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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES (Proceedings other than Questions & Answers) ______

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 / Agrahayana 12, 1936 (Saka) ______

OBITUARY REFERENCES

HON'BLE SPEAKER: Hon'ble Members, I have to inform the House of the sad demise of three former members Shri Ananda Pathak, Shri Jarbom Gamlin and Shri Abdul Rehman Antulay.

Shri Ananda Pathak was a member of the Seventh, Eighth and Twelfth Lok

Sabhas representing the Parliamentary Constituency of West

Bengal.Shri Pathak was a member of the Committee on Industry during the

Twelfth Lok Sabha.Shri Pathak was also a member of the from 1977 to 1980. He also served as member of the Legislative Assembly from

1971 to 1972. A man of letters, Shri Pathak also served as the Editor of Agradoot, a Nepali fortnightly.

Shri Ananda Pathak passed away on 28 November, 2014 in Siliguri, West

Bengal at the age of 84.

Shri Jarbom Gamlin was a member of the Thirteenth Lok Sabha representing the Arunachal West Parliamentary Constituency of . Shri Gamlin was a member of the Committee on Defence; Committee on Welfare of

Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes and the Library Committee during the

Thirteenth Lok Sabha. Shri Gamlin was a sitting member of the Arunachal Pradesh

Legislative Assembly. Earlier, he also served as the Chief Minister of Arunachal

Pradesh.

Shri Jarbom Gamlin passed away on 30 November, 2014 in Gurgaon at the age of 53.

Shri Abdul Rehman Antulay was a member of the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Fourteenth Lok Sabhas representing Raigarh formerly known as Kulaba

Parliamentary Constituency of Maharashtra. Shri Antulay served as Chairman,

Committee on Public Undertakings and Chairman, Joint Parliamentary Committee on Facilities and Remuneration to Members of Parliament during the Tenth Lok

Sabha. He also served as member of Rajya Sabha for two terms. An able administrator, Shri Antulay served as Minister of Health and Family Welfare from

June, 1995 to May, 1996; Minister of Water Resources from February, 1996 to

May, 1996 and as Minister of Minority Affairs from January, 2006 to May, 2009 in the Union Government. Shri Antulay also served as the Chief Minister of

Maharashtra. He was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from

1962 to 1976 and 1980 to 1989. Shri Abdul Rehman Antulay passed away in Mumbai on 2 December, 2014 at the age of 85.

We deeply mourn the loss of our colleagues and convey our condolences to the bereaved families.

Hon'ble Members, as you all are aware, today is the 30th anniversary of the

Bhopal Gas tragedy. It was on this day that Bhopal suffered the dreadful industrial catastrophe in which thousands of people lost their lives and many others were left with debilitating illness due to after effects of exposure to deadly methyl isocyanate.

The House reiterates its sustained support and commitment to the victims of the tragedy.

The members then stood in silence for a short while.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

(i) Re: Incident in District-Sukma, Chhattisgarh which happened on

01.12.2014.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH):

The State Police and the Central Armed Police Forces have been conducting operations in the LWE affected states to effectively tackle the problem of Left

Wing Extremism. On the basis of intelligence inputs about the movement of CPI(Maoist) cadres, CRPF launched a multi phased massive operation on

16.11.2014 in the Chintagufa area of Sukma District, Chhattisgarh.

In this operation, 2253 CRPF personnel and 224 State police personnel (a total of 2477 security personnel) participated. During the first and second phase of this operation on 17.11.2004 and 21.11.2014, there had been several encounters between security forces and Maoists. On the basis of information received from various sources which include intelligence and media sources, there have been report of killings of 12 Maoists on 21.11.2014. However, this is yet to be confirmed. During this multi phase operation, a few security forces personnel were injured who had been treated.

The third phase of this operation was started on 27.11.2014. After combing operations in this densely forested area, when the troops of 233 Bn and 206

CoBRA Bn were returning to their camps, they were ambushed by Maoists near village Kasalpar. This incident occurred at 10.30 AM on 01.12.2014. The troops retaliated and responded to the Maoists’ attack bravely. This encounter lasted for around 3 hours. In this encounter, 14 CRPF personnel of 223 Bn. Have been martyred and 14 others were injured. As soon as this encounter started, other parties of CRPF which were present nearby rushed for reinforcement.

The injured security forces personnel were brought to the base camp at

Chintagufa and they were then sent to Jagdalpur and Raipur for further treatment. In this incident, the Maoists managed to take away the weapons and ammunitions of the deceased jawans.

On 2.12.2014, the martyred and injured security forces personnel were brought to Jagdalpur and Raipur by two MI-17 helicopters.

On receipt of information about the incident, I along with senior officials reached Raipur on yesterday morning. DG, CRPF and other senior officers are camping in the area.

I would like to reiterate that the Central Government is committed firmly to tackle the Left Wing Extremism. For this purpose, the Central Government is implementing a multi-pronged strategy. This includes implementation of security related measures, development related measures and ensuring rights and entitlements of tribals and other weaker sections of the society. As a result of the implementation of this strategy, the morale of the Maoists has weakened. The number of surrenders of Maoists cadres has increased substantially in the current year. The LWE violence has also been declining since 2011 and his trend continues in the current year also. It is our firm commitment to provide every possible assistance to the security forces and we will continue the operations till this problem is fully eradicated. I would also like to clarify that whenever state

Governments ask for CAPFs for maintaining coordination. We are also taking all possible measures to increase the capability of the State Governments. I offer my condolences to the security forces personnel who laid down their lives in this incident on 01-12-2014 and express my deep sympathy to the aggrieved family members.

(ii) Re: Prime Minister’s recent visits abroad

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF

OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ): As

Members are aware, the outcome of the historic general election in has rekindled international interest and restored global confidence in India. Indeed, at a time of uncertainty and turbulence in the world, the new Government in India, led by Prime Minister , is seen as one of the positive developments in the world. There is unprecedented optimism about India’s rapid progress under

Prime Minister’s leadership; and, widespread expectation of effective and meaningful contribution from India for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the world.

Prime Minister has consistently advocated a proactive and innovative approach to foreign policy that is aligned with our Government’s primary goal of accelerating national economic development. India needs access to capital, technology, resources, energy, markets and skills; a secure environment, a peaceful neighbourhood and a stable world; and, an open and stable global trading system. Our approach is also rooted in our inheritance of a timeless tradition of global engagement and peaceful co-existence; and, dictated by the evolving imperatives of a globalised world.

We have set new milestones and reached new frontiers in India’s foreign policy. The global response has been just as unparalleled.

Since the last session of the Parliament, Prime Minister has visited Japan, the United States, Myanmar, Australia, Fiji and Nepal, besides participating in the

United Nations General Assembly. We were honoured by the visits of Australian

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and these few months, Prime Minister has met around

45 international leaders from every inhabited continent of the world. He has participated in India-ASEAN Summit, the East Asia Summit, the G20 Summit and the SAARC Summit – each of which is crucial to the future of our region, Asia and the world.

Despite our shared democratic values with Australia and her enormous potential to become a vital strategic and economic partner for India, it took 28 years for the Prime Minister of India to visit Australia. Although Fiji is an influential country in the Pacific region an 37% of its population is of Indian origin, his visit to Fiji was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 33 years.

Prime Minister became the first India leader to host a meeting of Pacific

Island countries during his visit to Fiji. The Pacific islands share our challenges and also collectively constitute an influential voice in international forums. This pioneering initiative received a rousing response from the island countries. It marks the beginning of sustained Indian partnership with the Pacific region.

Prime Minister had the honour to address the Joint Session of the Australian

Parliament – the first India Prime Minister do so – and became the first international leader to address Fiji’s recently elected Parliament under the new

Constitution that restored democracy to the island country. Both address were extremely well received in the host countries and the world.

In each visit, Prime Minister reached out to people in every walk of life, on a scale rarely seen before during visits by Indian leaders. It reflected our belief that in the modern era, relations between nations go well beyond national capitals and official engagements.

Our external engagement stands out not merely for the symbols of honour that he received, but also in terms of outcomes.

We have elevated our relations with Japan to a Special Strategic and Global

Partnership; tangibly deepened our relations with China, while bringing more focus on outstanding issues; restored the momentum in our strategic partnership with the

United States; charted a new course in our relations with Australia; and, translated a hesitant Look East Policy of the past into a proactive Act East Policy. As our Government prepares to meet the infrastructure gap in India with the next generation infrastructure and develop India’s manufacturing sector, we have received a commitment from Government of Japan of facilitating public and private funding of 3.5 trillion Yen – or approximately 35 billion U.S. dollars – over the next five years; agreements with China on two industrial parks and intended investments of 20 billion U.S. dollars; an estimated investment plans of 42 billion

U.S. dollars from U.S. companies over the next five years.

With Australia, we have signed the civil nuclear cooperation agreement and other agreements to strengthen our energy security, With the United States, we have signed a significant partnership agreement to use renewal energy for rapidly expanding rural access to energy.

With Nepal, we have entered a new era of cooperation that has eluded us for decades. Nearly two decades after signing the Mahakali Treaty with Nepal, we have finally constituted the Pancheswar Development Authority for the 5600 MW multipurpose Pancheswar Project. In addition, we have entered into a new Power

Trade Agreement with Nepal; two Indian companies have received Project Licence for two hydropower projects for 900 MW each; and, we have signed the long overdue Motor Vehicles Agreement, which will make travel and tourism easier for people of both countries. Our engagement with the United States also helped secure our interests on food security in the WTO and advance the negotiations on the Doha Development

Round of TWO. This initiative has contributed to strengthening the global trading regime, which is of direct interest of India, without in any way diluting our fundamental obligation to protect the interests of our poor.

Our focus has been not only on infrastructure and manufacturing.

At the heart of Prime Minister’s engagements abroad has been efforts to promote cooperation on skill development; advanced medical research for diseases, like the agreement on research for malaria and TB with the United States; food security, such as our work with Australia on agricultural research for the benefit of our farmers; education, such as the agreement to collaborate with the

United States on a new generation Indian Institute of Technology and to bring up to 1000 top university teachers from the United States annually to teach in India.

Kyoto-Varanasi twinning arrangement, Ahmedabad-Guangzhou and Mumbai-

Shanghai sister city agreements, or the agreement with the United States on developing three smart cities will provide impetus to our efforts to address the challenges and harness the opportunities of India’s rapid urbanization.

Multilateral and regional forums are key platforms for advancing our national interests. Prime Minister’s speech in United Nations General Assembly in

Hindi was a matter of great national pride for India. His call for accelerating reforms of the United Nations Security Council has imparted urgency to our efforts and his call for declaration of International Day of Yoga in the United Nations has met with widespread support.

At the G20 Summit in Brisbane, where there was immense interest in India’s economic reforms, Prime Minister put the spotlight on the need for collective international action against black money; gave innovative suggestions on promoting collective action for cost-effective and sustainable solution to infrastructure in the developing world; proposed a new global initiative on renewable energy; and, cautioned against regional trade initiatives becoming instruments of political competition and fragmentation of the global trading system.

The ten-nation ASEAN is one of the world’s largest economies, with the third largest population and the third fastest growing economy behind China and

India. At the India-ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, there was a new level of enthusiasm and optimism among our ASEAN partners that a reformed and a reinvigorated Indian economy would provide a stronger foundation for a deeper partnership between India and ASEAN in the cause of peace, stability and prosperity in our shared region. Prime Minister also took the opportunity to visit to Nay Pyi Taw to pledge to

Myanmar’s leadership a stronger partnership with one of our most important neighbours.

Prime Minister’s strong belief in a shared future of our neighbourhood is reflected in several concrete steps – the participation of leaders from neighbouring countries at the swearing in ceremony on May 26; his choice of Bhutan as his first foreign destination; and his visit to Nepal, which was, sadly, the first visit by an

Indian Prime Minister in 17 years to our closest neighbour.

Prime Minister reiterated his vision of shared prosperity in South Asia at the

18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu on November 26-27. He articulated India’s determination to lead the efforts, as the region’s largest and most centrally located country, towards greater cooperation and integration in South Asia, both through

SAARC and outside it. Prime Minister’s vision and initiatives for the region has sparked a new wave of optimism in our South Asian partners.

Prime Minister has stated on a number of occasions that we can build a prosperous future only the strong foundation of a secure India.

On every occasion, Prime Minister clearly articulated India’s expectation of a stable and peaceful Asia and the surrounding ocean regions, predicated on universal acceptance of international law and norms and peaceful resolution of disputes. This also includes maritime security. Prime Minister also highlighted the emerging challenges of cyber security and space security.

The Prime Minister shares the international concerns on developments in

West Asia, including with regard to Islamic State, and its global ramifications. At the same time, Prime Minister stressed that the global challenge of terrorism requires a comprehensive global strategy against all terrorism, without drawing distinction between terrorist groups and their supporters; willingness to isolate sponsors of terrorism and to help nation willing to fight it; a need for all those who believe in humanity to stand together; and, to make every effort to delink terrorism from religion. Our external engagement has helped deepen security cooperation with key partners.

The excitement, energy and confidence in the Indian community abroad about India mirror the national mood in India after the election. Prime Minister has paid special attention to reach out to the Indian community abroad on a scale that a unmatched. Our decisions on PIO and OCI have been widely welcomed by the

Indian community abroad. The Indian community today not only feels more connected to India, but has responded enthusiastically to his call to participate in

India’s transformation.

In the last few months, Prime Minister has laid out a clear vision of India’s role and place in the world; signaled willingness to assume leadership expected from world’s largest democracy; and, demonstrated ability to turn commitments into action and convert opportunities into outcomes. We have revived important relationships that have long suffered from neglect. We have shown our will to speak clearly on our security interests and defend them robustly. Our pursuit of global aspirations has been accompanied by global engagement.

There is a new global confidence in India. In turn, Prime Minister’s visits have advanced our pursuit of a secure and stable environment that we need to accomplish our development goals. It will also contribute in a significant measure to our mission of accelerating economic growth, boosting investment, creating jobs and transforming the quality of life our people.

SUBMISSIONS BY MEMBERS

(i) Re: Alleged destruction of a Church in East Delhi due to fire

prompting allegation of foul play by church authorities.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH) responding to the issue raised by several Hon'ble Members on 02-12-2014, said:

As soon as I received the information of burning of a Church in Delhi, I spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in this regard and asked him to order a probe into it immediately. An SIT has been constituted headed by Joint Commissioner of

Police so as to complete the investigation properly and in a time bound manner, if would like to assure this august House that our government will act in a tough manner if anybody tries to hurt the belief of any individual belonging to any religion or community, the SIT will probe the matter sincerely and would submit its report within two months. In case, Hon'ble speaker gives a direction to table this report in this House then I am prepared to table this report in the House also.

(ii) Re: Alleged misbehavior with a woman Member of Parliament by

local district administration during foundation stone laying ceremony

for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Munger, Bihar.

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SKILL

DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MINISTER OF

STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI

RAJIV PRATAP RUDY) responding to the issue raised by several Hon'ble

Members said: Hon'ble Member of Parliament had shown me the full press clipping. The executive engineer had told her that she could lay the foundation stone and accordingly she along with her workers laid the foundation stone of the road. Next day they demolished the foundation stone completely which was put up there the previous day. This is a very serious matter. I request the Hon'ble Speaker to give a direction. This is a matter related to a Member of Parliament. If such things happen with Members of Parliament, it should be taken up very seriously. MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) Need to make Gorra and Ami rivers in Gorakhpur pollution free.

YOGI ADITYANATH: The flow of major rivers of the country like the

Ganges, the Yamuna, the Godavari etc. together with the tributaries has either been blocked completely or have been polluted due to unplanned and unscientific thinking of their development. The ancillary rivers like Ami and Gorra of Rapti river flowing through Gorakhpur have been cursed for these reasons for last many years. The river Ami has been completely polluted by the affluence flowing down from industrial units and towns of Rudholi and Khalilabad. Likewise the river

Gorra is in no different condition. I, through you, would request the Government to remove the pollution of these rivers so as to save the river culture in our country and also to ensure their free flowing.

(ii) Need to provide honorarium at uniform rate to Anganwadi workers

and extend them social security benefits particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL: The Union Government is implementing the

Integrated Child Development Scheme through Anganwadi Kendra. More than 28 lakh Anganwadi Workers and helpers are working on Anganwadi Kendras in the country at present. These Anganwadi Workers and helpers are getting varied rates of honorarium in various state. After so many years, they have not yet been given the status of State Government employee. I, through you, request the Government to make them permanent and give them due retirement benefit and pension.

(iii) Need to take action on report of the National commission for

Denotified, Nomadic and semi-Nomadic Tribes.

SHRI NANA PATOLE: There are about 64 thousand denotified nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes in the country and of them 16 hundred are in Maharashtra who are deprived of social, educational and economic development. The Renke

Commission had submitted its report to the Central Government in the year 2008 for the development of this community. However, the Central Government has not yet acted thereon. I would, therefore, request the Government to take urgent steps to implement the recommendations of the commission.

(iv) Need to include Bikaner city in Rajasthan in the list of 100 cities

proposed to be developed as smart cities.

SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL: The city of Bikaner needs to be included in the list of 100 cities proposed to be developed as smart cities as

Bikaner is a historical city. Besides, this is an important tourist destination. This city has the distinction of being solar hub. There are immense possibilities of the development of Bikaner in view of likely exploration of oil, gas, coal and minerals like potassium. An olive oil refinery was recently inaugurated in the city. Bikaner is also a leading city in the field of animal husbandry. I would, therefore, request the government to include this city in the proposed ambitious scheme of 100 smart city so as to pave the way for its faster development.

(v) Need to include 12 key cancer drugs recommended by the Tata

Memorial Centre in the list of essential medicines.

SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL: The Tata Memorial Centre has given a written suggestion to include 12 main cancer drugs in the list of national basic drugs. Their inclusion in the list of national basic drugs would provide great relief to the patients. I would, therefore, request the government to include these 12 main cancer drugs in the list of national basic drugs.

(vi) Need to provide compensation to families of victims died in gas tanker

explosion at Charoti Naka on National Highway No. 8 in Palghar

district of Maharashtra.

SHRI CHINTAMAN NAVASHA WANGA: In April, 2014, a Gas Tanker explosion took place at Charoti Naka in Palghar district of Maharashtra on

National Highway No.8. 10 Persons had died on the spot. All the deceased person were poor Adivasies except driver and one another person. No compensation has so far been given to any person either by the Central Government or State

Government. I draw the attention of the Government for awarding the compensation to the next of kin of deceased persons at the earliest.

(vii) Need to establish a cancer Institute in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, by the

Central Government.

DR. NEPAL SINGH: The number of patient dying of cancer is constantly increasing every year but there is acute shortage of hospitals/institute in the country. As a result of which, the patients from rural areas are not able to get the proper treatment owing to their inaffordability. There is hardly any village in my parliamentary constituency, Rampur where there is no cancer patient. Thousands of such serious cancer patients have to rush to AIIMS in Delhi. I would, therefore, urge the government to consider setting up a Central Cancer Institute at Rampur in

Uttar Pradesh to tackle the situation arising out of increasing number of cancer patients.

(viii) Need to take remedial measures to check the annual floods occurring

in various parts of the country.

SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ: Several parts of the country face devastating floods every year. These floods cause unprecedented loss to life, damage to the property and crops. I would, therefore, urge the government to take urgent steps to save the people from the devastating impact of such natural calamities.

(ix) Need to ensure proper implementation of electrification of villages

under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Visyutikaran Yojana in West

Bengal.

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY: The Rajiv Gandhi Gramen

Visyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was launched by the Government of India to provide access to electricity to all rural households, As on March 2013, a total of

12, 594 villages with 9.92 Lakh BPL rural households were electrified by West

Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited under RGGVY scheme against the target of 14,113 villages covering 15.39 lakh BPL rural households.

The C&AG State Audit Report for the year ended March 2013 reveals that there are a number of shortcoming in implementation of this scheme in West Bengal. I would like to know from the Government whether the Ministry has taken cognizance of these Audit observations and, if so, what action the Ministry has taken for proper implementation of RGGVY and the extent to which the remaining villages in West Bengal have been electrified as on date.

(x) Need to introduce new DEMU train service between Salem and

Puducherry via Vriddhachalem.

DR. K. KAMARAJ: The train services in the state of Tamil Nadu are inadequate and the railway tract between Salem and Vriddhachalem is underutilized. In order to provide better rail connectivity to the people, I request the Hon'ble Railway Minister to introduce New Diesel Multiple Unit (DEMU) train services between Salem and Puducherry via Vriddhachalem. At present there is only one train between Chennai-Egmore to Salem via Vriddhachalem.

Therefore, I demand that one Express train from Chennai-Egmore to Coimbatore via Vriddhachalem and Salem may be operated during the day time.

(xi) Need to provide adequate grant under subsidy component to

Government of Tamil Nadu and also permit cooperative banks to

operate accounts for transfer of LPG subsidy to consumers.

SHRI S.R. VIJAYA KUMAR: Transfer of LPG subsidy directly into the bank account of customers under Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG Scheme is proposed to be introduced from 1st January, 2015 in Tamil Nadu. The amount of grant provided under subsidies being paid to Tamil Nadu is not adequate. For rural residents, it is difficult to access National Bank branches. The State Government is already facing the problem in the distribution of pension for elders since they have no accessibility of bank account in rural areas. Therefore, the elderly pensioners are being sent the pension amount by money order.

(xii) Need to provide adequate funds under Mahatma Gandhi National

Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in West Bengal.

DR. RATNA DE(NAG): Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee

Scheme (MGNREGS) is one of the major schemes being implemented by the

Union Government through the State Governments, main role being played by

Panchayat Raj Institution, Other implementing agencies like Public Sector

Undertakings, Zila Parishad, Gram Panchayat, local authority etc. also play a part.

Slashing of funds for implementation of MGNREGS would be detrimental for the welfare of the people of the State. Hence, I would strongly urge the Central

Government not to slash funds meant for implementation of MGNREGS at the

State level particularly in West Bengal.

(xiii) Need to take suitable steps for revival of the Mumbai Port Trust.

SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: In Mumbai, on the eastern coast, there is nearly 1700 acres of land. This land belongs to Mumbai Port Trust. The land has become vacant and remains unused and is being encroached upon rapidly. Hence to protect and develop this land immediate action by forming a committee with the representatives of Parliament and Vidhan Sabha as well as representative of

Mumbai Municipal Corporation be taken for revival of Mumbai Port Trust.

(xiv) Need to take remedial measures to check increasing number of fatal

road accidents in the country.

SHRI BHAGWANT MANN: The number of road accidental deaths is constantly increasing. The road safety is there on the papers only. India occupies the top rank in the accidental deaths on roads. I would. therefore, urge the government to take urgent majors to check the increasing number of accidental deaths on roads.

(xv) Need to provide free sanitary napkins to women to boost female

health and hygiene in the country.

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK: The population of women in country is about 61 crore. As per A.C. Nelson survey, only 12 percent women use sanitary napkins during their menstrual periods and Gynecologists are also of the view that the use of sanitary napkins during menstrual periods can save the women from cervical cancer and reproductive tract infection. I would, therefore, urge the government to ensure free of cost distribution of sanitary napkins to the women in all states on the lines of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa governments.

(xvi) Need to observe 19th February, the birth day of Shivaji Maharaj as

'Rashtra Bhakti Prerna Diwas.

SHRI RAJU SHETTY: The anniversary of Shri Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on 19th February all over the country with great fervor. The war strategy and his treatment to ordinary people is portrayed as ideal. Chattrapati

Shivaji Maharaj characteristics showing due respect to women and others and punishing wrong doers are worth emulating for all. I would, therefore, urge the government to declare 19th February as 'Rashtra Bhakti Prerna Diwas'.

(xvii) Need to resume extraction of copper in Khetri Copper Complex in

Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT: The Khetri Copper Complex set up in Jhunjhunu in the year 1967 has not making any production from last some years and the old produced M.I.C is being sold out to private companies or being got toll smelted. This will cause a financial loss to the tune of Rs. 100 Crore. I, through you, request the Government to open the smelters lying closed in the Khetri

Copper Complex so as to save the state as well as the country from the financial lose.

(xviii) Need to improve the standards of teaching and facilities in

government-run educational institutions for higher education in the

country and also establish more colleges keeping in view the large

number of students seeking admissions in such colleges particularly in

Delhi.

SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI: Alarming rise in the incidents of suicide by students under pressure to perform better in the senior secondary exams to secure an admission in a good college owing to decline in the quality of education in the country and in the capital city of Delhi, is of grave concern. At present, there are

44 central universities and as per the Ministry, 2.17 crore students had enrolled themselves for higher education in the year 2011-12 and in the year 2012-13 this number has risen to 2.60 crore. 17.9 percent young student in the age group of 18-

24, got higher education in the year 2011-12. Similarly, the cut throat competition for admission in Delhi University is no secret. I, through you, would urge the

Government that this contrast would continue to exist till the poor quality of education in the colleges of small cities, towns and rural areas is not improved upon. Therefore, the number of colleges of DU should be increased so as to provide options to the students coming from outside as well as the student of Delhi seeking admissions in DU.

(xix) Need to expedite gauge conversion of Ratangarh- Sardarshahr and

Sadulpur-Hanumangarh railway lines in Rajasthan and augment train

services in the State connecting Churu Parliamentary Constituency.

SHRI RAHUL KASWAN: There are several important rail projects lying incomplete in my parliamentary constituency Churu, for the want of funds as a result of which the people of my area are facing difficulties. The gauge conversion work on Ratangarh-Sardarshahr and Sadulpur-Hanumangarh sections has been lying incomplete for the last five years. The gauge conversion work on Churu-

Sikar-Jaipur rail section has not even begun till date. Sardarshahr-Hanumangarh-

Churu-Taranagar-Nohar, Sikar-Salasar-Bidasar-Nokha, Surtangarh-Sardhashar-

Taranagar-Sadulpur, Sardarshar-Gogamadi-Sirsa etc. projects announced in the rail budget would provide great relief to the people in my constituency. The

Kamakhya-Jodhpur train should be commenced and the Jodhpur-Delhi-Sarai

Rohilla superfast train should be extended to Haridwar and made regular. The weekly trains of Bandra-Jammu Tavi, Bandra-Hissar, Jaisalmer-Hawhra should be made daily.

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE BILL, 2014

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI) moving the motion for consideration of the Bill said: The School of Planning and Architecture Bill, 2014 seeks to address challenges that have been presented by our past, course corrective in the future and edge a vibrant for our children and especially for our nation. There were two

Schools of Planning and Architecture that were set up in Vijayawada and Bhopal in the year 2008. Students from both these institutions have been unable to get their degrees till now. I implore the Hon. Members of this august House to kindly give their views and suggestions on this Bill so that the long pending demand and very deservedly right of the students in these schools can be in some way preserved and upheld and the Schools of Planning and Architecture become institutions of national importance.

SHRI GAURAV GOGOI initiating said: Our country is rapidly urbanizing. Young people are leaving their villages and migrating to cities in large numbers. If we do not plan for the future challenges right now, we will have a overflowing population without access to the basic public services that they need.

In this context, the School of Planning and Architecture plays a very important role. We need planning and foresightedness for our villages and mega cities. We have to find solution to the problems like water logging public transport, parking and congestation of roads. For all of these problems of the present and problems of the near future, we need institutions of excellence and the School of Planning and Architecture. The Government should look after the plight of the students of

Bhopal and Vijayawada.

There are numerous benefits associated with this Bill. It is going to promote education and research. It is very disappointing to see young scientists going to universities outside of India. They are getting the necessary support for research and winning awards and fellowships, but the same kind of necessary research support and academic environment is not provided to institutes in India. This bill is a very important initiative to promote research, but the Bill does not specifically address how the research will be promoted and how our students and professors, who are working in universities outside of India will be given the necessary research support. This Bill says that the School of Planning and Architecture will provide global leadership but it is not possible without engaging our global India diaspora. If we really want the School of Planning and Architecture to be a global leader in research, then specific research initiatives should have been highlighted in this Bill. It is important in the fellowships and scholarships that these three

Schools of Planning & Architecture will provide that they must aim and have certain criteria, which will benefit students who come from poor areas. I am saying this because the eligibility criterion of this University is quite stringent, and the fees are quite high. There are certain limitations that this Bill does not address. One of the limitations is that of the problem of fake universities. I want to know whether the Bill will really penalize those who are the promoters of these fake universities. Regarding composition of the Board, we should have somebody from the industry also to be on the Board even if for a short tenure of two years. They could come here and give the necessary industry experience and also provide the real-world experience that we need in our classrooms. The Bill provides Rs. 50 crore to the institute in Bhopal, Rs. 30 crore to the institute in the Vijayawada and

Rs. 5 crore plan support to the institute in Delhi. But this amount is going to be insufficient. I urge upon the Ministry to have a separate Board , which would be the Fund Raising Board. This will comprise of representative from the industry whose sole objective is to ensure that this institute becomes a global leader. This is what help them to get the best of faculty, best of systems and provide the maximum number of scholarship. We must ensure the sovereignty of these institutes.

SHRI ALOK SANJAR: India is a developing country and we are facing a number of challenges with regard to urbanization and industrialization. The country needs planners and architects to provide quality planning for the future of this nation and this will be ensured by declaring existing schools of Planning and

Architecture as institutions of national importance. Today the shortage of energy is a biggest concern before our country. I hope our planners and architects will carry out research with a view to designing such buildings where the use of energy is minimum. Environment is also an important challenge before our country.

Therefore, I am of the view that cities of the country should be developed while having focus on sustainable development and preservation of our environment.

Besides unemployment is also a big challenge before the country. I believe that this bill will help in providing employment to planners and architects. Since we have to ensure quality in these institutes, the government should declare such institutions as institutions of national importance and provide them maximum grants. The grants provided to these institutions get lapsed at the end of financial year. I request that such a system should be adopted that these grants do not lapse and the institutes have freedom to use the amount till the work is completed.

SHRI K.N. RAMACHANDRAN: Infrastructure development especially in the context of urbanization and modernization needs to have professionally trained planners and architects. They need to be moulded by centres of excellence so that our efforts really can meet with our international standards. The Union

Government now seeks to make the three Schools of Planning and Architecture in

New Delhi, Bhopal and Vijayawada as institutions of national importance and centres of excellence. Now our Parliament aims at establishing a Council for

Schools of Planning and Architecture similar to IITs and NITs to advice the

Central Government on policy matters related to architecture and planning. While empowering these institutions to grant degrees, this Bill also provides for establishing Boards of Governors for every school along with academic councils in every school. There are State Universities created by the State Legislatures which are authorized to accredited professional institutions. It is mandatory also for

States. Anna University is there as a parent university for a large number of technical institutions in Tamil Nadu. Approval by one authority is not recognised by the other authority which puts the management of technical institutions into great difficulty making them to run from pillar to post. Creating unnecessary hurdles in managing technical institutions will only come in the way of ensuring quality education. I would like to make a special request to the Union Government to set up a gateway of higher education in Tamil Nadu. We request for a Tamil

Nadu School of Planning and Architecture as a premier Central institution for the south as the region is known for mixing architecture with the art of sculpting.

PROF. SAUGATA ROY: As far as architecture is concerned, India has great tradition for architecture. But till now we have not achieved the excellence in architecture that was expected. Now why the school of planning and architecture was necessary. So, Many people are confused what is the need for architecture. An architect is basically a dreamer, an artist. He will give a holistic view to the building. Today when large number of high rise buildings have been designed, the role of architect has become even more important. Architecture also today includes landscaping, interior decoration and basically the façade design-how the building should look ultimately. Of course I would ask for one in West Bengal which also has a good tradition of architectural education. The Hon’ Minister has devised a three-tier structure for the schools. I don’t know how it will work. If you can have a two-tier structure at the school level and the third tier at the composite level, which includes all the three institutes, So it should be done. Why have our universities and institutes of national importance not achieved the international standards, in spite of their excellence? To maintain excellence in education, there should be horizontal entries. You may get a bright person working outside the country; you bring him as a profession to plan like this. Town planning is becoming very important today. The Schools of Planning and Architecture should do research in development of future cities where solar power would be used, maximum amount of day light will be used. All these designs must come into our architecture. The research should be done in the Schools of Planning and

Architecture, on how new smart cities would be developed. The Government must come forward with a clear cut plan of what they want, how they want urbanization to be five years from today. We have to make our cities liveable and that challenge has to be faced by the architect and town planner of today. We need to change our very basic approach towards architecture and town planning. I hope that the new institute will produce people will a better view who can make our cities better. We need to develop a scientific temper. SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY: This is a good Bill. There is nothing to criticize in this Bill. I have found certain faults and I have give two amendments which I think, the hon. Minister would be kind enough to consider. In the last

Session, the hon. Minister had brought in a Bill regarding the Centres of

Excellence which enveloped some other institutes of higher learning. This could have also been brought in at that time. Architect or a planner, signifies an artist, signifies someone who is creative. It is not a mere job seeker. The cities that you see today are also ill-planned and not able to cope with the huge population growth that this sub-continent is facing. India had a classic example of great Indian city- planning and architecture in city like Maohanjadaro during Harrapa culture. All these Bills seem very monotonous without any imagination, without any concept of what the future will demand for us. They have very categorically mentioned – this is in page 4 – that these will be ‘institutes of not for profit’. If you look to the future the Government is becoming more and more incapable of infusing funds into so many schemes. So, why not consider making these institutes financially capable of standing up for themselves by generating funds so that they can actually be centres of excellence? If they have good funds on their own, let them have some kind of independence of their own. While supporting this Bill, I would only want that the hon. Minister should consider setting these institutes of excellence comparatively free. Let them earn their worth. Let them be competitive at the global level.

SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: It is a Bill to establish and declare Schools of

Planning and Architecture as Institutions of national importance in order to promote education and research in architectural studies including planning of human settlements. Urbanization is going on very rapidly. That is my real concern. The laws are having their own limitations. Small towns are being created everywhere without sewerage facilities, water supply, sanitation, etc. So, planning is urgently required for building planned towns and cities to meet the challenges of urbanization. JJ School of Art in Mumbai is one of the pioneers of architecture in this country. I think this Bill is ignoring that institution. I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether it is possible to cover that institution. I request that it should be covered so that this wonderful institution can be made as an institute of national importance.

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA: In Singapore, they have developed institutes and they are now supporting countries around the world even such as ours to help us build such type of cities. I would like to know whether we can create such kind of framework so that the School of Architecture and Planning can work with these institutions in building our new Capitals. In this way our capabilities are retained in our place. When smart cities are being built lakhs of crores are required. While doing such work investing some of that amount in starting a School of Architecture and Planning in each smart city would ensure that those capabilities are being developed locally and remain there even after the development is cover.

DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD: I would like to appreciate the HRD

Minister for having a will to bring this Bill but I would request the Minister to continue the same will to make it really a national centre of excellence. That is what required. Merely making an Act will not suffice. The mother of all arts is architecture. Without architecture of our own, we have no soul of our civilization.

India has such a legacy of architecture. We had a very good past and somehow we lost in the middle. This Bill is very much required. There is no mention in the Bill about reservation. Any Government institution cannot run without the rule of reservation. I do not know why this issue has not been taken into account in this

Bill. Secondly, the mode of admission has also not been mentioned here. I would request the concerned Minister to take this aspect into account. Logo of the School of Planning looks like a pyramid. I feel that it should reflect our culture and our architecture and not the pyramid. There is a provision to nominate the Members of

Parliament in the Board of Governors but they should have technical knowledge in that particular field. It is mentioned that no decision of the Tribunal can be challenged in the court. It should not be like that. Indians are capable of doing the world class architecture, provided they are given the opportunities and support. We must differentiate between the smart cities and great cities. Smart cities need not be great cities. We have to see how best cities we can build with a simple investment.

SHRI P.K. BIJU: All the three Schools of Planning and Architecture are autonomous societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. I would like to know as to how these institutions are treated as institutions of national importance. What is the methodology of obtaining the staff strength and financial situation in these institutions? Reservation should be provided in these institutions. Our country is having a severe shortage of faculty, particularly in higher education. So in this situation, what is the mechanism to fill up those faculty positions in our central institutions? The issue of infrastructure should also be addressed.

SHRI VARAPRASAD RAO VELAGAPALLI: Today, when there is a tremendous pressure on the urban, rural and industrial environment in India, we definitely need proper planning and architecture. Eighty percent of our country’s population consists of the middle class, below middle class and the poor people.

Therefore, a bill like this becomes very relevant to have a proper planning as well as proper architecture, which is highly Indianised. Services of leading private architects of India should also be allowed for the development of the country.

Reservation for weaker sections should be ensured. A perfect coordination is required between the planning an architecture institutions and the Government

Departments of Town Planning and other related departments. Tree plantation, rain water harvesting, waste disposal and public transport should be ensured in rural and urban areas as well as in industrial sectors.

SHRI DHARAM VIRA GANDHI: One of the important tasks of this institution should be to provide housing for the rural and the urban poor. As regards smart cities, I think, our cities may be less smart, but let them be more humane and more nature-friendly. There is no place for those who actually run the city. Quality of education is being compromised in the private institutions in all streams as they have been mushrooming in the country due to increasing number of aspirants and less seats available in government institutes. If the Government cannot fulfill the requirement of the increasing number of students, they should at least ensure that there is a strong regulatory body which can control these institutions run under various trusts. I want the Government to insert a clause for reservation also. Only one per cent of our country’s GDP is going to education. It must go up to 3 per cent or 4 per cent.

DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK: This Bill seeks to establish the

Schools of Planning and Architecture as per international standards. This school was established in the year 1959 and accorded the status of deemed university in

1979. To my surprise, this school does not award degrees till now. It is said that these institutes will be accorded the status of national importance and a council will also be constituted. Unplanned and uncontrolled development has resulted in a number of problems. Metro cities are in hellish condition. In such a situation, with continuous urbanization and industrialization, these centers will be of great help. India has always been a leader in knowledge and science. I urge the government that a similar institute be established for Himalayan states.

SHRI E.T. MOHAMMAD BASHEER: The aim of this Bill is to develop these three institutions into institutions of national level importance and that is all right. India is going to be the leader of technical education in the world. So, I am of the firm opinion that we can become the leader in the technical education. We have to do the maximum possible for the development of these institutions to the international level. Our architecture is a mix of our culture. Architecture design in

India is marvelous. More and more research should be done in eco-friendly building and low income group house construction. I appeal to give an emphasis on this aspect. Our Indian colleges especially the architectural institution should give importance. Representation should be given to SC,ST and OBC in the higher education especially in the technical education. I appeal to the Government to ensure social justice here also.

SHRI PREM DAS RAI: The Statement of Objects is very clear. It is to declare the three Schools as institutions of national importance. I think, all of these objects are laudable. Since 1959, there has just been one institution, the School of

Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. In 2008, two have subsequently come and in 22014 these three institutions is all that we are looking at. I request that more such institutions need to be established. There is a need to capture mountain architecture. We need to have a School of Planning and Architecture in one of the mountain States. I request that a School of Planning and Architecture may be established in the State of Sikkim. I hope that we will be able to raise many more

Schools of Planning and Architecture in our country.

SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: This Bill is certainly commendable.

The hon. Prime Minister has envisaged developing of 100 smart cities and large number of planners and architects will be required to realize it. No provision of reservation has been made in this Bill. I am of the view that there is a need to effect some amendments in this Bill. There is a need to make all the schools of planning and architecture of national importance. Nalanda University should also be associated with this so that my Constituency and State could get benefit of development in this field. More institutes of national importance should be set up.

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: The glob is drastically changing and it is highly required to have qualified manpower in the field of architecture and planning. I support this Bill which gives not only national status but also statutory backing to these three institutions at Delhi, Vijayawada and Bhopal. I would like to draw the attention of the Government towards the pathetic situation of universities in the country. The universities and colleges of our country don’t have even basic infrastructure. That should also be taken care of. Privatization of education has been transformed into commercialization of education. Now the education has become a lucrative business in our country. The academic excellence and academic freedom should be protected.

DR. MANOJ RAJORIA: Today, we are debating the School of Planning and Architecture Bill, 2014. I support this Bill. In this Bill a global scenario has been kept in mind. We can glorify our country in the world by developing planning and architecture in our country. The importance of setting up of these schools has been felt for the development of the country. Low cost house construction technique should be brought for the development of the poor people.

Rajasthan is famous for its planning and architecture not only in India but also world over. Jaipur is a specimen of town planning and architecture. Rajasthan has a glorious history of planning and architecture. I request to set up a school of

Planning and architecture in Rajasthan.

SHRI K. PARASURAMAN: I would humbly request to consider the long pending demand of the people of my constituency to lay a new railway line and to introduce a new train service between Thanjavur to Ariyalur BG line. A railway line between Thanjavur and Pattukottai has already been approved but no fund has been allotted for it till now. I urge upon the Government to consider the above proposals favourably and expedite its implementation.

ADV. JOICE GEORGE: I sincerely wish and hope that school of planning and architecture in our country will not only be the institution of national importance but of international excellence too. This Bill has especially been introduced to give certificate to the students who have completed their studies in

Bhopal and Vijayawada Schools of Planning and Architecture. All our educational institutions are starved of funds and are running for money for improving their quality of education by appointing more faculties etc. So, I urge the Government to look into this matter.

SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY: My only two suggestions are that we need to involve eminent sociologists and artists possibly in the Board and that there should be a school of architecture and planning in every region since it is associated with regional culture and life styles.

SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI replying said: At the outset I would like to appreciate the valuable suggestions given by every Member of Parliament and also for the unanimous support given to this Bill. So far as Sanskrit is concerned, I would like to remind my learned friends that I was upholding an aspect of the National Policy on Education which spoke of the three language formula. French, Japanese, mandarin are continued to be taught in Kendriya Vidyalayas apart from German. So far as inculcating scientific temper in our youngster’s is concerned, a whole week will be dedicated to Maths in our country, that is, the week preceding the 22nd December which is the National Mathematics

Day. Members have expressed a concern as to whether Reservation Policy is applicable to these institutions or not. Let me assure them that it is also applicable to the Schools of Planning and Architecture. We are engaging in conversations with nations like the United Kingdom and the United States as to highlight to us who are their best academicians are who can be brought to teach at least one semester at the cost of the Government of India in all our Central Universities,

IITs, IIMs and even the Schools of Planning and Architecture. In our SPAs we also teach environmental planning and heritage conservation. There has been a concern expressed as to whether the finances of these institutions will be audited.

As in the case of IITs and NITs, let me assure the House, that at the end of the financial year, the Annual Report and the Audit done by the CAG will be laid on the Table of the House. Since these are institutes of national importance and funded by the Government of India, it is not the intention of the Government of

India to accrue profits from its own children, from its own citizens. I will appeal to each State Government so that they can look towards the prospects of engaging students of these institutions at a local level from the perspective of planning and architecture. University of Washington, Architectural Academy, U.K., the Georgia Tech University, Atlanta, the Well School of Architecture etc. have already already entered into tie-ups with these three institutions. One of my senior colleague is bothered about the JJ School of Art. With authorities in the UGC I would certainly explore the possibilities with regard to the JJ School of Art, but I cannot give you an assurance till I study the matter in great detail. Regarding the apprehension of one hon. MP concerning donation, if anybody does ask for donation, he will be severely penalized. There will be a provision of Students’ Council to solve their grievances.

The Bill was passed.

ANOOP MISHRA, Secretary-General.

© 2014 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NOTE: It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.

English and Hindi versions of Synopsis of Debates are also available at http://loksabha.nic.in.