'3'

PM's STATEMENT AT THE SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

    "I would like to thank President Putin for his stimulating and thought provoking speech. These thoughts should guide us as we build upon our strategic partnership in the 21^st century. It is indeed a privilege to have President Putin in our midst today.

    Dobro pozhalavat!

    Over two and a half centuries ago, Peter the Great had asked his Special Envoy Vice Admiral D. Wilster who had been sent to India to sign an agreement to "work as hard as possible in order to have fruitful commercial relations between the two sides".

    Your Excellency, you are the inheritor of the legacy of Peter the Great and belong to the city that honours his memory. It is a city that withstood a siege of 900 days during the Second World War and gave the world a lesson in courage and endurance -- qualities that the Russian people are justly famous for.

    We are confident that your first visit to India will open a new chapter in Indo-Russian relations. We see in you a good friend of India and hold you in high esteem.

    As the words of Peter the Great show, our ties go back centuries. Though the centuries, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky have inspired generations of Indians. Similarly, the prose of Munshi Prem Chand and the cinematic skills of Raj Kapoor have found committed followers in Russia.

    This is the cultural and historical legacy which we have to build upon, and give new meaning to, as we enter the 21^st century.

    We share common concerns and have common interests. The history of the last five decades demonstrates that close Indo-Russian understanding is essential to peace and stability in Asia and the world.

    This is what makes us strategic partners. Our friendship is not based on short-term calculations, but transcends the twists and turns of history and politics.

    We are commemorating this year the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of our Republic. We have reposed faith in the principles of democracy which are today universal ideals providing for the growth of the human being and society. Our democratic structures are rooted in the cardinal values of pluralism, secularism and tolerance.

    Mr. President, not long ago, you had talked of the goodness of man in shaping relations in society and between states. This is what democracy is all about: empowering the people and releasing their creative energies.

    India has embarked on an ambitious economic reform programme. We have had some success in our efforts at building a modern economy while ensuring distributive justice.

    Along with the well-being of our people, we seek peace and security in our region and the world over. We have desired friendly and cooperative relations with the countries in our neighbourhood and beyond, based on mutual respect and civilized norms of behaviour. We intend to pursue this approach.

    India has consistently striven for global disarmament and has been in the forefront of all international efforts in this direction.

    We remain firmly committed to the creation of a nuclear weapons free world.

    The continuous proliferation of nuclear weapons and missiles in our region has been of concern to us.

    Mr. President, we have given formal shape to our relations by signing the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation. This Declaration will guide us in further developing our cooperation.

    Your historic visit to India will help in the further cementing of these bonds.

    It is of significance that the views of both India and the Russian Federation overlap and intersect on a wide range of international issues.

    Our positions on these subjects are based on mutuality of interests and shared perceptions. As we move towards the development of a new world order that is based on the principles of multipolarity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of others, I am confident that the strength of Indo-Russian relations will prevail in the creation of a global order which fosters international peace, security and stability.

    In this regard, the reform of the United Nations system becomes vital. We welcome Russia's continued support to India's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council.

    One of the major challenges which we, in this region, have faced over a decade is the menace of international terrorism, religious extremism, drug trafficking and narco-terrorism and separatism.

    These dangers do not recognise any borders and affect all. Terrorism cannot be allowed to become an instrument of State policy. The international community should resolve to overcome these challenges through concerted efforts.

    I take this opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes to the people of the Great Russian Federation. I wish you, Mr. President, success in your endeavours in building a new Russia -- a stable, democratic and confident Russia.

    "I convey my greetings to the people of India on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, which is being performed with devotion, fervour and gaiety.

    The advent of Durga, the Goddess of divine power, strength and spiritual vigour, was to destroy demonic forces and protect the noble, the righteous and the good. These celebrations strengthen our faith in the inevitability of the triumph of good over evil, no matter how invincible evil may appear at a given time. This theme runs, in different forms among all great Faiths and thus unites all humanity in a golden thread of thought and action.

    May this auspicious occasion bring amity, prosperity and happiness in our lives."

‘17A’

GOVERNMENT TO ORGANISE INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITION IN GUJARAT-MANOHAR JOSHI TO INAUGURATE

    More than 100 leading companies in the country have already booked exhibition space. Some of these include Maruti Udyog, Reliance, BHEL and HMT. The products on display will include defence equipments auto parts, machine tools and diesel engine etc.

    Seminars on various subjects have been planned as a part of the Industrial exposition. The Seminar on Oct 12,2000 will discuss the "Effect of W.T.O. and globalization on Indian Industries" while the S.S.I. sector would be discussed on Oct 13,2000. The World Standard Day on Oct 14,2000 will feature a seminar on ISO benefits. Technology upgradation in S.S.I. would be the topic for the seminar on the last day of the show. While the ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises would be the main organiser, other participating organisers include Bharat Heavy Electrical LTD (BHEL) Maruti Udyog, GIDC, Adani Ports Ltd., Reliance Petroleum, G.N.F.C., Rajkot Engineering Association and Industries Commissioner.

    A dividend cheque of Rs. 82.74 lakhs was also presented by Shri K.K. Sinha, CMD, HHEC to the Minister of Textiles on the occasion. The Corporation has paid dividend for the 3^rd year in a row. HHEC is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Textiles and a leading trading house engaged in the exports of handicrafts, handlooms, ready-to-wear garments, carpets, jewellery and import of bullion and mulberry raw silk. The Corporation has achieved a record turn over of Rs. 370.12 crores, surpassing the earlier highest of Rs. 318.28 crores recorded in the year 1997-98. The Corporation also earned a net profit of Rs. 4.01 crores.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri K.K. Sinha CMD of the Corporation explained the future plans of the Corporation of not only to exceed the present performance also its readiness to meet the challenges of new millennium and make HHEC a global Corporation

    The Corporation had signed a MOU with the Ministry of Textiles for the year 1999-2000 and based on its performance it was awarded "excellent" rating by the Department of Public Enterprises, Shri Sinha informed.

'13'

PROJECT FOR ECONOMIC UPLIFT OF WOMEN IN THE HIMALAYAN REGION

    A bio-technology park would be set up for capacity building, in the region. Demonstration of improved/alternative and already available hill-specific technologies will be held at the park and at selected field-sites. Capacity building will also be done through training and field exercises. The Board at its second meeting here yesterday, gave its consent to some other specific proposals also for the development of bio-resources in the country. It has already sanctioned a project for digitised inventory of plant species of economic importance.

    The meeting chaired by the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi reviewed the progress made so far in the identified priority areas including inventory of plants, animals and microbial resources. Programmes for the development and value addition to bio-resources through the application of modern tools of biology and bio-technology were also discussed. The Minister made it clear that women and tribals are to be involved in a big way in these programmes. He also said that Intellectual Proper Right component has to be incorporated in all these programmes since they are based on traditional knowledge and local expertise. This is very essential for patenting, he said.

• 15 year old Shaleen Rajendra Hartalka, from Udaipur, Rajasthan in the senior group
• 13 year old Tanmay Sanjay Khirwadkar, of Nagpur, Maharashtra, in the junior group and
• 10 year old Vikas Sarangadhara of Bangalore in the Sophomore group.

    Of the other six students selected, two are from Hungary and one each from USA, Brazil, Taiwan and Poland. Of the nine selected are four girls and five boys. The nine students were chosen from a field of 80 semi-finalist representing sixteen nations. In all, 44 nations participated in the contest.

    These students will actually programme a camera on a spacecraft in orbit around Mars to take pictures of the surface and will select a possible landing site on Mars for the future sample return mission. The student scientists will work with imaging data from NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft currently in orbit around Mars to choose a candidate landing site on Mars. In early 2001, they will travel to Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, California. There, they will take pictures of their site on Mars with the MGS Mars Orbiter Camera. The imaging will be carried out under the supervision of Michael Malin and Ken Edgett, whose recent announcement of evidence of seepage of Martian groundwater stunned the world.

    The idea of student participation in a real Planetary Exploration Mission was mooted by Planetary Society, USA with funding from LEGO Company and other sponsors and in cooperation with NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Milan Space Science Systems.

    The week of October 4-10, was specifically selected because it was on October 4, 1957 that the first artificial satellite of the earth, Sputnik-I was launched and on October 10, 1967 the United Nations "Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space" entered into force.

    The establishments under the Indian Space Research Organization will also observe the World Space Week by arranging lectures by eminent persons. It may also be recalled that the Department of Post has already issued four postage stamps on India in Space.

    During the discussions, both Ministers identified key areas of cooperation in the IT sector. The sectors identified include certification of electronics and IT products including software, cooperation in communication and network technologies including Internet, Cooperation in High Performance Computing Systems and their applications, partnership in the area of high technologies and electronic materials and cooperation in application of IT in education.

    During the discussions, Shri Mahajan briefed the Russian Communications Minister of the initiatives undertaken by the Government in the IT sector. Shri Mahajan gave a detailed account of the IT VISION of 2008, focussing on the strengths of the Indian IT sector, especially in the context of software development and skilled manpower. Language software development was a critical sector for enhancing collaborative ventures, said Shri Mahajan. Both India and Russia had a lot of diversity as far as language was concerned. In order to take IT to the masses and image it as an empowering tool for the people, it was necessary to create a viable interface between technology and the people. The Minister also apprised his Russian counterpart of the Government's plan of action in taking IT to the masses. Both Ministers acknowledged that both India and Russia had critical inputs for IT development which could bring about a synergy of interests.

    One of the highlights of the meeting was the proposal of the Russian Minister to purchase computers from India for schools in Russia. Mr. Reyman further added that a proposal in this regard would be sent very soon with relevant details. The Russian Minister acknowledged that his country was aware of India's prowess as an IT global player and hence it was imperative to build upon this brand equity that India enjoyed in the global community. Both Ministers acknowledged that it was strategically important to build the volume of trade in IT by promoting B to B linkages between the entrepreneurs of both the countries. It was also agreed upon to share models and experiences between the official departments on E-governance. Shri Mahajan also spoke of the need to promote exchange programmes between students, teachers & professionals associated in IT between the two countries. Shri Mahajan further added that both the Ministries could identify the relevant institutions to promote this exchange programme in due course. The Minister further extended an open invitation to Russian officials and entrepreneurs to visit Indian cyber cities to get a first hand experience of Indian prowess in Information Technology. Visits of such nature would facilitate the Russian business persons of Indian expertise in critical areas of IT which could act as a catalyst in facilitating bilateral cooperation in IT. Both Ministers also mooted the idea of setting up a nodal group in both countries to facilitate the linkages between important business groups and corporates.

    The meeting between the two Ministers is part of a series of meetings that have taken place between India and Russia on IT. In September Shri Mahajan met Mr. Llya Kleabanov, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia to identify inputs for bilateral cooperation. On 25^th - 26^th September, the seventh meeting of the Indo-Russian Working Group on Information Technology was held to identify bilateral inputs for enhanced cooperation in the IT sector.

'13'

INDO-RUSSIAN JOINT COUNCIL TO BE SET UP FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS, JOINT VENTURES AND PROJECT APPROVAL

    The Agreement also provides for industrial and commercial exploitation of advanced technologies emerging out of joint research and development as well as those available with either side.

    Joint research projects cover a wide variety of areas i.e. Biotechnology and Immunology. Materials Science and Technology, Laser Sciences and Technology, Catalysis, Space Science and Technology, Accelerators and their applications, Hydrology, Computers and Electronics, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Oceanology and Oceanic Resources, Engineering Sciences, Mathematics, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Earth Sciences, Physics and Astrophysics, Ecology and Environmental Protection, Chemical Sciences and Life Sciences.

    A total of 1,26,513 companies corresponding to 49.63 per cent of 2,54,911 defaulting companies, which were served notices by the Government (Department of Company Affairs), responded to the CLSS-2000. At present, 4,95,741 companies are in existence and functional.

    The Union Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley has complimented the responding companies. He has appealed to the remaining defaulting companies to avail themselves of the fast-track exit route under Section 560 of the Companies Act, 1959 for their deregistration as already announced by the Government. The fast-track exit route is operational for 60 days from September 28, 2000.

    The Law Minister also announced that the Government would explore the possibility of bringing out a standard book in Hindi for correct usage of words and interpretation of words in the national language in the context of demands of members for judgements in Hindi in the higher judiciary. He also said that the Hindi Salahkar Samiti would meet on regular intervals hereafter. Today’s meeting was held after a lapse of three years.

    Members suggested growing use of Hindi in law education, judiciary and in the workings of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs.

INDIA'S TRADE WITH AFRICA CROSSES US $ 7 BILLION

    Shri Abdullah also stressed the scope for greater investment in Africa as well as African investments in India and stressed the potential for cooperation in areas such as agro-processing & packaging, engineering, drugs & pharmaceutical, information technology, textiles and hotels. Further, pointing out that ECOWAS had emerged as an important regional grouping of West Africa, the Minister said "we must take note of this development and formulate appropriate strategies to improve our trade and economic presence in the region".

    The Minister informed the members that a National Centre for Design and Product Development was inaugurated in July, 2000 at Muradabad and at present German Designers are working with the exporters and artisans to develop new designs on handicrafts keeping in mind the demands in market. About 40 designs developed with such assistance have already been adopted for test marketing in the national markets by the exporters of Muradabad, Shri Rana said.

    On the subject of Geographical Information System(GIS) based on handicrafts data which is being developed with the assistance of IIT, Delhi, the Minister informed that the pilot study for the state of Uttar Pradesh is ready and it would be launched shortly. This is expected to immensely benefit artisans, exporters, designers, importers and various State and Central Corporations working for development and marketing of handicrafts, he added.

    Shri Kashiram Rana apprised the members about the implementation of UNDP projects in cane, bamboo and hand-knotted carpet, which is progressing on schedule with the assistance of various State and Central level agencies, professionals and reputed institutions. The highlight of the current year will be the adoption of a cluster development approach, whereby a need based assessment in identified craft clusters would be made in advance for determining specific package of assistance, he further informed. The new scheme which has been recently approved by the Planning Commission is expected to be approved by the Ministry of Textiles soon, he further added. "As a step preparatory to implementing this new scheme, a detailed base line survey of 5 craft clusters has been undertaken to determine the specific interventions required", Shri Rana said. The Minister expressed the hope that few more clusters would be covered in the remaining part of the year.

    On the problem arising out of a propaganda by certain vested interests about the alleged use of children in the manufacture of carpets, the government has taken various initiatives which include introduction of a ‘Kaleen label’ in order to authenticate the commitment of the carpet manufacturer about not using child labour, compulsory registration of looms and rehabilitation and training of the children weaned away from the carpet trade by way of providing them formal education through schools being specially set up for the purpose, the Minister said.

    The Government has also taken up the issue of non-tariffs barriers such as the child labour etc. imposed by various importing nations, at different international forum including the WTO, Shri Rana said.

    The Government is also setting up an India trade mart at Greater Noida to give a fillip to the exporters of handicrafts carpets and jute in their export efforts. The project approved recently at a total cost of Rs. 94.42 crores will have equity participation by member exporters of about Rs. 18 crores while the Government will also contribute 26% of the equity. The project to be completed in about 3 years will provide a platform as a permanent contact point for foreign buyers and shall remain open throughout the year, Shri Kashiram Rana said.

    The Ministry of Textiles will also be introducing special measures for the benefit of artisans of the North-Eastern States, Shri Rana informed. These initiatives would include introduction of a special scheme for artisans whereby they would get some compensation to offset the high cost of road transportation. The Government is also exploring possibilities of introducing a new scheme to provide subsidy on interest on the capital borrowed by the artisans so that the reduced cost of the capital makes their product competitive in the market, the Minister said.

    In his message, the President said, "on the auspicious occasion of Durga Pooja, I extend my warm greetings to all our people for their happiness and prosperity. May the festival representing the triumph of good over evil, turn us away from all that divides and destroys and inspire us to work for the unity and well being of the country".

    The Prime Minister in his message said, "Durga Pooja epitomises the victory of good over evil. May this festival serve to ensure that eternal moral values prosper within every heart and strengthen one's resolve to lead a virtuous life".

'26'

    Various national and international airports across the country have been facing the problem of fake bomb threats and occasional system failures. Yesterday itself an Alliance Air flight CD 7629 between Mumbai and Nagpur had to be grounded due to a bomb scare. The aircraft had to return to the take off point at 1910 hrs. The passengers were safely evacuated through emergency chutes at the parking bay.

    The Minister has commended the crew and Air Traffic Control for prompt and efficient handling of the situation. He has asked for a detailed enquiry to be conducted into the entire episode. He has also sought suggestions for bringing in further improvement in handling of such emergencies.