BPCL has the distinction of having been awarded an 'Excellent' rating for its performance every year since 1990-91. BPCL also received the Prime Minister's MoU award for 'Excellence in Performance' for the year 1998-99.

    In the MoU 2001-02, the Crude Throughput of BPCL's Mumbai Refinery has been targeted at 8.70 Million Metric Tonnes, which represents a refinery capacity utilisation of as high as 126%. A new measure of Energy Efficiency in the Refinery operations, 'Specific Energy Consumption' that has a bearing on the Crude Throughput, has been introduced in the MoU 2001-2. A weightage of 40% has been assigned to Finance parameters viz. 'Gross Margin' and 'Net Profit as percentage of Net Worth'. Further a new parameter 'Value added per employee' has been incorporated in the MoU.

    In line with the Government's plan of deregulation of petroleum sector in phases, BPCL have undertaken and implemented complete restructuring of the organisation so as to be at the cutting edge of marketing in the deregulated scenario. To improve retailing skills and to facilitate transition to the Enterprise Resource Planning, new Human Resource Development parameters have been included in the MoU 2001-02. Emphasis is also laid on speedy completion of major projects under implementation so as to augment infrastructure commensurate to the increase in market share.

'39'

FREE FOODGRAINS FOR EMPLOYMENT GENERATION PROGRAMMES

    The Centre has allocated 4.95 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost in January, 2001 to assist drought affected states for taking up various employment generation programme as per details given below:-

( In tonnes)

    In addition, Maharashtra was given an additional allocation of 5,000 tonnes of wheat in February and Chhattisgarh 37,000 tonnes of rice in March, 2001.

    The offtake of foodgrains by the concerned States against these allotments is as given below:-

( In tonnes)

    Requests from drought affected States for release of foodgrains free of cost for organising various employment generation programmes will be considered sympathetically by the centre.

QUARTERLY ESTIMATE OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) OF 2000-01

2. Quarterly GDP at factor cost at constant (1993-94) prices for Q3 of 2000-01 is estimated at Rs. 3,28,330 crore, as against Rs. 3,10,613 crore in Q3 of 1999-2000, showing a growth rate of 5.7 per cent over the corresponding quarter of previous year.

3. The sectors which registered significant growth in Q3 of 2000-01 over Q3 of 1999-2000 are ‘manufacturing’ at 6.1 per cent, ‘electricity, gas & water supply’ at 7.7 per cent, ‘construction’ at 9.6 per cent, ‘trade, hotels, transport and communication’ at 7.4 per cent, ‘financing, insurance, real estate and business services’ at 9.3 per cent and ‘community, social and personal services’ at 8.2 per cent. The growth rates in ‘agriculture, forestry & fishing’ sector and ‘mining and quarrying’ sectors have been estimated at 1.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively.

4. According to the information furnished by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), which has been used in compiling the estimate of GDP from agriculture in Q3 of 2000-01, the production of rice during Rabi season of 2000-01 is expected to decline by 0.7 per cent, over the corresponding season in the previous year. The production of wheat during 2000-01 is also expected to decline by 7.4 per cent over its estimated production during the previous year. The production of coarse cereals and pulses is anticipated to decline by 6.0 per cent and 19.0 per cent, respectively during the Rabi season of 2000-01. Among the commercial crops, the production of oilseeds is expected to decline by 21.5 per cent during this Rabi season over the production in the corresponding period last year. The crops, sugarcane and cotton are, however, expected to show positive growth rates of 0.5 per cent and 13.1 per cent, respectively during this year over the estimates of the previous year.

5. According to the latest estimates available on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), the index of mining, manufacturing and electricity, registered growth rates of 5.3 per cent, 5.5 per cent and 7.6 per cent, respectively during Q3 of 2000-01, as compared to the growth rates of (-) 0.1 per cent, 7.4 per cent and 7.7 per cent in these sectors during Q3 of 1999-2000. The key indicators of construction sector, namely, cement and finished steel registered growth rates of 1.0 per cent and 15.1 per cent, respectively during Q3 of 2000-01, as against the growth rates of 11.5 per cent and 16.2 per cent, respectively during Q3 of 1999-2000.

6. Among the services sectors, the key indicators of railways, namely, the net tonne kilometers and passenger kilometers have shown growth rates of 1.9 per cent and 9.1 per cent respectively during Q3 of 2000-01, as against their respective growth rates of 8.6 per cent and 13.3 per cent in Q3 of 1999-2000. The other key indicators, namely, production of commercial vehicles, cargo handled at major ports, aggregate bank deposits, bank credits and revenue expenditure of central government, respectively have shown growth rates of (-) 26.2 per cent, 5.6 per cent, 17.7 per cent, 19.3 per cent and 4.7 per cent, respectively, during Q3 of 2000-01, over Q3 of 1999-2000.

7. GDP at factor cost at current prices in Q3 of 2000-01, is estimated at Rs. 5,41,700 crore, as against Rs. 4,86,856 crore in Q3, 1999-2000, showing a rise of 11.3 per cent.

8. The wholesale price index (WPI), in respect of the groups, food articles, logs and timber, fish, minerals, manufactured products, electricity and all commodities, has risen by 2.1 per cent, (-) 3.4 per cent, 5.6 per cent, 12.0 per cent, 3.6 per cent, 21.6 per cent, and 7.9 per cent, respectively during Q3 of 2000-01, over Q3 of 1999-2000. The consumer price index for industrial workers (CPI-IW) has shown a rise of 3.0 per cent during Q3 of 2000-01 over Q3 of 1999-2000.

9. Estimates of GDP at factor cost and the growth rates, by kind of economic activity for Q3 of 2000-01 and the corresponding period in 1999-2000 at constant (1993-94) and current prices are given in Statements 1 and 2.

    The Agreement would facilitate immediate release of US$ 80 million as an advance to Gujarat Government and the rest of the financing would be available on the reimbursement basis. The World Bank has agreed to treat all expenditure on eligible categories incurred after the day of earthquake itself for reimbursement under retro-active financing facility.

    The agreement provides for assistance as under:

•     Housing US$ 247 million

•     Social Sectors which includes re-construction of housing and health sector buildings US$38.1 million

•     Administrative infrastructure US$ 108.4 million

•     Community participation support US $ 4.5 million

•     Disaster management capacity building US$ 2 million

    Dr. Adarsh Kishore complemented the World Bank and Gujarat Government for having completed the damage and needs assessment in such a short time after such a massive tragedy. He further hoped that this assistance would help Gujarat Government in meeting a major part of extra ordinary demands cast on them. He expressed confidence that the final phase of the Bank assistance of the order of US$ 600 million would also be developed and approved as expeditiously so as to provide the additional assistance to Gujarat by August end.

    The cumulative production of fertilizers for the April – February, 2001period had been 101.53 lakh MTs of Nitrogen and 34.82 lakh MTs of Phosphate. The cumulative production in the corresponding period of last year was 101.02 lakh MTs of Nitrogen and 30.57 lakh MTs of Phosphate.

    UREA:During February 2001, 14.63 lakh MTs urea was despatched to the States against the target of 14.50 lakh MTs. Cumulative availability of Urea during the current Rabi by the end of February 2001 had been 102.53 lakh MTs including open stock of 17.49 lakh MTs. The availability of Urea had been satisfactory in all the States so far during Rabi 2000-01.

    DAP: Cumulative availability of DAP by the end of February, 2001 had been 34.84 lakh MTs. Sales upto 28^th of February had been 27.47 lakh MTs.

    MOP: Cumulative availability of MOP by the end of February, 2001 during the current season had been 13.58 lakh MTs.

    The overall capacity utilisation in February, 2001 was 87.5 % for Nitrogen and 62.4 % for Phosphate.

    There were no imports of urea during February, 2001 and so far during the year 2000-01. During the month under review, DAP was not imported but 1.02 lakh MTs of MOP have been imported. The cumulative arrivals for the current year of DAP and MOP in the country had been 8.60 lakh MTs and 24.55 lakh MTs respectively.

    The Theme for the Conference this year is Change and Communication: meeting the Challenges. The speakers this year will address the changes that have an impact on Petro-Chemical Industry and the very important question on how to communicate the industry`s response to these changes to the public. Industry restructuring, IT impact, on-going Globalisation, Impact of Changes in Governments and Offshore investment opportunities are some of the issues to be addressed in the conference. Thus, it is an effort to learn about business opportunities in the global environment.

    The other sessions at the conference include symposium on Entrepreneurship and Innovations in the Petro Chemical industry and Forum on Petro Chemical challenges/future trends which will focus on predicting the future of technological change. Prominent speakers will be addressing the delegates about the status of the Petro Chemicals industry, Growth possibilities as well as Environmental concerns.

    In recognition of the BLTs intention to pave way for peace dialogue, the Central Government initiated peace talks with the BLT. The Central Government responded to the first step of the BLT for the peace dialogue by deferring the imposition of ban under the unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 on the BLT.

    In the context, the Union Home Minister, Shri L.K. Advani made a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on March 15, 2000 about the suspension of operations against BLT. Simultaneously Shri P.K. Mahanta, Chief Minister, Assam made the announcement at Guwahati. Ground rules for suspension of operation between the security forces and the BLT were agreed upon at a meeting held on March 28-29, 2000.

    Dr. P.D. Shenoy, AS(H) MHA was authorised to conduct the tripartite talks by the Union Home Minister. Ten rounds of discussions involving the Government of India, Government of Assam represented by Shri P.P. Verma, Commissioner to CM Assam and Secretary, WPT&BC, Shri H.K. Deka, DGP, Assam and Shri V.K. Pipersenia, Resident Commissioner, Assam and top leaders of the BLT including Shri Kamal Muchahary, Vice Chairman and Shri Mainao Daimary, Publicity Secretary have been held. The Chairman BLT, Shri Hagrama Basumatary and other top leaders of the BLT also met the Union Home Minister. Informal discussions were also held with ABSU. Detailed discussions on the villages and areas to be included in the Bodoland Territorial Council were held between the Government of Assam delegation led by Shri C.M. Patowary, Minister for Agriculture and the BLT.

    Ten rounds of tripartite talks between Government of India, Government of Assam and BLT have been held to find out a permanent solution to the Bodo problem. The following issues were raised by BLT during the discussions.

    The proposal has also the support of all Bodo Groups such as All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Bodo People’s Action Committee (BPAC), All Bodo Employee Federation (ABEF), All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF) and Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and their final support to the package would be ensured before finalisation.

    Talks have made progress and differences have narrowed down. On the basis of the negotiations, proposals are being submitted at the State and the Central Government levels to the competent authorities for an early decision.

    Negotiations are continuing and it is expected that the Accord would be finalized in the coming months.

    During February, the public sector unit Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) crossed its target of 3800 tonnes and produced 4295 tonnes of copper cathodes. It also produced 2323 tonnes of continuous cast copper rod against the target of 2794 tonnes. During the month the private sector units Indo Gulf Corporation Ltd. (IGCL) produced 9101 tonnes of copper cathode and 4658 tonnes of continuous cast copper rods. Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. (SIL), a private sector unit produced 9438 tonnes of copper anode.

    Production of zinc and lead by the public sector unit Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL) was 12831 tonnes and 3430 tonnes against target of 12850 tonnes and 2875 tonnes respectively. Besides, private sector unit Binani Industries Ltd. (BIL) produced 3014 tonnes of zinc crossing its target of 2500 tonnes. Indian Lead Ltd. (ILL), a private sector unit produced 387 tonnes of lead against a target of 1000 tonnes during the month.

    Hutti Gold Mines Ltd (HGML) produced 130.571 kgs of gold against a target of 151.754 kgs during February 2001. The Mineral Exploration Corporation (MECL) drilled 13000 metres and mined 566 metres during the month. The Geological Survey of India, during the month, in its mineral investigation programme, carried ont 252 sq kms. Of large scale mapping 1.530 sq kms of sq kms of detailed mapping and 7655.80 metres of drilling. 897 sq kms of specialised thematic mapping was done by the GSI during the month.

    The total value of mineral production covering metalliferrous and industrial minerals but excluding fuel, atomic and miner minerals in February, 2001 is estimated to be Rs. 495 crore against Rs. 485 crore for February 2000.

'25'

CENTRAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR LIGHTHOUSES

    The representatives of Coast Guard, Indian National Shipowners’ Association, Indian Port Association, Company of Master Mariners of India, Sailing Vessels interest for West Coast and East Coast have been taken as the members of the committee.

    Other organisations who are represented in the committee are Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Noida is also a member of the Committee.

    The Minister further informed that a road map has been drawn up in association with ASI and NCF which will attend to at least one heritage site in every State and Union Territory in India.

    Expressing satisfaction over the comprehensive scope of activities under each Project, Shri Ram Naik informed that a lot of though has already gone into this, beginning with the Qutb Project for which the roadmap is ready. He called upon Members of the Trust and the other officials to quickly execute the programmes for preservation in a time bound manner. Shri Naik asserted that the work on these sites would be completed in such a way that we set a trend for the rest of the world.

    The Minister also announced that he has approved the proposal for setting up of Indian Oil Retail Outlets at each heritage site. "I expect such Retail Outlets would be of world-class standards and blend with the ambience of the heritage sites." Shri Naik said.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ananth Kumar underlined the importance of preservation and better upkeep of our national heritage sites as they draw a large number of tourists every year. He informed that tourism industry contributes to the National ex-chequer. He called upon public, private and other corporates to follow the example of IOC in a bigger way by contributing to the preservation of national heritage sites. For this purpose, Government has launched the NCF where in the contribution are exempt from Income Tax. Emphasising the need for preserving our great heritage, Shri Santosh Gangwar said that this matter is of concern to one and all. They reflect richness and variety of Indian culture, which needs to be passed on to future generations in a better and attractive form.

    Indian Oil Foundation, a non- profit Trust was set up by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., a leading Navratna Company under the Petroleum Ministry with an initial corpus amount of Rs. 25 crore and a recurring contribution of Rs. 10 crore every year. The Trust is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the heritage of India.

    It may be recalled that the Government had, in November, 1997, notified the details of the phased programme for dismantling of administered pricing mechanism (APM) commencing April 1, 1998 through March 31, 2002. As per the notification, imports and pricing of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) were to be de-regulated by March 31, 2001.

    One of the pre-requisites for de-controlling the pricing of ATF was enactment of a legislation exempting ATF sales to foreign airlines from the levy of state sales taxes, as envisaged under the bilateral air services agreements with the other countries. For this purpose, a bill was introduced in the winter session of Parliament, which could not be passed so far. In spite of this difficulty, the Government have decided to keep its commitment on reforms in the hydrocarbon sector as per the schedules notified, Shri Ram Naik said.

    The amounts of sales taxes paid to the State Governments on sales of ATF to foreign airlines would, pending enactment of the legislation, be reimbursed to the oil marketing companies from the oil pool account.

    Consequent to decontrol, consumer prices of ATF will be market determined and will be fixed by the oil marketing companies. As a result of decontrol, the final consumer prices of ATF at different Aviation Fuelling Stations, after April 1, 2001, will be lower than or at the same level as at present, Shri Ram Naik added.

'17A'

SHRI MANOHAR JOSHI TO REVIEW PSU's PERFORMANCE

    While the performance of HMT and HCL would be reviewed on April 3 2001, the other PSUs namely, BHEL, Andrew Yule and the joint venture company Maruti Udyog Limited would be reviewed on April 4, 2001. Dr.Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Secretary, Heavy Industries and other senior officials of the Ministry would also be present at these review meetings.

'19'

KASHIRAM RANA CONVENES STATE TEXTILE MINISTERS CONFERENCE

    The Conference is being held in the backdrop of some of the important events that will shape the future of the textile industry in the coming decades. These are: -

• The Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), which had provided for a ten year period for the Integration of textiles into WTO and the imminent end to the Multi Fibre Arrangement (MFA) on 31st December 2004;

• The National Textile Policy, 2000 (NTxP-2000); and

• The Tenth Five Year Plan beginning April 2002, and for which preparatory action to formulate the approach and plans has already begun.

The discussion of the Conference would necessarily be governed by the implications and consequences of these important events. The resolution of the Conference should lead to a Programme of Action to be carried forward into the Tenth Five Year Plan in fulfillment of the objectives of the NTxP-2000.

    The objective of the Innovative Stream for Rural Housing and Habitat Development is to promote propagate innovative and proven housing technologies, designs and materials in the rural areas. The rationale of this scheme is the need for standardizing and popularizing cost-effective, environment friendly housing construction technologies and evolving ideal types of sustainable rural human settlements consistent with agro-climatic variations and natural disaster proneness. The implementation of the projects shall be monitored by the Ministry of Rural Development on regular basis.

    The objective of the reform programme of Rajasthan is to promote the development of an efficient, commercially viable and competitive power supply industry, which provides reliable and quality power at competitive prices to all consumers in the State.

    Under the reform programme, Rajasthan would issue RFQ for privatization of the distribution companies by December, 2001 and RFP by July, 2002 and redeploy the proceeds of privatisation in the power sector. Rajasthan would undertake Energy Audit at all levels in order to reduce system losses. This would be done in a time bound manner with the milestones which are :- endeavour to install meters at all 11 KV feeders by 31^st March, 2001, but in no case later than 30^th September, 2001; endeavour to complete 100% metering to all consumers by 31^st December, 2001 but in no case later than 30^th June, 2002; and energy audit of loads above 1,000 KVA by 30^th September, 2001.

    Computerised billing and effective energy audit in selected towns by 30^th June, 2002. Rajasthan would achieve 100% electrification of potential villages by 2007. Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited would strive to further increase PLF of KTPS beyond 85% and in the case of STPS in 2001-02. The electricity companies will maintain grid discipline, comply with Indian Electricity Grid Code and availability based tariff when it comes into force and carry out the directions of the Regional Load Despatch Centre.

    The Government of Rajasthan will ensure timely payment of subsidies in case it decides to subsidise any category of consumers after the tariff is determined by the RERC. The Government of Rajasthan will securities outstanding dues of CPSUs as per the scheme approved by Government of India. After the securitisation, the Government of Rajasthan will ensure that CPSU outstanding does not cross the limit of two months’ billing.

    On its part, the Ministry of Power will take immediate steps to supply additional 100 MW of surplus power from the Eastern grid on firm basis to Rajasthan once the Sasaram-Sarnath AC line becomes operational. The Ministry of Power will allocate power produced from 220 MW Unit IV of RAPP to Rajasthan on the basis of agreement that may be entered into between RVPN and Nuclear Power Corporation. While PGCIL does not invest in intrastate transmission lines, it would be willing to do so for Rajasthan in recognition of its being a reforming State. The Ministry of Power will extend financial support under the Accelerated Power Development Programme (APDP) to Rajasthan (a) to upgrade its sub-transmission and distribution network in three identified circles with ultimate objective of bringing down the Transmission & Distribution losses to the level of 18%; and (b) to undertake Renovation and Modernisation and LE of thermal plants.

    The Ministry of Power would assist in arranging funds to the State for 100% electrification of potential villages by 2005. The Ministry of Power would allocate additional power from new Central generating stations directly to the commercially viable distribution companies that emerge through the reform process and would demonstrate their capacity to pay for the power they need.

    In recognition of Rajasthan being a reforming State, the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) would be prepared to finance the investment needs of Rajasthan in relaxation of normal conditionalities relating to exposure limit, ROR and DSCR. Studies for reforms and restructuring would be funded by PFC through grants and interest free loans. The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) would also extend financing assistance to newly formed distribution companies for their investment needs. The Government of India will support proposals relating to additional investment in power generation in the State and central sector. 250 MW unit V has been sanctioned by the Government of Rajasthan for installation at STPS as an extension to the existing power station, for which Government of Rajasthan will consider granting techno-economic clearance by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) expeditiously.

    Taking note of the need for structural adjustment financing including working capital for successful completion of reforms, the Ministry of Power would fully assist Rajasthan in raising funds for this purpose from financial institutions and other sources.

    Implementation of the MOU shall be monitored every three months and it will run for a period of five years, and be subject to review annually.

    The Department of Company Affairs advises the investors to approach the Reserve Bank of India for complaints concerning non-banking finance companies. 45 per cent of department’s complaints pertain to this area for which nodal agency is RBI. Most of the complaints which concern Department of Company Affairs pertain to non-payment of fixed deposits by the companies and transfer of shares/debentures and other such complaints. About 90 per cent of the complaints have been redressed and in several cases, action is taken by initiating prosecution against defaulting companies.

    The meeting was held to review the progress and performance of the Department of Company Affairs in dealing with and disposal of the grievances appearing in the print media. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (AR&PG) in the Cabinet Secretariat has received and examined 7939 public grievances published in the newspapers from 10.5.2000 to 31.12.2000. These were received from the office of the Principal Information Officer of the Government of India. Of these, 900 grievances, which were found actionable, were forwarded to various departments/ministries of the Union Government for necessary action. Out of these actionable grievances 179 pertained to Department of Company Affairs and today’s meeting reviewed the progress on the redressal of these complaints.

    Secretary, Department of Company Affairs informed that the Department has its own web-site with comprehensive information for the clients. The website also furnishes a complete data base of the companies registered with the Department and the companies, which have become redundant. References/complaints received via e-mail etc. are replied through the same media, the Secretary of DoCA said.

    Both the Ministers expressed their happiness on the successful implementation of the MOU signed between India and Nepal and the training being imparted to agricultural scientists of Nepal.

    Other issues discussed are Railway project in Nepal, assistance to NDDB, Nepal, cooperatives and WTO.

    The All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), for February, 2001 (base 1982-100) has decreased by two points to stand at 443 (four hundred & forty-three) points. The CPI-IW during the corresponding period last year had decreased by one point.

    The Fall/Rise in index varied from centre to centre. In 47 centres, the index decreased between 1 to 13 points and in 8 centres it remained constant whereas in 15 centres it recorded an increase of 1 to 9 points when compared to previous month.

    During the month, Bhavnagar centre experienced the maximum decrease of 13 points mainly on account of fall in prices of rice, wheat, bajra, vegetables & Fruits, Sugar, Tea leaves, kerosene oil and clothing items whereas Rangapara-Tezpur centre witnessed a maximum increase of 9 points mainly on account of rise in prices of rice, wheat, Atta, betel leaf and betel nuts (supari), fresh fish, dry fish, and cigarettes. Index remained stationary in 8 centres viz. Indore, Rourkela, Saharanpur, Agra, Amritsar, Darjeeling, Delhi, Warangal and Srinagar.

    The index in respect of six main centres for February, 2001 stood at the following level: -

1. Ahmedabad 446 4. Chennai 471

2. Bangalore 430 5. Delhi 513

3. Kolkata 450 6. Mumbai 515

‘36’

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR PRESENTS A CHEQUE OF RS. 1,01,22,000/- TO PRIME MINISTER FOR GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

    Accepting the amount, the Prime Minister appreciated the efforts made by the Minister himself and said this will inspire others to come forward for this great cause.

    Besides this, Shri Ananth Kumar also collected an amount of Rs. 2,64,000 which was sent to the Chief Minister of Gujarat directly for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

    On an appeal from Shri Ananth Kumar, people contributed generously for rehabilitation of Gujarat Earthquake victims. Not only the people in his constituency, but also the employees under the Ministry of tourism & Culture and its subordinate came forward to contribute relief material besides the cash.