RAJYA SABHA ______SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE ______(Proceedings other than Questions and Answers) ______Thursday, February 11, 2021 / Magha 22, 1942 (Saka) ______
MATTERS RAISED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIR 1. Need for Use of Hindi and Other Languages in Supreme Court and High Courts SHRI HARNATH SINGH YADAV: Even after 74 years of independence we have not been able to provide justice to the people of this country in their own language. 98 per cent population of the country communicates in Hindi and other regional languages. So the need of the hour is to adopt people's language in delivering justice so that they may understand the arguments of the advocates as well as the verdicts given by the courts. This will also enhance transparency in the justice delivery system. I, therefore, urge to make a law for the conduct of the proceedings of the Supreme Court in Hindi and the conduct of proceedings in High Courts in regional languages. (Several hon’ble Members associated.)
______This Synopsis is not an authoritative record of the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. 186
2. Need for Introduction of New Railway Line in Santir Bazar and Sonaichhari Belonia Subdivisions in Tripura SHRIMATI JHARNA DAS BAIDYA: I would like to bring to your kind attention a very urgent demand of the two localities of South Tripura district. It is for introduction of new train services in Santir bazar Subdivision and Sonaichhari of Belonia Subdivision. People living there cannot avail the rail services as the railway stations from their locality are travel about eight to nine kilometres to reach the railway station on either side. It would be very helpful if a halting station is operationalised at Sonaichhari. Government are requested to pay attention towards the same. (Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.) 3. Problems being faced by Daily Commuters in Delhi/NCR SHRI NARAIN DASS GUPTA: I want to draw the attention of the government to the problems being faced by daily commuters in Delhi and NCR. The restrictions that had been put in place due to corona pandemic, are now being lifted gradually as the situation is becoming normal. Metro rail has started its operations, but only one gate is open for entering or exiting from the metro station while there are gates for all directions at metro stations. This is causing long queues in the morning and evening, especially at Central Secretariat and Patel Chowk Metro stations as this area also has certain restrictions due to construction of New Parliament Building. By dint of the efforts of our Chief Minister, Shri Arvind Kejriwal no cases of corona are now being reported these days. I, therefore, request to pay heed to this problem. Similarly, the government should also take steps to address the problems regarding local trains. (Dr. Amar Patnaik, Dr. Sasmit Patra and Dr. Fauzia Khan associated.)
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4. Need to Extend Benefits under Special Category to Saharia Tribals Living in Sagar and Bhopal Divisions in Madhya Pradesh SHRI DIGVIJAYA SINGH: Specific schemes are formulated for the scheduled tribes, especially extremely backward special tribes. Saharia caste has been included in Madhya Pradesh under extremely backward special tribe. But they are able to get this benefit only in Chambal and Gwalior divisions while this tribe lives in Sagar and Bhopal divisions and in the entire Bundelkhand. Therefore, I request the hon'ble Minister to take suitable steps so that the Saharia caste may get the same benefit in Sagar and Bhopal divisions as they get in Chambal and Gwalior divisions. (Shri Rajeev Satav, Shri Rajmani Patel and Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.) THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI THAAWAR CHAND GEHLOT): We have not yet received any proposal from the state government in this regard. In such a situation, how would we consider it? 5. Unfair Fixed Charges on Account of Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation (RPO) DR. AMAR PATNAIK: I want to draw your attention to the issue of unfair fixed charges on account of Renewable Energy Purchase Obligations which have been recently fixed by the Government of India. As we know, all the States do not have the same potential for generating all kinds of renewable energy. Some States have higher potential for solar, some have high wind intensity and some have high hydro potential but the recent circular, which has been issued, fixes and mandates that all of them would be put together under an RPO trajectory and applied to all the States. It is highly unfair. I would request the government to reconsider this and allow the States to determine their own kind of renewable energy source that they want to exploit and contribute to the national grid. (Several hon’ble Members associated.)
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6. Ex-Gratia Commission to War Widows in Armed Forces LT. GEN. (DR.) D.P. VATS (RETD.): India leads in terms of brave women. But unfortunately, many of these brave women who are war widows, are not recruited even after getting through the gruelling tests conducted by the Services Selection Board while several posts of officers are lying vacant in army. I request the government to increase vacancies and make room for these brave women to join the defence service. (Dr. Sasmit Patra, Dr. Amar Patnaik, Shri Subhash Chandra Singh, Dr. Fauzia Khan and Shrimati Priyanka Chaturvedi associated.) 7. Need for Autonomous Status to Kannada, Classical Language Institute DR. L. HANUMANTHAIAH: I have been demanding Autonomous Status to Kannada Classical Language which was awarded to it in 2008. But the Government is trying to put this classical language under the Bharatiya Bhasha Vishwavidyalaya (BBV) or the Indian Classical Institute. I request the Government to kindly take a decision at the earliest to give the autonomous status to Kannada Classical Language Institute. (Dr. Sasmit Patra and Dr. Amar Patnaik associated.) 8. Need to Waive NOC for Construction Work in Defence Establishment Area in West hill, Kozhikode SHRI ELAMARAM KAREEM: I wish to raise an issue about thousands of residents staying near the Military Establishments, West Hill Barracks and the Military Ground in West Hill area of Kozhikode, Kerala who are struggling a lot due to the ban on construction or any renovation and repair works imposed by the Military authorities. As per the official circulars of the Ministry of Defence, it is clear that the military authorities of Westhill Barracks does not have any right to restrict the construction works. So, I urge upon the Government to intervene in this issue urgently and instruct the military authorities of this Military Establishment in Kozhikode to 189 step back from preventing the people from construction and imposing NOC for the same. (Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.) 9. Need to Establish National Chilli Research Centre in Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh SHRI G.V.L. NARASIMHA RAO: We accounted for more than 50 per cent of world chilly exports in the last five years. Andhra Pradesh alone accounts for 40 per cent of India's production. I urge upon the Government to set up a National Research Centre in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, which is the centre of chilly cultivation in this country. This will not only help in development of new varieties but also in extension of knowledge about post-harvest technologies. (Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.) 10. Need to Fill Vacant Posts of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Chairman of the National Trust and Rehabilitation Commission SHRI RAJEEV SATAV: We passed "Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2016" but it cannot be fully implemented as long as the full-time Chief Commissioner is not appointed for the same. Secondly, the post of Chairman of National Trust and Rehabilitation Commission is also lying vacant . I request the government to fill up these vacancies without further delay. (Several hon’ble Members associated.) 11. Need for Inclusion of "Gondi"Language in Eighth Schedule SHRIMATI SAMPATIYA UIKEY: Gondi is a language of the scheduled tribes. It's a very old language. With the passage of time, this language has also incorporated elements from Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Hindi and several other languages. This language is being spoken by lakhs of people in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattishgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. But this primitive and ancient language can become extinct since it's not used for official purpose. 190
Therefore, I request the government to recognise this unknown language(Aboli). (Shrimati Chhaya Verma, Shrimati Phulo Devi Netam, Shri Rajmani Patel and Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.) 12. Need for Financial Help to People Affected by Disaster in Chamoli, District of Uttarakhand SHRI SANJAY SINGH: First of all, I am Paying tribute to the 34 persons who lost their lives due to the natural calamity in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. As per reports, the jawans of NDRF are trying their best to save the lives of those persons who are stuck in the tunnel. I also request the government to pay attention towards compensation paid to family of the deceased and the injured persons. This amount should be at least 25 lakhs. Government should chalk out a scheme to compensate those who have suffered loss of property in the tragedy. The government should also work out a plan to re- establish the connectivity which has been disrupted in the calamity. (Several hon’ble Members associated.) ______STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER PRESENT SITUATION IN EASTERN LADAKH THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH): Hon'ble Chairman, the House would recall that I had made a detailed statement on the developments in the India-China border areas in Eastern Ladakh during the last session in September last year. I had highlighted that the Chinese side had since April/May 2020 amassed large number of troops and armaments in the border areas adjacent to Eastern Ladakh. It had also made several attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in various parts. These actions of the Chinese side had been detected and appropriately responded to by our armed forces. The House and the Nation had also paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives in the cause of defending the
191 territorial integrity of India.I would today like to apprise the House of certain important developments since then. Hon'ble Chairman, since last September, both sides have maintained communication with each other through military and diplomatic channels. Our objective was to effect disengagement and maintain status quo along the LAC so as to restore peace and tranquility. Let me briefly recapitulate the main aspects of the situation on the ground. As the House is aware, China illegally occupied approximately 38,000 sq. kms in the Union Territory of Ladakh, mainly during the 1962 conflict. In addition, under the so-called Sino- Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. kms. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. China, thus is in illegal occupation of more than 43,000 sq. kms of Indian territory.It also claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh. India has never accepted this illegal occupation of our territory or the unjustified claims. Hon'ble Chairman,I would also like to inform the House that India has consistently maintained that while bilateral relations can develop in parallel with discussions on resolving the boundary question, any serious disturbance in peace and tranquility along the LAC in the border areas is bound to have adverse implications for the direction of our bilateral ties. The Chinese side is well aware of our position. Various high level Joint Statements have acknowledged this point that maintenance of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the border areas is a fundamental premise for development of relations. Hon'ble Chairman, the actions by the Chinese side since last year have seriously disturbed peace and tranquility. Consequently they have also had an impact on the overall relationship. In our various high level interactions with the Chinese side, including in my own meeting with Chinese Defence Minister last September, my colleague the External Affairs Minister Shri Jaishankarji’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister and NSA Shri Doval’s conversation with his Chinese 192 counterpart, we have made it clear that the foremost need was to ensure disengagement in all the friction points along the LAC in the Western Sector so as to help restore peace and tranquility. Hon’ble Chairman, I had apprised the House last year that there were several friction areas in Eastern Ladakhalong the LAC. In addition, the Chinese side had mobilized a large number of troops and armaments along the LAC as well as in the depth areas. Our armed forces too had made adequate and effective counter deployments in these areas to ensure that India’s security interests were fully protected. Hon'ble Chairman,I am proud to say that our Armed Forces have responded to the challenges posed by the unilateral Chinese action and have shown valour and courage on bothSouth and North bank of Pangong Tso. Many strategically important points were identified and our troops positioned themselves at those Hill Tops and at locations which were very important from our point of view. It is because of this great bravery of our Armed Forces in the face of harsh adverse climatic conditions that we maintained the edge. Our Armed Forces proved yet again that territorial integrity of our country remains safe in their hands and their grit and determination to safeguard our borders is unwavering. Over the last year, we have maintained diplomatic and military engagement with the Chinese side. In these discussions, we have maintained the three key principles that determine our approach: (i) both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC. (ii) neither side should attempt to alter the status quo unilaterally. (iii) all agreements and understandings between the two sides must be fully abided by in their entirety. To ensure disengagement in friction points along the LAC, it was our view that troops of both sides, who are now in close proximity, should vacate the forward deployments made in 2020 and return to the permanent and accepted bases. 193
Hon’ble Chairman, our approach and strategy for negotiations with the Chinese side has been guided at the highest level by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s resolve that we will not give even an inch of Indian territory. Our tenacity and approach during talks have yielded results. Sir, since September 2020, based on the policy guidance, military and diplomatic officials of both sides have met several times to work out a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement. Till date, there have been 9 rounds of meetings of the Senior Commanders of both sides. Diplomatic talks have continued in parallel under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India- China Border Affairs (WMCC). Hon’ble Chairman, I am happy to inform the House today that as a result of our well thought out approach and sustained talks with the Chinese side, we have now been able to reach an agreement on disengagement in the North and South Bank of the Pangong Lake. It has also beenagreed to convene the next meeting of the Senior Commanders within 48 hours after the complete disengagement in the Pangong Lake area so as to address and resolve all other remaining issues. Hon'ble Chairman, the agreement that we have been able to reach with the Chinese side for disengagement in the Pangong lake area envisages that both sides will cease their forward deployments in a phased, coordinated and verified manner. The Chinese side will keep its troop presence in the North Bank area to east of Finger 8.Reciprocally, the Indian troops will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3. A similar action would be taken in the South Bank area by both sides. These are mutual and reciprocal steps and any structures that had been built by both sides since April 2020 in both North and South Bank area will be removed and the landforms will be restored. Hon'ble Chairman, it has also been agreed to have a temporary moratorium on military activities by both sides in the North Bank, including patrolling to the traditional areas. Patrolling will be resumed only when both sides reach an agreement in diplomatic and 194 military talks that would be held subsequently. The implementation of this agreement has started yesterday in the North and South Bank of the Pangong Lake. It is expected that it will substantially restore the situation to that existing prior to commencement of the standoff last year. Hon'ble Chairman, I want to assure this House that in these talks we have not conceded anything. The House should also know that there are still some outstanding issues with regard to deployment and patrolling at some other points along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. These will be the focus of further discussions with the Chinese side. We have agreed that both sides should achieve complete disengagement at the earliest and abide fully by the bilateral agreements and protocols. By now, the Chinese side is also fully aware of our resolve. It is therefore our expectation that the Chinese side will work with us in full sincerity to resolve these remaining issues. Hon’ble Chairman, I would like this House to join me in paying gratitude to our armed forces who have shown grit and resolve under these extremely harsh climatic conditions of Ladakh which has resulted in the present agreement. Hon'ble Chairman, I want to tell this that our Nation will always remember the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers which has been the foundation of this disengagement. Hon’ble Chairman, I am fully confident that this entire House, irrespective of political affiliations, is united together for upholding our sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and national security. And further, this House is one in sending out the same message demonstrating the strength and unity of our Nation to the entire world. I can say this with confidence. Thank you, Jai Hind. ______
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THE UNION BUDGET, 2021-22 General Discussion - Contd. SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE PILLI, Continuing his unfinished speech dated 10.02.2021, said: (Spoke in Telugu.) SHRI VISHAMBHAR PRASAD NISHAD: The Annadata of the country is sitting on a dharna on the borders of Delhi in protest against the three agricultural laws and to get them repeal. They are also demanding for legislation on MSP. There is no mention in the budget regarding roads and bridges in Uttar Pradesh. But the funds of many projects have been withheld and the work has not been completed yet. The Sher Shah Suri road which connects Bhoganipur to Chaudgara should be made a four lane road as it is a very old road. Today, the government is saying that the income of the farmers will be done double, I do not think that the government is doing this work. Today, paddy and maize are not being purchased at MSP. There is no provision in the budget to increase the honorarium of Anganwadi Asha workers and Shiksha Mitras working in the Corona period. Due to no caste-wise census, minority people are not getting proper participation in all services and all resources. In order to conduct caste-wise census in 2021 census, the column of Performa should be changed. 17 castes in Uttar Pradesh have been demanding for a long time that they should be included in the Scheduled Castes list. But the government is not doing this work. There is a lot of loss of crop from animals or wild animals, so it should also be included in the 'Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme'. The central government is failing in every sector. None of the announcements made by the government in the last five years have been fulfilled by the government. Demonetisation and GST have broken the backbone of the country's economy. Railways was the highest employment provider institution. Now, it is being sold in private hands. Government undertakings are being sold in private hands. In the last five years, employment opportunities have decreased rather than increased. The youth and ______ Synopsis of speech delivered by hon’ble Member in Telugu will be published separately as supplement. 196 farmers of the country are frustrated and disappointed with the budget. Demand to build a commercial airport in Chitrakoot has also been made for a long time, but so far the government has not done any work on it. The Tulsi Express train from Prayagraj to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus currently runs two days a week. Arrangements should be made to run it daily. Bundelkhand lacks adequate means for irrigation in fields. Due to lack of means of irrigation, the farmers there remain frustrated and disappointed. Hence, most of the suicides occur in Bundelkhand. A special package should be provided in the budget for the development of Bundelkhand, but no provision has been made in the budget for it. The apprehensions being expressed by farmers today about MSP are completely right. I understand that all three farmers Bills should be withdrawn and legislation should be made to give guarantee on MSP. It has been announced to sell 74 percent shares of Life Insurance Corporation of India, which is a bad news for the insured. 32 government undertakings are being sold in private hands - it is not in the interest of the country as a whole. Government banks are being made private and private banks are being promoted. This budget will widen the gap between rich and poor. This budget is very disappointing for unemployed, youth, farmers, small traders and people with low incomes. More than Rs. 6 thousand crore has been reduced in the budget for the education sector. 10 thousand crore rupees has been reduced in 'Kisan Samman Nidhi'. Funds should be provided in the budget for diseases like cancer. The government should make provision in the budget to provide free treatment to the poor. Not a single penny is being given in the 'Saansad Adarsh Gaon Yojana'. Take back the 'Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana', no work has been done in it in the last 6-7 years. The central government did not release any money for it. Many farmers have died in agitators sitting against agricultural laws, they should be given a support of twenty-two million rupees. Even after completing so many years of independence, not much work has been done in the field of education yet. There is no arrangement of education for many children of tribal and nomadic caste, so compulsory and free equal education should be implemented. The quota of SC, ST and OBC class should be filled on time. Kovid-19 vaccine should be given free of cost to everyone in the 197 country. There is no focus on Uttar Pradesh in the budget, but all the provision has been done for the election of Bengal. SHRI RAM CHANDRA PRASAD SINGH: The Minister of Finance has presented a very marvellous and development-oriented budget. Due to the arrangements made in the Corona period, not a single person died of starvation in the Corona period in the whole country. Today, when the vaccine has come to us, the vaccine will be given to people all over the country. This vaccine is completely indigenous vaccine, it is a matter of pride for all of us. We have become self-sufficient in agriculture, our farmers are not only farmers, they are also employers. If a MNREGA worker works for a year, he will get 25 thousand rupees. The basic thinking of this government is "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishvash". NDA's development with justice is inclusive growth. This means that all the people and all areas should be developed. During the Corona period, five - five hundred rupees were deposited in the Jan Dhan accounts of poor women. Everyone was getting free grain at his home. One thousand rupees were deposited in the account all the workers of Bihar who were stranded in other corners of the country and when they came to Bihar, their living arrangements were made and Rs 5,300 was spent on each person.That time it was much important to save the lives. Industrial development was low. The work was being done only in the agricultural sector. Even in the Corona period, our agriculture has done a fantastic job. Schools were closed during the Corona period, but the children were given bicycle money in their accounts. Provision has been made in this budget for that Ekalavya school. Provisions have been made in the budget for tea workers, for women. We are ensuring the development of all areas. In this Corona period also, teachers have been trained for online teaching. This training will also be provided to the teachers of rural area schools. Now people will say that the financial deficit has reached 9.50 per cent. Financial deficit will be there in case of revenue loss. When the Corona period ends, our economy will be back on track. No new tax has been introduced in this budget. Those who have attained the age of 75 years and their only means of income is pension and interest, they are exempted from filing income tax return. This is a very commendable 198 step. Pension is the only source of income for those who are above the age of 60 years. TDS will be deducted at the bank's interest. If you increase this limit to 60 years, senior citizens will get the benefit. It is a good thing that you have mentioned in the budget how much subsidy is given to the FCI. Fertilizer subsidy also needs to be assessed. We are giving this subsidy to fertilizer companies. This should also be given directly to the farmers' accounts by direct benefit transfer. We also give seeds to farmers. The amount of seed should also be given directly in the accounts of the farmers. Our job should be to ensure that farmers can get good quality seeds from the market. The entire amount which is provided under 'MNREGA' to all the States can not be fully spent. I request that 'for agricultural work on private land' should be added in 'MNREGA'. This will increase the income of the farmers and 'MNREGA' will also be utilized properly. I once again thank you for bringing such a good budget. SHRI ELAMARAM KAREEM: The Union Budget for 2021-22 is very disappointing and it has failed miserably in addressing the present situation. When the country is going through the worst crisis in its history, the hon. Finance Minister has presented a Budget that does not have any vision and programme to overcome it. This budget is filled with proposals that will enable to implement its agenda of privatisation. The Budget is far away from the ground realities. It doesn't fulfil any of the needs of our nation and people in this pandemic time. There are no plans or announcements to help the millions of people who lost their jobs and income due to COVID. It is friendly to Indian and foreign corporates. The prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas have been continuously hiked. Unemployment is another biggest issue which is being faced by our nation. This Budget has not any proposal to address such issues. This Budget looks like a sales advertisement. Everything is for sale here. The hon'ble Finance Minister said that privatisation of Public Sector Undertakings and sale of national assets would help to expand the economy of the country. All profit-making Public Sector Enterprises are to be sold or privatised, while announcing closure of loss-making PSUs. This makes serious repercussions among the lives of people and workers. Even Railways, urban transport, gas-pipe lines are to be privatised. 199
Central PSUs in Kerala which are decided to be sold off by the Central Government are being taken over by the State and are being operated efficiently. Revenue loss has been increased. Income from disinvestment in 2020-21 was below the expectation. Now it is clear that enhanced spending had to be financed with borrowing. It resulted in huge fiscal deficit. Under several heads, expenditure in 2020-21 was actually lower than budgeted. These cuts are being carried forward into the next year also. The Budget allocation for Health for 2021-22 is less than the last year's Revised Estimates. In MNREGA, the Budget allocations have been decreased and the rural unemployment and joblessness have increased drastically. In Mid- Day Meal Scheme, allocation has been cut down. In ICDS, the allocation has been reduced. In job and skill development allocation has been cut down. Keeping in view the upcoming elections in five States, some announcements have been made in the Budget to mislead the people of those States. The State of Kerala was completely neglected in terms of Railway Development. Allocation has been made for the National Highways but is only for ongoing projects. On the whole, this Budget does not provide anything for the people. With this, I register my objection to the recommendations in the Budget. PROF. MANOJ KUMAR JHA: Earlier the budget used to be a 'Aam Budget' but in the last few years it has become a 'Khas Budget'. It means by special people and for special people. Let it be 'Aam Budget' only. While looking at your many financial proposals and Bills, it seems that the beneficiaries are already fixed. Things are fixed earlier. I am receiving requests from many people. They fear that their plants will be given to someone. Nilanchal also has their payment issues. Please accept your failures as well. Please ensure elections here in April-May only as we are left out. Bihar should be a matter of concern for the country. People want to see Bihar as a labour-supply state only. We want to change this approach. We also want to stand in the category of developed States. We do not want sympathy from you. We want no shortage of industries and resources in the Bihar. It would have been nice if more provisions were made for small farmers in the budget. Which country are we making by giving maximum resources to one per cent people. 200
We have a different pattern of migration here. Migration also happens on a large scale. I have seen the agony of migration on the streets but it is not worried about here. There is a reduction in spending on education. Both school education and higher education division have seen their budgets cut. With regard to Centrally Sponsored Scheme for school education and literacy, an amount of Rs.43,285 crore has been allocated which is less than Rs.50,380 crore of the last Budget figure. Then, issue of re-enrollment arises, about which several survey reports have been brought out. During this whole period of Corona, access to technology has been very crucial as many things are online these days. Several surveys have been conducted thereon that it has limited the opportunities and has led to an increase in dropouts. This should be our concern as to how we can provide financial help to the marginalized people so that they can fight the digital divide. The appointment of teachers is also a matter of concern. There is still a 17 per cent of gap in the appointment of teachers. Therefore, the government will have to take proactive initiatives in this regard. In the Corona period, MGNREGA has supported lives. Therefore, the government should revisit the allocation of MNREGA. Also, the number of man-days should be increased. I wanted to say about the public distribution system and the issue of food security is also related to it. I have only taken issues of the social sector. Regarding railways, the government should do a cost analysis of hundred per cent electrification once. Should it be a priority in a pandemic year? Now, immense potential of Railways is at stake. When there is discussion on the budget in the Parliament, it is not just in a partisan manner. But this should be the budget of common people and labour should be given as much importance as it is given to capital. SHRIMATI VANDANA CHAVAN: This Budget comes at an extremely crucial time when the world and our country are going through very trying times. The people of this country look at this Budget with great hopes and aspirations. Covid taught us several life lessons. As far as India is concerned, this Budget is the first ever document after Covid which really sets a roadmap as to how our country needs to go ahead and what are the choices that we are going 201 to make. Climate change poses one of the biggest challenges to mankind. It challenges our very existence and our future is at stake. Countries all over the world are declaring climate emergencies. India is also vulnerable to climate change. But, there is no mention of this impending danger in the Budget Speech. It shows that our choices are blatantly out of place. And, it is an irony that we have reduced the Budget allocation for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The total budgetary allocation for the Ministry is Rs.2,869.93 crore this year as against Rs.3,100 crore last year. So, there is a drastic reduction of Rs.230 crore. It is extremely disappointing. The Indian cities are becoming gas chambers. According to the Lancet Planetary Health Report, air pollution claimed 1.7 million lives in India in 2018. The Government has allocated Rs.2,217 crores to tackle pollution in 42 cities. Last year, it had earmarked Rs.4,400 crores for clean air. We do not know how that amount was utilized. According to the Greenpeace, 231 out of 287 major cities, had PM10 levels exceeding the 60 unit level prescribed by the CPCB. According to the Lancet Planetary Health Report, India lost 1.4 per cent of the GDP due to premature deaths and morbidity from air pollution. And, 1.4 per cent of GDP is equivalent to Rs.2,60,000 crores in monetary terms. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, India suffered an economic loss of 37 billion dollars due to climate change in 2018 alone. And, Kerala witnessed the worst ever flood in hundred years, which claimed 324 lives, damaged 20,000 houses and 80 dams. There was a migration of 2,20,000 people. Losses due to these amounted to 2.8 billion dollars. Chennai, which has a million population, ran out of water and it had to be transported from outside. The message is loud and clear. We have been alarmed time and again by experts and scientists but sadly we do not pay heed. We are diluting the EIA norms, the NGT norms, the CRZ norms and the National Forest Policy. The dense forests in the country are being opened up for coal mines. Therefore, the Government should ponder, introspect, analyze and decide what is the path that we need to take. We have to act now for the future of our generations.
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SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA: Due to the effect of the COVID-19, the country is passing through a very critical time. Despite that, the Government has presented a wonderful Budget. The Budget is growth-oriented. This Budget is for Atmanirbhar Bharat and for infrastructural development in our country. It is going to give and create new job opportunities. When Budget proposes to increase the capital expenditure, automatically, it will reduce inflation in our country. The Budget proposes 137 per cent hike in the health sector. The Government is going to spend Rs. 35,000 crores for Covid vaccines and fifty crore people of our country will be benefited through it. Unemployment is one of the greatest challenges for the nation. When the capital expenditure is increased, automatically, there will be new railway stations, new airports and new shipping ports in the country, which means, job opportunities will be created there. In this Budget the Government has given topmost priority for the infrastructure development of the country. The National Infrastructure Pipeline project will be expanded to cover 7,400 projects. Under the proposed Bharatmala Pariyojana, more than 13,000 kilometres of road will be constructed at the cost of Rs.3.3 lakh crores. I am very happy that in this Budget, the Government has allocated Rs.34,000 crores to construct 1,300 kilometres of national highway in Assam. In addition, Rs.1,000 crores is awarded for the infrastructure development of Assam. During the Covid pandemic, migrant workers had to face several problems. They were not getting food, shelter etc. But, 'One Nation One Ration Card' system will help the migrant workers to get food-grains at cheap price from any part of the country. Railway electrification is a dream of the people of north-eastern region. I compliment the Government that in 2021, it took an ambitious plan to electrify 50 per cent of the NF Railways. According to the World Health Organisation, the highest numbers of cancer patients in our country come from the north-eastern region. Every day, hundreds of cancer patients visit Mumbai from from the north-eastern part to get Cancer treatment. So, the Government should run a Bullet Train between Guwahati and Mumbai. Further, there are more than 10,000 posts lying vacant in the NF Railways. The Government should fill
203 up these posts from amongst the unemployed youth of the north- eastern region. SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Dr. Arvind Subramanian who had just demitted office as Chief Economic Adviser, said, 'Pre-Covid, Pre-Budget, the economy was in the intensive care unit'. Dr. Abhijit Banerjee said, 'Pre-Covid, pre-Budget, the economy was doing badly'. The country had witnessed eight quarters of slowdown. The economy started at 8 per cent in the beginning of 2018-19, and ultimately, it ended with 3 per cent or so in 2019. In my intervention last year, I had pointed out that. But, the Government was refusing to accept the reality of a slowing economy and the Government believed wrongly that the problem of India's economy was cyclical and not structural. The Government said that the revival would happen next quarter. Be that as it may, two years of slowdown is a reality. Then the Covid struck. We pleaded the Government to transfer money to the poor people and give free rations to them. Be that as it may, this Government continues to believe that supply side responses will turn the economy around. Every economist in the world has said, we have to stimulate demand. This Government has failed in putting money in the hands of the people. By this three years of incompetent economic management, we will reach exactly the same place where we were in 2017-18. In the last year millions of people lost their jobs, dropped out of the labour-force and out of them 22 per cent are women. 35 per cent of MSMEs have closed. The reality is that there is no demand in the bulk of India. India’s economic situation needs to take the advice of well-meaning critics, distinguished Indian economists and immediately address the needs of the poor people. The Government has ignored the poor, the unemployed persons who have lost their jobs and still looking for those jobs, the MSMEs which have closed and the jobs that were lost in the closed down MSMEs. It is saying that it has raised about Rs.10 lakh cores for additional borrowing. But it has three large holes. On the revenue side, its expenditure increased hugely, it has shortfall of crores of rupees in revenue and in the disinvestment. The revenue projections, the disinvestment projections for next year are ambitious but, to me, there will be a shortfall. The government has projected a nominal GDP growth of about 15 per 204 cent. But, to me this year will end at minus 10, minus 11 and next year it will grow by 8 or 9. The first time in the history of Parliament the word ‘defence’ was not mentioned in the Budget speech. The Government has reduced crores of rupees in the allocation for health in the Budget. By imposing cess the State Governments have been denied their share. This Budget has done nothing for the poor of India. It seems, this is a Budget prepared for the rich, of the rich and by the rich. We strongly protest and dissent against the Budget. As we dissent, we will be called Andolan Jeevi and Par Jeevi. But the par jeevis of the country are those one per cent people who control seventy three per cent of India's wealth. This is a Budget for those one per cent people. We reject this Budget and appeal this Government to amend it in favour of the poor. SHRI ARUN SINGH: The first paperless budget is also an environmentally friendly one. This budget, prepared keeping in mind the challenges and needs of the country during COVID-19 pandemic, is praiseworthy. No new tax has been imposed in this budget. At the time of UPA, the inflation rate in the year 2009-2010 was around 13 per cent. There were many disputes and court cases due to which industrialists of the country were not inclined to set up industries. People from outside also did not believe us and did not come here to set up industries and to invest. The UPA government had targeted to collect 25 billion dollars through corporate bonds, but was able to collect only 15 per cent. In our government, as of now the country has received investment of 74 billion dollars. Today, our forex reserves are also 590 billion dollars. In the year 2013-14, only 42 lakh hectares of land of farmers were irrigated but today more than 56 lakh hectares of land gets irrigated. In this Budget fund for 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' has also been provided. It has been promised to give 60 thousand crore rupees to the farmers every year. Overall Credit Limit of farmers has been increased to sixteen and a half lakh rupees. The number of people filing income tax returns has also doubled. Our government brought GST and the result is that all people are filing returns honestly. Despite the COVID infection, a GST collection of Rs. 1,20,000 crore has taken place in the last month. Our economy was the 10th largest economy in the year 2013-14 but today it has 205 become the fifth economy. India is the youngest country. Our government started the 'Mudra Yojana' and today 25 crore people have been given loans under the 'Mudra Yojana', which has generated huge employment. 7 crore women are engaged in 66 lakh Self-Help Groups in the country. India is the third eco-system in the field of start-ups. Today there are thousands of start-ups in the country from which people will get employment. Tax exemption on capital gains on the money invested in start-ups and extension of the tax-exemption of start-ups by one year have been announced in this Budget. From your time to our time, patents have increased four times. Today, more than five times trade marks are being registered in India. In the budget, it has been announced to set up the National Research Foundation at a cost of Rs. 50 thousand crore in the next five years. Employment is being provided through more than three crore CSCs across the country. Through the stand-up women, people belonging to SC, ST and youth are getting job opportunities. Hon'ble Finance Minister has doubled the allocation for the MSME sector in this budget. They have been given maximum relaxation. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme is underway. People in the MSME sector who are in trouble have also been provided more than Rs 20 thousand crore through the Relief Fund. The Prime Minister decided that only the Indian industries will participate in the tenders of less than Rs. 200 crores. The criminal sections in the Companies Act have been made non-criminal. We will also decriminalise the criminal sections in the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. 750 Eklavya schools will be built for the tribals. This is the budget meeting the honorable Prime Minister's goal of making India a five trillion dollar economy. SHRI SUKHENDU SEKHAR RAY: This Budget reflects the bankruptcy in the state of economy of our country. Millions of MSMEs are still shut down. Loan off-take in the MSME sector even without any collateral guarantee is at a record low. The government had talked about doubling the income of farmers within five years, but you have increased it again by 2022. You have understood that you will not be able to double the income of the farmer even in this one year. By bringing three agricultural bills, you completely opened the door of the agricultural sector to the corporate. The whole 206 agricultural sector would now be a playground of the corporates. For three months, a large number of farmers have been sitting on a Dharna with their families in the capital Delhi. The Agriculture Minister gave a statement in front of the public that discussions have been held with millions of men. But the RTI Information Commissioner has no record of this. Respected Finance Minister, I request that you must think about its impact on the economy. The amount allocated in the budget for MGNREGA is lower than the revised estimate of 2020-21. The amendment made in the labour law is an anti-labour step on the part of the Government because the labour laws have been amended for the benefit of the corporates and the policy of hire and fire shall prevail upon the working conditions of the workers. Even the eight- hour duty at the working place shall be extended up to 12 hours at the diktats of the corporates. The government had promised to provide two crore jobs every year. In April, 2020, twelve crore people lost their jobs due to the pandemic and not just the pandemic, but also because of the recession that started from the time of announcement of demonitisation. There is frustration everywhere. In view of Assembly- poll some announcements have been made for roads and highways and West Bengal has, as usual, got the lowest allocation.This is a step-motherly attitude towards Bengal. The Central Government failed to widen and maintain the National Highway Nos. 31 and 34 for the past one decade. The West Bengal Government has successfully constructed 88,841 kilometers of rural roads and 5,111 kilometers of State Highways in the past ten years. The devolution of funds to West Bengal, till December last year, had been Rs.10,000 crore less. The damage caused by Amfan storm was estimated to be Rs 1 lakh 2 thousand crore. But only a relief of Rs 1 thousand crore was announced. The Central Government has not given a single penny for Amfan Relief till date.There is no mention of Rs.85,700 crore which is due to West Bengal on account of GST, 100- day work, infrastructure projects, ICDC, etc. in the budget. The prices of petrol and diesel in our country is much higher than those in the neighbouring countries. According to the Finance Minister, the number of nationalized banks will be reduced to two. A private bad bank will be created for non-performing assets, which will decide how 207 that money will be collected or not. The government will have no control over it. Those who have looted the money of our general public are criminals and criminal action should be taken against them. You are helping those people by making non-criminalization of criminal sections in the Companies Act. You cannot take any criminal action against them because you have completely sold yourselves to them. More than 400 public sector units will be reduced to only 3 to 4 units. The government will sell the over 100-year-old indigenous company Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which is not a loss making company, this year. The government has announced this to help the private company which has prepared the roadmap to loot the property worth Rs. 45 thousand crores located in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur and Bengal. DR. M. THAMBIDURAI: Entire world had been in the grip of Covid pandemic. It has already affected the world economy as also India's economy. As far as vaccine is concerned, India's vaccine is much sought after throughout the world. In this connection, the hon'ble Prime Minister has taken a lot of efforts to see that we can get the Made in India vaccine quickly. Prime Minister always stresses the need of 'Make in India'. That is his slogan. On that basis, to solve the pandemic, he has taken a lot of efforts at a risk to his life. We are proud that most of the countries of the world have sought the Indian vaccine. Because of the hon. Prime Minister, we have achieved this. I thank the Finance Minister for giving importance to Tamil Nadu while allocating funds. I would request the Centre to enhance the financial assistance being provided to Tamil Nadu to continue our efforts to save the lives of the people. The construction of the national highways at the cost of Rs. 1.03 lakh crore would boost economic growth in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Government would put in all the efforts to implement this project. While thanking the Centre for approving the projects sent by the Government of Tamil Nadu to upgrade the fishing ports and to establish seaweed park, I would also request to give funds to develop other small fishing ports in Tamil Nadu. I request the Finance Minister to take up one more project connecting Coimbatore to Tiruchirappalli via Karur. After completion of this project, we can go from Coimbatore to 208
Tiruchirappali within two hours. I plead with the Central Government to immediately release 50 per cent share for expanding the second phase of the CMRL project. At the same time, I also request the Centre to accord approval for implementation of new metro projects for Coimbatore and Madurai. I request the Finance Minister to take up the railway project connecting Jollarpettai-Bengaluru via Krishnagiri- Hosur because Hosur is a corridor now. The Finance Minister announced a planned revamp of public transport system and allocated an amount of Rs. 18,000 crores to purchase 20,000 new buses. This is a welcome step. I request the Central Government to provide financial assistance to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. I am thankful to the Union Government for making adequate financial allocation in the current Budget for scholarships for the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. I am also thankful for having favourably considered the request of Tamil Nadu for schemes in higher education. I request the Central Government to waive the loans taken by the farmers from nationalised banks in the lines of Tamil Nadu Government. It will be a great boon to the severely affected farmers by COVID pandemic. The concept of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' won't suit our country. It is a borrowed concept. I differ with it. We need 'Maximum Government' for poverty eradication, equality, social justice, transforming rural India and the Central Government and the State Government must enable it rather than just regulate it. MGNREGA is very important. This project will increase the purchasing power of the poor people. It should be provided more fund to create more employment in rural India. MPLADS fund should be increased by Rs.25 crore. These are not used by MPs. It is only for earmarked projects. Let MPs also play a role because the public asks for so many things to be done. For the initiatives taken in the current Budget, I thank the Finance Minister. SHRI SUJEET KUMAR: Increased capital expenditure for improving the physical infrastructure, higher priority to health and drinking water, higher allocation under National Livelihood Mission, steps to boost the startup eco-system of the country, etc. will definitely help India march towards prosperity. There has been a very marginal 209 hike in the Defence Budget in comparison to our neighboring countries which is a matter of concern. Covid pandemic has severely affected the education ecosystem of our country. There is a real risk of increase in school dropout, particularly, in rural India. In this context, it is very surprising and saddening that education allocation has been decreased in this Budget. It may give a wrong signal that the Government is not serious about education and the implementation of National Education Policy. Odisha Chief Minister has, time and again, raised issues of negligence with the past and present Central Governments, in areas of tele-density, banking, highways, coal royalty, drinking water and irrigation and cutting off funds for scheduled areas like the KBK Scheme. The funds meant for repair and renewal of national highways are routinely delayed. There are six districts in Odisha with no Railways. The Odisha Government had requested for Rs. 7,200/- crore in this year's Budget for Railways, but we got only Rs. 5,528/- crores. I request the Government that there is an urgent need for expanding rail network in the State to improve our rail density. The world must know about Kalahandi model of Development and despite this remarkable journey, we are still not getting adequate budgetary support. We have been deprived of opportunities by successive Governments both Central and State.
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Desh Deepak Verma, Secretary-General. [email protected]
****Supplement covering rest of the proceedings is being issued separately.
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