# The Parliamentary Debates Official Report In The Fifty-Ninth Session Of The Rajya Sabha

 Commencing on the 18th March, 196 j/the 2jth Phalguna, 1888 (Saka) 

## Rajya Sabha

Saturday, *the* 18th.    March,    1967/the 
27th *Phalguna,* 1888 (Saka) 
The House met at ten minutes past twelve of the clock, MR. CHAIRMAN in the Chair. 

vigour and vitality of our democracy. There was a larger turn-out of voters than on any previous occasion, as well as a substantial increase in the number of women who cast their votes. Despite a few unfortunate incidents of violence and disturbance which have been universally condemned, the elections were orderly and peaceful. 

The Chief Election 

## President'S Address Laid On The Table

Commissioner and his staff deserve our congratulations. So do the people, for the enthusiasm, maturity and dignity with which they have reaffirmed their faith in democracy and representative SECRETARY: Sir, j beg to lay on the institutions. 

4. For the first time since Indepen-
Table a copy of the President's Address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 18th March, 1967. 

(Text of the President's   Address   in English) 
Members of Parliament, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this joint session of the two Houses of Parliament. I offer my congratulations to the newly elected and reelected Members and my good wishes to those no longer with us. 

dence, Governments of political complexions different from that of the Government at the Centre have been formed in several States. In a federal democratic polity, this is to be expected. 

Our Constitution has provisions defining and regulating the relationship between the Union and the States and their mutual obligations. Further, over the years, we have developed certain institutions for promoting co-operation, understanding and harmonious relations between the Union and the States, and between one State and another. 

The National 
2. Earlier, it was intended that the third Development Council, the Zonal Councils and periodic conferences of Governors and Chief Ministers are the more conspicuous examples of this nature. 

5. The Union Government will respect Lok Sabha should have.a final session this month mainly to pass a Vote on Account. Shortly after most of the election results were announced, many Honourable Members from different political parties approached us with the request that it should be the new Lok Sabha which should meet at this juncture to pass the Vote on Account and to transact other essential business. The Government agreed with this view and, on their advice, the third Lok Sabha was .dissolved on the 3rd of March. 

the constitutional provisions in letter and in spirit without any discrimination and endeavour to strengthen the arrangements for a cooperative approach to our national problems. We are sure that all States will extend their co-operation in preserving these institutions and in making   their deliberations    increasingly 
;3. Our fourth General Elections have   
once  again    demonstrated    the fruitful and beneficial both to the Union and to themselves. Strengthening the unity of the country, safeguarding its security, preserving democratic measures already set in motion to fight the drought will be strengthened. We have to ensure that the available foodgrains m the country, whethei indigenous or imported, are distributed equitably. Government are already in touch with State Governments, seeking their views and their co-operation in regard to the further steps that have to be taken on the food front. 

institutions, and promoting economic development and the well-being and happiness of all our people are the common objectives towards which the Union and the States must  strive together. 

8. Simultaneously, Government intend, 
6. Our Government have just taken in collaboration with the States, to make every effort to augment agricultural production. Our food import requirements must be reduced in each successive year. Towards this end, Government will pay special attention to the adequate office. While they will take a little time to place before you all the policies and programmes which they will pursue in accordance with the mandate of the electorate, they have already decided upon four major objectives in the economic  sphere— 

(1) They have resolved to end our 
dependence on food assistance from abroad by the end of 1971. 
availability of fertilizers and improved seeds and to the credit needs of the farmer. Greater emphasis will be place'd on minor irrigation and energisation of wells. Efforts will be made to expedite the completion of major irrigation 

(2) They have resolved to do all that 
projects that are in an advanced stage of construction and to ensure the fullest utilization of the irrigation potential already created. 

is possible to ensure that the rising trend in prices °f the basic necessities of life is halted and conditions of stability achieved in the shortest possible time. 
9. The upsurge in prices, particularly 

(3) They have resolved to attain and 
sustain an adequate rate of economic growth so as to eliminate the need for external economic assistance by 1976. 
(4) And they have resolved to 
pursue the national programme of family planning with the objective of reducing the birth rate from forty per thousand to twenty-five per thousand as expeditiously as possible. 
These tasks are of such magnitude that they can be accomplished only with the active support, participation and involvement of the people and the cooperation of all parties. To secure these will be one of Government's primary objectives, during the last two years, was primarily the result of the shortfall in agricultural production due to the failure of the monsoons. Industrial production too was affected by the failure of the monsoons and the shortage of foreign exchange to import necessary raw materials. Deficit financing at the Centre and overdrafts by the State Governments on the Reserve Bank further aggravated the inflationary pressures. To deal with the situation, everything possible must be done to increase production in both agriculture and industry. The considerable potential and capacity in various sectors of. the economy built during the past years must be more fully utilised. Simultaneously, a stricter financial discipline must be maintained. Economy is not inconsistent with efficiency and we must seek genuine economy in every field and in: eyery/ sector of public expenditure.. 

7. The food situation -will be dealt with on    an    emergency    basis.    The ii). Our Five-Year Plans have had the objective of making the economy self-reliant and capable of further development. To achieve this target by 1976, special attention will be paid in the Fourth Plan period to those industries which will contribute most to rapid development in the immediate future, I tration. To ensure efficiency in per-j formance. changes will be made in the administrative setup. The Planning Commission will be reorganized. The working of controls will also be reviewed; those found unnecessary will be withdrawn and others re-adjusted as may be required to make them more purposeful and efficient. 

The Administrative Reforms Commission is expected to submit its recommendations on the re-organization of the Central Government fairly soon. 

14. Integrity and impartiality in public life, and in the conduct of the public servants, are the foundations of true democracy. The Administrative Reforms Commission has made an interim report bearing on this subject. Government agree, in principle, with the Commission's approach on the need for adequate and satisfactory institutional particularly industries which will be helpful to our agriculture and exports. The greatest emphasis will have to be laid on higher efficiency in both the public and the private sectors. Substantial investments have been made in industry by the public sector in the first three Plans and it is important that these are now made to yield greater profits to sustain further development. The Draft Outline of the Fourth Plan was published some months ago. 

It is being reviewed in the light of adverse effects of the drought, the latest price trends, and the prospects of mobilising additional resources, internal and external, and it is proposed to take an early opportunity to discuss the Plan fully in the National Development Council and thereafter in Parliament. 

11. Our population has crossed the five arrangements to deal with problems of corruption in high public office, whether political or administrative. They expect to finalize their proposals and place them before Parliament at an early date. They have already referred to the State Governments the recommendations of the Commission which concern them. 

15. A National Commission on Labour has hundred million mark. This is a danger signal which we can ignore only at our peril. Family Planning programmes will be strengthened at all levels with the co-operation of the States. 

12. Although economic difficulties are at been set up under the chairmanship of Sri Gajendragadkar. The Commission will review and make appropriate recommendations on the whole field of the working and living conditions of labour of all categories, including rural labour, since Independence. Legislation to give itatutory recognition to the assurances given in regard to the official language of the Union will be shortly introduced in Parliament. 

A 
high-level the root of mucli of the prevailing discontent, other factors too have contributed to a sense of frustration, particularly among the young. The new generation which has grown up since Independence has new aspirations and new ideas. We must respond to them. The educational system needs re-shapirig in the light of the recommendations of the Education Commission, on which we are awaiting the comments of the State Governments. A new scheme of national service at the University level is under active consideration. 

13. The success of all our Plans and projects depends upon the efficiency  and integrity of the  adminiscommittee will be set up to examine the question of a ban on cow slaughter in terms of the announcement already made. A committee will also be set up, as announced, to examine further the proposal for the re-organisation of the State of Assam in the light of the discussions held with the leaders of Assam. 

The question of changing the financial year will be considered in consultation with the State Governments. 

16. In a shrinking world, no countrymore than the bitterness and conflict which have sometimes divided our two countries which have many common interests. 

can remain isolated. India has a role to play in the counsels of the world. 

Our membership of the Security Coun cil casts on us an onerous responsibility which we shall do our best to Government will make every effort to achieve a relationship of the fullest understanding, goodwill and amity with Pakistan. 

discharge. 

23. With China too we would like to live in 
17. The foreign policy of India has stood the test of time. The concept of peaceful co-existence, which India had done so much to sponsor, is now accepted by the leaders of the two peace. But the aggressive acts and postures of the People's Republic of China, coupled with their rejection of the concept of peaceful coexistence, continue to be the major obstacles to an improvement of our relations with China. 

24. We are grateful to friendly nations of groups.    With both the United States and the Soviet Union we have the friendliest of relations. Our policy of non-alignment stands vindicated. Government will do everything possible to strengthen non-alignment and pursue the positive aspects of this policy with vigour and determination. 

the world, as well as to international institutions and agencies, who have given us valuable assistance in our development programmes as well as in meeting our food crisis. 

18. There are two dangers which confront humanity today. 

One is the 
25. Developing countries can also widening gulf between the poor nations and the rich nations. 

The strengthen their economies through mutual cooperation. The Tripartite Meeting between the leaders of three non-aligned countries, other is the rejection of the principle of peaceful co-existence by some countries. 

19. Government's foreign policy will President Tito of Yugoslavia, President Nasser of the United Arab Republic and our Prime Minister, has laid the foundations of such an approach, serve the twin objectives of furthering our national interests—economic, poli 
26. Another Head of State whom we had tical and strategic—and of promoting international co-operation. 

Towards the pleasure of welcoming amidst us recently was His Majesty the King of Afghanistan, with whom we have had very friendly and cordial talks. 

 
27. Members of Parliament, I have briefly this end, we have succeeded in build ing up and maintaining the friendliest of relations with most countries of the world. It will be Government's special endeavour to strengthen India's rela tions with our Asian neighbours. 

20. It is a matter of deep gratification that our Government have been able to sign an Agreement with the Gov ernment of Burma about the formal delineation and demarcation of our traditional boundary with that friend touched upon some of the issues that confront us today. You will have an opportunity to get a fuller picture of the Government's policies and programmes in these and other matters in due course. Your present session will be a short one, confined to the transaction of certain essential financial and budgetary business. You will be meeting again shortly to consider further  business. 

ly country. 

28. Bills will be introduced1 in the current 
21. Government adhere to their session to replace— 
policy regarding Vietnam which has been enunciated on several occasions. 

(1) The Mineral Products   (Additional  
Duties   of Excise    and 
22. Government most sincerely desire the friendship and co-operation of the Government and people of Pakistan.    Nothing ha» distressed    us 

 
9 
President's Address       [ 18 MAR. 1967 ] 
laid *on the* Table        10 
Customs)  Amendment    Ordinance, 1966; 

(2) The 
Essential 
Commodities 
(Second 
Amendment) 
Ordinance, 1966; 
(3) The 
Land 
Acquisition 
(Amendment and Validation) Ordinance,  1967; and 
(4) The 
Representation 
of 
the 
People 
(Amendment) 
Ordinance, 1967. 
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) 
Continuance Bill will also be introduc. ed. 

29. A statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the financial year 1967-68 will be laid before you. 

30. It is a matter of distress to us that President's rule had to be introduced in Rajasthan. It is our earnest hope that it will not be necessary to continue this arrangement for long and that it will be found possible early to restore responsible government. 

A statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of Rajasthan for the financial year 1967-68 will also be laid before you. 

I wish you success in your endeavour!. 

(Text of the President's Address in Hindi) 


17 
President's Address        [ 18 MAR. 1967 ] 
laid *on the Tablt*        **        18 
 
[ RAJYA SABHA ]   President's *Proclamation*   20 
should have passed away at the comparatively young age of 51. 

I would request the Members to rise in their seats and observe two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. 

(.Hon. Members then stood in silence for two minutes) 
MR. CHAIRMAN; I shall ask the Secretary to convey to the members of the bereaved families the sense of grief and profound sympathy of this House. 

## Resignation  Of  Members

MR. CHAIRMAN: I have to inform 

## Obituary References

the House that the following Members resigned their seats in the Rajya Sabha with effect from the dates mentioned against their names: - 

1. Shri A. Thanglura    (Assam) - 
2nd February, 1967. 

## Passing Away Of Shri Algurai Shastbi And Shri Sudhir Ghosh

2. Shri U. S. Pa til (Maharashtra) - 
MR. CHAIRMAN: Since the House 

2nd March, 1967. 
3. Shri T.    M.    Das    Gupta  (Tri- 
adjourned last, two of our old colleagues, Shri Algurai Shastri and Shri Sudhir Ghosh, have passed away. 

pura)—2nd March, 1967. 
Shri Algurai Shastri was a Member of 

4. Shri    M.    N.    Govindan    Nair 
(Kerala)—3rd  March,   1967. 
5. Shri G. M. Mir    (Jammu    and 
Kashmir)—13th March, 1967. 
6. Shri V. C. Kesava Rao (Andhra 
Pradesh)—14th  March,   1967. 
this House during 1956—58. He was a whole-time political worker and an active participant in the national movement. He had a long and useful record of work in the Legislature, starting from 1937 in the U.P. Legislative Assembly. Modest and sincere, he had many endearing qualities. 

In his death, the country has lost a devoted worker in the cause of our political emancipation. 

## Reference To President'S

Shri Sudhir Ghosh came to the Rajya 

## Proclamation     Regarding Rajasthan

MR. 

CHAIRMAN: 
Proclamation under article 356 of the Constitution. 

SHRI 
BHUPESH 
GUPTA 
(West Sabha in I960. He had the great good fortune of being associated with Gandhiji in his early career. Later, he functioned in different administrative capacities before coming to the Rajya Sabha. He was a forceful speaker and had always a new point of view to present. It is a great pity that a person of his ability Bengal): Mr. Chairman, I rise to make a submission in regard to this item. From the list   of   business,    Sir,    we 