MANKAD FOR INSTITUTIONALISING DIALOGUE MECHANISM WITH FOREIGN INVESTORS

FEEDBACK SESSION WITH JAPANESE DELEGATION

    To a query raised by one of the investors about consistency in the policy framework in the country, Shri Mankad said that the policy changes being brought about by the government in the past few years have been consistent and on predictable lines making the system progressively liberal. Some of the investors raised problems relating to personal income tax matters, in response to which Shri Mankad suggested that while the investors could give the details of their individual problems to him which could be taken up with the concerned authorities, a separate session could be organised dedicated specifically to income tax matters where officials dealing with direct taxes from the Ministry of Finance would be called to sort out the various problems being faced by the investors. Japanese investors also raised problems relating to procedural bottlenecks, infrastructural problems, high incidence of import duties and multiple taxation on manufacturers. Shri Mankad assured the investors that he would take up their problems with the different Ministries.

    The current year’s amount forms part of a total of Rs. 502.90 crores that the Centre would be releasing as a special problems grants to the State Governments for setting up of 1734 fast track additional courts follwing the award of the Eleventh Finance Commission at the initiative of the Department of Justice in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs.

    The special problems grants of Rs. 202.27 crores to the States in the current financial year would be utilised for construction of court rooms and other preparatory arrangements so that the fast track courts start functioning from April 1, 2001.

    The fast track courts will take up on priority sessions cases and other criminal cases involving undertrials. Accordingly, all undertrial cases from the existing 13,000 district and subordinate courts will be transferred from April 1, 2001 to the proposed fast track additional courts for their expeditious disposal.

    The fast track courts will be a boon for decongesting the jail population in the country. At present, 180,000 undertrials are in jails all over the country. The State Governments spend about Rs. 55 per day per head on the maintenance of these

    undertrials. The annual expenditure on undertrials is thus about Rs. 361.35 crores. With the proposed expeditious disposal of cases of these undertrials by the fast track additional courts, avoidable expenditure on maintenance of undertrials would be saved and the amount so saved would be incurred on developmental expenditure. This would also remedy a major human rights problems.

    These 1734 fast track additional courts will dispose of 20 lakh cases in a period of four years from April 1, 2001. Out of these, about 10 lakh cases would be pending sessions cases. Presently, 2.4 crore cases are pending at the district and sub-ordinate courts in the country.

    The remaining amount out of the total special problems grants of Rs. 502.90 crores will be released to the States within the next four financial years ending March, 2005.

    Out of Rs. 202.27 crores special problems grants in the current financial year, Rs. 10.06 crores has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 0.53 crores to Arunachal Pradesh, Rs. 2.37 crores to Assam, Rs. 21.30 crores to Bihar, Rs. 3.54 crores to Chhattisgarh, Rs. 0.56 crores to Goa, Rs. 19.39 crores to Gujarat, Rs. 4.22 crores to Haryana, Rs. 1.09 crores to Himachal Pradesh, Rs. 1.34 crores to Jammu and Kashmir, Rs. 10.36 crores to Jharkhand, Rs. 10.87 crores to Karnataka, Rs. 4.37 crores to Kerala, Rs. 9.94 crores to Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 21.75 crores to Maharashtra, Rs. 0.40 crores to Manipur, Rs. 0.40 crores to Meghalaya, Rs. 0.40 crores to Mizoram, Rs. 0.37 crores to Nagaland, Rs. 8.34 crores to Orissa, Rs. 3.33 crores to Punjab, Rs. 9.68 crores to Rajasthan, Rs. 0.40 crores to Sikkim, Rs. 5.68 crores to Tamil Nadu, Rs. 0.33 crores to Tripura, Rs. 5.24 crores to Uttaranchal, Rs. 28.24 crores to Uttar Pradesh and Rs. 17.75 crores to West Bengal.

    The Centre has decided in consultation with the Chief Ministers of States and the Chief Justices of High Courts to monitor the progress of the proposed fast track additional courts.

'26'

IGI AIRPORT GEARS UP FOR CAT III OPERATION

    All civil and electrical works have been completed and all CAT-II facilities like runway center line lights, touch down zone lights and approach lights on main runway 10/28 have been commissioned with effect from 1^st November, 2000.

    In order to commission CAT-IIIA ILS (Instrumental Landing System), most of the activities have been completed, except the following:

1. Review of aeronautical study carried out by Airport Authority of India (AAI) to identify obstructions penetrating the obstacle limitation surfaces.
2. Flight testing of CAT-IIIA ILS with the help of aircraft and equipment being hired from ICAO.

    The ICAO consultants are expected to arrive soon for accomplishing these tasks

    One of the essential components of CAT III operations is the provision of Runway Visual Range (RVR). The RVR equipment imported from Germany, has arrived in India and its installation is in progress. It is expected to be tested, calibrated and commissioned by 1^st week of December, 2000. This state of the art equipment to sample and measure visual range along the runway is being installed at three locations along the runway to support very exacting requirements under CAT III conditions. These equipment are capable of measuring RVR in the steps of 25 meters down to 50 meters of visual range.

    AAI is arranging through ICAO, the flight testing and calibration of CAT IIIA ILS along with the associated lighting systems by an agency in Germany. An aircraft fitted with calibration equipment for CAT IIIA system is expected to arrive on 7^th December and the flight testing is likely to be completed by 10^th December, 2000.

    Airline Pilots, who are trained and certified for operations under CAT IIIA would be able to land under low visibility conditions.

    The project involved amongst other works, upgradation of ground lighting from CAT-II to CAT-IIIA system, which entailed inter-alia the development of infrastructure and allied facilities to meet the operational requirements for precision approach and lighting in CAT-IIIA conditions at IGI Airport, New Delhi. The electrical works involved laying of approximately 400 kms. of airfield lighting cable within the operational area, installation of more than 2000 state of the art technology imported Inset light fittings on the central line of Runway. Taxiways and Parking Bays on the appron. The project cost of Rs. 43.16 crores included strengthening and resurfacing of main runway and taxi track at I.G.I. Airport.

    Airports Authority of India is taking all possible measure to see that in the ensuring winter, the diversion of flights due to fog at Delhi Airport is minimal and does not pose much problem to the travelling public.

    BHUTAN: Bhutan Unit of GSI continued investigation, aided by drilling for base metal, as well as for limestone for the calcium carbide, caustic soda and cement industries. It also undertook geological mapping and geochemical sampling in quartzite. The programme envisaged for the field season 2000-2001 includes (i) investigation for gypsum, platinum group of elements, and minor/industrial minerals, and (ii) geotechnical studies of road sections. Besides this, GSI gave geotechnical assistance to the Tala Hydro Electric Project, Chennery Mini Hydel project and Yonglachu Mini Hydel project.

    BANGLADESH; The Government of India has signed a treaty with Government of Bangladesh on sharing of Ganga Waters of Farakka. Under this agreement Ministry of Water Resourc3s has formed an expert team consisting of members from various organisations, including Geological Survey of India. The team visited Bangladesh to hold meetings between November 14-17, 1998 and February 11-16, 1999. The work is in progress.

    MYANMAR : The team members from Central Water Commission and GSI carried out joint site inspection in November, 1999 followed by preliminary field investigation in April 2000 to develop the Tamanthi Hydro Electric Project. Reports have been submitted.

    NEPAL: GSI carried out field work between April, 99 and November, 99 at Pancheshwar project.

    Since the work undertaken abroad by GSI was under bilateral technical cooperation programmes, no revenue has been earned by GSI.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Mines Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil in a written reply to a question from Shri B.J.Panda, in the Rajya Sabha today.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Mines Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil in a written reply to a question from Shri B.J.Panda, in the Rajya Sabha today.

'16'

DOUBLE DIGIT EXPORT GROWTH CONTINUES

    India’s imports during April-October 2000-2001 are valued at US $ 30270.27 million representing a growth of 14.00% over the level of imports valued at US $ 26552.71 million in April-October 1999-2000. Oil imports during April-October 2000-2001 are valued at US $ 9732.92million which is 84.15% higher than oil imports valued at US $ 5274.88 million in the corresponding period last year. Non-oil imports during April-October 2000-2001 are estimated at US $ 20537.35 million which is 3.48% lower than the level of such imports valued at US $ 21277.83 million in April-October 1999-2000. Imports during October 2000 are valued at US $ 4258.13 million which is 9.22% higher than the level of US $ 3898.59 million in October 1999. In rupee terms, the imports increased by 16.50%.

    The trade deficit for April-October 2000-2001 is estimated at US $ 5256.28 million which is lower than the deficit at US $ 5795.56 million during April-October 1999-2000.

    Tables giving details of exports, imports and trade balance, according to the provisional estimates of Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), are attached.

(US $ Million)

    "The country requires men and women of high character and commitment. It is only such persons who can bring about a truly fair and just government by fair and just means and strengthen India’s unity and integrity to enable to become a mighty country – mighty in thought, mighty in deeds, mighty in culture and mighty in service to humanity. Then alone, the underlying motivation and mission of building a strong nation would fully fructify", he added.

    Exhorting the young students to develop the power of 7 C’s – Creative, Compassionate, Constructive, Committed, Courageous, Contemplative and Consistent - in their character, the Minister stated that the power of Indian mind, the greatest assets of the Indian Civilisation, found expression in its pre-eminent philosophy, religion, culture and way of life.

    " Unfortunately, with the passage of time, the power of Indian mind began to wane and India suffered a decline in every arena of its activity. The need of the hour, therefore, is to recapture the creative power of the Indian mind and also to regain the habit of thinking deeply and independently", Shri Jagmohan stressed.

    Underlining the need for mastering new technologies and knowledge, the Minister pointed out that the world is changing at a mind boggling pace and human knowledge is doubling every ten years. " In the past decade, more scientific and technological advance has taken place than in all human history. The computer power is doubling every 18 months. The Internet is doubling every year. Information, Communication and Digital Technologies are moving and converging very fast. A new civilisation is emerging. New life styles, new values and new techniques of influencing others’ mind are developing. The world is becoming closer and the developed and powerful countries could impose new kinds of injustices and inequalities".

I INSTITUTION

1. Narayan Sewa Sansthan,

"Sewa Dham",

483, Hiran Magri, Sector No. 4,

Udaipur-313 002 (Rajsathan).

2. National Association for the Blind,

11, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road,

Worli Seaface,

Mumbai-400 025 (Maharastra).

1. Smt. Parsanben Narandas Ramji

II INDIVIDUAL

Orthopaedically Disabled

1. Dr. D.B. Bhandare,

Shivram Apartments,

Dr. Atamram Borker Road,

Panaji, Goa-403001.

2. Dr. R.A. Aggarwal,

Agrawal Othopaedic Hospital,

Jubilee School Road,

Goarkhpur-273 001 (Uttar Pradesh).

Visually Disabled

Pontiff, Sree Veereshwara

Holy Cross Service Society,

96-B, Ettupattai Bangalow, Behind G.H.,

Puthur, Trichy-620 017.

Mental Retardation

Pesident, Society for Mental

Health Care, Anandaniketan,

P.O. Khajurdihi, Via- Katwa

Distt. – Burdwan-713 518 (West Bengal).

Leprosy Disabled

1. Shri Hira Lal Sharma,

Asha Gram Trust,

P.O. Barwani,

Distt. Barwani-451 551.

III EMPLOYEES

Vinaynagar Nerdmet

Secunderabad-500 556.

1. Shri Ratnesh Kumar Saraf

Department of Mathematics,

Govt. Kamala Nehru Girls College,

Damoh – 482 002 (M.P.)

Orthopaedically Disabled

Deputy Chief Commissioner for

People with Disability,

I.P.H. Campus, 4, Vishnu Digamber Marg,

New Delhi-110 002.

Hearing Disabled

1. Shri Suresh Gopinathan Pillai,

32, Kaveri,

Amisjaltinagar,

Mumbai- 94.

Orthopaedically Disabled

1. Shri Balbir Singh,

Visually Disabled

1. Shri Muralidharan T.N.,

Highly Skilled Technician,

2. Shri Bhola Nath Dwivedi,

Production Department,

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing

Corporation of India,

G.T. Road, Kanpur-208016 (U.P.)

Sector-III : Private Sector

Hearing Disabled

Orthopaedically Disabled

1. Shri P.C. Subbanna,

H.No. 1-9-648/19,

Achuyut Reddy Nagar,

Vidyanagar,

Hyderabad-44.

2. Shri Ram Kumar,

Block-A, Staff Qtr.,

Room No. A,

Behind G.B. Pant Hospital,

New Delhi-110 002.

3. Ms. Fatima Bibi Yousaf Sayed,

Hathikhana Genda Falia,

Fatepura, Vadodara-6.

4. Shri Shah Kamlesh Hasmukhlal,

A/18/212, Krishnanagar,

Sahijpur Bogha,

Ahmedabad.

5. Shri Nitin Dnyaneshwar Gaikwad,

2/9, "E" Type, MSEB Colony,

Ashoknasgar,

Pune-411 007.

Mentally Retarded Disabled

1. Shri G. Manoharan,

Visually Disabled

1. Shri Desai Jyotindra Dolatray,

At. Post Mograwadi,

Desai Falia,

Ta. Distt. Valsad (Gujarat).

2. Shri Ishwari Prasad Patidar,

696, Sudama Nagar,

Indore-452 009.

IV EMPLOYER

Sector-II: Public Sector

1. Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd.,

Sector-III: Private Sector

VIII TECHNOLOGY AWARD

For Adaptability of innovation

2. Shri R.S. Hiremath,

Chief Executive FLEXITRON,

114, 6^th Cross, 6^th Block,

Koramangala

Bangalore-560 095.

3. Shri S.N. Goswami,

Chief Executive,

IX SPECIAL AWARDS FOR DISABLED PERSONS

1. Shri Alok Sikka,

Flat No. 13, New Shakti Sadan,

Plot No. 27, Sector – 13,

Rohini, Delhi-110 085.

2. Shri E. Eric Fernandes,

Room No. C-9,

Telecom Staff Qtr.,

Parlithipara,

Trivandram-21.

3. Shri Sanghsewar Mahobodhi,

Leh, Ladhakh.

4. Shri Manwar Alam,

Village & P.O. Chewara,

Distt. – Mongyer (Bihar).

5. Dr. T.S. Sethi,

'16'

EXPORT OF TEA TO IRAQ UNDER FOOD-FOR-OIL PROGRAMME

    A number of steps have been undertaken to enhance the share of Indian tea exports under this programme. These include greater participation in the Baghdad International Trade Fair, step up Indian exports through the mechanism of Indo-Iraq Joint Commission Meetings, contact through visit of Indian business delegations to Iraq etc.

    This was indicated by Shri Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

'16'

STEPS TO ARREST FALL IN PRICES OF TEA AND COFFEE

    As regards coffee, the Government of India through the Coffee Board, besides operating several plan schemes and development activities aimed at intensive cultivation, replanting, quality improvement and water augmentation, has also been providing necessary support in the form of agricultural research, extension, arrangement of credit and finance and other necessary backup support like supply of seed for planting purposes, etc. Further, thrust is being given for increasing productivity of coffee particularly in the small growers sector and improving quality of the product. The Board is also encouraging the large growers to produce specialty coffees, which fetch attractive premiums in developed countries like USA and European union. Although, consequent upon liberalisation of coffee trade in 1996, the Coffee Board is not longer directly involved in the marketing activities and the prices are determined by the market forces of demand and supply, Government of India through Coffee Board closely monitors the market price situation and if the situation warrants, will take suitable ameliorative measures so as to safeguard the interests of the coffee growers, Shri Abdullah said.

    The average all India auction prices of tea during 2000 for the period January to October declined to a level of Rs.62.44 per kg. as against Rs.72.44 per kg. over the corresponding period of 1999. Regarding coffee, the international prices have fallen due to over production and resultant surplus supply. Since nearly 80% of the coffee produced in India is exported, fluctuations in international price have resulted in low realisations of prices. However, the domestic prices of both the varieties of the coffee are at present higher than the international prices.

'16'

IMPORTS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED: MEASURES TO STOP CHEAP IMPORTS

1. Import duties on a number of items have been increased, for example, the duty on arecanut has been raised from 35% to 100%, on poultry products from 35% to 100%, on wheat from 0% to 50%, on skimmed milk powder from 0% to 60%, on apple from 35 % to 50% and on rice from 0% to 80%.
2. Suo-moto anti-dumping investigations have been initiated in respect of import of battery cells, battery operated toys and sports shoes from China.
3. Import of all packaged commodities have been made subject to compliance of all the conditions of the Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodity) Order 1977, as applicable on domestic producers.
4. Import of 131 products has been made subject to compliance of the mandatory Indian quality standards as applicable to domestic goods. For compliance of this requirement all manufacturers/exporters of these products to India shall be required to register themselves with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The list of 131 products includes various food preservatives and additives, milk powder, infant milk food, certain kinds of cement, household and similar electrical appliances, gas cylinders and multipurpose dry batteries.

    As per Article XI of GATT, maintenance of Quantitative Restrictions on imports is not permitted. However, to provide protection to the domestic producers, the government can, if the situation so warrants, utilise the mechanism of raising the applied tariffs within the bound rates, if such a gap exists and take measures such as anti-dumping action, imposition of countervailing duties and safeguard actions which are permissible under the WTO agreements.

'17A'

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) SYSTEM TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TOOL OF MANAGEMENT IN CENTRAL PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERPRISES: MANOHAR JOSHI

    Initiating the discussion on the "System of Memorandum of Understanding in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs)", Shri Manohar Joshi stated that MOU system is an important initiative of the Government towards reforming the PSEs and in the present environment of intensive competition, it is very necessary to make the MOU system an effective tool of the Management.

    Explaining the background of the MOU system Shri Manohar Joshi said that before the introduction of MOU system a confusion used to exist because of conflicting objectives/goals of the PSEs as there was no system through which the accountability in the real sense for the results could be ensured. There was also no adequate autonomy for the PSEs especially in their day-to-day operations. Through the MOU system this anomalous situation was sought to be removed, Shri Joshi added. Under the MOU system, the targets of the PSEs are defined very clearly before the beginning of the financial year and the performance of the management is evaluated against these very defined targets at the end of the year.

    The Heavy Industry Minister further informed that the efforts are being made to arrive at the targets for PSUs after analyzing the comparison with other similar firms in the public or private sector, comparison with the performance of same PSE in the previous year, professional judgement by the third party, administrative Ministry and all the enterprises. Similarly in selecting the parameters the factors such as the nature of operations of PSE, its final viability and other aspects related to the growth of PSE in the short and long run are given due consideration, he added.

    Stating that MOU system may not have fully achieved all its objectives, Shri Manohar Joshi said that efforts are on to further fine-tune the system to make it more effective and vibrant. He expressed hope that the suggestions of the Hon’ble members of Parliament would go a long way in evolving a more comprehensive policy to strengthen the MOU system and make it more useful for the development of PSEs in future.

    Shri Basudev Acharya, MP suggested that when objectives as stated in the MOU’s are not achieved, an effective system of monitoring might be evolved to ensure that the MOU system works smoothly.

'42'

RAJYA SABHA

    The Report of the ERC is under examination by the Department of Fertilizers and inter-ministerial consultation will be held soon to finalise the views of the Government on the recommendation of the ERC.

    However, the issues pertaining to reassessment of capacities of urea manufacturing units, also referred to in the ERC Report, have been referred to a Committee headed by Dr. Y.K.Alagh for suitable advice and recommendation.

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Satya Brata Mookherjee in a written reply to a question by Shri Prem Chand Gupta in the Rajya Sabha today.

'42'

RAJYA SABHA

    Urea is the only fertilizer which is at present under statutory price, distribution and movement control. In 1990-91, the statutorily notified sale price of urea was Rs.3600/- per tonne, while in 1999-2000 the sale price of urea is Rs. 4600/- per tonne.

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Satya Brata Mookherjee in a written reply to a question by Dr. D. Masthan and Shri Ram Jethmalani in the Rajya Sabha today.

'9'

RAJYA SABHA

    Our performance in Sports has not deteriorated. During the last 2 to 3 years, India’s performance in most of the major international championships/games has been improving – though marginally. Still there is scope for further improvement of India’s performances in international events. In the 1998 Asian Games, India won 35 medals including 7 gold medals. In this game Men Hockey Team got gold medal after a long gap of 32 years. This performance is certainly better than India’s performance in the 1994 Asian Games, when India could win only 23 medals. In 1998 Commonwealth Games, India got 25 medals including 7 gold which was again better than 1994 Commonwealth Games, when India got 24 medals. In South Asian Federation Games (SAF), India’s performance was spectacular as we won 197 medals including 102 gold. In 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, though the performance in term of medal tally is the same over the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, overall performances in different disciplines have been improved.

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question by Shri Vijay Singh Yadav in the Rajya Sabha today.

'9'

RAJYA SABHA

    The Scheme was reviewed during 1998 and to make it more popular and effective, admissible assistance for various projects was enhanced. Accordingly, the revised scheme has received good response and so far 136 sports projects all over India including 18 above projects of NGO’s have been approved involving central assistance of Rs. 39.61 crore.

    ‘Sports’ is a State subject. It is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to create sports facilities at various places of the State including rural areas. However, in order to supplement their efforts in this direction, the Central Government provides Central assistance to State Governments etc. for creation of sports facilities under the Schemes of "Grants for Creation of Sports Infrastructure" and "Grants to Rural Schools".

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question by Shri Satish Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha today.

'42'

RAJYA SABHA

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Satya Brata Mookherjee in a written reply to a question by Shri Balwant Singh  Ramoowalia in the Rajya Sabha today.

FOOD MINISTRY SENDS A TEAM TO EXAMINE QUALITY OF PADDY

    The Department of Food and Public Distribution had decided to operate 30 procurement centres in Bihar against 19 at present and 12 last year. A decision on relaxation in specifications of paddy procurement norms will be taken after analysing the samples collected by the expert team from the State.

    As on November 1, 2000 the central pool has a stock of 17.99 million tonnes of rice and 26.5 million tonnes of wheat as against a norm of 6.5 million tonnes of rice and 11.6 million tonnes of wheat as on October 1, 2000. FCI has been permitted to offer wheat for export at a price not lower than the central issue price for BPL category which at present is Rs. 4150 per tonne.

'5'

HOME MINISTER CALLS UPON PAKISTAN TO SEIZE THE PEACE

    Shri Advani also gave away President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Presidents Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Bar to Police Medal for Gallantry to BSF personnel. An impressive parade followed by Acrobatic demonstrations by the Force marked the occasion.

SEMINAR ON PROTECTION OF INDIA’S INTELLECTUAL WEALTH

    The focus of the seminar will be on IPR in IT software and chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the areas which are of great interest to India. The Minister of State for commerce and Industry Shri Omar Abdullah will be inaugurating the seminar while the key-note address would be delivered by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, DG. CSIR.

    The Corporation intends to start the process of issuing identity cards to its beneficiaries in other States and Union Territories across the country, after the job is completing in Delhi and Noida area.

    Photo identity cards in respect of insured persons and their dependants are being issued in pursuance of the specific recommendation of the Sathyam Committee to control impersonation by anti-social elements for availing medical facilities under the scheme. The identity cards will also protect the genuine clients from any harassment or delay in getting proper healthcare facilities in medical institutions of ESI.

    The NIH has been functioning as a premier Institute in the area of Hydrology in the country since 1978. It was established with headquarters at Roorkee in the newly formed Uttranchal State by the Government of India as an Autonomous society aided by the Union Ministry of Water Resources. The NIH society is headed by the Union Minister of Water Resources as its President and the Union Minister of State for Water Resources as Vice-President. The Ministers in charge of the Irrigation in the States (for 10 States to be nominated for every three years by the President of the Society), the Secretaries of different Ministries in the Government of India concerned with water and related areas, and experts in Hydrology and water resources are the members of the Society. Director, NIH is the Member-Secretary. The NIH has been established with the sole objectives to undertake aid, promote and coordinate systematic and scientific work in all aspects of Hydrology. Besides, the Institute is to cooperate and collaborate with other National and International organisations in the field of Hydrology.

    Keeping in view the need to deal with specific Hydrological problems of different regions of the country and for providing effective interaction at field level with the States, the Institute started setting up Regional Centres from 1987 onwards. The Regional Centres for Hard Rock region, North-Eastern region and Western Himalayan region were established at Belgaum, Guwahati and Jammu respectively during the 7^th Five Year Plan period (1985-90). In 1991, under 8^th Five Year Plan scheme one Regional Centre for Ganga Plains at Patna in Bihar and one for Deltaic and East Coast region at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh were set up. One more centre for Ganga Plains (South) at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh was set-up in December, 1995.

    To facilitate repayment of the said loan on the due date, the holders may tender the securities duly discharged at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries/Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India and its Associate Banks (at which they are enfaced/as also registered for payment of interest) 20 days in advance of the due date for repayment of loan.

    Full details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.

'17'

MARAN CLEARS FDI WORTH Rs.526 CRORE

    3,60,701 persons benefited by vocational and skill upgradation programmes conducted by the Jan Shikshan Sansthan during the last three years.

CAREER-ORIENTED VOCATIONAL COURSES

    Under the scheme, grants are provided to create infrastructural facilities in schools and institutions like construction of Worksheds, laboratories, buildings, purchase of tools, and equipment, library books, raw materials for conducting practical test etc.

    Ninety five vocational courses have been designed and developed for adoption by the State Governments depending upon their local conditions in areas such as Agriculture, Engineering and Technology, Business and commerce, Health and Para medical, Home Science, Humanities and other Sciences. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also has introduced vocational and job oriented courses in their affiliated schools in some of the above mentioned fields. In addition, Computer/Information Technology(IT) based courses are being imparted in some states. Central Board of Secondary Education is taking steps to introduce IT based courses in their affiliated schools.

    Shahtoosh trade was in existence even before the enactment of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and people are allowed to keep the shahtoosh shawls in their possession or custody after fulfilling the prescribed legalities under the Act.

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to a question by Hon’ble Members, Smt. Ambika Soni and Shri Santosh Bagrodia, in the Rajya Sabha here today.

    The Central Government has requested the State Governments to strengthen the forest protection machinery and to declare forest protection, as a Plan item and invest more funds for the protection of forests through state plan budgets. Central Government has issued guidelines to all the States and UTs for involving the local people in the protection and management of forests under the Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme. The JFM programme was launched in June 1990 and so far 10.24 million ha. of forest lands are being managed by 36165 JFM Committees in 23 States of the country. Due to the implementation of JFM, significant changes have occurred in forest regeneration and protection.

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Smt. Jayaprada Nahata in the Rajya Sabha here today.

    The steps taken by the Government to control air pollution include the following :

1. The Government has formulated a comprehensive Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution, which lays stress on the prevention and control of pollution.
2. The ambient air quality of Delhi is monitored regularly through a network of monitoring stations under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme.
3. Ambient air quality standards and emission standards for industrial units have been notified.
4. Emissions from highly polluting industrial units and thermal power plants are regularly monitored and action is taken against the defaulting units.
5. Environment Action Plan for reducing pollution in Delhi has been prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, which is under implementation.
6. Unleaded petrol is being supplied in Delhi. Sulphur is being progressively reduced in diesel. Fuel quality standards for petrol and diesel have been notified. Benzene content in petrol has been reduced from 3% to 1% or less.
7. Gross emission standards for on-road vehicles and mass emission standards for all categories of new vehicles have been notified under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
8. The Government is promoting the use of CNG as an alternative fuel.

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Smt. Vanga Geetha, in the Rajya Sabha here today.

'38'

LIVE STORAGE POSITION OF 70 MAJOR RESERVOIRS OF THE COUNTRY IS BELOW AVERAGE

    The storages in Ukai (35% of designed live storage), sabarmati (6%), Kadana(8%), Shetrunji (3%), Bhadra (3%), Dantiwada (2%) in Gujarat; Mahi Bajaj sagar (18%) and Jhakam (15%) in Rajashthan; Gandhi sagar (2%), Tawa (51%), Bargi (58%) and Minimata Bango (52%) in Madhya Pradesh; Mahanadi (39%), Rengali (45%) and Upper Kolab (33%) in Orissa; and Girna (4%) in Maharashtra are very low.

    In order to derive the best possible benefits from the available water, CWC is keeping in touch with the Department of Agriculture and cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and providing information on the weekly storage position to the Crop apprising the situation to various Departments and Ministries involved in Water Resources Planning.

    "I thank you for participating in this first interaction I have had with business leaders on HIV/AIDS.

    We have just seen a presentation about the serious challenge of HIV/AIDS that our country is facing today.

    I know that there is variance in statistics about the incidence of the disease in India. While we should strive to have a fairly accurate information about the size of the problem, there is no room for two views about its severity, either at present or in the future.

    Without any hesitation, let everybody realise that HIV/AIDS could become, if unchecked, the most frightening killer epidemic in India in this century.

    This realisation alone can wake up every section of our society to its responsibility in fighting this challenge. It alone can remove the complacency and half-heartedness with which our society is looking at this looming menace.

    No section of society, however, can fight this challenge on its own. All of us have to work together.

    The responsibility of business and industry in joining this collective struggle is self-evident. Once the geometric progression of the disease reaches a critical level, it will begin to take an ever-increasing toll on the productive sections of our population. The consequences of this on the economy of individual business units, as also on the national economy, can be devastating.

    It is, therefore, in the nation’s long-term interest for business to play a proactive role in dealing with HIV/AIDS now in order to ward off future problems.

    I may also add that your contribution to the national campaign against HIV/AIDS is intrinsic to your social responsibility, especially your responsibility towards local communities where your businesses are located.

    The experience of countries that have been successful in containing this scourge tells us that we can make a difference if Government, business and social institutions work together.

    I, therefore, sincerely call upon all of you – not big business alone, but every member of the business community, including medium and small business units – to join this battle.

    The battle has to be fought on four fronts:

    First, we should maximise public knowledge that, since there is no cure for this disease so far, prevention itself and prevention alone is the cure. Every Indian should also be made to know that even prevention is impossible through any vaccine, any drug, any injection or any operation. Awareness and responsible behaviour is the only reliable way of prevention.

    Second, we have to fully activate all our institutional and administrative measures to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS. If we can ensure this, it is quite clearly, half the battle won.

    Third, we have to take good care of the people who are already afflicted by this deadly virus. We should ensure that they suffer no discrimination and that their human dignity is not wounded in any way either at work place or at home. Sometimes when I read reports about suicides by HIV positive persons -- often because of the way their families and friends treated them -- I wonder how we can let such things happen in our country.

    Specifically, I urge you to remove the divide between work place and home for HIV positive persons. For them, even the work place should become homely. At the same time, owners and fellow-employees should regularly visit them and their families at home to give succour and solidarity.

    Fourthly, business houses should actively support focused research for prevention and cure for HIV/AIDS. There is already a global effort in this direction. Our medical research institutions, adequately supported by business groups, should fully participate in this global mission.

    Friends, This morning’s presentation has given you an idea of what Government is doing to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS and for the care of afflicted persons. We are fully involving the State Governments and NGOs in our national campaign.

    I urge the corporate sector, and other sections of the Indian business community, to fully participate in Government’s efforts. In addition, you can undertake many initiatives on your own.

    This partnership should cut across traditional industry associations and business groups. Our endeavour should be to ensure how even bus and truck operators, garages and small roadside dhabas can effectively participate in this campaign.

    There is yet another area where your participation is both necessary and can be very effective. Studies all over the world, including in our country, have shown that migrant workers are especially vulnerable to this disease.

    Our society is urbanising very fast. The number of migrant workers is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, we have not paid enough attention to their working and living conditions. What compounds their condition is their unorganised nature.

    Most migrant workers are in some way or the other linked to business activities. I, therefore, urge the Indian business community to reach out to them.

    Take the message of HIV/AIDS to them.

    Contribute your utmost to improving hygiene, sanitation and the general condition of their work, habitation and healthcare.

    Show that you care for them as human beings, and not only as paid workers who are needed for your business operations.

Friends,

    You have to act with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and towards your own businesses. You have to act philanthropically. And you have to adopt a leadership role.

    If I were to suggest an agenda for the proposed Partnership Against HIV/AIDS, its features would be:

• Networking among Government agencies, businesses, voluntary organisations and social institutions for advocacy and partnership;
• Making use of every method and outlet of business advertising and communication to create awareness;
• Funding comprehensive health services for employees and their families;
• Ensuring easy access to condoms among employees and members of the local community;
• Eliminating HIV screening as part of pre-employment physical examination;
• Ensuring non-discrimination in workplaces and introducing effective workplace intervention;
• Joining the national campaign against drug abuse

    It is equally important for business and industry to support activities for income generation for families of employees who are either down with or have died of AIDS.

    I look forward to your suggestions so that we can set up a broad-based partnership, perhaps within a month.

    Let me assure you that Government will extend full support to your effort. The Ministries of Industry, Labour, Health and Family Welfare and other agencies of Government will actively participate in carrying the proposed programme forward.

    Together, let us strengthen our national campaign against HIV/AIDS. Together, let us pledge to win this battle".