LOK SABHA

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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES
(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009 / Magha 29, 1930 (Saka)

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STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER

Re : Situation in Sri Lanka

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF

FINANCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE): I rise to apprise the august

House about the present situation in Sri Lanka.

Since I last addressed the House on this issue in October 2008,

developments have unfolded rapidly in the northern Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan

Government forces have made significant advances into LTTE-held territory,

restricting LTTE cadres to a small area of approximately 150 sq. km. adjacent

to the coast. The Sri Lankan forces have captured Kilinochchi, Elephant Pass

and Muliaitivu town and have regained control of the A-9 highway.

A serious source of concern to us has been the condition of the civilians

and internally displaced persons (IDPs), mostly Tamil, caught up in the zone

of conflict. Estimates on the number of civilians trapped vary, but 70,000 or

so are estimated to be there now. The LTTE were reportedly using them as

human shields.

Hon. Members may rest assured that our strong concerns for the safety,

security and welfare of the civilians caught in the conflict have led us to stay

actively engaged to prevent a further deterioration of humanitarian conditions.

We have sent relief supplies to the civilians and the internally displaced

persons (IDPs), facilitated access by international and UN organisations, and

suggested ways for civilians and IDPs to escape from the conflict zone. Two

batches of relief assistance have been sent so far including 80,000 family

packs of food and non-food articles, collected and donated by the Government

of Tamil Nadu, and medicines. Another batch of relief material is being sent.

I personally visited Colombo on 27th January. In my discussions with

Sri Lankan President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, I stressed the need

to give an opportunity to civilians and IDPs caught up in the conflict to

emerge from the LTTE held areas, and suggested a pause in hostilities to

provide the necessary environment. On 29th January 2009, the Sri Lankan

President announced a 48-hour period for civilian safe passage to secure areas.

He also appealed to the LTTE to allow civilians to leave and assured the

safety and security of the civilians who did so.

 In the last two weeks, nearly 35,000 civilians have come out of LTTE-

held areas. Sadly some of those escaping from the conflict have been caught

in cross-fire and, in recent incidents have been stopped and even killed by

LTTE cadres. As the conflict enters what may be the final phase of military

operations, the LTTE would best serve the interest of the Tamils by

immediately releasing all civilians and laying down arms.

The Government of India is ready to facilitate the evacuation of

civilians trapped in the area of conflict, working with the Government of Sri

Lanka and the ICRC who would take responsibility for the security, screening

and rehabilitation of these internally displaced persons.

India continues to support a negotiated political settlement in Sri Lanka

within the framework of an undivided Sri Lanka acceptable to all the

communities, including the Tamil community. The LTTE remains a

proscribed organisation in India and has done much damage to the Tamil

community.

In this context, the earlier normal democratic political processes begin

in Sri Lanka the better. In our view, after 23 years of conflict, there is today a

political opportunity to restore life to normalcy in the Northern Province and

throughout Sri Lanka. The President of Sri Lanka assured me that this is also

his intent. The full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan
Constitution would be a significant first step. Hon. Members would recall that

the 13th Amendment was introduced to give effect to the India-Sri Lanka

accord in 1987. Going beyond the 13th Amendment on the question of

devolution of powers would be significant.

India is ready to work with the Government of Sri Lanka in their

important tasks of rehabilitation and reconstruction which lie ahead in Sri

Lanka, particularly the north and east. We have begun steps to implement

developmental projects in the Eastern Province such as a 500 MW thermal

power project, assistance for a rail bus project and the setting up of IT centres.

I wish to assure the hon. Members that Government will continue to

stay engaged in the process of bringing enduring peace to Sri Lanka, working

with the Government of Sri Lanka and the various communities in Sri Lanka

in pursuit of our common security and prosperity.

The Minister further clarifying said: each and everyone of us condemn

the killings of innocent Tamilians in crossfire. We are equally anguished and

we are equally pained and this is the point which I have made in my entire

statement. If the hon. Members find any discrepancy in some parts of the

Statement, corrections will be made. My most respectful submission is that,

as far as the question of civilians’ pride is concerned, the entire House agrees,

the Government agrees that it is very important. However, this point has to be
kept in mind that the Government of India has no instrumentality in dealing

with another sovereign Government in forcing that sovereign Government to

take a particular course of action. I am repeating that the Government of India

is committed to provide all help to ensure safety and security of the civilian

Tamilians who are suffering for long because of this conflict. We want that

the conflict should come to an end. People of Sri Lanka, particularly the

Tamilians must get their rightful place for which an Accord was signed in

1987 and for which a devolution package had been worked out. We will

ensure that it is implemented in letter and spirit.

*
MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) SHRI ADHIR CHOWDHURY laid a statement regarding need

to run Hazar Duari Express daily and provide its stoppages at

Dumdum and Barrackpore in West Bengal.

(ii) SHRI JIVABHAI A. PATEL laid a statement regarding need to

provide a stoppage to ‘Ashram Mail’ at Unjha in Gujarat.

(iii) SHRI S. K. KHARVENTHAN laid a statement regarding need

to provide funds for the Rope Car Project linking Palani Hills and

Kodaikanal Hills in Tamil Nadu.

*
Laid on the Table as directed by the Speaker.
(iv) CHAUDHARY LAL SINGH laid a statement regarding need to

provide alternate road-connectivity by BRO/GREF in Doda,

Ramban and Kishtwar districts in Jammu & Kashmir facing

submergence of roads due to Baglihar Project.

(v) SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO laid a statement

regarding need to set up Chilli-based Food Processing Units in

Guntur and to undertake welfare measures for the Chilli growers

in Andhra Pradesh.

(vi) SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR laid a statement regarding

need to start operation of Akashwani Kendra at Himatnagar,

Sabarkantha district, Gujarat.

(vii) SHRI KASHIRAM RANA laid a statement regarding need to

give a special economic package for the revival of Diamond

industry in Surat, Gujarat facing recession due to global

economic meltdown.

(viii) DR. VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA laid a statement regarding

need to expedite the construction of service roads, overbridges

and other specified works on N.H. 8-B between Porbandar &

Rajkot in Gujarat.
(ix) PROF. RASA SINGH RAWAT laid a statement regarding need

to set up an airport in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

(x) DR. K. S. MANOJ laid a statement regarding need to extend the

benefit of Duty Entitlement Pass Book Scheme (DEPB) to Coir

Sector.

(xi) SHRI SHAILENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding need

to run a new train between Allahabad and Mumbai via Kanpur

with halts at Bharwari and Sirathu railway stations in Kaushambi,

Uttar Pradesh.

(xii) SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV laid a statement regarding need to

release funds for the construction of the dwelling units for the

Beedi workers in Banka Parliamentary Constituency, Bihar.

(xiii) SHRI C. KUPPUSAMI laid a statement regarding need to

extend the benefits of Sixth Central Pay Commission to Gramin

Dak Sevaks in the country.

(xiv) SHRI ANANT GANGARAM GEETE laid a statement

regarding need to update the pension of pre-November, 1997

retirees of Reserve Bank of India.

 (xv) SHRI S. D. MANDLIK laid a statement regarding need to

sanction funds for developing tourism infrastructure in Kolhapur,

Maharashtra.

(xvi) SHRI PRABODH PANDA laid a statement regarding need to

provide adequate budgetary allocation for the proposed Subarna

Rekha Barrage Project in West Bengal.

(xvii) SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA laid a statement regarding need

to give clearance to the Ong River Dam Project in Padampur

Sub-division of Bargarh District, Orissa.

(xviii) SHRI M. P. VEERENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding

need to ban field trial of G. M. rice in the country.

MOTION OF THANKS ON THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS –CONTD.

DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA: I rise to participate in the discussion on

the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. The spirit of Parliament

rising together as one overcame the challenge to our nation from terrorist

violence. The commitment to inclusive development in NCMP has been

translated into laws, policies and programs. NREGA which now covers the

whole country is the first such intervention anywhere in the world where a

country has guaranteed employment for a specified number of days to any

category of citizens. In 2007-2008, more than three crore rural households

were provided job-cards under this programme. In fact, the NREGA is

moving India towards a republic of work. Along with NREGA, the social

security framework has been strengthened through Aam Admi Bima Yojana,

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and Revamped Indira Gandhi National Old

Age Pension Scheme extended to all old persons below the poverty line.

Through Right to Information Act, Government is accountable to citizens for

governance. A Bill on Right to Education and a Constitution Amendment Bill

providing for reservation for Women in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures

stand introduced in Parliament. The Government’s holistic approach to tackle

the problems of extremism and insurgency in the North East and Jammu &

Kashmir has started giving results. I, very respectfully, urge upon the Union

Government for an early settlement of the NSCN (IM) problem without

disturbing the territorial integrity of the erstwhile princely State of Manipur. I

beg to draw the attention of the Union Government to help the State

Government of Manipur to fully modernize the security forces deployed in the

state and also to establish a dedicated National Highway protection force to

smoothly regulate the National Highways.

SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN: Hon. President of India detailed the

various steps taken by the UPA Government for the benefit of poor and
downtrodden in this country. Poliomyelitis is a crippling disease caused by a

virus. Another 2 to 3 years of concentrated effort should see the end of this

disease. Polio drops should be given to all children below the age of 5 on

national immunization days even if they had been immunized earlier. It will

help us to wipe out the virus. Ante-people amendment in Cr.P.C. should be

dropped and should not be notified. To avoid these kinds of conflicts,

Government of India must take into confidence the bar of this country and

amend the procedural laws. Strength of the police force is insufficient. Some

of the State Police Personnel are living in a very poor and pitiable condition. I

want to bring to the notice of this august House the novel method introduced

by a Senior Police Officer in Coimbatore for registration of criminal cases. I

humbly request the Hon. Home Minister to direct the States to follow the

method being adopted for registering criminal cases in Coimbatore. The

lawyers are continuously boycotting all courts in High Court and conducting

meetings and dharnas inside the court campus in support of the LTTE. I urge

upon the Union Government to take suitable steps to restore normalcy in the

High Court, Chennai. We are all sympathetic towards the Sri Lankan Tamils.

We, the MPs from Tamil Nadu are totally urging the Union Government to

take all necessary steps to stop the killing of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.
 SHRI KHAGEN DAS: I would like to raise a few important issues of

National and Regional interest which did not find place in the Address. Every

third hungry person in the world is an Indian and every third Indian goes to

bed without food. According to Arjun Sengupta Report – “77% of the total

population has been leading in human life with a meagre daily income of less

than Rs.20/-.” May I ask why this picture of the poorest of the poor of rural

India, after 61 years of independence, did not find place in the Address? I

wanted to know what is the future planning of this benevolent Government for

these helpless people. I charge the leaders of both Congress and BJP who are

directly responsible for this state of affairs of the vast majority of the people

of the country. Food insecurity has had a devastating impact leading to

increased malnutrition and hunger as a direct result of faulty food policies of

successive Governments. The PDS should be strengthened and universalized.

It should also be enlarged by bringing within its purview 25 essential

commodities to be supplied at subsidized prices. Nothing has been mentioned

in the Address about Land reform. Farmer suicides has been continuing for

more than a decade. The policy of the successive Government forces the

farmers to commit suicide. The Government must go into the deep roots of

this malady without any further delay and take immediate corrective

measures. Nothing was mentioned about Regional disparities. A special

dispensation should be provided for the special category states. The

Government should invest more particularly in North-East and other

backward areas. Immediate steps be taken for extension of the Golden

Quadrilateral road network beyond Silchar to Agartala. No mention was made

about the necessity to realign the Trans-Asian Highway and Trans-Asian

Railway to pass through Tripura. Nothing was said about the Look East

Policy. Look East Policy should be reoriented. Emphasis may be given to

developing and strengthening our trade, commerce, economic and cultural ties

with Bangladesh. A communication link through Land, Sea and waterways via

Bangladesh to North East Region could be strategically involved. Emphasis

should be given to linking up Myanmar through land route and therefore with

Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam etc.

DR. K.S. MANOJ: I support the Motion of Thanks on the President

Address. I would like to point out certain missing points in the Address by the

President. UPA Government came to power with the support of the left

parties. But after forming the Government, UPA showed the tendency to

move away from the CMP. It was the resistance from the left parties that

prevented anti-people decisions that should have been taken by the

Government. Actually those stands taken by the Left, prevented the adverse

effects of economic melt down and economic crises in our country. By

signing the Indo-US Nuclear Civilian agreement, freedom and sovereignty of

our country is at stake. I demand that our country should come out of the

Indo-US Nuclear agreement. UPA Government has undermined the powers of

democracy. The UPA Government had curtailed the numbers of sittings of the

Parliament. Members have shown, wads of Notes in the Well of Parliament,

alleging that they have been bribed to vote in favour of Confidence Motion.

That should not have happened. I would like to express my deep concern

about the increasing incidences of attack against the minorities in the various

parts of the country. Government should ensure a sense of security to the

Christians and Muslims in the country.

SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE: They very first achievement the

Hon’ble President mentions is that of the NREG Act. The results of this

programme even though cited as excellent and exemplary, can be made even

better, if region specific issues and needs are taken up under the scheme. State

should be given sufficient freedom and powers to create employment

opportunities for the unemployed. Agri loans should carry only maximum 4%

interest. More than the number of farmers who benefited out of the loan

waivers, were the deserving ones who were left out. At least in Kerala this is

the case, as all those farmers who renewed their loans by remitting the interest

portion were excluded from the scheme. Government should write off the
loans of all such category of farmers, who were otherwise eligible. In the food

security front, States like Kerala should get special consideration of the centre.

Government of India should restore the original PDS foodgrains quota of

Kerala State. Many of the Central schemes does not fit in with the ground

realities in States. For example, the AIBP is to be implemented on a 75.25%

sharing basis by the State and Centre. In fact it should be with the Centre

sharing 75% and States meeting 25% of the project cost. It is unfortunate and

impractical to impose this condition, even in a special package like

KVTTANAI Package declared by Government of India for ALLEPPY district

of Kerala. The recommendation of National Knowledge Commission to create

a network of libraries in the country has not been acted upon by the

Government. I would urge the Government to consider and take up the

proposal to have high speed rail line from Mumbai to Kanyakumari. In the

Civil Aviation Sector, priority should be given to sectors and areas where

there is potential for development of Tourism Industry. I would like to point

out that the minorities of this country wants protection to enjoy their

democratic rights like other sections. The tragic incidents of Gujarat and

Orissa was not properly handed by the Central Government. The Government

needs to take stock of the working of the RGGVY Programme. In Kerala,

Government should take special effort to electrify all habitations/households

as per the project schedule. The Address fails to mention the threat faced by

the NRI’s due to the global economic crises and has not proposed any

rehabilitation package for those who lose their jobs. After the Mumbai terror

attacks, security environments of the country have to be re-assessed and

suitable steps to be taken to ward of such threat in future. The law and order

situation in various parts of the country are deteriorating. The Centre has to

intervene. The happenings in our neighbourhood are matters of great concern

for our country. We need to be pro-active and should exert our influence in

the region.

SHRI VIJAY BAHUGUNA: The UPA Government have carried out

unprecedented development work in the country during its five year tenure. It

is important that state Governments fix equal minimum wages so that

labourers in every corner of this country get equal wages under the National

Rural Employment Guarantee scheme. India has gained respect in the

International community today. I would like to draw attention of the Prime

Minister towards the fact that Himalayan states, particularly Uttarakhand, are

lagging in development work. It is necessary that Union Government

formulate a special scheme for the development of bordering districts and

after constituting a Himalayan Development Authority, a special economic

plan should also be formulated for development of hilly areas.

 DR. SEBASTIAN PAUL: The Address of the President before us is a

recap of the past; not a promise for the future. It is not a useful text to raise a

debate. The country is passing through difficult times with terrorism and

talibanism, in different shades and colours, looming large. The minorities are

in a state of constant fear. It is really sad that the President’s address failed to

make note of this terrifying situation. A soft approach to Lingering danger

will shake the foundation of our democratic edifice. The Government has

removed the FDI cap, enabling free flow of foreign direct investment in

telecom, defence, civil aviation, retail and, of course, media. We have learned

nothing from Enron to Satyam. Considering that no end is in sight for the

global crisis, the President should have given a message of confidence and

optimism to the nation. Not only the President but the interim Finance

Minister also has left that task to be attended by the next Government. The

certainty of a new Government within three months is not an excuse for the

present Government to leave crucial things unattended. Though the President

was good enough to touch upon the sensitive issue of development in Sri

Lanka, she had to turn a blind eye to the genocide in Gaza. This is evidence

enough for the unfortunate and undesirable India-US-Israel nexus.

SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY: The

President’s address has failed to mention the urgent need of the announcement
of special further package for the over all growth and development of the

entire north-eastern region with special mention to Bodoland Territory in all

spheres. The Government of India should take appropriate steps to help

provide minimum of Rs.1000 crore per annum as Special Central Fund to the

Bodoland Territorial Areas Council administration and this fund should be

given directly to the BTC administration. The Government of India should

take appropriate measures to facilitate the implementation of different clauses

of the new Bodo Accord. The Government of India should take initiatives to

transfer the Law and Order to BTC and allow it to raise Bodoland Territorial

Police battalions. The Centre should direct the state Government of Assam to

create a separate Police Commissionerate for BTC area. The Centre should

sanction a Central University for Bodoland Territory that should be christened

as “Bodoland Central University”. The Centre should take initiatives to set up

one IIT, one IIM, one AIIMS model Institute, one Central Agricultural

University, 10 numbers of Polytechnic Institutes, 10 Numbers of ITIs, One

Bodoland Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, 5 numbers of Textile

Institutes and like other important and premier educational institutions within

Bodoland Territory. The Centre should declare the perennial flood and erosion

problems of Assam as the national issues and appropriate policy measure

should be adopted to bring about lasting solution to the same.

 The Bodo Kacharis living in Karbi-Anglong and in north cocher hills

autonomous districts should be included in the list of scheduled tribes (Hills)

There is an urgent need of bringing about a lasting and honourable political

solution to the ethno-political and insurgency related burning issues prevailing

in Tripura as well as in Dimasha dominated areas in Assam. I also sincerely

want the centre to take concrete and effective policy decisions to ensure the

improvement of the health of internal security across the country and also to

root out the cross-border terrorism.

SHRI M. SHIVANNA: The UPA Government has tried to fulfill the

promises it had made to people in 2004. Despite a global economic crisis the

Government ensured overall growth. Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has created

history by signing the Indo-US Nuclear deal. Karnataka has been neglected in

sanctioning railway projects and other developmental projects. The Union

Government gave green signal to Tamil Nadu for construction of the irrigation

project in the disputed Hogenekkal. This project should not be taken up as the

final order of the Cauvery Tribunal had been challenged in the Supreme

Court. The Tamil Nadu Government which said earlier that it would provide

drinking water to the people of Dharmapuri district is going to provide

drinking water to Krishnagiri and other districts also. The President in her

address has mentioned about the concrete steps to check abnormal rise in the
prices of essential commodities even when inflation rate is reported to have

gone down considerably. Our farmers are facing hardship as they are unable

to get quality seeds, fertilizer, loan at cheaper rates, etc. Agriculture should be

made profitable by taking steps to curb the cost of agriculture inputs. If

interlinking of rivers could be done it would solve all the issues related to

water dispute among states. This would also help to speed up our economic

growth. Government should formulate a comprehensive plan to check terrorist

attacks in the country. I condemn the incident of beating up young girls and

boys in a Mangalore Pub. In yet another incident, daughter of a Kerala

Legislator had been abducted and her friend was beaten up brutally. I also

condemn this act of the goons.

SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA: Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri had

given a slogan, “long live our farmers, long live our army jawans”. However,

we find no mention for their well-being and prosperity in the Address. I wish

to summit that the cost of the produce of the farmers should be linked with the

price index. Or else it should be determined as per the international market

prices. The Government had constituted Swaminathan Committee which had

made a recommendation in its report to this effect. Here I wish to know from

the Government as to which of the above three options is being followed in

the mater of fixation of prices. There was a mention of loan waiver worth Rs.
Seventy thousand crore but it has not benefited the small and marginal

farmers. Not even one per cent of the farmers of the Punjab has benefited

from the loan waiver. Hence I request the Government to link the prices of

farmers produce either with price index or fixed as per the recommendations

of the Swaminathan Committee. A memorandum has been submitted by the

Bhartiya Kishan Union to the Prime Minister, the copy of which I am going to

lay on the Table of the House. Same is the case of the army personnel as there

is widespread resentment amongst them. The chiefs of three wings had urged

the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister to constitute a separate pay penal

for them. However, nothing has happened in this regard. On one hand, the

situation on border is tense and on the other hand the army personnel are

being disheartened. They are feeling very agitated. Today, the industries of

Punjab have been ruined and they are shifting to other States. The

Government should pay attention towards this. We in the Punjab has

deposited our share of money and acquired land for the construction of two-

three airports. However, nothing has been done in this regard. Large number

of people come down to Punjab from foreign countries. Likewise, there are a

number of people who wish to visit their country but they are refused visa for

no fault of them. They had done no wrong for which they could be termed as

anti-nationals. The question is why they are being denied visa. Central Tax
collection has come down due to financial meltdown. As a result of which the

States share has also been reduced. Now, either they should be compensated

to make good the losses or they should be allowed to borrow funds from other

sources, otherwise, the development of the States would be hindered. In

regard to rail budget, my demand is that the corridor should be extended upto

Amritsar. Likewise, industrial corridor should be constructed upto Ludhiana.

A decision had been taken to construct Guru Gobind Singh Marg from Anand

Saheb to Huzur Saheb, however, the work has not yet been started thereon. I

want the other State Governments should be instructed to expedite this work.

As this road is to be named after Guru Gobind Singhji, it should be

constructed wherever he traveled and passed through.

SHRI FRANCIS FANTHOME: The country has witnessed

unprecedented progress over the past five years of the UPA Government with

GDP growing at an average of about 9%. The country has strengthened the

democratic fabric by greater inclusion and participative processes. The

Government has been able to steer the country through divisive deliberations

and focused on an agenda towards inclusive growth and “Bharat Nirman”.

The Government has made itself accountable to ‘outcomes’ of laws, policies

and programmes. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, The

Unorganized Workers Social Security Act, The Right to Information Act, The
Recognition of Forest Rights Act, The Central Educational Institutions Act

have altered the course of the nation’s march towards progress and

consolidation of democratic principles. Agriculture credit has seen a three fold

increase from 87K crore to 2 lakh 43 K crores. The writing off of nearly 65K

crore of farmers and the near doubling of the minimum support price of

agricultural produce and 12.50% investments in agriculture together with 25K

crore allocation for National Food Security Mission have together resulted in

shifting attention towards the potentialities of the rural economy. There is

accelerated attention towards sanitation and health care through the National

Rural Health Mission. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Mid Day Meal

Scheme have resulted in putting nearly all children in schools. The setting up

of 8 IITs; 7 IIMs, 5 Institutes of Science Education and Research, 15 new

Central Universities and the National Knowledge Commission have put a new

thrust in pace setting change in the sphere of higher education.

SHRI KIRIP CHALIHA: I would like to say a few words in support

of the Motion of Thanks to President’s Address. The Address by the President

reflects the achievements of the Government. UPA Government has been

successful on all fronts. Having completed its five years term we have proved

that the UPA has been able to not only carry on its coalition partners but has

marched to a successful completion of its term. In fact, inspite of the fact the
world is facing worst possible economic crisis India has been to a great extent

insulated. 9% growth is not a matter of joke. The implementation of NREGA,

ensuring people’s right to work are achievements which will be proved to be

historic one day. I belong to such a party with able leaders like Shri

Manmohan Singh. I wish that he gets well soon, so that he can lead our

country again. I also express my heart felt thanks to Smt. Soniaji for her

brilliant leadership. By passing the Right to Information Act, the UPA

Government has proved to the world that it wants people’s active participation

in eliminating corruption. I appeal to all for giving special attention to the

problems of the North East in general and Assam in particular. We want

complete elimination of terrorism from the entire North East region. We want

peace in the region. I appeal to those who have taken up arms to shun the path

of terrorism and violence.

SHRIMATI JHANSI LAKSHMI BOTCHA: I rise to support the

President’s Address delivered by the hon. President to both Houses of

Parliament. The UPA Government has completed close to five years and

fulfilled the promises made in the National Common Minimum Programme. I

congratulate Shrimati Sonia Gandhi, the UPA Chairperson and on this

occasion, on behalf of the people of India, particularly the people of Andhra

Pradesh, I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery. The country has
withstood the terrorist onslaughts and the financial onslaughts due to the

global economic crisis. Here I want to bring to the notice of the Government

that the Andhra Pradesh Government headed by Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy

garu, has given top priority to the irrigation sector by investing Rs.1.5 lakh

crores and bringing 55 lakh hectares under irrigation. The Government of

India was kind enough to accede to our request to recognize the Telugu

language as a classical language. I thank the Government for this act of

kindness. I also congratulate the Government for successfully concluding the

civil nuclear deal with the U.S., implementing the RTI Act and making

tremendous progress in the space technology.

DR. LAXMINARAYAN PANDEY: The President’s Address reflects

the policy of the Government and its future plans. Some very important issues

are there which must be mentioned. We need to enact a stringent law to fight

terrorism which is badly affecting us across the borders for the last five years.

Although the Government has tried to do something in this regard and have

recently enacted a law but, its provisions need to be strengthened. Today the

Government itself is feeling the need of an effective law to tackle terrorism,

hence, the recent Act. I would like to speak something about our relations

with the neighbouring countries. China has claimed some parts of North-East

and has constructed roads in the occupied areas. The way China is trying to
influence Nepal and is extending its hands of friendship to Sri Lanka, is a very

dangerous situation and is a matter of concern for us. I would like to urge

upon the Government that it should pay attention towards the problems of the

armed forces who have done a lot towards the protection of our country and

its borders but there is widespread resentment amongst them and are feeling

insecure. The costs of our production, foodgrains, power and pesticides have

gone up and inflation has increased. The way the Government is talking of

loan waiver and the way it is being acted upon is faulty. The rate of growth

was 8.5 per cent during the NDA Government which has come down to only 6

per cent today. The Government is taking care only of the minorities and

some special classes. This country belongs to all. Those who have meagre

income and are very poor should be helped. The Government should of

course promote foreign investment, but at the same time, it should act in such

a manner that our industries are not affected. Today we have no clear

education policy or housing policy or for that matter, a medical policy. The

Government has a number of schemes but no implementation is visible. There

should be rural upliftment scheme including general health and drinking

water.

SHRI SURAJ SINGH: A few years back, we had adopted new

economic policy and thereafter the global economic activities have been
influencing the economy of the country. However, we have no reason for any

economic meltdown in the country. But India cannot remain unaffected by the

global effect. Fortunately, we have got abundant resources in the country.

The only prerequisite is to make a proper utilization of them. I would like to

urge the government to formulate policies and guidelines for the desired

development of the resources in the country. However, it is regretted that the

agricultural contribution to the GDP has been declining gradually. Today, the

farmers are the worst lot. It is my firm belief that unless we strengthen this

section of the society, we cannot make the country march ahead on the path of

development. The government has to determine its economic policy based on

the agriculture. We have to establish agro-based cottage industries whereby

we could provide employment to the more and more people. Then there is

animal husbandry which can provide more and more jobs to the people.

Likewise, textile industry has also got great potential to provide employment

to the people. The government need to formulate a policy to provide

economic incentives to the sick industries. We need to increase productivity

in the agriculture sector. What is required is to make farming a profitable

business. The cost of agricultural production need to be lowered, then only

the farmers would be benefited. We have to take measures to develop good

quality seeds to boost our agricultural production. The research institutes

should make efforts to produce quality seeds for wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds

and sugarcane in order to increase the production and quality of agricultural

produces. I want the government to work out a transparent formula for the

fixation of diesel and petrol prices, which can safeguard the interest of the

producer and the consumer as well. Then, as a citizen of the developing

country, we need to have a economic and solid fuel. I hope the government

would take into account my suggestions so that the people of the country can

march ahead on the path of prosperity.

SHRI RAMJI LAL SUMAN: The President’s Address has put a

number of things before us. The contribution of agriculture in our GDP has

come down to 17.5 per cent. While the contribution of the industries is 26.51

per cent, and that of service sector is 55.7 per cent. While 60-65 per cent

people depend upon agriculture, 20-30 per cent people are engaged in

industries and about 10 per cent of our people are working in the services

sector. We need to strengthen our resources. At the time of introduction of

National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, it was said that it will do

away with unemployment in our rural areas. Definitely, it is a commendable

attempt. However, only 65 per cent of the sanctioned money has been

allocated. I feel, it should be reviewed. We are doing no good to our farmers

by increasing the support price of crops. About 81-82 per cent of farmers are
unable to get any benefit of the support price. It is so because their produces

do not go to the market. Loans of farmers were waived in the current year but

the point is that what is the use of a loan which is not available to the farmers

at the time of sowing. In case the farmers do not get loans for production, he

cannot make any increase in it. I demand that some law should be enacted so

as to ensure regular and timely disbursement of loans to the farmers. I

congratulate the Minister of External Affairs and the Government. Definitely,

the endeavors of Shri Pranab Mukherjee after the Mumbai episode have

created a global pressure on Pakistan. Surely, it will lead to fruitful results.

Finally, I support the President’s Address.

SHRI A.V. BELLARMIN: The Address neither contained the policy

dictates of the government nor spelt any direction for the future. The

government has reposed faith in its policy of faster and more inclusive growth

but there is no indication how to achieve it and what steps are being taken to

ensure it. Under pressures from the left parties, the government took some

steps in the interest of the working people and the farmers. But it failed to

address the key issues such as agrarian crisis, price rise, job loss, and

joblessness that affected the people. The tall claim of allotment for debt

waiver for the farmers, looks bright to the eyes and sound sweet to the ears,

but the deep analysis of their implementation looks very bleak and bitter.
Instead of the growth to be inclusive, it is exclusive to a particular small

section. ‘Aaam Admi’ is living below poverty line and their number is

increasing. The legislation enacted for the unorganised section of the

population has turned an eye wash and teeth less. The Government should

come forward to waive interest on education loans and extension of the

moratorium period. Development of infrastructure is mentioned but no

mention is made with regard to the proposed improvement of the natural

minor port in colachal in Kanyakumari district into a major mother container

port. Government has no proposal to improve the living conditions faced by

the overseas Indian nationals Our missions abroad are mostly under staffed.

The amount allotted for the rural housing under IAY is very meagre. There is

no mention for a formation of a separate ministry for the panchayat which

would help a long way in rural development. I would like to beseech the

government to constitute a separate ministry to address the problems faced by

the fishermen folk living along the three Cost of the Indian peninsula. The

Dalit Christians are craving for the rights and privileges guaranteed to their

non-Christians counterparts.

SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI: I think the terrorist attack which took

place in Malegaon and Modasa have been completely forgotten to be

mentioned in the President’s Address. If ATS, the premier anti-terrorist

organization of the country is claiming that the perpetrators of Malegaon

bomb blast were given training and arms by Israel then why has not the

Government severed diplomatic relations with Israel? Unfortunately, not a

single word had been said by this Government to the Israeli Government.

About the Sachar Committee, unfortunately it shows the man-management

skill of this Government. We could not even discuss the Sachar Committee.

What about the Fatmi Sub-Committee on Education? Nothing has been said

about that. What about the Equal Opportunity Commission? About the

Central Madrasa Board, Muslims of India strongly oppose the formation of

the Central Madrasa Board. CBI is deliberately delaying the Babri Majid trial.

Why cannot this Government ensure that CBI conducts the Babri Masjid trial

on a day today basis?

SHRI KIREN RIJIJU: I express my deep anguish and unhappiness

for not making any special announcements for the development of North-

Eastern Region. Today, the security scenario of North-East is deteriorating

day by day and common people are feeling more insecure about their lives

and property. Bangladeshis are increasing in the region who are coming

illegally. The various security agencies are not strengthened enough to support

the state machinery. The state police are not provided enough assistance to

modernize and equip itself properly to fight the menace of terrorism. There
should be special package to revive the ailing educational institution and to

open up new technical institutions in the states of North-East. Arunachal

Pradesh is due to receive special financial assistance as peace and Green

bonus from the union Government. Long pending demand must be granted by

the Union Government immediately. Central Government must intervene to

ensure that the Government employees under the state services are provided

relief, which are due to them under the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

The infrastructure needs special attention to connect North-East with the East

and South Asian countries. I appeal the union government to understand the

feelings and suffering of the common people and make every region of the

country particularly the people of North-East and Arunachal Pradesh as an

integral part of the progressive India.

SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA: My Parliamentary

Constituency has been reeling under drought for the past one year. The loan

waiver scheme has not directly benefited illiterate and poor farmers. The

farmers have defaulted their loan installments for the failure of crops. The

government should waive off their fourth installment after recovering three

installments in the month of March. This could stop farmer to commit suicide.

The crop insurance benefit has been extended to the farmers taking block and

Panchayat as unit. It would be better, if individual farmer is treated as a unit.

Our region does not have adequate irrigation facility. Constructing a dam at

Panchnada would definitely ameliorate the economic condition of the farmers.

Likewise, if Jamuna water is stored and a dam is constructed there, it would

help farmers to improve their economic condition. The quality of work

relating to conversion of 4 lane into six lane roads from Bhagnipur to Vara

Mod and Bhagnipur to Jhansi is poor. The government is required to pay

attention to it.

Then, Jhansi and Bundelkhand region does not have any airport. With

the construction of a new runway at Jhansi, people would be able to avail air

services.

SHRIMATI RANJEET RANJAN: I heartily congratulate the hon’ble

President, the UPA Chairperson Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and the Prime

Minister Shri Manmohan Singh. Definitely, the global economic recession

has not affected the Indian economy and the UPA Government has done well

during the last five years. I am proud of the UPA Government which saved

the country and its institutions at a time when major countries of the world are

getting shaken due to recession. I must say that the NAREGA scheme has

provided employment to people for hundred days. The way the old age

pension was dealt with and provision of pension to widows belonging to the

age group of 18 to 40 in the general budget is really praiseworthy. There are a

number of schemes. However, it is essential that corruption should be stamped

out to ensure implementation of the schemes.

SHRI J.M. AARON RASHID: President’s address gives a lot to

people of downtrodden and Schedule Caste-Minorities and their welfare

measures are the main aim of UPA government of India. 38 Kendriya

Vidhalaya and model schools have been to the state of Tamil Nadu. However,

not even single Kendriya Vidhalaya model school is allotted to Tehni District

which is my constituency. The loan waiver scheme is appreciated by one and

all in the country. However, the waiving has been fixed to one lakh upto 2

hectares. It has to be increased to 4 hectares. So, the restriction should be

removed and all agriculturists should be treated equally. The Government of

India have to give suitable instructions to banks to take care of agriculturists.

In the Sri Lanka issue, the innocent Tamils are suffering a lot. They are losing

the near and dear ones and suffering bullet injuries without proper medical

treatment. The Government of India should request Sri Lankan government to

help the innocent civilians and they should be sent to peaceful zones. The

government of India should take steps for another ceasefire to save innocent

tamilians. Some persons are shouting Pro LTTE slogans, they should be

brought to the books. I fully welcome the president’s address which gives
more importance to education policy. I request more amounts should be

released to students for education loans.

SHRI MOHAN RAWALE: Many police men were killed in the 26/11

Mumbai attack. But have we adopted the policy of taking action only after

some unfortunate incidents takes place. I want to know as to how long we

will trust on Pakistan. As per the statement laid in the House there are 52

terrorists camps operating in Pakistan but Pakistan has clearly denied it. The

staff and workers of the NTC mill should be provided houses at the same

place free of cost because they are facing a lot of difficulty.

SHRI P.C. THOMAS: The President’s Address specifically says that

agricultural economy has been revived and that the investment in this regard

has been increased to three-fold. But still it is a fact that the agriculture is

facing serious crisis, especially, in the light of the economic crisis which the

country is facing along with the world arena. I would just submit that four per

cent interest may be thought of and implemented in the case of agricultural

debt. With regard to the debt relief scheme, a big scheme has been announced

but still we find that many of those who would have come under the scheme

have been left out when the actual implementation started. This affects my

State of Kerala very much because the farmers have taken long term loans.

They are rubber farmers and farmers of all cash crops etc. The prices of
many agricultural produces have gone down steeply. Rubber is one example.

Steps are needed to be taken urgently to redress this issue. The amount of the

senior citizens fund would have to be enhanced. The issue about the para-

military forces should also be considered. My last point is about the

Employees Provident Fund and pensioners. These matters should also be

considered.

SHRIMATI RUPATAI D. PATIL: India is predominantly an

agricultural country. But today the farmers are facing a lot of difficulties in

earning their livelihood. The condition of cotton growers is very serious.

This Government has made only promises to the farmers during last five

years. The farmers are not getting market prices for their produce so they

depend on money lenders for their credit requirement. Suicides by farmers

are continuing despite announcement of loan Waiver Scheme by the

Government. Sugarcane growers are also facing the same problem. 33

percent reservation for women has been promised in the common Minimum

Programme of the UPA Government but it has shown no political will to

implement it. The increasing number of registration in Employment

Exchanges shows future of this Government is creating job opportunities. An

atmosphere of insecurity has been created in the country after 26/11 Mumbai

Attacks. The growth rate is declining due to not taking steps to revive
industries and creating job opportunities. The Government has implemented

National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme but there are a number of

loopholes in its implementation. Millions of people of this country are

deprived of shelter, potable water and electricity. Foodgrains in the public

distribution system are not being provided timely as per norms. This

Government failed to provide relief to the common man.

SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU: The capital expenditure

as a percentage of GDP has fallen consistently. That means that we are not

able to spend money for future development and Government has incurred a

debt of 60 per cent of GDP. This year the Government has incurred 0.67 per

cent which means that it has again added to this already huge public debt. On

fertilizer, no new capacity has been added and in future if we want to increase

our food production, there is no fertilizer that is going to be available.

Employment is a key development parameter, and this again concerns the aam

admi, and the Address talks about the National Rural Employment Guaranteee

Scheme. This is basically a livelihood support scheme and it is not an

employment generation programme. I am really concerned about two issues,

one is population and the other is water. Water is going to be a major

challenge for the future. Population is growing consistently. There are no

measures which have been taken towards controlling this. The Government
has claimed that it has come out with an Integrated Energy Policy. But for

energy security a policy itself is not enough.

SHRI KISHAN SINGH SANGWAN: This Government has neither

come up to the expectation of the people nor it has fulfilled the promises made

to them. The performance of a government in a democratic system is done on

the basis of what the common man has got. But every section of society is

unhappy with the actions of this Government. As far as agriculture and

farmers are concerned, there is no improvement in the condition of farmers.

Farmers are committing suicides. They are indebted. They neither get

electricity nor water and remunerative prices. They also don’t get good

quality fertilizers and seeds timely. The Government has announced a loan

waiver scheme of approximately Rs.65000 crore for farmers but common

farmers has not benefited from it. This Government has not made any

agriculture policy during the last five years. During the last five years no

policy has been formulated for backward classes of this country. People are

facing difficulties in getting LPG. Prices of crude oil has decreased from 147

dollar per barrel to 37/38 dollars, but this Government has reduced the prices

of petroleum only Rs.5 and that of diesel only Rs.2 and thus insulted the

farmers. This Government has not given priority to the Prime Minister’s

Gram Sadak Yojana and Golden Quadrilateral Project. The progress of work
on N.H.1 in Delhi from Karnal Bypass to Sonipat is very slow. As far as

medical facilities are concerned the condition of hospital in rural areas is not

in good shape. There are neither doctors nor medicines in these hospitals.

Education has become so costly that poor people are not able to provide good

education to their children. There are no school buildings and shortage of

teachers in rural areas. The ex-servicemen are demanding one rank, one

pension for years but the Government has implemented this one rank, one

pension for officers but has not implemented for JCO rank ex-servicemen. It

is really a matter on shame that around 300 ex-servicemen have returned their

gallantry awards to her Excellency President. Gramin Dak Sevaks have not

been covered under the Sixty Pay Commission. Revised pay scale should be

given to the employees of Ministry of Defence who are running Unit Run

Centres.

SHRI HARISINH CHAVDA: Supporting the motion said that the

Presidential address to both the Houses reflects the viewpoint of the UPA

Government. After independence, there are people who are engaged in

Uniting and strengthening the country by eliminating different types of

discrimination and on the other hand there are people who are engaged in

increasing tension and disintegrating the country. The number of poor people
and farmers in the country is more. The development of such people has not

taken place due to their poverty.

This independence was attained with the sacrifice of many people and

the young generation are enjoying its benefits. Our constitution came into

force w.e.f. 26th Jaunary. But the people have not got the power in real sense

as yet. How the candidates who are involved in corrupt practices and give

priority to their own interests over the interests of the people and winning

elections by foul means would bring good name to the nation.

The independence of the country has got no meaning unless all the

people are not provided with proper shelter, food and they are able to provide

proper education to their children.

DR. C. KRISHNAN: In the present juncture Tamil Nadu people and

Tamilians all over the world are much worried about the massive killing of the

Tamilians and the sufferings of the Tamilians in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan

Government is killing the Tamilians living there for the past about 30 years.

The Indian Government instead of protecting the Tamils of Indian origin is

helping the Sinhalese Government by giving arms and ammunitions for Sri

Lankan Army. The UPA Government should take immediate steps to stop the

war in Sri Lanka and safeguard the lives and rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The Red Cross people should be brought there for providing first aid facility.
The international press should be brought there so that the killings of

Tamilians living there could be brought to the light of the day. The war in Sri

Lanka should come to an end, political settlement should be made fulfilling

the aspirations of the Tamilians to live and rule that part of Sri Lanka where

Tamilians are thickly populated.

SHRI HANSRAJ G. AHIR: The shortcomings in implementation of

National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme are a matter of concern. The

Government was taking credit of providing dwelling units under Indira Awas

Yojana but delay in construction of these units and difficulties being faced by

beneficiaries show failures of this Government. Shortage of electricity has

become a national problem. Funds provided under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin

Vidhyutikaran Yojana are not sufficient. The Government has constituted Lal

Krishan Renke Commission for welfare and development of nomadic tribes.

This Commission has submitted its report but no action is being taken on it. A

Bench of Supreme Court should be established in Nagpur. People of South

and Central India will get benefit from it. The Government has provided for

condition of residence of three years to get benefit under Forest Rights Act,

2006. As a result of it beneficiaries are facing a lot of difficulties. This

Condition should be relaxed and developmental work should be undertaken in

these areas.
 SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL: The internal security is the major concern

at present. This concern has increased manifold after the 26/11 terrorist attack

in Mumbai. The Government has set up a National Investigation Agency and

the Parliament has amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention Act to deal

with terrorist activities more effectively. To strengthen local policeman, the

National Tactical Training Centre should be set up at strategic place to train

every police force in the country. The proposed NTTC should have

specialized departments to cover the entire range of law enforcement needs. It

should offer professional consultancy services in every field. In order to beef

up our internal security, it is essential to stop the entry of illegal immigrants

from other countries. To check this process of issuing multi purpose National

Identity cards should be expedited. The world has seen a very serious and

crippling economic meltdown during the last few months. But the Indian

economy has withstood the slowdown due to the policies pursued by the UPA

Government. As a result of the Government’s continued efforts, inflation has

come down from nearly 12 percent to below 5 percent now. The Government

has drawn up an ambitious plan for investing Rs.2,36,000 crore for

upgradation of National Highways. I want to draw the attention of the

Government to NH-1. It required to be maintained in a manner matching

international standards so that it can serve as a role model for other roads.
The next Commonwealth Games to be held in India are fast approaching but

progress of preparation of the Games is very slow. The entire work must be

finished at least six months before the Games start. NREGA programme has

given work to millions of people across the country. It is true of Indira Awas

Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana. However, the

total sanitation campaign is not making the desired headway. There is an

immediate need to provide affordable medical care and treatment to the

millions throughout the country. The treatment facilities are either inadequate

or are available at exorbitant costs. The problem is more acutely felt in the

remote villages and smaller towns. A network of medical facilities through

Government agencies is the need of the hour. Being an MP is the highest

honour bestowed by the people of India. Let us live up to this honour by

using each minute of the time of the House in the service of the people in a

positive, constructive, meaningful and dignified manner.

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF

FINANCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE) replying said: Ours, we claim

and perhaps rightly, is a matured democracy. Matured democracy always

provides space for divergence of views. In a democracy, there would be

differences of opinion and I do also recognize that the principal job of the

Opposition Party including the main Opposing Party is to oppose, to expose

and if possible to depose the ruling party and nobody in a parliamentary

system can criticize that. Parliamentary system was strengthened in this

country with the cooperation of all others even well before the formal

independence. I do agree with the Leader of Opposition when he says that the

institutions must be strengthened. One of the strengths of our matured

democracy, from the beginning itself, is that we have established institutions

which have become more and more powerful and this process began under the

leadership of Congress well before the Independence. We had established the

Public Accounts Committee which will scrutinize the expenditure in matters

of public expenditure as early as 1921. We had established the practice that

hon. Speaker’s Office should not be under the control of executive so that the

Chair can exercise its rights and privileges freely and frankly. The short point

which I am trying to make is that if certain unfortunate instances have

happened, all of us have to share that. Simultaneously, we shall have to

restore the prestige and dignity of the House. The Parliament is meant for

discussion, debate and decision. These three “Ds” cannot be adequately

reflected if there are obstructions and disruptions. Nothing can be achieved

by disruptions and the victims becomes the monetary and budgetary

discussions. Even on the regular budget, how much time we devote for the

money matters and how much time we devote for the legislations? The
Parliamentary Standing Committees have been established which are

compensating, to some extent and are scrutinizing the expenditure proposals

and examining the legislations in details. Some hon. Members including the

Leader of the Opposition have expressed concern about the efficacy of the

anti-terror legislations passed by the Government. I cannot agree with their

views. The laws have been carefully crafted to ensure best possible result

keeping in view the requirements of national security and protecting the rights

of the individuals so it is too early to pass a judgment on it. We are

committed to fully investigate the Mumbai attack. In this connection,

sometimes in our anxiety we may try to react instantly. We were advised why

can we not retaliate the way some countries are doing. But we are opposed to

that. We, may be even under the greatest provocation, cannot forget that

human rights, human liberty, human values are sacrosanct and those will have

to be protected and what we are trying to do is exactly the same. Unlawful

Activities (Amendment) Act 2008 has been enacted and notified. The Act

seeks to reinforce the penal provision to combat terrorism. On the economic

front nobody is denying the depth and magnitude of the global impact and the

financial crisis. We have admitted that there has been slow down of the

growth. It has come down and various projections are being made, it is

happening everywhere. IMF and World Bank have also done it because the
whole impact of this crisis – its depth, its magnitude – is not yet fully

revealed. It will take some more time. As for FDI it is being said that through

backdoor, we allowed and diluted the policy so that the Indian ownership and

control is diluted, but in view of the conclusions of the Group of Ministers,

there is no question of diluting and taking over.

We have also emphasized upon ownership and control, and not only the

ownership. The combination of ownership and control along with special

regulation cannot be violated by amending the guidelines and by issuing Press

Notes from time to time. We require Foreign Direct Investment. We require

resources. I mentioned in my Budget speech that before this slowdown, our

rate of investment is around 39 per cent of our GDP and our rate of domestic

savings is around 33 per cent. It is not a very small job given the size of the

GDP; given the size of the population. Therefore, we require FDI in certain

sectors keeping in view our own conditions, and our own guidelines.

As regards public sector, I have to say that the number of loss-making

public sector companies has come down, and the number of profit-making

public sector companies has gone up from 2004-2005 till date. My short point

is that we should not believe in any extreme doctrine. Similarly, I do not

subscribe to the view that every economic ill can be corrected by

privatization. Neither of these two extreme views are true and we shall have

to find a mean.

The Leader of the Opposition alleged about very tardy and the slow

progress in the National Highways. I would like to inform the House, when

Golden Quadrangle was approved in December 2000, it was to be completed

by December 2003. However, when the UPA Government took over in May,

2004, only 33.4 per cent of the Golden Quadrangle has been completed by

National Highways Authority of India, excluding 847 kilometres completed

by the State PWDs. We have now completed 98 per cent of the work in terms

of kilometers. As regards the North-South and East-West Corridors, out of

the total length of 7743 kilometres, four-laning in a length of 3291 kilometres

has already been completed and the works are in progress in a length of 3030

kilometres. Therefore, the entire progress of 2,695 k.m. was done during this

period. I do agree that still it will have to be faster; must more is to be done.

It has also been said that India’s foreign policy has lost its

independence. What are the criteria? We have not supported the Non-

Aligned Movement. We are not supporting the Palestinian cause. We are

under the influence of a particular country. I would like to submit that on

every occasion whenever there has been an attack on innocent Palestinian

people at Gaza by the Israeli armed forces, India’s voice was first to launch
protest. We have supported all the peace process and India is fully

committed. It is our declared policy. Therefore, my submission to our left

friends are that they should not be agitated unnecessarily. Whatever we have

achieved, we have never claimed that it is the achievement of Congress Party

alone. They have supported us for the major part of this tenure. We have

shared our perceptions with them and they shared their perceptions with me in

various forums.

The scandal which a few hon. Members have mentioned is under the

examination of the Parliamentary Committee. Therefore, when a matter is

under examination of the Parliamentary Committee, let us try to wait for the

final report. Our foreign policy is independent and we have our interest to

promote in the context of the external atmosphere and external environment.

Today, exactly we are doing so. The attention which we are getting is not

because of the gratitude of somebody or because some countries are favouring

us. We are pursuing the policies of non-alignment. We are pursuing the

policies of persuasion and not coercion. In regard to Pakistan I would say that

diplomacy has played and diplomacy has not failed. At least, we know that

and all the Members sitting here know that we did not mobilize a single

soldier. We did not press the panic button. We did not lay mines all along the

border but we said that we expect Pakistan to fulfill its commitment. But that
does not mean that I have to rub them on the wrong side. I understand the

complexity of the Pakistan situation, as many people understand. It is true

that infiltrations from Bangladesh are taking place. There is porous border.

We are carrying on the fencing work. Construction of border roads,

floodlighting those areas, enhancing the number of border posts is some of the

preventive measures that are being taken to prevent infiltration. Very

recently, we have handed over about 100,000 people to the BSF, to send them

back to Bangladesh. I do not minimize the importance of this problem but at

the same time I would not like to just over-emphasise this issue. Once again, I

express my deep gratitude to the Leader of the Opposition and to all the

distinguished Members who have participated in the discussion.

All amendments moved were negatived.

The motion was adopted.

INTERIM BUDGET (RAILWAYS) – 2009-2010

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS ON ACCOUNT (RAILWAYS) – 2008-2009

SUPPLEMENTARY DEMANDS FOR GRANTS (RAILWAYS)– 2008-2009

DEMANDS FOR EXCESS GRANTS (RAILWAYS) – 2006-2007

SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN: I would like to congratulate

the Railway Minister as he is the first Minister of Railway of the country who
has presented 6 Railway Budgets consecutively. When the Budget was

presented, it did not seem to be a Budget being presented for the four months

only. Instead, it appeared that the Budget for the whole year has been

presented. It is a matter of sorrow that two railway accidents occurred on the

same day when the railway budget was presented. The Minister of Railway

stressed on earning of profit by railways. Instead of narrating the profit

earned, provisions for more facilities should have been discussed. In the first

Budget speech (2004-05) the Railway Minister introduced kulhar. In his

third Budget Speech one railway route between Gujarat and Rajasthan was

assured to be extended further. In the fourth Budget a scheme was formulated

to introduce three storeyed container on diesel track and two storeyed

container on electric track. This scheme is still to be implemented. In the last

year’s Budget discharge free green toilet was announced to be provided in 36

thousand coaches. Now as his terms as Railway Minister expires, he has

shown a dream of Bullet Train. He said that freight charges have been

reduced. But prior to Budget itself, after making changes in classification an

increase upto 1.3 percent has been made in the freight charges. Railway

Freight Corridor Scheme has been under implementation for the last so many

years. Nothing has been done, except laying foundation, in this regard. More

and more earning is being made from carriage capacity of the goods train
without increasing the capacity of the tracks. Additional busy season

surcharge has been levied. 2 percent has been included in the fare in the name

of development charge. Freight charges have been increased indirectly by

levying total surcharge of 9 percent. Terminal charge, in the name of

surcharge, has been increased from Rs.10 to Rs.20. Thus, if the load of one

goods train is 25,000 tonne Rs.50,000 each for loading and unloading i.e. Rs.1

lakh has to be given as freight charges. Today much attention is needed to be

given to the Railway security and safety. NDA Government had made

provision of Rs. 17000 crore under this head but today it is being neglected.

CCTV cameras, video cameras and metal detectors should be installed at all

the railway stations. 1000 posts are lying vacant in Railway Protection Force.

There should be clear cut responsibility of GRPF and RPF as far as their

functioning is concerned.

The railway projects have a long gestation period. The former Minister

of Railways had got installed an anti-collission device at Kishanganj which

went a long way in helping to prevent collisions. But the credit has gone to

the incumbent Minister.

There is a great deal of fuss in the public about the reduction of railway

fares. But we need to examine the issue closely. First, the share of Tatkal

quota has been increased to 30 per cent of the entire reserve seats. Not only
this, the Tatkal facility is available right 05 days before the actual journey.

Secondly, the rate of platform tickets have been raised from Rs.two to Rs.five.

A number of trains have been designated as Superfast trains, without

increasing their actual speed. Thus, the common man is being cheated.

Moreover, there has been a declining trend in amenities available in the

Railways.

There is much discussion in Bihar about the works done for the State in

the Budget. Now Bhagalpur will have a Rajdhani train. We had requested to

get the railway bridges repaired falling on the rail route from Jamalpur to

Howrah. We had also requested to provide a stoppage of Rajdhani train at

Naugachia. A great deal of work is required to be done for railway tracks.

The honourable Minister has assured the country to have a Bullet train

for them very soon. But I fear, it needs a much longer period to make this

dream a reality.

SHRI RAM SINGH KASWAN: Hon’ble Minister of Railways tried to

provide some respite to common man in his last Rail Budget of 2009-2010.

He tried to provided some relief in passenger fairs but there is disappointment

in industry sector due to non-reduction of fright charges. Hon’ble minister

has not given any assurance regarding Railway Safety. There is no mention in

the budget regarding the construction of manned level crossings in rural areas.
The gauge conversion work between Sadulpur and Rewari was completed

long time ago but till date no express train is started between Sadulpur and

Delhi. In addition to that there is a long pending demand to extend Ludhiana-

Hissar train upto Sadalpur. Therefore, I request to start express trains urgently

to connect Howrah & Patna via Sadulpur-Delhi and an express train should be

started upto Sadulpur-Hissar Ludhiana.

There is an urgent need to resume the remaining work of guage

conversion between Sadulpur to Bikaner and Ratangarh to Degana. There is a

long pending demand for the gauge conversion of railway line between

Ratangarh-Sardarsahar. It must be sanctioned & operationalised at the

earliest.

In the last budget a declaration was made for the gauge conversion of

railway line from Shri Ganganagar to Jaipur. But no action has been taken yet

in this regard. There is a long pending demand for the sanction of new

railway line between Churu-Taranagar-Nohar, Sardarsahar-Hanumangarh and

Sikar-Nokha. But there is no mention of these lines in this budget.

RUB can be constructed on Loharu-Sadulpur-Ratangarh Railway line,

on Rampura-Gulgava Road, on Bevad-Bhojan Road, Kandhran-Radwa Road

on the western side of Dikwa Station, on the Damer Raod from Hadiyaal

Village (N.H. 65) to Tumkor, near Molisar Village, near Payli Halt Station.
Where the whole village use that road as entrance and at many more rural

areas.

Stoppage time of Train No. 2307/2308 Hawrah-Jodhpur train at Degana

should be increased to 5 minutes in place of existing 2 minutes and halt must

be provided at Degana for Train No. 5631/5632.

On Ratangarh-Sardarsahar route Ananwasi Halt Station, Jaisalsar Halt

Station between Bigga to Shridungargarh, Benisar Halt Station between

Shridungargarh to Sudsar. The sanction of these halt station are essential for

the convenience of General Public.

Computer Reservation facility is not available yet at Ladnoo and Shri

Sungargarh Stations. It is in the favour of common man to provide P.R.S.

facility at both the above mentioned stations. Computer Reservation Centre is

sanctioned at Ladnoo but it is not operationalised. It should be

operationalised at the earliest.

SHRI HARIKEWAL PRASAD: The present budget is just like the

last five Railway Budgets in which there is only popular declarations and

empty commitments for the future and there is no resolve for any fundamental

change. In this budget emphasis given only to reduce the fares and to increase

the number of trains. Much attention is not given to enhance passenger

amenities, infrastructure, safety & security which is clearly being reflected by

the budget provisions. Hon. Minister of Railways do not hesitate to increase

the number of new trains but he overlook the fact that doubling, electrification

and guage conversion of railway lines in this proportion is also very much

necessary. Many important trains are running late by many hours which is the

result of increasing the number of trains and ignoring the pending Railway

projects. Safety and security of people is being compromised.

Much attention is not given to enhance the passenger amenities in this

Interim Railway Budget. At the time of presentation of budget Hon. Minister

of Railways gives commitment for increasing the passenger amenities but he

never implements his commitments. Due to enhancement of charges by

IRCTC new vendors have hiked the rates of eatables and the quality of these

items is also being neglected.

In the present interim Railway budget declaration has been made to

start 43 new trains, to increase the frequency of 14 trains, to extend the routes

of 15 trains and to construct some new railway lines. In this new

announcement the interests of Uttar Pradesh are neglected. Lot of gifts

showered upon Bihar.

Hon. Minister of Railways not mentioned anything to remove or reduce

the corruption in Railways in the budget speech. Incidences of black

marketing of Railway tickets come in to light in a routine manner. Leaking of

questions papers of Railway Recruitment Boards became a common

phenomenon.

I demand from the Hon. Minister of Railways that as per his

announcement and in the interest of general public the construction work of

new railway line from Barhaj Bajar to Faijabad via Dohri Dhar should be

started. Construction work of proposed over bridge at Salempur Junction of

Varanasi-Bhatni Railway section and at Vilthara Tod Stations should also be

initiated. Computerized Reservation facility should be provided at Bhatni and

Bhatpaar Rani Stations. Beautification of Bhatpaar Rani Railway Station

should also be completed. Proposed Intercity Express train between Chapra to

Gorakhpur should be started, Rajdhani Train must be provided between New

Delhi to Barauni via Lucknow, Garakhpur. Kaifiyat Express which ply

between Delhi to Ajamgarh should be extended upto Manjh. Halts of Bihar

Sampark Kranti and Gharib Rath at Devaria Sadar Station should be provided.

Halts of Drug Express at Salempur Junction, Litchvi Express at Kar Road,

Janseva at Bharpaar Rani and of Intercity express at Diharpur should also be

provided. As per earlier practice halt of train plying between Bhatni of

Varanasi Meddle and Barhaj Bajar should also be provided at Dwraha Baba

halt and at Sishai Gulab Rai Halt. Effective steps should also be taken to allot
Railway Land to persons running their shops on the Railway Land at

Salempur junction.

SHRI MAHAVIR BHAGORA: I want to draw attention of Hon’ble

Minister for Railways regarding not paying proper heed on tribal populated

rural areas of Udaypur and Udaypur division of Rajasthan. This whole area is

tribal populated and is very backward and is deprived of means of transport. I

would like to submit my following requests to hon’ble Minister for Railways:-

Gauge conversion of Udaypur to Ahamadabad metre gauge of 270 km into

broad gauge; A new train from Udaypur to Indore via Ratlam; To lay new rail

tracks from Dungarpur to Khairvada or Rishavdev Road to Jhadola, Abu Road

via Kotada and sanction of new trains; To lay new rail tracks from Vadi

Sadari to Pratapgarh, Bansvada Dohod via Kushalgarh and sanction of new

train; To run new trains from Khairvada to Dungapur, Sagavada, Ratlam via

Banswada by laying down new rail trains; Gauge conversion of rail sections

between Ajmer to Ratlam via Chittaur 400 km, Chittaur to Kota 200 km,

Udaypur to Chittaur 120 km, Mawali to Badi Sadari 80 km, Mawali to

Marvada 200 km; Extension of run of Indore-Udaypur Express to Bhopal;

Udaypur-Delhi Mewar Express to be extended upto Haridwar.Udaypur-

Bandra Express to run daily.

 SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL: I would like to draw the attention of the

Hon. Minister of Railways towards the problems of Kurukshetra

Parliamentary Constituency.

Hon. Minister of Railways announced to make Kurukshetra a modern

station but no action has been taken in this regard.

It is a commendable decision of the Railways to provide lifts and

escalators at some stations. My request is to provide lifts and escalators at

Kurukshetra Station. At sector 13 of Kurukshetra a reservation counter was

opened but it always remains closed. I also request to open it during the

departure time of trains.

Many social organizations, business establishments and groups of

students requested to start train service between Kaithal and Delhi via

Kurukshetra.

I would like to draw to the attention of Hon. Minister of Railways

towards Three ROB’s in my parliamentary constituency; ROB at level

crossing No. 32-B near Anaj Mandi, Kaithal; ROB at level crossing No. 98B2

on old Radaur-Yamuna Nagar Road; ROB at level crossing No. 98AC

crossing Shahabad-Thol Road in Karukshetra District.

A decision should be taken by Railway authorities at the earliest for the

construction of these ROB’s.

 I had requested the hon. Minister of Railway for the construction of

Yamuna Nagar-Patiala Railway line. Engineering cum traffic survey

regarding this line was completed in December, 2005. As per my information

the total length of this railway line from Jagadhari to Kurukshetra is 58.61

kms and Pihovo Road to Daunkalan is 82.80 kms. The rate of return of this

line is stated to be (-) 10.11 percent. But in my view after the completion of

this railway line the rate of return of this line will become positive because

many industries are likely to be set up in this area. If the Railway authorities

do not want to construct the complete line then construction of Jagadhari

Kurukshetra line must be completed.

Kurukshetra-Marvana Railway line passed through densely populated

areas. It should be diverted outside the city of Kurukshetra for the

convenience of general public.

It is proposed to complete the electrification work of Kurukshetra-

Narvana line in 2006-07 with the allocation of Rs. 17.09 crores. It is my

request to complete this work in the year 2009-10 as the work was not started

in 2006-07.

Railways is providing the facility of discharge free green toilets in 36

thousand coaches with the cost of 4000 crore rupees till the end of 11th five
year plan. I request to implement this as early as possible. I also request to

convert all the unmanned level crossings into manned level crossings.

Water booths and modern refreshment rooms of modern designs must

be constructed at Kurukshetra Kaithal and Jagadhari.

The sanitary condition at Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar, Kaithal Railway

station is in worse condition. The benches also are in dilapidated condition at

Kurukshetra & Yamunanagar. It must be rectified and these stations must be

modernized.

Keeping in view the demand of daily passengers an EMU Train from

Kurukshetra to Chandigarh at early morning 6’o clock and from Chandigarh

to Kurukshetra at 6’0 clock in the evening should be started and in the similar

manner an EMU Train for Delhi should also be initiated at evening 5.30.

Halts of following trains should also be provided at Kurukshetra. Shan-

e-Punjab Express, Amrapali Express, Sampark Kranti Express, Gharib Rath

(Amritsar to Sharsha), Kochawali Express (From Chandigarh), Swaraj

Express, Malwa Express, Sachkhand Express.

SHRI RUPCHAND PAL: There is an Urgent need to have a

satisfactory solution to the long-pending problem of water logging at Bandel

Railway Station in the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway – a) at the

Bazarpara point and b) at the Platform area (a comprehensive suggestion

has already been made by myself to Railway Authorities). Need to increase

the number of Suburban Trains in the Howrah and Bandel; Howrah-Burdwan,

Sealdah-Naihati; Sealdah-Krishnanagar; Sealdah-Bandel; Sealdah-Bongaon in

the Eastern Railway; Sheoraphuly-Tarakeshwar; Bandel-Katwa and similarly

in the suburban sections of the South-Eastern Railway. Urgent need to

increase the number of rakes in the suburban trains from 9 to 12

Coaches and to ensure punctuality. Need to urgently take up the project of

construction of freight corridor up to Kolkata Port and to Haldia Port in the

Eastern Freight Corridor. Urgent need for completion of the doubling of

Railway lines in –a) Bandel-Katwa Section and b) Seoraphuly-

Tarkeshwar Section. To continue Nalikul Railway Station in the Sheoraphuly-

Tarakeshwar section of Howrah Division as a regular station. To

undertake the construction of road from Chandanpur Railway Station to

Durgapur Express Way Crossing Railway line at Chandanpur in Howerah-

Burdwan chord line. Urgent need to increase the passenger amenities and

availability of telephone facilities at Railway platform. Widening of the

sub-way at Bhadreshwar Railway Station in the Howrah-Bandel line. Urgent

need for a Rehabilitation plan for the oustees and persons evicted resulting

from Railway Development work. Urgent need to use vacant Railway lands

for cultivation of biodiesel (like Jatropha etc.). Urgent need to improve

Railway management in different areas instead of taking privatization.

Need for connecting Nalikul in the Sheoraphuly-Tarakeshwar Section of

Howrah Division with the Howrah-Burdwan Railway chord line so that the

Tarakeshwar branch line can be connected to Sealdah. Urgent need to make

available Railway land to Haripal Panchayat Samiti for construction of

a public stand. To provide Railway land for Singur in the Sheoraphuly-

Tarakeshwar railway line for construction of an approach road by Singur

Panchayat Samiti. Urgent need to provide suitable Railway land at Bandel and

at Chinsurah Railway areas to the evicted hawkers/vendors. Urgent need to

provide workmen at newly constructed Ticket counters at Hooghlyghat

Railway Station. Need to declare presentation and repair of the existing

Hooghly Jubilee Bridge on the Ganges. To Name the new Railway Bridge

between Hooghlyghat and Garifa after the name of great philanthropist and

educationist Haji Mohmmad Mohia.

SHRIMATI MINATI SEN: During last 5 years, how many trains have

been renamed as “Express Train” and thus imposing Rupees 20/- extra on

each ticket? Before 5 years, what were the number of Tatkal Berths and how

much was the charges to reserve a Berth in Tatkal Quota? In your time, the

upper quota has been fixed at 30 per cent of all reserved seats, Tatkal charges

have gone up from Rupees 50/- to Rupees 250/- . On the other day you have
hiked the freight charges for rice, foodgrains, pulses and fertilizers with effect

from 1st February, 2009. As such, prices of all essential commodities have not

gone down to the deserving stage. Hon’ble Minister for Railways has claimed

that Railways have earned a profit of Seventy thousand crores. It sounds

good. But the question remains how the money is being invested. Can the

Ministry of Railway deny that there are 345 pending schemes and extension of

Railway network during the last five years is very negligible? It is nice to

know that you have not forgotten that private companies resort to anti-people

measures like increase in prices, retrenchment of employees and lockouts.

Right from ticketing to cleaning to catering and even maintenance of lines and

bridges have been outsourced to private companies. As a result of the

outsourcing, Coromondal Express met a serious accident on the very day the

Railway Interim Budget has been placed. Contrary to the claim of Minister of

railways, 10,000 posts of Railway Police Force have also been surrendered.

In every year’s budget, you have declared a number of new trains, new lines

and so on. In this years’ budget too, you have said that 2187/2188 Jabalpur-

Mumbai Garib Rath express will be extended up to Allahabad. Perhaps you

have forgotten to mention that Mumbai-Jabalpur-Mumbai Garib Rath does not

exist. Hon’ble Minister for Railways has declared that Railway is going to

introduce Bullet Train. But is it not a fact that even after 60 years of
independence, the average speed of trains in India is 36 k.m.s.? Earlier,

number of wagon manufacturing P.S.Us was referred to BIFR. Railway had

decided to take over the Mokama and Mazffarpur units of Bharat wagon

Limited. But still the Railway ideas of placement of orders for wagons on

private companies have not been abandoned. Chitttaranjan Locomotive and

Benaras Rail factory are not getting sufficient orders. Hon’ble Minister for

Railways has declared that Railway is going to introduce Dedicated Freight

Corridors. It is a welcoming announcement. But the demand of wagon will

definitely go up as soon as the dedicated freight corridors will be operational.

It is a fact that for years we were demanding taking over of wagon

manufacturing units of Burn standard and Braithwaite. But only the Burn

Standard is being taken over. During the N.D.A. period Railways took a

decision to form State Based Railway Zones. We objected to that proposal.

Railway is a symbol of unity of the country. As such no planning should be

made on the regional basis. I would request Hon’ble Minister for Railways to

consider: Resumption of Train Service from Haldibari to Sealdah through

Banglades, Development of Jalpaiguri Station, Completion of New

Moinaguri-Jogikhopa Rail Line, Introduction of Passenger Train between

Jalpaiguri Town and Alipurduar, Introduction of another pair of passenger

Train between Alipurduar and Siliguri via Mal, Daily services of

Kanchankanya and Uttarbanga Express, Speedy completion of New Jalpaiguri

to New Coochbehar Railway line, Construction new terminal on Jalpaiguri

side at New Jalpaiguri station, Construction of Fly-Over at Jalpaiguri no. 3

goomti and Alipurduar Assam Level Crossing gate, Computerised Ticket

Counter at Falakata and Dhupguri Station, Extra vendor coach in Long

distance trains, Controlled Rail Speed through the Jungle area to save the lives

of the animals.

DR. COL. (RETD.) DHANI RAM SHANDIL: I would like to place

on record my deep appreciation for the praiseworthy achievement of 14 lakh

Railway Employees under the able leadership of the hon. Minister of

Railways. This is the sixth Railway Budget in the row, where there has not

been a single rupee increase in the fare. This Budget is pro-poor and is for the

Aam Admi. Introduction of fully air-conditioned `Garib Raths’ and free

passenger upgrade facility which has been given are pro-poor.

I am grateful to the hon. Railway Minister that he has listened to our

continuous request from Himachal Pradesh, and the Railway authorities have

decided to undertake the survey of the strategically important Himachal’s

Pathankot-Joginder Nagar-Mandi-Manali-Keylong-Leh Railway Project. A

sum of Rs.81 lakh has been sanctioned for construction of new broad gauge

rail lines from Bilaspur to Leh via Kullu and Manali, and Joginder Nagar to
Mandi. Similarly, a sum of Rs.2 lakh has also been sanctioned for updating

the survey of gauge conversion of 189 kilometres Pathankot-Joginder Nagar

railway line. Kalka-Shimla railway line has been declared as a world heritage

site by UNESCO, and I feel that it will also receive the hon. Minister’s

attention for its upkeep and care. The manner in which a rail link has been

established between Nanded Saheb and Anandpur Saheb in Punjab. Similarly,

Ponta Saheb in Himachal should also be linked by rail. This will be very

beneficial for Himachal Pradesh. It is a very real cultural religious tourism

centre. I appeal to you, to please order the survey of this important line either

from Jagadhari side, or from Dehradun side, depending on technical

considerations. Further, this region is an industrial hub. If you improve

Shivalik Range and take it to Dawla Ghat, it would be better. If you could

kindly get these two surveys done, I shall be grateful.

SHRI B. MAHTAB: Railways are the most preferred mode of

transport for the masses in India. But, I am sorry to mention that Indian

Railways are the most dirtiest rail services ever found in this world. Even

today, in this 21st century, cleanliness is largely viewed as a secondary

activity. It is because there is no systematic mechanism in place to monitor it.

There is no accountability, there is no responsibility. Failure to prevent

unauthorized persons from entering station premises have compounded the

problem. Railways have no policy on waste management. Why can’t you

rope in reputed NGOs for the job of cleanliness and sanitation on Indian

Railways? The system and practices followed in Delhi Metro have been

appreciated by passengers in Delhi. Can’t you incorporate some of these tried

and tested methods? The Ministry had earlier proposed to take up five

stations per division and turn them into model stations. What is the progress?

Earlier I had raised the issue of installing CCTV cameras in big stations. So I

want to know how many stations have been equipped with CCTV cameras

and are they effective in promoting sanitation on the railway premises and do

you have any effective mechanism in place for regulation of crowd at railway

stations?

Railways share of the total transport has come down. Therefore, the

freight operation needs to be strengthened for profitability of Railways. A

sound, safe and efficient modern infrastructure is required for smooth

passenger as well as freight operations. This can only by done by upgrading

the existing infrastructure which may improve the passenger and freight

operations. Dedicated freight corridors and their feeder routes are also

required to be strengthened and improved. However, the amount provided

through various funds created by Indian Railways for infrastructure

development has not been utilized in full over the past years? In this scenario,
how does the Railways plan to provide a sound, safe and efficient modern

infrastructure for smooth freight operations?

Just within 8 hours after the Railway Minister read out his Interim

Budget speech Coromondol Superfast Express met with an accident near

Jajpur Road of Orissa which claimed 9 lives and left scores injured. Train

accidents and safety measures were not in the Minister’s mind when he

presented the Rail Budget. What is more alarming is that due to lack of

communication between the railway control room at Khurda Road Station and

the Jajpur Road Station Master, coupled with poor maintenance of railway

track, Coromandol Express derailed. If this is not human error, what else is?

The Government accepted that there will be a massive 50 per cent

increase in the financial estimate for modernization of new stations which are

to be built of high world standard. Bhubaneswar station was identified along

with New Delhi and Bangalore. But what is the progress? Modernisation

programme is mired in controversy. Nobody knows when these projects will

be completed. The unmanned level crossings are known to have taken a

heavy toll almost every year. Isn’t the Government aware that technology has

been developed under which gates can be closed automatically when a train

approaches. Has any attempt been made by the Government to procure the

technology to operate selected gates as a part of the pilot project? I want to

know whether Railways have subsumed the safety surcharge in the passenger

tariff for part-funding the Dedicated Freight Corridor and other infrastructure

projects? Why does not the Railways review this safety surcharge and replace

it with development charge? Railways total wage bill in 2007-08, excluding

pensionary benefits totalled Rs. 18,565 crore or 45 per cent of ordinary

working expenses. Fuel cost account for close to 30 per cent and other

materials and services another 25 per cent. With costs and expenses

preempting so dominantly, what is the system left with for maintenance of

rolling stocks, modernization or track renewals to keep the wheel of the

system running without bump or blip is an open secret. The organization

needs far fewer tiers of management than the traditional command and control

model. Construction of second bridge over river Kathajodi in Cuttack which

comes under East Coast Railways was supposed to be completed by this year

end but now more than one year is required. Can the Minister assure us, the

exact date and time by which the second bridge over river Kathajodi will be

made available for operation. The second opening of Cuttack Railway Station

is inoperational. I urge upon the Railways to provide adequate funds to

acquire the land for the approach road at the earliest so that the investment

that is made for the second opening to Cuttack Railway Stations is

operational. Further at a time when the economy is in deep crisis, the Rail
Minister has decided to hike the freight charges for carrying essential

commodities. This simply defies understanding and logically, the Railways

should have cut rates.

SHRI KISHAN SINGH SANGWAN: I am very sorry to say that in

all the Rail Budgets presented by the UPA Government, Haryana has been

totally neglected. Almost 80% of the trains coming to Delhi pass through

Haryana but the benefits are not being reaped by the people of the state. In all

the Mail/Express trains there is no stoppage in Haryana and no new passenger

trains are also being introduced.

Earlier, Railways used to carry 70% of the total freight of the country

and 30% used to be carried through road transport. However, now the

condition has reversed and through road transport maximum load is being

carried. Even from the security point of view no allocation has been made in

the Budget. Railways is a big organization where lakhs of persons are

employed. I want to know from the hon. Minister the fate of the staff welfare

plans.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee’s 16 members visited the

Sonepat, Gangaur and Panipat stations on Delhi-Panipat section on 4.10.2007

alongwith the railway officers. However, the announcements made by them

have not been fully implemented. I demand extention of ENS train upto
Panipat. Introduction of a passenger train between 10:20 AM and 3:00 PM on

the Gangaur route as there is no train available during this period at this

railway station. There is a need to provide stoppage of Shan-e-Punjab and

Delhi Pathankot Express at Sonepat Railway Station. At Gangaur railway

station stoppage of Jammu Mail and Shaheed Express should be provided and

at this station reservation counter should be opened alongwith increasing

booking staff. At Narela station Himalayan Queen and Shaheed Express

should be given stoppage. In all the passenger trains the number of coaches

should be increased to 20. On Rohtak-Panipat section, Jaipur-Chandigarh

Express should be provided a stoppage at Gohana railway station. There is a

need to increased the number of passenger trains on Jind-Safido-Panipat

section. On Delhi-Rohtak section at Sampla Station, Gorakhdham Express

should be provided stoppage and at Nangloi Station Kalindi Express and

Dhauladhar Express should be provided stoppage. On this route in all the

passenger trains the number of coaches should be increased by 4. Mussouri

Express should be provided stoppage at Nangloi, Bahadurgarh and Sampla

Railway stations and the train should be extended upto Rohtak, Jind/Rohtak-

Bhiwani. On the Jind-Gohana Road I demand construction of ROB at

Gohana. Jind, Sonepat and Gangaur stations should be included in the list of
model stations and on Delhi-Rohtak-Gohana-Panipat route an intercity

express train should be introduced.

SHRI BHUVANAESHWAR PRASAD MEHTA: The hon. Minister

of Railways has brought down the rail fares instead of increasing them and the

railways have made a profit of rupees 90,000 crore during the last five years.

The biggest achievement of hon. Railway Minister is recruitment of Railway

Porters as Gangman.

It is very tragic that from the beginning the hon. Minister has

discriminated against Jharkhand. The Railways earned a large chunk of its

revenue from Jharkhand. The pace of work on Kodarma-Hazaribagh and

Hazaribagh-Badkakana rail lines has improved but there is a need to further

expedite the work so that both the lines get operational during the year 2009

so that the demand of the people of Hazaribagh gets fulfilled. Hazaribagh is

the division of North Chhota Nagpur but unfortunately is not linked by rail.

At Badkakana junction Ranchi Rajdhani and Garib Rath should be provided

stoppage. I request the hon. Minister to run Ranchi Rajdhani Express via

Kodarma 4 days a week and via Badkakana junction 3 days a week and

reserved seats should also be provided at Badkakana junction. In addition via

Badkakana junction Garib Rath should be run 3 days a week and via Kodarma

also 3 days a week besides providing reservation and stoppage facility at

Badkakana junction. There is a need to provide a railway halt at Dhigwar on

Ranchi Road and Chainpur in district Ramgarh to fulfill the demand of the

people of the area pending since 1998. Rai Station on Badkakana junction

and Khiladi route is in bad shape and enough passenger trains don’t stop at

this station. Therefore, I demand stoppage of all the Express trains going to

Badkakana Junction at the Rai Station. There is a need to construct railway

crossing at Manwa Phul Sarai. There is a need to urgently undertake repairs

of bridge on NH-33 over Ranchi Road Station. An EMU train should be

introduced between Asansol and Badkakana junction and Ranchi Rajdhani

should be made a daily train besides improving the catering facility and the

condition of coaches and Sealdah Rajdhani should be stopped at Kodarma and

Mahabodhi train should be extended upto Dhanbagh and ROB should be

constructed at Chainpur Railway Crossing. Dhanbagh division of Jharkhand

comes under Hajipur Zone and Ranchi and Chakradharpur come under SE

Railway Kolkatta. Therefore, I demand creation of a new zone with

headquarters at Ranchi by bringing together these three divisions. In addition

Bokaro Station should be brought under Ranchi division from Adra division.

A train should be introduced between Bokaro- Ranchi-Durg via Raipur and

Howrah-Bhopal train should be provided stoppage at Bokaro Thermal Station.

A new Mail train should be introduced between Dhanbad and Surat.

 SHRIMATI KALPANA RAMESH NARHIRE: I am putting forth

certain demands for consideration by the hon. Minister for inclusion in the

interim Rail Budget:-

There is a need to introduce a new passenger train between Delhi and

Hyderabad with stoppages at Osmanabad, Kurduwadi and Latur, increasing

the number of coaches in Osmanabad-Mumbai Passenger train, introduction

of new train between Osmanabad and Pune, immediately starting work on

Tuljapur Railway line after completion of survey and making enough

allocation for Marathwada region in the budget which has been totally

neglected. The railways should introduced new trains in the region and

undertake gauge conversion of all meter gauge lines, besides providing

drinking water, shed, canteen, clock-room and toilet facilities at Osmanabad

Railway Station. At Osmanabad reservation counter functions only 4 hours in

the morning and 4 hours in the evening. Therefore arrangement should be

made to make the reservation counter open for 12 hours.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN: I do not know why many of the projects

or many of the suggestions given by the Government of Kerala or given by the

MPs from Kerala are not included in the Budget. I think that the Ministry of

Railways should take note of this issue. It is fact that many of the long-route

trains are lacking sufficient number of coaches and other facilities. It is said
by all that the coaches sent to Kerala are old and outdated. I believe that new

coaches are an essential part of the trains that run on long-distance routes. It

is surprising to note that a major incident took place on 25 January 2009 at

Nagpur in which the passengers of the Kerala Express were looted. But more

surprising is the fact that the Railway authorities say that they are unaware of

this incident. Therefore, more attention has to be given with regard to

protection of passengers in these trains.

As far as the number of trains, number of new lines, doubling of lines is

concerned, Kerala is neglected. I would request that there should be at least

one train from Delhi to Trivandrum because thousands and thousands of

Keralites are residing here. Frequency of Sampark Kranti and Rajdhani

Express should be increased. The frequency of Kannur-Yashwantpur Express

and the Kochuveli-Bangalore Express should be increased. An inter-city

express should be introduced between Calicut and Mangalore. Veluji may

remember that when he came to Kasargod to inaugurate extension of train to

Mangalore, he himself had announced that the Calicut-Kannur passenger train

would be extended to Mangalore. But that has not materialized. Trivandrum-

Ernakulam Janshatabdi Express can be extended to Shoranur. At present,

EMUs are operated at Palakkad and Coimbatore. Considering the huge

population that travels in that train, suburban trains may be operated

connecting major cities.

The Government has decided that a coach factory should be established

in Palakkad in Kanjigod. But no action has been taken. I would request the

Government to provide a token provision in the Budget itself. There is a

fabrication unit in the Joint Venture in Cherthala in Alleppey but no work has

been started in spite of the promise given by the Government. The

Government of Kerala has already requested for a Dedicated High Speed

Corridor. I would request the Government to sanction a Dedicated Freight

Corridor connecting Trivandrum and other cities. In the last Budget also, the

Government has stated that Shornor-Mangalore line would be taken up for

electrification. But no work has been started.

PROF. BASUDEB BARMAN: New rail lines from Jaynagar to

Raidighi, from Canning to Jamtala and Jaynagar to Dhamakhali and from Park

Circus to Dhamakhali should be constructed. Work relating to doubling of

Baruipur-Diamond Harbour Section and Baruipur-Namkhana Section be taken

up. A halt station at Madhavnagar Road between Nischindapur and

Kashinagar stations should be provided. The environment friendly coach toilet

system, as proposed by the Railway Minister in Budget speech 2004-05

should be introduced immediately all over the country.

 SHRI KASHRAM RANA: The Railway Minister has acted against the

tradition while presenting Interim Budget. This budget has been prepared

keeping the ensuing elections in mind. During the last five years he has

announced maximum rail services to Bihar, whereas, being a Railway

Minister it is his responsibility to ensure that all the states are taken care of

equally. I praise the hon. Minister for reduction in freight rates, but so far as

provision of train services are concerned, he has acted in a partisan manner

with some states. He has announced 43 new trains, but only two for Gujarat.

The trains announced in last year’s budget have not yet been started. The pace

of work for upgrading Surat station to the level of A1 Model station is very

slow. It should be completed expeditiously. Shatabdi, Karnavati Express

should be provided stoppage at Navsari. Thiruananthpuram-Nizamuddin

Rajdhani and Sampark Kranti should be provided stoppage at Surat. The site

sought by Shri Dada Bhagwan Sanstha at platform number 3 at Surat station

for opening a bookstall should be allotted to the said organization.

Handicapped persons should be provided concession in Garib Rath train. The

route of Manmad-Madurai Express (6733/6734) was announced to be

extended upto Orba - Rameshwar. It has not been extended so far. The linking

of Jamnagar-Surat and Surat-Bandra trains has caused inconvenience to the

passengers. Previous pattern of these trains should be restored.

 SHRI RAMJI LAL SUMAN: There should be a time bound

programme for the railway projects. Action should be taken for construction

of Katra to Bannihal railway line. The railway line between Agra and

Bateshwar should be started soon. Information regarding change of platform

should be given to the passengers at least one hour before to save them from

the inconvenience. Level crossing should be constructed on the Garapur

village side near Etmadpur railway station. Level crossing should be provided

in Janpai village. Agra Cantt railway station should be made world class.

Halt should be provided in the Raja Rampur village.

SHRI RAMESH DUBE: Halt for trains like Rajdhani and Sampark

Kranti should be provided at Mirzapur railway station. The superfast train

announced between Mumbai and Varanasi should be run on the lines of

Rajdhani Express. Shivganga Express should be provided a halt at the Madhav

Singh Railway station and better catering facilities should be provided in it.

Crossing No.23C near Katka railway station should be shifted back or forth to

avoid inconvenience to the people. Attention should be paid towards to the

backward districts like Mirzapur, Robertsganj, Chandoli etc. in eastern Uttar

Pradesh.
 SHRI BHANWAR SINGH DANGAWAS: Approval should be

granted for construction of Pushkar to Medta City line. This line should be

included in the supplementary demands of Railways for the year 2008-09.

SHRI GHURAN RAM: The frequency of the passenger train that runs

from Barbadeeh in my constituency Palamu to Dehri-on-sone should be

increased.

SHRI RAJESH RANJAN ALIAS PAPPU YADAV: I rise to support

the railway budget. I demand that a divisional office be established in Saharsa.

The frequency of Saharsa-Amritsar Garib Rath should be increased from two

days to four days. The frequency of new Saharsa-New Delhi train announced

recently should be three days a week. A garibrath train should be run from

Jogbani to New Delhi. Daily train be run from Jogbani to Patna via Purnia

and Katihar. The announcement of survey for railway line from Bihariganj to

Naugachiya via Uda Kishanganj, Puteni, Chausa is a good initiative. But if

Naugachiya is connected to Bhagalpur by means of a bridge over the river

Ganga, it would be a great achievement. A survey has been conducted

recently for a railway line between Bihariganj to Farvisganj via Huraliganj,

Kumarkhand, Chhatarpur. I request the route of Bihariganj to Farvisganj

railway line be planned along Muraliganj, Khurda, Kumarkhand, Jadiya and

Chhatarpur. The name of Saharsa Station should be changed to Mandan

Mishra and of Supaul Station to Loric station. Madhepura Station should be

named after V P Mandalji. Krityanand Nagar Station should be named after

Bhola Paswan Shastri. Ranipatra should be named after Vinoba Bhaveji.

Seemanchal Express should be given a halt in Bellori. Bharatkhand halt

Station on the Barauni-Katihar railway section should be turned into a

crossing station having three railway lines. A new railway line should be laid

between Banmankhi and Kishanganj via Jalalgarh and Araria. A railway line

should be laid to link Purnia junction to Barsoi via Dagrua-Wayasi and

Banmankhi to Narpatganj via Raniganj, Bhargama. A railway line should be

laid from Lalit gram to Kursakanta via Bathnaha. Manihari and Shahganj

should be linked with a railway line by constructing a bridge.

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH: Doubling of the Yeshwantpur-

Tumkur railway line is yet to be completed. All the trains including express

trains should have a stoppage at Nittor station at least for 2 minutes. At the

Ramapura railway station all the trains should be given stoppage for atleast

two minutes. Near Upparahalli in Tumkur a ROB should be constructed. As

far as the Bangalore Metro Rail Project is concerned the progress of work is

very slow due to lack of funds. Hence more funds should be released to speed

up this project. A new train should be introduced between Mysore and

Benaras. There is a need for continuous upgradation of infrastructure,

technology and equipment. There are still thousands of unmanned crossings &

signal systems are not functioning. The railways need to do much more to

ensure the safety and security of passengers. Making trains crime free is as

important as making them accident free. The Railways should also pay more

attention to cleanliness, hygiene and provide drinking water in both trains and

stations.

DR. SUJAN CHAKRABORTY: Construction of ROB at Baruipur

and underpass at Jadavpur Railway Gate which is a very long pending demand

within the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway should be expedited. Better

frequency should be provided in the Southern section of Sealdah Division and

priority must be given to the new rail line to be constructed between Jainagar

to Raidighi, Jainagar to Jamtala and Piyali to Sonakhali. Metro Railway

extension work from Tollyganj to New Garia should be expedited. Metro rail

should also be extended from Garia to Baruipur.

SHRI ANIRUDH PRASAD ALIAS SADHU YADAV: I congratulate

the Minister of Railways for turning around the railways without imposing

any burden on common people and for the announcement of introduction of

bullet train. A new bridge is proposed to be constructed on the Gandak river

which would link Thawe to Betiah. I demand that a rail route to connect these

two places should also be included in the rail projects as Thawe is a religious
place where there is an ancient temple of the Goddess and the tourists from

remote places come for darshan and this area is also the karmbhoomi of

Bapuji.

DR. ARVIND SHARMA: Reduction in passenger fares is a big relief

to Aam Aadami. Now, I demand that a “Foot over bridge” at Karnal Railway

station be constructed with direct exit outside platform and one additional

computerized reservation counter be put in working. The demand of people of

Ram Nagar area for a privately managed Railway Reservation Counter be

considered on priority basis. Karnal Station has already been declared as

Model Railway Station. So trains like Pooja Express be halted at the station.

The demand for developing an alternate road near the Railway Quarters of

Gharunda be examined. Stoppage of Jhelum Express at Gharunda Railway

Station be restored. Stoppage of Ekta Express and Ucchar Express (up and

down) be provided at Taraori and Nilokheri stations. Stoppage of Jhelum

Express and New Delhi-Bhatinda Express be provided at Samalkha Railway

Station. Passenger train 3DPM be extended from Sonipat to Panipat. A new

railway line each from Panipat to Haridwar via Kerana, Shamli and

Muzzafarnagar and from Panipat to Assandh be approved. Level crossings

(Regular Phatak) at Lord Gaushala, Village Shahpur and village – Naultha

distt. Panipat be provided.

 SHRI K.C. SINGH ‘BABA’: Uttarakhand being a tourist destination,

there is greater need to provide proper rail communication in the State. There

is a need to construct overbridges on railway godown to national highway

Baazpur level crossing in Kashipur district and other such level crossings

across the busy national highways in the State. There is a need to attach A.C.

chair car in Delhi-Ramnagar Sampark Kranti and a high power engine to

Corbett Express. Two to three bogies need to be attached at Ramnagar with

Garib Rath running between Kathgodam and Jammu Tavi. AC Ist and IInd

tier coaches should be provided in Ranikhet Express to Ramnagar and every

coach should be upgraded. There is a need to lay a rail line from Kashipur to

Dhampur via Jaspur in Uttarakhand. The laying of rail lines from Tanakpur to

Dehradun and from Kashipur to Nazibabad will benefit the residents of this

area as well as the tourists. Delhi-Dehradun route needs to be connected

through rail line from Muzaffarnagar to Laksar. The rail line from Laksar to

Dehradun via Haridwar needs to be doubled. There is need to introduce a

direct high speed non-stop train between New Delhi and Dehradun and a daily

train from Dehradun to Kathgodam and a daily from Tanakpur to Kotdwar

via Kathgodam and Ramnagar. Three bogeys need to be attached to Sampark

Kranti Express running between Kathgodam to Delhi at Lalkuan. The

stoppage of all the trains at Mahuakheda Ganj station and Uttarakhand

Sampark Kranti Express and all other trains at Haldi before Haldwani should

be provided. The survey of Tanakpur-Bageshwer rail line should be taken up

at the earliest. There is a need of laying new railway line from Rishikesh to

Dehradun, Rishikesh to Devprayag/Badrinath, Ramnagar to Chaukhutia,

Tanakpur to Purnagivi, the tamoums pilgrim place and conversion of Bareilly-

Tanakpur railway line. Tiruvanantpuram and Dehradun need to be connected

by rail. Every railway station in Uttarkhand needs to be computerized and

beautified. There is a need of laying new rail line from Ramnagar to

Tanakpur via Bazpur, Gadarpur, Rudrapur, Kicchha, Sitarganj, Khatima.

There is a need of construction of drain from Bazpur road level crossing of

sugar factory road in Kashipur railway station area. I request to include the

proposals sent by me as well as the State governments in the rail budget 2009-

10.

SHRI JAI PRAKASH: A level crossing should be provided between

the pillar No.5 and 6 on Hissar-Sadalpur rail line where the road from Chirod

village to Chaudharywass village crosses the railway line. A halt should be

provided in Baroda village on Jind-Bathida railway line.

SHRI K.C. PALLANI SHAMY: I would like to congratulate both

Shri Lalu and Shri Velu for not increasing the passenger fare or the freight

charges but by reducing the passenger fare by 2%. While welcoming and
extending my support on behalf of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam I would like

to put forth my views and certain demands on behalf of the people of Tamil

Nadu particularly our Leader and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.

Kalaignar Karunanidhi and the people of my Karur constituency. I would like

to lay stress on the need to commence immediately a dedicated freight

corridor linking the south with the north. I also urge upon the Minister to

announce Bullet train project linking the Capital cities of all the four southern

states. A new train between Karur and Chennai may be operated as Karur

Express or Karikalan Express. A new train between Karur and Nagoor via

Tiruvarur linking the Kongu region with the Thanjai region may be introduced

as Aaroor Cholan Express. LC No.48 should be considered to be opened

again.

SHRI RAVICHANDRAN SIPPIPARAI: Hon. Railway Minister has

announced 25 surveys for 14 new lines, three for gauge conversion and eight

for doubling wheel factory in Chhapra and diesel and electric locomotive

factories in Madhpura, but he neglected Tamil Nadu. This railway budget has

no proposal for new lines or electrification in Tamil Nadu. The doubling of

railway line between Madurai and Kanyakumari and Tuticorin should be

taken up. The new Railway line between Madurai-Tuticorin viz. Aruppukuttai

and Villathikulam must be considered. I urge the Minister kindly to provide

the stoppage for Nellai Express at Sattur Railway Station. I have been

demanding for road over bridge. Railway in Sivakasi at Sattchiappuram Rail

crossing.

SHRI PRASANNA ACHARYA: Most of the States particularly the

long neglected under-developed States like Orissa have been overlooked in

this Railway Budget. I would request the Railway Minister to look at the

nation as a true Indian and not as a Bihari, Gujrati or Bengali. I would request

the Hon’ble Railway Minister to look at the following proposals in my area

under East Coast Railway zone. Construction of New Rail Line from Bargarh

to Nawapad via Padampur, Paikmal. Initial budgetary provision for this rail

line may kindly be made. A new train either from Bolangir to Allahabad or

Sambalpur to Allahabad may be introduced. The Howrah-Sambalpur Ispat

Express may be extended up to Titlagarh which would provide a direct link to

Kolkata for the people of Sonepur, Bolangir, and Boudh districts. The

Nizamuddin-Visakhapatnam Express should be directed from Sambalpur to

Visakhapatnam enroute Bargarh, Bolangir, Titlagarh so that passengers of the

districts in Western Orissa will get a direct communication to the National

Capital. I suggest for introduction of a new Intercity Express between

Jharsuguda and Bhuvaneswar. However, expansion of jurisdiction of East

Coast Railway is a necessity for better coordination and facilitation of bulk

customers. Attabira and Barpali are two important places in the district of

Bargarh. It is agriculturally rich and industrially upcoming area. I would

request the Hon’ble Railway Minister to pass instruction for stoppage of all

Express Trains enroute at Attabira and Brpali.

SHRI ANAND PARANJPE: I would put forth the problems being

faced by the lakhs of passengers of Mumbai & Thane districts who travel by

the local trains in the House. I appreciate that Hon’ble Minister of Railway

has reduced rail fares by two percent in this Railway Budget. I demand that

there should be a minimum of five per cent rate cut in suburban season ticket

and card ticket in the Railway Budget for the year 2009-10.

I also appreciate that nearly 42 new trains have been introduced in this

Railway Budget. Mumbai has been connected with all parts of the country. I

would have appreciated if the Hon’ble Railway Minister would have

introduced new trains connecting Mumbai with major cities in Maharashtra. I

would request the Hon’ble Railway Minister to kindly consider the demand to

declare Thane as a heritage station. Give it a museum where the heritage

station of Thane will be indicated. Even though Thana is ‘A’ class metro

station and it generates revenue of nearly Rs. 80 crore per year, yet it lacks the

basic facilities like the FOBs. The work of expansion of platform at Thane

station is going on snails pace it must be expedited. In my Parliamentary

Constituency Kalyan is a major junction. This station is in dilapidated

condition. In this budget sanction must be given to proposals of FOB and

extension of platforms which are pending in Railway Board for approval. In

the last three years, the freight charges have been increased by around 40 per

cent. In this global slowdown, I demand that the freight charges should also

be considered and brought down by five per cent. I would request the

Hon’ble Minister to provide more rakes to Central Railway. The work on the

construction of fifth and sixth tracks between Kurla and Kalyan is continuing

by MRVC under NUTP phase-2. It must be completed as early as possible

because until and unless the fifth and sixth tracks are not get ready till then the

number of local trains can not be increased. For fast trains after Boroli, third

and fourth tracks are operationalised between Virar. But for local train the

third and fourth tracks are not ready. Till third and fourth track between

Boroli & Virar are not used for local train then this problem is not going to

sort out. I would request the Hon. Minister to increase the frequency of trains

between Diva and Panvel, which was started in 1965. For the last 20 years

local people are agitating for three new railway stations at Visargar, Damoli

and Narauli. Halt at Thane station must be provided for some newly

introduced trains like Mumbai-Varanasi, Mumbai-Gorakhpur, Mumbai-

Machilipatnam, Mumbai-Tiruveli and for some other important trains. I hope

that the Hon. Minister of Railways would take care of the people of

Maharashtra, Mumbai and passengers traveling by local trains.

SHRI A.K.S. VIJAYAN: In new announcement pertaining to

Tamilnadu, you have taken note of the demands that were put forth by the

Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi, some trains have

been extended. For instance, Ernakulam-Tiruchirapalli Express has been

extended upto Nagore. I heartily thank the Railway Minister for this gesture

and would like to request him to kindly consider running the train between

Mysore and Nagore that remain as an announcement for quite long. After

gauge conversion now there is a need to operate a train from Nagore to

Chennai in the new broad gauge line. It has been announced that a new train

is to be operated between Tiruvaroor and Nagore. It has also been announced

that Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways will be inaugurating it on 27th of

this month, i.e. 27.02.2009. I would like to point out that this translates into

action an announcement made in this regard in 1999 by the then Railway

Minister Ms. Mamta Banerjee and this has been pending from 1993 ever after

the gauge conversion work was taken up. At this juncture, I would like to

point out that this project was left in the lurgh in between. Even the sleepers

and railing bars meant for laying railway line between Tanzore and Nagore

were taken away, the project was rejuvenated again and it has seen the light of
the day now. Laying of Manamadurai-Tiruvaroor-Thiruthuraipoondi-

Muthupet-Karaikudi BG line has been pending for long and the request of the

people of my constituency may kindly be attended to. Survey work for laying

BG line between Thiruthuraipoondi and Agasthiyanpalli has been completed

and this project is pending for want of fund allocation. I request the Railway

Minister to expedite the same. Similar is the case with the laying of a new

line linking Needamangalam-Mannargudi-Pattukkottai even after completing

the feasibility study and survey long back. There is also a need to introduce a

new train between Combatore and Nagore as this is an important pilgrim

center. Allocate more funds for the laying of BG line linking Nagapattinam

with Thiruthuraipoondi via Thirukkuvalai.

SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM: Our Government has not increased the

passenger fares continuously and maintains the freight rates optimum. The

freight corridor work in Delhi-Mumbai is a welcome step and the UPA

Government is taking steps for laying more such freight corridors. The

introduction of new Garib Raths will help lower middle class and poor people

to have the taste of AC coaches. Adequate steps should be taken to maintain

neat and clean of the coaches. In Rajdhani and Satabdi Express Trains, the

Public Address System is not functioning frequently. Frequent late running of

trains is another important factor causing concern for the railway passengers.
As a whole, all the Railway Budgets presented during the tenure of UPA

Government is welcomed by all sections of the society. However I am sorry

to state that the following certain areas are left with and needs to be addressed.

There was a long pending demand for laying of a new railway line between

Jolarpettai and Hosur Via. Tirupathur, Kandili, Barugur, Orappam,

Krishnagiri and Sulagiri. In this connection, I would like to state that there

was a railway line exists between Tirupattur to Krishnagiri (42 kms.) prior to

independence i.e. before 1942. It was most advantageous and easy for

transportation to that region. Later it was abandoned and the reasons were

unknown. The remains of the line still exist. Krishnagiri, Tirupattur and

Barugur are big commercial centers in Tamilnadu. It this line is

commissioned, it will fetch huge revenue to the Railways by way of

transportation of commercial goods and perishable items. This project is a

long pending demand of Krishnagiri district and people expect that this

project to be completed at the earliest. Therefore, I demand that this project

should be taken up without any delay. Hosur railway station should be

renovated and modernized. More train services should be operated between

Hosur and Bangalore particularly this line should be electrified as early as

possible to facilitate faster movement of traffic. There are increasing

complaints that good and hygienic food is not served in railways. Though the
railways have increased the prices of food items several times, quality is not

maintained and over the period of time, it has reduced quantity also. As there

is huge traffic between Chennai and Delhi and more and more people are

willing to travel by Garib Rath trains, I demand from the Railway Minister

that the frequency of the above train may be increased from weekly to at least

thrice a week. In Garib Rath Trains particularly H. Nizamuddin-Chennai,

there is no facility of Pantry Car. I urge upon the Hon’ble Railway Minister

to immediately provide Pantry Car facility in the Garin Rath Trains. Early

linking of Chennai Egmore and Central railway stations which is a long

pending demand of the people of Tamil Nadu and it should be taken up on

priority. Early completion of Velachery-St. Thomas Mount MRTS line.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA : Railway has become the lifeline

of the country’s economic prosperity. We are proud by proclaiming that the

Indian Railways has generated Rs.90,000 crore in the last five years and has

made a big turnaround. It is really disappointing to note that no sincere effort

has been made to transfer the benefit of achievement to the weaker sections of

the society.

Orissa is a State with vast natural resources. There are beautiful

temples like Konark. But it is really shocking that even after 60 years of

Independence, the railway is discriminating Orissa constantly. It has come

out in some newspapers that all tracks lead to Bihar. Out of 43 new trains, ten

trains go to Bihar State and there are 14 compartments. We have nothing to

say about it, but we want that the nation should prosper. We want that all

parts of the country should have equal share and parity should be maintained.

India is a very beautiful country. For centuries together, we feel proud of our

culture and civilization. I appeal to the hon. Railway Minister that he should

give special priority so far as development of railway infrastructure in Orissa

is concerned. Even after 60 years of Independence, people have not seen

railway track in Kandhamal. It has become a dream for them. So,

connectivity facilities should be provided to the backward areas of the State.

So, we expect that the hon. Railway Minister will definitely give special

priority so far as Orissa is concerned. The projects concerning Haridaspur-

Paradip and Khurda Road Bolangir – which will connect Phulbani and other

areas – are also long standing demands of the State of Orissa. But no special

allocation was made by the Railway Department for all these projects because

of which the projects are lingering on for years together. We always make an

appeal, and the hon. Chief Minister has also submitted a memorandum to the

Ministry of Railways demanding Rs.1,520 crore for the State of Orissa. These

demands are genuine, and it cannot be done unless the Railway Minister pays

special attention to it. As far as Orissa’s progress and prosperity is concerned,

Orissa is going ahead with investment with different industries. East-Coast

Railways is a Zone contributing sizeable profit to the Railway Department.

But it is found that no timely recruitment is being done. As a result of this

there is no uniformity in the recruitment policy. We find at the time of

publishing of the results that the people of a particular State are dominating in

the East-Coast Railways. Hence, a group of young men met me a few days

back to mention that the Railways is discriminating with Orissa. It is not a

good sign for a healthy country like ours. A few days back, that is, on the day

the Railway Budget was presented in this august House, a tragic accident took

place at Jajpur Road in which there was not only loss of life, but more than

100 people sustained injuries. The Railway tracks are not maintained

properly, and the safety and security is at stake. Cleanliness also has become

a dream for the Railways. Therefore, I would like to state that these things

should not be mere eyewash, and personal attention should be given for all

those inconveniences that are found in the railways.

SHRI PRABODH PANDA: The maiden budget presented by the hon.

Minister came up with the proposal of introduction of Kullads and this last

budget presented by him comes up with the idea of bullet train.

C&AG has pulled up Indian Railways for permitting freight trains to

run with higher axle loads endangering the safety. The C&AG had warned
that permitting load increase would have an adverse impact on tracks, bridges

and rolling stock and asked the Railways to take immediate action. It regrets

that the Railway Board has ignored this caution given by the C&AG. I have

received the report from my constituency Kharagpur that today, while we are

discussing the Railway Budget, derailment of a goods train occurred at

Kharagpur. I do not know what is happening there. The claim that the

number of consequential accidents has come down has been exposed by all

these accidents. It is mainly due to the Indian Railways ignoring the report of

the C&AG. The Railway Minister has given a rosy picture of profits earned

by Indian Railways. But I think the C&AG punctures the much-touted claim

of profits earned by Indian Railways. Indian Railways has collected

thousands of crores of rupees from passengers by levying a wide range of

taxes in the name of supplementary charges and extra cost paid by the

passengers for Tatkal reservations. This is very taxing on the passengers.

Express trains have been designated as Super Fast trains and for that, the

passengers have to pay more fares but having the same facilities. Further

catering policy is mainly for the interest of the corporate sector and the

billionaires and millionaires and not for the ordinary people, not for the poor

people, not for the unemployed youths. All sorts of catering policy has been

changed.
 It is said that many facilities are given to the passengers. What about

the local passengers? No facilities have been given to them. No EMU

coaches have been introduced. I demand that from Kharagpur to Balasore,

new EMU coaches should be introduced, where electrification work has been

completed. I must draw the attention of the hon. Railway Minister that

sudden and abrupt harsh decision of phased closure of in-house printing press

of Kharagpur causes mass resentment in the locality. It is to be noted that

since its inception in the year 1967, the said press has been running smoothly

and catering to the entire needs of the East Coast Railway and South Eastern

Railway. It is quite amazing that this kind of decision is coming while the

Union Government is taken effective measures to modernize the government

presses. Further, Kharagpur to Midnapore, doubling of the line is required.

The survey work was already completed; more than 56 passengers trains

including Rajdhani Express and other Superfast trains are running there. Only

7-8 kilometers of doubling is left. I hope that that he will treat it as an urgent

one and incorporate this also in this Budget itself.

SHRI KIREN RIJIJU: North- Eastern region is a remote area. It is a

matter of sorrow that the hon. Railway Minister did not visit the area. If you

visit the area then all the projects will get monitored closely and it will give a

fillip to these projects. The work on Bogibeel project is going on at snails

pace. It is quite possible that next time the hon. Minister may not get the

opportunity to become railway minister again. I fail to understand why the

progress of Baragvalley broad gauge project is slow. Therefore, the hon.

Minister should convene the meeting of the officers to review the pace of

work and should get the work expedited.

Mokama Select is the last railway station and it was constructed by the

Britishers. It is a matter of great sorrow that after independence not a inch of

railway line has been laid and the hon. Minister should take interest in this

regard. The railway is making deep inroads in central part of the country, but

in North-Eastern region the progress is very slow. In Arunachal Pradesh

thousands of people of Bihar are working. However, as a result of less number

of reserved seats much problem is being faced in getting rail reservation. The

people of Bihar are living peacefully in the State. They will get better

transport facility only if reservation quota is increased. Further, in North-

Eastern region there are several lacunas in security. All the passengers must

get adequate security. Sanitation at all the railway stations is poor. Therefore,

the hon. Minister should pay attention towards improving cleanliness. At the

time of recruitment locals are to be selected but actually this is not happening.

People of my State should also get jobs in railways, then only they will think

railways is their too. As far as infrastructure is concerned rail tracks are very
old and in dire need of replacement. I want to know provision made in this

regard. I also demand special package for North-Eastern region.

SHRI PRAKASH B. JADHAO: Ramtek in Nagpur district of

Maharashtra has world famous Ram Temple and 25th National Tiger Safari. I

request the hon. Minister to develop and beautify Ramtek railway station.

Narkhed-Amravati in Vidharbha region is famous for Oranges. This region

also needs to be linked by railway line. Bhivapur-Naghbhi-Nagpur rail line in

Vidharbha needs to be converted into broad gauge. Further, I request the hon.

Minister to order conversion of 25-30 unmanned railway crossings in Nagpur

region into manned railway crossings alongwith installation of signals. In

Maharashtra 18,000 Coolies were appointed as Gangman in railways. The

post of Gangman is not suiting the temperament of the Coolies. Therefore,

again they should be reverted to the post of Cooly.

SHRIMATI JHANSI LAKSHMI BOTCHA: supporting the budget,

said; In the last five years the Indian Railways progressed spectacularly

without imposing any burden on the common man. The annual freight loading

increased from an average of three per cent in 90s to 8 per cent in 2008. The

number of railway accidents and causalities has also reduced drastically. The

Indian Railways drastically improved the customers’ service, effectively

utilized the latest technologies like web band ATMs to further serve the

general public and ease their difficulties.

I congratulate the Railway Minister for bringing Agartala, the capital of

the North Eastern State of Tripura and Kashmir Valley on the map of the

Indian Railways. Implementing the Six Pay Commission’s recommendations

has benefited about 14 lakh railway employees and 11 lakh pensioners.

Taking up the feasibility study to run Bullet Trains in various regions of the

country is a Welcome step.

I humbly request the hon. Minister to set up a Waltair Railway Division

on administrative grounds. I congratulate him for introducing new trains like

Seconderabad-Manuguru Superfast daily and Nizamuddin-Bangalore via

Kacheguda Rajdhani Express thrice a week, and also making the Hyderabad-

Visakhapatnam Garib Rath Express from four days to daily and Nizamuddin-

Durg Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti from two days to three days a week.

Further, one RoB at Peddamanapuram in my Bobbili parliamentary

constituency may be sanctioned and halts may be provided to Visakha

Express at Segadam Coromandal Express at Vizianagaram and Prashanti

Express at Chipurupalli and the Howrah-Tirupati bi-weekly at Vizianagaram.

SHRIMATI C.S. SUJATHA: Participating in the discussion said

Kerala has been continuously demanding formation of a railway zone with

Headquarters in Kerala, but this demand still remains unfulfilled. Many ROBs

in Kerala need special attention for their early completion. Doubling work in

Kayamkulam-Mavelikkara section, has been completed, hence the

commissioning of the same should be done without any delay. Amenities at

Kayamkulam junction are quite inadequate. I would request the Minister to

provide stoppage to all trains particularly the Kochuveli-Bangalore Express

and Sabari Express at Mavelikkara Station.

At Chengannur railway station facilities should be enhanced to meet the

requirements of the pilgrims. The Thiruvalla station also lacks basic

amenities. The land at Cheriyanad station may be used to construct a IRCTC

Hotel or a Rail Neer factory. Stoppage for the trains Malabar Express and

Venad Express at the Cheriyanad station may be provided.

SHRI REWATI RAMAN SINGH : This interim budget is Laluji’s

fifth budget including other budgets. I requested him to run Bullet train. I

congratulate him that he has announced to run bullet train. He has done such

lot of works which have not been done by his predecessors. But I regret that

he has done nothing for Allahabad. I demanded that a Shatabdi train should be

run from Allahabad to Delhi but Laluji did not introduce Shatabdi train. I want

that a Shatabdi train from Allahabad and an express train should be run from

Chhapra to Allahabad. A train should be run from Allahabad to Bangalore.

China have run a train from Lhasa to its border area and China’s army reaches

our border within two-four hours. North-East train takes 48 hours from Delhi

to Assam. A train should be run which arrives Assam within ten twelve hours.

I support this budget.

SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR: Bihar is given special attention in

terms of railways. Whenever any new railway project is started the names of

Bhagalpur, Chhapra, Madhepura appear first in the budget. We are not against

any state but the names of Baroda, Ahmedabad, Cochhin, Trivandrum,

Calcutta are not mentioned even as per requirement. Bullet Train will be run

from Bihar first. Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore have been given

other routes. I draw the kind attention of the Hon’ble Minister towards safe

driving, unmanned railway crossing, cleaning etc. cleanliness is very big

problem in most of the trains. You have created a problem by assigning the

work to IRCTC. Thousands of poor, backward and SC vendors have rendered

jobless. The previous system of vendors should be maintained. Bareily has

not been connected with South India so far. Lashkar Express Agra-Mumbai

2161-2162 should be extended to Bareily. 2461-2462 Mandore Express

should be extended to Bareily. Agra-Lucknow-Chennai Express may be

extended upto Bareily. AC Three tier coaches of Triveni Express should be

replaced. 4313-4314, Dadar-Bareily Express should be run daily. Train No.

2435-2436 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani should be run at least for six days.

The doubling work of Delhi-Muradabad should be done on priority basis. An

Intercity Express Bareily-Lucknow should be run. Pushkar Express should be

extended to Bareily. I want an Intercity Express should be run from Bareily to

Agra.

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN: Hon’ble Minister on a visit

to Kerala promised to provide stops for all Trains at Varkala, Headquarters of

Shri Narayana Guru, the greatest social reformer of South India. He also

promised to give an additional name Sivagiri to the existing Varkala Railway

Station. He had also promised to grant a new Train as Shiva Giri Express.

These promises have not been fulfilled by Railway Authorities till date. He

had also promised to re-open the closed Railway Gate in the heart of Varkhala

Town. I hope the Hon’ble Minister will take step towards the establishment of

a Railway Zone including Konkan Area in the immediate future. The facilities

provided in the train including Pantry Car is far below the standard. The

toilets are also not maintained properly.

SHRI SUNIL KHAN: There is no mention for providing licences to

the railway hawkers to protect them from the harassment of Railway

Protection Force. You have enlisted Bourn standard in Railways but you have

not included another wagon industry Braith Waite. The number of railway
tracks and trains are increasing but permanent employees are decreasing day

by day. You are helping private owners in every sphere of railway work as a

result of which employees are decreasing. They Employees have to work

more than 12 hours. There is no retrenchment benefit even they are bound to

do the work with risk of their life. There is shortfall in passenger at every

station even in train. Food inspectors should be asked to check up all foods. I

have been discussing it since 1996 till today linkage of Damoder River

Railway from Beliator to Durgapur via Barjora. I would request you to give

the order for survey. Barjora has already set up 40 industries and some

industries are going to be opened shortly. I have been demanding since 1996

that one fast passenger train should be introduced from Durgapur to Howrah

but minister has not declared Durgapur as model station. In Eastern Railway

in Burdwan should be a station in Kondaipur between mankar and Paraj.

Chanditala is a pilgrim place. I would request you to please provide ticket

counter so that the passenger can purchase ticket from the counter. For

students and tourist of Santiniketan some express trains should be provided

halt at Panagarh Station. Another train touching Durgapur Howrrah Bareilly

via Nagpur should be immediately introduced. Raniganj-Bankura via

Durgapur (M.T.P.S.) survey work was to be completed. Allocation of fund

should be provided to lay the railway line. For development of North East,
railway connectivity is required for Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, To boost

trade relations with China, Myanmmar, Thailand and Bangladesh through

railway network Siliguri can be developed as the gateway.

CHOUDHARY LAL SINGH: I support Railway Budget. The last five

Railway Budgets have benefitted society and the country immensely. Our

state was a ‘Den of militancy’. There was not even a single line. A rail project

was started and railway constructed a wide road to connect the entire area. I

wish that work may be started there within ten days. Our division was formed

in Ferozepur in Punjab in 1926 Punjab has two divisions one in Ambala and

other in Ferozpur. I have been demanding for long that a division be setup in

Jammu. I request that there would be no problem if three-four trains like

Malda Express, Hemkund Express, Gorkhapur Express, Himgiri and

Himsagar Express are extended further. I request that Doda area of Kashmir

which has connectivity may be connected. There is no woodshed in

Udhampur as a result of which stocks go waste. Train No. 2446 should be

provided with two first AC coaches. Two coaches of Ist AC, four coaches of

2nd AC and eight second class seats be made available in Train No. 4034.

Likewise 8 & 12 and 12 & 20 Sleepers be made available. You have started

computerized ticketing but here we have a number of small stations where

tickets are not available. There is no Shatabdi Train for Jammu. A Shatabdi
train should be introduced for Jammu and Bhimkund and Jammu Mail be

provided stoppages at Gagol.

Recently railway network has been extended from Jammu to

Baramulla. 3000 employees are working under the control of DRM office in

Firozepur. There are no railway industries or Divisional office in Jammu

region. Jammu & Kashmire State is totally ignored regarding Divisional

Railway Manager offices. Region between Kathaua to Udhampur is most

appropriate area for opening of DRM office. Udhampur is most important

station from the point of view of defence as well as tourist. But only two trains

operate from here. Malwa Express, Hemkunt Express, Gorakhpur Express,

Himgiri Express and Himsagar Express be extended upto Udhampur. 1st AC,

2nd AC, 3 Tier AC and Sleeper quota be granted from Udhampur. Facility of

DMU be extended for full seven days. Due care of candidates of this region be

taken for recruitment. Work on the alignment of the Katra-Loale line be

continued. Computerized ticketing system be installed at Kathua, Budhi, Chan

Arorian, Chak Dayala, Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Samba, Vijaypur and Bari

Barahmna stations. Railway production unit be established.

SHRI HANSRAJ G. AHIR : Railway need to be public oriented and

development should be equitable. Railway earns largest revenue from

Maharastra but hon. Railway Minister has ignored tribal and remote area here.
Vadsa-Armori-Gadghiroli-railline project will now cost Rs. 150 crore instead

of earlier estimate of Rs. 77 crores. I appeal that Railways grant 100 percent

assistance for the project. Construction of ROB at Chanderpur Distt. Head

Quarter be done by the Railways themselves. Ghuggus to Ballarshah-Jhuggus

and Gandchahur be connected with a passanger train. PRS and VTS services

be made available at Manikgarh and original station and proposed ROB at

Bhandak be extended. Keeping in view the opposition to proposed railway

station at Rajura city, its site be shifted somewhere else. Channai-Korba train

be operated daily and extended upto Kolfana. Train from south towards

Howrah be given stoppages at Chandafort and more trains be operated on this

route. Construction of Ballarshahpeat line be expedited and a new train be

introduced between Ballarshah-Gondia Telangana Express be extended upto

Ballarshah.

SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE: The hon. Railway Minister has

presented an Interim Budget with Rs.90,000 crore surplus. I would like to

invite the attention of the hon. Minister to the most dilapidated and worn out

coaches plying in Kerala. We have been demanding for a wagon repair

overhauling workshop at Nemon. The problem is that there are about 1600

coaches attached to the Thiruvananthpuram Central Railway Station and these

coaches are to be taken for overhauling once a year mainly to Chennai. I

would urge the hon. Minister to consider this at the earliest. The hon. Minister

mentioned about the Chennai-Bangalore-Coimbatore-Ernakulam High Speed

Corridor. In fact, the State had requested for a high speed Corridor from

Mumbai to Kanyakumari which will connect the four States, all the Southern

States. The setting up of the coach factory at Palakkad and the wagon factory

at Allepey, these have been promised and declared in the last Budget but

nothing much has progressed so far.

SHRI M. SHIVANNA: I congratulate Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav ji, who

presented the Sixth Consecutive Railway Budget in the Parliament. But I am

sorry to say that this Budget has not rendered justice to all the states.

Karnataka has been getting a raw deal when it comes to sanctioning of new

railway lines and starting new train services. We have been demanding a

railway line between Chamarajanagar-Mettupalyam for the last 75 years. Only

one crore rupees have been allocated for conducting joint survey but it would

not be completed by this meager allocation. The state has also offered to share

50% of the cost for the projects. But in the Budget not a single new railway

project has been sanctioned. As a mark of protest against this step-motherly

treatment, people of Karnataka and a few Pro-Kannada organizations are

resorting to Rail roko and Road roko demonstrations. I would like to request

the hon. Railway Minister to pay attention to immediate completion of some

of the very important railway projects. These are - Tirupati-Mysore train

services should be extended upto Chamarajanagar, electrification and

doubling of the Chennai-Bangalore Railway line, Rajdhani Express between

Bangalore and New Delhi is operated for only 4 days in a week. It should be

made a daily train.

SHRI TAPIR GAO: I have always raised the issue of providing

railway connectivity to north eastern regions, whenever I have made a speech

on railway budget. The hon’ble Minister has written a letter in 2006 regarding

conversion of Rangia-Murkangsalek railway line into broad gauge but till date

the work has not been done even on one Km. of this line. Five National

Projects are there. The funds on the basis of national projects have not been

released for Bogibeel bridge so far. Every time I have requested the hon’ble

Minister to provide railway connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh. There is no

progress regarding the work on Murkangsalek-Margarita-Nampong railway

line. I had also requested to lay a railway line between Rupai and Parshuram

Kund. But no mention has been made in this regard in the railway budget for

2009. I had requested the Railway Minister to provide railway connectivity

from Margarita to Nampenh also. I would request that railway in Arunachal

Pradesh should not be seen from the point of view of economic viability rather

its importance should be seen on the basis of national security also.

 SHRI J.M. AARON RASHID: A cargo booking centre should be

given at Bodi for cardamom planters. Bullet trains from Kanyakumari to

Chennai, Kanyakumari to New Delhi, Chennai to Rameshwaram and Garib

Rath trains from Chennai to Nagaur and Chennai to Telangana should be

introduced. In Theni, there is a railway crossing on the main road. A bridge

should be constructed over this crossing. A project has been sanctioned

between Madurai-Bodi, but the work has not yet started. It should be started at

the earliest. Another scheme has been sanctioned there. The State Government

has not given the money. So, the railways should provide all the funds for the

project. Dindigul-Vathalagundu-Periyakulam-Kambam-Chinnamannur-

Gudalur line should go up to the base hill of Ayyappa Temple. There is a need

for a daily EMU train in the morning from Jolarpet to Chennai. A train is also

required from Bodi to Madurai via Chennai. There is a need to improve

Dindigul-Kumuli, Ariyalur-Thanjavur, Tirunelvelli-Jolarpet and Morappur-

Dharmapuri lines. A project has been sanctioned for Needamangalam-

Pattukkottai project costing Rs.1,500 crore, but the work has not yet started.

This work should be completed. Chennai Central-Egmore link project costing

Rs.98 crore should be completed. Electrification of Dindigul-Karur line in

Salem Division should be done. A train should be given immediately on Bodi-

Madurai-Tirupati route via Chennai. It should either be a bullet train or

DEMU.

SHRI P.S. GADHAVI: It is the longstanding demand of people of

Gujarat for Shifting the Headquarter of Western Railway from Mumbai to

Ahmedabad because the Western Railway is having its longest railway track

in Gujarat. One additional express train from Mumbai to Bhuj should also be

considered. Demand of new direct trains joining Vishakhapatanam major port

and Chennai major port with Kandla port has not been considered by Hon’ble

Railway Minister inspite of our longstanding and repeated demands for this.

Our longstanding demand of having extension of Howrah-Ahmedabad and

Puri-Ahmedabad express trains to Bhuj at least for two to three days in a week

should also be considered. I, request Hon’ble Railway Minister to kindly

consider request of salt manufacturers for reduction in railway freight for the

transportation of salt by railway. I would like the Hon’ble Railway Minister to

pay special attention and see that the standard of sanitation and cleanliness is

improved. I also request Hon’ble Minister to consider the problems faced by

disabled persons who are being forcible removed from the railway stations. It

is a fact that operation ratio of railway has declined to 12% points. Whatever

the new trains announced in the present railway budget out of these 43 new

trains are mostly in the East. I don’t find any mention about security even
though the security and safety should be considered top of all. It is a pathetic

condition for the railway passengers to pay more for getting Tatkal tickets.

Hon’ble Railway Minister has himself admitted that quality of food offered on

trains is deteriorated.

SHRI P. RAJENDRAN: I hereby place my protest on record against

the attitude of Ministry of Railways towards the States like Kerala. I do plead

through you Sir, the request included in the memorandum submitted by

Government of Kerala and the MPs from Kerala may be considered for

implementation, and may be announced when the Hon’ble Minister replies.

Congratulating the Hon’ble Minister for the gains, I will request him to

consider the needs of Kerala urgently.

SHRI SITARAM YADAV: I have got the opportunity to speak on the

fifth historic railway budget presented by the hon’ble Minister of Railways.

During the regime of Shri Nitish Kumar, hike in rail fares was a perennial

feature. But hon’ble Laluji has not only reduced these fares every year but

also introduced several schemes. Inspite of all odds, he has gifted railways

with surplus revenues to the tune of ninety thousand crore rupees. Not a

single scheme was launched in Sitamarhi during the last 56 years. But after

Shri Lalu Yadav has taken the charge as Minister of railways, he not only

sanctioned four lines for Sitamarhi but also completed the task of gauge
conversion between Sitamarhi and Darbhanga within a short span of six

months. Not only that, Garib rath is also plying there. Now, even the poorest

man can afford the railway fares and this has facilitated his access to southern

parts from where he can manage his livelihood and daily return to his home.

No interim budget can be better than the present railway budget. During the

regime of Shri Laluji, the number of railway accidents has also come down. I

would like to demand the hon’ble Minister to complete the ongoing work on

Sitamarhi-Narkatia railway line on warfooting. New express trains between

Mumbai and Chennai should also be run. New railway line between Koopari-

Sursan and Koopari-Charoan should also be laid. Survey for Aara-Chhapra

railway line should also be conducted. I request to give approval for survey

for the 80 Km. long railway line between Nohar and Churu via Taranagar.

Sitamarhi-Bhitthamore, Sursan-Jainagar-Lakhnian-Lokaha-Lokahi stretch of

188 km should be considered for fresh railway line. I congratulate and

support the interim budget presented by the hon’ble Minister because all his

actions are directed towards and meant for the betterment of poor.

SHRI HITEN BURMAN: I would like to draw the attention of

hon’ble Minister towards the doubling of Main-Jalpaiguri-Bongaigoan

railway line. Malagudi-Jogikopa railway line is the main railway line but the

work on this is going very slow. I urge the Railway Minister to speed up the
work and complete this line before the end of 2009. I urge the hon. Minister

to extend Uttar Ganga Express to new cooch Behar and to Babulhat. One of

the Intercity Express trains, Siliguri to Alipore, should be extended up to

Babulhat. I urge the Minister to sanction required amount to start workin on

Haldighati to Chandrabandar line. I also urge the hon. Minister to develop the

heritage station, Cooch Behar. I urge the Minister to develop the Babulhat

railway station immediately.

SHRIMATI P. SATHEEDEVI: Kerala is miserably neglected by the

Railway Ministry in the Interim Budget. Kerala is contributing much to the

revenue of the Indian Railways. I would request the hon. Minister to consider

this long pending demand from the State of Kerala and to set up a separate

fund for the development of our State. Doubling of lines between Kannur to

Valapattanam should be constructed. Electrification from Shornur to

Mangalapuram is also pending. Demand for an Inter-City Express between

Mangalore and Kozhikode is a very genuine demand. Train which is

connecting Kannur to Yeshwanthpur may be extended to Bangalore. There is

no railway connectivity from Tellichery, the Malabar area to Mysore.

Geographical sprawl of Kerala State are quite different from the neighbouring

States, therefore, the demand for a separate zone is the need of the hour. The

doubling work between Kannur to Valapattanam and a small portion at

Kozhikode has to be completed. Electrification between Shornur and

Manglore may be completed. It is very miserable to note that while providing

43 new trains Kerala is neglected. The demand for new trains from TVM to

Mumbai and TVM-New Delhi via Konkan and TVM Bangalore via

Managlore and Coimbatore is another long pending demand. Frequency of

the Rajdhani Express should be increased to 4 days in a week . Train which

is connecting Kannur to Yeswanthapur may be extended to the city of

Bangalore. Frequency of the Train No. 2685-Chennai Mangalore super fast

may be increased. Sufficient steps have to be taken for securing the safety of

the passengers by providing more R,P.F. with sufficient infrastructure

facilities. A new line between Mysore and Tellichery be introduced.

SHRI RAKESH SINGH: Shri Lalu Prasad jee has increased the

loading capacity of wagons to 68 tones which is more than established

capacity. As a result there of rail lines have developed cracks. P.W.D. and

Gangmen are undertaking the jobs of welding these cracks and their own

routine maintenance job is being neglected. Load on rail lines are more than

their capacity. Broadguage project between Jabalpur-Balaghat is not seems to

be completed. A Garib Rath Train between Jabalpur and Mumbai was

announced but this train is yet to be introduced. The demands for the trains

between Jabalpur-Kolkata, Jabalpur-Chhapara Siwan-Patna, Jabalpur-

Deharadoon, Jabalpur-Amritsar were made but it is yet to be fulfilled.

Jabalpur-Godiya broadguage was to be completed in two years period but this

project does not seem to be completed even during the next five years. In this

Interim Budget an announcement has been made to run a Garib Rath from

Allahabad instead of Jabalpur.

CHAUDHARY BIJENDRA SINGH: After my frequent requests

hon’ble Lalu ji visited Aligarh on 22.10.2008. On my demand, he has got

survey work started on Kasganj-Khojia railway line. My request is that this

railway line should be included in the budget in public interest. I had

demanded to allow stoppage of some trains at Aligarh station. My demands

are so simple and do not involve any burden on budget. Ajmer Sharif is a

religious place for both Hindus and Muslims. He had promised to introduce a

new train for this place. Vikramshila, Lichchhavi, Patna Rajdhani Express and

Sampark Kranti Express trains should be given stoppage here.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN: Some of the biggest pilgrim centers in

the country are in Kerala, like Sabarimala and Guruvayoor. I would like to

request the Minister to consider having two IRCTC projects in these two

areas. The survey for Trichur-Kollangode line has been completed. Since two

big container ports are coming up and other industrial developments are

taking place in Kerala, I think, this railway line will be profitable. This will
act as a bypass between Ernakulam and Kozhikode connecting Pollachi and

Palakkad line. That would be a link between Kerala and the Southern Part of

Tamil Nadu.

When the Railways are making huge profits, passenger amenities

should be improved more. Security should be taken as an important aspect.

Food, especially in the long-distance trains should be clean, better in quality

and should be cheaper in terms of price. In Kerala, a large number of ROBs

are under construction. There should be a time bound programme for the

completion of these ROBs. In Trichur, which is my constituency, second entry

has been inaugurated. Something should be done expeditiously so that the

second entry will be a boon for the people there.

SHRI ABU AYES MONDAL: There is no mention of the extension

scheme of the doubling from Jirat to Katwa of Bandel-Katwal rail line which

is almost a century old single one. In order to protect the Samudragarh and

Kalinagar railway stations on this railway, works for arrest of erosion of the

banks of mighty Ganga river are going on. More money needs to be allotted

for total control of the erosion. On the same railway line, computerised

system for issuing passenger tickets at Ambika-Kalna station has been

sanctioned almost a year ago, but it is not yet installed. The hon. Minister on

30.6.2007 had announced that the gauge conversion works of Burdwan-Katwa

railway line would be completed within two years, but the work is not yet

started. Lastly, the proposed new train, viz., Puri-Katwa Express needs to be

extended to Nabadwip Dham Station to serve the people better and for the

pilgrims in particular.

SHRI NIKHIL KUMAR CHAUDHARY: Special Rajdhani Express

which had been withdrawn should be continued. The train running between

Ranchi and New Bangaigaon via Malda should be run upto Katihar via Malda

Kumed Pur. A third AC coach and a general coach may be added to Capital

Express. Two sleeper coaches may be added to Hate Bazar Express before

elections and also a third AC coach attached to it.

Importance should be given to Katihar Division in the Budget in the

real sense of the term. The 5657/5658 Kanchan Junga Express be given

stoppage at Azamnagar. Stoppage be given to New Jalpaigudi-Sialdah

Superfast Express at Barsoi and Azamnagar. Besides, 5933-34, 5635-33,

5651-52 trains be given stoppage at Barsoi junction. Jogbani Kolkata Express

be run between Kolkata and Katihar immediately.

The metre gauge line between Katihar-Manihari, Baluaghatti be

converted into broadgauge and this line extended upto Bholka road via

Amadabad . The train that ran between Katihar to Jaynagar via Darbhanga be

reinstated. All the passenger trains be provided halt at Bishanpur between

Soneli-Jhaoa. 4083/84 Mahanande Express and 5610/5609 Awadh Assam

trains be provided stoppages at Telta and Sudhani. 3145/3146 Radhikapur

Sialdah Express given stoppage at Azamnagar. Overbridge be constructed at

Goshla railway gate and Santoshi Chowk gate at Katihar. 111 acres of railway

land are lying vacant at Katihar. A workshop for maintenance and repair of

diesel engines or a rail sleeper factory be installed there.

SHRIMATI TEJASVINI GOWDA: Survey of Hospet-Swaihalli

doubling line work may be undertaken. New Trains (i) Mumbai-Karwar

Superfast (tri-Weekly), (ii) Nizamuddin-Bangalore via Kacheguda Rajdhani

Express (Tri-Weekly) and (iii) Mysore-Yesvanthpur Express (Daily) may be

introduced. Jodhpur-Bangalore express may be extended upto Coimbatore.

New trains (a) Machallipatnam-Bangalore (Tri Weekly) , (b) Yesvantpur-

Jodhpur Express (Weekly) and (c) Mysore-Nanjanagud Town Passenger

(daily) after gauge conversion) may be introduced. Extension may be given

to 2677/2678 Bangalore-Coibatore Express to Emakulam, 2691/2692

Chennai-Bangalore Express to Sri Sathyasai Prashanti Nilayam, 571/572

Bangalore-Salem Passenger to Nagore (after gauge conversion) and 356/357

Dharwad-Gadag Passenger to Bijapur. Frequency of 6513/6514 Bagalkot-

Yasvantpur Basava Express increased from tri weekly to daily and 2431/2432

Nizamuddin-Trivendrum (via Mangalore) to thrice in a week. New lines may

be laid from Harapanhalli to Harihar. Gauge conversion of Anandpuram to

Talguppa of Shomoga-Talguppa may be done. Doubling of Cuddapah-

Bangalore line may be done.

New lines may be laid from Kottur to Harihar via Harpanahalli, Kadur-

Chickmagalur-Sakleshpur, Hassan-Bangalore via Shravanabelgola, Hubli-

Ankola, Bangalore-Sathyamungalam and Rayadurg-Tumkur via Kalyandurg.

Gauge conversion of Solapur (Hotil )Gadag, Mysore-Chamarajanagar with

extension to Mettupalayam, Arisikere-Hassan-Mangalore, Kolar-Chikbalapur

and Bangalore-Hubli-Shimoga-Talagoppa may be done. Doubling of

Arisikere-Birur, Ramanagaram-Mysore, Kengeri-Mysore, Whitefield-

Bangarpet-Koppam, Bangalore city-Kingeri, Kengeri-Ramanagaram,

Yashwanthpur-Tumkur, Bangalore - Whitefield-Bangalore City- K.R. Puram ,

Dharwad-Kumbarganvi, Hubli-Hebsur and Kankannady-Mangalore may be

done.

SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA: The people of my constituency

demanded that the railway Section of Lucknow to Sitapura, Lakhimpur,

Pilibhit, Bareilly of the North-Eastern Railway be converted into broad-gauge.

There is also a popular demand to run a DMU from Lucknow to Dudhwa

National Park for the convenience of the tourists. Waiting rooms should be

constructed at Lukhimpur, Gola and Palia railway stations. The railway

crossing no. 122 C should be properly maintained for the smooth passage of

traffic.

SHRIMATI SUSMITA BAURI: A lot of passengers including

students travel by train from Pirdoba station in my area. There is a long

standing demand that the stoppage of at least one train should be provided at

Pirdoba station for Ruposhi Bangla or Purulia Express. There is also need to

provide a stoppage of Bhuvaneshwar Rajdhani Express at Bankura railway

station. Moreover, the Patna-Cochin train should be run four days a week.

Besides, more funds should be provided for Anguli project, Bindia project,

Tutipul to Chhapna railway line and for Moshagram Tutipul project.

SHRI D.B. PATIL: We have a long standing demand of linking

Nanded railway division with the Central railways. The Bodhan-Deglur-

Udgeer railway line should be sanctioned without delay. There is need to join

the Nanded-Deglur-Beedar railway line with the 170 km long new railway

line. This will facilitate to form a corridor for Benglore – Delhi. A survey

should be conducted in this regard.

A new train should be started from Kanchigurha to Ajmer via Nanded.

Need to run a new train from Nanded to Ahmedabad once a week and

another new train from Nanded to Nagpur during night.

Need to extend the Vishakhapatnam-Nijhamabad train upto Nanded.

 Need to run the Nanded-Patna train and Nanded-Pune Express on a

daily basis.

Need to run a passenger train between Nanded and Nagpur.

SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN: I congratulate Hon’ble Railway

Minister for presenting Populist Interim Railway Budget. I also want to

thank Railway Minister for sanctioning new railway line connecting Erode-

Palani via Dharapuram. The Survey on this line is going on. I urge upon the

Railway Ministry to complete the project at the earliest without further delay.

As far as Gauge Conversion between Dindigul to Coimbatore Meter Gauge

line is concerned, I request the Hon’ble Railway Minister to allocate necessary

funds and complete the said work as early as possible and also sanction a

RUB to Gandhi Nagar in Oddanchatram. Our Hon’ble Railway Minister has

announced five important new railway lines to be formed at Tamilnadu

namely: (i) Dindigul-Kumuli (ii) Ariyalur-Thanjavur (iii)Needamangalam-

Puttukottai (iv) Dharmapuri-Morappur and (v) Thiruvannamalai-Jolarpettai.

The total estimated cost of the above five lines is Rs. 1500 cr. As per the

Planning Commission, the Tamilnadu Government has to pay Rs. 750 crore.

Since revenue will be earned for Railway Board hence I urge upon the

Ministry of Raiwlays that without waiting for the Tamilnadu’s 50% share it

should allocate Rs. 1500 crore and implement these projects on a priority
basis. The long pending Villupuram-Dindigul doubling and Mayiladuthurai-

Villupuram ongoing gauge conversion work has to be completed at the

earliest. Electrification of Thirucy-Madurai line has to be speeded up.

Madurai-Tuticorin Electrification of lines were announced but the work have

not yet started.

SHRI NIHAL CHAND: The remaining amount of Rs. 45 crores may

be released for conversion of meter gauge line into Braod gauge from

Sriganganagar to Swarupsar. One more coach may be added to Daraba

Express plying between Sriganganagar and Delhi. The conversion of meter-

gauge line from Sriganganagar to Jaipur may be sanctioned and work may be

undertaken thereon. Direct rail service may be provided from Sriganganagar

to Amritsar via Bhatinda. Lalquila Express may be extended upto

Sriganganagar. One more train may be provided from New Delhi to

Sriganganagar. Diesel Shed may be set up at Hanumangarh Junction. A

survey was conducted in 1999 in respect of Hanumangarh, Rawatsar, pallu

Sardar City. This line may be sanctioned. Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati

Express may be extended upto Ganganagar. Hanumangarh may be connected

to Delhi with direct rail service. Anupgarh may be connected to Delhi with

direct rail service via Hanumangarh, Bhatinda. Kisan Express may be

extended upto Hanumangarh. The facilities of a model station may be

provided at Sriganganagar station. Sriganganagar situated on Western

international border of the country is most backward with regard to rail

services. All rail related facilities may be provided there in view of its

strategic and agricultural importance and super power plant, Suratgarh.

SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA: In the Railway Budget, no

attention has been paid to Rajasthan particularly the Shekhawati region which

has the largest number of soldiers in the country. Tourists visiting Rajasthan

visit this area frequently Oshalasadi Baba of Pakistan. There should be a

broadgauge line from Jaipur to Sikar and from Sikar to Loharu and from

Jaipur to Sikar and from Sikar to Churu and Hanumangarh. A survey in this

regard has been completed but work has not been undertaken on the basis of

that survey. Recently, last year an announcement had been made for gauge

conversion. Train services have not been resumed so far after gauge

conversion over Rewari-Fulera via Ringas section. In addition to this, the

freight corridor which had been announced, under which our state of

Rajasthan was to be covered from Dadri to Rewari and from Rewari to

Fuleara upto Ahmedabad and Mumbai for transportation of minerals. On this

western patch of Freight corridor construction work should be started at the

earliest. With the completion of this freight corridor the Railways will also

prosper.
 SHRIMATI RUPATAI D. PATIL: In this Railway Budget, no any

new project has been announced for our region by the Minister of Railways.

Work relating to gauge connection, which was pending for the last forty years

has now been undertaken. This Railway line has been earning huge profit

since its inauguration. I demand extra coaches should be added to the trains

running through this region. IN addition, train should be introduced from

Latur to Tirupati and Durgapur. A train should be introduced for Ajmer

Sharif for the convenience of our Muslim brothen. A train should be

introduced from Latur to Jaipur. Maharashtra pay maximum revenue to

Railways. A large number of local people visit Mumbai, the capital of the

state, by the Latur express passing through my constituency. Therefore in

view of the crowd, there is a need to increase the number of coaches and

passenger quota from Latur. Similarly, keeping in view the academic and

other importance of Latur, this Railway station should be upgraded as a model

Railway Station and computerized reservation system and other amenities

should be announced. The people have to face problems due to lack of

transport facility while visiting Tirupati. Hence, new train should be

introduced between these tow places. Parli-Latur-Nilanga-Umarga-Vadi,

Gulbarga interstate railway line should be constructed. Action should be

taken to bring Latur region from the Southern railway division to the Central
Railway division. I demanded Rupees one hundred crore for the railway

coach factory situated in Maharashtra thereby solving unemployment

problem. The information relating to destinations, stations may be provided

by displaying the boards in trains to avoid the inconvenience being faced by

the passengers visiting long distance.

SHRI MAHESH KANODIA: I rise to oppose the interim Rail Budget

presented by the Railway Minister. Though he promises to provide facilities to

the passengers but due to heavy subsidy, he has not started any train with

cheap package. Recently a train from Mumbai to Southern India has been

started. Similar train from my Parliamentary constituency Patan may also be

started to facilitate the people living there. Trains from Gujarat, Patan,

Mehsana, Ahmedabad may also be started.

SHRI MOHAN RAWALE: A provision of Rs.4500 crore for the first

phase and Rs.5300 crore for the second phase was made for Mumbai. But the

same could not be given to it. The same may be given to it. Tapovan Express

running between Sikandrabad and Nanded via Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji

Stadium may be extended upto Nizamabad. People may be provided free of

cost houses in case of removal of their shunties from railway land. A proper

care may be taken for maintenance of sanitation and water facilities in the

coaches as well as on the platforms. Declaration in connection with arrival

and departure of trains may be made in Marathi first and in Hindi and English

later on. Beggers and Hawkers may be driven out from the platforms. A

provision of a doctor and an ambulance at every station for treatment of

injured people in rail accident may be made. Stalls may be provided to the

Handicapped. A provision of shed on the entire platform may be made. A

provision of a separate ticket window for Senior citizens and Women may be

made. The level of platform on Harbour Lines particularly at Cotton Green

station may be increased so that incidents could be averted. A twelve coaches

train may be introduced on Harbour Lines. Lady police officers may be

posted in the coaches. A foot over bridge may be constructed at Dockyad

Station. A foot over bridge may be constructed at every station on both sides

up and down from Harbour Line to Panwel. Coupon validity machines may

be kept operational. Double Decker Trains may be introduced on sub urban

lines in Mumbai. Express Trains may be introduced for Konkan, Mumbai,

Thane, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Sindhu Durg. Reasonable deduction in fare may

also be made in sub-urban trains.

The discussion was not concluded

 P.D.T. ACHARY,
Secretary-General.

© 2009 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NOTE: It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that
should be considered authoritative.