RAJYA SABHA SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE
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RAJYA SABHA
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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE
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(Proceedings other than Questions and Answers)
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Tuesday, February 09, 2021 / Magha 20, 1942 (Saka)
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OBITUARY REFERENCES
MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Members, I have to refer with
profound sorrow to the passing away of Shri Mohinder Singh
Lather, a former Member of this House, on the 2nd of January, 2021,
at the age of 88 years.
Born in December, 1932 at Karnal in Haryana, Shri Lather
was educated at the S. D. College and the D. A. V. College, Ambala,
and the Law College, Delhi University. An advocate by profession,
Shri Lather started practising law at the District Courts in 1958. He
served as the Municipal Commissioner of Karnal, from 1961 to 1973
and as the President of District Marketing Co-operative Society,
Karnal, from 1967 to 1973. Shri Lather also served as the Chairman of
Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, from 1987 to 1988.
Shri Mohinder Singh Lather represented the State of Haryana
in this House, from April 1988 to April, 1994. He also served as a
Member of the Sixth Lok Sabha, from 1978 to 1979.
In the passing away of Shri Mohinder Singh Lather, the
country has lost an able administrator and an eminent parliamentarian.
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This Synopsis is not an authoritative record of the proceedings of the Rajya
Sabha.
123We deeply mourn the passing away of Shri Mohinder Singh
Lather.
Hon. Members, I also refer with profound sorrow to the
passing away of Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure, former President of
Mali; Mr. Mamadou Tandja, former President of Niger and His
Excellency Mr. Ambrose Madvulo Dlamini, former Prime Minister of
the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure passed away on the 9th of
November, 2020 at Istanbul, Turkey.
Mr. Toumani served as the President of Mali, from 2002 to
2012. Fondly called in Mali as 'Atete', it was during his leadership that
the diplomatic contacts between India and Mali got intensified with
the opening of resident Embassies in New Delhi and Bamako. An
agreement was also signed with Mali on Political, Economic,
Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation and the training and
capacity building of Malian defence forces by India was further
enhanced during his tenure.
Mr. Mamadou Tandja passed away on the 24th of
November, 2020 at Niamey, Niger.
Mr. Tandja served as the President of Niger from 1999 to
2010. Fondly, referred by Nigeriens as "Baba Tandja" -- the father of
the nation, Mr Tandja was a true nationalist who was deeply
committed to fighting poverty and improving the living standards of
the people of Niger. A firm believer in social justice, he raised
awareness on protection and preservation of public assets, and worked
tirelessly to ensure social harmony, national unity, peace and security
of his country. India established its Embassy in Niger during his
presidency.
His Excellency Mr. Ambrose Madvulo Dlamini passed
away on the 13th of December, 2020 in South Africa.
Mr. Dlamini served as the youngest Head of Government of
Eswatini and was a confident and committed leader with singular
focus on economic recovery to uplift Eswatini people by stimulating
124growth, even during COVID-19 pandemic. He was keen to transform
India-Eswatini bilateral relationship and was instrumental In seeking
cooperation of India for building new Parliament Building for
Eswatini and construction of Disaster Recovery Site for National Data
Centre of Eswatini.
The House joins the bereaved families, the Governments and
the people of Mali, Niger and the Kingdom of Eswatini in mourning
the passing away of Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure, Mr. Mamadou
Tandja and His Excellency Mr. Ambrose Madvulo Dlamini and
conveys its heartfelt condolences to them.
(One Minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to
the memory of the departed.)
_______
MATTERS RAISED WITH THE PERMISSION OF
THE CHAIR
1. Need to Ban use of Objectionable Language/Derogatory
Content on OTT Platforms
SHRI MAHESH PODDAR: Along with the accessibility of
the Internet in the country, several OTT platforms such as Netflix
have emerged as a new medium of information and entertainment. But
at the same time a danger has also increased, which
has strong possibility of having far-reaching, negative and adverse
effects on the society and our future generations.
Gender discrimination in the language and content of OTT
platforms is evident. On the one hand, we say that we are committed
to protect the modesty of women, while on the other hand, women's
dignity is ripped into pieces by using vulgar languages on OTT
platforms. wired. I would like to urge the government through you
that the government should properly and effectively control all the
medium of information and entertainment available on the internet,
including OTT platforms.
125THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANG; THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION;
AND BROADCASTING AND THE MINISTER OF HEAVY
INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI PRAKASH
JAVADEKAR), responding to the matter, said: Guidelines and
directions about OTT platforms are almost ready and they will also be
implemented soon.
(Dr. Amee Yajnik, Shri Sujeet Kumar, Dr. Sasmit Patra,
Dr. Amar Patnaik and Shri K.C. Ramamurthy associated.)
2. Need for Enhancement of Minimum Pension with Free Medical
Facilities to EPS-95 Pensioners
SHRI NEERAJ DANGI: In this pandemic period, EPS-95
pensioners have not been receiving any salary. They have been
surviving merely on meagre pension. They are living in very pathetic
conditions. I request the Government to enhance their minimum
pension to, at least, Rs. 9,000 per month with DA and medical
facilities.
(Several hon’ble Members associated.)
3. Direct Recruitment for Post of Joint Secretary in
Central Government
PROF. RAM GOPAL YADAV: It is a matter of great
surprise that the government is directly making appointments to the
post of Joint Secretary. This has caused three problems. The entire
IAS and IRS community is angry with this. There is anger in the
minds of millions of children preparing for this . An even more
dangerous situation is that reservations are not taken care of in these
appointments. You are requested to tell the minister of DoPT to stop
doing this, as this will make the administration useless.
(Several hon’ble Members associated.)
1264. Need for Release of Legacy Loan of Rs.2,200 Crores as Special
Package for Puducherry
SHRI N. GOKULAKRISHNAN: The Union Budget for
2021-22 has dealt with a deadly blow to the expectations of the people
of the Union Territory of Puducherry. As compared to the last year
grant of Rs.1,703 crores, the grant for the coming year is only
Rs.1,729 crores. There is an increase of just 1.5 per cent. Covid-19
pandemic impacted the finances of the UT very badly. The Centre had
to come to the rescue of all the States by arranging loans to manage
the Covid-19 situation. The demands for writing off the legacy loan of
Rs,2,200 crores, a special package for having run the Panchayati Raj
Institutions from 2011-16 and the reimbursement of the Pay
Commission arrears are already pending with the Centre. We expect
the Centre to extend a helping hand by providing an instant increase in
the allocation of budgetary grant at least by 10 per cent over the
previous year grant.
5. Proposal to Privatise Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
SHRI KANAKAMEDALA RAVINDRA KUMAR:
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant does not have any captive mines and
therefore it is forced to buy the raw material. It is a professional PSU
which reports operational profits. The entire industry is facing high
iron ore costs, high freight costs, etc. The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs has given its in-principle approval for disinvestment
of the steel plant. Instead of privatization, it may be directed to supply
iron to Vishaka Steel Plant. The people of Andhra Pradesh are
demanding the Centre to withdraw its decision to disinvest the
Government share in VSP.
(Dr. Amar Patnaik and Dr. Sasmit Patra associated.)
6. Need for Safe Return of Indian Sailors Stranded in China
SHRIMATI PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI: Our Indian
sailors on MV Jag Anand and MV Anastasia were stranded in China
Sea and were not getting any help. The Indian sailors at MV Jag
Anand have returned to the country, but those who are at MV
127Anastasia are still in China Sea and they have to be brought back from
there. I would request the Minister of External Affairs to bring him
back to the country as soon as possible.
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF
PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS; AND THE
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS
AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH MANDAVIYA),
responding to the matter, said: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways and the Ministry of External Affairs are in constant
contact with the Ambassador of China. The crew of a ship has
returned and the matter will be resolved soon and the rest of our
sailors stranded there will also return to India.
(Dr. Amar Patnaik, Dr. Sasmit Patra and Shrimati Vandana
Chavan associated.)
7. Need to Increase Efforts towards Afforestation and
Conservation of Forest and Tree Cover to Meet 2030 Carbon Sink
Targets
SHRIMATI VANDANA CHAVAN: We are seriously
lagging on the front of creation of the additional carbon sink. To reach
the target India will require 30 million hectares of land for
afforestation. We have to densify the existing forests which is a
conservative approach and it will achieve only one-third of the target.
But the remaining two-third will have to be achieved by afforestation
of non-forest land. I urge the Government to push the States to do
their bit to encourage urban forests in the cities which is mandated by
the Schedule 12 of the 74th Amendmen. And provide sufficient
budgetary provision to involve public sector. A massive awarenesss
programme be taken to ensure that citizens understand the importance
of forests as carbon sinks and any interference with them will be
treated as non-negotiable.
1288. Non Teaching of Tamil Language in Kendriya Vidyalaya
Schools in Tamil Nadu
SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA (TAMIL NADU): In Tamil Nadu,
there are 49 Kendriya Vidyalaya schools. In none of these schools is
there a Tamil teacher to impart Tamil education to students. This is
total injustice to the native language-speaking students. This is against
federalism. When Sanskrit and Hindi languages have been made
compulsory, why not Tamil? I urge upon the hon. Minister for
Education that Tamil should also be made a compulsory language in
all the Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in Tamil Nadu as also the
respective regional languages in other States.
(Several hon’ble Members associated.)
9. Need to Change Operational Guidelines of the
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
DR. BANDA PRAKASH: The objective of the Pradhan
Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme was to double the income of
fishermen, generate employment and the social and economic
empowerment of fishermen. As for the criteria of eligibility for such
fishermen beneficiaries, there is a huge list. In this regard, I would
request that the first priority should be given to the fishermen. The
subsidy for women is 60 per cent while it is 40 per cent for the others.
I request the Government to enhance the general subsidy to 75 per
cent and the subsidy for women to 80 per cent. I would request the
enhancement of Central Budget to Rs. 20,000 crore.
10. Need for Support of Central Government for
Holistic Development of Odisha
DR. SASMIT PATRA (ODISHA): There are so many
programmes which require consideration for the holistic development
of Odisha. The Government of Odisha has raised many issues like
establishment of Sri Jagannath International Airport at Puri, inclusion
___________________________________________________
Spoke in Odiya.
129of Sambalpuri/Kosali and Ho languages in the Eighth Schedule of the
Constitution, establishment of second AIIMS hospital in Odisha in
Sundergarh district, giving Special Category status to Odisha, coal
royalty, clean energy cess and coastal highway which are still
pending before the Central Government.
(Dr. Amar Patnaik and Shri Sujeet Kumar Associated)
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF
HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS; THE MINISTER OF
STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION AND THE
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE
AND INDUSTRY (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI) responding
to the matter, said: One of the items on the wish list, which he
described as pending, is the new international airport at Puri. This has
come just a few days ago and we are doing it. So, to describe it as
long-pending is not an apt description.
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FAREWELL TO THE RETIRING MEMBERS
MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Members, today, we bid farewell to
four of our colleagues from the Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir, namely, Mir Mohammad Fayaz and Shri Shamsher Singh
Manhas, who are retiring on 10th of February, and Shri Ghulam Nabi
Azad and Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway who will retire on the 15th of
February, 2021.
Hon. Members, retirement from this august House only means
taking leave from the House and it only marks a new beginning in the
service of the people of their respective areas and the country. As
such, retirement is only a comma and not a break or even a full stop in
the chosen path of serving the nation. The life after retirement from
this august House offers immense opportunities to fulfill the mission
of serving the country.
I am sure the retiring Members are leaving the House with a
sense of fulfilment and contentment, having discharged their
responsibility to the best of their abilities and convictions.
130We bid farewell to the Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi
Azadji with a heavy heart. He has been a voice of sanity in the nation's
public life for the last few decades, having made significant
contribution both in the Government and in the Opposition. He has
served as a member of this august House for as many as 28 years and
is one of the veterans of this House.
Shri Azadji been rightly honoured with the Outstanding
Parliamentary Award for the year 2015. As a Member of both the
Houses of Parliament, Shri Azad conducted himself in an exemplary
manner and has been a role model for the first time Members. He
speaks softly, but conveys his point of view effectively, which should
be the way.
During the last three years as the Chairman of this august
House, I have benefited richly from the inputs and the wise counsel of
Shri Azad in resolving various difficult situations. As a Chairman, I
will be missing the services of Azadji.
Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas and
Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway have also contributed to the deliberations of
the House by raising issues of regional and national importance from
time to time and as Members of various Parliamentary Committees.
They also used to take opportunities, as and when they are given, to
contribute to the debates about their respective States as they hail from
a sensitive Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union
Territory of Ladakh. They always represented the will of the people in
their own way to bring to the attention of this august House.
I place on record my appreciation for the courtesy,
consideration and cooperation extended to the Chair by the retiring
Members.
I hope that the retiring Members will continue to serve the
people in different capacities with the same zeal, enthusiasm, vigour
and spirit of service which they have exhibited in this House.
You are all coolly retiring, but not tired from offering public
service. So, please continue with your services in a manner that will
131really impress upon the people and add dignity and decorum to the
public life in our country.
As I told you, I don’t have words to express about the absence
of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azadji. We are already deprived, permanently,
of service of two of our colleagues – Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Shri
Arun Jaitley. God has been unkind to them. And, now, even
temporarily missing Shri Ghulam Nabi Azadji from this House will
definitely be painful for all of us. We hope all the retiring Members,
including Shri Ghulam Nabiji, will be able to come back.
I wish all the retiring Members good health, happiness and
many more years of service to the nation.
THE PRIME MINISTER (SHRI NARENDRA MODI):
Today I thank all our four retiring colleagues for gracing this House
being Members, benefitting the House and the country with their
experience and knowledge and contributing towards the solution of
the problems of their regions. I have a personal relationship with Mir
Mohammad Fayaz and Nazir Ahmed Laway and I also express my
heartfelt gratitude for the information I used to receive from them. I
am sure their commitment and ability will be useful for the country,
especially for Jammu and Kashmir. One of our colleagues, Shamsher
Singh ji is also among them. I have worked with him for many years.
During the Emergency, Shamsher Singh ji also went to Jail at a very
young age. Shamsher Singh ji has a 96% attendance in this House. He
is soft-spoken and simple. I believe that this term would have been the
best one of their terms in their lives for all the four retiring Members
from Jammu and Kashmir, as they have become witness and
companions of the changing history. I am concerned that anyone who
accepts the responsibility of Ghulam Nabi ji after him will have a lot
of difficulties in replacing Ghulam Nabi ji. Ghulam Nabi ji used to
concern much about his party and was equally concerned about the
country and the House. I keep honourable Sharad Pawar ji in the same
category. He has cordial relationships with all. The main reason for
this is that he has a long experience on both the ruling party and the
opposition. Ghulam Nabi is very fond of gardening. The garden he has
built in his government bungalow is reminiscent of the valley of
132Kashmir. Official positions continue to be available in life but how
they should be conceited should be learned from him. I respect
Ghulam Nabi Azad ji as a friend. I am confident that his gentleness,
humility and patriotism will never let his rest and he will perform any
other responsibility efficiently anywhere and the country will get
benefit from him. I urge you not to feel that you are no more a
Member of this House. My doors are always open to all the four
honorable Members. Suggestions will always be expected from your
end.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR: All our four retiring colleagues
today have always been concerned about the good
relationship between their regions and the country. I had the
opportunity to work for many years with Ghulam Nabi Azad. Azad
Saheb was basically a man of organization. He started in politics by
forming a youth organization in Jammu and Kashmir on the ideology
of the Congress. After observing his work, he was given the
responsibility of the president of the Indian Youth Congress. He had
done very well to organize a new generation by taking all the states of
the whole country together. He will always remember the year of 1982
in his life as he got married this year and stood to contest the election
from Washim, one of the most backward district of Maharashtra.
Despite our strong opposition, he contested from there and got
elected from there. Despite being a backward district, he contested
from Washim and won the trust of the people there and changed the
face of Washim in the field of development. That is why the people of
Washim always remember him. He paid attention to the development
of entire Vidarbha as well as Washim. Probably Ghulam Nabi Azadj i
would be the only Member in the Parliament who got the opportunity
to work in all the Departments and Committees of the government of
this country. I can hardly remember anyone who has worked in so
many ministries as Azad sahib. And we also saw him as the Leader of
the Opposition, a position that he served in a most dignified manner.
He kept politics and personal relationship separate as the honourable
Prime Minister also said. He enjoyed the confidence of all Members. I
am sure he will be re-elected to Parliament and the people of this
country will benefit again from his vast experience.
133SHRI SUKHENDU SEKHAR RAY: Today, a whole gamut
of memories associated with Ghulam Nabi Azad sahib is coming to
my mind. I know him since 1978-79 when he was the president of
Indian Youth Congress and I was the general secretary of state youth
congress. He has been admired by one and all for his immense
contribution in his Organisation, in the Government and also for his
broad outlook. I would urge that his Party may bring him back
because I have not seen a Leader of Opposition like him.
SHRI A. NAVANEETHAKRISHNAN: I have always
admired respected Ghulam Nabi Azad sahib as a person and as
politician. Azad saheb always offered me sane advice.
SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA: On my behalf and also on
behalf of my party, I express my compliments to all the four retiring
Members, particularly about Ghulam Nabi ji. The hon. Prime Minister
has very well described all aspects of his personality. He has
great ability to befriend everybody. I hope, as everybody has
expressed, he will continue in active politics and will continue to
contribute whatever is possible not only for Kashmir but also for the
entire nation.
SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA: One of the painful moments in life
is to speak on a farewell address. There can be no other words than the
emotional speeches and the expressions which our Prime Minister
made on him about his qualities. During the Covid-19 Pandemic,
when everyone was under lockdown there were two persons who
always showed concern and were in regular contact. One of them is
the honourable Chairman and the other person is Azad sahib. As the
Leader of Opposition, he was a great unifying force. We could call
him any time of the day and interact with him or clear any doubts. He
has been a role model to all the Members of Parliament as to how to
speak on the floor of the House on different issues. As the hon. Prime
Minister rightly said, though he belongs to your party, his utmost
concern is for the nation and the society at large.
134SHRI K.R. SURESH REDDY: I rise to bid farewell to
Azad sahib. His understanding of our country, his connect with the
countrymen is great. I also stand to thank him for the role he played in
the formation of Telangana which had been a long-cherished dream of
our people. When the Prime Minister stands up to bid farewell to the
Leader of the Opposition and gets emotional, that clearly speaks of the
bond Azad sahib has with this House. All I can say is that the country
should surely utilize his diplomacy and his understanding. I am sure a
lot of diplomatic issues which reach a stalemate will be there in the
coming years and his leadership would probably end such stalemates.
I hope and pray that he continues to be in the service of our nation.
SHRI V. VIJAYASAI REDDY: I would like to extend
farewell greetings to the outgoing Leader of Opposition, Shri Gulam
Nabi Azad ji and three other Hon'ble Members of this august House. I
appreciate Gulam Nabi ji's contribution as the hon'ble Prime Minister
and other Members said.
PROF. RAM GOPAL YADAV: Whenever there is an
occasion of retirement of some honourable Members, I find it difficult
to fully express my thoughts and feelings. Particularly, the Members
who are retiring are from Kashmir which is as wonderful a state as
were the representatives from there in this House. Ghulam Nabi Saheb
has a vast experience. I just have one concern that in case a deadlock
arose in respect of certain issues, Ghulam Nabi ji acted as a bridge to
end that deadlock. I wonder who will play that role now in his
absence. I wish a bright future for all the retiring Members and pray
that they are re-elected so that they may serve the society like in the
past. I also wish that Azad sahib may become the Chief Minister of
Jammu-Kashmir if it is granted statehood by the honourable Prime
Minister.
SHRI RAM CHANDRA PRASAD SINGH: I extend my
best wishes on behalf of my party for the four colleagues from
Kashmir who are retiring. Azad sahib performed his duty as Chief
Minister, as union minister, as an MP and as the Leader of Opposition
in a most effective way. I wish you all a happy and healthy life and
wish that you continue to serve the society like in the past.
135SHRI ELAMARAM KAREEM: It is a painful reality that
Ghulam Nabi Azadji and three others from Jammu and Kashmir are
retiring. I wish them all the best and expect to see them again in this
House or the other. As the Leader of the Opposition, he led us all and
gave us direction. He always used to be a role model for all the
Members and the people of this country. I wish all the best to Azadji
and all other Members.
PROF. MANOJ KUMAR JHA: I express my best wishes
for all my retiring colleagues. The kind of silence that prevailed in the
House when the hon'ble PM was speaking about Azad Saheb, shows
that Azad Saheb has created his image not merely by virtue of his
position but also by his personality. He has earned a reputation which
no one can take away from him.
SHRI SATISH CHANDRA MISRA: Today I congratulate
my four colleagues from Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Ghulam Nabi
Azad ji, Mir Mohammad Fayaz ji, Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway ji and
Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas ji, who leave this House today, on
behalf of my Bahujan Samaj Party, the head of my party and
personally on my behalf. What the hon'ble Prime Minister said about
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad ji, it is very difficult to add anything after
this. I hope that Azad ji will meet here again very soon and will meet
at this very seat.
SHRI SANJAY RAUT: We all have to retire here at some
time. Today, the tenure of our four colleagues of Jammu and Kashmir
- Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas, Shri Nazir
Ahmed Laway and Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad Saheb - is coming to an
end. Today Azad Saheb's term is coming to an end. His civility, his
humility has always been a guide for us. Today, the Prime Minister
himself got emotional about the things he said about Azad Saheb. I am
sure that Ghulam Nabi Azad ji will soon return to this House.
Respected Azad has seen a huge period of time from Indira ji to Modi
ji. He came from a village and reached this position with his hard
work and struggle. He also came here after getting elected from
Maharashtra.
136THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS
ATHAWALE): Ghulam Nabi Azad ji has a very good nature. He
should come again in this House. This House needs him. I express my
heartfelt thanks to them from my RPI.
SHRI ABDUL WAHAB: I should say a temporarily
farewell to Azadji. I met Azadji in 90s regarding the expansion of
Calicut Airport. And we will remember him for the Cochin Airport
and Calicut Airport. Everybody including Prime Minister talked about
Azadji. We are all acknowledging his works and his contributions. I
would like to thank Azadji for his wonderful leadership.
SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR GUPTA: Today we are bidding
farewell to Hon'able Ghulam Nabi Azad ji and the other
three colleagues from this House. Hon'ble Prime Minister shared
experiences of personal moments with him. I never saw anger on his
face, always did see smile. I wish you a happy future on behalf of my
party and on behalf of my leader, Shri Arvind Kejriwal.
SHRI BINOY VISWAM: Ghulam Nabi Azadji, Mir
Mohammad Fayazji, Nazir Ahmed Lawayji and Shamsher Singh
Manhasji, four friends from Jammu & Kashmir are taking farewell
today from this House. This is a moment to express our love,
affection, gratitude and higher regards for a big leader like Ghulam
Nabi Azadji. He impressed me because he behaved as if he knows me
for a long time. On many occasions, we differed with him on
approaches and politics. But all differences melted down when he
speaks with us with a magical ray of hope. When I saw tears in the
eyes of hon'ble Prime Minister, I felt for the first time to meet him
once as a human being in his chamber. I bid farewell to Ghulam Nabi
Azadji and all the four friends, and wish them all the best.
SHRI G.K. VASAN: My respects to all the Members who
are retiring today. Ghulam Nabiji is the most respected leader in the
country who is known from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. I wish him all
the best and good health. I wish all the Members a bright future.
Ghulam Nabiji should again do high politics from this august House.
137SHRI ANAND SHARMA: Four of our companions, Mir
Mohammad Fayaz, Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas , Shri Nazir Ahmed
Laway and Leader of the Opposition, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad are
today leaving this House. Ghulam Nabi Azad ji has deep
experience of Parliamentary system and traditions. He is the only
person in the Congress who has been the General Secretary of the
organization in every state. He understands practical things that
how peers and those who work together are respected. He has always
said one thing that it is necessary for us to have the ability to take
everyone together and the opposition of ideology should never be
made personal. We hope that his experience is valuable for service of
the country and his service will continue to be available.
SHRI NAZIR AHMED LAWAY: When I became a part of
this House in 2015, our state of Jammu and Kashmir was at some
other stage and nowadays it is at some other stage. I spent 6 years in
this House. I visited every state. Today in every state of India my
friends, sisters and brothers live, my relationship with this country has
increased. I got a chance to meet many entities, political leaders in this
House. Our Jammu and Kashmir is trapped in the swamp. You have
to do something for this Jammu and Kashmir. I have to say personally
that we have lost a lot in Jammu and Kashmir, but together we have
gained a lot by coming here. There is a need for development, human
development and resource development in Jammu and Kashmir. Since
this Parliament had given special status to our Jammu and Kashmir, I
protested a lot to save it. I learned many things from my leaders here.
What I learned from here, I want to tell the people of Kashmir that the
people of our country and MPs of our country have great sympathy
for us in their heart. If at any time we felt any problem, then all the
people worked to solve our problem by meeting with the Prime
Minister or the Minister of Home . I am not retiring from here, but
your memories are with me. At the time when I came here, Jammu
and Kashmir and Ladakh were a state and today they have become
two UTs. As the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home have
promised in this House that they will make Jammu and Kashmir a
state and I hope that the Bill will be brought soon. There is no rail
connectivity in our Kashmir and the same situation is from Jammu
138and Kashmir to Kargil. Go to Kashmir, even though there is a Muslim
majority, but they are our brothers, somewhere Hindus are in the
majority, they are also our brothers. In the end, I want to thank all my
colleagues. I am thankful for the love which I have received from
them in these six years.
MIR MOHAMMAD FAYAZ: I hails from the last district
of Jammu and Kashmir, Kupwara, which is along with Pakistan
border. I started my political life with the ward member of the
Municipal Committee. After that I became the Chairman of that
Municipal Committee, but I never thought that I would go in the
Rajya Sabha. Working in the Rajya Sabha was a great experience.
Here I learned a lot here, I tried my best to raise matters of my state,
got success at some places, at some places even got cheated. I want to
tell that when the separatist used to give boycott's call, we used to
come out, but we feel sadness when someone calls us a traitor.
Whenever a decision was taken about Jammu and Kashmir, we
implemented that. On this occasion, I will appeal to the government
to return the status of statehood and status of special state by doing
justice with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This will strengthen
the faith of the Jammu and Kashmiris on the country. I have been
here for six years. Whenever we went to our senior leaders with our
state's issues, they never denied us. I thank all of them for that. I once
again hope that the government and the opposition together decide
about Jammu and Kashmir so that those people get relief.
SHRI SHAMSHER SINGH MANHAS: I was a social
worker before coming to this House. I worked as an RSS activist and
from 1982 to 1990 as a pracharak. I joined the Bharatiya Janata Party
in 1990. I can assume that at least 60 percent of person of this House,
at the centre and the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party are of that
period. I got a chance to work with everyone. After coming here, I felt
that I am new to this house, but I am not new to the workers.
Secondly, I have never contested elections, rather I worked as a social
worker. I got my chance as a first MP of Bharatiya Janata Party
from Jammu and Kashmir. I did social work with my ability during
my 6 years tenure. When Hon'ble Prime Minister was the General
139Secretary of the organization, he was in charge of Jammu and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh etc. Whenever he used to come to
Jammu, he used to convince me that I should try to improve my nature
a little bit. That is why after learning all the things, I work for
the society by staying in the middle of the society. I also became the
President of the State, performing various responsibilities throughout
Jammu and Kashmir. I have wandered continuously in Jammu and
Kashmir during my 13 years tenure, I have understood the situation
there and have tried to understand the society there. There was a very
grave situation. When Jammu or Ladakh are ignored, I started many
movements. I first raised my voice for corruption in the Cricket
Association and went on hunger strike for 72 days. I have done the
work for the society earlier and will do so in the days ahead. Our Azad
Saheb has achieved a place in the whole country. Today, people
know him not only in the whole India, but also in the world. I am
retiring from Rajya Sabha, not from my life, I express my gratitude to
all of you with these words.
MR. DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: Today, the honourable
Leader of the Opposition, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad Saheb, honorable
Mir Mohammad Fayaz Ji, honourable Shri Shamsher Singh Manhasji
and honourable Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway ji are retiring from this
House. I have had the opportunity to work with many of them in
committees as well. I am personally impressed by their intimacy,
concern about society, awareness. I wish them all the best for their
future. May all of you be healthy and live long and I wish that their
activism remains forever for the country. It was my good fortune that I
sat with the honourable Leader of the Opposition. What Azad saheb
says, I read very carefully that. Recently, he spoke about the politics
of the new generation. The honourable Leader of the Opposition has
started his career as a block level worker. He then became the
president of the block, then came into the politics of the state and the
country and after that held very big positions. Many of his works as
the Minister of Health have been very notable, including 'National
Rural Health Mission' and 'National Urban Health Mission'. When I
came in this parliament in 2014, I said that I learn from him. I learn
from his dignity, restraint in speech, seriousness in behaviour and
140conduct, rich experience of parliamentary dignity. The way he
connected the entire country regarding Jammu and Kashmir is his
wonderful side. I hope that we will hear his voice again in this House
soon.
THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (SHRI GHULAM
NABI AZAD): The Hon'ble Chairman, Hon'ble Prime Minister,
Hon'ble Deputy Chairman and colleagues of the ruling party or
Opposition and especially you and Hon'ble Prime Minister have said
something about me being emotional. My legislative career is 41 years
old. If I would like to say about experience of 41 years, it would take a
lot of time. I started my political career in my student life. I am from
Jammu but my district is Muslim Majority District. I got education
of college and university in Kashmir. The patriotism that I have
learned in school has been in Jammu and Kashmir for many decades. I
have never been to Pakistan but when I read how the situation in
Pakistan is, I feel proud that we are Indian Muslims. When the
majority community comes forward, only then minority community
will come forward. When I became the Chief Minister, I held the first
public meeting in Sopore. I had said that my government will be the
government of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and no minister of
my government will work on the basis of religion or party. I have
received a lot of love from people. I am here because of late Indira
Gandhi ji and Sanjay Gandhi ji. I had the opportunity to work with
about five presidents and I had the opportunity to work in the Cabinet
of four or five Prime Ministers. I also got an opportunity to work as an
In-charge in all the States of India. Today everyone is my friend and I
have earned this thing only. I worked as the General Secretary of the
party at the time of Indira Gandhi ji, Rajiv ji, Sonia Gandhi ji and
Rahul Gandhi ji. I got the chance to negotiate with many parties and I
had also alliance with many leaders. I have been the Minister of
Parliamentary Affairs with three Prime Ministers. I remember what
Indira Gandhi Ji and Rajiv ji used to say. They used to talk about
taking the opposition along. I was the Minister of Parliamentary
Affairs for five years from 1991 to 1996. I also had other
portfolios. Atal ji was the leader of the opposition at that time. Due to
Atal ji, the House functioned smoothly. I learned from him the art to
141solve the issue by taking the opposition along. People have chosen us
to make laws, solve problems and to develop basic infrastructure.
Laws can not be made if we quarrel with each other. People will lose
faith in us.I always said that protest should be done occasionally and
discuss the issues rest of the days. I thank all the leaders for this
cooperation. I thank hon'ble Home Minister. He had to make a
statement. I especially thank the Prime Minister who heard all of us. I
have been emotional only on a few occasions in my life. I cried a lot at
the death of Sanjay Gandhi ji, Indira Gandhi ji and Rajiv Gandhi ji
and at the time when tsunami took place in the Odisha. My father was
very ill at that time of tsunami. But I left him and went to Odisha. I
saw hundreds of dead bodies floating there. I cried a lot seeing this.
When I became the Chief Minister in 2005 and when the Darbar
opened in Kashmir, I was welcomed by the sacrifice of my Gujarati
brothers and sisters. Today we pray to God that terrorism should
be stamped out from our country. Thousands of our soldiers have been
killed due to terrorism. Many civilians have also been killed. But there
is no fault of children and widows. With the end of terrorism, children
and widows will also get employment and they will also be able to
live better lives. We will have to work together to solve the situation
in Kashmir. When I contested the university elections, I used to get
the most votes from Kashmiri pandit students. Those friends are
scattered today. Honourable Chairman sir, I thank you very much that
I had the opportunity to work with you. I also thank the honourable
Prime Minister that as a leader of the opposition, you have never
personally taken my words against you. I am in touch with the
opposition for a long time. When I became the Minister of State for
the first time, from that day I have been in contact with everyone till
now. We can run this country together only. Honourable Deputy
Chairman has been my bench mate here. He is a very simple person. I
thank the leaders like Sharad Pawar ji, Yadav ji etc. I thank the
hon'ble Chairman sir, hon'ble Prime Minister and all the hon'ble
Members. I also thank the Secretary General and the Rajya Sabha
Secretariat. I have always received full support from all of you.
_______
142STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER
Avalanche in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AMIT
SHAH): On 07.02.2021 at about 10 a.m. an avalanche has occurred in
the upper catchment of Rishiganga river, a tributary of Alaknanda
river in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, which led to sudden rise in
the water level of Rishiganga River. Due to flash flood on account of
rising of water levels in the river Rishiganga, a functional Rishiganga
small hydro project of 13.2 MW was washed away. The flash flood
also affected the under construction 520 MW NTPC Hydro Power
Project downstream at Tapovan on the river Dhauli Ganga. The State
Government of Uttrakhand has reported that there is no danger of
downstream flooding and the rise in water level has been contained.
Centre and the State Government have been keeping a strict vigil on
the situation. It is observed from the satellite data of 7th February,
2021 in catchment of Rishi Ganga river at the terminus of the glacier
at an altitude of 5600m a landslide triggered a snow avalanche
covering approximately 14 sq.km area and causing a flash flood in the
downstream of Rishi Ganga river. As per information received from
the Government of Uttarakhand, 20 persons have died and 06 persons
have been injured so far. This figure is up to 5 pm yesterday. As per
information, a total of197 persons are reported missing which includes
139 persons of under construction project of NTPC, 46 persons of the
functional Rishi Ganga Project and 12 villagers. The State
Government has gathered this information from different sources and
this may change.
12 persons from NTPC project have been rescued, who were
trapped in a tunnel. 15 persons from Rishiganga project have also
been rescued at the time of incident. In another tunnel of NTPC
project, approximately 25–35 persons are suspected to have been
trapped. Rescue operation to evacuate these persons is going on war
footing and all out efforts are simultaneously being made for
searching missing persons. State Government has announced an ex-
gratia of Rs. 4 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost
their lives due to the incident. Due to washing away of one bridge,13
143villages around the place of incident have been cut off. In these
villages necessary supplies and medical assistance is being provided
through helicopters. Situation is being monitored round the clock by
Central Government at the highest level. Hon’ble Prime Minister
himself is monitoring the situation closely. Both Control Rooms of
Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation the clock and
all possible help is being provided to the State. Hon’ble Minister of
State of the Ministry of Power has visited the incident site and
supervised the rescue and relief work. ITBP has set up their Control
Room and 450 personnel of ITBP with all necessary equipment are
engaged in rescue and relief operation. 5 NDRF teams have reached at
the place of incident and are engaged in rescue and relief operation. 8
teams of Indian Army, including one Engineer Task Force, are
carrying rescue operation at incident site. One Medical column with
two ambulances are also deployed. One diving team of Indian Navy
has also deputed at incident site. 5 helicopters of Indian Air Force
have also been engaged in rescue operation. A Control Room has been
established at Joshimath by the administration. In spite of adverse
conditions at incident site, search and rescue operation was
immediately carried out. After continuous and tireless efforts since
night, Army has cleared debris at opening of the tunnel to rescue the
persons trapped in it. Our people has gone very deep inside. All the
staff of the Central Water Commission deployed in Alaknanda and
Ganga Basin up to Haridwar are on alert. One team of Sashtra Seema
Bal is also deployed at incident site. Team of Snow & Avalanche
Study Establishment of DRDO has also reached at the site for
surveillance and reconnaissance. CMD, NTPC has reached at the
place of incident.
On 7th February at 1630 hours a meeting of National Crisis
Management Committee under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary
was held, wherein all the concerned agencies have been directed to
work in close coordination and to extend all requisite assistance to the
State administration. The district administration, police and disaster
management departments of State Government along with all central
agencies have been working for rescue and relief work. 2 teams of
SDRF have been deployed. 7 Medical teams with 08 ambulances of
144State Health Department along with Chief Medical Officer are present
at the site. In addition to this, 05 Helicopters have also been deployed
for rescue and relief works. Electricity has been restored in almost all
the affected areas. Restoration work of 5 completely damaged Bridges
has been done by PWD and BRO. I would also like to mention here
that in the financial year 2020-21, approximately Rs 1041 crore has
been allocated to the State of Uttarakhand from the State Disaster
Risk Management Fund (SDRMF). The first instalment of the central
share amounting to Rs 468.50 crore has already been released to the
State Government.
I assure the House that the Centre is extending all possible
assistance for relief and rescue work to the State Government. The
Central Government is working in close coordination with the State
and all the necessary steps, which are considered appropriate, are
being taken.
(One Minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to
the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.)
_______
STATUTORY RESOLUTION/GOVERNMENT BILL
I. Statutory Resolution Disapproving the National Capital
Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (No.15 of 2020)
II. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws
(Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill, 2021
SHRI BINOY VISWAM: I move “That this House
disapproves the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special
Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (No.15 of 2020)
promulgated by the President of India on 30th December, 2020.”
145There is a tendency of this Government to bypass the
Parliament and accept the Ordinance route. When we go to the
figures, during the period of NDA-I, in the whole period, the number
of Ordinances was 42; in UPA I and II together, it was 59. In the days
of NDA-II till now, there are 77 Ordinances. I request the Chair to
give strict instruction to the Government that this route of Ordinance
cannot be allowed to be the practice.
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF
HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS; THE MINISTER OF
STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION; AND THE
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE
AND INDUSTRY (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI), moving the
motion for consideration of the Bill, said: This Bill seeks to extend
the validity of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special
Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2011 for a period of three
years from 1st January, 2021 to 31st December, 2023. The
population of Delhi is growing rapidly. When the census is held
later this year, this population would be close to 2 crores or even
beyond that. Delhi, being a cosmopolitan city, draws people from
across the country. Exponential growth has led to a serious stretch on
its resources, leading to a very vast gap between demand and supply.
We have followed the three-pronged approach to address the
urbanisation needs of the people of Delhi. A total of 1.35 crore of its
citizens will benefit from three schemes, namely, the PM-UDAY is
expected to benefit 50 lakh people. The PMAY (Urban) is expected
to benefit about 10 lakh people; and, under the land pooling, 75 lakh
people are expected to be benefitted. I am happy to inform that
3,82,449 registrations have been done and authorization slips,
conveyance deeds, have been issued to 4,035 households. The DDA
has also finalized the control norms which are expected to trigger re-
development in these colonies. Under the in situ rehabilitation of JJ
clusters, 7,500 EWS houses are under construction and some of these
are at a very advanced stage of completion. Under land pooling, the
land pooled as on date is 6,938 hectares.
146SHRI K.T.S. TULSI: Indian cities are virtually turning into
slums. The people who migrate from smaller towns to big metros are
only the labourers, daily-wagers, sweepers, and when they find no
other place to be able to live or afford, all that they can do is, live in
the slums. The Government should build proper housing colonies for
them as they live in unhygienic condition. The Government can
properly examine this problem and find a lasting solution and provide
a respectable housing to the poorest of the poor. The dwellers in slums
and in unauthorized colonies are treated merely as vote banks. They
have a right to lead a life of dignity. Delhi has high percentage of
slum population. The ad hoc arrangement merely is an eyewash and
amounts to evading the problem. More than 30 per cent of the
population of Delhi lives in slums. The Government should find a
lasting solution to this. One-third of Delhi’s population is living in
miserable conditions. There are no dispensaries, no schools, no proper
roads and no proper houses in slums. The slum dwellers are suffering
from one ailment or the other. Slums have garbage piled up on the
streets. There is inadequate lighting. 51 per cent of the children of
Delhi slums have stunted growth. Urban slum dwellers are more
prone to communicable diseases and malnutrition. Smart Cities seem
to be only on paper and are for publication in the advertisements. The
Union Government promised 100 Smart Cities in five years. Till
October 2019, only 30 per cent of the funds were released. Out of
3,700 projects, only 959 projects are reported to have been completed.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) promised 1.2 crore
houses by 2022. Till 22nd March of 2018, only 10 per cent of the
projected number of houses were completed. The Parliamentary
Oversight Committee stated that out of the Central share of Rs. 57,699
crores, only Rs.26,162 crores had been sanctioned for release by the
Union. The Committee was constrained to note that the progress of
PMAY has been disappointing. The report also noted that for the
Smart City Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation of Urban
Transformation, the Government will spend the money, but they have
failed to execute the projects. All that I would say is that if the
priorities were right, instead of spending Rs.20,000 crore on the
147Central Vista, the Government would have built housing colonies and
provided one crore houses within this money.
DR. ANIL AGRAWAL: This Government is committed to
the poor, deprived, Dalits and farmers of the country. The government
has set priorities in this regard. Poor people from different parts of the
country come to the capital city for livelihood. Due to this, the
population of Delhi has grown rapidly. But these poor people have to
live in the slum areas. Therefore, the Central Government has started a
major task of providing houses under the scheme 'Jahan Jhuggi,
Wahan Makan'. For this, people have been given a number of
exemptions including concession in revenue stamp paper. But there
should be a coordination between the state government and the
Central Government in this work. Delhi is reeling under the problems
of water and environmental pollution. The water table of the water
bodies in Delhi is going down and some of the water bodies have
also been encroached upon. Therefore, the Government should revive
the water bodies so that their water level can rise. This will facilitate
people to get clean drinking water. But, a lot of money has to be
spent to purify the water. The Air Quality Index in Delhi is much
higher than the permissible limit. The new master plan should focus
on maintaining the green area. This will improve the air quality index
and benefit our future generations. Due to pollution in Delhi, many
children suffer from diseases like bronchitis. There should be proper
use of vacant land in Delhi. Commercial and residential areas in Delhi
should be properly utilized. A proper planning should be formulated
to overcome the problems in Delhi. There is a problem of
warehouses, commercial places etc. in Delhi. Keeping all these things
in mind, the Government should chalk out a master plan of Delhi.
Also, the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' should be implemented in Delhi.
Municipal corporation is not getting money from the state government
due to which cleanliness is not being done in Delhi. Therefore, I
request the opposition colleagues to help pass this Bill.
148DR. SANTANU SEN: As regards this Bill, I would like to
put forward certain proposals before the Government. The Bill has to
ensure that no evictions of Juggies and Jhopris are made. It is to be
noted that any demolition without rehabilitating the residents, would
be unconstitutional and illegal and would lead to loss of livelihood of
many people. The Government has also considered granting
ownership rights to the people of the lower income group living in
these colonies. This has to be a time bound and an easily facilitated
process because these people are the most marginalised when it comes
to documentation or other processes. The Government has to ensure
that none of these people are deprived in any way whatsoever.
DR. AMAR PATNAIK: This Bill seeks to continue the
protection of those unauthorised developments where adequate
measures were yet to be taken. The JAGA Mission was initiated
very successfully in Odisha. In October, 2017, the Government of
Odisha enacted the Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Act. It is
one of the largest land titling initiatives anywhere in the world. There
are about 10 lakh beneficiaries. 2 lakh households living in 2,000
slums in all 109 small and medium towns in the State are covered
using technology, drones, imagery, etc. The initiative taken by the
Government of Odisha could be adopted while preparing the Master
Plan 2041. In fact, my concern is that the Master Plan 2041 has been
delayed now for about 15 years. The Government should
take action very quickly and, while making Master Plan 2041, issues
relating to cycle lanes, footpaths, social distancing norms, water and
waste management techniques, child-friendly cities etc. should be
considered.
SHRI M. SHANMUGAM: The Bill seeks to relocate slum
dwellers and Jhugi-Jhompri clusters, extend the Master Plan for
Delhi, 2021 up to December 2023 and regularise unauthorised
colonies. It provides for strategies of housing for urban poor as well as
for dealing with the informal sector. Under the great leadership of
Anna, the Government of Tamil Nadu set up slum clearance board
and all poor people living in kuchcha huts were rehabilitated in the
149concrete structure in multi-storied flats with all facilities. Our
Government brought a scheme of giving labour quarters, rented
houses at concession rate to migrant labour who were working in the
industrial estates and clusters. The same scheme has been adopted by
the Centre with a new name.
DR. BANDA PRAKASH: The Government of Delhi and the
Government of India have taken a good decision to regularise the
unauthorized colonies and give the land rights to the people. I request
the Government that while regularizing, the lakes, tanks, forests and
environments of the urban areas should be protected and a national
policy to control urbanization and migration be made. I support the
Bill.
SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE PILLI: Delhi has
rapidly been growing over the last so many years. The demand for
housing, commercial space and other amenities has increased
tremendously. This has given rise to the problem of encroachment.
The protection provided by the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act,
2006 to various forms of unauthorized developments in Delhi has
continued thereafter through ordinances and subsequent Acts.
SHRI VISHAMBHAR PRASAD NISHAD: The Bill
provides temporary relief for two years to protect people from sealing,
while permanent relief should have been given. Poor people come to
the cities in search of employment. Therefore, there should be
adequate arrangements for them. I support this Bill.
SHRI BIKASH RANJAN: My apprehension is that this
Government is running on ordinances. The Bill has a laudable purpose
but it has not been executed. Repeated extension through ordinances is
condemnable. Rights of the poor people of the country are much more
important than anything else.
150SHRI SANJAY SINGH: The Bill states that 40 lakh people
in Delhi live in unauthorised colonies, slums while their number is
now around 1 crore. The lives of so many people are affected in these
colonies. Without title right, they cannot take loans from the bank,
they do not get their map passed. The Government of Delhi
has constructed 50 thousand flats under the scheme of 'jahan jhuggi
wahan makaan'. Even after 73 years of independence, people are
living in unauthorised colonies in the capital city of the country. I urge
the Government that now such people should be given title right. I
support this Bill.
SHRI RAMJI: The Bill has been brought to authorize about
1,800 unauthorized colonies. Migrant labourers from all over the
country live in Delhi and they do not have enough money to build
their houses. Therefore, I request the Government to identify Dalit,
Scheduled Tribe migrant labourers at least living in Delhi and provide
them housing and other basic facilities. They live on rent in jhugi-
jhopari. These should be authorized and title right be given to them
only. I urge the Government to fulfill the basic objective of this Bill.
SHRI BINOY VISWAM: The Government is passionate
about the commitments of 'doubling of farmers' income' and 'housing
for all by the year 2022'. After food the most important human desire
and necessity is shelter. But people have no house, food, clean air or
pure water. The Government came up with the projects worth Rs.
20,000 crore for development of the Central Vista. That is the
Government's priority. It does not take care of the interests of the poor
people of this country. I appeal to the Government to take into account
all the serious objections and proposals made by the hon. Members
and strengthen the Bill.
DR. ASHOK BAJPAI: About 50 lakh people live in the
unauthorized colonies, jhuggi-jhoparis, slums of Delhi. Due to being
an unauthorized colony, they do not get any financial support. Due to
the sensitivity of the Government, it has been decided to regularize 50
lakh such families. Now those colonies will not only be developed,
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