THURSDAY, THE 16TH MARCH, 2000

(The Rajya Sabha met in the Parliament House at 11.00 a.m.) 1. Obituary Reference

The Chairman made reference to the passing away of Shri J.S. Raju (ex-Member).

The House observed silence, all Members standing as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed. 11-02 a.m. 5. Starred Questions

The following Starred Questions were orally answered. Starred Question No.301 regarding Unemployed youth in urban areas.

Starred Question No. 303 regarding O.B.C. Certificates to children of Group A

and B Officers Answers to remaining questions (302, 304 to 320) were laid on the Table.

3. Unstarred Questions

Answers to Unstarred Question Nos.2289 to 2443 were laid on the Table. 12 Noon 4. Statement by Minister Correcting Answer to Question

Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya (Miniater of Labour) laid on the Table a statement (in English and Hindi) correcting the reply given in the Rajya Sabha on the 24th February, 2000 to Unstarred Question 78 regarding child employment. 12-01 p.m. 5. Papers Laid on the Table

Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) the following papers laid on the Table:- I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways S.O. 1123 (E) dated 17.11.1999 publishing addition and alteration in the Calcutta Metro Railway alignment, specified in the Schedule appended to the Act, under sub section (2) of Section 32 of the Metro Railways (Construction of works) Act, 1978. II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways G.S.R. 835(E) dated 30.12.1999 publishing corrigendum to G.S.R. 96 (3) dated 10th February 1999 regarding revision of pay scales of Chairman/Vice-Chairman & Members of RCT, under sub clause 3 of clause 30 of the RCT Act, 1987. III. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) G.S.R. 1(E) dated 1.1.2000 publishing the Railway Passengers (Cancellation of ticket and

refund of fare) Amendment Rules, 2000, under of Section 199 of the Railways Act, 1989.

16TH MARCH, 2000 IV. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) G.S.R. 167 (E) dated 29.2.2000 publishing the Railway Claims Tribunal (Procedure) Amendment Rules, 2000, under sub section 3 of Section 30 of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987. V. (1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:—

(i) (a) Twenty-third Annual Report and Accounts of the Ircon International Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon. Review by Government on the working of the above Company. (ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Rail India Technical and Economic Services Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Services.

(2) Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above. VI. A copy (in Hindi) of the *Report of the Railway Safety Review Committee, 1998 (Part-I).

Shrimati Vasundhara Raje (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries (In addition Minister of State assisting the Prime Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space)the following papers laid on the Table:- I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension (Department of Personnel and Training) G.S.R. 136 (E) dated 23.2.1999 publishing the Madhya Pradesh Administrative Tribunal (Procedure) Amendment Rules, 1999, under sub-section (1) of Section 37 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 alongwith delay statement. II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension (Department of Personnel and Training), under sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the All India Services Act, 1951:—

G.S.R. 396 dated 11.12.1999 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) 8th Amendment Regulations, 1999. G.S.R. 21 (E) dated 5.1.2000 publishing the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Amendment Regulations, 2000. G.S.R. 22 (E) dated 5.1.2000 publishing the Indian Administrative Service ( Pay) Amendment Rules, 2000. G.S.R. 34 dated 29.1.2000 publishing the Indian Police Service (Cadre) First Amendment Rules, 2000.

G.S.R. 35 dated 29.1.2000 publishing the Indian Police Service (Pay) First Amendment Rules, 2000.

III.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (4) of section 17 of the Coir Industry Act, 1953:—

(a) Annual Accounts of the Coir Board, Kochi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

IV.(1) A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 23 and sub-section (4) of section 24 of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956:—

(a) Annual Report of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99. (b) Annual Accounts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

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(2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

V. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:—

(a) Thirty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society Limited (Kendriya Bhandar), New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

Shri N.T. Shanmugam (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry

of Health and Family Welfare) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health), under Section 23 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954:—

G.S.R. 172 (E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (5th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement. G.S.R. 176 (E) dated 6.4.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (6th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement.

G.S.R. 241 (E) dated 5.4.1999 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (2nd Amendment) Rules, 1999 alongwith Corrigendum (G.S.R. 531 (E) dated 19.7.1999) thereto. G.S.R. 380 (E) dated 9.7.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (10th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement and Corrigendum (G.S.R. 648 (E) dated 28.10.1998) thereto. G.S.R. 692 (E) dated 11.10.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (5th Amendment) Rules, 1999. G.S.R. 693 (E) dated 20.11.1998 publishing the Prevention of Food Adulteration (11th Amendment) Rules, 1998 alongwith delay statement and Corrigendum (G.S.R. 119 (E) dated 17.2.1999) thereto.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Department of Health) G.S.R. 478 (E) dated 7.8.1998 publishing the Drugs and Cosmetics (Third Amendment) Rules, 1998, under Section 38 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, alongwith Delay Statement. III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:—

(i) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. Review by Government on the working of the above Centre. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (ii) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Cancer Institute, Chennai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (iii) (a) Annual Report of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1995-96. (b) Annual Accounts of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1995-96, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (iv) (a) Annual Report of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98.

(b) Annual Accounts of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

(v) (a) Annual Report of the AIDS Prevention and Control Project, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, for the year 1997-98. (b) Annual Accounts of the AIDS Prevention and Control Project, Voluntary Health Services, (USAID Project No.385,0525) Chennai, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Project. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) on behalf of Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil, the follwing papers laid on the Table:- I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Secondary Education & Higher Education) S.O.228 (E) dated 6.4.1999 publishing the International Copyright Order, 1999, under Section 43 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers , under section 4 of University Grants Commission Act, 1956:—

(a) Annual Report of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Commission. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above.

III. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers , under sub-section (4) of section 30 of the Pondicherry University Act, 1985:—

(a) Annual Accounts of the Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

IV. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (5) of section 31 of the Assam University Act, 1989:—

(a) Annual Accounts of the Assam University, Silchar, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon.

(b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

V.(1).A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 30 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993:—

(a) Annual Report of the Tezpur, University, Assam, for the year 1997-98. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above University. (2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VI.(1). A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 34 of the Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920:—

(a) Annual Report of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, for the year 1998-99. (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report.

16TH MARCH, 2000 2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under section 28 of the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985:—

(a) Annual Report of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

VIII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:—

(i) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1991 to 1992-93, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (ii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1993-94, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (iii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1994-95, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (iv) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute mentioned at (i) to (iii) above.

(v) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1995-96, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (vi) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (vii) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Adult Education, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (viii) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute mentioned at (v) to (vii) above. (ix) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (i) to (viii) above. (x) (a) Annual Accounts of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, for the year 1997-98, and the Audit Report thereon. (b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xi) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Rajiv Gandhi Prathmik Shiksha Mission, Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xii)(a) Annual Accounts of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, New Delhi, for the year 1996-97, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xiii)(a) Annual Accounts of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan, New Delhi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

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(xiv)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Institute.

(c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Warangal (Andhra Pradesh), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above College. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xvi)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Regional Engineering College, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh), for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above College. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xvii)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Maulana Azad College of Technology, Bhopal, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above College. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xviii)(a)Annual Report and Accounts of the West Bengal District Primary Education Programme, Calcutta, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (xix)(a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above University.

Shri Muni Lall (Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour) the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of, under section 36 of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Act, 1945:—

(a) Annual Report of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99. (b) Annual Accounts of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

II. Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (I) above.

Shri Arun Shourie (Minister of State in the Ministries of Planning and Statistics

& Programme Implementation and in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions) laid on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Annual Plan for the year 1999-2000.

Shri S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao (Minister of State in the Ministry of

Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (3) of section 14 and sub-section (4) of section 17 of the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962:—

(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99. Annual Accounts of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation. (2) Statement (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1) above.

II. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:— (i) (a) Annual Report of the National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99. (b) Annual Accounts of the National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Cooperative Union. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above. (ii) (a) Thirty-ninth Annual Report of the National Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks’ Federation Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99. (b) Annual Accounts of the National Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks’ Federation Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above. (iii) (a) Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the National Council for Cooperative Training, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99.

(b) Annual Accounts of the the National Council for Cooperative Training, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, and the Audit Report thereon. (c) Review by Government on the working of the above Council. (d) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) and (b) above. (iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Labour Cooperatives Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (v) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Cooperatives Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (vi) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Heavy Engineering Co-operative Limited, Pune, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Co-operative Limited. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (vii) (a) Thirty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the All India Federation of Co-operative Spinning Mills Limited, Mumbai, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b)Review by Government on the working of the above Federation. (c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above. (viii)(a) Thirty-ninth Annual Report and Accounts of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, New Delhi, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Federation.

(c) Statement giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (a) above.

Shri EV alias Balasaheb Vikhe Patil (Minister of State in the Ministry of

Finance)the following papers laid on the Table:-

I. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 142 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Securities Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2000, under Section 31 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

II. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 143 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Depositories (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal ) Rules, 2000, under Section 27 of the Depositories Act, 1996. III. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) G.S.R. 144 (E) dated 18.2.2000 publishing the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal ) Rules, 2000, under sub-section (3) of Section 30 of the Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956. IV. A copy (in English and Hindi) of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) G.S.R. 149 (E) dated 21.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 15/2000-Customs amending Notification No.22/99-Customs so as to further restrict the benefit of exemption from SAD in respect of crude palm oil of edible grade, and its fractions, only if imported for the manufacture of oil commonly known as vanaspati, under sub-section (7) of Section 9A of the Custom Tariff Act, 1975 alongwith Explanatory memorandum. V. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under sub-section (2) of Section 38 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon:—

G.S.R. 213 (E) dated 1.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 18/2000 Central Excise (N.T.) dated 1.3.2000 allowing credit of special duty of excise paid on CKD kits and chasis of Motor vehicles classified under sub-heading Nos. 8702.10, 8703.90, 8706.21 and 8706.39 and to allow for utilisation of the credit of such duty paid towards payment of CENVAT or special duty payable on Motor vehicles. G.S.R. 220 (E) dated 6.3.2000 publishing the Notification No. 20/2000 Central Excise (N.T.) dated 6.3.2000 under Section IIC of the Central Excise Act, 1944 exempting aerated waters prepared and dispensed by vending machines falling under Chapter heading No. 2201.20 or 2202.20 of CET Act, 1985 for the period from 1st March 1997 to 9th December, 1998.

VI. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), under Section 159 of the Customs Act, 1962 alongwith Explanatory Memoranda thereon:—

S.O. 66 (E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods.

S.O. 67 (E) dated 25.1.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods.

16TH MARCH, 2000 S.O. 147 (E) dated 21.2.2000 publishing the Notification No. 14/2000-Customs amending Notification No. 20/99-Customs dated 29.2.1999 so as to exclude palm oil and fractions thereof form the purview of concessional rate of basic customs duty of 15% ad- valorem applicable to crude vegetable oils, of edible grade, imported by refiners. S.O. 174 (E) dated 24.2.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of import goods. S.O. 175 (E) dated 24.2.2000 publishing the exchange rate for conversion of foreign currencies into Indian currency or vice-versa for the purpose of assessment of export goods. Adhoc-Exemption Order No. 13 dated 25.1.2000 exempting the basic customs duty as well as the whole of additional duty, leviable on import of 15,000 woollen pullovers from Free Trade Zone by Mayfair Ltd. for distribution to cyclone victims of Orissa. Adhoc-Exemption Order No. 75 dated 5.11.1999 exempting the basic customs duty as well as the whole of additional duty, leviable on import of all goods imported into India, intended for donation for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of cyclone in the State of Orissa.

VII. A copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers:—

(a) Interim Report for making provisional arrangements for the year 2000-2001 of the Eleventh Finance Commission. (b) Explanatory Memorandum as to the Action Taken on the recommendations made by the Eleventh Finance Commission in its Interim Report submitted to the President on January 15, 2000.

Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav** (Minister of State in the Ministry of

Agriculture) laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers, under sub-section (1) of section 619A of the Companies Act, 1956:— _____________________________________________________________**Spoke in Hindi.

(i) (a) Twenty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Karnataka Meat and Poultry Marketing Corporation Limited, Bangalore, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon. (b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation. (ii) (a) Twenty-fifth Annual Report and Accounts of the Karnataka Meat and Poultry Marketing Corporation Limited, Bangalore, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon..

(b) Review by Government on the working of the above Corporation. (iii)(a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon. (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (iv) (a) Annual Report and Accounts of the Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited, Agatti, Lakshadweep, for the year 1997-98, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon. (b) Statement by Government accepting the above Report. (iv) (a) Twenty-fourth Annual Report and Accounts of the Rajasthan State Dairy Development Corporation Limited, Jaipur, (under Liquidation) for the year 1998-99, together with the Auditor's Report on the Accounts and the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India thereon.

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(b) Statement by Government giving reasons for not laying review and delay Statements.

II. Statements (in English and Hindi) giving reasons for the delay in laying the papers mentioned at (1)(i)to (iv) above. 12-01 p.m. 6. Statements of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals

Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of

the Statements of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Chemicals:— (i) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in Twelfth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the fourth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Exploration, Production, Distribution and Conservation of Oil and Gas’. (ii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Fourteenth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the fifth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants – 1994-95’ of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. (iii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Twentieth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by

Government on the Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Pricing of Petroleum Products. (iv) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Twenty-fifth Report(Tenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Seventeenth Report (Tenth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants – 1995-96’ of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. (v) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Sixth Report(Eleventh Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Third Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants – 1996-97’ of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. (vi) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Third Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants – 1997-98’ of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. (vii) Statement on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Seventh Report(Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations contained in the Fourth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on `Demands for Grants – 1998-99’ of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

7. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance

Shri N.K.P. Salve laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the

following Reports of the Standing Committee on Finance:—

(i) First Report on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Nineteenth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation. (ii) Second Report of the Committee on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Twentieth Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs). (iii) Third Report of the Committee on Action Taken by Government on the recommendations contained in the Twenty-first Report (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).

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12-02 p.m. 8. Recommendations of the Business Advisory Committee

The Chairman informed Members that the Business Advisory Committee at its meeting held on Wednesday, the 15th March, 2000, allotted time for Government Legislative business as follows:-

Business Time Allotted 1 General Discussion on Railway Budget for 2000-2001. 2 The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000

3 The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000.

4 Hours(To be discussed together)

9. Messages from the Lok Sabha

(i) The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000. (ii) The Appropriation Bill, 2000.

Secretary-General reported to the House the following messages received

from the Lok Sabha signed by the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha:-

(I) “In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and

Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose theAppropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000.”

(II)

“In accordance with the provisions of rule 96 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to enclose the Appropriation Bill, 2000, as passed by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000.

10. Bills Laid on the Table:

Secretary-General laid on the Table a copy of each of the following Bills, as passed by the Lok Sabha:-

I. The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000 II. The Appropriation Bill, 2000.

11. Good Wishes to the Retiring Members of the House

The Chairman offered good wishes to the Members of the Rajya Sabha whose term of office would expire during 2000.

The following Members spoke on the occasion:— 12-06 p.m. 1. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition 12-09 p.m. 2. Shri S. Vidhuthalai Virumbi 12-11 p.m. 3. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav ** 12-15 p.m. 4. Shri J. Chitharanjan 12-16 p.m. 5. Shri R. Margabandu 12-18 p.m. 6. Sardar Balwinder Singh Bhundar **

12-20 p.m. 7. Shri C. Ramachandraiah 12-21 p.m. 8. Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia ** 12-24 p.m. 9. Shri Raghavji ** 12-36 p.m. 10. Shri Balkavi Bairagi ** 12-43 p.m. 11. Shri Prafull Goradia 12-48 p.m. 12. Shri Gandhi Azad ** 12-50 p.m. 13. Shri Naresh Yadav ** _____________________________________________________________** Spoke in Hindi.

16TH MARCH, 2000

12-56 p.m. 14. Shri Govindram Miri ** 1-01 p.m. 15. Dr. Jagannath Mishra ** 1-23 p.m. 16. Shri Gurudas Dasgupta 1-32 p.m. 17. Shrimati Veena Verma ** 1-38 p.m.

Shri Jaswant Singh** (Minister of External Affairs and Leader of the House) also associated himself with the expression of good wishes made by the Chairman and other Members. 1-43 p.m. 12. Statement by Prime Minister

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Prime Minister) made a statement regarding his recent visit to Mauritius. 1-47 p.m. 13. Motion for Election to the National Shipping Board — Adopted

A motion for election of two members to the National Shipping Board was moved and adopted. 1-48 p.m. 14. Government Bill — Introduced

The National Housing Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2000 Shri V. Dhananjay Kumar (Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance) moved

for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.

_____________________________________________________________** Spoke in Hindi.

The motion was adopted. Shri V. Dhananjay Kumar introduced the Bill.

(The House adjourned at 1.49 p.m. and reassembled at 2-54 p.m.)

2-56 p.m. 14. (a) The Budget (Railways), 2000-2001 # # (b) Government Bills — Returned # #

(i) The Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

(ii) The Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha 2-56 p.m. (a) General discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000-2001, commenced. (b) Ms. Mamta Banerjee (Minister of Railways) moved for the consideration of the Bills.

The following Members took part in the discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000-2001 and the motion for consideration of the Bills:— 2-57 p.m. 1. Shri Balkavi Bairagi ** 3-13 p.m. 2. Shri Gopalsinh G. Solanki 3-35 p.m. 3. Shri C.O.Poulose @ From 2-54 p.m. to 2-56 p.m. Some points were raised. * Discussed together. 3-40 p.m. 4. Shrimati Jayaprada Nahata** _____________________________________________________________** Spoke in Hindi. ##Discussed together.

16TH MARCH, 2000 3-51 p.m. 5. Shri W. Angou Singh 3-57 p.m. 6. Shri Naresh Yadav** %4-13 p.m. 7. Shri Govindram Miri** 4-22 p.m. 8. Shri Sanatan Bisi

4-26 p.m. 9. Shri Banarsi Das Gupta** 4-37 p.m. 10. Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav** 4-52 p.m. 11. Chaudhary Chunni Lal** 5-03 p.m. 12. Shri Gaya Singh** 5-12 p.m. 13. Shri S. Agniraj 5-22 p.m. 14. Shri R. Margabandu 5-29 p.m. 15. Shri Dipankar Mukherjee 5-51 p.m. 16. Dr. Jagannath Mishra** 5-57 p.m. 17. Shri Shankar Roy Chowdhury 6-05 p.m. 18. Shri Abani Roy** 6-13 p.m. 19. Shri Gandhi Azad** 6-20 p.m. 20. Shri Sharief-Ud-Din Shariq** 6-29 p.m. 21. Shri Devi Prasad Singh** 6-40 p.m. 22. Shri Raghavji** _____________________________________________________________** Spoke in Hindi. 6-53 p.m.

Ms. Mamta Banerjee replied to the debate. 7-14 p.m. (a) The discussion on the Budget (Railways), 2000-2001 was concluded. (b)(i) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Railways) Vote on Account Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up. Clauses 2, 3 and the Schedule were adopted. Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted. Ms. Mamta Banerjee moved: That the Bill be returned.

7-15 p.m.

The motion moved by Ms. Mamta Banerjee that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned.

7-16 p.m. (b)(ii) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause conisderation of the Bill was taken up. Clauses 2, 3 and the Scheduled were adopted. Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted. Ms. Mamta Banerjee moved: That the Bill be returned. The motion moved by Ms. Mamata Banerjee that the Bill be returned was

adopted and the Bill was returned. 16. Messages from the Lok Sabha (I) The Small Industries Development Bank of India (Amendement) Bill,

2000. (II)The Mizoram University Bill, 2000.

16TH MARCH, 2000 Secretary-General reported to the House the following messages received from

theLok Sabha, signed by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha:-

(I) “In according with the provisions of rule 101 of the Rules of Procedure ad

Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I am directed to inform you that the following amendments made by Rajya Sabha in the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Amendment) Bill, 1999, at its sitting held on the 28th February, 2000, were taken into consideration and agreed to by Lok Sabha at its sitting held on Thursday, the 16th March, 2000.”

(II)

“I am directed to inform you that the Mizoram University Bill, 1999, wahich was passed by Rajya Sabha at its sitting held on the 23rd December, 1999, has been passed by the Lok Sabha at its sitting held on the 16th March, 2000, with the following amendments:-

Enacting Formula

1. Page 1, line 1, -

for "Fiftieth Year"

substitute "Fifty-First Year"

Clause 1

2. Page 1, line 3, -

for "1999"

substitute "2000"

I am, therefore, to return herewith the said Bill in accordance with the provisions of rule 121 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha in the said amdendments be communicated to Lok Sabha.”

17. Reports of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development

Shri C. Apok Jamir laid on the Table a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following Reports of the Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development:—

(i) First Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Seventh Report of the Committee (Eleventh Lok Sabha) on Allocation/ Utilisation of Central Funds by States under various Schemes. (ii) Second Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Third Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1998-1999) of the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation. (iii) Third Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in the Seventh Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Integrated Wastelands Development Project (IEDP) Scheme. (iv) Fourth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-second Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources). (v) Fifth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-third Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation.

(vi) Sixth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-fourth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Urban Development.

16TH MARCH, 2000 (vii) Seventh Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-sixth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development(Department of Rural Development).

(viii) Eighth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendation contained in Twenty-eighth Report of the Committee (Twelfth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (1999-2000) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development).

7-18 p.m.

18. (a) The Budget (General), 2000-2001## (b) Government Bills — Returned ##

(i) The Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha (ii) The Appropriation Bill, 2000 as passed by the Lok Sabha

7-18 p.m. Shri Yashwant Sinha (Minister of Finance) moved: “That the bill to provide for the withdrawal of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for theservics of a part of the financial year 2000-2001 as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.”

and also moved “That the Bill to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 1999-2000 as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.”

_____________________________________________________________## Discussed together. 7-19 p.m. (a) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up. Clauses 2 to 4 and the Schedule were adopted. Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted. Shri Yashwant Sinha moved: That the Bill be returned.

7-20 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill be returned was adopted and the Bill was returned. 7-21 p.m. (b) The motion for consideration of the Appropriation Bill, 2000 was adopted.

Thereafter, clause by clause consideration of the Bill was taken up. Clauses 2, 3 and the Schedule were adopted. Clause 1, the Enacting Formula and the Title were adopted. Shri Yashwant Sinha moved: That the Bill be returned.

7-22 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Yashwant Sinha that the Bill be returned was adopted

and the Bill was returned. 7-23 p.m. 19. Government Bill Returned by the Lok Sabha with Amendments — amendments agreed to the Mizoram University Bill, 1999, as amended by the Lok Sabha 7-23 p.m.

16TH MARCH, 2000 Shri Pramod Mahajan (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Information

Technology) moved that the following amendments made by the Lok Sabha in the Bill be taken into consideration:—

Enacting Formula

1. Page 1, line 1, -

for "Fiftieth Year"

substitute "Fifty-First Year"

Clause 1

2. Page 1, line 3, -

for "1999"

substitute "2000" 7-24 p.m.

The motion moved by Shri Pramod Mahajan that the amendments made by the Lok Sabha in the Bill be agreed to, was adopted and the amendments were agreed to. 7-25 p.m. 20. Special Mentions 7-25 p.m. 1. Shri Santosh Bagrodia raised a matter regarding precarious power situation in Rajasthan. 7-34 p.m. 2. Shri Bratin Sengupta raised a matter regarding disinvestment and related threats.

7-41 p.m.

(The House adjourned at 7.34 p.m. till 11-00 a.m. on Monday, the 17th April 2000.)