___

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

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Agrahayana 18, 1937 (Saka) ______

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) SHRI JANAK RAM laid a statement regarding need to develop a Shiv

circuit connecting places of religious importance associated with Lord

Shiva in Muzaffarpur and Gopalganj districts of Bihar.

(ii) SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA laid a statement regarding

need to provide compensation to farmers whose land has been acquired

for construction of National Highway No. 148-D (Gulabpura to Uniara)

in Rajasthan in accordance with the new policy.

(iii) SHRI HARISH MEENA laid a statement regarding need to modernize

the armed forces and allocate more funds for operational capabilities.

(iv) SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA laid a statement regarding

need to include Tonk, Sawai Madhopur and Gangapur cities of Rajasthan

in the first phase of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban

Transformation.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Chair. (v) SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE laid a statement regarding

need to increase remunerative price for paddy particularly for Vidarbha

region of Maharashtra.

(vi) SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE laid a statement regarding need to

administer Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences

Lucknow, by Union Government.

(vii) YOGI ADITYA NATH laid a statement regarding need to include

people belonging to Nishad community of Uttar Pradesh in the list of

Scheduled Castes.

(viii) SHRI laid a statement regarding need to set up a

Cancer Research Institute and Hospital in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh.

(ix) SHRI BAHADUR SINGH KOLI laid a statement regarding need to

construct a rail line between Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Kosi in Uttar

Pradesh.

(x) SHRI THUPSTAN CHHEWANG laid a statement regarding need to

send a central team to Ladakh to assess damages caused by the natural

disasters.

(xi) SHRI CHHEDI PASWAN laid a statement regarding need to declare

Rohtas and Kaimpur districts of Bihar as drought-hit and provide

adequate relief to the affected farmers. (xii) SHRI laid a statement regarding need to construct

bridges on river Ramganga in Arjunpur and river Ganga between

Kamalganj and Kadhar in Farrukhabad parliamentary constituency, Uttar

Pradesh.

(xiii) SHRI laid a statement regarding need to take step

for expeditious development of vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis.

(xiv) SHRI RAJEEV SATAV laid a statement regarding need to honour

Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Jyotirao Phule with Bharat Ratna.

(xv) SHRI R. DHRUVANARAYANA laid a statement regarding need to

allocate more funds for the BRT Tiger Reserve.

(xvi) DR. K. GOPAL laid a statement regarding need to provide

unemployment allowance to the unemployed youth belonging to

Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community.

(xvii) SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN laid a statement regarding need to

expedite doubling of rail link work between Madurai and Kanyakumari.

(xviii) DR. RATNA (NAG) DE laid a statement regarding need to construct a

flyover at Bandel Junction Railway Station.

(xix) SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR laid a statement regarding need to

protect the ancient monuments in Arambhagh parliamentary

constituency, West Bengal. (xx) PROF. RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD laid a statement

regarding need to provide adequate funds for Krishna Marathwada

irrigation project in Maharashtra under Pradhan Mantri Agriculture

Irrigation Scheme and waive the loans of farmers distressed due to severe

drought condition in the region.

(xxi) SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS laid a statement regarding need to

include Technical Institutes of Higher learning, located in Andhra

Pradesh, in the Ph. D Scheme for IT and Electronics.

(xxii) DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD laid a statement regarding need to

improve the condition of Asha workers in the country.

(xxiii) SHRIMATI P.K. SHREEMATHI TEACHER laid a statement

regarding need to extend the run-way of the proposed Kannur

International Airport to 4000 metres.

(xxiv) SHRI PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA laid a statement regarding

need to start operation of international flights from international airport at

S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) in Punjab and also name the airport after Shaheed

Bhagat Singh.

(xxv) SHRI BHAGWANT MANN laid a statement regarding need to protect

the social media activists. (xxvi) SHRI RAJU SHETTY laid a statement regarding need to restrict the

import of dairy products in the country.

INDIAN TRUSTS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2015

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI JAYANT SINHA) continuing said: The Indian Trust Act was formulated in 1882. When the Indian Trusts Act. 1882 was formulated, section 20 notified in a very precise and detailed way the financial instruments that could be used to invest these funds. Those provisions have become completely archaic now. The time has come to remove those archaic provisions and to replace them with modern day financial instruments. What we have said in effect is that if we put this in place the Indian Trusts Act will be ready for the 21st Century and be able to help the people who are the beneficiaries of those trusts. The amendments seek to amend sections 20 and 20 (a) of the Act. Which will give the trustees greater autonomy and flexibility in investments. This Bill was introduced in 2009. It went to the Standing Committee. Most of the recommendations of the Standing

Committee were accepted and that is the amendment that is now proposed to be considered and passed by this august House.

SHRI initiating said: I support this trust amendment Bill various trust have unutilized money. A way has been found how to utilize such money in the development of the country. It is a welcome step. We should reconsider the whole Bill encompassing all the provisions. The government today has taken a commendable step although it took 130 years. I thank the Government for taking this right step and introduced amendment to section 20 in the interest of the society and the country. Section 20(A) has been deleted. In there are some mutts with deposits running into millions of rupees lying unutilized. The elderly had donated their properties to the wakf and the trusts with the conviction that their money would be utilized for the benefit of the society, education and would help the poor.

SHRI S. SELVAKUMARA CHINNAIYAN: The Bill seeks to amend a

133-year old, Indian Trusts Act, 1882. It also outlines the manner in which surplus fund of the trust may be invested for future use and benefit of the trust. This Bill also proposes to delete some pre-Independence references to outdated and obsolete securities from the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. It may be recalled that the Law

Commission of India in its 17th report, had earlier recommended for amending the

Section 20. The Bill proposes to confer greater autonomy and flexibility on trustees of private trusts as regards investment on trust money. The proposed changes are consistent with the current economic environment. The Centre has taken an important step towards enabling private trust funds to be parked in listed shares and specified debt securities. Under Common Law, a trust is an arrangement under which the settler entrusts his property to certain persons or trustees, who become the legal owners of the trust property but hold it for the benefit of third parties, that is the beneficiaries. The Act extends to private trusts only and not to public trusts. Nonetheless, Indian courts have held certain provisions applicable to public trusts as well. A private trust's beneficiaries are a closed group, while a public trust for the benefit of a larger cross-section having a public purpose. There are thousands of trusts in India that include religious and charitable trusts managing large sums of money. Employee welfare trusts also have substantial funds. Some of these attitudes have changed in the past two years or so, largely driven by the advent of professional wealth managers.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: This Bill seeks to amend Section 20 and empower the Government to notify a class of securities for the purpose of investing trust money. The scope of this Bill when enacted would be restricted to private trusts registered under the Act. We all know that there are two types of

Trusts - private and public. There are State laws relating to Trusts. Under the

Income Tax Act, taxation of private trust is different from that of public, religious and charitable endowments. The Indian Trusts Act applies to private trusts only and has no application to public, religious and charitable endowments. Why the

Government is not formulating a model legislation covering trusts and societies in lieu of the existing laws on societies, trusts, endowments, charitable institutions, etc. It is necessary to look into the recommendations of the Law Commission of

India afresh. Today the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the Religious

Endowments Act, 1863, the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, the Charitable and Religious

Trusts Act, 1920 and the Waqfs Act, 1995. The Law Commission of India looked into the matter afresh and considered the recommendations made by the Second

Administrative Reforms Commission and gave its Report to make a model legislation. That Report is still awaited. How long will it take and what is the present position? This Bill, as has been introduced by the Minister, proposes to confer greater autonomy and flexibility on trustees of private trusts as regards investment of trust money. The proposed charges are consistent, I would say, with the current economic environment. EPFO management has decided to invest five per cent of its incremental deposits in ETFs only during the current fiscal. I would like to understand from the Government what are the other bodies which are going to invest in this, on which the Government is going to give permission. I support the Bill.

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: I rise to support The Indian

Trusts(Amendment) Bill, 2015. Public Trust Act, 1860 has been in vogue in

Maharashtra. Any institution registered under that Act whether it is a public committee, institution, temple or any public trust has a wealth to the tune of crores of rupees. There is a need to benefit the common man from that money. It is the need of the hour that the government takes control of the management of all these trusts. The government has paid attention towards it while omitting section 20.

This bill is not going to adversely impact any person who is competent to sign an agreement with the trust and complies with provision of the trust deed and directions. I would like to thank the government for this regard.

DR. RAVINDRA BABU: I stand here, on behalf of the Telugu Desam

Party, to support this Bill. Whenever we walk about any Trust, we always get reminded of the Charitable Trust, Private Trust and money flowing from outside into a Trust. After that, there is embezzlement and siphoning of the money into circulation. There are certain income-tax exemptions given to the money deposited in a Trust. That money needs to be investigated. Unless this loophole is plugged, a Trust can become a haven of black-money. Regarding investing in securities, let the money be invested in the social sector schemes, poverty alleviation schemes and especially in the Railways. Let there be public trust in the

Trusts Act. Please see to it that no activity recurs, no fraudulent means are used to misuse the Trusts Act.

SHRI P. K. BIJU: I would like to say that it is a very small Bill but a very important Bill. The Government is interested in changing the Bill which is placed before this House and the Upper House, we can find that normally it is helping all the corporates. This Bill seeks to amend section 20 and 20A of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 to empower the Central Government to notify a class of securities, for the purpose of investing trust-money.

SHRI RAJESH RANJAN: If the wealth is concentrated in the hands of one person then he will have the power to get any post in the world by the use of money power. Therefore, the first thing to ensure is that the purchasing power should not be concentrated in the hands of one person. Money should be dispersed in more and more hands. The government has allowed big hospitals and schools to be run by big capitalists. The industrialists earn immense wealth by forming trust.

The government provided land to Apollo hospital for one rupees and the original mandate was to give free treatment to the poor but it is a open secret that not a single poor patient is treated there despite the hospital possessing free land worth billions of rupees. I have two suggestions to make. First is that the property belonging to a trust, hospital or a school should never be allowed to be run by an

NGO at any cost. NGOs in India posses maximum amount of black money. There is a need to bring a stringent law to recover black money in India.

SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR: It is unfortunate that as per the clauses in the existing Act which dates back to 1882, the trust money has to be invested in promissory notes, debentures, stock and other securities of the United Kingdom.

This Bill is deleting all these clauses. I request the Government to come with a fresh Act for the Indian Trusts Act. SHRI MEKAPATI RAJA MOHAN REDDY: The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Indian Trusts Act 1882 to remove the outdated provisions. The

Amendment will help the trustee to invest money of the trust in Government securities. It is a welcome step to provide a greater autonomy and flexibility to such trustee to take decisions on investment of trust money based on their assessment of the risk-return trade off. It would be consistent with the current economic environment. The objectivity of the trust should fall within the definition of charitable norms. Income tax return of the trusts should be filled regularly and if there is any irregularity, the trust concerned should be derecognized. Foreign contribution received by a particular trust should have the

Government clearance. The authorities concerned should frequently monitor that the trusts are not engaged in commercial activities. There is need of constant monitoring of the trusts/NGOs as it has been seen that these violate the norms especially with regard to financial dealings. Our party supports this Amendment

Bill.

SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA: There is a need of charitable trust or other similar trusts in our country so that social work should be continued through these trusts. This is a good initiative of the Government in my opinion. The people of our society should get free medical treatment as such trusts do not spent for the purpose. Moreover, such trusts do not spent even on education and for the development of our society. Amendment in Article 20 and 20A alongwith this

Amendment is a commendable effort of the Government. Besides, Indian Trusts

Act also needs to be amended. It is the responsibility of the corporate sector to discharge their CSR. But they do not do it. Instead they provide their money to the trusts and utilize the same in other related activities. So, the Ministry of

Finance should fulfill its responsibility by conducting regular monitoring of such trusts. I welcome this Amendment.

SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: The Government proposes to amend the Article 20 and 20A keeping the present circumstances in view. The Law

Commission has also recommended for amendment of the same. I am also of the view that trustee of any trust should have liberty to invest its funds. Through this amendment, now the private trusts alongwith the Government fund, Employee's

Provident Fund Organization would also get benefitted because they will have now more liberty and rights to invest in shares which might give more returns. The foreign institutions are investing their funds in the Indian security market and getting more returns. Therefore, the private and government trusts of the country should have also the same right. We frequently come across news items about scams in such investment. Therefore, there should be an effective mechanism in place for its monitoring to ensure that no one in authority exercises his powers arbitrarily. SHRI PREM DAS RAI: In view of the old legislation, we are bringing in reforms in a manner we are able to invest in a new class of investments which has not been stated. We need to bring all the different Acts which today govern different charities of the country into one umbrella so that w are able to better secure the way in which these are regulated. I would like to know whether the old laws within the State of Sikkim which regulate some of our Trusts and Charities there would be impacted by this.

SHRI JAYANT SINHA replying said: As far as the Finance Ministry is concerned, our responsibility and our scope of administration are restricted to

Section 20. We have tried to address, and we have, of course, replaced the obsolete Section 20 and brought in a modern day interpretation of how this should be done. As far as the broader question about these multiple overlapping Acts, particularly those that pertain to Public Trusts and the beneficiaries in the permanent religious charitable trusts, is concerned, it is under consideration of the

Law Commission right now. We have already moved to improve the Indian Trusts

Act as it is right now. I am sure that as we work in repealing and amending some of these obsolete laws, we will try and bring some sanity to all of these Trusts as well.

The Bill was passed.

STATUTORY RESOLUTION

Re: Disapproval of Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial

Appellate Division and High Courts Ordinance, 2015 (No. 8 of 2015)

And

COMMERCIAL COURTS, COMMERCIAL DIVISION AND

COMMERCIAL APPELLATE DIVISION OF HIGH COURTS BILL, 2015

THE MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI D.V. SADANANDA

GOWDA) moving the motion for consideration of the Bill, said: The Government under its consideration is providing a mechanism to ensure speedy and fair disposal of 'commercial disputes', especially of high value involving complex facts and questions of law. As provided in the said Bill, all the suits, appeals or applications related to commercial dispute of specified value, that is, one crore or above, are to be dealt with by the Commercial Court or the Commercial Division of the High Court. So, I commend that it may be taken up for consideration.

The discussion was not concluded.

DISCUSSION UNDER RULE 193

Re: Drought situation in various parts of the country - Contd.

#SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV: While talking about the suicides committed by farmers of Maharashtra, what kind of problems they are suffering, we know it very well. They are consistently facing drought conditions. Their earnings are meagre. Farmers have no fodder to feed their cattle and no water to drink. We have to find the reasons behind it. This current drought it harsher than the one in 1972. I feel proud to inform that our Shivsena Chief has helped these distressed farmers to drought affected areas financially and in this way he tried to help them to survive. The Central and State Government ordered to allot loans to farmers but the farmers do not get loans. There are no balance between the expenses and income from the crops like cotton, soyabean, grapes and sugar cane.

We are also not ready to help the farmers with open heart and always try to minimize the relief and rehabilitation package. That should not be done. I would like to request the Government to make some concrete measures. Government should also implement the report of Dr. Swaminathan Commission. Only declaring the schemes is not sufficient. Implementation should also be ensured.

# Original in Marathi *SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR: Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has stressed the need for nationalisation of rivers and to expedite the project of interlinking of rivers, especially the rivers of South India as through the linking of rivers, both floods and drought may well be tackled. Rivers are the national and natural resources and for judicial sharing of water between the States to meet the demands of irrigation. Water deficit Stats may also have an opportunity to get water from the States which have water in excess. There should be national waterways for this purpose. Although the Union Government has several crop insurance schemes for the welfare of farmers affected by drought and floods, the farmers are not completely benefitted through these schemes. Union government should ensure that all the framers including small and marginal farmers are benefitted. Assessment of damages to crops due to floods and drought should be followed by immediate relief. I urge that the compensation for crop losses should not be delayed at any cost and should be released immediately. Moreover, the agricultural loans along with interest should be waived off to bring the life of drought affected farmers back to normalcy. Recent rains and floods in Chennai and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu have caused widespread devastation to standing crops. I urge that the Union Government should immediately release

* Original in Tamil funds from the Union as compensation package to the flood affected farmers of

State.

*SHRI N. KRISTAPPA: Farmers of Anantpur district are fully dependant on ground nut cultivation and drought is a regular occurrence in this district.

Today, farmers are clueless as to what will happen after sowing. They are not sure whether they will get rains. They buy seeds, fertilizers and prepare their field for sowing. After all these preparations, they don't get rains, they are compelled to sell seeds and fertilizers. Due to fear of loss, farmers are cultivating only 10 lakh acres instead of 20 lakh acres of land. It is the responsibility of the Government to rescue farmers from distress. So, I request the Government to save Anantpur and

Rayalaseema districts from these losses. It was said that inter-linking of rivers can be the only solution to provide water for Rayalaseema region. So, inter-linking of rivers could be expedited. I would like to refer to climate insurance plan that was brought by UPA Government for farmers. That policy did not do any good to our farmers, therefore I request the Government to scrap that insurance plan and essential changes may be made to bring an insurance plan which can compensate all losses that are incurred by a farmer. The Government should assure farmers that all the crop losses will be adequately compensated. I request the Government to take such initiatives.

* Original in Telugu SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV: In my State Maharashtra, there is drought in Marathawara and Vidarbha for the last four years continuously. Irrigation facilities and water is not available to them in the required quantity. So the production in crops is getting affected adversely in spite of hard work by the farmer. Farmers are suffering a lot and they are committing suicide. Government should plan and come out with a plan to bring farmers out of this crisis. Farmer is the feeder of the country. Indian economy is agro based. India's image is of an agro based country. In India farmers are committing suicide. It is a matter of grave concern. Farmers are hit by natural calamities as drought, deficient rainfall or floods affecting farmers adversely. Government should find solutions to these problems. A Separate budget should be brought for development of agriculture and interest of farmers in line with Railway budget. This would help to improve the economic condition of farmers. This would help to focus on agriculture. When there is price-rise of foodgrains, export tariff is raised. Export of that food grain is banned. Import is promoted. But this import remains even after the coming of next crop. So farmers do not get remunerative prices of their produce. So import and export policy should be changed. The loans should be waived off. Keeping in view their conditions farmers should be made free from debts, import and export policy should be amended in favour of farmers, more amendments should be made to resolve the old problems of farmers, MGNREGA programme should be promoted in favour of farmers so that farmers are benefitted.

SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL: In my constituency, there has been heavy rainfall during the months of June and July. Roads were damaged at many places.

State and Centre Government took steps and there was no loss of life but there was loss of property. Full area was water logged. Crops were damaged. Natural calamity like flood was not ended and there was drought. There was no fodder for animals, cattle. The people did not have food. As there had been no rainfall there is crop loss of 65 percent. After the month of July there was no rainfall. So there was drought. The moisture of soil was less. Today, the whole crop of Millet was destroyed. Today, the whole world is facing the situation of climate change. The whole world including India is facing the problem of Global Warming. Our Prime

Minister has shown concern on this situation. Everyone should get along to face this problem. Today, the need of hour is to revive reservoir and old sources of water. In my constituency Sirohi, there is need for conservation. To protect drinking water, the water of hilly areas should be conserved. Salgaon project had been started three decades back for providing solution to drinking water problem of Mount Abu a major hilly tourist place. Many tourists visit this place every year.

Even after passage of three decades; the children of air force army, CRPF personnel and their hostel and 22 lakh tourists including foreign and local visit this place. It was reconsidered in 1988. After that this project is in cold blood. Under this project by construction of a tunnel in Banswara Mahi river water should be provided to Jalore, Sirdi and Barhmer. In Sirohi there are many hills and natural nallahs. There is need to conserve them. Under the hilly area check dams should be constructed and rain water should not be wasted. The level of underground water can be maintained. With the help of these steps we can save ourselves from the damage due to climate change.

SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI : Many states have been affected due to drought during the last decade. We should work to overcome the situation of drought. Government is taking action to overcome this situation. Even today

50% of irrigation depends on rainfall. So our foodgrain production has been affected. Our social financial and political life is affected. Only one way is to increase the source of irrigation. To overcome the situation of drought our pending projects should be completed. My request is that the projects in my constituency should be completed. In tehsil Badesar, further construction work should be taken up in Luharia dam. With this irrigation facility and drinking water facility would be attained. To resolve the situation of drought we should also work along with the government. It depends on our own initiative. If alone we work for water collection and save water and provide protection, only then we can save our economy from drought. DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK: Several parts of the country have suffered drought in this year. It is very pitiable situation that even after 67 years of independence, 60% of agriculture lands for its irrigation depends on monsoon. The country is facing many natural calamities like drought, heavy rainfall, flood etc due to climate change. I would like to suggest several effective adoptive policies for implementation like disaster management, insurance support to farmers, better agricultural land use and change in management, forestry scheme, development programme, measurement of water use and policy reforms in management of water resources. Total 8 districts out of 13 districts have faced drought in Uttarakhand. The severity of drought is highest in my Parliamentary

Constituency. Pant Nagar Agriculture University and horticulture and forestry university at Bharsar should be strengthened and funds should be provided for setting up new extension centres of these universities. I also demand funds for strengthened irrigation facilities in Uttarakhand and to provide relief for drought affected farmers. We should use a modern and sophisticated technologies for assessing and forecasting weather and to transmit these information to farmers.

We have to use organic material in agriculture field for preserving moisture in soils. In such condition, farmers will be able to grow coarse grains successfully.

The farmers should be recommended to grow barley, pulses and oilseeds. We commit mistake by recommending Bt. Cotton or sugarcane to farmer. The failure of such crops in various parts of country have forced our farmers to commit suicide. The farmers should be encouraged to grow vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture and herbs. A nationwide system for providing weather information in a planned manner to farmers for their concerned area's need. On the one hand modern agriculture techniques have to be used for harvesting, and at the same time, water harvesting should be prioritised and each household should be encouraged to participate in water harvesting. The attention must be paid towards the shortcomings in institutional settlement planning. We should ensure that our warning system should be strengthened and be equipped with latest technologies otherwise the occurrence of calamities will be natural phenomena, and we will continue to suffer loss of life and property. The problem of the drought can only be tackled by long term policies of the Central Government. The international coordination plays an important role to come over droughts. Land management and creation of irrigation schemes at micro level like districts is compulsory and these should be implemented properly. Special awareness programmes should be organized for providing assistance in use and also management of land resource.

An urgent step should be taken to provide maximum relief to drought affected states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand at the earliest. SHRI NISHIKANT DUBEY: Drought is a recurrent phenomenon in my

State Jharkhand. If affects livelihoods of the majority of its people, particularly tribals and Dalits living in rural areas. Eighteen of the 24 districts of the State, covering 43% of the total land area, are covered under the Drought Prone Area

Programme (DPAP). Hunger and starvation deaths are reported almost every year.

Jharkhand is one of the richest State in the country in terms of natural resources.

However, the rate of growth in agriculture has been one of the slowest the country.

The worst-affected are primitive tribal groups. Another group that is severely affected is the scheduled castes, primarily agricultural workers with very little land.

Jharkhand is one of the most food-insecure and malnourished State in the country.

The situation becomes much worse when there is a drought. At the start of the monsoon, weekly reports on crop coverage and rainfall should be prepared.

Drought-prevention measure like promotion of watershed management and minor irrigation projects, restoration of lift irrigation schemes, wells and tanks have been promoted. The State Government has reorganized the Relief and Rehabilitation

Department and a Disaster Management Wing. In 2001, while drought was declared in the first week of August, the first instalment of funds for the construction of wells in each panchayat was released only in October 2002. There is also a time-lag between the planning and implementation of the DoA's relief package. Seeds distributed under the package reach blocks late; in some cases the seeds are not received at all. The allocation of funds for drought relief is inadequate and improper.

SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN: The city of Chennai is reeling under unprecedented flood which was not experienced in hundred years.

People are put to untold difficulties and many precious lives have perished in the fury of nature. The farmers have already lost their Kharif crops (summer) due to shortage of rain. Now the Rabi crop is also going to be affected adversely.

Thousands of farmers have committed suicide due to crop failure and inability to repay the loans taken from banks and other agencies. It is my earnest appeal to the

Government to convene the meeting of the State Government to chalk out an action plan to tide over the emergent situation. Shortage of monsoon doesn't hit the agricultural production alone. It will hit industry also. Our country is mostly depending upon rain fed cultivation. What we require is prospective planning in the agricultural sector. Global warming and climate change is a matter of grave concern and we cannot afford to ignore this reality. Every drop of water is precious and water conservation should be given top priority. Water conservation is not an agenda on the item of many of the State Government. To avoid poverty and consequent suicides in the drought affected areas governments should provide for alternate employment opportunity in such States. I earnestly appeal to the Government to enable the farmers to get interest free loans for revival of agriculture process.

SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL: As many as 231 mandals out of 438 mandals in nine districts are drought hit in Telangana State. Acute scarcity of water leads to human misery in multiple forms. There is a fear that crime rate will be increased. The other social problem being witnessed on account of drought is increasing school drop-outs in Government schools in rural areas. Telangana State is consisting of 10 districts and spread in an area of 1,12,000 square kilometres with a population of 350 lakhs. For 35 million population, agriculture is the mainstay of their livelihood. About 69 per cent of the work force is depending on the agriculture and allied sectors. Due to non-receipt of sufficient rainfall and because of dry spells in the southwest monsoon, an extent of 12.23 lakh hectares of cropped area has been damaged where the yields are reduced by more than 33 per cent of normal yields. The production of foodgrains is likely to be affected badly.

Severe drought conditions for second consecutive year have led to crop failure, mounting debts, chronic unemployment and failure of MGNREGA scheme. The

State Government has started many programmes to tackle the situation. The

Government has started Kakadia Mission for developing 45,000 tanks. It is going to increase 10 lakh acre of area under irrigation. We have also started a very ambitious water grid programme for providing drinking water to 12,000 villages after laying 1,26,000 km long water pipeline as well as the Government has also started 'Harit Dhara' Programme for plantation. The State Government has waived off bank loan worth Rs.17,000 crore and provided subsidy amounting to Rs.2000 crore for sprinkle irrigation and another subsidy of Rs.250 crore for green house.

The total financial requirement to take up drought mitigation works and relief measures is s. 2,514 crore.

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: During last four years the farmers of

Maharashtra are worst affected drought victims. Therefore, the farmers of the areas of Vidarbha, Marathwara, West Maharashtra, Konkan etc. are committing suicide. Due to sudden change of climate and often hailstorms and sudden heavy rainfall farmers suffer losses. The financial assistance from State government and the Union Government do not reach farmers in time. All these factors land the farmers into debt trap and they commit suicide. Farmers should be given instant compensation for the loss of their crops due to drought. The children of drought victim farmers should be given free education from primary level to higher education level. In order to mitigate the effects of drought more funds should be given to drought affected districts under the MGNREGA.

SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR: In India nearly 12 % of the

Population is drought affected. West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha register drought by Meteorological Sub-Division in every 5 years. West Bengal also consists of drought-hit districts like Purulia, Burdwan, the rice-bowl of West

Bengal, Malda, Hooghly, Bankura, Birbhum and West Midnapore etc. These

Districts receive less than 30% normal rainfall. The State Government has to face additional financial burden by increasing irrigation subsidy. Crisis of drinking water and prices of vegetables rise. There is a long pending demand of setting up of Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in West Bengal. I urge upon the Central Government to set up CRIDA in West Bengal. Crop insurance should be looked up by Central Government. I urge the Central

Government to give attention for Water harvesting, allot funds for drought management plan, aid for paddy, mustard, maize seeds etc. This will benefit the rainfall deficit districts.

SHRIMATI BUTTA RENUKA: Drought is a social and economic epidemic resulting in a lot of farmers and agricultural labourers committing suicide. The impact of drought is not only on the agricultural economy by also on their sectors like industry, commerce, exports, etc. and even on the stock markets.

It is a great concern that the groundwater levels across the country are receding year on year, forcing the farmers to dig borewells deeper and deeper. The ongoing drought in India has been among the most severe in recent memory. So far, as many as 302 districts all over India have reported severest drought. Telangana and

Rayalaseema districts have suffered severe drought during the last two years. The State Government has not been able to reach out to even one percent of the affected farmers. It is unfortunate that we are unable to provide confidence to our own farmers who stood by our country's food security. All the crop insurance schemes in vogue now have not covered even 15 per cent of the extent of agricultural land under cultivation in the country. There are complaints that these schemes are not very effective and claim settlement process is very cumbersome.

There should be a permanent mechanism to address drought and cyclone related problems. Presently, only 40 per cent of small and marginal farmers in the country have access to bank credit. The commercial banks have to play a proactive role by immediately considering the loan write offs in areas where the farmers are not responsible for the crop losses, and for whom the crop insurance is not available.

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE: Karnataka and Maharashtra are the worst affected by this year's sub-par monsoon. This year is unlikely to be any better with rain-fed crops like pulses, coarse grains, oilseeds alongside sugarcane and cotton likely to see a dent in production. An added worry is that reduced water levels in reservoirs and little moisture in the soil will spell trouble for the upcoming winter crop, for which sowing begins in October, 2015. About 454 farmers have committed suicide for not being able to withstand the effect of the worst drought. Due to failure of monsoon following 40 percent deficit in the rainfall, sowing has not touched even 30 percent in most of the taluks. Karnataka is facing the worst drought in 44 years. The Karnataka Government has declared drought in 27 out of 30 districts. Karnataka Chief Minister led an all party delegation to the Prime Minister to seek more relief funds in the wake of farmer suicides, unseasonal rains and drought. The State Government, which had sought a

Rs. 3,830-crore relief, asked the Centre to release the rest immediately.

SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA: Several parts of our country including my State of Odisha and more specifically my constituency of Balasore is a victim of drought. As an immediate measure, our Chief Minister Shri Naveen

Patnaik has declared a number of measures for the farmers. Odisha Government has already submitted a Memorandum to release at least Rs. 1687 crore as the first instalment for drought. In the last 20 years, 90 percent of natural calamities have happened due to temperature related problem. All these goes to suggest that we are in much bigger crisis. While it is important for the Government of India to address the current issue of drought including immediate release of Rs. 1687 crore.

SHRI B.S. YEDIYURAPPA: Karnataka is the 3rd largest drought hit state.

Our State is facing such severe drought for the first time compare to past 40 years.

The State Relief and Rehabilitation Department has announced, 136 taluks as drought hit taluks. There are approximately 1.30 crore cattle in our state. The current fodder stock is of about 67 lakh tonnes, which may be sufficient for only next 14 weeks. This ill-fated situation has forced farmers, to sell their live stock. Crops have been totally spoilt in around 33 lakh hectares of our agricultural lands.

Water levels in major 53 dams are reaching lowest possible level. Present water level is not even sufficient to meet the drinking water requirement till May 2016.

Our state has good hydro-electric power generation capacity of 3600 MW. But due to drought, power generation has failed. Karnataka would face difficult times in the remaining months of the current year when it comes to power supply. It is most unfortunate that during 2015-16, so far about 846 farmers have taken the extreme step of committing suicide and out of 846 families, around 280 families have received the compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs each from our State Government so far, and others are pending for assessment. NDA Government has treated

Karnataka on par with other States, and sometimes provided better financial assistance than our neighbouring states. For the first time in the history of

Karnataka, NDA Government has rushed to provide administrative approval to release Rs. 1540 crores within 6 weeks from the date of submission of report to handle the drought situation. Whereas, for the last 10 years, that is from 2004-05 to 2013-14, UPA's financial assistance to our state during such contingency period of flood and drought was merely Rs. 5216.5 crore with an average of Rs. 521 crore per annum. As sum of Rs. 1770 crore is being transferred online every month to our state's treasury without any reminder. The ruling government in our state is continuing to blame BJP led NDA government as if the BJP Government at the Centre is responsible for the current miserable status of farmers. Though Central

Government is fully committed to reversing the situation so that farmers are better cushioned against the impact of drought. We need to facilitate our farmers with loans through nationalized banks with cheaper rate of interest. Apart from this, the methodology adopted by the nationalized banks to recover existing loans, to be made farmer friendly. Farmers will be morally boosted by giving free electricity.

De-silting of tanks and lakes works to be undertaken persistently. I fervently request Central Government to assist us combating drought with all seriousness, to intervene, and instruct our state government to utilize funds more efficiently and timely.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN: Drought situation has adverse affects on the day today life of the people. It has indirect effect on industrial sector also.

Agricultural workers are also facing severe crisis. They are losing jobs and thereby getting no wages. In states like Andhra Pradesh, large number of people go to some other states for their livelihood. The financial assistance to the farmers with free of interest rate has to be taken with due importance. In the national level itself, the disastrous management system has to be strengthened. The massive investment should be made by the Government in Agriculture. Natural calamities in terms of flood and drought really destabilize the budget of concerned states, so

Government should take timely action with due vigilance for its implementation. SHRI PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA: The country recorded a 20 per cent less rainfall last year as a result of which there has been a decline of 28 per cent and 9 per cent in production of wheat and pulses respectively. This has also resulted in the decline in the income of farmers and that is why they are committing suicide. Punjab recorded the lowest rainfall. Our Government supplied more electricity to farmers as a result of which Punjab registered an increase of 25 per cent in crop production. 70 per cent rain water goes waste.

Therefore, there is a need for rain water harvesting. Check dams should be constructed to ensure the availability of water. The amount provided under the

Crop Insurance Scheme is meager. The Punjab Government has forwarded a proposal of the crop insurance scheme to the Central Government. If this scheme is implemented the farmers would definitely get more benefitted. Dr.

Swaminathan had recommended the formula for determining the MSP. According to it, 50 per cent more should be added to the cost of the crop. Only then, the farmers would get benefitted. Besides, the loans of farmers should also be waived of. A conference is going to be held in Nairobi on 15-16 December. It is a matter of great concern that developed countries like Canada and America proposed to exert pressure on India and other developing countries through the WTO to do away with the practice of MSP. I would like to urge upon the Government to put forward the demand of our farmers in an effective manner and vehemently oppose the said move of the developed countries. The Government should compensate farmers in order to encourage them to cultivate crops that need less water.

DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA : Drought in Maharashtra is a big challenge for

Maharashtra Government. Government of Maharashtra is taking measures e.g. the

"Jal Shivar Scheme" to help people in long run. Today, the main challenge is water and fodder for cattle. We must plan that affected people do not migrate. We appeal to Government of India to initiate long term measures and meanwhile declare some short term measures so that affected people of Maharashtra may be benefited.

SHRI TEJPRATAP SINGH YADAV: The farmers of the country are most affected by the climate change. Every year, discussion on drought takes place in this House and very good suggestions are given by both the Ruling Party as well as the Opposition but the problem is that these are not implemented. There is need to take both long term as well as short term measures so that immediate relief can be provided to the farmers. Whereas there is skyrocketing inflation of not only food items but also seeds, pesticides, etc., the farmers are forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices. 50 districts of Uttar Pradesh have been declared as drought affected and the Bundelkhand region, covering both Uttar

Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has been under severe drought. Damage to their crops has broken the backbone of the farmers. Production of fodder has come down by 77% and that of milk by 88%. The life, aspirations and dreams of a farmer depend totally upon the production of crops and when the crops are damaged due to natural calamity, he is forced to commit suicide. This is an age of crisis for the farming community in Uttar Pradesh. The Government of Uttar

Pradesh has launched a scheme whereunder an assistance of rupees 5 lac is provided to the family of a farmer who have lost their head of family. I urge upon the Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture to stand by the farmers of Uttar Pradesh in this hour of crisis. The State Government has extended an aid of Rs. 4000 crore from the state fund to the farmers. Our demand is that Rs.7500 crore may be provided so that the balance amount of compensation can be given to the farmers without delay to enable them to overcome the situation.

SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE: This discussion taking place here today has sent a message to our farming community that the national Government is sensitive to their concerns. This has given birth to a ray of hope in them that the

Government is seriously pondering over providing relief to them in view of this grave situation. There is a serious situation of famine in Rajasthan for the second consecutive year. There has been scarcity of water and absence of rain in a large chunk of the State. The farmers were hoping to get a good yield of crops but scanty rainfall has not only washed away their hopes and aspirations but also neutralized their labour, time and cost input. The farmer is today constrained to witness his family and cattle ruin before his eyes. The Government of Rajasthan, with its limited resources is trying hard to overcome this grave situation of drought but feels handcuffed to do so with its limited funds. Therefore, I urge upon the

Government to provide a special package to Rajasthan to deal with this grave famine and to bailout the farmers.

SHRI G. HARI : Due to natural calamities and failure of monsoon rains most part of the country are affected either by drought or by severe flood. In my opinion the foremost reason for this is Government's prolonged delay and reluctance in nationalization of all the rivers in the country and also the inter- linking of all the major rivers in the country. While parts of Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan are affected by severe drought, Tamil Nadu,

Andhra Pradesh, Odissa and West Bengal are affected severely by excess rainfall, cyclones and floods. The farmers are most affected as their crops are damaged completely. Our Hon'ble Chief Minister has been continuously urging the Union

Government to take appropriate steps to introduce a comprehensive National

Policy on Indian rivers and also to execute the inter-linking of rivers in the country. This will not only solve the inter-state water sharing disputes among the

Indian States but is also the only way through which adequate water for irrigation in various states could be ensured. The Union Government should expedite the process and constitute the Kaveri Management Board immediately to direct the Karnataka state to release water from Kaveri river in accordance with the award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).

Farmers need to be encouraged in as much possible ways like the introduction of comprehensive crop insurance schemes, issuance of kisan credit cards and providing them with adequate financial support as well as ensuring them with the adequate supply of seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides, farm equipments etc. Also farmers should be encouraged with good reasonable

Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce. In the time of drought or natural calamities like floods, the entire agriculture loans provided to them need to be waived completely. Farmers should be provided with all necessary financial, logistic and trade support to do trade on their own and get maximum benefit. I urge the Union Government to provide all necessary support to farmers.

SHRI P.K. BIJU : Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on the climate of

India. Based on detailed studies, 74 districts of the country have been identified as drought prone by the National Commission on Agriculture. Drought has spiraling impacts on the life of the Indian farmer. Failure in one season will lead to high debt burdens, social issues and even suicides. In 2014, the National Crime

Records Bureau of India reported 5,650 farmer suicides. Agricultural losses impact the income and purchasing power of farmers, converting small and medium farmers into agricultural labourers. Consequently, farmers and farm workers tend to migrate to urban areas in search of employment opportunities. The 2002 drought, one of the severest in India, affected 56 per cent of its geographical area, the livelihoods of 300 million people and 150 million cattle in 18 states. The

Government intervention into the matter is condemnable. The government agencies responsible for the damage control are showing a lackadaisical attitude towards the distribution of compensation and other assistance to the victims. Many of the agricultural insurance companies working in India are often failed to act upon their promises in the wake of crop failure due to drought. I urge the government to blacklist the defaulting insurance companies and take preemptive actions to fight against the drought related calamities.

SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI: Disasters and calamities happen in any parts of our country, it is our utmost concern for tackling them. In Karnataka out of 175 taluks, 136 taluks are reeling under droughts. The Government of Karnataka earlier had requested for Rs. 500 crores assistance which was duly responded by

Government of India and Rs. 362 crores was released. I would like to bring to the notice of this House that Government of India has released Rs. 1540 crores to

Karnataka for drought relief measures. But the irony of the fact is that out of total interim Rs. 362 crores released already, the Government of Karnataka has not been able to spent it. So far, Karnataka Government has spent only Rs. 39.27 crores. Dharwad is also declared as drought hit area by state Government. So far, Rs. 6 crores has been provided to this district but the amount spent for relief is only

Rs. 1.65 crores. The total loss due to drought to this district is assessed at Rs. 150 crore.

SHRIMATI V. SATHYABAMA: Due to varied ranges of Climatic and environmental conditions prevailing at different parts of the country, while some places are affected by excess rainfall and subsequent flooding, some places are severely affected by scarcity of rainfall and drought. This is a permanent problem faced by most of the farmers in the country. Government's prolonged delay and reluctance in announcing a comprehensive National Policy on Indian rivers and water bodies is responsible for this. Nationalization of Rivers in the country and the inter-linking of all the major rivers is an important solution for solving drought problem in the country. Union Government should expedite the process of constituting the Kaveri Management Board immediately and to direct the

Karnataka state to release water from Kaveri river in accordance with the award of

Cauvery Water Disputes tribunal (CWDT) in monthly deliveries to ensure adequate release of Kaveri water from Karnataka for irrigation in Tamil Nadu during all months. Our Chief Minister has urged the Union Government to protect the Mullai Periyar Dam by the CISF personnel. This issue could be solved only if the Union Government provide protection to Mullai Periyar Dam by the CISF personnel. Farmers in the country should be encouraged with good reasonable Minimum Support Price. The Government should also instill confidence in the minds of farmers by following good procurement policies. Farmers needed to be encouraged in maximum possible ways like the introduction of comprehensive crop insurance scheme, issuance of kisan credit cards and provision of adequate financial support and adequate supply of seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides, farm equipments, etc. Farmers should be provided with all necessary financial, logistic and trade support to do trade on their own and get maximum benefits. Tamil Nadu under the dynamic leadership of our hon'ble Chief Minister has introduced many innovative and first of its kind schemes to support farmers. I urge the Union Government to provide all necessary support to farmers to come out of the clutches of drought conditions and flood situations and make their agriculture and agro economy flourish .

SADHVI : Uttar Pradesh is facing alarming drought situation this year. It is becoming very difficult for farmers to earn their livelihood. 31 districts of the state got 50 percent less rains this year. The

Government of Uttar Pradesh, on 19th November, declared only 50 districts of the state drought affected. My parliamentary constituency, , has not been included in this list. Through you, I would like to request the State Government of

Uttar Pradesh to declare Bahraich as drought affected region and the suffering farmers may be provided relief with immediate effect. The State Government may take steps to tackle with the problem of alarming drought crisis on war footing level without any delays. In most parts of the state farmers are not in a position to even sow rabi crops. A large portion of population of Uttar Pradesh is suffering from this alarming crisis. A solid plan should be made under a long term policy to find the solution to such crisis and such situation should be controlled to save farmers from great losses.

SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV: Today Bihar is also reeling under the grip of drought. It should be given the special package to face drought.

The farmers should be provided some sorts of security. The State Government has not been given any special source. The loan lying outstanding against the farmers should be waived off. Bihar should be given the central assistance, special package and above all, it should be accorded the status of Special State.

SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI: There is no doubt that the crisis looming large on the agriculture in our country has further intensified. Due to lack of monsoon rains there is lack of moisture in the soil. Ongoing sowing of rabi crop is also being adversely impacted. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are worst hit by the drought.

Both these states have not yet even informed the Union Government about it. The

Government should formulate suitable schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Gram

Sinchayee Yojana on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana so that small rivers and canals could be linked to meet the irrigation needs and irrigate all agriculture fields.

SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL: Maharashtra is experiencing the worst drought in last fifty years. Farmers are committing suicides in large numbers. Ground water has gone down steeply and the tubewells have dried up. Several irrigation schemes of Maharashtra are hanging in balance. Recently, the Ministry of

Environment and Forests has cleared some of the irrigation schemes. But owing to delay in the approval of the project by the technical advisory committee of the

Central Water Commission, the central assistance under Pradhan Mantri Sinchayee is not being made available by the Government of India. There is a urgent need to formulate long term integrated scheme to deal with the continuous conditions of drought in Maharashtra. I do believe that our Government will extend necessary help and support in solving all the problems of the farmers on priority basis so that the rising numbers of suicide by the farmers could be contained.

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: Almost all 24 districts of Jharkhand are hit by the drought. The Government has recently declared the state as drought affected. But several farmers have not yet received the compensation of last year.

All the crops have been badly damaged. Cleansing and repair of conventional water bodies should be completed in the months of summer so that water could be stored in adequate quantity. Repair of handpumps in village and towns should be repaired and small ponds should be dug up near the handpumps so that rainwater could be stored therein. This water will recharge the ground water also. Small ponds should be dug up near fields. Use of compost in lieu of chemical fertilizers reduces the need of water in the fields. This is not feasible to absolutely control the drought or other such natural calamities but prior forecast of such calamity can help us in putting in place necessary measures to combat the challenge.

SHRI VIRENDRA SINGH: Being a farmer I know as to how much farmers suffer from flood, drought or natural disaster. Farmer's problems should be redressed. It has been said that previous Government has waived off loan of

Rs. 72 thousand crore of farmers. But loan of those farmers had not been waived off who were repaying the same. Our Government has decided to provide pension to farmers. Other Governments had not think about it. Area under cultivation is shrinking. With the spread of Harit Kranti multi crop farming has shrunk which was beneficial to the poor. Animal husbandry should be promoted keeping in the view the situation of drought in various parts of the country.

The discussion was not concluded.

ANOOP MISHRA Secretary General

© 2015 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.