'18'

    The Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) has planned to reduce its manpower to 120738 from 159548 by March, 2003. It has prepared a plant-wise reduction target for the coming three years.

RAJYA SABHA

NEW STEEL PLANT IN ORISSA

    Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd. (NINL), Orissa is setting up an integrated steel plant near Dubri with a nominal capacity of 1.1 million tonnes per annum for the production of pig iron, steel billets and steel wire rods. Its Phase-I comprises of the blast furnace complex for production of Pig Iron and Phase-II the steel making and rolling facilities for production of steel billets and wire rods. By the end of June this year 85 per cent of civil work, 100 per cent of structural fabrication and 85 per cent of structural erection was completed. Besides 42 per cent of equipment and 61 per cent of refractory was erected. Phase –I of the project is likely to be commissioned by early 2001. The construction work of Phase –II to produce steel is in progress.

'16'

    Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has said that all steps are being taken by the government to prevent cruelty to animals and to sensitise state governments to the issue so that the laws in this regard that are already in place are fully enforced and effectively implemented. The Minister told the delegation from the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) led by their President Ms. Ingrid Newkirk, who called on him here today that he appreciated PETA's concerns and hoped for PETA's cooperation in ensuring a more humane regime for animals not only in India but worldwide. Others in the delegation were Mr. Jason Baker, International Campaign Coordinator and Mr. Robert Tappan, International Animal Welfare Delegate of PETA. Shri Ajit Kumar, Secretary (IPP) and Shri Prabir Sengupta, Commerce Secretary were also present.

‘31’

    Dr. C.P. Thakur, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has condoled the untimely and tragic death of Dr. Bachchi Lal, Director General Health Services, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Minister has convened a special condolence meeting of his Ministry officials here today to express the deep sorrow and recalled the untiring services of Dr. Bachchi Lal in promoting Family Welfare and implementing the Reproductive and Child Health programme in Uttar Pradesh.

‘5’

    We have noted the announcement made by the Hizbul Mujahideen today regarding a unilateral ceasefire for three months in J&K. Any move which points towards peace is welcome. Government however will be watching the situation closely and make its assessments later. We are in touch with the State Government.

    The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers (Base 1986-87 = 100) for June 2000 remained constant over the previous month to stand at 310 for Agricultural Labourers and at 311 for Rural Labourers.

    In case of Agricultural Labourers, the index rose by 1 to 8 points in 11 states, went down by 1 to 5 points in 7 states while it remained constant in two states. The index for Rural Labourers, also increased by 1 to 7 points in 11 states, but decreased by 1 to 6 points in 7 states while no change in indices was registered in two states. Meghalaya topped the index with 347 points for Agricultural labourers and 345 points for Rural Labourers while West Bengal figured at the bottom of the points table with 286 and 287 points respectively.

    Point to point rate of inflation based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL, decreased from 4.03% and 4.01% in May, 2000 to 2.99% and 2.98% during June, 2000 respectively. Respective rates of inflation during June, 1999 were 6.74% and 6.71%.