lok sabha synopsis of debates friday, march 20, 2020...
TRANSCRIPT
LOK SABHA
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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES
(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)
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Friday, March 20, 2020 / Phalguna 30, 1941 (Saka)
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OBSERVATION BY THE SPEAKER
Re: Commencement of sitting of the House for 23rd
March, 2020 at 2.00
P.M. instead of 11 A.M.
HON. SPEAKER: Hon'ble Members. I have to inform the House that I
have had a discussion with the leaders of all the parties on 19th of March, wherein
several Hon'ble Member requested me personally that due to a change in flight
routes, they would not be able to reach Parliament at 11 a.m. on Monday. On the
basis of requests made by the Hon'ble Members, the House will meet at 2 p.m. on
Monday and Question Hour scheduled for that day also stands adjourned.
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SUBMISSION BY MEMBER
(i) Re: Reported increase in prices of essential commodities.
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF COAL
AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) responding to the
issue raised by an hon. Member said: From day one, the Government of India,
under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister has taken many steps. Our
Government has taken very good steps proactively in comparison to what other
countries have done across the world. Yesterday, our Hon'ble Prime Minister has
made certain suggestions while addressing the nation and also made a clarion call
in this regard. I would just like to say that we would endeavour together for this
cause.
(ii) Re: Need to close Stock Exchanges in view of rapid fall in Sensex.
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF COAL
AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) responding to the
issue raised by an hon. Member said: The Prime Minister is continuously taking
stock of the situation, and a lot of precautions have been taken in this regard. He
has also touched upon the issue of economy. Hence, an Economic Task Force has
been formed on the economic issue. The objective of constitution of Task Force is
to intervene immediately in case any issue comes up.
(iii) Re: Pollution due to illegal stone crushing in Chikhaldara Hill Station
and
Dumping of biomedical waste by Hospitals in forest areas.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE
CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) responding to the issue raised by several hon.
Members, said: I am sending a team to conduct an inquiry into the matter in this
respect. We are taking it very seriously. Such a dumping cannot be allowed in any
forest area. We will take up this issue with the States also in order to ensure that all
the rules and regulations related to the biomedical waste management are complied
with.
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MATTERS UNDER RULE 377
1. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH laid a statement regarding need
to expedite construction of pending irrigation projects in Jharkhand.
2. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA laid a statement
regarding need to include Sickle Cell disease in the list of
diseases eligible for treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
3. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH laid a statement regarding
condition of NH-19.
Laid on the Table as directed by Chair.
4. SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO laid a statement regarding
need to provide secondary care treatment referral facility in ESIC
hospital in Adityapur, Jharkhand and also set up a 250-bedded
hospital in Adityapur.
5. SHRI VIVEK NARAYAN SHEJWALKAR laid a statement
regarding plan to tackle the negative impact of Corona virus menace
on Indian economy.
6. SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL laid a statement regarding participation
of Members of Parliament in administrative board of educational
institutions.
7. SHRI REBATI TRIPURA laid a statement regarding Tripura Tribal
Autonomous District Council
8. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA laid a
statement regarding need to provide irrigation facilities to Adivasi
people living in forest area in Narmada and Bharuch districts, Gujarat.
9. SHRI RAMESHBHAI L. DHADUK laid a statement regarding
need to modernise and develop Porbandar Railway Station in Gujarat
as a model railway station.
10. SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA laid a statement regarding need to
provide compensation to farmers who suffered damage to their crops
caused by heavy hailstorms in Rewa Parliamentary Constituency,
Madhya Pradesh.
11. DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding conservation
and development of historical fort at Deora in Chhatarpur district,
Madhya Pradesh as tourist destination.
12. SHRI GAJENDRA UMRAO SINGH PATEL laid a statement
regarding need to provide benefits under Kisan Samman Nidhi
Scheme to farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
13. SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA laid a statement regarding issuance
of alleged illegal armed licence in Banswara district, Rajasthan.
14. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN laid a statement regarding need to remove
areas having ground water in Churu Parliamentary Constituency from
the list of dark zones.
15. SHRI K. SHANMUGA SUNDARAM laid a statement regarding
deleting entry relating to wild boars/wild pigs from Schedule III of the
Wild Life Protection Act.
16. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI laid a statement
regarding merger of banks.
17. SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT laid a statement regarding
changes or amendments on Kharland Development Schemes.
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THE CENTRAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITIES BILL, 2019
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.
RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK) moved that the amendments made by
Rajya Sabha in the Bill to establish and incorporate Universities for teaching and
research in Sanskrit, to develop all-inclusive Sanskrit promotional activities and to
provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto be taken
consideration.
The Motion was adopted and the amendments were agreed to.
________
THE INDIAN INSTITUTES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAWS
(AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.
RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK) moving the motion for consideration of
the Bill said: At present, there are total 25 IIITs functioning across the country.
Out of these institutes, five institutes are totally funded by the Central Government.
They are Prayagraj-Uttar Pradesh, Gwailor-Jabalpur, Kanchipuram-Tamil Nadu
and Kurnul-Andhra Pradesh. These institutes are functioning under the provisions
of the Act of 2014 and making continuous progress. In addition to them, there are
such 20 IIITs that have been approved to function under PPP mode in private
participations. This is the first model of its type in this sector in the country which
will be run under the joint management of the State Governments, the Union
Government and the industries. This will require an outlay of Rs. 128 crore out of
which 50 per cent will be shared by Union Government, 30 per cent by the State
Governments and the remaining 15 per cent by the industrial sector. In this respect
North Eastern states have been given special concession. In these states 57.5 per
cent amount will be given by the Union Government, 35 per cent by the respective
state government and 7.5 per cent will be contributed by the industrial sector. The
Governing Body which is running these institutes will also be constituted by
having members from all the three entities i.e the Union Government, the State
Governments and the industrial sector. The Government will bear their recurring
expenditure also for the five years and will continue to provide other assistance
from time to time in order to help these institutions reach new heights. I am happy
to say that 14000 students are enrolled in these institutions and pursuing B.Tech,
M.Tech and PhD courses. I believe that the way the curriculum is being prepared
for quality research work in collaboration with the industrial sector and the
students are being provided education has resulted into the early campus placement
of the students. The performance of most of these institutions has been 100 per
cent in the matter of the campus placement of the student. So, our students working
in the IT sector have earned laurels for the country. There used to be no
synchronization between the curriculum of IITs and the needs of the industrial
sector. The students had to run from pillar to post in search of jobs due to the
absence of coordination between them. Now these institutions will undertake
research work in active participation of the industrial sector and consequently of
both of them will make progress constantly.
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH initiating said: This Bill seeks to declare five
Indian institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) as institutions of national
importance. On being declared institutions of national importance, the five
institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees. This Bill must also ensure the
measures that will guarantee protection from discrimination, inclusion of weaker
sections and mechanism of protection against prejudices and segregation from the
administrative system and fellow students. These mechanisms are mandatory as
several instances reveal that students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes and weaker sections suffer a great deal of insults and harassments from the
faculty and students alike. I would also like apprise about the scenario in the
absence of reservation in the higher educational institutions, especially IITs and
IIITs? According to a study 55 per cent of SC and 74 per cent of ST students
would not have enrolled in engineering colleges without reservation. Similarly,
what is the situation of Dalit students if they do not get scholarships? There is
ample evidence suggestion that a lot of SC/ST students drop out when they do not
get scholarships. This is why, I suggest that the new Indian Institutes of
Information Technology must have proper mechanisms that prevent harassment
and intimidation by professors on caste and category basis. A committee should be
there to inquire into the atrocities against the Dalit students. Also, the institutions
must have facilities for remedial coaching or other support. Apart from that, the
institutions must establish facilities for preventing dropout among Dalit students
for the disadvantaged sections. Earlier Government had set up a committee to find
out the dropout of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from higher
educational institutions like IITs and IIMs. I would request the Government to
revive that Committee to look into the issues pertaining to the dropout of SC/St
students for higher educational institutions. Finally, on behalf of the State of
Kerala, I would like to give a suggestion to the Government that the Indian
Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam established as an Institute of
National Importance must be made a national centre of advanced research in
information technology.
SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV: I would like to welcome this move of the
Government as it is going to supplement the efforts being made through this Bill to
build the bright future of the children. Therefore, I would like to express my thanks
for granting approval through this Bill to run these five institutes in PPP mode.
There is an IIT in Bihta but the Hon'ble Minister is required to pay attention
towards it. Education is not being imparted properly there and all faculties have not
been set up there. I would like to request the Hon. Minister to address the
shortcomings of the institute situated in Bihta. Once again I would like to request
the Hon. Minister for Bihar. Bihar does not have as many national institutes as per
its requirement. He has done a favour by providing two Central Universities over
there. But more Central Universities are required to be set up there. The Patna
University is a historic University and there has been a long pending demand that it
should be accorded the status of a Central University but the Government has not
taken any action in this regard. The NIT, Patna should be granted the status of an
IIT. It will be a great favour for us if one more IIT is set up on the other side of the
Ganga in view of the large population of the area.
PROF. SOUGATA RAY: Having more IIITs in the country is a welcome step
and I support this initiative. These IIITs are not yet of a standard of national
importance if you compare them to the IITs. I would urge to look into the
curriculum of these IIITs to bring them up to the level of IITs. Many engineering
colleges open IT courses. It is because there is little cost involved in doing it. Our
institutes teach little about hardware. India is on the forefront in the world in
software, we are very much behind in hardware. So, it is necessary to develop
hardware education in the country so that we can manufacture our own computers.
I would like to know from the hon. Minister as to how many graduates from these
IIITs got jobs? We do not want our IT graduates to work as cyber coolies. We
want them to work as proper data analysts.
SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: Five more IIITs institutions are being
established in Bhagalpur, Surat, Raichur, Bhopal and Agartala through this Bill
besides 15 such institutions which are already there in the country. Pune city in
our Maharashtra has become an information technology hub. Unfortunately,
despite having diploma/ degree, good jobs are hard to get for years together.
Establishing institution is good but the institutions itself must ensure to provide
placement to students at proper time.
SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL: Indian Institutes of Information Technology are
already established at present in Bhagalpur, Surat, Raichur, Bhopal and Agartala
under the PPP mode. Now, these institutions shall be authorized to take admission
and provide degree of B.Tech, M.Tech and P.hd. This is an appreciable step. I
would like to demand the Minister to set up such an institution in Madhubani also.
There are about 822 posts vacant at present in these institutions. How quality
education could be provided with such a large number of vacant posts? Therefore,
I would like to request the Government to fill up all the vacant posts in these
institutions.
SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: India has emerged as a very important
power in the field of information technology. Our engineers who came out from
IIITs have made their impact felt and a number of institutes have flourished
throughout the country. Union Government is also trying to encourage the private
players. It should also be linked with employment. This Bill will grant status to the
15 IIITs established in PPP mode and declare them Institutes of National
Importance. Our weakness is, we are not focusing on developing our hardware.
That is the reason why most of the components are being imported. There should
be uniformity in the curriculum, which is actually not happening. We did not
disucss the budgetary allocation relating to HRD Ministry. It is important that
these institutions enable themselves to be more relevant to the area they are
operating in. The participation of private sector in the PPP model must be
enhanced. The Government should also focus on linking education with
employment. Standardization of fee structure also needs to be done.
DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY: I would like to emphasize that proper
reservations should be ensured in IIIT institutes. Adequate reservations should be
provided as per the prevailing State’s rights. Right now, in Tamil Nadu we have a
69 per cent reservation policy. We keep telling our children that they should study
properly so that they can get good jobs. Having toiled for several years, if they are
told that they are going to end up as sweepers, I think it is a very dismal state of
affairs. With already dwindling economy of our country which is bordering on
recession, more impetus should be given on educating people. The unemployment
rate is so high and we are talking about e-commerce whereas this is taking away
the already existing employment.
SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH: Five more IIITs set up under the PPP framework
are sought to be declared as Institutes of National Importance through this Bill.
These are at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur. India’s IT industry
contributed in 2017 almost 7.7 per cent of the country’s GDP and is likely to rise to
more than 10 per cent by 2025. To ensure that we capture the demand for skilled
manpower in this sector, we have to ensure more and more such institutes of higher
learning. Stringent quality assurance mechanisms have to be put in place so that
the graduates that we produce from here have a value in the job market, and do not
end up being ‘technology coolies’.
KUNWAR DANISH ALI: I would like to request the Minister of Human
Resource Development to establish an IIIT institute in Amroha, Western U.P. The
Government is stepping back from social and education sectors and this is
affecting the poor, dalits and backwards adversely. Such institutions may be set up
on the PPP model, but the policy of reservation must be followed in these
institutions so that reservation policy could not be meddled with during the time of
admission and employment. I would like to request the hon. Minister to maintain
the quality of these institutions.
SHRI B.B. PATIL: This Bill seeks to grant statutory status to five IIITs under
PPP mode so that they can get the status of Institutions of National Importance. It
will enable to institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base
in the country in the field of Information Technology. But the Government should
remain focussed on the quality of education while increasing the capacity. There is
an urgent need to create more seats for quality management and engineering
education in India.
DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR: Five more institutes are being accorded the
statutory status. I would like to know whether higher education is for all. We are
constantly lagging in the field of research. We have few institutes of science which
enjoy world ranking. How much money are we pumping in science and
technology? If we do not develop the basic science, nobody will recognise us in the
world of science. It is good to learn that we have surpassed China to secure the
third position in having the number of publications in the Peer Tribute Journal. We
should lay emphasis on innovative thinking. IIITs are filling up this gap.
KUMARI GODDETI MADHAVI: This Bill seeks to declare five more Indian
Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) as institutions of national importance.
After this, these five institutes will have power to grant degrees. It will also enable
the institutes to attract enough students for development of a strong research base
in the country in the field of information technology.
SHRI E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: I feel very strongly that there is not
much farsightedness and strong vision in the field of education This is the era of
internationalisation of education. India can give leadership to the entire world as
far as education is concerned. Goal setting is very important in education. A
country is not judged on how many institutions it is having but on how many
institutions a country is having to meet the challenges. We must have a liberalized
policy and broad mindedness in the education sector. Reservation principle should
be adhered to strictly in educational system.
PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL: I rise to support the Bill. I request the
Government to set up one institute at Agra. There is one of the oldest universities
at Agra. This should be accorded the status of Central University. Agra College,
Agra was set up in 1823. This should be made a deemed university.
SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA: This Bill seeks to accord the status of
Institutes of National Importance to five IIIT's. We have scope of five more IIITs
which are coming up. These should be set up in those states which do not have any
such institute. There are two big challenges. One is the employment issue and the
other is the employability issue. 80 per cent of Indian engineers are not fit for any
job in knowledge economy. We need to involve the industry in technical
education.
SHRI GIRISH BHALCHANDRA BAPAT: I rise to support the IIIT Bill. the
Government have approved 15 IIITs throughout the country and they have also
approved this institute at Pune. After their approval, the State Government had
allotted the land for this institute. I have come to know that one builder has
encroached that land. So, I would lie to request the concerned authority to look into
this matter and call a meeting to know the actual position.
SHRI P. RAVEENDRANATH KUMAR: This Bill seeks to develop new
knowledge and provide manpower of global standards for the information
technology industry. I request the hon. Minister to set up one more IIT in my
Parliamentary Constituency Theni under the PPP mode. The Tamil Nadu
Government is spending more than Rs. 30,000 crore for the development of
Education Sector.
SHRI THOMAS CHAZHIKADAN: I am glad that the IIIT was established in
Kottayam. It is appreciated that the Government has taken an initiative for
establishing another five IIITs. The Government should go ahead in alignment
with the industries and institutions of excellence.
DR. THOL THIRUMAAVALAVAN: The hon. Supreme Court stated that
AADHAAR information should not be used for any purpose other than Social
Welfare Schemes. However, the information sought under RTI has revealed that
the Government is engaged in spying the citizens. Privacy of the citizens should be
respected.
SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL: This Bill seeks to set up five
institutes in PPP model. This PPP model will actually give practical approach to
engineers and technocrats because that is the need of the hour. I would request the
hon. Minister that a Software Technology Park and a BPO should be set up in my
constituency, Jalgaon.
SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: I would like to suggest to the hon. Minister
to declare the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, an
autonomous institution at Thiruvananthapuram, also as an institute of national
Original in Tamil.
importance. The quality of education is one of the major challenges being faced by
the country. My point is whether there is any quality assessment review
mechanism in these IIITs so as to assess the standard of education imparted in
these institutions. In PPP model, the expenses have been borne by the students,
who are studying in those institutions. So, it is marginalising the poor and common
people of this country. So, there should be a fee regulatory system in place . Lastly,
what is the rate of placement of these 15 institutions?
SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: If any State has a better claim to have IIIT,
that is Jammu and Kashmir. But unfortunately, Jammu and Kashmir has been
made to lag behind. So, till an institution is set up, I would request that the
National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal, Srinagar be also declared and brought
within the fold of the Act, and given statutory recognition.
SHRI SURESH PUJARI: There is Jharsuguda district in my constituency where
lot of development work has been done recently. Most of the industries in Odisha
are in Jharsuguda. A large number of students from the areas surrounding this
district are doing quite a good job in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. I
request the hon. Minister that an Indian Institute of Information Technology should
be set up in Jharsuguda also.
SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY: We need more and more IITs
and IIITs, etc. in our country because IT sector is a sector which could be
recognised as knowledge-based industry. You are establishing 20 institutions but
for the Eastern India, you should pay a little more attention. None of the 20 IIITs
established have started Dual Degree courses yet due to inadequate infrastructure.
All of these institutes are started without any permanent campus. The Government
should ideally provide funds for recurring expenditure during the first five years
after the development of fully functional permanent campus. 15-20 per cent Indian
Institute of Technology graduates do not get campus placement. We are all
supporting the Bill and wishing for the success of these institutions because our
future lies in information technology.
DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: I am fortunate that I belong to Bhagalpur district and
the five institutions being set up by the Government include one at Bhagalpur also.
Jharkhand contributes maximum fund to the Union Government. 40 per cent of
mines and minerals of the country are in Jharkhand. Industries, power plants and
software technology parks are being set up there. Santhal Pargana is the most
backward area in the state and it holds the maximum potential for development. I
request the hon. Minister that an IIIT should be set up there in Deoghar.
SHRI RITESH PANDEY: An Institute of National Importance is one that serves
as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel. What are the guidelines
for determining who a pivotal player is? What distinguishes highly skilled
personnel? This need to be specified because we need to set the criteria as to on
what basis we are choosing these institutes as Institutes of National Importance.
SHRI DNV SENTHILKUMAR S. :I would like to request the hon. Minister to
give consideration to us and have centres of excellence at Kancheepuram and
Trichy by establishing Indian Institute of Information Technology over here. Also,
reservation in the institutions under the public-private partnership mode should be
strictly adhered to.
SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY: There is a need for a common syllabus
throughout the country considering the problems being faced by students in
clearing the competitive entrance exams. The IIITs under the PPP mode were
established over the last seven years. Is there any study on how these institutions
will be able to sustain over a long time in the absence of revenue funding? Is there
any study on the quality of education provided by these institutes? How is the
employment scenario for graduates from these institutes? Is the Government
planning to establish an IIIT under PPP scheme in the State of Odisha?
DR. SATYA PAL SINGH: I come from Baghpat area, which happens to
be the most backward area in the NCR around Delhi. There is neither a State
institution nor an all-India institution. I would request the hon. Minister to at least
set up one technical education institution, whether IIT or IIIT.
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.
RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK)replying said: A number of important
suggestions have been received on this Bill and most of the concern expressed is
related to two-three subjects. There is a provision in the Act of 2017 that all the
institutions run under this Act will have to provide reservation. The second major
concern was that we are providing degrees but what about the employment
opportunities. State Governments and the Union Government in cooperation with
the industries will provide employment opportunities to the students. Some of the
institutes have 100 per cent placement. In totality, it is more than 70 per cent. The
PPP model started by us has been very successful. Our world ranking is not
decreasing rather it is improving regularly. I am happy to inform that recently three
of our institutions have been included under the top 50 ranking institutions in the
world. Today, people who have studied at the IITs are the CEOs in the world's top
companies. Currently we have more students than the total population of the US.
We are also progressing very fast in the field of research. We are doing high level
research in collaboration with the 127 international universities under SPARC.
Concern was expressed that SC/ST and OBC students are ill-treated in these
institutions. We started Diksharambh Programme and I feel proud to tell that not a
single such incident happened last year. I would like to assure the august House
that whether it is high education or school education, technical education or
science education, our country is progressing rapidly.
The Bill was passed.
___________
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Re: Construction of canals through Ken-Betwa river-linking projects to
overcome the problem of water scarcity and stray cows in the Bundelkhand
region.
KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL by way of withdrawing his
resolution said: My Parliamentary Constituency, Hamirpur falls under
Bundelkhand region and the major problem this region is facing is the shortage of
water. I would like to express my gratitude to all those hon. Members who
supported me to bring this resolution and come together in support of this
resolution. All the hon. Members would agree that my Parliamentary Constituency
is the worst hit by the water-crisis. This water crisis perhaps would not have
caused such a huge migration in any Parliamentary Constituency as has been
caused in my Parliamentary Constituency. One more point I would like to make is
that the implementation of Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is urgently required
to address the problem of Cow progeny in our Bundelkhand region. Moreover, 40
water bodies will run dry if water does not reach the Urmil Dam. Hon. Minister
has given assurance that he will make efforts to fulfil the resolution by treating it
the resolution of the hon. Prime Minister. Therefore, I withdraw this resolution.
SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: The water crisis and the issue of stray animals
do not relates to Bunndelkhand alone but to the entire country. These problems
have a historical background as water and fodder used to be available in plenty in
past and the farmers used to let their cattle free for grazing. However, in today's
circumstances of water crisis, the things have changed altogether. The stray
animals not only cause huge damage to the crops but also become major cause of
road accidents. I hail from Rajasthan where scanty rains, excessive rains, declining
level of ground water and long spell of famines are the routine problems. The stray
animals have become a sort of terror in the cities and the villages. The fencing of
the agriculture fields has added to the input cost of the crops. The farmers depend
on the rains for carrying out farming in the areas where there are scanty rains. In
the absence of alternative avenues of employment, villages after villages are
emptying and adding to the population pressure on the adjoining cities. I would
therefore request the Government that the government lands lying unutilised
should be turned into the grazing grounds. The project of linking of the rivers had
raised the hopes of farming community that all the agriculture fields will get
irrigation facilities. However, the targets set out in this regard are quite far off.
Indra Gandhi Canal and Bhakra Canals cater to the irrigation facilities of as many
as 10 districts of Rajasthan. However, there are serious conflicts among the states
on this issue. Therefore, inland water transfer project should be completed at the
earliest. We all are expressing our serious concern about the conditions prevailing
in Bundelkhand but Rajasthan also faces the similar situation. The district of
Nagore has lagged behind in this regard. I would, therefore, request that the
projects relating to Chambal and Brahmni rivers for supplying the water upto
Bisalpur should be completed. The surplus water of Sabarmati river should be
stored and supplied to Pali, Jalore, Shiroi and other districts. The state government
of Gujarat should be requested to provide the water of Narmada for Jalore and
Barmer. The encroachments should be removed from the catchment area of
Ramgarh dam. I, once again, support this resolution and demand that the
Government should ponder over this issue in a serious manner.
SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: People engaged in agriculture in Bundelkhand and
other parts of Central India are under a lot of stress. Therefore, irrigation facilities
in Bundelkhand and adjoining areas need to be supplemented. We all know that
environmental disasters do not respect geographical boundaries. I would therefore
support the suggestions made by the hon. Member and would urge upon the hon.
Minister to give top priority to supplementing and enhancing irrigation facilities in
Bundelkhand and adjoining areas.
THE MINISTER OF JAL SHAKTI (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH
SHEKHAWAT) : In fact, the issue under discussion is quite topical as well as
relevant. The water crisis has posed a serious challenge to the whole world. We get
about four thousand billion cubic meter water from rains and melting of snow as a
gift of nature. We used to get the same quantity of water even seventy years before
also. Our per capita availability of water was in excess of five thousand cubic
meter which has declined to 1540 cubic meter. Owing to climate change, we are
witnessing scanty and erratic rains. We are not able to utilise the water available to
us the way we ought to utilise it and this is leading to serious crisis of water. The
farming community living in the villages has been hit hard. Indirectly it has
impacted our cattle also. This is a really serious challenge before our country. Our
villages face the existential crisis. Our cities are under serious population pressure
beyond their carrying capacity. However, this crisis has assumed grave proportions
owing to lack of management. Interlinking of rivers is a serious challenge for the
country. Various department of the states are not on the same page on this issue.
They have also asked the Union Government whether it is contemplating to bring
the subject of water under the Concurrent List. We are not able to utilise even the
8th part of available water on the land. The quantity of water that is recharged
every year is estimated to be four hundred billion cubic meter. About 85 per cent
quantity of water required for our irrigation facilities expanded in last forty years,
is met from the ground water. The storage of the rain water, the recycling of the
water and the judicious use of water are of cardinal importance.
National water policy covers guidelines for mopping up the availability of water.
In the current scenario, there is an imperative to spring into action and commence
work on Demand side management also other than supply management. For
example 5600 ltr. water is required to grow one kilogram of paddy in India vis-a-
vis merely 350 liters of water in several other countries including China. We all
essentially need to lend a thought to this aspect. Agriculture figures in the State
list. It is for the States to ensure that dissemination of technology reach the ground.
Hon'ble Prime Minister has come up with a Resolution- Per Drop, More Crop. A
new Ministry has been formed by integrating almost all the Ministries and
Departments dealing with water. The Prime Minister has written to representatives
of village and has communicated them as to how to make Optimal utilization of
water in every village by sensitizing Gram Sabhas. As many as 256 districts have
been identified as water stressed ones. Let there be water shed Development in
these districts. There is an urgent need for plantation, invoking rain and storage of
ground water. This programme has been identified as the most successful
inititative. A Jal Shakti Ministry has been made in UP acting along the Clarion Call
of the Prime Minister and a vigorous initiative has been made by the State
government through Jal Shakti Abhiyan in every district of Uttar Pradesh. More
than 2 lakh water reservoir structures have been put in place through Jal Shakti
Abhiyan. The Government of the day has started the study of Aquafer. A total of
25 lakh square Kilometer aquafer is to be studied out of which 11 lakh 40 thousand
square kilometer has been subjected to intensive study and a planning to this effect
has been over. Every district has been subjected to in-depth study leading to a fool
proof plan which has been shared with the states in order that the amount to be
spent may under MNREGA be carried out with scientific backup. All this is aimed
at achieving good results. Under the ablest leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister
we have made water accessible to every farm. This apart, 99 schemes lying
pending for over 30 years have been ear-marked of which work on 40 projects has
been accomplished. Thanks to accelerated efforts irrigation capacity of 76 lakh
hectare has enhanced. A new scheme namely Atal Boojhal Yojana has been
introduced. 78 districts of 7 water stressed states have been identified and a
budgetary provision of Rs. 6 thousand crore has been made for this purpose.
Taking leaf out of Israeli Scientists' book, a good number of persons have taken
serious pains to make this country water rich. In so far as participating
Management is concerned, an effective initiative is afoot through the
implementation of Atal Bhoojal Yojana. We are faced with severe crisis of
drinking water. The fact of the matter is that even after the lapse of seventy years,
we had reached the level of merely 18 per cent in terms of ensuring availability of
tapped water. We have made a resolution to ensure the availability of tapped water
to every village household by the year 2024. The work has been commenced
through Jal Jeevan Mission. Over exploitation of ground water is the biggest
challenge facing the country and is an issue of concern. Perceptual increase in the
quantity of Arsenic and flouride in the ground water is an issue of serious concern.
We can recharge ground water. Other than resorting to the formulation of a
comprehensive plan to deal with it, we have also started working on it at an
accelerated pace. We ought to cause awareness among the farmers in our
surroundings as to how to make judicious use of water and how to grow right crops
involving less amount of water. The Government provides aid and assistance for
water efficient irrigation. Sprinklers and drip irrigation and certain initiatives have
already been undertaken by the government through Jal Shakti Mantralya for
Bundelkhand region as well . The concept of inter-linking of rivers has been the
dream project of the country. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) in respect of Ken-
Betwa Link Project has been prepared. We have received proposal from the states
for the link projects of Inter-state and Intra-state. In to to 47 such proposals have
been received so far. The fact of the matter is that water resource happens to be a
State subject. It would be desirable and of course, in the fitness of things to evolve
a cohesive understanding with the State Governments leading to the signing of an
MoU in order to move forward on this front. Bundelkhand was home to over ten
thousand ponds and thereby had the distinction of being a water-rich region for all
practical purposes. Sadly, with the flux and flow of time this unique identity has
been something to be relegated to be in our distant memory only. Given such
fractured state of affairs, the power - that be taking care of the affairs of the
Government of Uttar Pradesh. has launched an intensive initiative called 'Apna
Khet, Apna Talab' Scheme to revive those ponds. Refilling of 38 such ponds
through Ken-Betwa link will go a long way in tackling water crisis of this region.
The Government is making a slew of initiatives to deal with the issue of stray
animals as well. 'Gokul Mission' has been launched on this count. I would request
the hon. Member to withdraw the resolution and I do assure the House with
conviction that we shall leave no stone unturned to actualize the Resolution placed
in the House by adducing it the form of Prime Minister's Resolution.
The Resolution was withdrawn.
(ii) Re: Welfare measures for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers.
SHRI RITESH PANDEY moving the Resolution said: I believe that Anganwadi
workers and Anganwadi Helpers cater to the nutritional requirements of over 10
crore and 23 lakh beneficiaries in 36 states and Union Territories. At the same
time, they impart pre-school education to 3,65,44,000 children of 3 to 6 years age
group. This is a gigantic task which broadbases the foundation of nation's
development. That is why it is incumbent upon us to take care of and protect their
interests. They are over-burdened with work. An amount of Rs. 4000 and Rs. 2250
being given to the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers respectively do not
commensurate with the volume of work executed by them. Hence, I would like to
urge the Government to increase their honorarium to a reasonable limit. Besides,
their employment should be regulated. The 'honorarium' being paid to them as
wages should be replaced by 'salary'. Every Anganwadi Centre should be upgraded
and equipped with all the basic facilities like pure drinking water and clean toilets
including of all the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers. All the
outstanding amount including rent amount for those Anganwadi centres which are
being run in rented building needs to be paid. Proper training facilities are require
to made available to all the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers and
moreover, they need to invariably be paid at least minimum wages.
The discussion was not concluded.
SNEHLATA SHRIVASTAVA
Secretary General
© 2020 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NOTE: It is the verbatim Debate of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should
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