PRESIDENT, SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN'S ADDRESS TO THE FIRST SESSION OF BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT AFTER THE ELECTIONS TO 13^TH LOK SABHA

    The following is the text of the President, Shri K.R. Narayanan's address to the first session of the both Houses of Parliament after the election to13^th Lok Sabha, here today:

    "Honourable Members,

    I am pleased to address this first session of both Houses of Parliament after the elections to the 13^th Lok Sabha. I extend a warm welcome to all of you, including the newly elected members.

    The just-concluded parliamentary election was the last of this century. It has given us the first Lok Sabha of the next century. As behoves a great nation with a history of many millennia, it is natural for India, at this historical juncture, to look at her past with pride and her future with hope and confidence. We must also look at our many missed opportunities that have prevented Free India from becoming a land of all-round progress and prosperity. Let us pledge today to use our collective strength, determination, and a sense of national purpose to meet the great future that beckons our country.

    The coming year marks the 50^th anniversary of the creation of the Indian Republic. The adoption of our great Constitution, authored by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, was a proud event in the history of this ancient nation reborn as a Free and Modern Republic. The majestic words of the Preamble, beginning with "We the People of India…" and carrying the epochal message of unity, sovereignty, democracy, and equality, still reverberate in our ears. They motivate us to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of our glorious Freedom Struggle and the enlightened Constitution that it gave birth to.

    They inspire us to work for the realisation of the ideal that Mahatma Gandhi set before the Constitution much before India became free. As far back as 1931, Gandhiji wrote: "I shall strive for a Constitution, which will release India from all thraldom and patronage. I shall work for an India in which the poorest shall feel that it is their country in whose making they have an effective voice; an India in which there shall be no high class and low class of people; an India in which all communities shall live in perfect harmony… This is the India of my dreams. I shall be satisfied with nothing less." Can we be satisfied with anything less?

    The just-concluded elections have again demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy and the maturity of the Indian voter. The electorate has put an end to the phase of instability at the Centre by giving a clear and decisive mandate to my Government. The participation of regional parties in managing the affairs of the country at the national level in a stable and coherent coalition augurs well for our democracy and federal polity.

    I am happy to note that the "Agenda for a Proud, Prosperous India", which is the Government’s common policy document, reaffirms its faith in the principles of Secularism, Social Justice, Federal Harmony, Probity, and Socio-economic Equity. Rooted in the eternal values of our ancient civilisation, these are also the cornerstones of Modern India. Government will fully implement the promises made in its common Agenda.

    The interregnum between the dissolution of the last Lok Sabha and elections to the 13^th Lok Sabha witnessed a grave challenge to our national security. The armed aggression in Kargil by Pakistan to occupy strategic territory on the Indian side of the Line of Control, was decisively foiled by our brave jawans, airmen, and officers. Pakistan suffered a double defeat — both on the battlefield and on the diplomatic front. Today we pay our grateful tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil war. Their sacrifice and heroism will forever remain a source of inspiration and strength to the nation.

    There was unprecedented support across the nation for our jawans fighting Pakistani intruders in Kargil. The entire nation stood as one. Common people, who have little to spare, made generous contributions for the welfare of our brave jawans and their families. We have been actively looking after the rehabilitation needs of the families of our brave soldiers who laid down their lives during "Operation Vijay", or who have been invalidated due to injuries sustained during the war. A package of assistance for the welfare of such families is being implemented.

    While there is every reason for us to rejoice at India’s victory in the Kargil war, there is little room for complacency. This is evident from the sudden spurt in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country and the recent attacks on security forces following the Kargil conflict. Government is determined to thwart all disruptive activities and maintain vigil on all fronts. The Kargil conflict has also underlined the need for modernisation of our defence forces. Government will ensure that our defence forces are fully equipped to meet any challenge to our national security.

    We remain firmly committed to global nuclear disarmament on a universal and non-discriminatory basis. At the same time, Government will ensure that India’s strategic autonomy is preserved. This will be done in a way that India’s legitimate security concerns are suitably addressed, in keeping with our own assessment of the evolving international security environment. The National Security Council will advise the Government in this regard and, also, in the establishment of a credible nuclear deterrent. A Draft Nuclear Doctrine has already been prepared and presented for public debate.

    During the current year, the Indian economy is expected to grow over six percent. Inflation as measured by the Wholesale Price Index is around two percent, which is the lowest in the last two decades. Notwithstanding an adverse global economic environment last year, our balance of payments position has remained comfortable and our foreign exchange reserves are at a record level of nearly $ 33 billion.

    However, despite these achievements, the challenge to overcome the scourge of poverty remains a daunting one. Crores of our people, particularly in villages, are still to be provided with basic services such as clean drinking water, reasonable shelter, primary education, health services, and roads. Illiteracy is still a curse for large masses of our people — especially among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, minorities, and rural women. Millions of young men and women continue to be victims of unemployment. We have failed to stabilise our population, despite being one of the first countries to initiate an official programme for this purpose. We must redress these serious inadequacies as we chart a new course for the future.

    The broad theme guiding the policies and programmes of my Government is: "Faster Growth with Employment and Equity." Government is committed to create one crore additional employment opportunities each year. These will be mainly in the areas of agriculture, agri-based businesses, small-scale and cottage industries, housing and construction, services, and self-employment. However, unless India grows in the coming years at a rate of at least seven to eight percent, there is no way we can eradicate poverty and unemployment. Experience, both domestic and international, suggests that rapid and multi-sectoral growth is possible only by pursuing a bold strategy of economic reforms. The nation’s re-oriented strategy of development will have to rest on a triad in which the Government provides a strong policy and regulatory leadership; the private sector brings the dynamism and efficiency of the competitive environment; and, local democratic institutions and the civil society brings enthusiastic participation by the people. This strategy demands a new pro-development mindset in every section of society, polity, and administration, creating a strong national consensus for a bold departure from the past.

    Guided by this overarching vision, Government has decided to give topmost priority to Social Sector development. In the field of education, a separate Department of Primary Education and Literacy has been created. An action plan to give greater thrust to female literacy and primary education will be shortly announced. Further, a programme for provision of primary school buildings for all unserved habitations will be formulated. Private sector participation in higher and technical education will be actively promoted.

    A National Health Policy will soon be presented, whose twin aims will be the provision of adequate primary health services to all citizens and a stabilisation of population. Reproductive and Child Health services will be further strengthened through greater community participation. The use of Indian systems of medicine will be greatly encouraged. Greater attention will be paid to the welfare of the disabled and the aged through joint Government and Non-Government initiatives. Private sector participation will be encouraged in tertiary health services, including speciality hospitals, diagnostic centres, and related activities.

    Government will give renewed thrust to improving Rural Infrastructure. The newly created Department of Drinking Water Supply in the Ministry of Rural Development will implement a programme to provide clean drinking water to all villages in the next five years. A Programme for Rural Connectivity through construction of all-weather roads to connect all villages will soon be started. Fifty percent of the diesel cess will be earmarked for this programme. A massive "Shelter for All" programme will be taken up to facilitate construction of twenty lakh additional housing units each year. Of these, thirteen lakh will be built in rural areas.

    Prosperity and employment generation in rural areas depend crucially on a fast-growing agricultural sector, complemented by a nationwide network of agro-based industries. In agriculture, Government will address issues such as development of rain-fed farming, soil conservation, wasteland development, watershed management, agriculture credit system, promotion of horticulture and floriculture, expansion of the cold-storage network, fertiliser pricing, balanced use of chemical fertilisers, and promotion of organic manure. Cooperative sector reforms, issues relating to crop insurance, post-harvest management, pricing and procurement policy for agricultural produce, forecasting and early warning systems etc. will also be thrust areas in the new policy. An action plan for the early completion of pending irrigation projects in a time-bound manner will be taken up.

    Scarcity of water is fast becoming a serious national problem. Unless water is conserved and managed properly, there will not be enough to meet the country’s burgeoning demand from households, farms, and industries. Government will present a Water Policy that will facilitate the creation of appropriate administrative, commercial, and technological solutions to ensure that the present and future generations are not deprived of this life-sustaining resource. Inter-State water disputes will be equitably resolved. The needs of environmental protection and afforestation will be fully addressed in achieving the goal of sustainable development.

    The most obvious constraint to rapid economic growth today is the inadequacy of our infrastructure. Government shall take urgent steps to improve the situation, guided by the principle of greater private investment within a strong regulatory mechanism. In the power and energy sector, the Centre will work closely with State Governments for time-bound corporatisation of the State Electricity Boards. Generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity will be unbundled as separate activities. Tariff reform, privatisation of transmission and distribution of power, and setting up of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions will be accelerated. A Task Force under the Finance Minister was set up some time back to prepare a "Hydrocarbon - Vision 2020" report. The recommendations of this Group will be implemented. An accelerated timeframe for dismantling the administrative price regime will also be finalised quickly. The Coal Mines Nationalisation Act will be suitably amended to remove hurdles in the growth of this vital industry.

    The Ministry of Surface Transport has been reorganised into the Department of Road Transport and Highways and the Department of Shipping. The Integrated Transport Policy shall be soon finalised. NHAI will be strengthened to enable it to quickly implement the National Highways Development Project including the East-West and North-South corridors. A Dedicated Road Fund will be created. A Railway Reforms Commission will soon be set up to evolve a new resource mobilisation strategy, rationalise tariff, prioritise the project portfolio, and urgently fulfill the unmet needs of railway safety. High priority will be accorded to improving the efficiency of existing ports, corporatisation of some of our major ports, and private sector participation in setting up new ports. A new Civil Aviation Policy will be formulated, designed to secure India’s needs in the 21^st century. The programme for modernisation of our airports through private sector participation would also be implemented in a time-bound manner.

    The New Telecom Policy-1999 shall be expeditiously implemented to achieve the objective of providing universal access to world-class telecom services at the lowest possible price to the public. Rapid spread of rural telephony will be promoted through a special plan to cover all the uncovered villages in a time-bound manner. Corporatisation of the Department of Telecommunications as India Telecom will be speedily implemented. As a first step, a new Department of Telecom Services has been created to separate the policy-making function from the service provision function. The TRAI will be strengthened to increase investor confidence and create a level playing field between public and private operators by suitably amending the TRAI Act. A Group of Experts will be constituted to recommend a new legislation in place of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to enable India to seize the new opportunities created by the technological convergence between telecom, computers, television, and electronics.

    A new Ministry of Information Technology has been created to be the nodal institutional mechanism for facilitating all the initiatives in the Central Government, State Governments, academia, the Indian private sector, and successful Indian IT professionals abroad. The Ministry will implement a comprehensive action plan to make India an IT Superpower in the early part of the next century and achieve a target of $ 50 billion in software exports by 2008. It will accelerate the Internet revolution in India, emphasising the creation of useful content in Indian languages. IT-enabled services, IT education, hardware manufacturing and exports, e-commerce, and Internet-based enterprises will be actively promoted. These have the potential to create employment and business opportunities for hundreds of thousands of young Indians. A legislation to promote E-Commerce will be introduced soon. A Task Force for the pharmaceutical and other knowledge-based enterprises will be constituted for making India a world leader in this sector. I am happy to note that India is well on the way to ensure Y2K compliance in all our critical computer systems before the end of this year.

    All these infrastructure initiatives will lay a firm foundation for the revival and expansion of India’s industrial base — especially the vast and hitherto neglected sector of small-scale and cottage industries, rural craftsmen and artisans, and the KVIC. Special emphasis will be laid to meet the multiple needs of this sector such as timely and adequate credit including the implementation of a credit guarantee scheme, marketing, technological upgradation, skill improvement — and, above all, removal of bureaucratic harassment. Rules will be suitably modified in some carefully identified industries in the SSI sector, which have a huge potential for exports and employment generation. Government will make comprehensive and sustained efforts to solve the long-pending problems of India’s textile industry, especially in view of the challenges in the post-MFA regime. Necessary steps for modernisation and restructuring will be taken to restore Indian textiles to their traditional preeminence in global markets.

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in rapid economic development by bringing in modern technology and management practices. Government will review existing FDI regime in order to bring in greater transparency, cut delays in project implementation, and create an enabling policy to ensure FDI inflow of at least $ 10 billion per year. There shall be an automatic route for FDI clearances except in a small list of carefully chosen areas.

    We will evolve a programme for achieving fiscal rectitude through improved expenditure management, undertake far-reaching tax reforms, and secure speedier restructuring and disinvestment of public sector undertakings, including strategic sales. The Expenditure Commission, which would be set up shortly will review all direct and indirect subsidies, examine all ongoing expenditure streams and schemes, as well as lay down the roadmap for downsizing of Government. A Task Force on Tax Reforms shall be constituted to recommend a time-bound programme of reforms of tax structures, both direct and indirect. Reform of banks and financial institutions, would be accelerated by reducing non-performing assets and strict application of prudential norms. Necessary legislation on bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt recovery, and mergers would be enacted to underpin financial sector reforms.

    We are fully committed to promote the interests of labour, especially those in the unorganised sector, in the new environment of economic reforms. The Second Labour Commission will study the changes needed in various labour laws in order to better achieve the welfare of labour, faster generation of additional employment, accelerated industrial growth and exports.

    Government will institute effective measures to eliminate chronic delays in the dispensation of justice, through suitable reforms in the judicial system. Independence of Judges shall be fully respected and efforts made to attract the best talent to the Bench. Government had undertaken a study some time back on which of the existing laws, rules, and regulations have become obsolete and are proving an obstacle to rapid socio-economic development. Based on the recommendations of this study, all such outmoded and inessential laws will be repealed.

    As a member of the World Trade Organisation, India will continue to interact with other nations to further protect and promote our national interests. Towards this objective, Government is preparing a well-thought out strategy for the forthcoming Seattle conference. My Government will ensure that in any new round of WTO negotiations, India’s national interests are fully protected, and that our gains from global trade are maximised.

    Government will intensify the promotion of science and technology – in education, basic research, and application for meeting the critical challenges of socio-economic development. Interaction between Indian industry, CSIR laboratories, universities, IITs, DRDO, ICAR, ICMR, and the departments of Space, Atomic Energy, Biotechnology, and Ocean Development will be strengthened. In keeping with the message of "Jai Vigyan", special efforts will be made to nurture scientific temper and problem-solving attitude among our children, and also to encourage promising young scientific talent.

    Government will endeavour to give a new direction to Urban India and bring about an orderly, healthy, and dynamic development of our cities, which is necessary to tackle the problem of urban poverty. Special efforts will be made to raise the quality of civic services and to carry out a fundamental restructuring of the administration of municipal bodies and public utilities.

    Youth power provides the dynamo in the mission of nation-building. Government will focus and facilitate the efforts of thousands of youth and students organisations across the country to give a renewed thrust to their enthusiastic participation in constructive activities, sports, arts and culture. The main energising aim of these efforts will be to strengthen national integration, rekindle the spirit of voluntary work, and to enable our talented young men and women to achieve global excellence.

    Internal security is an integral part of national security. Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens of India, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or language. The incidence of communal violence last year was at its lowest in the last decade. Government is already engaged in taking effective steps to create a riot-free and terrorism-free India.

    The past two years have seen a marked improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Education, tourism, and other economic activities are fast returning to normal in this State. More than 110,000 pilgrims participated in the Amarnath Yatra this year. Nevertheless, terrorism continues to pose a challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. We will meet this challenge firmly and provide all assistance to the State Government to neutralise terrorists. After its crushing defeat in Kargil, Pakistan has stepped up its proxy war against India. The immediate objective of the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists was to disrupt the election process in Jammu and Kashmir, and also in the North-Eastern States. The people in these States, however, have once again opted for the ballot in the face of the terrorist’s bullet. This is a ringing endorsement of their faith in India’s unity, secular democracy, and a rejection of theocratic separatism.

    The Prime Minister has announced that Government will follow the principle of "Zero Tolerance" while dealing with terrorism. Simultaneously, Government will continue to focus international attention on the deadly impact of trans-border terrorism that has claimed countless lives all over the world. There is no dearth of evidence to show how state-sponsored terrorism has affected peace and stability in South Asia and beyond. India is actively working to initiate concerted international opinion and action against state-sponsored terrorism in any part of the world. The menace of illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, and narco-terrorism has also to be effectively countered through both national and international efforts.

    Government will soon restructure the North-Eastern Council for faster socio-economic development of the North-Eastern States. The NEC (Amendment) Bill, 1998 will be moved shortly. A special scheme to modernise police forces has been introduced in the North-East; it is expected that the States’ police forces will soon be better equipped to tackle insurgency and law and order problems. The remaining portion of the India-Bangladesh border will be fenced shortly.

    Harmonious Centre-State relations are fundamental to a healthy federal polity and to achieve balanced socio-economic development. The pending recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission’s report in this regard will be considered for expeditious implementation. My Government believes that the States should have greater financial and administrative powers and that there should be decentralisation right up to the grassroots through the Panchayati Raj system. Necessary action will soon be initiated to give full Statehood to Delhi and for the creation of Uttaranchal, Vananchal, and Chhattisgarh as new States.

    A Commission comprising noted constitutional experts and public figures shall be appointed to study a half-century’s experience of the Constitution and make suitable recommendations to meet the challenges of the next century. Government will also examine replacing the present system of no-confidence motion by a system of "Constructive Vote of Non-Confidence", and a fixed term to the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas, in order to prevent political instability both at the Centre and in the States.

    No nation can prosper unless there is a concerted effort to empower women and invest in the girl child. Some of the miracle stories of rapid development are hinged to economic, social, and political empowerment of women. Government proposes to reserve, through legislation, 33 percent seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures. Further, we shall provide free education to the girl child up to college level, including professional courses, and set up a Development Bank for women entrepreneurs in the small-scale and tiny sectors. Nari Shakti shall fuel the engine of a modern, dynamic Indian society.

    We are committed to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and minorities through appropriate legal, executive, and societal efforts. Our focus will be on large-scale education and socio-economic empowerment. We are determined to wipe out the last vestiges of untouchability from our society. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be extended for another ten years and reservation percentages above fifty percent followed by some States will be sanctified through legislative measures. Government has already created a new Ministry of Tribal Affairs for better formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programmes aimed at all-round welfare of our tribal brethren.

    Comprehensive electoral reform is necessary if elections are to be made a truly democratic exercise, free from the clutches of muscle and money power. A broad consensus already exists on the need for extensive reforms in our electoral laws. Government will soon bring forward a comprehensive electoral reform Bill to further strengthen our democracy. Government will also ensure the right to franchise of Defence and Security Forces by introducing the system of proxy voting.

    The canker of corruption is eating into every institution of our nation. Government is determined to ensure probity in public life. Towards this end, the Lokpal Bill has already been introduced. It will, inter alia, also cover the office of the Prime Minister. Government will also soon enact the Central Vigilance Commission Bill for conferring statutory status on the Central Vigilance Commission.

    Continuity and consensus have always been the underpinnings of India’s foreign policy. Successive governments have demonstrated their commitment to secure for India a place, role, and position in the global arena, commensurate with its size and importance.

    The recent military takeover in Pakistan is a matter of grave concern. Democracy alone can best guarantee peace, understanding, and cooperation among countries and peoples. We are watching the situation in Pakistan with careful attention. We had initiated the composite dialogue process and had sought to reinforce it through the Lahore Declaration. Pakistan must stop cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other regions of India, and also put an end to hostile propaganda against India.

    The situation in Afghanistan demands a careful reassessment and a fresh approach. The world has unfortunately watched passively while Afghanistan disintegrated into a source of terrorism, narcotics, and dangerous instability. As a result, India’s security interests have been affected. We shall work together with like-minded countries for an early return to stability in Afghanistan. An essential requirement for this is the cessation of outside interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

    Recent years have seen significant strengthening of India’s traditionally close friendship and cooperation with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives, as well as our interaction with SAARC. We shall continue to work actively with these neighbouring countries and within SAARC to reinforce the trend of cooperation in this region. India will also forge closer cultural and economic relations with South Africa, Mauritius, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, and such other countries where large numbers of people of Indian origin live.

    India seeks to further deepen and broaden her relations with the United States of America, on the basis of the values and ideals we both share. We are also committed to further strengthen our traditionally close and friendly ties with Russia. We shall develop our links with France, Britain, Germany, along with other members of the European Union and Japan, in a spirit of goodwill and mutual benefit. We would continue our dialogue with China with a view to improving and broadening our relations. India highly values her cordial and steadily growing relations with the countries of Central Asia, West Asia, East and South-East Asia and the Pacific, as well as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meet (CHOGM) in Durban provides a useful forum for presenting India’s views on a wide range of subjects of regional and global significance.

    My Government will maintain and foster close understanding with our strategic partners and key interlocutors in order to strengthen our political and economic relations with the outside world. We also continue our efforts for a more equitable world order and for greater democratisation of the United Nations and its organs. A greater role for the developing countries in the councils of the world will bring in much-needed stability and justice in global affairs.

    Honourable Members, you have a highly challenging, but equally rewarding, task before you in the 13^th Lok Sabha. The people who have elected you have high expectations from all of you. They hope that the proceedings in Parliament will be of high standards, marked by consensus and cooperation among all members, cutting across party lines. In this context, I would like to compliment the 13^th Lok Sabha on the unanimous election of the Honourable Speaker. This, indeed, is a welcome development. I am confident that the coming Session, as also all the subsequent sittings of Parliament will witness constructive debate in both Houses, leading to successful conclusion of all the legislative and other scheduled business. I wish you the very best in your endeavour.

        "JAI HIND"
 
 

'31'

INDIAN HERBAL PRODUCTS FIND A LARGE MARKET IN THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND U.S.A.

    Secretary to Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Shailaja Chandra informed that there is large market of Indian herbal products in developed countries like U.S.A., Australia and European nations. While inaugurating the two-day Seminar on Research Achievements of Ayurveda and Siddha here today organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) she said that there is a great scope of export of herbal products of ISM from India. She informed that special attempts to introduce Ayurvedic medicine in their Reproductive Child Health Programmes of the Department of Family Welfare have been made by the Department of ISM&H. She disclosed of the remedies for the treatment of cancer and Psoriasis through Ayurveda and Siddha. The Secretary added that contraceptive Pippalyadi Yoga developed by the Council and Ayush-64, anti-malarial and revival of the ancient procedures of the Kshar-Sutra and Pancakarma therapy deserve special mention.

    Dr. Prem Kishore, Director, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, Shri L. Prasad, Joint Secretary, ISM&H and the representatives and officers of State Governments are among those who are participating in the two-day National Seminar.

    On this occasion, 10 research scientists were given awards by the Council for their outstanding contribution in the field of research in Ayurveda. About 10 publications on cancer, psychosis, paralysis, availability of medicinal plants were also released.
 
 

‘7’

LAW MINISTER TO INTRODUCE THREE BILLS IN PARLIAMENT    

    The Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs Shri Ram Jethmalani will introduce three important Bills in the ongoing First Session of the 13^th House of the People (Lok Sabha).

    The first Bill will relate to amendment of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to replace an Ordinance promulgated on July 22,1999, by an Act of Parliament. Under the Ordinance, Kashmiri migrants were enabled to cast their votes by postal ballot. The Bill will intend to insert a new Clause ( C ) in Section 60 of the said Act to extend the facility of postal ballot to any class of persons notified by the Election Commission in consultation with the Central Government to cast their votes by postal ballot.

    The second Bill will relate to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 1999 to extend beyond January 25, 2000 the period of reservation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and State Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the nomination of Anglo-Indians, upto January 25, 2010.

    At present, reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha out of a total elected seats of 543 are 79 seats and 41 seats respectively. Additionally, two seats are reserved for nomination of Anglo-Indian to give them representation in the House of the People. In the State Legislative Assemblies, out of a total 3961 seats all over the country, 543 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 527 seats for Scheduled Tribes. Besides, Governors nominate representatives of Anglo-Indian community in State Assemblies wherever expedient under Article 334 Clause (b). Reservations of seats in Lok Sabha are provided under Article 330 and in State Assemblies under Article 332 of the Constitution.

    With the proposed Amendment, the reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Anglo-Indian would be extended for a period of 60 years from the date of commencement of the Constitution of India on January 26,1950. The further extension of reservations in legislatures is intended to integrate the concerned communities in the main national stream of all-round socio-economic development.

    The third important Constitution (Amendment) Bill that the Law Minister will introduce in the Lok Sabha relates to reservation for women as nearly as may be, one-third of the total number of seats filled by direct elections in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories. This Bill, to be introduced in the current session of the Lok Sabha, will be similar to the Constitution (Eighty-fourth Amendment) Bill, 1998 introduced in the 12^th Lok Sabha on December 14,1998, which lapsed following dissolution of that Lok Sabha. The 1998 Bill was met with strong opposition from some political parties on the plea that the Bill should also contain provisions for reservation for women belonging to the backward communities and Muslims.

    The Bill, if passed, will ensure adequate representation of women in the House of the People and in the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories.
 
 

'19'

SILK EXPO GETS OFF TO A FLYING START    

    SILKFAB’99, the 10-day (23^rd October to 3^rd November’99) long exhibition-cum-sale of handloom silk products, which has been organised by the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) and the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, under the Ministry of Textiles, has got off to a flying start. Cashing in on the festival mood in the capital the organisers of the exposition are sure of way surpassing the previous year’s sales of about Rs 1.5 crores. Textile Secretary, Shri Shyamal Ghosh, had inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday. Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration, the Secretary had said that the exhibition aimed at showcasing exclusive handloom silk sarees and dress material obtained from all over the country in order to give wider exposure to the silk products being manufactured in the country and create greater awareness amongst the consumers.

    Thirty five handloom agencies from 14 states of the country are participating in the exhibition and would be displaying, for sale, a wide range of silk sarees and fabrics covering mulberry, tasar, era and muga. The Government of India is providing financial support for the exposition in terms of space at concessional rate, logistics and publicity. Shri V.K. Goyal, Managing Director of NHDC told news persons that sarees ranging from Rs.600 to Rs.12,000 are put up for sale at the exhibition, which is providing a good window to the manufacturers of handloom silk products from all over the country to reach a much wider clientele. The Corporation is also trying to get the exclusive Patola sarees of Gujarat which cost anything upwards Rs.70,000 for the purpose of display and promoting consumer awareness, he said.

    Silkfab was organised for the first time in the capital by NHDC in October 1996 and encouraged by the response and feedback from the participants, the government has decided to organise Silkfab every year. The previous exhibitions in the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 had generated business worth Rs.86 lakhs, Rs.107.6 lakhs and Rs.163 lakhs respectively.
 
 

'13'

INDO-GERMAN TECHNOLOGY WEEK BEGINS    

    The Indo-German Technology Week began here today marking the completion of 25 years of scientific cooperation between the two nations. Launching the inaugural programme of the week at a glittering function, the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi hailed the Indo-German cooperation as one of the most productive joint endeavours in the world, which has not only contributed to the progress of the two countries but also for the entire humankind. He said ways and means are now being worked out to further broaden the scientific and technological ties between the two great nations. The German Secretary of State for Education and Research Dr. Uwe Thomas who had come specially for this earlier had wide ranging discussions with senior officials of the Department of Science and Technology.

    A special newsletter brought out by the Department of Science and Technology jointly with its German counterpart was released by Dr. Joshi in the presence of Dr. Uwe Thomas. The newsletter which marks the 25 years of fruitful Indo-German scientific cooperation, highlights the achievements made in various fields, during the period.

    The Technology Week is also being held in Hyderabad and some other cities of the country which aims at furthering Indo-German cooperation not only in research, technology and innovation but also in higher education and improving business ties.

    The current priority areas in which the two countries collaborate include advanced materials information technology, biotechnology and genetic research, health and medical research, marine sciences and Antarctic research, geo-sciences, advanced production technologies as well as space research and technology.
 
 
 

'13'

2% INCREASE IN ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR AGRICULTURAL & RURAL LABOURERS

    The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers (Base 1986-87 = 100 ) for September 1999 stood at 310, registering an increase of two points over the month of August ’99 when it was 308 for both the series..

    The point to point rate of inflation based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL decreased from 5.1% and 4.1% in August 1999 to 4.4% and 4.0% respectively during September 1999. The respective rate of inflation during September 1998 was 12.9% for both the series.

All-India Consumer Price Index (General & Group-wise)

GROUP                                                      Agricultural  Labourers                             Rural Labourers
 

Ministry of Labour (Labour Bureau, Shimla)
 
 
 

‘23’

RAILWAYS GOODS TRAFFIC MOVEMENT IN SEPTEMBER’99 EXCEEDS TARGET

     The Railways transported 216.39 million tonnes (MT) of revenue earning goods traffic during the first half of the current financial year. It is 15.32 MT more than the freight carried during the same period of 1998-99 and 2.39 MT more than the target.

    Out of the total freight traffic carried during these six months, coal accounted for 101.19 MT, raw material 17.80 MT, iron and steel 5.37 MT, iron ore for export 5.31 million tonnes, cement 20.33 MT, foodgrains 14.89 MT, fertilisers 15.23 MT, Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) 16.81 MT and other goods 19.46 MT. The other goods include 3.85 MT of containerised freight.

    During September’99, the Railways carried 34.65 MT of revenue earning freight which was 1.86 MT more than the goods traffic carried during September’98 and 15 lakh tonnes more than the target.
 
 

'38'

BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY LISTS OUT PRIORITIES

    The Union Minister for State for Water Resources Smt. Bijoya Chakravarty has listed out her priorities after assuming charge in the Ministry of Water Resources. Emphasis has been laid on flood control, prevention of soil erosion and better availability of drinking water. Attention will be focussed on evolving a mechanism for effective coordination among Central Ministries and State Government departments concerned.

    Other areas of priority include speedier implementation of water resources development projects in the country and ensuring round-the-year availability of water to be ensured to Kamakhya temple sarovar.

    Smt.Chakravarty said that Brahmaputra Board at Guwahati is being activated and immediate steps are being taken to fill up the vacant posts at the top management level to ensure speedier implementation of Water Resources and Flood Control projects in the entire North East region. The Minister has proposes to visit Bamundi, Hajoo, Nagaon, Nimatighat and other places, which are facing severe soil erosion due to frequent floods. For the speedier development of water resources in the country, the on-going Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) will be implemented. The Minister said that she would visit the projects receiving Central Loan Assistance (CLA) from the Ministry. Programme like Command Area Development (CAD) and Artificial Re-charge Scheme will be given fresh fillip.

    The Minister has already met the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav and requested him to give international airport status and cargo facility to Guwahati airport. The Minister has also proposed inter-linking of small airports like Dispur, Jorhat and Dibrugarh with a view to boosting tourism and export of local products and handicrafts. Smt.Bijoya Chakravarty has also requested the Railway Minister for expeditious implementation of pending railway projects of North East region including the PWD drainage projects along with railway line for saving Guwahati from frequent floods. Artificial Re-charge projects would be implemented in Guwahati where there is water logging due to heavy rains. This will recharge the level of ground water and there will be better and regular availability of drinking water for Guwahati.
 
 

'24'

ALLOCATION OF BUSINESS TO DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS  

   The following is the allocation of business to the departments under the Ministry of Communications. It also includes business allocated to the new Department of Telecom Services under the Ministry:-

I. Department of Telecommunications (Door Sanchar Vibhag)

1. Implementation of treaties and agreements with other countries relating to matters dealt within the Department of Telecommunications.
2. Policy matters relating to telegraphs, telephones, wireless, data, facsimile and telematic services and other like forms of communications.
3. International relations in matters connected with telecommunications, including matters relating to all international bodies dealing with telecommunications such as, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Frequency Regulation Board (IFRB), Consultative Committee on International Telegraph and Telephones (CCITT), Consultative Committee on International Radio (CCIR), International Telecommunication Satellite Organisation (INTELSAT), International Maritime Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT), Asia Pacific Telecommunication (ATP).
4. Promotion of research and development in telecommunications.
5. Administration of laws with respect to any of the matters in this list, namely:-

(i)    The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885);
(ii)    The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 (17 of 1933); and
(iii)    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997).

1. All matters relating to personnel under the control of the Department of Telecommunications.
2. Financial assistance for the furtherance of research and study in telecommunications technology and for building up adequately trained manpower for telecom programme, including:-

(i)    assistance to institutions, assistance to scientific institutions and to universities for advanced scientific study and research; and
(ii)    grant of scholarships to students in educational institutions and other forms of financial aid to individuals including those going abroad for studies in the field of telecommunications.
Procurement of stores and equipment required by the Department of Telecommunications.
Financial sanctions relating to the Department of Telecommunications.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
Enquiries and statistics for purpose of any of the matters specified in this list.
Fees in respect of any of the matters in this list, but not including fees taken in any court.
Telecom Commission.

II.    Department of Telecom Services (Door Sanchar Seva Vibhag)

1. Execution of works including purchase and acquisition of land debitable to the capital budget pertaining to telecommunications.
2. All matters other than policy matters relating to telegraphs, telephones, wireless, data, facsimile and telematic services and other like forms of communications.
3. Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Hindustan Teleprinters Limited (HTL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) and Telecommunications Consultants (India) Limited (TCIL).
4. All matters relating to personnel under the control of the Department of Telecom Services
5. All matters relating to Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
6. Procurement of stores and equipment required by the Department of Telecom Services.
7. Financial sanctions relating to the Department of Telecom Services.
8. Enquiries and statistics for purpose of any of the matters specified in this list.
9. Fees in respect of any of the matters specified in this list, but not including fees taken in any court.

III.    Department of Posts (Dak Vibhag)

1. Implementation of treaties and agreements relating to matters dealt within the Department of Posts with other countries.
2. Execution of works and purchase of land debitable to the Capital Budget pertaining to the Department of Posts.
3. Posts, including Post Office Savings Bank (Administration), Post Office Certificates (Administration) and Post Office Life Insurance Fund (Administration).
4. Offences against laws with respect to any of the matters specified in this list.
5. Inquiries and statistics for the purposes of any of the matters specified in this list.
6. Fees in respect of any of the matters specified in this list but not including fees taken in any court.

ELECTION COMMISSION REVIEWS POLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 28    

    Election Commission today reviewed arrangements for polling for five Parliamentary seats to be held on October 28, 1999. These seats include 24 - Purnia, 30-Bhagalpur, 26-Rajmahal, 31-Khagaria, in Bihar and 4-Dhubri in Assam. Repole in outer Manipur will also be held on October 28, 1999. Dy. Election Commissioners were instructed to contact Home Ministry and State Governments for deployment of forces and to ensure other security arrangements.

    Election Commission also instructed all Returning Officers and Chief Electoral Officers of the State to submit report containing analysis of election of 1999 and suggestions to make further improvement in the election process. The report should be reached by November 30, 1999.

    An internal review of all Handbooks of Instructions and Circulars was also taken in today's meeting to update these.
 
 

‘34’

CIVIL SERVICES MAIN EXAMINATION, 1999 AS SCHEDULED    

    The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Civil Services Main Examination, 1999 from October 29 to November 24, 1999. There is no change in the schedule of this examination.
 
 

'32'

PUBLIC HEARING    

    As a part of the drive to redress public grievances speedily and to attain higher level of efficiency in the Ministry of Urban Development, the public hearing of grievances by the Urban Development Minister, Shri Jagmohan, which was temporarily suspended due to the Elections, will be resumed from next month. Henceforth, the public hearing will be held on second and fourth Friday of every month at 3.30 p.m. at NBO Hall, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. The first such public hearing will be held on November 12, 1999. Those, who have any grievance, may meet the Urban Development Minister with a brief written representation, clearly specifying the issue. Requests for seeking employment or issues pertaining to the matters which are sub-judice, out-of-turn allotment or change of Government accommodation, administrative matters like transfer, posting, promotion of employees, will not be entertained.
 
 

'41'

NO EFFECT ON MOVEMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF FERTILIZERS FOLLOWING TRANSPORTERS STRIKE    

    The Rabi season has begun in the country from 1.10.1999. At present, all States in the country have sufficient availability of the major fertilizers: - Urea, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP). This is chiefly due to the fact that opening stocks of these fertilizers in all the States were higher than usual and also because sizeable quantities were moved during the first 21 days of October’ 99. The availability at present is adequate to meet the requirement not only of the current month of October’ 99 but also partly of November’ 99. According to available information, no State is anticipating any problem with regard to availability of fertilizers in the next 10 to15 days. In fact, some States like Rajasthan have availability, which can last beyond this period.

    75% of the movement of fertilizers takes place by rail. In the month of October considerable quantities have already been moved by rail. Since the response to the transporters strike has not been uniform through out the country, the adverse impact of lack of road movement will be to the extent of 2.5 to 3 lakh metric tonnes in the month of October’99. This quantity is marginal and will be made good by stepping up of rail movement.

    The production of fertilizers in the country has been satisfactory and substantial quantities of imports have already arrived at ports and hence there is no need for anxiety with regard to the availability of fertilizers. The Government of India and the Department of Fertilizers has been maintaining a close liaison with the State Governments and monitoring the situation. The State Governments have been asked to make adequate arrangements for transporting fertilizers from the rake points to the respective destinations. The Government of India and the State Governments have set up control Rooms and manufacturers have also set up their Control Rooms. Contingency plans prepared by State Governments will be reviewed shortly by the Secretary, Department of Fertilizers.
 
 

'31'

SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN, SAYS SHRI N.T.SHANMUGAM    

    The Union Health Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri N.T.Shanmugam said that the Government is all set to bring about empowerment of women and lays special emphasis on Primary Health Care as was declared by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee a few days ago, while inaugurating the Conference on Women Health Care, here on 23^rd October, 1999. The Minister stressed on the need for tremendous efforts to be made to achieve the goals set for Health For All by 2000. He pointed out that many health indices requiring urgent attention relate to women health issues. One of the most important being maternal mortality which is forbiddingly high in our country, as more than one lakh women die annually with birth related problems and major causes like bleeding in pregnancy, sepsis anaemia, complications during labour which is preventable. He expressed his concern that the efforts such as implementation of RCH Programmes are partially successful in lowering the infant mortality rate.

    The Minister said that the role of Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists with its various societies has been recognised and realised by the Government and has been now associated in the implementation of various progrmmes.

    The Minister expressed his confidence that the deliberations of this two-day Conference of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will come out with recommedations to help the Government to plan future strategies for planning and implementation of various programmes related to women health care.
 
 

'39'

MOVEMENT OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES
STATE GOVERNMENTS URGED TO USE TRANSPORT FLEET    

    Central Government has urged the States to utilise passenger buses and other local transport for moving essential commodities in the wake of the ongoing strike by truck operators. In a letter addressed to all Chief Ministers of States and Union Territories , Shri Shanta Kumar, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution today impressed upon the need for using all locally avilable transportation facilities for moving commodities including vegetables from growing areas to nearby markets. The minister also desired that the States Civil Supplies Corporations should use their trucks for transporting essential commodities .

    Shri Shanta Kumar has in his letter further requested the State governments to take strigent action against hoarders and those who indulge in unfair trade practices under the Essential Commodites Act and the Prevention of Black Marketing And Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act.

    The minister , who reviewed the situation of availability and market prices of essential commodites in the markets all over the country here today, was informed by senior officials of the Ministry that foodgrains stocking position is absolutely comfortable in all States and Union territories for meeting the requirements of Public Distribution System for 3 to 6 months . Tractors and trolleys are also liberally being used for meeting the requirement of PDS and foodgrains procurement operations.

    It has been noticed that the supply of onions from Nasik and Gujarat has been affected due to non- operation of trucks on long routes.The situation in more or less the same in respect of potatoes and tomatoes.
 
 

‘6’

SHRI BRAHMA APPOINTED AS ADDITIONAL SECRETARY IN DEPARTMENT OF PENSIONS

    The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri P.K. Brahma, IA&AS (66), currently JS & FA in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as Additional Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare.