1994.pdf

## President'S   Address Laid   On The   Table

SECRETARY-GENERAL : Sir, I beg to lay on the Table a copy (in Hindi and English) of the President's Address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 21st February, I994. (Placed in library. *See* No. L.T. 53I8/94I. 

[Text of the Address delivered by the President (Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma in  Hindi] 
There has been overall improvement in the law and order situation. The situation in regard to insurgency in the North-East has shown improvement. The gains of last year in Punjab were consolidated. The elections to the Assemblies in five States and the National Capital Territory of Delhi were peaceful. Government is determined to consolidate the gains of this improvement and address the areas of concern that still remain. 

 
Around this time last year the Ayodhya 
[ Text of the President's Address   in English] 
Hon'ble Members, I welcome you to this session of Parliament. 

As I address you in the new year, I 
issue had cast its long shadow on the national scene. There was a great deal of concern over the possible fall-out of the demolition and the riots that followed. Thanks to the inherent wisdom and sagacity of the Indian people, the grim predictions that were being made have been proved wrong. The atmospher has improved considerably and we can hope for a lasting solution to the dispute. Proceeding are continuing in the Supreme Court on the referencj made to it under the Constitution. Government will take appropriate measures in the light of the opinion of the Supreme Gourt. 

The Ayodhya issue is the mos convincing demonstration in recent times of the danger inherent in mixing communalisrn and politics. It is of utmost importance to correct this aberration and keep both religion and politics in their legitimate domains. Our secular State demands nothing less. The issue needs to be debated fully and effective measures evolved. The Government will welcome suggestions in this regard. 

In Jammu and Kashmir we pursue our sense that the country is today in a frame of mind different from the one it was in, this time last year. We faced many difficulties at the beginning of the year I993 but our people displayed tremendous resilience as the year progressed and I993 ended certainly on a note of optimism. There was steady progress on all fronts as evidenced from the improved law and order situation, a record foodgrains production, unprecedented levels of procurement, very high levels of foodgrains stocks, containment of the rate of inflation at a single digit level comfortale, foreign exchange reserves, considerable reduction in trade gap, buoyancy in exports, improved performance in certain essential areas of the infrastructure sector, and increased inflow of foreign investment both direct and portfolio. All these have symbolised and justified this emerging optimism. Clearly, we have regained our elan internally and our confidence globally. We have reason and justification to feel encouraged at the all round performance. But we still have a long way to go before we achieve the objectives we have for ourselves in social and economic development. It is on this note of cautious optimism that policy of firm action against terrorism. The police and the security forces have gained considerable success during the year in their counter-terrorist operations. Steps have been taken to further improve their operational efficiency.   Every effort is made to Government approaches its tasks in I994. 

Supreme Court and one former Chief Justice of a High Court. The setting up of the Commission is indicative of our continuing determination to deal with questions of human rights with promptitude and transparency. The Commission has started its work in right earnest. 

see that the maximum   restraint is exercised in the use of force.   The grave crisis that arose in the Hazratbal shrine was handled by the  administration and the security forces in a commendable   manner,    with    the cooperation   of the   people.    The resolution of this crisis    demonstrated the efficacy of Government's approach of restraint.     
In order to strengthen the accountability of the executive to Parliament, I7 
Department-related Standing Committees of Parliament were constitu-I ted in April, I993 
to make detailed examination of Bills, Demands for Grants, Annual Reports of the Ministries and national basic long-term policy documents presented to the Houses. This will greatly facilitate the working of Parliament. 

Whenever there has been any incident suggesting excessive use of force, an inquiry has    been promptly instituted and action taken.    Action against   the terrorists is continuing in order to restore   law   and order.      At  the same time   appropriate measures are  being  taken  to   tone   up  the administration.    Development   and economic    activity    have been intensified to generate     employment opportunities. We are deeply concerned about the The country had its share of natural calamities. However, the unprecedented scale of damage in the Maharashtra earthquake stands out among these. In all these instances Government responded with commendable alertness and provided prompt relief. 

Governments of several other difficulties of the common  people and  the grievance redressal mechanism has been strengthened.   We are also  pursuing steps to bring about effective   involvement of the people in dealing with  matters which concern them.    Jammu   and Kashmir is an inalienable part   of India and we shall foil any   attempt to destabilise it either  from across the border or from any other quarter. 

In the North-East the setting up of the countries, the World Bank and other institutions promptly offered assistance and we are grateful to all of them. A massive reconstruction programme in the earthquake affected areas of Maharashtra is being taken up at an outlay of Rs. I000 crores. Non- Governmental Organisations are being appropriately associate with the reconstruction   programme. 

## The Economic Reforms Introduced In I99I

interim Bodoland Autonomous Council in pursuance of the Bodo Accord marks a positive step forward towards meeting the aspirations of the tribal population. Prompt action was taken by the Government of Assam in the districts of Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon when there was an outbreak of violence against the non-tribals. In Manipur Government : look action under article 356 of the Constitution following violence between Nagas and Kukis and general disruption of law and order. This demonstrated the Government's will to curb disruptive elements effectively. 

The       National Commission      on Human Rights has been set up with a former Chief Justice of India as it chairman. 

Members of the Commission    include    a former     Judge of  the gained momentum last year and have been pursued consistently Still much more need to be done-' Government ii aware that the reform is an irreversible and continuous process and 'needs to be implemented with determination and foresight, keeping the responses and cir cumstances in the country constantly in view. As a result of this approach, the progress of implementation has been steady and firm and based on a general consensus.   We shall hasten with care. 

Based on the performance and prospects is that the bulk of this, is proposed in sectors like power, oil refining, food processing, metallurgical industry, electrical equipment, chemicals, electronics and other priority areas. Only about 7% of the proposed investment will be for products which could be categorised as consumer goods. 

The of the public and private sectors, the area of reservation of the public sector has been trimmed and some more industries have been delicensed. The new Exim Policy announced on the 3Ist of March, I993, attempted the streamlining of procedures and the liberalisation of exports in agriculture and services, where the country has a investment inflow will be spread over a period of 3-4 years which is the gestation period of the mega projects. 

comparative advantage. The Budget for I993-94 provided fiscal incentives for investments in thrust areas. 

Government continues to lay a great In drawing up the reform package, stress has been laid by the Government on reforms in the financial sector. The financial institutions have necessarily to be deal of emphasis on export promotion. The results of changes in the trade policy coupled with the floating of the exchange rate And the general liberalisation of the economy have yielded results and exports have shown good growth recording an increase of around 20% in dollar terms during April-December, I993 compared to a little over 3 % in the corresponding     period in   I992. 

Government attaches the   highest restructured and strengthened to enable them to take on the new responsibility imposed by the expanded activity in the private sector. An important policy change was the unification of the exchange rate and the floating of the rupee in March, I993. The fact that the rupee has remained steady since it was floated is testimony to the good judgement of the Government in the matter. 

The basic economic indicators show that although the year started in a difficult environment the performance of the economy during I993-94 
has been priority to development of argricui-ture. The timely provision of adequate and rsasonably priced inputs and the creation of a structure that  provides for the timely announcement of prices which in turn promotes higher production so as to meet fully the domestic needs of the country as well as exports, are the major objectives of the   Government. In keeping with the overall strategy, the Plan outlay for   the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has been   raised by   26-6% from Rs. I050 crores in I992-93 to  Rs I330 croresinl993-94. 

The production of satisfactory. In I992-93, the Gross Domestic Product is estimated to have grown by 4%. In I993-94 , the Government expect the rate of growth to be maintained at about the same level. The inflation rate touched a low of below 6% for a short period during this year, the highest   level   being   8.4% 
foodgrains during I992-93 was I80 million tonnes which was more than the   production   
in     I99I-92     by 7-I%.    The    Kharif foodgarains production in I993-94 
is Global investors have shown growmg expected to be 99 million to nnes. The prospects for Rabi are excellent. 

## Government Is Encouraging Diversi-

confidence in the Indian market. Direct Foreign Investment approved since the inception of the new Industrial Policy till the end of I993 is now approximately Rs. I3,000 . Wores in terms of equity. The total investment in these projects is estimated to be of the order of Rs. 65,000 crores. The significant point of this investment fication of the agriculture sector through emphasis on horticul ture, aquac-ul ture, oilseeds, pulses and other commodities which have an export potential. This would be done without detriment to   the interests of   our safeguard the interests of the consumer remains as strong as ever. The Central issue price for the Revamped Public Distribu ion System areas continues to be kept at a price  lower by Rs. 500 per metric tonne compared to the own consumers. Steps are being taken to revitalise the rural cooperative credit system as also marketing, processing and other services essential to the farmers, particularly in the far-flung areas. Extension services would be broad-based keeping in view the new priorities in agriculture including through greateer involvement of the voluntary  organisations. 

As a measure of reducing poverty levels, prices in the general Public Distribution System, to enhance affordability by the poor. At the inception of the scheme in I992, I0,580 new fair price shops were estimated as required to be opened in the Revamped Public Distribution our      agricultural     strategy would aim at increasing agricultural production in the rainfed areas through an integrated strategy of soil and water conservation and increased   
use   of agricultural inputs such as    organics and  bio-fertilisers  and      improved technology. During  the  8th     Plan Rs. II00 crores   have been allocated for the restructured National Watershed System areas to strengthen the delivery system. Against this II,68I new fair price shops have been opened in these areas, going beyond the target. New storage space of I,8I,296 tonnes has also been created or hired since the inception of the scheme. A midterm review of the Revamped Pu blic Distribution System has revealed that nearly I -5 million tonnes more of food grains went to the rural areas than before the inception of the scheme, thus adding a.new rural dimension to the public distribution system. With a record food stock holding of 22 million tonnes in the central pool reached on Ist January, I994,resulting from stepped up procurement efforts. 

Government is comfortably placed to agment the; coverage further in these areas, should it become necessary Development Project for rainfed areas. About 30 lakh   hectares   of land would be treated for sustainable production of food, fodder, fuel and fibre   through  dry  land     farming technology. Household    production systems would diversify as a consequence and ultimately the    income levels and employment opportunities for the watershed community would improve. The project would     also enhance availability of ground water resulting in drought proofing of the project areas. 2500 micro watersheds have been identifed in rainfed areas for It is Government's determina tion that no development and work on these has started. 

The manufacturing capacity of nitrogenous fertilisers has been increased and more is being planned. The availability of raw materials required for fertiliser production within the country being limited, efforts are being made to set up joint ventures abroad, particularly in the Gulf and West Asia. Government will continue to take all measures required to bring about a balanced application of soil nutrients so that production levels are sustained. 

As part of the Agriculture Policy States vulnerable section of the population—be it women, child ren, minorities, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or backward classes —should remain outside the main- stream of development. In all areas of development of the poor, resource allocations were enhanced during I993-94 compared to the previous year. The revised outlay for the Ministry of Rural Deve lopment went up by 56 per cent while the plan outlay of the Welfare Ministry was raised from Rs. 820 crores to Rs. 980 crores. The Jawahar Rozgar Yojana has been strengthened in I20most backward   districts. The   subsidies under the   Integrated   Rural Development     Programme    were     enhanced   by Rs. I000 per household. The improved    Tool Kits to Rural have been advised to remove all intra and inter-state restrictions on the movement of foodgrains. 

Government's commitment     to To provide sustained employment to the educated urban youth in micro enterprises, a Rozgar Artisans programme started in I992-93 was extended in I993-94 to I00 more districts, thus covering in all I62 districts in the country benefiting 
2,30,000 
rural artisans. 

Yojana has been launched. 

About I,95,000        applications have been processed and recommended to banks and about 2,000 of them have also been sanctioned. During the current year, the scheme will cover 40,000 beneficiaries and from I994-95 onwards it is intended to cover 2.20 lakh beneficiaries every year, thus, covering in all 7 lakh beneficiaries during the rest of the 8th Plan period. The Reserve Bank of India has been instructed to support the programme fully. The scheme provides for 22.5 per cent reservation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 27 per cent for the Other Backward Classes with   preference for women. 

Comprehensive programmes for the welfare and development of the Weavers were evolved. They include housing, work sheds, handloom development centres, and quality dyeing units, training in improved practices and provision of working capital. These programmes with a total outlay of Rs. I372 crores were started during the year. The scheme for Handloom Development Centres and Quality Dyeing Units launched towards the end of I993 seeks to merge and expand existing units and establish new ones. Against the I993 target of I20 Centres and 20 Units, 213 Centres and 94 Units have been approved. 25 Centres and 25 Units have already started operating. 

A significant role has been envisaged Government has formulated three new and innovative schemes to benefit the poor, particularly rural women and urban youth. 

for Non-Government Organisations in all these programmes to generate awareness and for their effective implementation. 

The Employment Assurance Scheme To monitor the progress of introduced in I,752 of the most backward and remote blocks of the country, where seventeen crores of the country's poor people live, will provide assured wage employment for I00 days during the lean agricultural season to the rural labour. This scheme thus expands rural  employment  to  fuller  levels. 

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana will implementation of the programmes of the weaker sections and to provide the direction and thrust required, the Prime Minister has set up a Special Cell in the Prime Minister's Office. This Special Cell will receive feedback from the implementing Departments and also information based on field visits and independent evaluations so as to remove all possible bottlenecks in the programmes. A 
Special Committee of Secretaries responsible for the implementation of these three programmes has also been set up to supervise the coordinated implementation of these programmes in the field. 

Communication facilities will be further empower rural women by enabling them to gain and exercise control over their own earnings and household resources. Already, more than 4 lakh women have opened accounts under this scheme in rural post offices. This scheme, along with the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, would greatly enhance opportunities for self-employment among rural women. 

extended in rural areas. In I993-94. 46,800 Panchayats will be connected by telephone. It is proposed to provide public telephone-to 72,000 villages   during   I994-95. 

The long awaited reservation of In the schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, the allocation under Special Central Assistance for the Special Component Plan was augmented in I993 and its scope expanded to include schemes for infrastructure development in areas with fifty per cent or more Scheduled Caste population. 

vacancies for Other Backward Olasse in the services under the Government of India became a reality on 8th September, I993 when the present Government ssued orders for 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes. With this, one of the most important aspirations of the Other Backward Classes of the country has been met. 

An important landmark of the year was The work relating to the publication of the passing of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act which would help the rapid implementation of the liberation and rehabilitation of the safai karam-charis. The National Commission is being constituted. 

Government is fully alive to the the works of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in regional languages was taken forward and two volumes each were brought out in Hindi, Tamil and Gujarati, with the work in the other languages proceeding well. Eight Chairs have been sanctioned in different Universities for undertaking research in the philosophy of Baba Saheb. 

A new Wakf Bill I993 has been situation arising from atrocities against the Scheduled Castes in certain parts of the country. Protection to the Scheduled Castes under the law as well as the effective implementation of programmes of socioeconomic development meant for them would be ensured. During I992-93, nearly 21 lakh Scheduled Caste families and 8 lakh Scheduled Tribe families were assisted to cross the poverty line under the 20 point Programme. During I993-94 the number of assisted families is likely to reach 27 lakh Scheduled Caste families and 9 lakh Scheduled Tribe families. 

A scheme of Educational Complexes in ntroduced in Parliament in August, I993 replacing the existing Wakf Act, I954 and the Wakf (Amendment) Act, I984. This Bill, *inter-alia,* provides for a more democratic composition of the Wakf Board with provision of Wakf Tribunals to decide issues relating to Wakf matters arid for better protection and management of Wakf properties. A National Minorities Finance and Development Corporation will become operational this year with an authorised share capital of Rs. 500 crores for promoting the economic development of the minorities. The modalities are being worked out. 

In my last address to you I had referred areas where tribal female literacy is very low was initiated during the year. I3 such Complexes have so far been sanctioned. The turn over of the Tribal Cooperative to the review of the I986 National Policy on Education undertaken in I992 and the modifications effected. 

Government Marketing Development Federation of India rose from Rs. 22 crores in I99I-92 to Rs. 86 crores in I992-93. This is expected to be much higher in the current year. 

The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation made continues to give very high priorty to literacy and primary education based on the innovative strategies of Total Literacy Campaigns backed by Post Literacy Campaigns and a new district-specific and community oriented approach to primary education. All the I8 districts of Kerala significant advances during the current year. During I993 it sanctioned Rs. 80 crores as loans. In the coming year it proposes to double its operations. 

and Pondicherry have achieved total literacy. In the 32 districts which   have already     successfully concluded the Total Literacy Campaigns. Post Literacy Campaigns have been launched to ensure that the neo-literates do not lapse into illiteracy.    At present    238 Tota Literacy    Campaigns are going on in 258 districts. 

I99I. The Infant Mortality Rate for the country as a whole has come down from I46 per thousand live births in I96I to 79 in I992. 

While these are significant achievements, yet the increase in numbers is staggering. Government attaches the highest importance to the reduction in the rate of growth of population. There is a national consensus to promote Family Welfare. Multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral efforts involving State Governments, opinion leaders, Non-
The new District Primary Education governmental Organisations and all sections of the society are essential. All political parties must unanimously exhort the people to adopt the small family norm and transform the-family planning programme into a mass movement. 

The National Development Council 
(NDG) 
has endorsed the recommendations of the Committee on population set up by it earlier. The NDC also decided that wider consultations should take place on the furture course of action needed for the implementation of the recommendations of the NDC Committee with Chief Ministers and opinion makers. This will be done shortly. 

We are aware of the linkages between Programme lays emphasis on participatory planning and management and focuses on the education of girls. It seeks to enhance school effectiveness through inputs in teachers training and decentralised management. India played host recently to the Education for All summit of the nine high population countries of the world when our commitment as well as that of the international community to achieving Education for All by the turn of the century was reaffirmed. On this occasion the Prime Minister announced Government's decision to raise the outlay on education to 6% of the GDP by the turn of the century. This will be kept in view while formulating the Ninth Five Year Plan. Further,I through disaggregated target setting and decentralised management Government aims to achieve its objective of Education for All. 

the development process and the protection of the environment. The need for the conservation and wise use of natural resources is reflected in our major river cleaning and pollution abatement On account of sustained efforts of the programmes, as in our forest and wildlife policies. 

While participating in the Government of India and the State continuing international debate on biodiversity, climate change and desertification, we have kept in focus the basic issue raised in the Rio Summit of I992 of access to resources and technology. 

Within the Government, our development efforts will take full note of all our environmental concerns. 

The Space programmes have made Governments in the implementation of the National Family Planning Programme, the annual rate of growth of population is showing a declining trend. The annual average exponential rate of growth in I98I-9I was 2.I4%. The annual rate of increase has come down to I.9% in I992. The Crude Birth Rate which was 4I.7 per thousand in I95I-6I has come down to 29 per thousand in I992. The Crude Death Rate which was 22.8 in I95I-6I has come down to I0 in I992. The total Fertilitj Rate which was 5.97 in I95I-6I has come down to 3.6 in steady progress. We had a failure in the flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, but this has been put to good use. The Data collected has been analysed and it has proven defence preparedness. Progress in the indigenous development of arms and ammunition and the diversification of the defence production units is proceeding apace. 

 
the effectiveness of complex systems involved. The next flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is planned for August-September, I994. There has also been progress in the development of the Indian Geo-Syn-chronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, which would enable launch of INSAT class of satellites some years hence. The successful launch and commissioning of INSAT-2B last year, within a year of commissioning INSAT-2A, is a demonstration of our capabilities.INSAT-2B has enbaled Doordarshan to augment its services with five satellite channels. This has strengthened the programmes telecast by Doordarshan in regional languages. 

India has a strong and large scientific and industrial infrastructure. 

It also has demonstrated capability in several high technology fidds. In this context I am sure Honorable Members will join me in applauding the successful demonstration of high technology in the launch of 'Agni' last Saturday. The pace of technological changes and the need to shift to technologies which are environment-compatible impose upon us various demands. Restrictions being placed on transfer of technology require us to rely even more on our own talents. Government is determined to give every encouragement for this to happen by tapping the great potential that the country possesses. In the context of the emerging economic scenario the benefits of research will be harnessed for use by industry. A fillip will be given to exports of high technology products. The thrust will be on information technologes and genetic engineering and biotechnology. Advanced materialist and devices for use of solar and other non-conventional energy sources will also be prirority areas. 

Our Armed Forces maintain their constant vigil on our borders to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country. The nation is proud of then; and of the defence scientists and engineers who have contributed  commendably     to  ou In addition to their normal duties, the armed forces have been assisting the civil authorities in maintaining law and order, whenever required and in counter-insurgency operations They have also been helping in rescue and relief operations in times of natural disasters. Their performance in these areas has been exemplary. Government remains committed to providing better facilities and conditions to serving and retired armed forces personnel. Those posted in field areas have recently been granted higher allowances. It has been decided to extend the benefit of the one-time increase scheme in pensions to an additional two lakh pensiones. 

As a result of sustained international marketing, Government has succeeded in instilling confidence in the international community that India is among the safest tourism destinations of the world. This has resulted in an all time record of arrival of tourists in the months of December, I993 and January, I994 registering an increase of 23. 8% and 28.4% respectively over the corresponding months in I992 and I993- 
The foreign policy of the Government focussed during the last one year on securing our economic interests in our relations with countries abroad while continuing to promote our political and security interests. The significance of our economic reforms was effectively conveyed  abroad- 
Our relations with our neighbours continued to be cordial, and our interaction in various fields with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka recorded good progressr-during the year. In the case of Pakistan, however, its continuing support for terrorism and subversion in J&K and anti-Indian activities world-wide seriously hampered our efforts at normalising relations. The Prime Minister offered Pakistan a dialogue aimed at establishing good-neighbourly relations as a number of areas from Education and Science and Technology to Culture and Sports. We have, also co-operated in the UN 
on issues relating to disarmament such as the comprehensive test ban treaty. The response from the United States to our economic liberalisation policies has been very positive and the US. investments in India in the last two years were very substantial. We look forward to working with the United States towards mutual under standing, including on those issues on which such understanding needs enhancement. This will reflect the vibrant democratic and secular ideals of our two countries. 

enshrined in the Shimla Agreement. Bilateral talks have since taken place, but the stridency of Pakistan's anti-Indian statements has grown, adversely affecting at improving bilateral ties. There are no quarrels between us and the people of Pakistan. We feel that for good relations between our countries the Government of Pakistan should give up its negative approach and reciprocate our desire to normalies India-Pakistan relations in accordance with the Shimla Agreement. 

Relations with the Russian Federation, Our relations with China have improved drawing upon the rich traditions of our friendship of the past, continued with mutual understanding and cooperation. Despite certain difficulties the two countries face, cooperation in the political, economic, commercial and other areas was sought to be promoted by both sides. The goodwill and understanding that underpins our relations reinforce our joint efforts at identifying possibilities of further cooperation in various areas in today's changed  context. 

markedly. The Prime Minister's visit to China in September I993, and the signing of the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line. of Actual Control have brought them to a new. stage of development. The Expert Group set up under this Agreement held its first meeting recently, reflecting the desire of both sides to maintain and continue the interaction on this complex issue. 

Special attention was given to India values SAARC as aa instrument of strengthening relations with the Central Asian region. The Prime Minister paid very successful visits to Uzbekistan and Kazakhastan in I993. The Uzbek and Kazakh Presidents also visited India during the past year. A number of accords have been signed between India and these two countries in fields ranging from political cooperation and cooperation in science and technology to trade, civil aviation and culture. 

A concerted effort was made to forge a regional cooperation consistent with the objectives of its Charter. The Prime Minister attended the SAARC Summit in Dhaka last year. SAARC has recorded progress in, deling with certain important issues of common interest such as poverty, terrorism, population growth, problems relating to the status of women, children, youth and drugs and psychotropic substances. We continue to play an active role in SAARC with a view to promoting its socio-economic and other objectives in accordance with the SAARC Charter. 

new era of closer cooperation with ASEAN and East Asian count-tries. New economic linkages were established and trade increased. 

The commencement of a Our interaction with the United States has traditionally ranged over sectoral dialogue between India and the ASEAN was a notable development. The Prime Minister's visit to Thailand in April, ed a worldwide audience of industrial-lists, political leaders and academicians. As a result, the appreciation of India's policies and potential has grown. The visit to Germany has given a further impetus to bilateral ties and has strengthened economic cooperation. 

I993 gave a new impetus to Indo-Thai relations. India-Singapore relations were qualitatively upgraded and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore visited India as Chief Guest at our Republic Day celebrations in January this year. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia and President Ukraine, Turkey and Hungary in July, I993 were a manifestation of our desire to consolidate our cooperative with these countries. 

with countries in sub-Saharan Africa Soeharto of Indonesia also visited India in December, I993. Our ties with Vietnam were reinforced with the visit of the Vice- President to Vietnam in September, I993. The Government continued to make sustained efforts to further enhance economic and other linkages with Japan. The Prime Minister's visit to the Republic of Korea in September, I993, with a view to lending further momentum to bilateral economic ties with that country, received a positive response. 

including visits at the level of President and Prime Minister from Burkina Faso, Our relations with the Gulf countries, Mauritius, Tanzania, Gambia and Zimbabwe. We have noted the positive developments in South Africa and look forward to the early establishment of majority rule there. 

traditionally cordial, are now marked by increasing economic interaction. The Prime Minister's visits to Oman and Iran in September, I993 laid the foundations of an expanding relationship for mutual economic benefit. 

We welcome the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements between Is aeland the PLO in September I993, as notable step towards peace and stability in West Asia and the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. 

shaping the global agenda on issues pertaining to political and security matters, economic and social development, human rights, environment and population. In the vari ous meetings of the United Nations, the Non-aligned Movement or other international bodies on these issues, we have taken a lead in articulating the specific concerns of the developing countires with a view to promoting a global consensus. 

The importance attached by India and the of the economic reforms and political initiatives of the Government We entered I994 with the optimism of accelerating our pace of economic growth, strengthened by a reassuring verdict of the people in favour of reforms and against the forces of communalisrn. 

European Union to furthe. developing mutually beneficial relation in diverse fields was symbolised by a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development concluded on December, 20, I993 and the Indo-EU Joint Statement on Political Dialogue. High level dignitaries who visited India from Europe during the past year included the President of Ireland., the King of Sweden and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The Prime Minister recently paid a very successful visit to Davos in Switzerland and to Germany At Davos the Prime Minister addressdeliberations in the course of this session and   beyond   will  take the The state visits which I undertook to During the year we had wide interaction India continues to play an active role in I993 was a year of consolidating the gains I am confident your debates and nation forward in fulfilling the aspirations of the people. I commend you to your tasks and wish   you all success. 

Scout Association Lahore in I946-47. She was associated with women's welfare organisations. She was also the Chief Editor of Hindi *Milap.* 

## Jai   Hind

Shrimati Yudhvir was a Member of the 

## Obituary References

MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon'ble Members, Rajya Sabha representing the State of Andhra Pradesh from April, I958 to April, I964 and again from April, I964 to April, I970. She was a Member of the Indian Delegation for Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference at Copenhangen, Denmark in I964. 

Shri Bhim Raj passed away on the I5th I refer with profound sorrow to the passing away of Shrimati Maya Devi Chettry, Shrimati Seeta Yudhvir and Shri Bhim Raj, former Members of Rajya Sabha. 

Shrimati Maya Devi Chettry was born February, I994 at New Delhi after brief illness. Born in December, I943 at Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan, Shri Bhim Raj had his education at Chandigarh. 

An agriculturist by vocation, Shri Bhim in March, I921 in Nepal. She passed away on the 20th December, I993 at Darjeeling. She was actively associated with Bharat Scouts and Guides in different capacities. Shrimati Maya Devi was an ardent social worker and was associated with several social welfare organisations connected with the uplift and welfare of women. 

Raj started his political career as Sarpanch at the age of 21 and continued there for more than a decade. He commenced his legislative career after election to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in I972. 

Shri Bhim Raj was a Member of the She was a Member of Rajya Sabhn representing the State of West Bengal from April, I952 to April, I958 and again from April, I958 to April, I964. She served on the House Commitee and was on the Panel of Vice Chairmen, Rajya Sabha in I959. 

Rajya Sabha representing the State of Rajasthan from April, I978 to April, I984 and again from April, I984 to April, I990. He was also the Chairman of the House Committee of Rajya Sabha from I986 to I988. 

Shrimati Seeta Yudhvir passed away on We deeply mourn the passing away of Shrimati Maya Devi Chettri, Shrimati Seeta Yudhvir and Shri Bhim Raj. 

the I0th January, I994. Shrimati Yudhvir was born in November, I922 at Dar-es- Salaam in East Africa. She had her education it Baroda. 

Leading a simple life devoted to service I request Members to rise in their palaces and observe silence as* a mark of respect to the memory of the   departed. 

of the under-privileged, Shri-, mati Yudhvir actively worked for the c;mse of integrated State of Andhra Pradesh when separate Telangana agitation was launched. 

(Hon.   Members   then   stood  in silence for one minute) 
A   dedicated       social   worker, MR. CHAIRMAN :     Secretary Shrimati      Yudhvir   was   District Guid *es*   Commissioner,   Hindustan General , will   convey to the   mem- 
1994