
## Parliamentary Debates Official Report In The Hundred And Fifty-Third Session

Commencing on the 12th March, 1990/21st Phalguna, 1911   (Sake) 

## Rajya Sabha 4. The      Situation In      Jammu    &

Monday  the    12th March,  1990/21s£ 
Phalguna,  1911 *(Saka)* 
The House met at forty-five minutes past twelve of the clock, MR. CHAIR 

.      MAN in the Chair. 
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS TaTd~bn the table. 

SECRETARY-GENERAL: Sir 1 beg to lay on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the President's Address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the  12th  
March,   1990. 

[Placed in Library. *See* No. LT-266/90] 
[Text of the Address delivered by the Kashmir,  whicn had deteriorated for the last few years continues to    be serious. Government has noted  with particular     
concern }  that     external forces have tried  to    
encourage terrorism,  to  internationalise  the  
issue, and  to organise intrusions across the border. My Government    has     acted firmly against these  forces. J&K    is an  integral part of  India    and     my Government will not brook any    interference  from  others in  our internal affairs. The State Government is taking  all      possible      measures     to check and terrorism and seces-sionism and to restore normalcy. My Government will take positive steps to  .remove'  all  legitimate  .grievances and  to   accelerate   development   activity in the State. 

President (Shri R. Vcnkatara-man)   in English] 
HONOURABLE  MEMBERS, 
5.  Government    attaches  high priority  t0   
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this first Session of Parliament in 1990. I extend to you my best wishes for the successful completion of the budgetary and legislative   business   ahead. 

2. The  elections  recently  held     to the   Legislative    Assemblies   in nine States  and one  union  territory  have by and  large,  reaffirmed the verdict of the people in the last Lok Sabha elections  in  favour of change. 

3. My Government assumed     office restoring normalcy  in Punjab  and generating a feeling of con-fidence  among the people    of that State.  Steps have   been taken  to  involve all sections of the people    and find a solution togthe problem in   a spirit of reconciliation   and consensus.  The   State    administration     will be  firm  and  fair  and  there  will  be no compromise with terrorism     and secessionism. The   Government      has fulfilled the promise of repealing the 59th  Constitution  Amendment which contained   special  provisions  for  promulgating      emergency        applicable only to the  State.  My     Government seeks the cooperation of all to create conditions  conducive to  the     restoration of the democratic process in the State. 

6. We  are proud      of the    secular basis of our nationhood. Government only   a  hundred  days      ago.  In  this short  span  it  has  already  taken     a number   of positive initiatives  in  se veral spheres to fulfil the pledges it had made.    My Government has res ponded to the sacred trust    reposed     
in it by our people. 

 
 
11. My Government would like to assure 
 
 
is taking measures to strengthen secularism. The National Integration Council has been reconstituted and wil] meet soon, 
7. The communal situation has im our people regarding the high state of our defence preparedness and the morale of the armed forces. We are fully prepared to meet any external threat. 

proved visibly since the Govern ment assumed office. 

My Govern 
12. The problems of ex-servicemen will ment has taken a fresh ini tiative with a view to resolving the Ram Janam Bhoomi—Babri Masjid dispute amicably. 

The solution of receive full consideration. Government is examining the modalities for  implementing Government's commitment to the proposal of "one-ran/k-one/pension" for ex-servicemen. 

such an emotive issue should be ar rived at through dialogue and con" 
13. The dignity of the nation and the sensus. 

A 
three member Committee has been set up by the Government to find an acceptable solution. 

8. Government has initiated several measures to provide for relief and rehabilitation of those affected by communal violence, including the victims of the 1984 riots in Delhi and the 1989 riots in Bhagalpur. Special Courts have been set up in Delhi and Meerut to  try cases connected with communal riots. The Bihar Government has been asked to set up Special Courts to try cases connected with the riots in Bhagalpur. No effort will be spared to guarantee full protection to the minorities and to maintain communal harmony. 

Government is effectively monitoring the implementation of the 15 Point Programme for the welfare of minorities. A panel has been set up to suggest steps for the implementation of the Gujral Committee recommendations on the promotion of Urdu. 

9. To strengthen the national fabric it is of individual rest in no small measure upon strong and vibrant democratic institutions. These in turn are closely linked with certain sound and lasting values in our public life. My Government will fight those trends which have, in recent yea^s, sapped our democratic institutions of their vitality and strength, Government is taking steps to ensure that our election system is rid of the debilitating effect of money and muscle power. A Cornmittee on Electoral Reforms has been constituted comprising representatives of political parties and eminent persons. A bill has been introduced in the Parliament for the creation of the institution of the "Lok Pai". Even the highest political offices in the country, including that of the Prime Minister, will be placed under the purview of the "Lok Pal". The Government will introduce suitable legislation to set up a high level Judicial Commission for the appoint ment of High Court and Supreme Court iudges and for the transfer of HIGH 
Court Judges, I *hav?* also ask-asked  the Parliament to reconsider the Post Offire (Amendment) Bill The Bill had created widespread concern that it would seriously interfere with the citizens' right to privacy, utmost importance that the Centre and the States work together in a spirit of cooperation goodwill and harmony. To ensure smooth Centre-State relations Government has 
14. 

A 
free media imparts strength and  vitalitv to the democratic process - 
 Government has already decided  to set up an Inter-State Council. The first meet ing of the Council will be held soon. 

initiated  steps  to  grant  autonomy  to 
10. Government has decided to set up a National Security Council with a view to evolving long term policies appropriate to the regional and international environment. 

the electronic media. The "Prasar Bharati Bill" was introduced in the last session of Parliament. Government is committed to ensure freedom of the Press. Concrete steps will be taken to guarantee the people's right to information and legislation will be introduced to amend the Official Secrets Act. 

15. The year 1989-90 has been a difficult tea which had risen sharply earlier have shown a downward trend in the three months since the new Government assumed office. However the Government is fully aware that the overall price situation continues to be difficult. There will be no complacency on this front and control of inflation will continue to be our first priority in eonomic management. 

## 18. The Balance Of Payments Problem

year for the economy. The growth of production slowed down in both agriculture and industry compared with growth in the previous year. The deceleration in the industrial sector was especially sharp with production growing by only 4.2 per cent in the first six months. The slow down in growth has been accompanied by an intensification of macro-economic imbalances which have built up in the past few years. 

demands urgent attention. Thus problem is also basically a reflection of the fiscal crisis facing the country and resolution of the problem requires th,2 restoration the fiscal balance. There is significant scope for efficient import substitution and reducing the growth in consumption of bulk commodities where our dependence on imports is 
16. The budgetary situation deteriorated significantly in the course of 1989-90. When the new Government took office, the budget deficit had reached Rs. 13,790 Crores, Prices came under pressure in 1989 despite the fact that it was the second year of good harvests. The balance of payments, which had already come under strain in 1988-89, continued to show a large financing gap in 1989-90. The external debt position deteriorated  further. 

17. Since assuming office, my Goincreasing. However, the only lasting solution to our external payment difficulties Is to greatly strengthen the exjport effort. There are distinctly positive trends in the current year with exports growing very much faster than imports. A concerted national effort has to be mounted to intensify our export drive. Rapid growth of exports, especially exports involving hi»h domestic value addition would receive a high priority in the stra tegy for economic management. 'Efficient import substitution combined with rapid growth in exports will ensure that the economy remains on the path of self-reliant growth. A new three-year Import-Export Policy is being introduced in April. The policy aims at simplifying cumbersome procedures which lead to unnessary delays and breed corruption. 

The policy will contain special incentives designed to boost exports. 

19. The Planning Commission has been vernment has given the highest priority t3 
improving the management of the economy. The procurement of r:ce has touched a new high at 9.32 million tonnes. Food grain stocks in the central pool have been augmented and now stand at 11.67 million tonnes compared to 8.34 million tonnes at this time last year. Special efforts are being made to augment supplies of essential commodities .through the public distribution system and to improve the functioning of the system. Prices of essential commodities  such  as  rice, sugar and reconstituted and has begun to work on the Approach to the Eighth. Fve-Year Plan. The approach will be finalised shortly and submitted     to the    National    Development 
 
21. Water resource development- is Council for approval. The thrust of the Eighth Plan will be to ensure •rapid growth with a special focus on the critical objectives of employment vital for our agricultural strategy and my Government will give high priority t0 this sector. Government is also committed to find solutions for inter-State water disputes through dialogue and negotiations with the concerned states. 

## 22. The Prosperity Of The Agricultural

generation, alleviation of poverty and redressal of the imbalance between rural and urban areas. A key feature of the Eighth Plan will be the introduction of structural and institutional changes to ensure d? centralisation of planning and plan implementation. 20. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. 

Their well-being and sector is inseparable from the well-being of agricultural and other rural labour. This vast segment is still, unorganised and exploited. My Govemmtent is committed to working out arrangements for giving them fair wages and a larger share of the fruits of rural development so as to provide them a better quality of life. As an earnest of our com mitment too the weaker sections some more Land Reform Laws are being placed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to protect them from any challenge by vested interests. 

Government also propose to introduce a scheme of debt relief for small farmers, landless agricultural labourers, artisans and weavers on loans upto Rs. 10,000. A detailed scheme in this regard will be announced in this  Session. 

'23. Efforts to iacffielerai?e agricul tural growth must be accompanied by measures to encourage rapid prosperity are the strength and prosperity of India. Sustained growth in rural incomes is a necessary, condition for successful industrialisation. Government will pay special attention to the needs of the agricultural and rural sectors, including its requirements for economic and social infrastructure. Our aim will be to achieve substantial increases in the yield of major crops, especially in unirrigated rain-fed and dry land areas. Government is firmly committed to assuring remunerative prices to farmers backed by adequate market support arrangements. T0 this end, the Government will introduce changes in the formula for computing costs of production in order to ensure full accounting of all costs. This new system will be reflected in the support prices to be announced for the next Kharif season. Government would also associate growth of industry. 

My Govern representatives of the farming community in the formulation pf ment's industrial policies will be de signed t0 serve the objectives of growth, expansion of productive employment, and balanced regional development. 

Healthy growth agricultural policies. .Vith this in view, a Standing Committee on Agriculture including representatives of the farming community has been set up. Government is committed to a genuine Panchayati Raj system to enable the rural population to participate fully in planning and of the industrial sector requires a sustained growth in productivity and technological modernisation. Our industry must be made more competitive internationally to development. Specific proposals in this regard, as well as proposals for civic bodies will be put before   the   Inter- State  Council, provide the basis for sustained growth in export oerformonce. My Government will take steps to ensure the sD'read of industry to the rural and backward areas of the country. Deve- ' lorjment of small scale and agro & rural industries will receive speeial attention to facilitate harnessing of suitable legislation is under examina tion. 

...... 

27. Government will strive to en loeal resources and stills and th* creation of gainful employment. Towards this end, a new Department called the Department of Small Scale Indus tries and Agro & Rural Industries has been set up. 

- 
24. My Government accords great importance to the public sector. The productivity of this sector and its ability to generate adequate investible resources is vital to our economic growth. 

sure for all citizens the right to work to enable them to earn a livelihood and to become participants in the task of nation building. Government will introduce a Constitution Amend ment Bill to enshrine the right to work as a Fundamental Right in the Constitution. 

28. Protection of environment lis essential for sustainable development While conserving natural resources Government are committed to ensuring functional autonomy of the public sector and creating conditions conducive to its efficient functioning within a framework of wider public accountability. My Government will present a White Paper on the public sector later this year. 

like forests, the basic needs of the people, especially the weaker sctions, will he taken care of. 

Particular attention will be paid to the interests of the tribals. 

25. Science and Technology have an 
29. The Bhopal gas tragedy is still vivid in our memory. There has been an unconscionable delay in providing relief and succour to the victims. My Government has already announced the decision to provide interim relief to those victims resident in the 38 affected municipal wards in Bhopal. The quantum of interim relief to be provided is Rs. 360 crores. Various social action groups have filed peti tions in the Supreme Court on the issue oif anl adequate compensation for the Bhopal gas victims. My Govern ment has supported their petitions important role in our efforts to attaind salf-reliance and raise the standards of living of our people, particularly of the weaker sections.   Science     & Technology inputs will be used     for generating and sustaining employment and increasing productivity in  rural areas. We are proud of our scientists. Their achievement^ in the     frontier areas of Science    and     Technology, such as atomic energy, space research, advanced materials and. biotechnology, have been substantial and    scientific efforts in these areas will get all encouragement from the Government. Our scientists have played a valuable role in     strengthening   our development and they deserve our fullest support.    The    remarkable achievements in the indigenous missile development programme are the result of their dedicated  and laudable efforts and are landmarks In our technological development. 

26. The labour force plays a role of before the Supreme Court and will pursue the case for adequate compen sation in the Court. Government will also introduce legislation making it compulsory for factories and installa tions using hazardous chemicals to have a minimum compensatory in crucial importance in the production of assets and yet their interests are not always adequately protected Workers' participation In management caffl surance cover. 

This would ensure that innocent victims of accidents overcome this problem and also makfc for better produciSvity. To ensure  this, occurring in these plants are provided immediate relief. 

ft). Tha Scheduled Cartes and ■Wbes dignity and equality in law and eves*; day life. Government la considering legislation to set up a National Commission on Women. 

34. Youth have an important role In the transformation of society. 

My are one fourth of our population. There can be no teal progress lor us as a nation, unless we enable flhem to live with dignity. My Government is committed to strong affirmative action to redress the economic and social injustices which tha Scheduled Castes and Tribes continue to  suffer. A beginning has been made and several concrete measures have already been taken. 

The Constitution has been Government is sensitive to the concerns and aspirations of our youth. We look to our youth to build a new lndia based on equality and social justice. Society, pn its part, owes a special responsibility to the youth. The best possible opportunities should [therefore be open to them. We shall re-orient youth policies to make them especially responsive to the need and aspirations of the rural youth. The Government has raised the upper age limit in the" Civil Services Examination from 26 to 28 years to help, in particular, youth from rural areas. 

35. Education is essential for the rull amended to extend, for another  10 years, reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and the State Vidhan  Sabhas. Legislation for preventing atrocities against them, which was passed in 1989 but was not operationalised has been brought into force with effect from 30th January, 1990. A decision has been taken to fulfil the long standing and legitimate aspiration of the Scheduled Caste converts to Budhism by extending to them the facilities available to the Scheduled Castes. A Bill to give effect to this decision will be introduced during this Session of Parliament. The other Backward Classes constitute development of the people. However, ,we are *skill* very far from our goal Pf universal literacy. My Government has taken steps for a review of education policy to make it relevant -to the needs of our people and 
. to provide equal opportunities to all. 

another area of special concern to us and a Cabinet Committee has been *est* up to consider implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations. 

36. A sound health care system is  an 
81. As a measure of our concern for a section of our society facing the most severe form of discrimination) 10 has been decided to accelerate the important "individual and' social "re quirement, Tb  achieve the goal of Health for All by 2000 A.D. greate* emphasis will be laid on preventive and promotive aspects' 
of primary programme of 
.finding alternative health care. 

Effective control" 
of avenues of employment fo? scavengers. 

19. The welfare of the handicapped is engaging special attention of my Government and it is proposed to .give new depth to programmes for the rehabilitation of the handicapped. 

population ig also essential if we are to "consolidate our economic gains 
"and achievements and improve the quality"of "life  of "our people. Concrete steps are necessary to" reflect the "high 
"priority which should be given to"this area. There is need for a" national consensus on this. 

II. Women are among the  most 
"taderprivileged sections of Indian society. They continue to face discrimination, despite the constitutional guarantee of equality. Our policies Had programmes will have, as «he£r lfcaJv, the   recognition   oil   Women'* 
' 37. Our foreign policy isooted in ouas commitment to non-alignment and our aspirations for a peaceful world, tree of  
domination, exploitation and - "war. We welcome the profountt changes thai are taking  place in the international scane and the transite Irbm conflict and confrontation to coaeration and consensus. Wa will continue to contribute to cooperative global endeavours to promote disarmament, strengthen peace, eliminate racial discrimination, provide environmental protection and build a more equitable world economic order. 

86. Consistent with the high priority attached by my Government to revitalising relations with our neighbours, we have initiated an intensive dialogue for finding mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding problems strengthning our friendship and enlarging the areas of our cooperation. These efforts are already showing results. 

39. The two visits to India by the King of Bhutan and the signing of the new Agretement on Trade and Commerce reflects the further con' solidation of our traditionally close ties with Bhutan. 

40. Our cordial relations with Bangladesh have been strengthened by the recent visit to that country by the Minister of External Affairs. 

## 41. Our Close Friendly Relationship

with the Maldives was enhanced by ♦ha holding of the first meeting of the Indo- Maldives Joint Commission in Male. The President of Maldives will pay a State visit to India later ♦his month. 

42. My Government has taken early initiatives for a comprehensive solution of all outstanding problems with •Nepal. 

Recent talk3 at the Foreign •Ministerial and official level have led to greater understanding of mutual interesta and concerns. 

Our close and age-old relationship with the people of  Nepal will be further strengthen- 

## '

4*. The bulk of the Indian Peace Keeping Forcte in Sri Lanka has returned home and we hope to complete  the phased deinduction by the and  of this month. Our Armed Forces | May* done a highly commendable Job under difficult circumstances. On behalf of the Nation, I would like to pay a tribute to the valour, dedication and discipline of our Armed Forces and'their sacrifices. India stands for the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. We expect the Government of Sri Lanka to fully honour all their obligations under the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement and ensure the safety, security and democratic aspirations of its Tamil speaking population. 

My Government believe that this would be in the interest of peace in Sri Lanka, harmony among all sections of the Sri Lankan, and stability in the region. 

44. Our relations with Pakistan, have unfortunately, come under strain as a result of its continued efforts to encourage and aid terrorism and secessionist activity in Jammu 
& 
Kashmir and Punjab. 

My Govern ment has made it very clear that we will not tolerate such interference in our internal affairs. 

We have impressed on the Government of Pakistan the need to abide by the letter and spirit of thie Shimla Agreement, which has helped to maintain peace and provide an enduring framework for our re lations. We hope such saner coun sels will prevail in Pakistan asi would preserve peace and enable us to nor malise relations with that country. 

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45. We believe that ties -between countries in South Asia must bt maintained in tune with global trend* towards dialogue, openness and co operation. SAARC provides a valu able institutional framework for pro moting such regional cooperation. Wt hope to expand the activitfet ot SAARC fo encompass cooperation ia key economic areas, for the benefit o* all the people of our region. 

40. We value our traditional relationship with Afghanistan and are taking flteps to strengthen it further. -We hope that there will be an early •stoppage of bloodshed in Afghanistan, with strict implementation of the Geneva accodsds and a political solution, arrived at by the Afghans themselves thai would pie&eive Afghanistan's status as a sovereign, independent and non-aligned country. 

47. We have continued to strengthen our ever growing time-honoured dence Day ceremonies in Namibia next week. In South Africa, too, signs of change are discernible. We share the world-wide rejoicing in the release of Nelson Mandela, the symbol of the struggle against apartheid, and We look forward to his visit to India. A National Cornmittee for felicitating Mr. Mandela has been formed under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. My Government firmly believes that sustained international pressure must continue to be maintained on the South African regime to bring about the early dismantling of apartheid. 

friendship and. multi-faceted cooperation with the Soviet Union. Our relationship is firmly anchored in the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. Our close understanding with the Soviet Union is manifested in a shared vision of a nuclear weapons free and non-violent world. 

48. Our relations with the United 
52. We pledge our continued support to, the valiant people of Palestine in their just struggle for a homeland of their own in a peaceful West Asia. We look forward to president Yasser Arafat's visit to India later this month. 

States of America continue to grow and diversify. The United States is our major trading partner and an important source of high technology. Our growing bilateral cooperation in vaiious spheres reflect greater maturity in the mutual appreciation of the longer term interests and objectives shared by our two democracies. 

53. Members will be called upon in 
49. The pace of diplomatic exchan ges between India and China is be ing accelerated, contributing to the development of mutually beneficial this session to consider various measures. The Railway Budget and the General Budget will be brought before you. You will also be considering tne Finance Bill 1990-91, the Pra-sar Bharati 
(Broadcasting Corporation of India) Bill 1989, the Lok Pai Bill 1989, the Wild Life Protection (Amendment) Bill 1990, and various other legislative measures*. 

54. There is a fresh hope in. the atcooperation on the basis of Panchsheel. The Foreign Minister of China will be visiting India soon to carry forward the dialogue. We will con tinue our efforts to find a fair, reason able and mutually acceptable settle ment of the boundary question, con sistent with our national interests. 

50. We hope to see an early end to the conflict in Cambodia. A compre hensive solution should be based on full respect for Cambodia's sove reignty and integrity and should en sure the non-return of the genocidal policies of  the recent past. 

mosphere. My Government is working purposefully for building a strong India, ah India based on the dignity of the Individual, an India where the benefits of development flow to all, particularly the weaker sections, the poorest of the poor. The task is not easy. The challenges are tremendous. But we shall overcome. We are determined to see that our people shall have  brighter tomorrow. 

51. It is a matter of deep satisfac 
 
tion that the last bastion of colonial ism in Africa is at long last crumbl ing, with Namibia poised for indepenr dence. The Prime Minister will re~ ' our   people in the indeper  
 
by the leadership of Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, Shri Diwakar joined the freedom struggle at the tender age of eleven and his first sacrifice for independence was as a school-boy in 1908 when he was fined four annas for absenting himself from school to protest against the conviction of Lokmanya Tilak on charges of sedition. During the freedom struggle, Shri Diwakar was jailed six times for a total period of 
10 
years. 

He actively participated in the non-cooperation movement and the Salt Satyagraha and constructive activities like prohibition, Khadi movement and propagation . of Hindi. 

A noted scholar, philosopher, journalist and author, Shri Diwakar worked for a brief period as Professor of English. He was deeply influenced by the philosophies of Swami Rama Tirtha, Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Vivekananda. Shri Diwakar has written a number of books in Kannada and English on the Vedas, Upnishads and on the life of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and the Buddha. 

Snri Diwakar had a long parliamentary 
 
career. He was a Member of the Constituent Assembly from 1947 to 1950, Provisional Parliament from 1950 to 1952, and was a Member of this House from April to June 1952 and again from 1962 to 1968. Shri Diwakar served as Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 1949 to 1952 and Governor of Bihar from 1952 to 1957. 

An embodiment of simplicity and 

## Obituary References

MR. CHAIRMAN; Hon'ble Members, grace, Shri Diwakar endeared himself to all during hi« membership of this House. Whenever he spoke, his views were heard with respect and attention. 

Shri Jagdish Chandra Dikshit was born I refer with profound sorrow bo the passing away of Shri R. R. Oiwakar and Shri Jagdish Chandra Dikshit, former Members of this louse. 

Shri R. R. Diwakar was an emi-lent at Lucknow in 1925 and was educated alj the International Institute of Higher Labour Studies, Geneva. Shri Dikshit was a social worker and .to active trade union leader,   He was Gandhian and a veteran freedom ighter. He was born at Madihal in Dharwar District of Karnataka in September, 1694 and had his educa-fcifen in Pune and Bombay.*   Inspired 