RAJYA SABHA ______∗SUPPLEMENT TO SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE ______(Proceedings other than Questions and Answers) ______Tuesday, August 17, 2010/ Sravana 26, 1932 (Saka) ______The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2008 - Contd. ♣DR. K. P. RAMALINGAM: On behalf of my party DMK, I support this amendment Bill. It would strengthen Indian economy in future. It has been decided to provide some special relief to power generating companies. This is a welcome measure. For providing acquisition of mining rights and coal to power generating Indian companies, the Government of have to fix a nominal licensing fee during the first five years of power generation. Special concessions should not be given to foreign companies. Our industrial sector have to be protected. India has very rich deposits of mineral resources. But, the Government of India is not showing much interest in exploring those mineral resources in various states of India. Three thousand seven hundred fifty three acres of land had been acquired when Salem Steel Plant was established. More than one thousand eight hundred farmers had been displaced. But they have not yet been ______∗This Synopsis is not an authoritative record of the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. ♣ Synopsis of speech delivered by Hon'ble Member in Tamil.

280 given any employment. Though this project was established forty years ago, the main objective behind its establishment is not yet fulfilled. Many layers of Platinum are found in of . Similarly, at district of Tamil Nadu, mineral resources of carbide are found. Not only in Tamil Nadu, but also in other states, mineral resources are abundant. It is appropriate that mining activity should be allocated to Government organizations only. I would like to emphasize that the Government's participation in mining should be expanded. Two lakh crores of rupees may be allocated for the Department of Mines and Minerals to explore all mineral resources present in various states of India. ______THE PERSONAL LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2010-Contd. SHRI PYARIMOHAN MOHAPATRA: I support the Bill. I thank the Minister for bringing in mother as a guardian along with the father. But, in case of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, new clause 8 provides that any female Hindu who is of sound mind and is not a minor has the capacity to take a son or daughter in adoption. But, she would not be able to adopt unless she gets the consent of the husband. Who will determine whether she has the capacity or not? Today women are not safe. They alone can’t go out of their houses. Among the Hindus and Muslims, women are not treated properly. They are not considered equal to men. Unless a change of mindset takes place and unless we invest in right education to give respect to womanhood, the problem will not be solved. SHRI D. RAJA: I support this Bill. I consider this is a step forward in our collective struggle for emancipating, empowering our women and gender equality. In the struggle for emancipating our women, Dr Ambedkar played a very outstanding role. Through the Hindu Code Bill, Dr. Ambedkar wanted to reform certain things, namely, right to property, order of succession to property,

281 maintenance, marriage, divorce, adoption, minority and guardianship. It is a collective battle. I think, there is a need to take the help of the Law Commission and the National Commission for Women in this work. The Bill relating to 33 per cent reservation for women, which was passed by this House, is pending. I urge upon the Government not to delay the Bill any further and take it to the other House and get it passed. SHRI BHARATKUMAR RAUT: I support the Bill and congratulate the hon. Law Minister therefor. As the Bill will have a long-lasting impact on the Indian society, it should be passed unanimously and implemented immediately. The Bill must encompass all religions and all spheres of Indian life. As the aspirations, resolutions and dreams of the society have changed, it has been necessary to amend the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1856. Both the Acts have become very old. I think that a new law should be brought in lieu of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1856. It will be very beneficial for both the issueless couple and the infant who has no guardian. It is easier for a foreign couple to adopt a child from India whereas it is difficult for an Indian to adopt a child in India. This is because the adoption laws are more rigid in India. I, therefore, request the hon. Minister to make adoption easier through this Bill. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH: I support The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010. Women are still being discriminated and deprived of their due rights. They are being exploited and tortured. The present Bill aims at redeeming them from that situation. Though the amendment in the Bill is very small, it will have long-lasting effect on the society. I want that the laws pertaining to the women, should be implemented properly. But, I am sorry that the Women Reservation Bill is still pending. I do not find any reason why we are not serious in respect of providing legislative powers to the women. I hail from Madhya Pradesh, the Government of which has ensured fifty percent participation of women in the Panchayats and autonomous bodies through reservation. Now, they are carrying out

282 dual responsibilities of indoor and outdoor life. The "Kanya Dan Yojna" and the "Ladli Lakshmi Yojan" has lessened the occurrences of female foeticide. I request the hon. Minister to ensure rights to women, equal to men, in all the laws related to the women. SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV: I appreciate the hon. Minister who has taken an excellent step to empower the women. I think that the women have not been provided their due rights before and after the Independence. The women, even contributing to the half of the total population, are denied their rights. For them, the freedom is meaningless. Our ancestors fought for the freedom with a view to provide equal rights to both the men and the women, and set up an equalitarian society. For the emancipation of the women, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dr, Ambedkar and Jyotirao Fule made many important efforts. In Rajasthan, the Sati Pratha was abolished before 25-30 years. The aim of the Bill is to bring about an equality between the women and the men and stop exploitation of the women so that they can lead a respectable life. That is how the country and the society can progress. Today, wherever the women have opportunities, they exhibit their caliber and talent. The Hon’ble Minister, replying to the debate, said: I do agree with all the hon. Members that law alone is not enough between the law and the justice, there is a wide gap. Basically, it all depends upon the psyche of the society. I do agree that the Constitution is a guarantee that there is a equality before the law, but when you see the whole scenario, you find that equality before law, except women. This has to be undone, at any cost. Apart from constitution amendments, we have the solutions in the country. Many, many social reformers names like Dr. Ambedkar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Mahatma Phule have been born in this country. They injected the social reforms. I am thinking of referring to all those ideals to create an equal society, particularly with the focus on women, and, to prepare a module or a comprehensive social reform with particular focus on women.

283 It is a consistent policy of the Government not to interfere in the personal laws of the minority communities. Government will not be lacking in any will power to push forward the Women Reservation Bill. We propose to have a compulsory registration of marriages in the country as directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The State Governments are making rules in this regard. Women employees have been given child care leave. We are bringing another Report of the Law Commission. Regarding removal of discrimination against women relating to guardianship of minor children, we are consulting the State Governments. We will examine whether both mother and father could be considered as natural guardian at a time to act jointly. It is a welcome suggestion. Government used to think hundred times before bringing any progressive legislation which touches upon the social reform. But this government not think even one time to bring a social reform Bill. There is a great chance in the psyche of the political parties and Parliament. I am proud of my Parliament and democracy. Male chauvinism and dominance should disappear. Then only emancipation of women will be complete. We should take a pledge, particularly men, that we should never allow our women to be degraded or to be looked down. I can re-assure the House that the unfinished agenda particularly with reference to women’s emancipation, empowerment and entitlement will be complete and concrete agenda will be worked out on this by our Government. Unless we make men and women equal, the women cannot participate in the great march of democracy. This will go into the history of the country and the people of the world and the country will realize that here is an Indian Parliament which is addresses the issue of woman’s emancipation. The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted. Clauses etc. were adopted. The Bill was passed. ______

284 THE ENERGY CONSERVATON (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2010 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI) moving the motion for consideration of the Bill, said: The Energy Conservation Act, 2001, was enacted and came into force in March, 2002, to provide for efficient use of energy, its conservation and for the matters connected therewith. The Bureau of Energy efficient under the said Act has been taking measures for conservation of energy. A need has been felt to make more provisions in the aforesaid Act to undertake effective measures of conservation of energy. Consequently, they will enhance the progress of energy efficiency in the country and allow for smooth and effective implementation of energy efficiency measures. I commend the Bill for consideration of the House. SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA: This is a good step which increases production after saving energy. But it is a matter of regret that here in the House itself, energy go waste on a large scale. The government should take give any message only after it takes step itself in the direction. The government have adopted many short-term and long term methods to save energy. It has launched many programmes by implementing all these programmes, 20-30 percent energy can be saved. Energy saving is like energy generation. By way of giving exemptions on energy-saving instruments, the people can be persuaded to save energy. Theft of electricity is a other big reasons of energy waste. Electricity is misused on large scale even in the government offices. Hence, it is necessary to prevent theft of electricity. Right calculation can be made only when one knows about the actual consumption and actual production. Every state introduces new meter system after every two-three years, which gives rise to the grievances of consumers. There should accurate proper meter reading, so that consumer is assured that he will have to pay the bill for the electricity, as much as he consumes. Often we have seen that the lights are not lit in the night but they are lit in the day time. The Government has a big responsibility about this.

285 When you have changed the definition of designated consumer, the scope has been narrowed, as a result of which the number of designated consumers has reduced. This definition is required to be reviewed. The wires and transformers should be changed from time to time. This will save the electricity. The awareness campaign should be started among the children about saving electricity. You have mentioned Bureau of Energy Efficiency in the Bill. It is not mentioned in the bill as to how will it be set up, how will it function and who will supervise it? You have made provision of award for energy saving which is meant for only industries and only a few industrialists will get this award. If every institute is brought under its purview, it will create awareness among people and they will save energy. This is revealed that there is about 30 percent power theft and free electricity is provided to some sectors. We will have to keep check over it that whether free electricity is used for the purpose for which it has been provided. SHRI JESUDASU SEELAM: Some sort of a regulatory mechanism to save energy is being brought in. This is a very positive step, indeed. Lot of innovations are required in the manufacturing process, especially in the small and marginal entrepreneurship. Also, the State-designated agencies need a lot of capacity. We must compliment the work done by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. I think, the Bureau needs to be given more power. We are trying to increase the efficacy and efficiency of the energy conservation methods. One of the amendments relates to regulation of the trade of energy saving. Provision to promote energy saving industries and penalizing move consuming energy industries should be relooked anyone can save and sell to outsider. The thermal power stations consume more energy. Definitely, they require more energy. But Hydro power unit is an energy-saving proposition. We can sell the credits of hydro power unit to the thermal power unit. But the credits should not go outside the country. The Electricity Act should be strictly implemented. There are provisions

286 for conserving energy. We should go in for such innovative technologies which consume lesser natural resources and produce more energy. By efficient distribution and transmission, you can save a lot of energy. I would say that every citizen of this country should be educated about saving energy. SHRI A. A. JINNAH: I would like to point out certain developments going on in Tamil Nadu for energy conservation. After taking into consideration the fact that old pumpsets were unnecessarily consuming very high levels of electricity, the new pumpsets have been given which help in reducing electricity consumption by over 20 per cent. I would also like to inform this august House that Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly building is a highly energy-efficient building. It has achieved the LEED Gold certification. It is gaining gold certification from the IGBC (Indian Green Buildings Council). That is the first and only Government building in India to do so. Very soon, Tamil Nadu will also witness the opening of another building - Arignar Anna Centenary Library. This too has been built as per the norms of LEED gold certification, making a leader in the filed of energy conservation. With these words, I welcome this Bill. SHRI T. K. RANGARAJAN: While supporting the Bill, I have a few comments to make for the consideration of Government. As far as the economic development of a country is concerned, it is closely linked to the consumption of energy. Although India ranks sixth in the world, so far as the total energy consumption is concerned, it still lags much behind in per capita consumption. A substantial amount of energy put into daily use is wasted as a result of losses. There is a vulgar consumption of energy by the rich and elite for marriages, and social and religious functions. I am not against sports. But, how much electricity do we waste on IPL games? There is a huge scope for energy conservation in the country. The system of room ACs should be converted into centralized AC system. There are cases of electricity theft.

287 If you save energy, you need not increase the rate for the common man. In 2001, the Standing Committee had suggested inclusion of certain industries in the Schedule of the Bill. How much have we saved? All types of power generating stations including coal based thermal, gas, diesel, etc., how many of these have been specified in designated consumer coverage under this Bill. In Kerala group of 120 women propagate to the people how to save energy. Kerala example is one of the best examples in India. Energy clinic in Kerala got an international acceptance. I also suggest inclusion of mini-steel and mini-cement plants. I demand energy audit should be mandatory for all industries and commercial establishments. Energy balance sheet should also be an integral part of the monitoring purpose. SHRI N. BALAGANGA: India has the ambitious plan to give power to all by 2012. To meet this goal, energy efficiency and energy conservation mechanisms should be promoted. There is a power shortage of about 12-13 per cent. Energy conservation potential has been estimated as 23 per cent. I would like to ask the Minister whether the target of Avoided Capacity Generation could be completed within the Eleventh Plan Period. The Government should take initiatives to create awareness among the people about energy efficiency. Energy audit studies conducted in several Government establishments indicate energy saving potential of 20-30 per cent. The Bill fails to prescribe the terms and conditions for energy auditors and audit firms. Government should think about this. SHRI R. C. SINGH: Our 75% or 70% energy is consumed by the big industries of fertilizers, Aluminium Textiles, Iron and Steel and papers. If they are developed scientifically, energy consumption can be reduced. We should depend upon conventional resources for providing power to villages. The Government should encourage Gobar Gas Plants, Jatropa and solar energy. Solar energy system should be installed in the whole of India. Power should not go waste. The Government should set up research centres for this purpose. There is need of changing naked wires. The Government should also give attentions towards wind energy. The Hon'ble Minister should set

288 up Specific Research Centres for development of technology. Infrastructure has not been developed for generating 20,000 megawatt power from solar energy by the year 2022. We can meet the demand of villages by solar energy through prototype system. SHRI BHARATKUMAR RAUT: I wish to welcome the Bill. Conservation of energy is not a matter of enactment, but it is a matter of social awareness. There is no clause in this Bill which talks about creating social awareness. The generation sets are not being changed in the thermal power stations in Vidarbha. If you do not invest in such things, the generation capacity would get reduced and that amounts to deficit in energy. You should set up sub-stations on Public Private Partnership basis which will enhance the electricity and transmit it further. On the one hand, we want to give more teeth to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and, on the other hand, the Ministry itself wants to control many things. I believe in the decentralization of power and decentralization of decision making. More agencies means more confusion. I welcome the Bill. SHRI V.P. SINGH BADNORE: I am happy that the Conservation Act came before the Electricity Act in 2002 and 2003 respectively. I think there is more than 50-60 per cent shortage of electricity in this country. Thousands of villages even today after more than 60 years of independence, are still not electrified. That is the position in most of the States today. In Europe, there are countries where they have extra electricity and they give it out free to a lot of industries. U.S. and Australia too have surplus electricity. We must strengthen the BEE. It needs to educate people. There must be powers to impose penalties, and also incentives introduced, so that we can save electricity. I support this Bill. SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY, making his maiden speech, said: I rise to speak on the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2010.

289 The current Bill in discussion appears to only cover the energy efficiency measures with a view to conserve power. It would be desirable to adopt a holistic approach to include conservation of fuels and ecosystems. The current installed capacity of 1,31,000 MW is required to be increased to about 9,50,000 MW by 2030 to create the gigantic future electricity generating capacity, it is estimated that a massive Rs.60,000 billion investment is required. The section 14(C) of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, after the proposed amendment prohibits issuance of notification within six months in normal cases and one year in special circumstances. A new section 14(A) is proposed to be inserted. As per this proposed section, in case there is a saving of energy by the designated consumer, an energy saving certificate would be issued. This can be sold to a designated consumer who is not complying with the energy consumption norms. The Hon’ble Minister, replying to the debate, said: On the amendment suggested by Shri Avinash Raiji about Government buildings, I would like to say that the procedure is already going on in the President House, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rail Bhawan and all, and we wish that we will try to comply it as early as possible. Many observations were made by the hon. Members regarding the losses in electricity, consumption of electricity, requirement of rural people. In the Constitution, electricity is in the Concurrent List. The States have to provide sub-transmission, distribution and supply of electricity to the people. The Central Government facilitates and supports the efforts of the States. For that, we have the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana. Under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana, we have targeted about 1,18,000 villages, and 2.46 crore people. Out of that, we have covered about 81,576 villages and 1.18 crore people. The balance we will do as soon as possible, by 2012. The mechanical metres have been replaced by electronic metres which give very accurate reading. Nearly one lakh new pump sets have been given by the Tamil Nadu Government in the reforms programme by spending so much money. ‘Electricity to all by 2012’ programme has been carried out and the sanctioned amount is almost Rs.33,000 crores. Nine lakh children are participating in 40,000 schools in the

290 campaign of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency for saving and conservation of energy.

The motion for consideration of the Bill was adopted. The Clauses etc. were adopted. The Bill was passed.

V. K. AGNIHOTRI, Secretary-General. [email protected]

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ERRATA TO SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE, DATED 17TH AUGUST, 2010

Page 262 Line 7, from bottom, read the name of Hon’ble Minister as ‘SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA’ Page 272 Line 1, read ‘framed’ for ‘farmed’ Line 7, read, ‘Sectoral’ for Sectroal’

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