The theme of the conference is "Education in Global Era, Concerns and Challenges". It will focus on the challenges before education in the new millennium and ways of meeting the requirements.

    At the conference Dr. Joshi will share India’s experience in educating the masses and the new initiative of "Sarva Siksha Abhiyan"-Education for All. He will also chair the Ministerial Committee looking into various aspects like qualifications, standards, scholarships and exchanges. The meeting would provide an opportunity for interaction with Education Ministers from other Commonwealth countries including Canada where a number of Indian students are going for higher education and Britain which is providing aid to educational programme in the country.

    The fifteen economic summits held so far have served a useful purpose in improving Government – business communications and creating networks of relationships. More than anything else, such relationships lead to mutual understanding and promotion of trade and investment.

    I am speaking to you today for the third consecutive year. During this short period, you would have perceived my Government’s determination to pursue policies that will make India globally competitive. And, progressively integrate India with the global community.

    My Cabinet colleagues will be speaking to you during this summit. They will outline our sectoral policies and programmes.

    I will confine myself to making some observations on the direction in which we are moving. It would also be in order to make some comments about global integration in the light of recent experiences.

    Friends,

    The inevitability of globalisation is recognised by all.

    However, during the last one year misgivings about the globalisation process have become more and more pronounced. This is evident from the increasingly vigorous protests in Seattle, Prague, Bangkok, Melbourne and even Davos!

    Are these protestors a group of misplaced individuals? And what are they protesting against?

    Some of the placard-wavers have cynically commented that they are against everything. But, a serious analysis of the protests will show that we cannot ignore the fact that there are many misgivings cutting across nations; that there are apprehensions which are shared across borders.

    If it is so self-evident that globalisation leads to increased opportunities, enhanced growth and real income, why are these not being universally accepted? Is it a communication failure? Is it merely an image problem?

    Is it that Governments are unable to ensure that the fruits of development percolate to the grassroots? Or, is it that globalisation is increasingly being perceived to be elite-driven, conferring benefits on large corporates while bypassing millions of poor and marginalised people? In India alone the number of such people is nearly 300 million.

    We need to ponder over these questions and come up with acceptable, convincing responses.

    The effectiveness of these responses would partially lie in accepting that while globalisation affords unbounded opportunities, these opportunities go hand in hand with obligations. The privilege of being a global player must be matched with the responsibility of making the process universally acceptable by making it universally beneficial.

    We in India are conscious that the rapid changes brought about by technology and globalisation have to be addressed with care and caution. We have to spread the benefits among all our people and manage the process of change with sensitivity. Government sees this as its responsibility.

    How does business perceive its role and responsibility? What should be the concerns and obligations of industry?

    Over the last three years, there has been enhanced partnership between Government and industry not only in the economic sector, but also in the social sector. A lot more can be achieved by strengthening this partnership.

    Today, at this Economic Summit that has brought together captains of international and Indian business, I would like to share some thoughts on what could be the obligations of industry.

    First, and foremost, is that business and industry, especially the foreign investors community, must have a long-term commitment to India. This is the only way we can build trust and a sustained relationship.

    Second, as Government works to evolve a forward-looking Companies Act and Competition Laws, I seek from you a strong adherence to free and fair competition in the interest of consumers. Let us not follow the path of monopolies and cartels that serve the cause of few at the cost of many.

    Third, today’s India wants to see the corporate sector implementing higher standards of corporate governance. Each Indian and foreign company has a duty to be transparent, just as Governments – at the Centre and in the States – are trying to ensure transparency in policy-making. This is an issue that concerns small investors, minority shareholders and the investing public. High standards of corporate governance will enhance the people’s confidence in the private sector.

    Fourth, I would urge you to invest more and more in human resource development. It would be beneficial in the long run to devote funds and time to training, re-training and education of your employees and their families. This will prepare them to meet the challenge of change which globalisation inevitably brings.

    Fifth, remember that technology is driving change. With India’s outstanding scientific, technological and engineering talent, it will benefit everybody if you focus on research and development, innovation and technology building.

    Sixth, consider India a profitable location not merely for out-sourcing of information technology services, but also for manufacturing. We have a strong manufacturing tradition; this will continue to exist, India seeks to be not only an IT hub, but also a manufacturing hub.

    Seventh, be sensitive to environmental concerns. Insist on high standards of pollution control and ecological management.

    Eighth, reach out to the rural sector not merely because it is large, but because the needs of rural India cannot be bypassed. The rural sector needs high quality products to derive the advantages of globalisation.

    Finally, no Government can alone meet the massive challenge of providing education and healthcare facilities to every family in a billion-strong country without all round cooperation.

    Can each of CII’s four thousand member companies and the three hundred foreign companies represented here take charge of at least one primary school and one healthcare centre to supplement Government’s efforts in the social sector? Indeed, Indian industry as a whole must deepen its involvement in the crucial social sector of primary health and education.

    Such a social partnership can transform India. If you strive to realise these objectives, it will make a qualitative difference to our society.

    If we enter into this partnership now, the image of globalisation will change; Globalisation will no longer be perceived as a threat, but an opportunity.

    It will initiate a process that will enable all sections of society to participate in development and growth. A process in which the gains of income will be more equitably shared.

    Friends,

    That is why our Government is pursuing policies which aim to maximise the benefits of globalisation while minimising its risks and socially disturbing outcomes.

    Supported by our strong macro-fundamentals, India will continue, for the eighth year in succession, to grow at over six per cent. This is coupled with modest inflation, comfortable foreign exchange reserves and outward looking policies.

    Our intention is to double per capital income within one decade. This means an annual GDP growth of around eight to nine per cent.

    Since we last met, our Government’s focus has been on improving the quality of our national infrastructure. Let me mention some of them:

• The telecom sector has been totally deregulated.
• Entrepreneurial skill is now bringing in considerable private investment – both domestic and foreign – in this sector. Consumers have benefited from improved services and lower tariffs.
• A massive road building exercise is underway. Fresh contracts for over 2,500 km are being awarded by March 2001. New contracts at this level will continue for several years for enabling us to build a 6,000-km road network by 2003 and another 7,000 km by 2007.
• Several crippling problems of the power sector have received our close attention. Many State Governments have constituted independent Tariff Regulatory Authorities.
• An Electricity Bill, 2000 is in the offing.
• Our recent review suggests that as many as 10 power projects can reach financial closure by end-March, 2001.
• Our privatisation policy involves important strategic sales in several significant areas that should strengthen our competitive efficiency.
• We have accorded priority to social sector development, particularly health, primary education, drinking water and rural road construction. Policies and programmes are being reshaped so that benefits of growth percolate to the masses.
• New technological innovations and the new economy industries, such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, are in the forefront of Government’s attention. We will avoid the pitfalls of a digital divide so that the benefits of the information revolution are shared by all.

    There is some evidence of a global slowdown. But, even within this framework, I am convinced that India’s environment for business will improve steadily and significantly. This will encompass policy-making, procedures and implementation.

    I have been taking personal interest in ensuring speed and transparency. A Strategic Management Group in my office is meeting every week to hasten the pace of implementation. I am receiving support from Chief Ministers many of whom have set up similar monitoring groups for their State Governments.

    India will pursue with determination the reform strategy articulated in the manifesto of the National Democratic Alliance. The next generation of reforms entails difficult decisions. In implementing them, we will no doubt encounter resistance and transitional difficulties. But we shall overcome them.

    We shall constantly endeavour to evolve national consensus. We believe that the agenda for economic change should not be unduly politicised.

    Our goal is clear : We will globalise to India’s advantage. In the process, we will ensure that the fruits of productivity and the gains of growth bring about a qualitative change in the life of our people.

    Your partnership in our challenging task will be invaluable. I seek your cooperation in realising our vision.

Thank you".

'16'

HIGH EXPORT GROWTH RATE DUE TO POLICY INITIATIVES, SAYS OMAR ABDULLAH

    A number of steps have been taken to further enhance the export growth which include reduction in transaction cost through decentralisation, simplification of procedures and various other measures as enumerated in the Exim Policy. Steps have also been taken to promote exports through multilateral and bilateral initiatives, identification of thrust sectors and focus regions. The balance of payments position during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 remained comfortable. The government and the Reserve Bank of India monitor the position constantly and steps are being taken, as and when necessary, to make the BOP position of the country viable, the Minister said, adding that the target for export growth has been fixed at 18 per cent in US dollar terms during 2000-2001.

    This information was given by the Minister of Mines Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil to a question of Shri Prabhat Samantray in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    The book—a millennium offer by the Steel Ministry’s Joint Plant Committee (JPC)--- discusses the evolution of strengths and weaknesses of the Indian Iron and Steel Industry, its geographical dispersion across the country, opportunities offered by the sector after liberalisation and the global scenario. Targeted at Members of Parliament, industry people and policy makers, it also presents a diagnosis of the recent downturn, strategies for revival and proposes measures to face globalisation.

    The Steel Secretary Shir A.K. Agarwal, the Development Commissioner for Iron and Steel Shri R.K. Prasannan and the SAIL Chairman Shri Arvind Pande were present at the function.

    Government have taken several steps to increase the production of steel in the Ninth Plan, such as modernisation and expansion of public sector steel plants and adoption of various policy measures to encourage creation of additional steel production capacity in the private sector. Indian steel producers have been taking continuous steps to meet the domestic requirement of steel which include upgradation of technology improvement in productivity and yields, improvement in quality of products and adoption of the product-mix to suit the requirements of the consumers.

    This information was given by the Minister of Steel Shri B.K.Tripathy to a question of Shri B.J. Panda, MP in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

1. In consonance with the policy of providing a complete package of welfare services to the physically, mentally, hearing and visually handicapped individuals and groups and in order to effectively deal with the multidimensional problems of the handicapped population, six National/Apex Institute each working in the specific area of disability have been established. These Institutes are apex level organisations in the field of education, training, vocational guidance, counselling, research, rehabilitation and development of suitable service modules for the disabled.
2. A National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities has been created to provide support to these vulnerable categories of disabled and their families.
3. To support entrepreneurial activities by the persons with disabilities, the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation has been set up as an apex level financial institution for routing funds through the channelising agencies authorized by the State/UT Governments. The main objective of the Corporation is to provide self-employment and income generating activities to persons with disabilities for their economic rehabilitation.
4. The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), Kanpur was established in November, 1972 as a Public Sector Company with the main objective of developing and manufacturing standard aids and appliances for the disabled persons and to make them available at reasonable prices to them throughout India. It manufactures wheel chairs, tricycle, artificial limbs, crutches and many other aids and appliances for the handicapped persons. A scheme for setting up for Auxiliary Production Centres of ALIMCO has been launched recently with a view to expand the production base of ALIMCO.
5. Two Schemes, namely, (a) Scheme to Promote Voluntary Action for Persons with Disabilities and (b) Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for purchase/fitting of aids and appliances (ADIP) are being implemented for providing support to non-governmental agencies working for various programmes for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
6. Under the Scheme of Employment of the Handicapped, financial assistance is provided to States/UT Administrations for running special employment exchanges and for operating special cells in normal employment exchanges for persons with disabilities.
7. A Central Scheme for setting up of five Composite Resource Centres (CRCs) have been approved with the objective of creating an infrastructure for serving as composite outreach extension centres of the National Institutes.
8. The District Rehabilitation Centre Scheme (DRC) was initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to the rural disabled right at their doorstep in 11 districts of the country. Four Regional Rehabilitation Training Centres (RRTCs) have also been set up at Chennai, Mumbai, Cuttack and Lucknow for training manpower development in the field of rehabilitation, particularly for the DRCs.
9. A Scheme of Setting up four Regional Centres for Spinally injured and Persons with Orthoapedic Disabilities has been approved as Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
10. One hundred seven district have been identified for providing primary composite rehabilitation services at the doorstep of persons with disabilities. Over 20 centres have already become functional.
11. A four- tier scheme, namely, National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities has been approved in the State Sector for implementation in order to create infrastructure at State/district/block and gram panchayat level for providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to the handicapped. This Ministry has already released funds to the State Government for implementation of this Scheme.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    While the present infrastructure is not adequate to provide rehabilitation services to all persons with disabilities in the country, however, along with various on-going programmes for rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities being implemented by Central Government, State Governments and NGOs, a number of new programmes are also being implemented. These include 1) National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities - to create service delivery system at state/district/block/gram panchayat level, ii) District Rehabilitation Programme - to provide rehabilitation services especially to rural persons. Iii) Regional composite Resource Centre - to provide rehabilitation services and manpower development, iv) Regional Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with Spinal Injuries and other orthopaedic disabilities - to provide rehabilitation services, v) National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebal Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    Disbursement of funds against the projects are made by REC on completion of execution of loan documents by the concerned SEBs/Power Utilities/State Power Departments. The concerned SEBs/Power Utilities/State Power Departments are yet to complete the execution of loan documents.

    The priorities and targets for Rural Electrification are determined by the State Governments/State Electricity Boards depending upon the availability of financial resources. The REC provides loan assistance to SEBs/Power Utilities for the schemes sponsored by them provided these are technically feasible and financially viable. The time frame for complete electrification of rural areas would largely depend upon the availability of financial resources for creating required infrastructure systems, the demand from consumers.

State-wise details are given below :

(Rs. in Lakhs)

'7'

    Presiding over the Seminar, the Minister of State for Coal, Shri N.T. Shanmugam said that the obligations to carry speedy justice to the door steps of the poor and the needy devolved on the shoulders of the lawyer community. The lawyers alone could create awareness in the minds of the poor about their rights and remedies for their problems.

    Judges of the Supreme Court, the High Courts and leading lights of the Bar and Members of Parliament also participated in the seminar.

    The Law Day is celebrated every year on November 26 to mark the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 after a three year long deliberations.

'20'

BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR INVESTMENT IN OIL EXPLORATION IN INDIA

    Shri Gangwar, while congratulating AAAPG for its successful deliberations, said that in the last two decades, petroleum geochemistry has evolved into a sophisticated exploration tool used in many petroleum provinces. He urged the Petroleum Gechemists to resume more exploration and production activities in the unexplored Afro-Asian Region. He expected petroleum geochemistry to play an important role in the discovery of more hydrocarbons.

    In addition to this, he said, efforts are also being made to explore non-conventional sources of energy like coal bed methane and natural gas hydrates. Since the gas hydrates is a frontier area which would require evaluation of technological solutions, the conferences of this type will give the desired impetus, synergistic thought processes as also an action plan. The Minister said the gas hydrates are attractive resources of hydrocarbons for long-term energy security. The exploration and exploitation of gas hydrates is still a developing area and therefore, it would be desirable if companies all over the world join hands and pool the resources to come to a common understanding of the objectives.

'24'

CHIEF MINISTERS OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND JHARKHAND MEET SHRI PASWAN TO DISCUSS COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

    The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has requested for the formal clearance from the Ministry of Communications to associate local units with the TWINS project in Andhra Pradesh involving the cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad. Shri Paswan said that in the first phase of the project DOT SOFT terminal might be provided in the TWINS Project with leased line connectivity provided by Andhra Pradesh Circle. Further, the integration of DOT SOFT with the software of the State Government may be taken up in the second stage. However, he said that the current possibility is that the Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle may only install their DOT SOFT terminals in the premises of the Integrated Customer Service Centres. Referring to the issue of bandwidth which was raised by the Chief Minister during the meeting, Shri Paswan said that as VSNL has increased its bandwidth capacity, there should be no problem in meeting the increased demand of the State. Shri Paswan also agreed with the proposal of the Chief Minister to bring out commemorative postage stamps on the "Golden Tower – Ananda Nilayam Vimanam of Tirumala" and on "Tourism of Andhra Pradesh".

    Shri Marandi emphasised the need for creating a modern infrastructure for telecommunication in his state with high capacity new switches and optical fibre links connecting all the regions of the state to the capital Ranchi. Shri Paswan said that three new Heads of Circles of telecom will also be established in the newly created states of Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chhatisgarh. The Minister also agreed to the proposal of the state Chief Minister to bring out three commemorative postage stamp on freedom fighters, namely, Shri Kannu, Shri Sidhu and Shri Tirka Manjhi.

    "The India Economic Summit, organised by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry, has contributed to improved understanding of our national development process and economic policies. It has also enabled foreign investors to appreciate the potential of business opportunities in India.    

    The fifteen economic summits held so far have served a useful purpose in improving Government – business communications and creating networks of relationships. More than anything else, such relationships lead to mutual understanding and promotion of trade and investment.

    I am speaking to you today for the third consecutive year. During this short period, you would have perceived my Government’s determination to pursue policies that will make India globally competitive. And, progressively integrate India with the global community.

    My Cabinet colleagues will be speaking to you during this summit. They will outline our sectoral policies and programmes.

    I will confine myself to making some observations on the direction in which we are moving. It would also be in order to make some comments about global integration in the light of recent experiences.

    Friends,

    The inevitability of globalisation is recognised by all.

    However, during the last one year misgivings about the globalisation process have become more and more pronounced. This is evident from the increasingly vigorous protests in Seattle, Prague, Bangkok, Melbourne and even Davos!

    Are these protestors a group of misplaced individuals? And what are they protesting against?

    Some of the placard-wavers have cynically commented that they are against everything. But, a serious analysis of the protests will show that we cannot ignore the fact that there are many misgivings cutting across nations; that there are apprehensions which are shared across borders.

    If it is so self-evident that globalisation leads to increased opportunities, enhanced growth and real income, why are these not being universally accepted? Is it a communication failure? Is it merely an image problem?

    Is it that Governments are unable to ensure that the fruits of development percolate to the grassroots? Or, is it that globalisation is increasingly being perceived to be elite-driven, conferring benefits on large corporates while bypassing millions of poor and marginalised people? In India alone the number of such people is nearly 300 million.

    We need to ponder over these questions and come up with acceptable, convincing responses.

    The effectiveness of these responses would partially lie in accepting that while globalisation affords unbounded opportunities, these opportunities go hand in hand with obligations. The privilege of being a global player must be matched with the responsibility of making the process universally acceptable by making it universally beneficial.

    We in India are conscious that the rapid changes brought about by technology and globalisation have to be addressed with care and caution. We have to spread the benefits among all our people and manage the process of change with sensitivity. Government sees this as its responsibility.

    How does business perceive its role and responsibility? What should be the concerns and obligations of industry?

    Over the last three years, there has been enhanced partnership between Government and industry not only in the economic sector, but also in the social sector. A lot more can be achieved by strengthening this partnership.

    Today, at this Economic Summit that has brought together captains of international and Indian business, I would like to share some thoughts on what could be the obligations of industry.

    First, and foremost, is that business and industry, especially the foreign investors community, must have a long-term commitment to India. This is the only way we can build trust and a sustained relationship.

    Second, as Government works to evolve a forward-looking Companies Act and Competition Laws, I seek from you a strong adherence to free and fair competition in the interest of consumers. Let us not follow the path of monopolies and cartels that serve the cause of few at the cost of many.

    Third, today’s India wants to see the corporate sector implementing higher standards of corporate governance. Each Indian and foreign company has a duty to be transparent, just as Governments – at the Centre and in the States – are trying to ensure transparency in policy-making. This is an issue that concerns small investors, minority shareholders and the investing public. High standards of corporate governance will enhance the people’s confidence in the private sector.

    Fourth, I would urge you to invest more and more in human resource development. It would be beneficial in the long run to devote funds and time to training, re-training and education of your employees and their families. This will prepare them to meet the challenge of change which globalisation inevitably brings.

    Fifth, remember that technology is driving change. With India’s outstanding scientific, technological and engineering talent, it will benefit everybody if you focus on research and development, innovation and technology building.

    Sixth, consider India a profitable location not merely for out-sourcing of information technology services, but also for manufacturing. We have a strong manufacturing tradition; this will continue to exist, India seeks to be not only an IT hub, but also a manufacturing hub.

    Seventh, be sensitive to environmental concerns. Insist on high standards of pollution control and ecological management.

    Eighth, reach out to the rural sector not merely because it is large, but because the needs of rural India cannot be bypassed. The rural sector needs high quality products to derive the advantages of globalisation.

    Finally, no Government can alone meet the massive challenge of providing education and healthcare facilities to every family in a billion-strong country without all round cooperation.

    Can each of CII’s four thousand member companies and the three hundred foreign companies represented here take charge of at least one primary school and one healthcare centre to supplement Government’s efforts in the social sector? Indeed, Indian industry as a whole must deepen its involvement in the crucial social sector of primary health and education.

    Such a social partnership can transform India. If you strive to realise these objectives, it will make a qualitative difference to our society.

    If we enter into this partnership now, the image of globalisation will change; Globalisation will no longer be perceived as a threat, but an opportunity.

    It will initiate a process that will enable all sections of society to participate in development and growth. A process in which the gains of income will be more equitably shared.

Friends,

    That is why our Government is pursuing policies which aim to maximise the benefits of globalisation while minimising its risks and socially disturbing outcomes.

    Supported by our strong macro-fundamentals, India will continue, for the eighth year in succession, to grow at over six per cent. This is coupled with modest inflation, comfortable foreign exchange reserves and outward looking policies.

    Our intention is to double per capital income within one decade. This means an annual GDP growth of around eight to nine per cent.

    Since we last met, our Government’s focus has been on improving the quality of our national infrastructure. Let me mention some of them:

• The telecom sector has been totally deregulated.
• Entrepreneurial skill is now bringing in considerable private investment – both domestic and foreign – in this sector. Consumers have benefited from improved services and lower tariffs.
• A massive road building exercise is underway. Fresh contracts for over 2,500 km are being awarded by March 2001. New contracts at this level will continue for several years for enabling us to build a 6,000-km road network by 2003 and another 7,000 km by 2007.
• Several crippling problems of the power sector have received our close attention. Many State Governments have constituted independent Tariff Regulatory Authorities.
• An Electricity Bill, 2000 is in the offing.
• Our recent review suggests that as many as 10 power projects can reach financial closure by end-March, 2001.
• Our privatisation policy involves important strategic sales in several significant areas that should strengthen our competitive efficiency.
• We have accorded priority to social sector development, particularly health, primary education, drinking water and rural road construction. Policies and programmes are being reshaped so that benefits of growth percolate to the masses.
• New technological innovations and the new economy industries, such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, are in the forefront of Government’s attention. We will avoid the pitfalls of a digital divide so that the benefits of the information revolution are shared by all.

    There is some evidence of a global slowdown. But, even within this framework, I am convinced that India’s environment for business will improve steadily and significantly. This will encompass policy-making, procedures and implementation.

    I have been taking personal interest in ensuring speed and transparency. A Strategic Management Group in my office is meeting every week to hasten the pace of implementation. I am receiving support from Chief Ministers many of whom have set up similar monitoring groups for their State Governments.

    India will pursue with determination the reform strategy articulated in the manifesto of the National Democratic Alliance. The next generation of reforms entails difficult decisions. In implementing them, we will no doubt encounter resistance and transitional difficulties. But we shall overcome them.

    We shall constantly endeavour to evolve national consensus. We believe that the agenda for economic change should not be unduly politicised.

    Our goal is clear : We will globalise to India’s advantage. In the process, we will ensure that the fruits of productivity and the gains of growth bring about a qualitative change in the life of our people.

    Your partnership in our challenging task will be invaluable. I seek your cooperation in realising our vision.

    Thank you".

    In Nandankanan Zoo both Director and Veterinary Officer have been transferred and show cause notices have been issued to all the concerned officers to explain their inability to take timely action to check the spread of disease. In connection with the killing of a Caiman in Nandankanan Zoo, after enquiry, the animal keeper has been dismissed from the service and a criminal case has been filed against him separately.

    Regarding the killing of tigress in Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, State Government of Andhra Pradesh has handed over the case to State C.I.D. for the inquiry and has also put four employees of the zoo under suspension.

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

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to question by Hon’ble Members, Shri Shivaji Mane and Shri M.V.V.S. Murthi, in the Lok Sabha here today.

    Bihar –1, Gujarat –1, Haryana-1, Karnataka –1, Madhya Pradesh – 4, Orissa –1, Uttar Pradesh-1 and West Bengal-1.

    Action under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been taken against 168 highly polluting large and medium industries during the last three years. In view of the vigorous monitoring and legal action initiated against the defaulting units, now only 57 units have to comply with the prescribed standards.

    The steps taken/policy measures adopted to tackle pollution from industries include the following:

1. The Government has identified 17 categories of highly polluting industries, which are being regularly monitored for taking adequate measures to comply with the prescribed standards.
2. An "Environment Surveillance Squad" has been constituted for surprise inspection of industries by CPCB.

    Central Pollution Control Board has issued directions to State Pollution Control Boards to monitor and take action against the defaulting industries.

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to a question by Hon’ble Members, Smt. Jaskaur Meena and Shri Y.G. Mahajan, in the Lok Sabha here today.

    It is true that many distilleries have started discharge of treated effluent on land. To prevent contamination of ground water and loss of fertility of soil, the Central Pollution Control Board has prepared a protocol for utilisation of treated distillery effluents for irrigation in a scientific manner. If the treated effluents are used for irrigation in accordance with the protocol, there will be no problem of ground water pollution and loss of fertility of soil. In addition, the State Pollution Control Boards have been directed to monitor and take action wherever industries are discharging effluents beyond the prescribed standards. Distillery units are also being monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board. As on September 30, 2000 out of a total number of 177 distilleries, 134 units are reported to be having adequate facilities to comply with discharge standards, 32 units have been closed down and legal action has been taken against the remaining 11 defaulting units.

    This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Environment and Forests Minister in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Dr. Ashok Patel, in the Lok Sabha here today.