1992.pdf
# In The Hundred And Sdcty Second Session Of The Rajya Sabha Commencing On The  24Th February, 1992/Sth Pkalgma, 1913 (Saka)

## Rajya Sabha

Monday, the   24th   February,  1992/ 5th Vhalguna, 1913 *(Saka)* 
The House met at twenty-one minutes of Punjab has been facing terrorist violence for the past decade and many innocent lives have been lost. The brave people of Punjab deserve to be congratulated for the courage they have displayed in re-affirming their faith in the democratic process and in the abiding values of secularism and past one of the clock, Mr. Chairman in the Chair. 

## President'S   Address-.Laid On The Table

nationhood. The Government is committed to finding a just and amicable solution to all the outstanding issues in Punjab. The Raiiv- Longowal Accord was a step in this direction. 

The presence of elected SUCRETARY-GENERAL : Sir, I beg representatives will strengthen a meaningful dialogue and the participation in the process of all sections in the State. 

The involvement of forces across the to lay on the Table a copy (in Englinh and Hindi) of the President's Addrttss to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 2th February, 1992. JPiaced in Library. 

See No. LT 1284/92] 
[Text of the Addr ss delivered by the border in aiding, arming and providing logistic support to the terrorists in Kashmir is now well known. Pakistan has continued its massive propaganda and disinformation President (Shri R. Venka-taraman) in English] 

## Hon'B Lis Members,

I welcome you to this first session of Parliament in 1992 and wish you the very best for the successful completion of the budgetary and legislative business ahead. I extend a special welcome to the new members from Punjab. 

campaign to defame India and to divert world attention from its overt and cover* support to terrorism. Terrorist action has taken a heavy toll of innocent lives. For over two years the normal life of the people in the State has been dislocated. A section of the population has been forced to flee the State and take shelter outside. No doubt all efforts are being made to take care of the needs of those who have migrated, but the solution to the problem lies in their return to their own homes where they can be resettled safely. 

 Government had given an ce that  elections would  be Punjab in February, 1992. ,: many serious problems, surance   has   been fulfilled. rs are aware that the State Harmony to take care of children of families affected by communal violence. One of the commitments of the Government was to establish a composite Rapid Action Force to quell communal riot . All necessary decisons in this regard have been taken.   
The Force has been ra:sed. 

It would be recalbd that in th--last s;ssion, Parliament has met a long standing demand of the people by enactmg Isgislation to give the Utron Territory of Delhi a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers. Government has initiated steps for delimiting constituencies with a view to holding early elections. 

[Shri R. Venkatarajnan] Government      has launched   a massive      operation      against the terroiists with the help of the Army. AH cut efforts have been made to stop border infiltration.   The recent effori s by terrorists to make massive intrusions across the Line of Control created a serious threat to    peace in that area.   Action,   though belated,  on the ground by Pakistan and diplomatic moves by the    Government      succeeded  in   meeting this grave threat.   Some groups of terrorists have surrendered along with their arms. Discussions have been held in different fora to activate a meaningful      interaction   with the peophi.   The Government is, at the same time, continuing its efforts at increasing     
the pace   of   economic development in the State and 
 
expanding employment  
In my last address , I had spoken of the opportunities. An Advisory  Council has also been set up at the State level.    Government would be willing to consider any dialogue within the framework of th«i Constitution to restore   normalcy Intlie eastern part of the country, the Anny had to be deployec. in Assam from September, 1991 to restore peace and normalcy. 

The secuiity forces have need to take hard decisions to overcome the grim economic situation confronting the country. The Government has moved swiftly to deal with the crisis. The balance of payments problem has been successfully handled. Our reserves of foreign exchange today stand at over Rs. 10,000 crores. We have redeemed the gold we had pledged, and arrested the outflow of capita!. International confidence is being restored. At the same time, the Government has initiated steps to restructure the economy for greater productivity and growth. Change" have been made in industrial, fiscal and trade policies. This process of change will continue and will h&ve to be ex+ened to other import rait seders of the economy. 

## The New Industrial Policy    Aims At

apprehended a number of ULFA activistts and seized their weapons. Some activists also surrendered voluntarily. ULFA has released all hostages and has unilaterally declared the suspension of its agitation. ULFA has shown willingness to hold negotiations with the Government to find an ami cable solution to the problems of Ass.?.m within the framework of the Constitution. The army operations in Assam have been suspended, pending a dialogue with the ULFA. 

A close watch is being kept on the situation arising out of the Ram Janma Bhoomi Babri Masjid dispute. Government has enacted legislation to maintain the status quo of the other places of worship as they existed on 15th August, 1947. Action has been completed to set up a Foundation    for Communal consolidating the   gains   of the past decade, and imparting a fresh impetus to Indian industry for enhancing its efficiency and productivity.   The policy has already shown significant results.   In the    jw-riod after the policy changes were a ced the number of investmer posals  have    doubled  comp the same period last year.   A] for foreign investment and te collaboration also   show a trend.   Along with changes industrial policy, a policy package for support to small scale industry has been announced. 

The small scale and tiny sector will continue to   play an   important   role in providing employment an& contributing to industrial output. With the changes that have been brought about in the industrial policy, the State Governments have a maior role to play >n promoting industrial development. The Central Government will continue to interact with them to ensure that the benefits of the liberalised policy reach all corners of the country. 

We place great emphasis on exports. 

Despite an unavoidable import compression of about 20% exports, to General Currency Area cauntries have shown a modest growth of 6% in dollar terms. External obstacles on exports to Rupee Payment Area have, however, affected overall export growth. Efforts are being made to restore trade with the Republics of the former Soviet Union, and some-work agreements are being entered into with all of them. 

The  Government  is  fully  conscious  of recently will form the basis for the Eighth Plan which envisages a growtn rate of 5.6% This growth target is to be achieved by a proposed total outlay of Rs. 400,000 crores. The foremost objective of the Plan will be to generate increased employment. 

Other the  need  to  protect  the interest   of  all  those workers   who may be   affected by restructuring   as contemplated by the new policies. A   programme   of   retraining   and re-deployment   will   be   taken   up, for which necessary  funds  will  be provided. The     strength  of India lies in its working class.   A standing Tripartite       Committee has   been constituted to examine the impact of the  New  Industrial  Policy   on Labour and make   recommendations from time to time on labour related problems.   The    National Commission on  Rural  Labour  submitted its report  last  July     and  made a number    of   
recommendations for 799 R8—2 
priorities of the Plan are eradication of illiteracy, universali-sation of elementary education and providing drinking water and primary health facilities. The emphasis will be on people's involvement and in reaching out to the poorest and the most needy sections of our people. The Eighth Plan will also focus on strenghtening infrastructure. The Policy approach for the 8th Plan has already been endorsed by the States at the recent meeting of the National Development Council and Government is confident that the economy will soon be on a sustainable and stable course of development. 

'raproving the position of rural workers tnrough creation of employment opportunities, provision of social security, strengthening existing laws and enactment of new legislation. Government is studying these recommendations. 

The rise in prices is a matter of grave concern. Inflation is being caused to a large extent, by the fiscal deficit. Once the fiscal deficit is reduced and brought under control inflation can be expected to come down to resonable levels. 

Other possible administrative steps like dehoarding measures and increase in release of foodgrains have been taken. The inflation rate has come down from over 16% in August, 1991 to about 12% at present. The Government will continue to monitor prices and take steps   to   reduce  these   further. 

The economic policy changes initiated 
[Shri R. Venketrao] 
While doing everything possible to Growth rates have been ehcouraging in several critical in frasture areas like     electricity,      coal steel and cement. Government is committed to further strengthening infrastructure. Everv effort will be made to step up power supply and make it more =table. The deve* lopment of atomic energy and nanconventional energy sourcer will receive high priority. The importance of effective communication system for the country's development cannot be over seated. These will be strengthened. Every effort will be made to increase the capacity and transport capability cf the railway network. A new shipping policy is being initiated. A major restructuring of Xr.d'.rn Airlin.es and Air India is envisaged which will include modernisation of the flee; and support facilities. 

The network of telecommunication services, particularly in the rural araas will be substantially extended. 

accelerate the pace of progress, there must be environmental accountability all round—on the part of Government, industry and people. 

A scheme of financial incentives and disincentives would supplement the normal regulatory measures to achieve this purpose. It is proposed to take up during the Eighth Five Year Plan, a scheme of associating tribals and rural poor in afforestation of degraded forests on a usufruct-sharing basis. The Wastelands Development Programme launched in 1985 will be strengthened and it is proposed to take up the integrated development of micro-watersheds in 50 districts in the country. With the experience gained in the cleaning of the river Ganga, the Government proposes to take up the cleaning of the major tributaries of this river and the grossly polluted stretches of other major rivers under th~ National River Action Plan. India looks forward to the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and will work towards ensuring that the Conference safeguards the interests of the developing countries. 

The progress made by the country in the One of the world's worst industrial tragedies took place in Bhopai on 2nd December, 1984. The arter-, math of this event has scarred the lives of thousands of people. The Government of Ind-'a had taken upon itself the resposibility to secure compensation for thost. 

affected and fieid of science and technology !s a matter of pride. To cite only a few, the indigenous fabrication of the second generation INSAT- 2 series of sat elites is proceeding according to schedule. INSAT-2A is expected to be launched next month. With the planned launching of Satellite Launch Vehicles, in the next one year, India will join the ranks of those few countries, wlrch have their own launch capability. The limitless potential of biotechnology which is of direct relevance to areas as diverse as agriculture, provide them relief. The legal processes have been completed by the directive of the Supreme Court on 3rd October, 1991. Government will ensure maximum relief to the victims. 

The tourism sector has emerged as one of the largest foreign exchange earners providing employment to many. 

Government has launched a major initiative to accelerate growth of tourism in cooperation with the State Governments, travel, trade and hotel industry.   This has pisciculture and health will be exploited to the full. The exciting possibilities of electronics will be followed up so that it brings tangible benefits to our people. The development of the new contraceptive pill is yet another example of the benefit to be raped through scieutifb-advance. Even while reaching out to frontier areas, scientific and technological research must, in the final analysis be closely linked to improving the quality of life of our masses. 

intensified    in       the sheep, poultry 
[and piggery sectors. Processing and already started yielding results and the tourist arrivals have picked up, rcording the highest level of international tourist arrivals in December, 1991. The Government's tourism Action Plan includes tourist facilitation at international airports, liberalised charter policy, creation of special tourism aieas for integrated marketing facilities in these and other areas will be strengthened, in order to create the right conditions for an increase in rural incomes. Research emphasis will be on increasing productivity of oilseeds, pulses i.nd cereals, and diversification of agriculture for income and job generation, specially in the rural areas. 

development and intensive marketing of select destinations along with a major thrust to the promotion of domestic and low budget tourism. Our people must be provided with adequate facilities so that they get to see and know their own country better. With this in view Government will focus on youth tourism. 

The foundation of our future security and progress lies to a great extent in agricultural growth. 

The dramatic progress we have made in agriculture, including in food crops, horticulture, fisheries, animal breeds and poultry, has a lot to do with progress in our research laboratories, but more than all eke. 

It is the stoiy or the life of the Indian farmer, his grit and determination. 

1990-91 was the third agricultural year in succession when a new record in foodgrains production was achived) 
During 
1991-92     the      South- 
West monsoon was erratic in its temporal and spatial behaviour, and some fall in production is likely. While our researchers are now producing technologies to off-set the vagaries of weether, more intensive efforts have to be organised in the long term for improvement of land and productivity in rainfed aieas since 70% of India's agrioultuie is based on rainfed farming. The Government has already taken up a massive programme for improving the productive potential of rainfed land through improved crop practices. effective pest control, prevention of soil erosion and better in situ moisture conservation. During the Eighth Plan, horticulture, animal husbandry, livestock development and agro-processing will be given high priority. Cooperative and research   efforts   will     be Recently, issues associgted with the sharing and allocation of waters between States have been generating passions ?nd tensions. It will have to be ensured that water, one of nature's precious gifts, is shared in an equitable manner in the laige national interest. Water is a flowing entity, variable in quantity from year to year and season to season. t should he managed in a harmonious manner in a spirit of under standing and cooperation between the areas seived by it. Rivers should oc a binding force for the people of different regions rather than a matter of discord. Every effort should be      mace    to  resolve through dialogue all disputes vela-ting to the use of waters of any inter-State river. Should this not be possible. Government will ensure expeditious settlement of the disputes through the adjudication machinery set up by law for the purpose. 

## Effective Measures Are Being Taken To

generate greater employment opportunities for the most disadvantage sections through the Integrated Rural Development Programme and the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana. Special efforts will be made to expand employment opportunities for Scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes and Women. No effort would be spared to provide safe drinking water to our people, on which depends the state of their health. All identified 'no source problem villages' will be provided with a drinking water source by the end of 1992-93. In recognition of Shri Rajiv Gandhi's commitment to provide safe drinking water to 
[Shri R. Venketraman] 
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled the'Jiemotest of remote 
% 
villages, Tribes, a special conference of Chief Ministers was held in October 1991 in order to focus on the need for the State Governments to pay special attention to deal with this problem. 

The State Governments Government have re-named the Technology Mission on Drinking Water for Rural Areas as the Rajiv Gandhi National Diinking Water Mission. Rural housing will receive special attention hy improving the have also been advised to identify tension-prone areas and to take special administrative measures to deal   with them.   In the quahtyjgof implementation of the Indira Aawas Yojana. Government, is committed to the strengthening of the Panchayati Raj institutions so that effective political power rests with the people themselves. To this end, a Constitution Amendment Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha in September, 1991. 

Poverty is no less acute in the urban context of Job opportunities for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Government has been taking measures to increase their represen ration in Government departments, public sectoi undertakings and banks With this objective m-view the third special recruitment drive is under way at present. In accordance wth the commitment given in my Address last year, a National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation has been set up with an authorised paid up capital of Rs. 200 wares to promote the economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes In my last Address I had Mentioned that steps would be intiated fot the effectve implementation of the 15-Point Programme for the welfaie of minorities which seeks to ensure that minorities are protected and that they are not discriminated against <'n the matter of emplyment In pubic Services and benefit from development schemes. To realise this objective the 
15-Point Programme is now being recast to make it more effective. 

areas. Employment generation and poverty alleviation schemes in the urban sector will be continued. A new National Housing Policy is on the anvil. The main objective of the new policy will be to create an enabling environment for housing activity and to assist people, in in particular the vulnerable sections to secure for themselves affordable shelters through access to developed land, building maferials. finances and technology. Government is committed to the eradication of the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging through low cost sanitation schemes through a time bound programme. Schemes for conversion of dry latrines into low cost sanitation units have been already approved for over 740 towns in the country. Rehablitatation of those enagaged in the practice of scavenging is also being undertaken. Government has decided to bring a legislation under Article 252 of the Constitution making the practice of The Government has decided to confer statutory status on the Rehabilitation Council of India. The Council sets the standards for manpower training for engaging manual scavengers an offence. A Constitution Amendment Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha with a view to strengthening urban local bodies so that they are able to provide better facilities and services to the people. 

rehabilitation of the disabled. Government has also decided to introduce legislation for setting up a National Trust for the welfare person suffering from mental retardation and cerebri    pal»y The    Government   is   actually conscious of the problems of the Scheduled Castes    and   Scheduled Tribes.   In respect of    repeated i ncidents of    atrocities     against Government will   give' very    high priority  to the  needs    of children and women,  the most vulnerable of groups   in our   society.     Govern ment will expand the ICDS   pro gramme during the 8th Plan so as to cover the entire   countiy.   The girl   child   will receive   particular attention with focus on her nutri tion health and educational needs. 

Government is   aware   that   mere legislative   administrative and judi cial    protection of women is not enough.   The   ultimate   answer to the  question  of women's  equality lies in their empowerment  through organising   them   to   defend   their social and economic  rights and in the creation of better   income  and self-employment. 

opportunities Government therefore would implement the Indira Manila Yojana. Towards this end Government has constituted the National Commission for Women. 

Government attaches the highest priority to ensuring that nc uncertainty whatsoever exists in the people getting their basic daily ne'eessties. To this end, Government will nvk? all out efforts to strengthen the Public Distribution System. The corner stone of the Government's policy here would be vigilance ana supervision ever distribution at the village level involving local initiatives and entrust-ment of thoso responsibilities to women in particular, in order to fight leakages ar.d malpractices. Whne efforts to improve the functioning of the Public Distribution System all over the country would receive attention, priority would be givsn to implement the revamped Public Distribution System in about 1700 blocks srread over the remotest and most backward areas of the country, such as those covered by the Integrated Tribal Development Protects, the Drought Prone Areas Programme, the Desert Development Programme, the Designated Hill Areas and Urban Slums. To ensure doorstep delivery of essential commodities to fair price shops, infra-strcuture and credit facilities would be improved and strengthened. Coin-modi fy coverage  in  the     Public Distribution System would be broadened. Measures in this direction have already been initiated in dose cooperation with the State Governments. The Essential Com modities Act, 1955 is being strictly enforced against hoarders and black-marketeers to enhance and sustain a\yil:.bility of essential commodities and this drive will continue. The Government looks upon the Puulic Distribution System as the centre of a new social development focus to be imparted to its various anti-poverty programmes. Appropriate linkages will be forged with other programmes like the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana and the ICDS. - All out effots are being made to protect and promote the rights and interests of the consumers. At present 28 State Commissionr and 360 district forums are functioning in ths country under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Chief Ministers have been requested to set up the remaining State Commissions and disfict forums and to ensure that thev function effectively. 

82% 
of the 
33,851 
complaintsifiled before the district forums have been decided in favour of the consumers. 

Government has recently received the Report of the High Power Workmg Group constituted to suggest amendments to the Consum-mer Protection Act, 1986. The Report is presently under examination. The recommendations of the Working Group on the amendments required to make the Consumer Prelection Act, 1986 more effective would be discussed in the Cential Consumer Protection Council shor'ly. 

Government is implementing 
14 
National Health Programmes including the Malaria Eradication Programme, Leprosy Eradication Programme, Control of Blindness and Aids Control Programme, Kala Azar is being reported year after year and in recent times it has assumed epidemic proportions in Bihar. This needs to be tackled on a war footing. There is also the emerging   problem   of  AIDS. 

[Shri R. Yenkatar,aman] 
indeed each one of us, cutting across all sections- of societywill have to participate in the, efforts. Jt national cgusensuj, on this is the need; of the hour and Parliament has to take the, lead in this matter. 

A National Policy on Education was Government    has already prepared a programme to deal' with this menace  tfcking into  account,   among others, the crucial factor of blood saftjty,   There has been a dramatic redaction in  the  prevalence  rates of leprosy   and.     improvement in the discharge of patients.   A comprehensive programme is proposed to   be   taken   up   to permanently upgrade   opthalmic facilities at the District   and    Community    Health levels. There has generally  been   a declining trend in the incidence of vaccin  preventable diseases.  Polio-myelities    cases    have significantly declined. Declining trends in the case of whooping coug'a and diphtheria are also significant The rate at which our population is adopted by Parliament in 1986 and its implementation commenced! soon thereafter. Several developments in the sphere of education; and the Report of the NPE Review Comnvttee, made it necessary to examine the need for modifications in the Education Policy. The process of examination is soon to conclude and I am confident that the uncertainty in respect of the Policy will now be set up at rest reiterating the main trusts of the 1986 Policy. The National Literacy Mission, which was launched by the late Shri Rajiv Gandhi in May 1988, has made significant strides. I share with you a sense of pride in the fact that all the districts of Kerala and Pondicherry ,as well as several in other States, have succeded in eradicating illiteracy. Total Literacy Campaigns are at present being implemented in nearly 70 districts in the country. The campaigns in these districts will cover nearly 30 million illitrates in various age groups and would cost Rs. 210 crores. The campaigns are being implemented with the active cooperation and support of volutary agencies. We, how ever, still have a long way to go and need to commit ourselves to the great and challenging task of freeing all parts of the country of illeteracy particularly in the 15— 35 agegroup, by the end of the VIII Pian. We have simultneously to work towards universalisation of primary education—
comprising universal access, universal participation and universal achievement of minimum levels of learning. The formal system of primary education has been strengthened by a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Operation Blarkboarc winch is designed to provide necessary in rastructure. 3.8 lakh schools out of a total of growing will put tremendous prssure on our resources. The Government has taken steps in recent months to evolve an integrated and holistic approach to achieve a marked decline in the birth rate. Towards this end an Action Plan has been drawn up which seeks to improve the quality and outreach ofservices.lt is now proven that birth rates have remained high in areas with low female literacy.low age of g rls at marriage and high infant and maternal mortaility. It is in these areas that special efforts will be concentrated under the Ac;ion Plan. Particular attention will bs given to 90 districts in the country which have a crude birth rate of over 39 per thousand. The Action Plan was scrutinized and endorsed by the National Development Coun-il and at a meeting of State Health and Family We'farc Ministers. The National Development Council has also set up a Sub- Committee of Chief Ministers on Population Control to act as the focal point for all the measures under this Action Plan. The problem of population is not a concern c jnfined to the Central and State Governments. Elected representatives, voluntary organisations, others leaders    . of     public opinion— 
are aware that our destiny lies in Asia, mare spesiflpaily in,Satrtfc&sia. The very fact that thf. First Asian Relations Conference,' was convened by India as early as 1947 bears witness to the fast that this has been the central pillar of independent India's foreign policy from the very beginning, India's policies are geared to be a part of resurgent Asia as it is our hope that the 21st century would  be  an  Asian  century. 

neighbors on a bilateral basis as well as through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is of the highest priority. The recent SAARC Summit held in Colombo last December should horjefully impart economic content to growing cooperation amongst the South Asian countries within the SAARC framework. 

Nepal has ushered in a qualitatively new era of relations between the two countries resulting in opening very important areas of cooperation which will fortify the unique closeness of our ties, strengthened by the emergence of multi-party democracy in Nepal. 

5.7 lakhs in the country have already been covered. More than 785,099 additional teachers have Been appointed. Assistance from tjle Central Government to the tune of Rs. 620 crores has already been provided. In addition, to provide learning opportunities to those dvldten who are not in a position to avail of formal school facilities, 2.45 lakhs centres of Non-Formal Education are being conducted by Slate Governments. Another 27 thousand are being conducted by 410 volunatry agencies. Central assistance to the tune of Rs. 203 crores has been provided towards these efforts. We also need to effec ively delink degrees from jobs and to give to the entire educational syUem a work and vocational orientation. A decision has already been taken to se; up a Central Institute of Vocational Education under the National Council of Educational Reseach and Training. The Institute will actively promote the vocationalisation of education. The need to persist with attention to improvement of technical education is obvious. It is essential to create conditions for much greater rigour in teaching and research and to enlarge the number of institutions pursuing     standards   of excellence. 

Events on the world scene have continued to unfold at an amazing pace since I last addresed Parliament in July last year. The intervening period has been an extremely active one in India's   foreign policy. 

has been an important milestone in the further development of our relations. We have enhanced our mutual understanding through exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues at the highest level. 

Tho Government's foreign policy relations with Bangladesh are further expanded in the changed context with the advent of democarcy in Bangladesh becoming an additional bond between the two countries. 

priorities are to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of India to ensure our geo-political secuirty by creating a durable environment of stability and peace in our region and to build up a framework conducive for the economic wsll-being of our people by encouraging a healthy external economic environment. Within this overall framework of priorities, we are of course not only conscious of  our geographical   location,   but and consolidation of bilateral relations with Sri Lanka in keeping with the traditional and historical ties between the two countries.   The     voluntary return   of Strengthening relations with our Tie recent visit of the Prime Minister of The recent visit of the Chinese Premier We are keen that the traditional friendly We are committed to the strengthening 
[Shri R. Venkataraman] Sri Lankan we plan to open Embassies m Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus and upgrade our Consulate General in Tashkent in refugees back to their homeland, based on assurances received from Sri Lanka Government, commenced on 20 January, 
1992 and is continuing. 

Our close relations with Maldives are being further consolidated with a number of exchange of visits at high level between the two countries during 1991. 

Periodic high level exchanges have helped maintain and strengthen close understanding and cooperation in our excellent relations with Bhutan. 

Pakistan's negative approach towards Uzbekistan. A high level delegation recently visited . Russia and Ukraine to establish a new framework of political relations with th se independent republics and to review arrangements for maintaining our long standing trade and economic links with them. Several leaders from the Central Asian republics have visited and are expected to visit India during the next few months. During these visits, we shall seek to conclude appropriate agreements to promote our political, economic, commercial and cultural ties with these countries with whom we share historic bonds of friendship. 

The values of democracy, indi vidual liberty and respect for human rights which we share with the United States of America provide a strong basis for close cooperation between the two largest democracies of the world. 

Our expanding consultations in both bilateral and multilateral fora       encompass a wide range of issues including peace, security and threats emanating from India and its support to terrorism in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir continue to be the main impediments to normalisation of relations. The dangers inherent in its actions in violation of the Simla Agreement and universal^ accepted norms of inter-State conduct have been repeatedly pointed out to Pakistan. We have nevertheless continued with our efforts to carry the confidence building process and bilateral dialogue forward. Unfortunately, in the recent past, the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan National Assembly have chosen to associate themselves with statements and actions that have vitiated the atmosphere, We hope that the Government of Pakistan will join us in serious endeavours to establish tension-free and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. 

On 
26th December, 
1991, we terrorism and drug-trafficking. The United States is our largest trading partner and a major source of technology. It has been supportive of our efforts to overcome our temporary economic difficulties and launch a far-reaching programme of economic reform. We look forward to a long-terra and mutually rewarding economic partnership with the United States. The Prime Minister had a very useful meeting with President George Bush in New York during the recent UN Security Council meeting. There was a strong mutual interest expressed in further consolidating and expanding our bilateral and Multidimensional ties. 

We attach special importance to our announced our decision to accord formal recognition to the Russian Federation and to all the other Republics of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia has assured the role of a successor State and has taken over the seat of the erstwhile Soviet Union in the United Nations Security Council. We have sought to maintain our traditionally close relations not only with Russia but with the other republics as well. In addition to our Embassy in Moscow, relations with countries of West Asia and North Africa. We have over the years extended consistent and     unequivocal support t? 

the Arab cause particularly to the is a region which has made rapid progress in a very short time. The economic initiatives taken by the Government will create fresh oppor tunities for strengthening our economic interaction with this Palestenian struggle for their just and inalienable right. India has welcomed the reactivation of the West Asian peace process and the ongoing dialogue between Arab States and Israel to find a just and equitable settlement to the Arab-Israeli dispute. 

region. 

The Government attaches high ptiorityto strengthening our Given the changed political realities in relations with ASEAN 
and its member countries. 

We look for ward to initiating our sectoral dialogue   with  ASEAN   soon. 

the region, India has decided to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. We look forward to establishing a comprehensive and multifaceted relationship with Israel. 

Europe's emergence following the India enjoys an enormous fund of mutual goodwill with African countries because of our consistent and effective support to the anti colonial struggle in South Africa. We are proud that the liberation struggle in South Africa against aparthied has led to tangible reforms since 1990. 

We have played a catalytic role in Massstricht Summit meeting last December as a stronger political and economic entity in the modern world is of grest significance. The European Community is our maior trading partner and an important source of investment and we are keen to expand and strengthen further our cooperation. Our Prime Minister's first visit aborad was to Germany where he discussed with German leaders a wide range of subjects of mutual concern and cooperation between the two countries. We have also had a useful dialogue with other major European efforts to resolve the Cambodian conflict. India was among the countries specially mentioned in the Paris International countries like the United Kingdom, France and Portugal. 

Conference on Cambodia for facilitating the peace process. 

With the sweeping changes brought We have demonstrated our support against attempts to insti-tationalise racial discrimination in Fiji by taking up the matter at the UN General Assembly from 1987 onwards and by opposing there-entry of Fiji into the Commonwealth. 

Japan's position as an economic super about by recent events at the end of the Cold War and issues connected therewith, ?he new configuration is bound to assume a new North-South complexion, in the framework of a non-confron-tationist context and methodology. The developing countries of the world will need to gear themselves for this new odyssey of development, aimed at the attainment of equitable prosperity all over the world. World peace and comprehensive disarmament would make an power in the present world draws us closer to enlarge ma bilateral cooperation on a wide range of matters of mutual concern. 

which we believe is an important factor for peace and progress. 

important contribution to his ultimate vision of a happy and fulfilled humankind. India will work towards the realisation of this vision. 

We have enjoyed age old cultural and At the multilateral level our bilateral ties with the •ountries of South East Asia. This participation has     similarly  been 
[Shri R.  Venkataraman] within our overall    
framework  of priorities.   The Non-aligned Movement is readjusting in a dynamic manner to the breathtaking 
 
pace of global   
developments.   We have re-affirmed our faith in its continued relevance. 

 
 
The      
situation. Our Prime Minister set forth at the meeting, our* position on some vital issues such as a new international consensus on a global non-proliferation regime, harmonisation of the defence of national integrity with respect for human rights and a just and fair world economic order. The meeting provided an opportunity for world leaders to exchange ideas on the future of the United Nations and to pledge their support to the new-Secretary General. 

India is on the threshold of taking rapid independence   of national     decision  makmg that is enshrined in its philosophy is today more  relevant   than     ever   before. In   other multilateral   fora   such as the G-15 and the Commonwealth Summit,   the  Prime  Minister not only      articulated   our   views   on important   issues but re-emphasised the  need to  restore the  centrality and criticality of development issues on the     multilateral agenda.   The Uruguay     Round   of negotiations has    reached a crucial stage.   We shall continue to defend our vital interests  and seek     improvements as we work towards the establishment of a fair and balanced multilateral trading system. 

Environmental issues are fast moving to the forefront of international concern and attention. We are actively participating in multilateral cooperative efforts and supporting the forging of a global partnership which seeks to integrate the developmental needs of the developing countries in solutions to  environmental problems. 

and purposeful strides into   ihe  future. Conditions     are being created so that there is an acceleration in the pace of development, our people can enjoy a better quality of life and India can hold her own in rapialy changing world. The present is full of challenges as well as opportunities. Let us convert the challenges into opportunities. Let us not shy away from treading new paths. Let us be bold and innovative in our approach. The hardships of the present are only the harbingers of a brighter future. But even as we mov into the future, let us be disciplined and resolute in our approach. Let us shun acrimony for dialogue, violence for amity lest we be deflected into the by-lanes of history. 

We believe thai given the global reach Honourable Members will be called upon to consider in this session important legislative business and other matters of great national importance. 

Your of nuclear weapons we need to follow a global approach with regard to nuclear disarmament issues. Partial or piecemeal measures such as Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, therefore, seem to be of little utility and could even detract us from our ultimate goal. 

deliberations will I am sure, be informed by reflection and wisdom. I now commend you to your tasks and wisb you all success. 

The Summit level meeting of the UN 
Jai Hind Security Council on 33 January 1992 served to hignhght the new and effective role that the UN has assumed in the wake of the momentous changes in the    international 

## Obituary References

MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Members, as we meet .today after an interval of over two months, death has snatched away from our midst during this period Sh S. Kumaran, Shri Mababr Prasad Bhargava and Shri Vinaykumar Ramlal Parashar, former Members of the Raiya Sabha and Shri Sat Paul Mittal, a sitting Member of the House. 

Shri Kumaran was born in February, 
1923 at Alleppey and passed away on the 24tb December, 1991, at the age of 68 years. In h's death, the nation has lost an upright leader and an active trade 
1992