of Annual Accounts on Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust for the year 1998-99.

(ii) (a) Annual Accounts of the Mumbai Port Trust, for the year 1998- 99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(b) Review by Government of Annual Accounts and Audit Report on Mumbai Port Trust for the year 1998-99.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) the following Notifications laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs (Capital Market Division), under Section 31 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 :

1. S.O. 547 (E) dated 7.7.1999 publishing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999.

2. S.O. 1118 (E) dated 17.11.1999 publishing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Venture Capital Funds) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999.

3. S.O. 1119 (E) dated 17.11.1999 publishing the Securities and Exchange Board of India ( Merchant Bankers) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 1999.

4. S.O. 1120 (E) dated 17.11.1999 publishing the Securities and Exchange Board of India ( Registrar to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 1999.

5. S.O. 1223 (E) dated 8.12.1999 publishing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Amendment)Regulations, 1999.

14TH MARCH, 2000

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under Section 159 of the Customs Act, 1962 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon:

1. G.S.R. 168 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 16/2000-Customs prescribing fresh and consolidating certain existing effective rates of basic & additional customs duty on various goods falling under the 1st Schedule of the customs Tariff Act.

2. G.S.R. 169 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 17/2000-Customs prescribing effective rates of customs duty on various goods falling under the 1st schedule to C.T. Act, to give immediate effect to the proposals of Finance Bill, 2000 reducing tariff fates of customs duty.

3. G.S.R. 170 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 18/2000-Customs prescribing effective rates of special additional duty of customs leviable under Section 3A of the Customs Tariff Act, on specialized goods falling under the 1st Schedule to C.T. Act.

4. G.S.R. 171 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 19/2000-Customs exempting specified goods falling under the 1st Schedule to the C.T. Act, from the whole of the surcharge leviable thereon under clause 86 of the Finance Bill, 2000.

5. G.S.R. 172 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 20/2000-Customs seeking to amend certain notifications.

6. G.S.R. 173 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 21/2000-Customs notifying Vishakh-Vijayawada-Secunderabad Pipeline Project, under Notification No. 42/96-Customjs dated 23.7.1996 for assessment under Heading No. 98.01 of Project Import .

7. G.S.R. 174 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 22/2000-Customs rescinding Notification Nos. 53/96-Customs and 20/99-customs.

8. G.S.R. 175 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 23/2000-Customs rescinding Notification No. 22/99-Customs.

9. G.S.R. 176 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 24/2000-Customs rescinding Notification No. 58/99-Customs.

10. G.S.R. 177 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 25/2000-Customs exempting all goods from surcharge of Customs duty leviable under Section 118 (1) of the Finance Act, 1999.

11. G.S.R. 178 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 26/2000-Customs notifying the preferential rates for goods covered by the India Sri Lanka free Trade Agreement.

12. G.S.R. 179 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 15/2000-Customs (NT) prescribing the rate of interest under section 28AA of the Customs Act, 1962. 13. G.S.R. 180 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 16/2000-Customs (NT) prescribing the rate of interest under section 28 AB of the Customs Act, 1962.

14. G.S.R. 181 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 17/2000-Customs (NT) prescribing the rate of interest under section 47 of the Customs Act, 1962.

15. G.S.R. 182 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 18/2000-Customs (NT) prescribing the rate of interest under Section 59 of the customs Act, 1962.

16. G.S.R. 183 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 19/2000-Customs (NT) notifying the Rules of Origin for goods covered by the India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under sub-section (2) of Section 38 of the Central Excise Act, 1944: 1. G.S.R. 156 (E) dated 24.2.2000 publishing the amendment to the Central Excise Rules to change the time of presentation of Budget (2000-2001) from 11.00 AM to 2.00 PM 14TH MARCH, 2000 2. G.S.R. 184 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 6/2000-CE seeking to prescribe effective rates of basic excise duty on certain goods falling under the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act.

3. G.S.R. 185 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 7/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe effective rates of basic excise duty on certain goods falling under the First Schedule to the Central Excise Act to give effect to the proposals in the Finance Bill, 2000.

4. G.S.R. 186 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 8/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe a new scheme of concessional excise duty in respect of small scale unit not availing Mod vat credit on in puts, with effect from 1st April, 2000.

5. G.S.R. 187 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 9/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe a new scheme of concessional excise duty in respect of small scale unit not availing Mod vat credit on inputs, with effect from 1st April, 2000.

6. G.S.R. 188 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 10/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe effective rate of special excise duty on certain goods falling under the Second Schedule to the Central Excise Act to give effect to the proposals in the Finance Bill, 2000. 7. G.S.R. 189 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 11/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to amend certain notifications.

8. G.S.R. 190 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 12/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to rescind certain notifications.

9. G.S.R. 191 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 13/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe a concessional basic excise duty on goods of Chapters 72 and 73 manufactured by integrated Steel Plants under certain circumstances.

10. G.S.R. 192 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 14/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to amend Notification 32/99-CE dated 8.7.2000 relating to exemption for the North Eastern Region.

11. G.S.R. 193 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 15/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 to rescind Notification No. 50/97-CE dated 1.8.1997 on and from 1st April, 2000.

12. G.S.R. 194 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 16/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to rescind certain Notifications issued under section 3A of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

13. G.S.R. 195 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 17/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe effective rates of basic excise duty and addition duty of excise on certain textile goods falling under Chapter 52 to 60 of the First Schedule to Central Excise Tariff Act.

14. G.S.R. 196 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 18/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to amend Notification No. 9/96- CE, dated 223.7.1996 so as to omit certain entries therein.

15. G.S.R. 197 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 19/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to prescribe rates of duty under section 3A in respect of independent processors.

16. G.S.R. 198 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 20/2000-CE dated 29.2.2000 seeking to rescind Notification No. 58/97-CE (N.T.), dated 30.8.1997 on and from 1st of April, 2000.

17. G.S.R. 199 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 7/2000-CE (NT) seeking to prescribe rate of interest under section 11AA of the Central Excise Act

18. G.S.R. 200 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 8/2000-CE (NT) seeking to prescribe rate of interest under section 11AB of the Central Excise Act.

14TH MARCH, 2000 19. G.S.R. 201 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 9/2000-CE (NT) seeking to prescribe rates of abatement under section 4A on certain goods falling under the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act.

20. G.S.R. 202 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 10/2000-CE (NT) seeking to make certain amendments to Notification No. 21/990-CE (NT) dated the 28.2.1999.

21. G.S.R. 203 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 11/2000-CE (NT) seeking to make certain amendments to the Central Excise Rules, 1944.

22. G.S.R. 204 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 12/2000-CE (NT) seeking to rescind Notification No. 24/94-CE (NT) dated 21.10.1994.

23. G.S.R. 205 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 13/2000-CE (NT) seeking to make certain amendments to Notification No. 41/98-CE (NT), dated 10.12.1998 issued under section 3A of the Central Excise Act.

24. G.S.R. 206 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 14/2000-CE (NT) seeking to make the Hot-air Stenter Independent Textile Processors Annual Capacity Determination Rules, 2000, superseding the Hot-air Stenter Independent Textile Processors Annual Capacity Determination Rules, 1998.

25. G.S.R. 207 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 15/2000-CE (NT) seeking to make certain amendments to Notification No. 29/96-CE (NT) dated 3.9.1996.

26. G.S.R. 208 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 16/2000-CE (NT) seeking to allow a deemed credit of declared duty, under rule 57A of the Central Excise Rules, 1944 on certain inputs used by composite mills.

27. G.S.R. 209 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 17/2000-CE (NT) seeking to allow a deemed credit of duty paid by independent processors under section 3A of the Central Excise Act under certain conditions.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs (Insurance Division) , under sub-section (3) of Sections 48 and 49 of the LIC Act, 1956: 1. G.S.R. 804 (E) darted 8.12.1999 publishing the Life Insurance Corporation of India (Employees) Pension (Amendment) Rules, 1999. 2. G.S.O. 129 (E) dated 16.2.2000 publishing the Life Insurance Corporation of India (Recruitment of Apprentice Development Officers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999.

V. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) G.S.R. 210 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing Notification No 2/2000-ST exempting mechanised slaughter houses from the levy of Service Tax, under sub-section (4) of Section 94 of Chapter IV of Finance Act, 1994.

VI. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Banking Division) S.O. 58 (E) dated 20.1.2000 publishing the Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Scheme, 2000, under sub-section (6) of Section 9 of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

VII. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Banking Division) S.O. 59 (E) dated 20.1.2000 publishing the Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Scheme, 2000 , under sub-section (6) of Section 9 of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980.

VIII. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Budget Division) G.S.R. 165 (E) dated 28.2.2000 publishing the Post Office Savings Account (Amendment) Rules, 2000, under Section 15 of the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873.

14TH MARCH, 2000

IX. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 453 (E) dated 23.6.1999 publishing the Commemorative Coin on Saint Dnyaneshwar Rules, 1999, under sub-section (3) of Section 21 of the Coinage Act, 1906.

X. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 1221 (E) dated 8.12. 1999 publishing the General Insurance (Employees) Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 1999, under sub-section (5) of Section 17A of the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972.

XI. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) (Budget Division) S.O. 48 (E) dated 15.1.2000 publishing the reduced rate of interest in respect of Public Provident Fund Scheme, under Section 12 of the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968.

XII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

(ii) (a) Twelfth Annual Report of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(iii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Forum of Financial Writers and Institute of Economic Journalism, New Delhi, for the year 1998- 99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(v) A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the Consolidated % Report on the working of Public Sector Banks for the year ended 31st March, 1999.

12-02 p.m.

4. Messages from the Lok Sabha

I. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2000; and

II. The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2000.

Secretary-General reported to the House the messages received from the Lok Sabha, signed by the Secretary-General Lok Sabha:

(I)

"In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose theTelecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 13th March, 2000." (II) "In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose theRecovery of debts due to Banks and Financial institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on 13th March, 2000."

5. Bills Laid on the Table

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy of each of the following Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:-

(i) the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2000; and

(ii) the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2000.

12-03 p.m.

6. Presentation of Petition

Shri C.M. Ibrahim presented a petition signed by Shri B.R. Krishnamurthy and three other retired officers of Indian Telephone Industries Limited, Bangalore regarding grant of enhanced gratuity to the retired officers of Public Sector Undertakings at par with the retired officers of the Central Government from the dates admissible to the latter.

14TH MARCH, 2000

12-04 p.m.

7. Reports of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation

Miss Saroj Khaparde presented the Hundred and Twenty Seventh and Hundred and Twenty Eighth Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation.

8. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture

Shri Oscar Fernandes laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Agriculture:

(i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Eighteenth Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Agriculture(Department of Agriculture & Co-operation). (ii) Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Nineteenth Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Agriculture(Department of Agricultural Research and Education).

(iii) Third Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Twentieth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying).

(iv) Fourth Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Twenty-first Report of the Standing Committee of Agriculture (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Water Resources.

(v) Fifth Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Twenty-second Report of the Standing Committee of Agriculture (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) relating to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

12-31 p.m.

9. Calling Attention to Matter of Urgent Public Importance

Shri Gurudas Das Gupta called the attention of the Minister of Finance to the situation arising out of the mounting Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of many of the public sector banks and need for urgent steps for restoration of the health of such banks.

Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) made a statement.

Thereafter, Members sought clarifications on the Statement.

The House adjourned at 1.08 p.m. and reassembled at 2-06 p.m.

The House adjourned at 2.48 p.m. and reassembled at 3-01 p.m.

5-06 p.m.

10. Government Bill Introduced

The Sugarcane Control (Additional Powers) Repeal Bill, 2000

Shri Shanta Kumar** (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Sugarcane Control (Additional Powers) Repeal Bill, 2000.

The motion was adopted. Shri Shanta Kumar introduced the Bill.

The House adjourned at 5.07 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 15th March, 2000.

______

______**Spoke in Hindi.

WEDNESDAY THE 15TH MARCH 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 281 regarding Violation of service rules by MES Engineer-in-Chief.

Starred Question No. 282 regarding Percentage of armed recruits from Orissa.

Starred Question No. 284 regarding Dialohgue with NSCN and ULFA.

Starred Question No. 286 regardin Decline in textiles exports.

Answers to remaining questions (283, 285, 287 to 300) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2134 to 2288 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri Manohar Joshi (Minister of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Annual Report of the Public Enterprises Survey (Volumes I, II and III), for the year 1998-99.

Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran (Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Third Annual Report and Accounts of the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council, Mumbai, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

12-01 p.m.

4. Reports of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs

Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid on the Table the following Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs :

Fifty-seventh Report on the Foreigners (Amendment) Bill, 1998; and

Fifty-eighth Report on the Explosive Substances (Amendment) Bill, 1999.

5. Evidence Tendered Before the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs

Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid on the Table a copy each of the Evidence tendered before the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on (i) the Foreigners (Amendment) Bill, 1998 and (ii) the Explosives Substances (Amendment) Bill, 1999.

6. Reports and Minutes of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Shri Sanatan Bisi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports and Minutes of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

(i) First Report on Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Education)- Reservation in services including reservation in admission and employment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Central Universities.

(ii) Second Report on Ministry of Law, Justice & Company Affairs- Representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Judiciary with special reference to the appointments in Supreme Court and High Courts.

12-02 p.m.

15TH MARCH 2000

7. Action Taken Statement and Report of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Shri T.N. Chaturvedi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of Action Taken Statement and the First Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs:

(i) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Third Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken on the Recommendations contained in the first Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants of Ministry of External Affairs for the year 1998-99.

(ii) First Report of the Standing Committee on External affairs on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/observations contained in the fourth Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) of the Committee on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of External Affairs for the year 1999- 2000.

8. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare

Shri C.O. Poulose laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare:

(i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Tenth Report of the Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Ministry of Labour - Demands for Grants -1999-2000.

(ii) Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Eleventh Report of the Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment - Demands for Grants - 1999-2000.

12-03 p.m.

9. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution

Shri Lajpat Rai laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports and Minutes of the Standing Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution :

(i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Eighth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants(1999-2000) relating to the Erstwhile Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs (Department of Sugar and Edible Oils).

(ii) Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Ninth (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants(1999- 2000) relating to the Erstwhile Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs (Department of Pubic Distribution). (iii) Third Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Tenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants(1999-2000) relating to the Erstwhile Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs (Department of Consumer Affairs).

12-05 p.m.

10. Messages from the Lok Sabha Reported and Government Bills Laid on the Table

I. The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000; and

II. The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000.

Secretary-General reported to the House the following messages from the Lok Sabha signed by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha:-

(I)

In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose the Appropriation (Railwlays) Vote on Account Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 15th March, 2000.

15TH MARCH 2000

2. The Speaker has certified that this Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of article 110 of the Constitution of Inida.

(II)

In accordance with the provision of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose the Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 15th March, 2000.

2. The Speaker has certified that this Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of article 110 of the Constitution of India.

11. Bills laid on the Table

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy of each following Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:

I. The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000; and

II. The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000.

12-18 p.m. 12. Statements by Minister

I. Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) made a statement regarding the suspension of operations against Bodo Liberation Tigers.

12-19 p.m.

II. Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) made a statement regarding the incident of caste violence in Kolar District (Karnataka) on the 11th March, 2000.

12-23 p.m.

13. Government Bill Introduced

The Indian Power Alcohol (Repeal) Bill, 2000

Shri Suresh Prabhu (Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers) moved for leave to introduce a Bill to repeal the Indian Power Alcohol (Repeal) Bill, 2000.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Suresh Prabhu Introduce the Bill.

12-24 p.m.

14. Special Mentions

1. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** and Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan raised a matter regarding indirect threat by U.S. Secretary of State regarding India's nuclear programme.

12-27 p.m.

2. Shri Gurudas Das Gupta raised a matter regarding steady decline of the Vishwa Bharati Central University and the need to take effective measures to bring the university back to health.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) replied.

12-43 p.m.

3. Shri Onkar Singh Lakhawat** raised a matter regarding migration of Riyang tribals from Mizoram to Tripura due to atrocities being committed on them.

12-49 p.m. 4. Shri Naresh Yadav** raised a matter regarding increasing deaths due to Tuberculosis.

12-57 p.m.

______* * Spoke in Hindi.

15TH MARCH 2000

5. Shri Sanatan Bisi raised a matter regarding non-availability of crop loan in Orissa.

12-58 p.m.

6. Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy raised a matter regarding killing of a Minister of Andhra Pradesh Government by Naxalites.

1-06 p.m.

7. Shri Eduardo Faleiro raised a matter regarding visit by the U.S. President.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs) replied.

1-18 p.m.

8. Shri Khagen Das raised a matter regarding urgent need for transit facilities for North-eastern States through Bangladesh, the area being a landlocked region.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs) replied.

1-24 p.m.

9. Dr. Y. Lakshmi Prasad raised a matter regarding revival of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

1-38 p.m.

10. Shri Bratin Sengupta raised a matter regarding the behaviour of a Judge at New Delhi Railway Station.

1-41 p.m.

11. Prof. (Shrimati) Bharati Ray raised a matter regarding service rules for lady pilots of Indian Airlines.

1-43 p.m. 12. Shri Lalitbhai Mehta** raised a matter regarding unhygienic and reckless conditions prevailing in Bottling plants of soft drink companies causing health hazards.

1-52 p.m.

13. Shrimati Sarla Maheswari** raised a matter regarding irregularities in the Sankhya Vahini Project of Information Technology.

2-02 p.m.

15. (a) Statutory Resolution Seeking Disapproval of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 Negatived ##

2-02 p.m.

Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia moved the following Resolution:

"That this House disapproves of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 (No.2 of 2000) promulgated by the President on the 24th January, 2000."

2-12 p.m.

(b) Government Bill Passed ##

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

2-12 p.m.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan** (Minister of Communications) moved for the consideration of the Bill.

The following Members took part in the discussion on the Resolution and the Motion for consideration of the Bill:

______* * Spoke in Hindi.

## Discussed together.

15TH MARCH 2000

2-30 p.m. 1. Shri Kapil Sibal

2-52 p.m. 2. Shri T.N. Chaturvedi 3-08 p.m. 3. Shri Nilotpal Basu

3-36 p.m. 4. Shri C. Ramachandraiah

3-45 p.m. 5. Shri S. Vidhuthalai Virumbi

4-00 p.m. 6. Shri Drupad Borgohain

4-05 p.m.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan** replied to the debate.

4-21 p.m.

(a) The Resolution disapproving the Ordinance was negatived by the House.

4-22 p.m.

(b) The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clauses 2 to 15 were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan moved:-

That the Bill be passed.

4-23 p.m.

______* *Spoke in Hindi.

The motion moved by Shri Ram Vilas Paswan that the Bill be passed was adopted and the Bill was passed.

4-24 p.m.

16. Government Bill Passed

The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2000.

4-24 p.m. Shri Yaswant Sinha (Minister of Finance) moved for the consideration of the Bill.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

4-25 p.m. 1. Shri Vayalar Ravi

4-33 p.m. 2. Shri Raghavji**

4-47 p.m. 3. Dr. Biplab Dasgupta

4-54 p.m. 4. Dr. M.N. Das

4-58 p.m.

Shri Yashwant Sinha replied to the debate.

5-02 p.m.

The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clauses 2 to 18 were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

______* * Spoke in Hindi.

15TH MARCH AND 16TH MARCH, 2000

Shri Yashwant Sinha moved:

That the Bill be Passed.

5-03 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill be passed was adopted and the Bill was passed.

7-23 p.m.

(The House adjourned at 7.23 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 16th March, 2000)

______

THURSDAY, THE 16TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Obituary Reference

The Chairman made reference to the passing away of Shri J.S. Raju (ex- Member).

The House observed silence, all Members standing as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

11-02 a.m.

6. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No.301 regarding Unemployed youth in urban areas.

Starred Question No. 303 regarding O.B.C. Certificates to children of Group A and B Officers

Answers to remaining questions (302, 304 to 320) were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2289 to 2443 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

4. Statement by Minister Correcting Answer to Question

Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya (Miniater of Labour) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) correcting the reply given in the Rajya Sabha on the 24th February, 2000 to Unstarred Question 78 regarding child employment.

12-01 p.m.

5. Papers Laid on the Table Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways S.O. 1123 (E) dated 17.11.1999 publishing addition and alteration in the Calcutta Metro Railway alignment, specified in the Schedule appended to the Act, under sub section (2) of Section 32 of the Metro Railways (Construction of works) Act, 1978.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways G.S.R. 835(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing corrigendum to G.S.R. 96 (3) dated 10th February 1999 regarding revision of pay scales of Chairman/Vice-Chairman & Members of RCT, under sub clause 3 of clause 30 of the RCT Act, 1987.

III. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) G.S.R. 1(E) dated 1.1.2000 publishing the Railway Passengers (Cancellation of ticket and refund of fare) Amendment Rules, 2000, under of Section 199 of the Railways Act, 1989.

16TH MARCH, 2000

IV. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) G.S.R. 167 (E) dated 29.2.2000 publishing the Railway Claims Tribunal (Procedure) Amendment Rules, 2000, under sub section 3 of Section 30 of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987.

V. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(i) (a) Twenty-third Annual Report and Accounts of the Ircon International Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Rail India Technical and Economic Services Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Services.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VI. A copy (in Hindi) of the *Report of the Railway Safety Review Committee, 1998 (Part-I).

Shrimati Vasundhara Raje (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries (In addition Minister of State assisting the Prime Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space)the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension (Department of Personnel and Training) G.S.R. 136 (E) dated 23.2.1999 publishing the Madhya Pradesh Administrative Tribunal (Procedure) Amendment Rules, 1999, under sub-section (1) of Section 37 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 alongwith delay statement.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension (Department of Personnel and Training), under sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the All India Services Act, 1951:

G.S.R. 396 dated 11.12.1999 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) 8th Amendment Regulations, 1999.

G.S.R. 21 (E) dated 5.1.2000 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Amendment Regulations, 2000.

G.S.R. 22 (E) dated 5.1.2000 publishing the Indian Administrative Service ( Pay) Amendment Rules, 2000.

G.S.R. 34 dated 29.1.2000 publishing the Indian Police Service (Cadre) First Amendment Rules, 2000.

G.S.R. 35 dated 29.1.2000 publishing the Indian Police Service (Pay) First Amendment Rules, 2000.

III.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (4) of section 17 of the Coir Industry Act, 1953: (a) Annual Accounts of the Coir Board, Kochi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

IV.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 23 and sub-section (4) of section 24 of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956: (a) Annual Report of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99. (b) Annual Accounts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

V. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Thirty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Limited (Kendriya Bhandar), New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri N.T. Shanmugam (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health), under Section 23 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954: G.S.R. 172 (E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (5th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement.

G.S.R. 176 (E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (6th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement.

G.S.R. 241 (E) dated 5.4.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (2nd Amendment) Rules, 1999 alongwith Corrigendum (G.S.R. 531 (E) dated 19.7.1999) thereto.

G.S.R. 380 (E) dated 9.7.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (10th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement and Corrigendum (G.S.R. 648 (E) dated 28.10.1998) thereto.

G.S.R. 692 (E) dated 11.10.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (5th Amendment) Rules, 1999.

G.S.R. 693 (E) dated 20.11.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (11th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement and Corrigendum (G.S.R. 119 (E) dated 17.2.1999) thereto.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health) G.S.R. 478 (E) dated 7.8.1998 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 1998, under Section 38 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, alongwith Delay Statement.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Cancer Institute, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(iii) (a) Annual Report of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1995-96.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1995-96, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (iv) (a) Annual Report of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(c) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(v) (a) Annual Report of the AIDS Prevention and Control Project, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the AIDS Prevention and Control Project, Voluntary Health Services, (USAID Project No.385,0525) Chennai, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) on behalf of Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil, the follwing papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Secondary Education & Higher Education) S.O.228 (E) dated 6.4.1999 publishing the International Copyright Order, 1999, under Section 43 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers , under section 4 of University Grants Commission Act, 1956:

(a) Annual Report of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Commission.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers , under sub-section (4) of section 30 of the Pondicherry University Act, 1985: (a) Annual Accounts of the Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (5) of section 31 of the Assam University Act, 1989: (a) Annual Accounts of the Assam University, Silchar, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

V.(1).A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 30 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993: (a) Annual Report of the Tezpur, University, Assam, for the year 1997- 98.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VI.(1). A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 34 of the Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920: (a) Annual Report of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

16TH MARCH, 2000 2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 28 of the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985: (a) Annual Report of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

VIII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1991 to 1992-93, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(ii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1993-94, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (iii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1994-95, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(iv) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute mentioned at (i) to (iii) above.

(v) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1995-96, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(vi) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(vii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(viii) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute mentioned at (v) to (vii) above.

(ix) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (i) to (viii) above.

(x) (a) Annual Accounts of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(xi) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Rajiv Gandhi Prathmik Shiksha Mission, Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(xii)(a) Annual Accounts of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xiii)(a) Annual Accounts of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (xiv)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(xv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Warangal (Andhra Pradesh), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(xvi)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(xvii)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Maulana Azad College of Technology, Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xviii)(a)Annual Report and Accounts of the West Bengal District Primary Education Programme, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(xix)(a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

Shri Muni Lall (Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of, under section 36 of the Employees State Insurance Corporation Act, 1945:

(a) Annual Report of the Employees State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Employees State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Arun Shourie (Minister of State in the Ministries of Planning and Statistics & Programme Implementation and in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Annual Plan for the year 1999- 2000.

Shri S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 14 and sub-section (4) of section 17 of the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

Annual Accounts of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report of the National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(ii) (a) Thirty-ninth Annual Report of the National Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks Federation Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the National Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks Federation Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998- 99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(iii) (a) Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the National Council for Cooperative Training, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the the National Council for Cooperative Training, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Labour Cooperatives Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(v) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Fishermen s Cooperatives Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation.

(vi) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Heavy Engineering Co-operative Limited, Pune, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Co-operative Limited.

16TH MARCH, 2000

(vii) (a) Thirty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the All India Federation of Co-operative Spinning Mills Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Federation.

(viii)(a) Thirty-ninth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation.

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance)the following papers laid on the Table:- I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 142 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Securities Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2000, under Section 31 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 143 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Depositories (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal ) Rules, 2000, under Section 27 of the Depositories Act, 1996.

III. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 144 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal ) Rules, 2000, under sub- section (3) of Section 30 of the Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956.

IV. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) G.S.R. 149 (E) dated 21.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 15/2000-Customs amending Notification No.22/99-Customs so as to further restrict the benefit of exemption from SAD in respect of crude palm oil of edible grade, and its fractions, only if imported for the manufacture of oil commonly known as vanaspati, under sub-section (7) of Section 9A of the Custom Tariff Act, 1975 alongwith Explanatory memorandum.

V. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under sub-section (2) of Section 38 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon:

G.S.R. 213 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 18/2000 Central Excise (N.T.) dated 1.3.2000 allowing credit of special duty of excise paid on CKD kits and chasis of Motor vehicles classified under sub-heading Nos. 8702.10, 8703.90, 8706.21 and 8706.39 and to allow for utilisation of the credit of such duty paid towards payment of CENVAT or special duty payable on Motor vehicles.

G.S.R. 220 (E) dated 6.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 20/2000 Central Excise (N.T.) dated 6.3.2000 under Section IIC of the Central Excise Act, 1944 exempting aerated waters prepared and dispensed by vending machines falling under Chapter heading No. 2201.20 or 2202.20 of CET Act, 1985 for the period from 1st March 1997 to 9th December, 1998.

VI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under Section 159 of the Customs Act, 1962 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon: S.O. 66 (E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

S.O. 67 (E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

16TH MARCH, 2000

S.O. 147 (E) dated 21.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 14/2000- Customs amending Notification No. 20/99-Customs dated 29.2.1999 so as to exclude palm oil and fractions thereof form the purview of concessional rate of basic customs duty of 15% ad- valorem applicable to crude vegetable oils, of edible grade, imported by refiners.

S.O. 174 (E) dated 24.2.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

S.O. 175 (E) dated 24.2.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

Adhoc-Exemption Order No. 13 dated 25.1.2000 exempting the basic customs duty as well as the whole of additional duty, leviable on import of 15,000 woollen pullovers from Free Trade Zone by Mayfair Ltd. for distribution to cyclone victims of Orissa.

Adhoc-Exemption Order No. 75 dated 5.11.1999 exempting the basic customs duty as well as the whole of additional duty, leviable on import of all goods imported into India, intended for donation for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of cyclone in the State of Orissa.

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Interim Report for making provisional arrangements for the year 2000-2001 of the Eleventh Finance Commission.

(b) Explanatory Memorandum as to the Action Taken on the recommendations made by the Eleventh Finance Commission in its Interim Report submitted to the President on January 15, 2000.

Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

______**Spoke in Hindi.

(i) (a) Twenty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Karnataka Meat and Poultry Marketing Corporation Limited, Bangalore, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(ii) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Karnataka Meat and Poultry Marketing Corporation Limited, Bangalore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(iii)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited, Agatti, Lakshadweep, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(iv) (a) Twenty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Rajasthan State Dairy Development Corporation Limited, Jaipur, (under Liquidation) for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

16TH MARCH, 2000

(b) Statement by Government giving reasons for not laying review and delay Statements.

II. Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1)(i)to (iv) above.

12-01 p.m.

6. Statements of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals

Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the Statements of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals: (i) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in Twelfth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the fourth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Exploration, Production, Distribution and Conservation of Oil and Gas .

(ii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Fourteenth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the fifth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants 1994-95 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

(iii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Twentieth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Pricing of Petroleum Products.

(iv) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Twenty-fifth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Seventeenth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants 1995-96 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

(v) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Sixth Report(Eleventh Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Third Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants 1996-97 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

(vi) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Third Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants 1997-98 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

(vii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Seventh Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Fourth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants 1998-99 of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

7. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance

Shri N.K.P. Salve laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Finance: (i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Nineteenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation.

(ii) Second Report of the Committee on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Twentieth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs).

(iii) Third Report of the Committee on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Twenty-first Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).

16TH MARCH, 2000

12-02 p.m.

8. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman informed Members that the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on Wednesday, the 15th March, 2000, allotted time for Government Legislative business as follows:-

Business Time Allotted

1 General Discussion on Railway Budget 4 Hours for 2000-2001. (To be 2 The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on discussed Account Bill, 2000 together)

3 The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000.

9. Messages from the Lok Sabha

(i) The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000.

(ii) The Appropriation Bill, 2000.

Secretary-General reported to the House the following messages received from the Lok Sabha signed by the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha:-

(I) "In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose theAppropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000."

(II)

"In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose the Appropriation Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000.

10. Bills Laid on the Table:

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy of each of the following Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:-

I. The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000

II. The Appropriation Bill, 2000.

11. Good Wishes to the Retiring Members of the House

The Chairman offered good wishes to the Members of the Rajya Sabha whose term of office would expire during 2000.

The following Members spoke on the occasion:

12-06 p.m. 1. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition

12-09 p.m. 2. Shri S. Vidhuthalai Virumbi

12-11 p.m. 3. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav **

12-15 p.m. 4. Shri J. Chitharanjan

12-16 p.m. 5. Shri R. Margabandu

12-18 p.m. 6. Sardar Balwinder Singh Bhundar **

12-20 p.m. 7. Shri C. Ramachandraiah

12-21 p.m. 8. Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia **

12-24 p.m. 9. Shri Raghavji **

12-36 p.m. 10. Shri Balkavi Bairagi ** 12-43 p.m. 11. Shri Prafull Goradia

12-48 p.m. 12. Shri Gandhi Azad **

12-50 p.m. 13. Shri Naresh Yadav **

______** Spoke in Hindi.

16TH MARCH, 2000

12-56 p.m. 14. Shri Govindram Miri **

1-01 p.m. 15. Dr. Jagannath Mishra **

1-23 p.m. 16. Shri Gurudas Dasgupta

1-32 p.m. 17. Shrimati Veena Verma **

1-38 p.m.

Shri Jaswant Singh** (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) also associated himself with the expression of good wishes made by the Chairman and other Members.

1-43 p.m.

12. Statement by Prime Minister

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Prime Minister) made a statement regarding his recent visit to Mauritius.

1-47 p.m.

13. Motion for Election to the National Shipping Board Adopted

A motion for election of two members to the National Shipping Board was moved and adopted.

1-48 p.m.

14. Government Bill Introduced

The National Housing Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2000 Shri V. Dhananjay Kumar (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

The motion was adopted.

Shri V. Dhananjay Kumar introduced the Bill.

(The House adjourned at 1.49 p.m. and reassembled at 2-54 p.m.)

2-56 p.m.

14. (a) The Budget (Railways), 2000-2001 # #

(b) Government Bills Returned # #

(i) The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

(ii) The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

2-56 p.m.

(a) General discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000-2001, commenced.

(b) Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) moved for the consideration of the Bills.

The following Members took part in the discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000- 2001 and the motion for consideration of the Bills:

2-57 p.m. 1. Shri Balkavi Bairagi **

3-13 p.m. 2. Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki

3-35 p.m. 3. Shri C.O.Poulose

@ From 2-54 p.m. to 2-56 p.m. Some points were raised.

* Discussed together.

3-40 p.m. 4. Shrimati Jayaprada Nahata** ______** Spoke in Hindi.

##Discussed together.

16TH MARCH, 2000

3-51 p.m. 5. Shri W. Angou Singh

3-57 p.m. 6. Shri Naresh Yadav**

%4-13 p.m. 7. Shri Govindram Miri**

4-22 p.m. 8. Shri Sanatan Bisi

4-26 p.m. 9. Shri Banarsi Das Gupta**

4-37 p.m. 10. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav**

4-52 p.m. 11. Chaudhary Chunni Lal**

5-03 p.m. 12. Shri Gaya Singh**

5-12 p.m. 13. Shri S. Agniraj

5-22 p.m. 14. Shri R. Margabandu

5-29 p.m. 15. Shri Dipankar Mukherjee

5-51 p.m. 16. Dr. Jagannath Mishra**

5-57 p.m. 17. Shri Shankar Roy Chowdhury

6-05 p.m. 18. Shri Abani Roy**

6-13 p.m. 19. Shri Gandhi Azad**

6-20 p.m. 20. Shri Sharief-Ud-Din Shariq**

6-29 p.m. 21. Shri Devi Prasad Singh**

6-40 p.m. 22. Shri Raghavji**

______** Spoke in Hindi.

6-53 p.m. Ms. Mamta Banerjee replied to the debate.

7-14 p.m.

(a) The discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000-2001 was concluded.

(b)(i) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clauses 2, 3 and the Schedule were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

Ms. Mamta Banerjee moved:

That the Bill be returned.

7-15 p.m.

The motion moved by Ms. Mamta Banerjee that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned.

7-16 p.m.

(b)(ii) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause conisderation of the Bill was taken up.

Clauses 2, 3 and the Scheduled were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

Ms. Mamta Banerjee moved:

That the Bill be returned.

The motion moved by Ms. Mamata Banerjee that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned.

16. Messages from the Lok Sabha

I. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (Amendement) Bill, 2000. II. The Mizoram University Bill, 2000.

16TH MARCH, 2000 Secretary-General reported to the House the following messages received from theLok Sabha, signed by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha:-

(I)

"In according with the provisions of rule 101 of the Rules of Procedure ad Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to inform you that the following amendments made by Rajya Sabha in the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Amendment) Bill, 1999, at its sitting held on the 28th February, 2000, were taken into consideration and agreed to by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on Thursday, the 16th March, 2000."

(II) "I am directed to inform you that the Mizoram University Bill, 1999, wahich was passed by Rajya Sabha at its sitting held on the 23rd December, 1999, has been passed by the Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000, with the following amendments:- Enacting Formula

1. Page 1, line 1, -

for "Fiftieth Year"

substitute "Fifty-First Year"

Clause 1

2. Page 1, line 3, -

for "1999"

substitute "2000"

I am, therefore, to return herewith the said Bill in accordance with the provisions of rule 121 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha in the said amdendments be communicated to Lok Sabha." 17. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development

Shri C. Apok Jamir laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development:

(i) First Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Seventh Report of the Committee (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on Allocation/ Utilisation of Central Funds by States under various Schemes.

(ii) Second Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Third Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1998-1999) of the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation.

(iii) Third Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in the Seventh Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Integrated Wastelands Development Project (IEDP) Scheme.

(iv) Fourth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-second Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources).

(v) Fifth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-third Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation.

(vi) Sixth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-fourth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Urban Development.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (vii) Seventh Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-sixth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development(Department of Rural Development).

(viii) Eighth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-eighth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development).

7-18 p.m.

18. (a) The Budget (General), 2000-2001##

(b) Government Bills Returned ##

(i) The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

(ii) The Appropriation Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

7-18 p.m. Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) moved:

"That the bill to provide for the withdrawal of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for theservics of a part of the financial year 2000-2001 as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration."

and also moved

"That the Bill to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 1999-2000 as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration."

______## Discussed together.

7-19 p.m.

a. The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clauses 2 to 4 and the Schedule were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

Shri Yashwant Sinha moved:

That the Bill be returned.

7-20 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned.

7-21 p.m.

b. The motion for consideration of the Appropriation Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up. Clauses 2, 3 and the Schedule were adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

Shri Yashwant Sinha moved:

That the Bill be returned.

7-22 p.m. The motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned.

7-23 p.m.

19. Government Bill Returned by the Lok Sabha with Amendments amendments agreed to the Mizoram University Bill, 1999, as amended by the Lok Sabha

7-23 p.m.

16TH MARCH, 2000

Shri Pramod Mahajan (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Information Technology) moved that the following amendments made by the Lok Sabha in the Bill be taken into consideration:

Enacting Formula

1. Page 1, line 1, -

for "Fiftieth Year"

substitute "Fifty-First Year"

Clause 1

2. Page 1, line 3, -

for "1999"

substitute "2000"

7-24 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Pramod Mahajan that the amendments made by the Lok Sabha in the Bill be agreed to, was adopted and the amendments were agreed to.

7-25 p.m.

20. Special Mentions

7-25 p.m.

1. Shri Santosh Bagrodia raised a matter regarding precarious power situation in Rajasthan. 7-34 p.m.

2. Shri Bratin Sengupta raised a matter regarding disinvestment and related threats.

7-41 p.m.

(The House adjourned at 7.34 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Monday, the 17th April, 2000.)

______

MONDAY, THE 17TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

The following Members made and subscribed oath/affirmation and took their seats in the House:

ANDHRA PRADESH

1. Dr. Alladi P. Rajkumar

2. Shri Dasari Narayana Rao

3. Smt. Geetha Vanga

4. Shri K.M. Khan

5. Shri K. Rama Mohana Rao

6. Shri Ramamuni Reddy Sirigi Reddy

BIHAR

7. Shri Faguni Ram

8. Smt. Kum Kum Rai 9. Shri Mahendra Prasad

10. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

11. Shri Ram Kumar Anand

12. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad

17TH APRIL, 2000

13. Shri S.S. Ahluwalia

14. Shri Ven Dhamma Viriyo

15. Shri Vijay Singh Yadav

GUJARAT

16. Dr. A.K. Patel

17. Shri Arun Maharajkishan Jaitley

18. Shri Lekhraj Hemraj Bachani

19. Shri Raju Parmar

HARYANA

20. Shri Faqir Chand

HIMACHAL PRADESH

21. Shri Kripal Parmar

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

22. Mirza Abdul Rashid

KARNATAKA

23. Smt. Bimba Raikar

24. Shri K.B. Krishna Murthy

25. Shri K. Rahman Khan

26. Shri M. Rajasekara Murthy

MADHYA PRADESH 27. Shri Arjun Singh

28. Shri Bhagatram

29. Shri Hansraj Bhardwaj

30. Shri Kailashchandra

31. Shri P.K. Maheshwari

32. Shri Vikramsingh

MAHARASHTRA

33. Shri Balavant Parashuram Apte

34. Shri Ram Jethmalani

35. Shri Ramkrishna Suryabhanji Gavai

36. Shri Sanjay Nirupam

ORISSA

37. Shri Baijayant Panda

38. Shri Birabhadra Singh

39. Shri Manamohan Samal

RAJASTHAN

40. Shrimati Jamna Devi

41. Shri Mool Chand

42. Shri Rama Prasad

UTTAR PRADESH

43. Shri Balvir Kumar Punj

44. Shri Dara Singh Chauhan

45. Shri Ghanshyam Chandra Kharwar

46. Shri Janeshwar Misra

47. Shri M.M. Agarwal 48. Shri Rajeev Shukla

49. Shri Rajnath Singh

50. Prof. Ram Bakhsh Singh Varma

51. Shri Sacchidanand Hari Sakshi Ji Maharaj

52. Shrimati Sushama Swaraj

WEST BENGAL

53. Dr. Biplab Dasgupta

54. Shri Dipankar Mukherjee

55. Shri Jayanta Bhattacharya

56. Shri Manoj Bhattacharya

57. Shri Nilotpal Basu

17TH APRIL, 2000

11-50 a.m.

2. Welcome to New Members

The Chairman welcomed the new Members.

11-52 a.m.

3. Starred Questions

Starred Question was orally answered.

Starred Question No.321 regarding Construction of homes for old-aged.

Answers to remaining questions (322 to 340) were laid on the Table.

4. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2444 to 2598 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

5. Papers Laid on the Table Shri Omar Abdullah (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Overseas Construction Council of India, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(ii)(a) Forty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Plastics Export Promotion Council, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(iii) (a)Annual Report of the Rubber Board, Kottayam, Kerala, for the year 1998-99.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

Shri Omar Abdullah (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) on behalf of Dr. Raman, laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(ii) (a) Twenty-ninth Annual Report and Accounts of the Automotive Research Association of India, Pune, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (iii) (a) Fortieth Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association, Thane, Maharashtra, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

17TH APRIL, 2000 (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

12-01 p.m.

6. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications

Shri Kartar Singh Duggal laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Communications:

(i) Sixth Report on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations/Observations contained in the Ninth Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Communications on `Selection of Multi Access Relay Radio (MARR) Technology' relating to the Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications).

(ii) Seventh Report on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations/Observations contained in the Fourteenth Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Communications on `Postal Network' relating to the Ministry of Communications(Department of Post).

(iii) Eighth Report on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations/Observations contained in the Twelfth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Communications on `Working of Telecom Factories' relating to the Ministry of Communications(Department of Telecommunications).

(iv) Ninth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications (Thirteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to Ministry of Communications (Department of Posts).

(v) Tenth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications (Thirteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications & Department of Telecom Services).

(vi) Eleventh Report of the Standing Committee on Communications (Thirteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

12-02 p.m.

7. Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways

Shri Rumandla Ramachandraiah laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the First Report of the Standing Committee on Railways on Demands for Grants (2000- 2001) of the Ministry of Railways.

12-04 p.m.

8. Motion for Election to the Rubber Board Adopted

A motion for election of one member to the Rubber Board was moved and adopted.

12-05 p.m.

9. Motion for Election to the Coffee Board Adopted

A motion for election of one member to the Coffee Board was moved and adopted.

12-08 p.m.

10. Special Mentions

12-08 p.m.

1. Shri Amar Singh** and Shri Suresh Pachouri** raised a matter regarding police brutality on students of Jamia Milia Islamia on 9th April, 2000.

12-53 p.m.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

17TH APRIL, 2000

2. Shri Ramachandra Khuntia raised a matter regarding pathetic conditions in the cyclone affected areas in Orissa and inadequate rehabilitation work.

12-59 p.m.

3. Shri Ahmed Patel** raised a matter regarding drought and famine conditions in Gujarat.

(The House adjourned at 1.04 p.m. and reassembled at 2-12 p.m.)

2-12 p.m.

11. Government Bills Passed

The Food Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2000

Shri Shanta Kumar** (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) moved for the consideration of the Bill.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-13 p.m. 1. Shri Eduardo Faleiro

2-26 p.m. 2. Shri C.O. Poulose

2-33 p.m. 3. Shri S.S. Ahluwalia **

2-40 p.m. 4. Shri S. Viduthalai Virumbi

2-55 p.m. 5. Shri Vayalar Ravi

3-03 p.m. 6. Shri Drupad Borgohain

3-05 p.m. 7. Shri Prem Chand Gupta

3-17 p.m. 8. Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram

______** Spoke in Hindi.

3-26 p.m. 9. Dr. Raja Ramanna

3-31 p.m. 10. Shri B.P. Singhal

3-34 p.m.

Shri Shanta Kumar replied to the debate.

3-53 p.m.

The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was be taken up.

Clause 2 was adopted. Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

3-54 p.m.

Shri Shanta Kumar moved;

That the Bill be passed.

The motion moved by Shri Shanta Kumar that the Bill be passed was adopted and the Bill be passed.

3-55 p.m.

II. The Sugarcane Control (Additional Powers) Repeal Bill, 2000

Shri Shanta Kumar** (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) moved.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

3-56 p.m. 1. Shri Santosh Bagrodia **

4-08 p.m. 2. Shri R. Margabandu

4-14 p.m. 3. Shri Manoj Bhattacharya

______** Spoke in Hindi.

17TH APRIL, 2000

4-25 p.m.

Shri Shanta Kumar replied to the debate.

4-33 p.m.

The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up.

Clause 2 was adopted.

Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted.

4-35 p.m. Shri Shanta Kumar moved:

That the Bill be returned.

The motion moved by Shri Shanta Kumar that the Bill be passed was adopted and the Bill was passed.

4-38 p.m.

12. Statement by Minister

Shri Ram Naik (Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas) made a statement regarding increase in the prices of certain petroleum products with effect from the midnight of March 22-23, 2000.

6-13 p.m.

(The House adjourned at 6.13 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 18th April, 2000)

______

TUESDAY, THE 18TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

Shri Praful Manoharbhai Patel (Maharashtra) and Shri Ram Nath Kovind (Uttar Pradesh) made and subscribed oath and took their seats in the House.

11-02 a.m.

2. Starred Questions

The Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 341 regarding Revenue collected from States during 1999- 2000. Starred Question No. 342 regarding Reduction in rate of commission payable to Mahila Pradhan Agents under NSS.

Starred Question No.343 regarding Tourist resort in Majuli Island of Assam.

Starred Question No. 344 regarding Recovery of outstanding dues from Sahara Airlines.

Starred Question No. 349 regarding Conditions applicable to the policy holders of NSS.

Answers to remaining questions (345 to 348 and 350 to 360) were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2599 to 2753 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

4. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri Ananth Kumar (Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

18TH APRIL, 2000

(i) (a) Sixteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Utkal Ashok Hotel Corporation Limited, Puri (Orissa), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(ii) (a) Fifteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Madhya Pradesh Ashok Hotel Corporation Limited, Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(iii) (a) Twelfth Annual Report and Accounts of the Donyi Polo Ashok Hotel Corporation Limited, Itanagar, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation. (iv) (a) Fifteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Assam Ashok Hotel Corporation Limited, Guwahati, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(v) (a) Fifteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Ranchi Ashok Bihar Hotel Corporation Limited, Patna for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation

II. Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Harin Pathak (Minister of State in the Ministry of Defene) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Supplementary Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee.

Shri Tapan Sikdar (Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers :

(I) The Board of Arbitration Award CA No.9(a) of 1980 i.e. reduction of working hours of operative offices of Department of Posts and Telecom announce on 21.2.1983.

(II) Statement by Government on the proposal not to accept the Award in Compulsory Arbitration Reference No.9(a) of 1980 announced on 21.2.1983 in respect of reduction of the working hours of the operative offices of the Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications.

Dr. Debendra Pradhan (Minister of State in the Ministry of Surface Transport) laid on the Table a copy each of the following notifications (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Surface Transport , under sub-section (1) of Section 212 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon:

(i) G.S.R. 65(E) dated 25th January, 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

(ii) G.S.R. 76(E) dated 31st January 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2000.

(iii) G.S.R. 77(E) dated 31st January 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (3rd Amendment) Rules, 2000.

18TH APRIL, 2000 (iv) G.S.R. 99(E) dated 9th February 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (4th Amendment) Rules, 2000.

(v) G.S.R. 110(E) dated 14th February, 2000 amending the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 1998.

(vi) G.S.R. 127(E) dated 16th February, 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (Regulation of Bus Service Between New Delhi and Lahore) Rules, 2000.

(vii) G.S.R. 128(E) dated 16th February, 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (Regulation of Bus Service Between Calcutta and Dhaka) Rules, 2000.

(viii)G.S.R. 129(E) dated 16th February, 2000 publishing the Central Motor Vehicles (5th Amendment) Rules, 2000.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Surface Transport. G.S.R. 57(E) dated 19th January, 2000 publishing the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, under sub-section (3) of Section 458 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

III.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 106 and sub-section (2) of section 103 of the Major Port Trust Act, 1963: (i) (a) Annual Administration Report and Accounts of the Calcutta Port Trust, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Port Trust.

(ii) (a) Annual Administration Report and Accounts of the Chennai Port Trust, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Port Trust.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

Shri Tapan Sikdar** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Communications, (Department of Telecommunications) Notification No.25-1/98-TRAI (A & R) dated 13th December 1999 publishing the TRAI (Appointment of Casual Labourers) Regulation, 1999 alongwith a delay statement under Section 37 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

12-02 p.m.

5. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy

Shri Santosh Bagrodia laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Energy:

(i) First Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to the Department of Atomic Energy.

(ii) Second Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.

(iii) Third Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) relating to the Ministry of Power.

12-03 p.m.

6. Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs

Dr. Karan Singh laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Second Report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of External Affairs for the year 2000-2001.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

18TH APRIL, 2000

12-04 p.m.

7. Government Bill Introduced

The Delhi University (Amendment) Bill, 2000

Shri O. Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministries of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the delhi University Act, 1922.

Motion was adopted. Shri O. Rajagopal introduced the Bill.

12-05 p.m.

8. Special Mentions

1. Shri Narendra Mohan and Dr. Biplab Dasgupta raised a matter regarding Government's proposal to legislate on "Federal Crimes" enabling investigating agencies to investigate without permission of the State Governments.

12-24 p.m.

2. Shri Ram Deo Bhandary

3. Shri Nilotpal Basu

4. Shri R. Margabandu raised a matter regarding role of C.B.I. in the cases against Shri Laloo Prasad Yadav and Shrimati Rabri Devi.

1-16 p.m.

9. Message from the Lok Sabha Reported

Secretary-General reported to the House a message from the Lok Sabha informing the Rajya Sabha that the Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 18th April, 2000 had adopted the following Motion:

"That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do elect two members of Rajya Sabha, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, to the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit in the vacancies caused by the retirement of Sarvashri Onkar Singh Lakhawat and Sanjay Nirupam from Rajya Sabha and do communicate to this House the names of the members so elected by Rajya Sabha to the joint Committee."

(The House adjourned at 1.22 p.m. and reassembled at 2-24 p.m.)

2-29 p.m.

10. Reply to the Clarifications on the Statement By Minister

Shri Ram Naik (Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas) replied to the clarifications on the statement made by him on the 17th April, 2000 regarding increase in the prices of certain petroleum products with effect from the midnight of March 22-23, 2000.

3-01 p.m. 11. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu moved that an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

"That the Members of the Rajya Sabha assembled in this Session are deeply grateful to the President for the Address which he has been pleased to deliver to both Houses of Parliament assembled together on February 23, 2000."

3-52 p.m.

Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan** seconded the Motion.

4-25 p.m.

Amendments were moved by:

______** Spoke in Hindi.

18TH APRIL, 2000

1. Shri Kapil Sibal

2. Shri E. Balanandan

3. Shri Suresh Pachouri

4. Shri Jibon Roy

5. Shrimati Sarla Maheshwari

6. Shrimati Saroj Dubey

7. Dr. Manmohan Singh

8. Shri Pranab Mukherjee

9. Shri S. Viduthalai Virumbi

10. Shri Dipankar Mukherjee

4-32 p.m.

Dr. Manmohan Singh took part in the discussion on the Motion and the Amendments moved thereto. The speech was not concluded.

The discussion was not concluded. 4-58 p.m.

12. Clarifications on the Statement by Minister

Shri Ram Jethmalani (Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs) replied to the clarifications on the statement laid on the Table on the 28th February, 2000 by him regarding lawyers strike and incident that occurred in the vicinity of Parliament on the 24th February, 2000 and laid on the Table a copy each (in English) of the following papers:

(i) D.O. Letter No.CJIS/SCI/NOM-C1/00 dated the 16th March, 2000 from Shri A.S. Anand, Chief Justice of India to Shri Ram Jethmalani, Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs; and

(ii) Press Statement issued by representatives of the Delhi Bar Council (Shri B.S. Sherawat, Shri K.K. Sood, Shri Rajiv Khosla and Shri R.N. Vats) on the 29th February, 2000.

(The House adjourned at 7.14 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 19th April, 2000)

______

WEDNESDAY, THE 19TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No.361 regarding Miration of Sikhs from Kashmir valley.

Starred Question No. 362 regarding Poverty in Maharashtra.

Starred Question No.363 regarding Action against the terrorists.

Answers to remaining questions (364 to 380) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2754 to 2908 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri L.K. Advani (Minister of Home Affairs) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Home Affairs G.S.R. 83 dated 11.3.2000 publishing the CRPF Subordinate ranks (signals) Recruitment Rules, 2000 under sub-Section (3) of Section 18 of CRPF Act, 1949.

19TH APRIL, 2000

Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran (Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Administration Reports and Accounts of the Cantonment Boards, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production and Supplies) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited for the year 2000-01.

II. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Jute Manufactures Corporation Limited, Calcutta, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

1. (I) Forty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Co-operative Society Limited, Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor s Report on the Accounts.

(ii) Review by Government on the working of the above Society.

2. (iii) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. 3.

12-01 p.m.

3 Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary StandingCommittee on Home Affairs

Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the following Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs:

(i) Fifty-ninth Report on the Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

(ii) Sixtieth Report on the Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

(iii) Sixty-first Report on the Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs.

5. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport And Tourism

Shri S. Viduthalai Virumbi presented the Forty-First, Forty-Second and Forty-Third Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport & Tourism on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministries of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Surface Transport respectively.

12-02 p.m.

6. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture Shri Oscar Fernandes laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Agriculture:

(i) Sixth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation). 19TH APRIL, 2000 (ii) Seventh Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture Research & Education).

(iii) Eighth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying).

(iv) Ninth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Food Processing Industries).

(v) Tenth Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2000- 2001) of the Ministry of Water Resources.

7. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence

Shri T.N. Chaturvedi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Defence:

(i) First Report on action taken by the Government on recommendations contained in Eighth Report of the Committee (12th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants of Ministry of Defence 1999-2000.

(ii) Second Report on action taken by the Government on recommendations contained in Fourth Report (12th Lok Sabha) of the Committee on the subject `Advanced Jet Trainer .

(iii) Third Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2000- 2001) of the Ministry of Defence.

12-03 p.m.

8. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman announced the recommendations made by the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on the 18th April, 2000.

9. Motion for Election to the Committee on Official Language

A motion for election of three members to the Committee on Official Language was moved and adopted. 12-04 p.m.

10. Motion for Election to the Central Silk Board

A motion for election of one member to the Central Silk Board was moved and adopted.

12-05 p.m.

11. Special Mentions

1. Shri Arjun Singh and Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan raised a matter regarding use of money power in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

12-22 p.m.

Shri Suresh Kalmadi

Shri Bratin Sengupta

Shri Sanjay Nirupam

Shri Janeshwar Misra raised a matter regarding match fixing in Cricket in India.

(The House adjourned1.21 p.m. and reassembled at 2-23 p.m.)

12. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Further Discussion on the following Motion moved by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on the 18th April, 2000, and the amendments moved thereto continued:

"That an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

That the Members of the Rajya Sabha assembled in this Session are deeply grateful to the President for the Address which he has been pleased to deliver to both Houses of Parliament assembled together on February 23, 2000. "

19TH APRIL, 2000

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-23 p.m. 1. Dr. Manmohan Singh

(continued from 18/04/2000)

2-47 p.m. 2. Shri Md. Salim **

3-15 p.m. 3. Dr. Karan Singh 3-34 p.m. 4. Mirza Abdul Rashid

3-55 p.m. 5. Shri Gandhi Azad**

The discussion was not concluded.

4-05 p.m.

13. Short Duration Discussion

Shri Kapil Sibal raised a discussion on the recent increases in the prices of rice, wheat, kerosene, LPG and other items of daily consumption causing thereby serious problems for the common man.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

4-36 p.m. 1. Shri Anantray Devshanker Dave **

4-50 p.m. 2. Shri Jibon Roy

5-01 p.m. 3. Shri C. Ramachandraiah

5-11 p.m. 4. Dr. Ramendra Kumar Yadav Ravi **

5-21 p.m. 5. Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik **

5-31 p.m. 6. Shri M.P.A. Samad Samadani

5-40 p.m. 7. Shri P.N. Siva

5-42 p.m.

Shri Shanta Kumar** (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) replied to the debate.

The discussion was concluded.

6-16 p.m.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

14. Statement By Minister

Smt. Vasundhara Raje (Minister of State of the Ministries of Small Scale Industries and Agro. and Rural Industries, Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space) made a statement regarding the successful launching of INSAT-3B. (The House adjourned at 6.20 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 20th April, 2000)

______

THURSDAY, THE 20TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Oath or Affirmation

Shri Yusuf Sarwar Khan (Maharashtra) made and subscribed oath and took his seat in the House.

11-01 a.m.

2. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 381 regarding Demand for gas in Punjab.

Starred Question No. 382 regarding Supply of oil products from Rajkot depot.

Starred Question No. 384 regarding Decline in the sale of DMS milk.

Starred Question No. 387 regarding Attack by hackers on major websites.

Answers to remaining questions (383, 388 to 400) were laid on the Table.

20TH APRIL, 2000

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2909 to 3035 and 3037 to 3063 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

4. Papers Laid on the Table Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya** (Minister of Labour) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Statement on Action taken or proposed to be taken on International Labour Organisation Recommendation No. 189 concerning general conditions to stimulate job creation in small and medium size enterprises adopted at the 86th session of the Internal Labour Conference in June, 1998.

Shri Ram Naik (Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Report of the Group on India Hydrocarbon Vision 2025.

Shri Santosh Gangwar (Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Parliamentary Affairs) on behalf of Smt. Vasundhara Raje, laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training) under sub-section (1) of Section 37 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985:

(i) G.S.R. 86 (E) dated 3.2.2000 publishing the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (Salaries and Allowances and Conditions of Service of Chairman, Vice-chairmen and Members) Amendment Rules, 2000.

(ii) G.S.R. 91 (E) dated 7.2.2000 publishing the Administrative Tribunals (Procedure for investigation of misbehavior or incapacity of Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and other Members) Rules, 2000.

(iii) G.S.R. 154 (E) 23.2.2000 publishing the Central Administrative Tribunal (Group A Posts) Recruitment (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

______** Spoke in Hindi. (iv) G.S.R. 244 (E) 14.3.2000 publishing the Central Administrative Tribunal (Salaries and Allowances and Conditions of Service of Chairmen, Vice- Chairmen and Members) Amendment Rules, 2000.

Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav** (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture) laid on the Table a Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the Annual Accounts of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99 within the stipulated period.

Shri S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayan Rao (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation) S.O. 182 (E) dated 29.2.2000 publishing the fixation of maximum price of Urea, Zincated Urea & Ammonia (Anhydrous) under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

12-01 p.m.

5. Reports and Minutes of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution Shri Abdul Gaiyur Qureshi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports and Minutes of the Standing Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution:

(i) Fourth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.

(ii) Fifth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.

(iii) Sixth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Sugar and Edible Oils, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

20TH APRIL, 2000

6. Reports and Minutes of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Shri C.P. Thirunavukkarasu laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports and Minutes of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

(i) Third Report on Ministry of Urban Development Reservation for and Employment of Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Delhi Development Authority and Housing facilities provided to them.

(ii) Fourth Report on action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Second Report (Eleventh Lok Sahbha) on the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development) Employment and financial assistance provided to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Jawahar Rojgar Yojana.

(iii) Fifth Report on Ministry of Finance( Banking Division) Reservation for and Employment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in State Bank of Patiala and credited facilities provided to them.

7. Reports of the Public Accounts Committee

Shri Vayalar Ravi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Public Accounts Committee: (i) Action Taken on 95th Report of PAC (10th Lok Sabha) relating to "Integrated Rural Development Programme".

(ii) Action Taken on 15th Report of PAC (11th Lok Sabha) relating to "Irregular Expenditure on Local insulation of GI Wire".

(iii) Action Taken on 24th Report of PAC (11th Lok Sabha) relating to "The Advance Licensing Scheme."

12-02 p.m.

8. Motion for Election to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Society Adopted

A motion for election of two members to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Society was moved and adopted.

12-03 p.m.

9. Statement regarding Government Business

Shri Santosh Gangwar** (Minister of State in the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Parliamentary Affairs) made a statement regarding Government Business in the Rajya Sabha during the week commencing Monday, the 24th April, 2000.

12-04 p.m.

10. Special Mentions

1. Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik** raised a matter regarding improper arrangements to bring back the Haj pilgrims.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) replied.

12-28 p.m.

2. Dr. Biplab Dasgupta raised a matter regarding consequences due to crash in sensex.

12-47 p.m.

3. Shri Vayalar Ravi raised a matter regarding attack on churches in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

12-49 p.m.

4. Shri Pranab Mukherjee 5. Shri Bratin Sengupta

______** Spoke in Hindi.

20TH APRIL, 2000

Prof. M. Sankaralingam raised a matter regarding Memorandum submitted by BHU old Students Association to the Prime Minister on 15th March, 2000 demanding restoration of democratic character of BHU.

1-03 p.m.

5. Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma and Shri Shankar Roy Chowdhury raised a matter regarding entry of Bangladeshi citizens into the voters' list of Assam.

1-17 p.m.

6. Shri Lalitbhai Mehta**

Shri Anantray Devshanker Dave

Shri Vayalar Ravi

Shri Bachani Lekhraj raised a matter regarding attack on cattle protectionists resulting in murder of citizens in Gujarat especially during scarcity and drought conditions.

1-32 p.m.

7. Shri Satishchandra Sitaram Pradhan** raised a matter regarding atrocities on women by the police in the country.

12-59 p.m.

11. Message from the Lok Sabha

The Appropriation (Railways) No.2 Bill, 2000

Secretary-General reported to the House a message reveived from the Lok Sabha signed by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha:

"In accordance with the provision of rule 96 of the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose in Appropriation (Railways) No.2 Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 19th April, 2000. ______** Spoke in Hindi. The Speaker has certified that this Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of article 110 of the Constitution of India."

12. Bill Laid on the Table

Secretary-General laid on on the Table a copy of each of the followin Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:-

The Appropriation (Railways) No.2 Bill, 2000

(The House adjourned at 1.41 p.m. and reassembled at 2-33 p.m.)

3-00 p.m.

12. Private Member's Resolution Under Consideration

Further Discussion on the following Resolution moved by Shri Ramdas Agarwal on the 10th December, 1999 and the amendment moved thereto by Shri Eduardo Faleiro on the 10th December, 1999, continued:

"That this House is of the opinion that a review of the Constitution of India has become necessary in the light of our experience during the last 50 years both at the State and Central level and recommends to the Government to take early action in this regard."

The following Members took part in the discussion:

3-00 p.m. 1. Shri C. Ramachandraiah

(The House adjourned at 3.23 p.m. and reassembled at 3-35 p.m.)

3-49 p.m. 2. Shri Ka. Ra. Subbian

4-03 p.m. 3. Shri Arun Kumar Sarma

4-25 p.m. 4. Shri R.S. Gavai

The discussion was not concluded.

(The House adjourned at 5.07 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Monday, the 24th April, 2000)

______

MONDAY, 24TH APRIL, 2000 (The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 401 regarding Policy for new Industries.

Starred Question No. 403 regarding Import restrictions on food and allied products.

Starred Question No. 404 regarding Subsidiaries for loss making units of SAIL.

Answers to remaining questions (402, 405 to 420) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.3064 to 3212 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

2. Papers Laid on the Table

Ms. Maneka Gandhi (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of, under section 12 of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993:

(i) (a) First Annual Report of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, New Delhi, for the year 1994-95.

(b) Action Taken Memorandum on the First Report of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis for the period 1994-95.

(ii) (a) Second Annual Report of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, New Delhi, for the year 1995-96.

(b) Action Taken Memorandum on the Second Report of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis for the period 1995-96.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under clause (6) of article 338 of the Constitution of India:

(i) (a) Third Annual Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Volume - I), for the years 1994-95 and 1995-96. (b) Action Taken Memorandum on the Third Report of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, for the period 1994-95 and 1995- 96.

(ii) (a) Fourth Annual Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Volume - I), for the years 1996-97 and 1997-98.

(b) Action Taken Memorandum on the Fourth Report of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, for the period 1996-97 and 1997- 98.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

Shri Dilip Ray (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Steel) 4. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers :

(i) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Steel) and National Mineral Development Corporation Limited for the year 2000-2001.

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Steel) and Manganese Ore (India) Limited for the year 2000- 2001.

24TH APRIL, 2000

Shri Omar Abdullah (Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce And Industry) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each of the following notifications (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Department of Commerce), under Section 34 of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 alongwith delay statements:

(i) F.No. SEC/AIR/02/93 dated 25.1.1994 publishing the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Regulations, 1986.

(ii) S.O.806(E) dated 11.9.1998 publishing the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Amendment) Rules, 1998.

(iii) F.No.11/5/86-EP (Agri-IV) dated 19.8.1999 publishing the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Regulations, 1999. II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub- section (3) of section 22 and sub-section (4) of section 19 of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Tobacco Board, Guntur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Forty-fifth Annual Report of the Tea Board, Calcutta, for the year 1998- 99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Tea Board, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(ii) Export and Import Policy (1st April, 1997 to 31st March, 2002) (incorporating amendments made upto 31st March, 2000).

(iii) Handbook of Procedures, Vol. I. (1st April, 1997 to 31st March, 2002) (incorporating amendments made upto 31st March, 2000).

(iv) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce) and India Trade Promotion Organisation for the year 2000-01.

Shri O Rajagopal (Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) laid on the Table the following statements (in English and Hindi) showing the action taken by Government on the various assurances, promises and undertakings given during the Session shown against each:

1. Statement No. XXX Hundred and Fiftieth Session, 1989

2. Statement No. XXVII Hundred and Sixty-eighth Session,1993

3. Statement No. XXVIII Hundred and Seventieth Session, 1994

4. Statement No. XXIII Hundred and Seventy -third Session, 1995

5. Statement No. XV Hundred and Seventy-fifth Session, 1995 6. Statement No. XIV Hundred and Seventy-eighth Session,1996

7. Statement No. XII Hundred and Eightieth Session, 1997

8. Statement No. XII Hundred and Eighty-first Session, 1997

9 Statement No. X Hundred and Eighty-second Session,1997

10. Statement No. VIII Hundred and Eighty-fourth Session, 1998

11. Statement No. VI Hundred and Eighty-fifth Session, 1998

12. Statement No. V Hundred and Eighty-sixth Session, 1999

13. Statement No. II Hundred and Eighty-eighth Session, 1999

14. Statement No. I Hundred and Eighty-ninth Session, 2000

12-01 p.m.

4. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests

24TH APRIL, 2000

Shri C. Ramachandraiah presented the Seventy-second, Seventy-third, Seventy-fourth, Seventy-fifth, Seventy-sixth, Seventy-seventh and Seventy- eighth Reports (in English and Hindi) on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Departments of Science & Technology, Scientific & Industrial Research, Biotechnology, the Ministry of Information Technology, Departments of Ocean Development, Space and the Ministry of Environment & Forests respectively.

5. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development

Shri Eduardo Faleiro presented the following Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development :

(i) Eighty-Ninth Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Health (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare);

(ii) Ninetieth Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Family Welfare (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare);

(iii) Ninety-First Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare); and (iv) Ninety-Second Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Culture (Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports).

12-02 p.m.

6. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development

Shri N.R. Dasari laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development:

(i) Ninth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation.

(ii) Tenth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Urban Development.

(iii) Eleventh Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Drinking Water Supply (Ministry of Rural Development).

(iv) Twelfth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development).

(v) Thirteenth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Department of Rural Development (Ministry of Rural Development).

12-03 p.m.

7. Leave of Absence

Shri Khagen Das (Tripura) was granted leave of absence from 17th April to 7th May, 2000 from the sittings of the House during the current Session of the Rajya Sabha.

12-04 p.m.

8. Motion for Election to the Advisory Council of the Delhi Development Authority Adopted

A motion for election of one member to the Advisory Council of the Delhi Development Authority was moved and adopted.

12-06 p.m.

9. Government Bill Introduced

The Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2000 Shri P.R. Kumaramangalam (Minister of Power, Mines and Minerals) moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973.

Shri P.R. Kumaramangalam introduced the Bill.

24TH APRIL, 2000

12-20 p.m.

10. Special Mentions

1. Dr. C. Narayana Reddy raised a matter regarding recognition of the Janakinath Bhavan, Cuttack where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was born as a National Monument.

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) replied.

12-48 p.m.

2. Shri Eduardo Faleiro raised a matter regarding need to develop India as a maritime power.

3. Shri Janeshwar Misra** raised a matter regarding communal violence in Varanasi.

(The House adjourned at 1.09 p.m. and reassembled at 2-13 p.m.)

11. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Further Discussion on the following Motion moved by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on the 18th April, 2000, and the amendments moved thereto continued:

"That an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-13 p.m. 1. Shri Pranab Mukherjee

2-39 p.m. 2. Shri B.P. Singhal

3-11 p.m. 3. Shri Rumandla Ramachandraiah **

3-21 p.m. 4. Shrimati Saroj Dubey ** 3-44 p.m. 5. Shri P.N. Siva

______* * Spoke in Hindi.

4-09 p.m. 6. Shri Janeshwar Mishra **

4-38 p.m. 7. Shri Cho S. Ramaswamy

4-49 p.m. 8. Shri Manohar Kant Dhyani **

5-01 p.m. 9. Shri Vayalar Ravi

5-16 p.m. 10. Shri Shankar Roy Chowdhury

The discussion was not concluded.

12.Message from the Lok Sabha Reported

Secretary-General reported to the House a message from the Lok Sabha informing the Rajya Sabha that the Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 24th April, 2000 had adopted the following Motion:

"That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do appoint six members of Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Bill, 1999 in the Vacancies caused by the retirement of Sarvashri Janardhana Poojary, V. Kishore Chandra S. Deo, Dr. Ranbir Singh, Onkar Singh Lakhawat, Dr. Biplab Dasgupta, Gurudas Das Gupta, from Rajya Sabha and communicate to this House the names of the members so appointed by Rajya Sabha to the joint Committee."

5-37 p.m.

13. Statement By Minister

Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (Minister of Urban Employment, Poverty, Youth Affairs and Sports) made a statement on match-fixing in cricket and also laid on the Table a copy of the Enquiry Report (in English) by Justice Y.V. Chandrachud submitted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

(The House adjourned at 6.53 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 25th April, 2000)

______* *Spoke in Hindi.

TUESDAY, THE 25TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 421regarding Loans provided for higher education by the nationalised banks.

Starred Question No.423 regarding Holding of court at New Delhi Railway Station.

Starred Question No.425 regarding Overlapping of publishing activity of Sahitya Akademi.

Answers to remaining questions (424, 426 to 440) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.3213 to 3367 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri Ananth Kumar (Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(ii) (a) Annual Report of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(c) Review by Government on the working of the above Organisation. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(iii) (a) Thirty-first Annual Report and Accounts of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Museum and Library.

Shri Sharad Yadav (Minister of Civil Aviation) the following paers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. G.S.R. 302 dated 18.9.1999 publishing the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Amendment rules, 1999, under Section 14A of the Aircraft Act, 1934, alongwith an explanatory note.

II. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Air India Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

25TH APRIL, 2000

Shri Debendra Pradhan (Minister of State in the Ministry of Surface Transport) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Surface Transport (Department of Road Transport and Highways) G.S.R. 140 (E) dated 17.2.2000 publishing the National Highways Authority of India (Budget, Accounts, Audit, Investment of Funds and Powers to Enter Premises) Amendment Rules, 2000, under Section 37 of the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Surface Transport (Labour Division) G.S.R. 93(E) dated 10.2.2000 publishing the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) (Amendment) Rules, 1999, under Section 8-A of the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1948 alongwith delay statement.

III. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 5(E) of the Dock Worker s (Regulation and Employment) Act, 1948:

(i) (a) Forty-eighth Annual Administration Report and Accounts of the Erstwhile Mumbai Dock Labour Board, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board. (ii) (a) Thirtieth Annual Report and Accounts of the Kandla Dock Labour Board, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(iii) (a) Annual Administrative Report and Accounts of the Calcutta Dock Labour Board, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Thirty-third Annual Report and Accounts of the Seamen s Provident Fund Organisation, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Organisation.

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Surface Transport) and Dredging Corporation of India Limited for the year 2000-2001.

(iii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India. (Ministry of Surface Transport) and the Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the year 2000-2001

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs (Banking Division), under sub-section (4) of Section 19 of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfers of undertakings) Act, 1970:

(i) G.S.R. 54 dated 27.2.1999 publishing the Oriental Bank of Commerce, General Regulation, 1998.

(ii) Notification dated 27.11.1999 publishing the UCO Bank General Regulations, 1998.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (a) Sixth Annual Report and Accounts of the Madras School of Economics, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

12-01 p.m.

25TH APRIL, 2000

4. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development

Shri Eduardo Faleiro presented the following reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development :

(i) Ninety-Third Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Elementary Education and Literacy (Ministry of Human Resource Development);

(ii) Ninety-Fourth Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Secondary Education and Higher Education (Ministry of Human Resource Development);

(iii) Ninety-Fifth Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Women and Child Development (Ministry of Human Resource Development); and

(iv) Ninety-Sixth Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001 of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports).

5. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare

Shri C.O Poulose laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare:

(i) Third Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Labour.

(ii) Fourth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

(iii) Fifth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

6. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals

Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals:

(i) Fourth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

(ii) Fifth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (Department of Chemicals and Petro- Chemicals).

(iii) Sixth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (Department of Fertilisers).

12-02 p.m.

7. Reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance

Shri P. Prabhakar Reddy laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Finance:

(I) Fourth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

(ii) Fifth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Planning. (iii) Sixth Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs and Expenditure).

(iv) Seventh Report on Demands for Grants (2000-2001) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).

______** Spoke in Hindi.

25TH APRIL, 2000

8. Reports and Statements of the Committee on Public Undertakings

Shri Suresh Kalmadi laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports and Statements of the Committee on Public Undertakings:

(i) Second Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in their Fourth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on "Senior Level Posts in Public Undertakings Appointment and Related Matters".

(ii) Third Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in their Fifth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on "Pyrites, Phosphates and Chemicals Limited Dehradun Unit".

(iii) Statement showing Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Chapter I and final replies in respect of Chapter V of Forty-Fourth Action Taken Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on Indian Airlines Under Utilisation of Fleet, Idle wages to flying crew, avoidable payment on leased Aircraft, Wasteful expenditure on training of pilots and Delay in Commissioning of Jet Engine Shop.

(iv) Statement showing Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Chapter I and final replies in respect of Chapter V of Fifth Action Taken Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on Steel Authority of India Limited Bhilai Steel Plant.

(v) Statement showing Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in Chapter I and final replies in respect of Chapter V of Sixth Action Taken Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on ITI Limited.

12-03 p.m.

9. Special Mentions 1. Shri Sanjay Nirupam** raised a matter regarding the recent killing of two Shiv Sena Shakha Pramukhs in Mumbai.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

12-13 p.m.

2. Shri S.S. Ahluwalia** and Shri Bratin Sengupta raised a matter regarding daylight murder of a Member of Bihar Legislative Assembly by the Coal Mafia.

12-29 p.m.

3. Dr. M.N. Das raised a matter regarding engagement of child labour in trains.

12-33 p.m.

4. Shri Vikram Verma** raised a matter regarding suicide by a Scheduled Caste family in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.

12-37 p.m.

5. Shri Dipankar Mukherjee

Shri Vayalar Ravi

Shri Nagendra Nath Ojha**

Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik** raised a matter regarding sale of public assets without revaluation and without assessing replacement cost.

12-56 p.m.

6. Shri Jibon Roy raised a matter regarding situation arising out of Government decision not to implement recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission concerning Central Government retirees.

12-59 p.m.

7. Shrimati Geetha Vanga raised a matter regarding sharp decline in the prices of coconut in Andhra Pradesh.

(The House adjourned at 1.03 p.m. and reassembled at 2-13 p.m.)

______** Spoke in Hindi.

25TH APRIL, 2000 10. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Further Discussion on the following Motion moved by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on the 18th April, 2000, and the amendments moved thereto continued:

"That an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-13 p.m. 1. Shri Kartar Singh Duggal

2-26 p.m. 2. Shri Nagendra Nath Ojha **

2-42 p.m. 3. Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma

3-00 p.m. 4. Shri C. Ramachandraiah

3-19 p.m. 5. Shri Santosh Bagrodia **

3-31 p.m. 6. Shri C.O. Poulose

3-36 p.m. 7. Shri M.P.A. Samad Samadani

3-43 p.m. 8. Dr. C. Narayana Reddy

3-51 p.m. 9. Shri Praful Manoharbhai Patel

The discussion was not concluded.

4-18 p.m.

11. Short Duration Discussion

Shri Suresh Pachouri** raised a discussion on the drought and famine conditions in various parts of the country, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

4-37 p.m. 1. Shri Bachani Lekhraj **

4-55 p.m. 2. Dr. Y. Radhakrishna Murthy 5-09 p.m. 3. Shri Brahmakumar Bhatt

5-25 p.m. 4. Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy

______** Spoke in Hindi.

5-30 p.m. 5. Shri Ramdas Agarwal **

5-41 p.m. 6. Shri M.P.A. Samad Samadani

5-46 p.m. 7. Shrimati Saroj Dubey**

5-57 p.m. 8. Shri Ahmed Patel **

6-08 p.m. 9. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

6-19 p.m. 10. Prof. M. Sankaralingam

6-27 p.m. 11. Shrimati Jayaprada Nahata

6-34 p.m. 12. Shri Ramachandra Khuntia

6-43 p.m. 13. Dr. Swami Sakshi Ji Maharaj**

6-54 p.m. 14. Shri N.R. Dasari

6-59 p.m. 15. Shri R.P. Goenka

7-05 p.m. 16. Shri Gandhi Azad**

7-08 p.m. 17. Shri Anantray Devshanker Dave**

7-17 p.m. 18. Shri K.M. Khan

7-24 p.m. 19. Shri Yadlapati Venkat Rao

7-28 p.m. 20. Shri Santosh Bagrodia **

7-32 p.m. 21. Shri Lalitbhai Mehta

7-36 p.m. 22. Shri Aimaduddin Ahmad Khan (Durru)

7-43 p.m. 23. Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki

7-49 p.m. 24. Shri Raju Parmar**

7-58 p.m. 25. Shri B.P. Singhal** 8-02 p.m. 26. Shri Moolchand Meena **

8-09 p.m. 27. Prof. R.B.S. Varma**

8-13 p.m. 28. Shri Balkavi Bairagi**

8-24 p.m. 29. Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma

The discussion was concluded and the Minister to reply tomorrow.

8-27 p.m.

12. Statement by Minister

Shri Sunder Lal Patwa (Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) regarding Price Policy for Copra for 2000 season and Price Policy for Raw Jute for 2000-2001 season.

(The House adjourned at 8.28 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 26th April, 2000)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.

WEDNESDAY, THE 26TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 441 regarding Abolition of Article 370.

Starred Question No. 446 regarding Martyrs of freedom struggle.

Starred Question No. 448 regarding Production of energy from municipal and industrial wastes in Bihar.

Starred Question No. 449 regarding PLF of thermal power plants.

Answers to remaining questions (442 to 444, 447, 450 to 460) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.3368 to 3522 were laid on the Table. 12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Shri George Fernandes (Minister of Defence) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India (Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production and Supplies) and the Bharat Earth Movers Limited for the year 2000-2001.

Shri Subhash Maharia (Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development), under Section 83 of the Lakshadweep Panchayats Regulation, 1994 :

(i) 5/15/94-PCS dated 23.1.1995 publishing the Lakshadweep (Election to Panchayats) Rules, 1995.

(ii) F.No.5/7/95-DOP dated 19.2.1997 publishing the Lakshadweep Panchayats Business Rules, 1997.

(iii) F. No7/3/97-DOP dated 24.4.1997 publishing the Lakshadweep Panchayats (Service) Rules, 1997.

(iv) F. No.7/5/97-DOP dated 24.4.1997 publishing the Lakshadweep Panchayat Servants (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1997.

(v) F.No.4/4/95-DOP dated 24.4.1997 publishing the Lakshadweep Panchayats (Grant-in-aid) Rules, 1997.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development), under sub-section (3) of Section 65 of the Daman & Diu Panchayats (Amendment) Regulation, 1994 : (i) No.LAW/DMN/88/95/78 dated 12.9.1995 publishing the Daman and Diu (Panchayats) (Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, President- cum-chief Counsellor and Vice-President-cum-Counsellor) Rules, 1995.

(ii) DP/52/96-97/282 dated 29.10.1996 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat (Meeting) Rules, 1996.

(iii) DP/65/96-97/291 dated 13.11.1996 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat (Accounts & Audit and Custody of Funds) Rules, 1996.

(iii) DP/66/96-97/403 dated 3.12.1996 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat Committee Rules, 1996. (iv) DP/13/96-97/20 dated 23.4.1997 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat (Motion of No Confidence Against President-Cum- Chief Counsellor and Vice President-Cum-Counsellor Rules, 1997.

(v) DP/99/96-97/23 dated 25.4.1997 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat Vice President-Cum-Counsellor (Restrictions on powers and functions) Rules, 1997.

(vi) DP/101/96-97/24 dated 25.4.1997 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat leave travel concession Rules, 1997.

26TH APRIL, 2000

(viii) DP/106/96-97/25 dated 25.4.1997 publishing the Daman & Diu District Panchayat (Leave of absence in the office of the members of District Panchayat) Rules, 1996.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development), under Section 204 of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Panchayats) Regulation, 1994 : (i) F.No.4-118/94 (Panch) dated 23.3.1995 publishing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Panchayats) (Preparation of Electoral Roles and conduct of Elections) Rules, 1995.

(ii) F.No.6-6(1)/96-PR dated 19.2.1997 publishing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Grant-in-aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions) Rules, 1996.

(iii) F.No.3-16/96-PR dated 17.7.1997 publishing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Panchayats Accounts and Finance) Rules, 1997.

(iv) F.No.3-21/96-PR dated 19.9.1997 publishing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Panchayats Administration) Rules, 1997.

Ms. Jayawanti Mehta (Minister of State in the Ministry of Power) the following papers laid on the Tabla:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Power. G.S.R. 237(E) dated 10.3.2000 publishing the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Preparation, submission of budget, maintenance of accounts) Rules, 2000, under Section 56 of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.

II. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (5) of section 45 and sub-section (3) of section 44 of the Damodar Valley Corporation Act, 1948:

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Damodar Valley Corporation, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran (Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Centre for Jute Diversification, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Centre. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(ii) (a) Fourteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Jute Manufacturers Development Council, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

12-01 p.m.

4. Special Mentions

1. Dr. Manmohan Singh raised a matter regarding the serious difficulties being faced by the Institute of Gandhian Studies, Varanasi due to non release of grants by the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

12-14 p.m.

2. Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik** raised a matter regarding need to provide assistance to brass exporters in Moradabad.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

26TH APRIL, 2000

12-25 p.m. 3. Shri Drupad Borgoahin raised a matter regarding need to revamp and bifurcate H.F.C.L., Namrup.

12-31 p.m.

4. Dr. Y. Radhakrishna Murty raised a matter regarding agitation by Assistant Professors working on ad hoc basis in A.I.I.M.S.

12-36 p.m.

5. Prof. M. Sankaralingam raised a matter regarding Indians in Pakistani Jails.

12-42 p.m.

6. Shri Manoj Bhattacharya raised a matter regarding discharge of untreated effluent by factories located in Bangladesh into Mathabhanga and Churni rivers.

12-48 p.m.

7. Shri C. Ramachandraiah raised a matter regarding murderous attack on a senior journalist in Delhi.

(The House adjourned at 12.52 p.m. and reassembled at 2-07 p.m.)

5. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Further Discussion on the following Motion moved by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on the 18th April, 2000, and the amendments moved thereto continued:

"That an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-07 p.m. 1. Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram

2-22 p.m. 2. Dr. A.R. Kidwai

2-30 p.m. 3. Shri Rama Shanker Kaushik **

2-48 p.m. 4. Shri Suryabhan Patil Vahadane **

2-58 p.m. 5. Shri Ramachandra Khuntia 3-15 p.m. 6. Shri R.N. Arya **

3-24 p.m. 7. Shri Ram Nath Kovind **

The discussion was concluded and the Prime Minister to reply tomorrow.

3-32 p.m.

6. Short Duration Discussion

Shri Sunder Lal Patwa (Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development) replied to the discussion on the drought and famine conditions in various parts of the country, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, raised by Shri Suresh Pachouri on the 25th April, 2000.

4-32 p.m.

7. Clarifications on the Statement by Minister

Members sought clarifications on the Statement laid on the Table on the 25th April, 2000 by Shri Sunder Lal Patwa, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding Price Policy for Copra for 2000 season and Price Policy for Raw Jute for 2000-2001 season.

(The House adjourned 5.05 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Thursday, the 27th April, 2000.)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.

THURSDAY, THE 27TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 462 regarding Visit by Australian Foreign Minister to India. Starred Question No. 464 regarding Research on preservation of foodgrains and vegetables.

Starred Question No. 466 regarding Recruitment through various channels in EIL.

Starred Question No. 467 regarding Implementation of Report of Bachhawat and Manisana Wage Board.

Answers to remaining questions (461, 463, 465, 468 to 480) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.3523 to 3651 were laid on the Table.

12 Noon

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya** (Minister of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation) laid on the Tabla a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Labour notification G.S.R. 41 dated 12.1.2000 publishing the Employees Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2000 under sub-section (1) of Section 7 of the Employees Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

Shri Muni Lall (Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Financial Estimates and Performance Budget, for the year 2000-2001, of the Employees State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

Shri S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao (Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture & Co-operation) notification S.O. 333(E) dated 1.4.2000 publishing the Notification indicating the supplies of fertilizers to be made by domestic manufacturers of fertilizers to various States and Union Territories during Kharif 2000 season under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

(i) (a) Twenty-seventh Annual Report and Accounts of the Goa Meat Complex Limited, Panjim, Goa, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Complex. (ii) (a) Twenty-eighth Annual Report and Accounts of the Goa Meat Complex Limited, Panjim, (Goa), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Complex.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (4) of section 62 of the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984:

a. Annual Report and Accounts of the Veterinary Council of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

27TH APRIL, 2000

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

12-01 p.m.

4. Message from the Lok Sabha Reported

Secretary-General reported to the House a message from the Lok Sabha informing the Rajya Sabha that the Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 26th April, 2000 had adopted the following Motion:

"That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do appoint two members of Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee on the Central Vigilance Commission Bill, 1999 in the vacancies caused by the retirement of Sarvashri Hansraj Bhardwaj and Sanjay Nirupam from Rajya Sabha and communicate to this House the names of the members so appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee."

12-02 p.m.

5. Reports of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Shri Sikander Bakht presented the following Reports (in English and Hindi) of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce:

(i) 41st Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001, Department of Supply (Ministry of Commerce and Industry);

(ii) 42nd Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001, Department of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce and Industry);

(iii) 43rd Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001, Ministry of Textiles;

(iv) 44th Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001, Department of Industrial Development (Ministry of Commerce and Industry); and

(v) 45th Report on Demands for Grants 2000-2001, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (Ministry of Commerce and Industry).

12-03 p.m.

6. Reports of the Public Accounts Committee

Shri Md. Salim laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Public Accounts Committee:

(i) Fifth Report on Design and Development of Main Battle Tank Arjun.

(ii) Sixth Report on Excesses over Voted Grants and Charged Appropriations (1997-98).

12-04 p.m.

7. Special Mentions

1. Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy raised a matter regarding non- release of funds to the Gram Panchayats for the years 1998-99 and 1999-2000 as recommended by the Tenth Finance Commission.

12-09 p.m.

2. Shri K. Rama Mohana Rao raised a matter regarding problems being faced by telephone users/allottees and non-attending of complaints by Telecom Authorities in time.

12-11 p.m.

3. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad raised a matter regarding non-holding of Panchayat Elections by the State Governments every five years. 12-16 p.m.

4. Shri N. Thalavai Sundaram raised a matter regarding frauds in Public Sector Banks.

27TH APRIL, 2000

12-18 p.m.

5. Dr. M.N. Das and Shri Ramachandra Khuntia raised a matter regarding telecast of the Car Festival of Puri by Doordarshan.

12-27 p.m.

6. Shri Narendra Mohan** raised a matter regarding water scarcity in the country, depletion of ground water and contamination of drinking water.

(The House adjourned at 1.02 p.m. and reassembled at 2-02 p.m.)

2-05 p.m.

8. Motion of Thanks on the President's Address

Shri Jaswant Singh (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) replied to the discussion on the following Motion moved by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on the 18th April, 2000, and the amendments moved thereto:

"That an Address be presented to the President in the following terms:

3-54 p.m.

All the amendments moved were either withdrawn or negatived by the House.

4-00 p.m.

The Motion of Thanks was, thereafter, adopted.

4-01 p.m.

______** Spoke in Hindi. 9. Discussion on the Working of the Ministry of Agriculture

Shri Janeshwar Mishra raised a discussion on the working of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

4-26 p.m. 1. Shri S.B. Chavan

5-02 p.m. 2. Prof. R.B.S. Varma**

5-20 p.m. 3. Shri Yadlapati Venkat Rao

5-28 p.m. 4. Shri A. Vijaya Raghavan

5-46 p.m. 5. Shri P.K. Maheswari**

5-57 p.m. 6. Dr. (Ms.) P. Selvie Das

6-12 p.m. 7. Shri Sangh Priya Gautam**

6-34 p.m. 8. Shri Balkavi Bairagi**

6-50 p.m. 9. Shri Vijay Singh Yadav**

6-59 p.m. 10. Shri P.N. Siva

7-13 p.m. 11. Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki

7-24 p.m. 12. Shri Santosh Bagrodia

7-34 p.m. 13. Shri R. Margabandu

7-42 p.m. 14. Shri N.R. Dasari

7-51 p.m. 15. Shri Aimaduddin Ahmad Khan (Durru)

7-57 p.m. 16. Shri Jibon Roy

8-01 p.m.

Shri Sunder Lal Patwa** (Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development) replied to the debate.

The discussion was concluded.

(The House adjourned 8.50 p.m.till 11-00 a.m. on Friday, the 28th April, 2000)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.

FRIDAY, THE 28TH APRIL, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.)

1. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered.

Starred Question No. 481 regarding Delhi Schools associated with health care programmes.

Starred Question No. 482 regarding Compensation to States for procurement of foodgrains.

Starred Question No. 484 regarding Track replacement in South Central Railway.

Answers to remaining questions (483, 485 to 500) were laid on the Table.

2. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.3652 to 3806 were laid on the Table.

12-01 p.m.

3. Papers Laid on the Table

Ms. Sumitra Mahajan (Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Woman and Child Development) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (i) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Electronics Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(ii) (a) Forty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Research Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1)(i) above.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

(ii) (a) Thirteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Consultancy Development Centre, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

Shri Shanta Kumar (Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) the following papers laid on the Tabla:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (Department of Sugar & Edible Oils), under sub-section (6) of Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 :

(i) G.S.R. 832(E) dated 29.12.1999 publishing the Order bringing importers of sugar within the purview of Sugar Central Order, 1966 at par with domestic producers of sugar to restrict or regulate sale etc of sugar.

(ii) G.S.R. 135 (E) dated 17.2.2000 publishing the Levy Sugar Supply (Control) Amendment Order 2000. (iii) G.S.R. 136 (E) dated 17.2.2000 publishing the Order on fixation of controlled price of sugar for PDS.

(iv) G.S.R. 137 (E) dated 17.2.2000 publishing the Order imposing levy obligation of 30% on importers of sugar.

28TH APRIL, 2000

(v) G.S.R. 138 (E) dated 17.2.2000 publishing the Imported Sugar (Price Fixation) Order, 2000.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (4) of section 7 of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951:

(a) Annual Reports of the Development Council for Sugar Industry, for the years 1995-96 and 1996-97.

(b) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

III. A copy of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (Department of Sugar and Edible Oils) Notification G.S.R. 35 (E) dated 12.1.2000 publishing the corrigendum to Hindi version of the Notification G.S.R. 832 (E) dated 29.12.1999.

Shri N.T. Shanmugam (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health), under Section 38 of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 :

(i) G.S.R. 120 (E) dated 5.3.1998 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics (1st Amendment) Rules, 1999 alongwith delay statement.

(ii) G.S.R. 215 (E) dated 19.3.1999 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics(1st Amendment) Rules, 1999 alongwith delay statement.

(iii) G.S.R. 242 (E) dated 6.5.1998 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics, (Second Amendment) Rule 1998 alongwith delay statement.

(iv) G.S.R. 591 (E) dated 17.8.1999 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 1999.

(v) G.S.R. 834 (E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 1999. II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health), under Section 23 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 :

(i) G.S.R. 240(E) dated 5.4.1999 publishing the prevention of Food Adulteration (1st Amendment) Rules, 1999.

(ii) G.S.R. 319 (E) dated 6.5.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (3rd Amendment) Rules, 1999.

(iii) G.S.R. 396 (E) dated 27.5.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (4th Amendment) Rules, 1999

(iv) G.S.R. 694 (E) dated 11.10.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (7th Amendment) Rules, 1999

(v) G.S.R. 695 (E) dated 11.10.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (6th Amendment) Rules, 1999.

III. A copy each of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health):

(i) G.S.R. 532 (E) dated 19.7.1999 publishing the corrigendum to the notification G.S.R. 240 dated 5.4.1999.

(ii) G.S.R. 630(E) dated 10.9.1999 publishing the corrigendum to the notification G.S.R. 240 dated 5.4.1999.

(iii) G.S.R. 697 (E) dated 11.10.1999 publishing the corrigendum to the notification G.S.R. 319(E) dated 6.5.1999.

(iv) G.S.R.631(E) dated 10.9.1999 publishing the corrigendum to the Hindi version of the notification G.S.R. 396(E) dated 27.5.1999.

(v) G.S.R. 242 (E) dated 5.4.1999 publishing the corrigendum to the notification G.S.R. 120 (E) dated 5.3.1998.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:

28TH APRIL, 2000

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above University. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

b. Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(iii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the New Delhi Tuberculosis Centre, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Centre.

(iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(v) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lala Ram Sarup Institute of Tuberculosis and Allied Diseases, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

Shri Ramesh Bais (Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

(i) (a) Thirty-eighth Annual Report and Accounts of the Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited, Raigad, Maharashtra, for the year 1998- 99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company. (ii) (a) Seventeenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Bhubaneswar, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(iii) (a) Sixteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Bhubaneswar, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

(iv) (a) Forty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Hindustan Insecticides Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Company.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

28TH APRIL, 2000

Shri Shriram Chauhan (Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (Department of Public Distribution), under sub-section (5) of Section 45 of the Food Corporations Act, 1964 :

(i) No. EP.5(1)/99 dated 29.11.1999 publishing the Food Corporation of India (Staff) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 1999.

(ii) No.EP.30(3)/92-Vol.II dated 28.2.2000 striking down the 30th and 43rd amendments to FCI (Staff) Regulation, 1971, on the basis of the Supreme Court s Judgement.

(iii) No.EP.30(7)/98 dated 22.3.2000 publishing the Food Corporation of India (Staff) (1st Amendment) Regulation, 2000.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (Department of Public Distribution) notification G.S.R. 108(E) dated 11.2.1999 publishing the Food Corporations Amendment Rules, 2000, under sub- section (3)of Section 44 of Food Corporations Act, 1964 . Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Secondary & Higher Education) notification S.O. 228(E) dated 6.4.1999 publishing the International Copyright Order, 1999, under Section 43 of Copyright Act, 1957.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Secondary Education & Higher Education) notification F.No.CA/28/98(RR) dated 19.2.2000 publishing the Council of Architecture Recruitment and Promotion Regulations, 1999, under sub-section (3) of Section 45 of the Architects Act, 1972.

III.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 31 of the Nagaland University Act, 1981:

(i) (a) Third Annual Report of the Nagaland University, Kohima, for the year 1996-97.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (ii) (a) Fourth Annual Report of the Nagaland University, Kohima, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

(IV).(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 30 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993: (a) Annual Report of the Tezpur University, Assam, for the year 1998- 99.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

V.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 25 and sub-section (4) of section 26 of National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993: (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Council for Teacher Education, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 31 of the Nagaland University Act, 1981, : (a) Annual Report of the Nagaland University, Kohima, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. 28TH APRIL, 2000 (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 30 of the Assam University Act, 1989: (a) Sixth Annual Report of the Assam University, Silchar, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

VIII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (1) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Regional Engineering College, Jalandhar (Punjab), for the year 1998- 99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(2) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Council.

(3) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(4) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(5) (a) Annual Report of the National Book Trust, India, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the National Book Trust, India, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(6) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(7) (a) Thirteenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

28TH APRIL, 2000 (8) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Durgapur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(9) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lok Jumbish Parishad, Jaipur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Parishad.

(10) (a) Twenty-fourth Annual Report of the University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(11) (a) Annual Accounts of the University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon, under sub-section (4) of section 29 of the University of Hyderbad Act, 1974.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(12) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the U.P. Education for All Project Board, Lucknow, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(13) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(14) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(15) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College, Allahabad, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(16) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

28TH APRIL, 2000 (17) (a) Thirty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Malaviya Regional Engineering College, Jaipur, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(18) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Sardar Vallabhbahi Regional College of Engineering and Technology, Surat, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above College.

(19)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Technical Teacher s Training Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(20) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Board of Apprenticeship Training, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(21) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Punjab, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

(22) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Board of Apprenticeship Training, Kanpur, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(23) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Technical Teachers Training Institute, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(24) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Board of Apprenticeship Training, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b)Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

(25) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Technical Teachers Training Institute, Chandigarh, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. 28TH APRIL, 2000 (26)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Board of Practical Training, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Board.

Shri Babu Lal Marandi (Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, under Section 26 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

(1) S.O. 73(E) dated 27.1.2000 amending notification S.O. 60 (E) dated 27.1.1994. regarding certain restrictions and prohibitions unless the environmental clearance has been granted

(2) S.O. 454 dated 11.2.2000 regarding recognition of environmental Laboratories under Section 12 and 13 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

II.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956: (i) (a) Twenty-second Annual Report and Accounts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest and Plantation Development Corporation Limited, Port Blair, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (6) of section 40 of the Water (Prevention and Pollution Control) Act, 1974 : (a) Annual Accounts of the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Authority.

Shri Bachi Singh Rawat (Minister of State in the Department of Science and Technology in the Ministry of Science and Technology) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:

28TH APRIL, 2000

(a) Tenth Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited, Gurgaon (Haryana) for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: (i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(iii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts.

(b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

Shri V. Sreenivasa Prasad (Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution) the following papers laid on the Tabla:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following notifications of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs), under Section 39 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986:

(i) G.S.R. 31 (E) dated 11.1.2000 publishing the Bureau of Indian Standards (Terms and Conditions of Service of Employees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000.

(ii) G.S.R. 404 (E) dated 11.12.2000 publishing the Bureau of Indian Standards (Appointment, Terms and Conditions of Service of Director- General) (Second Amendment) Rules, 1999.

(iii) G.S.R. 226 (E) dated 7.3.2000 publishing the Bureau of Indian Standards (Amendment) Rules, 2000.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs) notification G.S.R. 30 dated 22.1.2000 publishing the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (Amendment) Rules, 2000, under Section 83 of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers :

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts, under section 23 of Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Bureau.

12-03 p.m.

28TH APRIL, 2000

4. Report of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Shri Gandhi Azad laid ** on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Tour Report of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes undertaken during February, 2000.

12-04 p.m.

5. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman announced the recommendations made by the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on the 27th April, 2000.

12-05 p.m.

6. Statement regarding Government Business

12-06 p.m.

7. Government Bill Introduced

The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2000 Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya** (Minister of Labour) moved for leave to inroduced the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2000

The motion was adopted.

12-14 p.m.

8. Special Mentions

1. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** raised a matter regarding callous attitude of I.A.S. Officers towards a Member of Parliament.

12-36 p.m.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

2. Shri J. Chitharanjan raised a matter regarding protest by Handloom workers from Kerala.

12-41 p.m.

3. Shri Rumandla Ramachandraiah** raised a matter regarding need to take initiative by the Government in the interests of the Handloom sector.

12-46 p.m.

4. Shri S.S. Ahluwalia** raised a matter regarding the recent statement made by the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid at the Ramlila grounds, Delhi.

(The House adjourned and at 1.11 a.m. reassembled at 2-06 p.m.)

5. Shri S. Viduthalai Virumbi raised a matter regarding strike by postal employees.

2-24 p.m.

6. Shri Anantray Devshanker Dave ** raised a matter regarding tension on the Kutch border.

2-31 p.m.

9. Private Members' Bills Introduced

(1) The Reservation of Posts in Services and Seats in Educational Institutions for People Belonging to Economically Backward Areas Bill, 1999

Shri Suresh Pachouri. Moved for leave to introduce a Bill provide for the reservation of posts in the services of the Union Government and Public Undertakings and seats in all classes of educational institutions for the people belonging to economically backward areas in the country with a view to improving their living standard and extending them the befefits of progress made by the country after independence and for matters connected therewith.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Suresh Pachouri introduced the Bill.

______** Spoke in Hindi.

28TH APRIL, 2000

(2) The Free Medical and Engineering Education to Deserving Poor Students Bill, 1999

Shri Suresh Pachouri. Moved for leave to introduced a Bill to provided for the free medical and engineering education to deserving students who cannot afford the expensive medical and engineering education, despite being talented, due to their poor economic conditions and for matters connected therewith.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Suresh Pahouri introduced the Bill.

(3) The Prevention of Communalisation and Saffronisation of Bureaucracy Bill, 2000 Shri Suresh Pachouri. Moved for leave to introduced a Bill to prohibit the Government from communalising and saffronising of its bureaucracy and for matters connected therewith.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Suresh Pachouri introduced the Bill.

(4) Prevention of Production, Distribution and Sale of Synthetic Milk Bill, 1999

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy moved for leave to introduced a Bill to provide for the prohibition of production, distribution and sale of dangerous synthetic milk make of detergents, urea and other chemicals, edible oils and fats and passed on to the unsuspecting consumers as natural milk and for deterrent punishment including capital punishment for the offenders and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The motion was adopted Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy introduced the Bill.

(5) The Neglected, Abandoned and Indigent Widows (Welfare) Bill, 2000 Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy moved for leave to introduced a Bill to provide for the welfare measures to be initiated by the Central and State Governments for the rehabilitation of neglected, abandoned, infirm, old, sick or handicapped widows residing either with their relatives or languishing in the ashrams of Vrindavan, mathura, Varanasi or such other places of the country by establishing an Authority at the Central and State levels for the purpose and for matters connected therewith.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy introduced the Bill.

(6) The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2000 (amendment of Tenth Schedule)

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy introduced the Bill.

(7) The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 1999 (insertion of new articles 28-A, 35-A and to amend article 102 etc. and Ninth Schedule)

Shri Eduardo Faleiro moved for introduced a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Eduardo Faleiro introduced the Bill.

(8) The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 1999

28TH APRIL, 2000

Shri Eduardo Faleiro moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amedn the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The motion was adopted. Shri Eduardo Faleiro introduced the Bill.

(9) The Constitution (Schedule Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2000

Shri Eduardo Faleiro moved for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Eduardo Faleiro introduced the Bill.

(10) The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2000

Shri C.P. Thirunavukkarasu moved for leaveto introduce a Bill further to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

The motion was adopted.

Shri C.P. Thirunavukkarasu introduced the Bill.

(11) The Prohibition of Smoking Bill, 2000

Shri Kartar Singh Duggal moved for leave to introduce a Bill to provide for the prohibition of smoking of tobacco in any form in places of public work or use and in public service vehicles since smoking has been found injurious not only to the smokers but even more to the non-smokers and to make provision therefore and for other matters connected there with.

The motion was adopted.

Shri Kartar Singh Duggal introduced the Bill.

10. Private Member's Bill Withdrawn

The Handloom Weavers (Viable Working Conditions and other Welfare Measures) Bill, 1998 Further discussion on the motion for consideration of the Bill moved by Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy on the 3rd December, 1999 continued.

The following Members took part in the discussion:

2-38 p.m. 1. Dr. Y. Radhakrishna Murty

2-52 p.m. 2. Shri R. Margabandu

2-57 p.m. 3. Shri T. N. Chaturvedi

3-15 p.m. 4. Shri Rumandla Ramchandraiah ** 3-29 p.m. 5.Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran (Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles)

4-11 p.m.

Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy replied to the debate.

The Bill was withdrawn by leave of the House.

4-25 p.m.

11. Private Member's Bill Under Consideration

The Eradication of Unemployment Bill, 1996 Shri Suresh Pachouri had not concluded his speech while moving the motion for consideration of the Bill.

The discussion was not concluded.

5-00 p.m.

12. Statement by Minister

Shri Sukh Dev Singh Dhindsa (Minister of Urban Employment and Poverty, Youth Affairs and Sports) made a statement on the match fixing in Cricket.

(The House adjourned at 5.36 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 2nd May, 2000)

______

______** Spoke in Hindi.