1972.pdf
# The Parliamentary Debates Official Report In The Seventy-Ninth Session Of The Rajya Sabha

Commencing on the 13th March, 1972/the 23rd Phalguna, 1893 (Saka) 

## Rajya Sabha

Monday, the 13th March, I972\the 23rd Phalguna, 1893 (Saka) 
The Hou<e met at forty minutes past twelve of the clock, MR. CHAIRMAN in the Chair. 

## Member Sworn

2/Lt. K. P. Singh Dee (Orissa). 

more will bear for life the marks of their partriotism. As Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces I salute them and offer the nations's sympathy to their families. I acclaim the spirit of the people of our border areas who showed calmness and fortitude in the face of danger and the disruption of their normal lives. 

We are aware of our responsibility for the welfare and rehab;litation of those who have been displaced from their homes due to aggression. Civilian elsewhere also remained united and ross to the occasion. 

The guidance of Parliament, the judgement 

## President'S  Address

SECRETARY : Sir, I beg to lay on the Table a copy (in English and Hindi) of the President's Addre;s to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 13th March, 1972. 

and leadership displayed by the Government in its political, diplomatic and military policies and decisions, the effective functioning of the administrative machinery at all levels and the morale and determination of the people as a whole have contributed to our success. This has given the country a justifiable sense of confidence and pride. 

(Text of the President's Address in English) 
When I addressed you last year, I called Hon. Members of Parliament, the nation upon you to give undivided attention to economic and social transformation. We could not haw: foreseen that a war would be forced upon us. But every great challenge met, every risk taken for a high cause, every task well done, generates new capacity and strength. Our unity, strength and resolve have grown during the year. 

We should use these now to enlarge our has come through a great test. It has shown unity and courage, compassion and clarity of vision in the face of the external threat. The world now has a clearer idea of the quality of our people. The life and liberty of 75 million people were at stake in Bangladesh. While the world wavered, India gave refugee to ten million fugitives from tyranny, and when attacked, met aggression stoutly, defended her own freedom and went to the aid of Bangladesh in defence of human freedom. 

Our armed forces fought with valour, programmes of social justice and equality, to forge ahead in our quest for self-reliance, and to pursue even more actively our basic policy of response to friendship, relistance to pressure and dedication to national interest and world peace. 

In the list twelve months, self-reliance made gains in spiteof widespread floods in th< 
ability and a sense of purpose. The coordination among the three services and other paramilitary forces was exemplary, as was the spirit of comradeship between officers and jawans. Many jawans and oliicers made the supreme   sacrifice.    Many north and east and drought in the Decoan and the influx of Bangladesh refugees which caused all manners of stress and strain and brought in its wake staggering administrative and irrigation, part cularly ground water resource. The Rural Electrification Corporation has sanctioned Rs. 105 crores, of which Rs. 43 
crores have been advanced to backward areas on concessional terms. 

organisational problems. The defence effort to meet Pakistan's unprovoked aggression Slow progress in the industrial sector, imposed further burdens on the economy. The peace on our borders is still uneasy and vigilance cannot be relaxed. With the liberation of Bangladesh we have to extend he'p to the new nation in its economic reconstruction. These factors have lea to a re-aligning of our priorities in the short run as well as in the longer perspective. 

however, has been causing concern. A number of remedial steps taken to promote better utilisation of capacity and to improve the pace of licensing of new units. Special attention has been given to the claims of new and medium entrepreneurs. The lending policiesoffinanci.il institutions have been specially oriented in favour of backward areas. The output of the small-scale sector has been increased Our economy showed resilience in coping significantly through larger allocation of raw materials and liberal imports. 

Government have provided for greater with the unexpected strains of the year. The tempo of growth and development was maintained. Production of foodgrains rose by more than 8 per cent, reaching a record level of 108 million tonnes in the agricultural year 1970-71, In the current year production is expected to be even higher. As a result the Government has stopped concessional imports of food-grains. Exports are looking up. Special measures for the creation of additional employment in rural a.-eas and for the urban unemployed have irudesome progress. It is proposed to intensify these measures. The interim report of the Committee on outlays in the public sector, since such outlays largely govern the pace of industrial activity in our economy. Task Forces have been set up in each Mininstry to assess progress, identify short-falls, and suggest changes to accelerate Plan Schemes. The Industries (Development and Regulations) Act has been amended to give additional powers to Government to take over c'o.s;J industrial *\m'U.* A Plan Investment Board will soon be set up to provide a forum for the scrutiny of major public sector investment proposals through joint discussions. 

My Government have been particularly Employment has just been received and is being studied. The Planning Commission has b;en reconstituted and the plan as a whole reappraised. 

The implementation of land reform anxious to revive industrial activity in West Bengal. Progress has been made in implementing a sixteen-point programme drawn up for this purpose. 

In the wake of the recent emergency, I 
measures has gained momentum. Assam, Bihar, Kerala and West Bengal have made headway in providing security of tenure and ensuring g eater measure of equity in rentals. Assam, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have enacted legislation lowering the previous ceilings on land holdings. A national policy providing for lower ceilings on agricultural holdings has been enunciated, based on the recommendations of the Central Land Reforms Committee. 

The S:ate gave a call for a moratorium on strikes and lock-outs toensur; that industrial unrest does not slow down industrial progress. The Prime Minister has also initiated a dialogue with ihe leaders of the trade union movement. I have no doubt that workers will fully contribute to the maintenance of industrial peace. They may rest assured that Government will ensure that the gains of increased productivity are equitably shared. 

Governments have been advised to amend their laws suitably in the liaht of these recommendations. 

The tendency on the part of aid giving Programmes for providing water, electricountries to   use their  credits as a lever to city and credit to farmers have made head way. Credit from public and co-operative institutions is   flowing into   development of on external assistance, *Arlhik Swaraj* requires greater mo u'lisation of domestic-resources and stricier financial discipline all round. Steps are being taken in consultation with Stale influence our policies adds urgen y to our attainment of self-reliance. It is imperative lhat we should fill agricultural gaps, achieve lull utilisation of installed c parity, avoid . •trikes and lock-outs and achieve increased productivity all round. Increased production of steel and fertilisers in the industrial secior and of commercial crops such as cotton and oilseeds in the agricultural sector and enhancement of our own technological Governments to bring about reduction in their overdrafts by he close of the current financial year. Measures need to be devised to tap for national development part of the additional incomes which are securing to the affluent sections of the farming community. 

Government have appointed an Expert Committee to examine the problem. 

It is a matter for some satisfaction that despite the enormous increase in the competence hold the key to *Arlhik Swaroj.* We should give the highest priority to efficiency in production and cost competitiveness. Export promotion and import substitution should be pursued with grim determination. 

Preliminary work is in progress on the new Government's commitments on account of refugee relief and hostilities with Pakistan, the price situation did not get out of control. However, Government are not complacent, and will maintain a close watch over prices and distribution of essential commodities. The public distribution system will be strengthened and credit policy kept under constant review. 

The Mid-Term Appraisal of the Plan has steel plants at Salem, Vishakhapatnam and Vijaynagar. Government have taken a decision to set up a holding company for steel and associated industries like coking coal, iron, manganese, etc., to achieve economics of vertical integration and ensure co-ordinated growth at minimum cost. Efforts to attain selfsufficiency in fertilisers are continuing. Two new fertiliser plants have gone into production, "two more are nearing completion. 

shown that social welfare schemes tend to be given low priority in the course of implementation.    This is being rectified. 

A scheme has been approved to provide Construction has begun on three plants, two of them coal based. Work on a third coal-based plant is expected to start shortly. Six new projects have been approved—three of them in the public sector. 

The Intensive Cotton District Pro-gramm: 
Central assistance for house sites for landless rural workers. This will supplement the measures taken by State Governments to protect tenants facing eviction by landlords. Government have also approved a scheme for the improvement of urban slums. The urban reconstruction and renewal programme for the Calcutta Metropolitan area continued with full vigour. In the current year over Rs. 40 crores are expected to be spent on water supply, transportation, housing and other developmental activities in this area. 

Eight States have so far favoured Central his mide progress in thirte n districts. In addition, a special programme to spread a new high yielding variety of cotton —hvbrid 4— has also been taken up. A beginning has been made to introduce non-traditional oilseeds such as soyabean and sunflower. Under a centrallysponsored scheme; soyabean cultivation will be extended over 4 lakh hectares by 1973-74. Trial and selection of suit able sunflowes varities has also been taken up. 

The newly constituted National Committee legislation on ceilings on urban property. They have been reques ed to get resolutions passed in their legislatures under article 252 of the Constitution. 

In the meantime, as on Science and Technology has initiated a number of studies on the contribution which indigenous research and development effort can make to self-reliance in different areas of our economy. 

recommended by the Housing Ministers' Conference, a study group is examining certain aspects of implementation. 

In spite of the preoccupation with defence    
Simultaneously,   with   reduced   reliance and    the    problem     of   refugees, growth of such relations. A strong, peaceful and friendly Bangladesh will add to the strength and stability of the sub-continent as well as of Asia We are confident that the new nation will be enabled to make an effective contribution to the community of nations. 

Government proceeded with major reforms in the social structure. One of the notable events of the year was the abolition of princely privileges and purses. Parliament gave its approval to amindments to the Constitution to enable other steps towards the ushering in of a society of equals. 

We extend a hand of friendship also to the The Government gave effect to the reorganisation of the north-eastern region. The new States of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura and the Union Territories of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have come into existence. The nation's good wishes go to the people of these areas. The North-Eastern Council will be established soon. I hope that the States and the Union Territories of the North-East will make rapid progress through close co-ordination of their development efforts. 

people and Government of Pakistan. We have taken the initiative in proposing direct talks between our two countries without any preconditions. We hope that Pakistan will accept the changed situation on the sub-continent and respond to our initiative in a spirit of goodwill. India has no territorial designs on Pakistan or any other country. Our unilateral and voluntary declaration of a cease-fire on the Western sector, once the Pakistan forces surrendered in Bangladesh, confirmed this, if indeed confirmation were necessary. 

Elections have just taken place in sixteen Our foreign policy encountered, and States and two Union Territories. The peaceful manner in which they were held has again demonstrated the maturity of our people a«d their enduring faith in parliamentary successfully overcame, complex challenges in the past year. The correctness of our analysis of the foxes at work on the subcontinent, and the restraint we showed in dealing with them, have been widely recognised. There has been a strengthening of our relations with most of our neighbours. 

democracy. The new Governments which will take office in different States in accordance with the choice made by our people will receive the whole-hearted support of my Government in our common task of The signing of the Indo-Soviet Treaty of eliminating poverty and achieving social justice. 

The emergence of Bangladesh under the Peace, Friendship and Co-operation in August last year set the seal on a friendship that has been tested by time. It is a treaty of peace against war. It is not aimed against any country. 

We welcome the entry, though belated, of the People's Republic of China into the United Nations, a step which we had been consistently advocating. We hope that this will promote peace and stability in Asia and the world. 

There was great disappointment in our country at the lack of sympathy displayed by the Government of the United States of America towards the struggle of the people of Bangladesh for their democratic rights and fundamental freedom. Public opinion in the United States of America has expressed this sympathy in abundant measure and has been critical of the policies of the erstwhile military regime of Pakistan. 

leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a landmark in the history of our subcontinent, indeed in man's search for freedom. We share the happiness of the people of Bangladesh in their triumph. We are gratified that our armed forces have been able to return from Bangladesh so speedily. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his colleagues have had a series of discussions with our governmental leaders on matters of mutual interest. Our Prime Minister is visiting Dacca for further discussions, and to convey the greetings of the people of India to the heroic people of Bangladesh. My Government are giving Bangladesh the fullest possible co-operation in the enormous ta^k of rehabilitating its uprooted people and the reconstruction of its economy. We look forward to uninterrupted growth of co-operation in all fields between our two countries. The similarity in our ideals and   outlook   holds   a   good augury for the is not consistent with the desire for   peaceful negotiations. 

This gives us hope that our relations with the United States of America, based on mutual respect and understanding, will not be allowed to deteriorate. 

With the steady implementation of the One of the important international developments of the year was the move of the United States of America and China to rearrange their relations. We hope that this will lead to a true relaxation of tensions and not to a sharpening of divisions. 

Indo-Ceylon Agreement on Citizenship and increased economic co-operation. our relations with Ceylon have been strengthened. The successful conclusion of a new Trade and Transit Treaty with Nepal has removed a source of misunderstanding between the two countries and paved the way towards an era of co operation to our mutual benefit. 

The configuration of world forces is The sudden demise of His Majesty King Mahendra of Nepal has been a matter of deep sorrow to us. We extend our good wishes and co-operation to the new King, and the Government and the people of Nepal, We should like to assure them of our continuing friendship and co-operation for strengthening peace, progress and stability in this region. 

We have close relations with Bhutan and it was a matter of deep satisfaction that Bhutan was admitted as a member of the United Nations in September 1971. Our co-operation with Bhutan has been in keeping with our earlier assurances and is bound to grow in the interests of both countries and peoples. 

A survey of our internal and external affairs must inevitably include a reference to the legislative and other business which will come up before you. 

The estimates of receipts and expenditure changing rapidly Relations between super powers and between them and other powers, are also undergoing a change. However, there are certain basic points which have to be borne in mind by all States, big and small. There should not be any attempt to carve out spheres of influence by the application of the doctrine of balance of power in this region or to dictate to c >un-tries, big or small, regarding their relationships wilh other countries. India does not seek leadership or domination. Nor will it tolerate domination by any country. We want this sub-continent and indeed the entire South Asian region and the Indian Ocean area to be free from power rivalries or domination and to develop into an area of peace and co-operation rather than one of confrontation. India would also like to encourage and foster greater regional co-operation, particularly in the fields of technology, trade and transit, science and culture, first and foremost between the countries of the sub-continent and then with other countries of South Asia, South East Asia and West Asia. 

of the Government of India for the next financial year 1972-73 will be presented to you for consideration shortly. 

My Government welcome the Four-Power Government will bring before Parliament Berlin Accord and hope that the process of detente in Europe will continue, leading to stable agreementi among ihe countries concerned. 

Bills for replacing the Contingency Fund of India (Amendment) Ordinance, 1972, the Administrators-General 
(Amendment) 
The emergence of Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as free nations is a welcome development. 

My Government deeply regret that the Ordinance, 1972, the Public Wakfs (Extension of Limitation) (Delhi Amendment) Ordinance, 1972. and the Indian Copper Corporation (Taking over of Management) Ordinance, 1972. Government also intend to bring before Parliament the following legislative measures : 
(I)     The     Antiquities    and    An Treasures Bill, 1972. 

conflicts in West Asia and Vietnam are continuing. My Government hope that the attempts to arrive at a peaceful settlement in both these areas will bear early fruit.     The intensified  bombing- in Vietnam 
(2) 
A   Bill     to     establish     Hill Areas  University in North  Eastern Region. 

(3) 
The Untouchabrlity (Offences) 
Amendment Bill, 19J2. 

(4) 
Bill to provide for deterrent punishments for certain types of economic offences involving contravention of laws regarding Customs, Central Excise, Gold Control, Income Tax and Wealth Tax. 

(J) A comprehensive Bill to provide for amendments of Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. 

(6) 
Bill to nationalise General Insurance   Companies. 

(7) 
Bill for the nationalisation of the oking Coal Mines whose manage- Cment was taken jver by the Government. 

(8) The Air Pollution Control Bill. 

(9) 
The Disturbed Areas .Special Courts) Bill. 

Honourable Members, in conclusion, may I remind you that the war against poverty is no less heroic than military action ? This larger struggle demands hard work and unwavering adherence to the goal. Nothing great has ever been achieved wiihout consistent endeavour and sacrifice. T call upon all sections and all parties in our great country to display the same spirit of unity in construction that they showed in combat. Let the nation heed the summons to greatness—a greatness not of conventional power but of the spirit. 

(Text of the President's Address in Hindi) 
 
[RAJYA SABHA] 
 

## Obituary Reference

MR. CHAIRMAN : Before we proceed to the next item on the Agenda, I have to refer to the passing away of King Mahcndra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal and Shri B. K. Gaikwar and Shri M. H. Samuel, two of our sitting Members and Shri S. N. Ramaul, Shri V. S. Servate and Shri B. M. Gupta, ex-
Members. 

The sudden and untimely death of King Mahendra came as a great shock to us. He guided the destiny of Nepal at a time when the country was faced with many political and economic problems. He initiated p!ans for the economic development 
1972