LOK SABHA

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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES

(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)

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Friday, March 20, 2020 / Phalguna 30, 1941 (Saka)

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OBSERVATION BY THE SPEAKER

Re: Commencement of sitting of the House for 23rd

March, 2020 at 2.00

P.M. instead of 11 A.M.

HON. SPEAKER: Hon'ble Members. I have to inform the House that I

have had a discussion with the leaders of all the parties on 19th of March, wherein

several Hon'ble Member requested me personally that due to a change in flight

routes, they would not be able to reach Parliament at 11 a.m. on Monday. On the

basis of requests made by the Hon'ble Members, the House will meet at 2 p.m. on

Monday and Question Hour scheduled for that day also stands adjourned.

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SUBMISSION BY MEMBER

(i) Re: Reported increase in prices of essential commodities.

THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF COAL

AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) responding to the

issue raised by an hon. Member said: From day one, the Government of India,

under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister has taken many steps. Our

Government has taken very good steps proactively in comparison to what other

countries have done across the world. Yesterday, our Hon'ble Prime Minister has

made certain suggestions while addressing the nation and also made a clarion call

in this regard. I would just like to say that we would endeavour together for this

cause.

(ii) Re: Need to close Stock Exchanges in view of rapid fall in Sensex.

THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF COAL

AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) responding to the

issue raised by an hon. Member said: The Prime Minister is continuously taking

stock of the situation, and a lot of precautions have been taken in this regard. He

has also touched upon the issue of economy. Hence, an Economic Task Force has

been formed on the economic issue. The objective of constitution of Task Force is

to intervene immediately in case any issue comes up.

(iii) Re: Pollution due to illegal stone crushing in Chikhaldara Hill Station

and

Dumping of biomedical waste by Hospitals in forest areas.

THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE

CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND

MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) responding to the issue raised by several hon.

Members, said: I am sending a team to conduct an inquiry into the matter in this

respect. We are taking it very seriously. Such a dumping cannot be allowed in any

forest area. We will take up this issue with the States also in order to ensure that all

the rules and regulations related to the biomedical waste management are complied

with.

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MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

1. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH laid a statement regarding need

to expedite construction of pending irrigation projects in Jharkhand.

2. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA laid a statement

regarding need to include Sickle Cell disease in the list of

diseases eligible for treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

3. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH laid a statement regarding

condition of NH-19.

Laid on the Table as directed by Chair.

4. SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO laid a statement regarding

need to provide secondary care treatment referral facility in ESIC

hospital in Adityapur, Jharkhand and also set up a 250-bedded

hospital in Adityapur.

5. SHRI VIVEK NARAYAN SHEJWALKAR laid a statement

regarding plan to tackle the negative impact of Corona virus menace

on Indian economy.

6. SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL laid a statement regarding participation

of Members of Parliament in administrative board of educational

institutions.

7. SHRI REBATI TRIPURA laid a statement regarding Tripura Tribal

Autonomous District Council

8. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA laid a

statement regarding need to provide irrigation facilities to Adivasi

people living in forest area in Narmada and Bharuch districts, Gujarat.

9. SHRI RAMESHBHAI L. DHADUK laid a statement regarding

need to modernise and develop Porbandar Railway Station in Gujarat

as a model railway station.

10. SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA laid a statement regarding need to

provide compensation to farmers who suffered damage to their crops

caused by heavy hailstorms in Rewa Parliamentary Constituency,

Madhya Pradesh.

11. DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding conservation

and development of historical fort at Deora in Chhatarpur district,

Madhya Pradesh as tourist destination.

12. SHRI GAJENDRA UMRAO SINGH PATEL laid a statement

regarding need to provide benefits under Kisan Samman Nidhi

Scheme to farmers in Madhya Pradesh.

13. SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA laid a statement regarding issuance

of alleged illegal armed licence in Banswara district, Rajasthan.

14. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN laid a statement regarding need to remove

areas having ground water in Churu Parliamentary Constituency from

the list of dark zones.

15. SHRI K. SHANMUGA SUNDARAM laid a statement regarding

deleting entry relating to wild boars/wild pigs from Schedule III of the

Wild Life Protection Act.

16. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI laid a statement

regarding merger of banks.

17. SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT laid a statement regarding

changes or amendments on Kharland Development Schemes.

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THE CENTRAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITIES BILL, 2019

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.

RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK) moved that the amendments made by

Rajya Sabha in the Bill to establish and incorporate Universities for teaching and

research in Sanskrit, to develop all-inclusive Sanskrit promotional activities and to

provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto be taken

consideration.

The Motion was adopted and the amendments were agreed to.

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THE INDIAN INSTITUTES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAWS

(AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.

RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK) moving the motion for consideration of

the Bill said: At present, there are total 25 IIITs functioning across the country.

Out of these institutes, five institutes are totally funded by the Central Government.

They are Prayagraj-Uttar Pradesh, Gwailor-Jabalpur, Kanchipuram-Tamil Nadu

and Kurnul-Andhra Pradesh. These institutes are functioning under the provisions

of the Act of 2014 and making continuous progress. In addition to them, there are

such 20 IIITs that have been approved to function under PPP mode in private

participations. This is the first model of its type in this sector in the country which

will be run under the joint management of the State Governments, the Union

Government and the industries. This will require an outlay of Rs. 128 crore out of

which 50 per cent will be shared by Union Government, 30 per cent by the State

Governments and the remaining 15 per cent by the industrial sector. In this respect

North Eastern states have been given special concession. In these states 57.5 per

cent amount will be given by the Union Government, 35 per cent by the respective

state government and 7.5 per cent will be contributed by the industrial sector. The

Governing Body which is running these institutes will also be constituted by

having members from all the three entities i.e the Union Government, the State

Governments and the industrial sector. The Government will bear their recurring

expenditure also for the five years and will continue to provide other assistance

from time to time in order to help these institutions reach new heights. I am happy

to say that 14000 students are enrolled in these institutions and pursuing B.Tech,

M.Tech and PhD courses. I believe that the way the curriculum is being prepared

for quality research work in collaboration with the industrial sector and the

students are being provided education has resulted into the early campus placement

of the students. The performance of most of these institutions has been 100 per

cent in the matter of the campus placement of the student. So, our students working

in the IT sector have earned laurels for the country. There used to be no

synchronization between the curriculum of IITs and the needs of the industrial

sector. The students had to run from pillar to post in search of jobs due to the

absence of coordination between them. Now these institutions will undertake

research work in active participation of the industrial sector and consequently of

both of them will make progress constantly.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH initiating said: This Bill seeks to declare five

Indian institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) as institutions of national

importance. On being declared institutions of national importance, the five

institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees. This Bill must also ensure the

measures that will guarantee protection from discrimination, inclusion of weaker

sections and mechanism of protection against prejudices and segregation from the

administrative system and fellow students. These mechanisms are mandatory as

several instances reveal that students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes and weaker sections suffer a great deal of insults and harassments from the

faculty and students alike. I would also like apprise about the scenario in the

absence of reservation in the higher educational institutions, especially IITs and

IIITs? According to a study 55 per cent of SC and 74 per cent of ST students

would not have enrolled in engineering colleges without reservation. Similarly,

what is the situation of Dalit students if they do not get scholarships? There is

ample evidence suggestion that a lot of SC/ST students drop out when they do not

get scholarships. This is why, I suggest that the new Indian Institutes of

Information Technology must have proper mechanisms that prevent harassment

and intimidation by professors on caste and category basis. A committee should be

there to inquire into the atrocities against the Dalit students. Also, the institutions

must have facilities for remedial coaching or other support. Apart from that, the

institutions must establish facilities for preventing dropout among Dalit students

for the disadvantaged sections. Earlier Government had set up a committee to find

out the dropout of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from higher

educational institutions like IITs and IIMs. I would request the Government to

revive that Committee to look into the issues pertaining to the dropout of SC/St

students for higher educational institutions. Finally, on behalf of the State of

Kerala, I would like to give a suggestion to the Government that the Indian

Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam established as an Institute of

National Importance must be made a national centre of advanced research in

information technology.

SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV: I would like to welcome this move of the

Government as it is going to supplement the efforts being made through this Bill to

build the bright future of the children. Therefore, I would like to express my thanks

for granting approval through this Bill to run these five institutes in PPP mode.

There is an IIT in Bihta but the Hon'ble Minister is required to pay attention

towards it. Education is not being imparted properly there and all faculties have not

been set up there. I would like to request the Hon. Minister to address the

shortcomings of the institute situated in Bihta. Once again I would like to request

the Hon. Minister for Bihar. Bihar does not have as many national institutes as per

its requirement. He has done a favour by providing two Central Universities over

there. But more Central Universities are required to be set up there. The Patna

University is a historic University and there has been a long pending demand that it

should be accorded the status of a Central University but the Government has not

taken any action in this regard. The NIT, Patna should be granted the status of an

IIT. It will be a great favour for us if one more IIT is set up on the other side of the

Ganga in view of the large population of the area.

PROF. SOUGATA RAY: Having more IIITs in the country is a welcome step

and I support this initiative. These IIITs are not yet of a standard of national

importance if you compare them to the IITs. I would urge to look into the

curriculum of these IIITs to bring them up to the level of IITs. Many engineering

colleges open IT courses. It is because there is little cost involved in doing it. Our

institutes teach little about hardware. India is on the forefront in the world in

software, we are very much behind in hardware. So, it is necessary to develop

hardware education in the country so that we can manufacture our own computers.

I would like to know from the hon. Minister as to how many graduates from these

IIITs got jobs? We do not want our IT graduates to work as cyber coolies. We

want them to work as proper data analysts.

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: Five more IIITs institutions are being

established in Bhagalpur, Surat, Raichur, Bhopal and Agartala through this Bill

besides 15 such institutions which are already there in the country. Pune city in

our Maharashtra has become an information technology hub. Unfortunately,

despite having diploma/ degree, good jobs are hard to get for years together.

Establishing institution is good but the institutions itself must ensure to provide

placement to students at proper time.

SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL: Indian Institutes of Information Technology are

already established at present in Bhagalpur, Surat, Raichur, Bhopal and Agartala

under the PPP mode. Now, these institutions shall be authorized to take admission

and provide degree of B.Tech, M.Tech and P.hd. This is an appreciable step. I

would like to demand the Minister to set up such an institution in Madhubani also.

There are about 822 posts vacant at present in these institutions. How quality

education could be provided with such a large number of vacant posts? Therefore,

I would like to request the Government to fill up all the vacant posts in these

institutions.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: India has emerged as a very important

power in the field of information technology. Our engineers who came out from

IIITs have made their impact felt and a number of institutes have flourished

throughout the country. Union Government is also trying to encourage the private

players. It should also be linked with employment. This Bill will grant status to the

15 IIITs established in PPP mode and declare them Institutes of National

Importance. Our weakness is, we are not focusing on developing our hardware.

That is the reason why most of the components are being imported. There should

be uniformity in the curriculum, which is actually not happening. We did not

disucss the budgetary allocation relating to HRD Ministry. It is important that

these institutions enable themselves to be more relevant to the area they are

operating in. The participation of private sector in the PPP model must be

enhanced. The Government should also focus on linking education with

employment. Standardization of fee structure also needs to be done.

DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY: I would like to emphasize that proper

reservations should be ensured in IIIT institutes. Adequate reservations should be

provided as per the prevailing State’s rights. Right now, in Tamil Nadu we have a

69 per cent reservation policy. We keep telling our children that they should study

properly so that they can get good jobs. Having toiled for several years, if they are

told that they are going to end up as sweepers, I think it is a very dismal state of

affairs. With already dwindling economy of our country which is bordering on

recession, more impetus should be given on educating people. The unemployment

rate is so high and we are talking about e-commerce whereas this is taking away

the already existing employment.

SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH: Five more IIITs set up under the PPP framework

are sought to be declared as Institutes of National Importance through this Bill.

These are at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur. India’s IT industry

contributed in 2017 almost 7.7 per cent of the country’s GDP and is likely to rise to

more than 10 per cent by 2025. To ensure that we capture the demand for skilled

manpower in this sector, we have to ensure more and more such institutes of higher

learning. Stringent quality assurance mechanisms have to be put in place so that

the graduates that we produce from here have a value in the job market, and do not

end up being ‘technology coolies’.

KUNWAR DANISH ALI: I would like to request the Minister of Human

Resource Development to establish an IIIT institute in Amroha, Western U.P. The

Government is stepping back from social and education sectors and this is

affecting the poor, dalits and backwards adversely. Such institutions may be set up

on the PPP model, but the policy of reservation must be followed in these

institutions so that reservation policy could not be meddled with during the time of

admission and employment. I would like to request the hon. Minister to maintain

the quality of these institutions.

SHRI B.B. PATIL: This Bill seeks to grant statutory status to five IIITs under

PPP mode so that they can get the status of Institutions of National Importance. It

will enable to institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base

in the country in the field of Information Technology. But the Government should

remain focussed on the quality of education while increasing the capacity. There is

an urgent need to create more seats for quality management and engineering

education in India.

DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR: Five more institutes are being accorded the

statutory status. I would like to know whether higher education is for all. We are

constantly lagging in the field of research. We have few institutes of science which

enjoy world ranking. How much money are we pumping in science and

technology? If we do not develop the basic science, nobody will recognise us in the

world of science. It is good to learn that we have surpassed China to secure the

third position in having the number of publications in the Peer Tribute Journal. We

should lay emphasis on innovative thinking. IIITs are filling up this gap.

KUMARI GODDETI MADHAVI: This Bill seeks to declare five more Indian

Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) as institutions of national importance.

After this, these five institutes will have power to grant degrees. It will also enable

the institutes to attract enough students for development of a strong research base

in the country in the field of information technology.

SHRI E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: I feel very strongly that there is not

much farsightedness and strong vision in the field of education This is the era of

internationalisation of education. India can give leadership to the entire world as

far as education is concerned. Goal setting is very important in education. A

country is not judged on how many institutions it is having but on how many

institutions a country is having to meet the challenges. We must have a liberalized

policy and broad mindedness in the education sector. Reservation principle should

be adhered to strictly in educational system.

PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL: I rise to support the Bill. I request the

Government to set up one institute at Agra. There is one of the oldest universities

at Agra. This should be accorded the status of Central University. Agra College,

Agra was set up in 1823. This should be made a deemed university.

SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA: This Bill seeks to accord the status of

Institutes of National Importance to five IIIT's. We have scope of five more IIITs

which are coming up. These should be set up in those states which do not have any

such institute. There are two big challenges. One is the employment issue and the

other is the employability issue. 80 per cent of Indian engineers are not fit for any

job in knowledge economy. We need to involve the industry in technical

education.

SHRI GIRISH BHALCHANDRA BAPAT: I rise to support the IIIT Bill. the

Government have approved 15 IIITs throughout the country and they have also

approved this institute at Pune. After their approval, the State Government had

allotted the land for this institute. I have come to know that one builder has

encroached that land. So, I would lie to request the concerned authority to look into

this matter and call a meeting to know the actual position.

SHRI P. RAVEENDRANATH KUMAR: This Bill seeks to develop new

knowledge and provide manpower of global standards for the information

technology industry. I request the hon. Minister to set up one more IIT in my

Parliamentary Constituency Theni under the PPP mode. The Tamil Nadu

Government is spending more than Rs. 30,000 crore for the development of

Education Sector.

SHRI THOMAS CHAZHIKADAN: I am glad that the IIIT was established in

Kottayam. It is appreciated that the Government has taken an initiative for

establishing another five IIITs. The Government should go ahead in alignment

with the industries and institutions of excellence.

DR. THOL THIRUMAAVALAVAN: The hon. Supreme Court stated that

AADHAAR information should not be used for any purpose other than Social

Welfare Schemes. However, the information sought under RTI has revealed that

the Government is engaged in spying the citizens. Privacy of the citizens should be

respected.

SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL: This Bill seeks to set up five

institutes in PPP model. This PPP model will actually give practical approach to

engineers and technocrats because that is the need of the hour. I would request the

hon. Minister that a Software Technology Park and a BPO should be set up in my

constituency, Jalgaon.

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: I would like to suggest to the hon. Minister

to declare the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, an

autonomous institution at Thiruvananthapuram, also as an institute of national

Original in Tamil.

importance. The quality of education is one of the major challenges being faced by

the country. My point is whether there is any quality assessment review

mechanism in these IIITs so as to assess the standard of education imparted in

these institutions. In PPP model, the expenses have been borne by the students,

who are studying in those institutions. So, it is marginalising the poor and common

people of this country. So, there should be a fee regulatory system in place . Lastly,

what is the rate of placement of these 15 institutions?

SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: If any State has a better claim to have IIIT,

that is Jammu and Kashmir. But unfortunately, Jammu and Kashmir has been

made to lag behind. So, till an institution is set up, I would request that the

National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal, Srinagar be also declared and brought

within the fold of the Act, and given statutory recognition.

SHRI SURESH PUJARI: There is Jharsuguda district in my constituency where

lot of development work has been done recently. Most of the industries in Odisha

are in Jharsuguda. A large number of students from the areas surrounding this

district are doing quite a good job in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. I

request the hon. Minister that an Indian Institute of Information Technology should

be set up in Jharsuguda also.

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY: We need more and more IITs

and IIITs, etc. in our country because IT sector is a sector which could be

recognised as knowledge-based industry. You are establishing 20 institutions but

for the Eastern India, you should pay a little more attention. None of the 20 IIITs

established have started Dual Degree courses yet due to inadequate infrastructure.

All of these institutes are started without any permanent campus. The Government

should ideally provide funds for recurring expenditure during the first five years

after the development of fully functional permanent campus. 15-20 per cent Indian

Institute of Technology graduates do not get campus placement. We are all

supporting the Bill and wishing for the success of these institutions because our

future lies in information technology.

DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: I am fortunate that I belong to Bhagalpur district and

the five institutions being set up by the Government include one at Bhagalpur also.

Jharkhand contributes maximum fund to the Union Government. 40 per cent of

mines and minerals of the country are in Jharkhand. Industries, power plants and

software technology parks are being set up there. Santhal Pargana is the most

backward area in the state and it holds the maximum potential for development. I

request the hon. Minister that an IIIT should be set up there in Deoghar.

SHRI RITESH PANDEY: An Institute of National Importance is one that serves

as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel. What are the guidelines

for determining who a pivotal player is? What distinguishes highly skilled

personnel? This need to be specified because we need to set the criteria as to on

what basis we are choosing these institutes as Institutes of National Importance.

SHRI DNV SENTHILKUMAR S. :I would like to request the hon. Minister to

give consideration to us and have centres of excellence at Kancheepuram and

Trichy by establishing Indian Institute of Information Technology over here. Also,

reservation in the institutions under the public-private partnership mode should be

strictly adhered to.

SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY: There is a need for a common syllabus

throughout the country considering the problems being faced by students in

clearing the competitive entrance exams. The IIITs under the PPP mode were

established over the last seven years. Is there any study on how these institutions

will be able to sustain over a long time in the absence of revenue funding? Is there

any study on the quality of education provided by these institutes? How is the

employment scenario for graduates from these institutes? Is the Government

planning to establish an IIIT under PPP scheme in the State of Odisha?

DR. SATYA PAL SINGH: I come from Baghpat area, which happens to

be the most backward area in the NCR around Delhi. There is neither a State

institution nor an all-India institution. I would request the hon. Minister to at least

set up one technical education institution, whether IIT or IIIT.

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR.

RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK)replying said: A number of important

suggestions have been received on this Bill and most of the concern expressed is

related to two-three subjects. There is a provision in the Act of 2017 that all the

institutions run under this Act will have to provide reservation. The second major

concern was that we are providing degrees but what about the employment

opportunities. State Governments and the Union Government in cooperation with

the industries will provide employment opportunities to the students. Some of the

institutes have 100 per cent placement. In totality, it is more than 70 per cent. The

PPP model started by us has been very successful. Our world ranking is not

decreasing rather it is improving regularly. I am happy to inform that recently three

of our institutions have been included under the top 50 ranking institutions in the

world. Today, people who have studied at the IITs are the CEOs in the world's top

companies. Currently we have more students than the total population of the US.

We are also progressing very fast in the field of research. We are doing high level

research in collaboration with the 127 international universities under SPARC.

Concern was expressed that SC/ST and OBC students are ill-treated in these

institutions. We started Diksharambh Programme and I feel proud to tell that not a

single such incident happened last year. I would like to assure the august House

that whether it is high education or school education, technical education or

science education, our country is progressing rapidly.

The Bill was passed.

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PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

RESOLUTIONS

Re: Construction of canals through Ken-Betwa river-linking projects to

overcome the problem of water scarcity and stray cows in the Bundelkhand

region.

KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL by way of withdrawing his

resolution said: My Parliamentary Constituency, Hamirpur falls under

Bundelkhand region and the major problem this region is facing is the shortage of

water. I would like to express my gratitude to all those hon. Members who

supported me to bring this resolution and come together in support of this

resolution. All the hon. Members would agree that my Parliamentary Constituency

is the worst hit by the water-crisis. This water crisis perhaps would not have

caused such a huge migration in any Parliamentary Constituency as has been

caused in my Parliamentary Constituency. One more point I would like to make is

that the implementation of Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is urgently required

to address the problem of Cow progeny in our Bundelkhand region. Moreover, 40

water bodies will run dry if water does not reach the Urmil Dam. Hon. Minister

has given assurance that he will make efforts to fulfil the resolution by treating it

the resolution of the hon. Prime Minister. Therefore, I withdraw this resolution.

SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: The water crisis and the issue of stray animals

do not relates to Bunndelkhand alone but to the entire country. These problems

have a historical background as water and fodder used to be available in plenty in

past and the farmers used to let their cattle free for grazing. However, in today's

circumstances of water crisis, the things have changed altogether. The stray

animals not only cause huge damage to the crops but also become major cause of

road accidents. I hail from Rajasthan where scanty rains, excessive rains, declining

level of ground water and long spell of famines are the routine problems. The stray

animals have become a sort of terror in the cities and the villages. The fencing of

the agriculture fields has added to the input cost of the crops. The farmers depend

on the rains for carrying out farming in the areas where there are scanty rains. In

the absence of alternative avenues of employment, villages after villages are

emptying and adding to the population pressure on the adjoining cities. I would

therefore request the Government that the government lands lying unutilised

should be turned into the grazing grounds. The project of linking of the rivers had

raised the hopes of farming community that all the agriculture fields will get

irrigation facilities. However, the targets set out in this regard are quite far off.

Indra Gandhi Canal and Bhakra Canals cater to the irrigation facilities of as many

as 10 districts of Rajasthan. However, there are serious conflicts among the states

on this issue. Therefore, inland water transfer project should be completed at the

earliest. We all are expressing our serious concern about the conditions prevailing

in Bundelkhand but Rajasthan also faces the similar situation. The district of

Nagore has lagged behind in this regard. I would, therefore, request that the

projects relating to Chambal and Brahmni rivers for supplying the water upto

Bisalpur should be completed. The surplus water of Sabarmati river should be

stored and supplied to Pali, Jalore, Shiroi and other districts. The state government

of Gujarat should be requested to provide the water of Narmada for Jalore and

Barmer. The encroachments should be removed from the catchment area of

Ramgarh dam. I, once again, support this resolution and demand that the

Government should ponder over this issue in a serious manner.

SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: People engaged in agriculture in Bundelkhand and

other parts of Central India are under a lot of stress. Therefore, irrigation facilities

in Bundelkhand and adjoining areas need to be supplemented. We all know that

environmental disasters do not respect geographical boundaries. I would therefore

support the suggestions made by the hon. Member and would urge upon the hon.

Minister to give top priority to supplementing and enhancing irrigation facilities in

Bundelkhand and adjoining areas.

THE MINISTER OF JAL SHAKTI (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH

SHEKHAWAT) : In fact, the issue under discussion is quite topical as well as

relevant. The water crisis has posed a serious challenge to the whole world. We get

about four thousand billion cubic meter water from rains and melting of snow as a

gift of nature. We used to get the same quantity of water even seventy years before

also. Our per capita availability of water was in excess of five thousand cubic

meter which has declined to 1540 cubic meter. Owing to climate change, we are

witnessing scanty and erratic rains. We are not able to utilise the water available to

us the way we ought to utilise it and this is leading to serious crisis of water. The

farming community living in the villages has been hit hard. Indirectly it has

impacted our cattle also. This is a really serious challenge before our country. Our

villages face the existential crisis. Our cities are under serious population pressure

beyond their carrying capacity. However, this crisis has assumed grave proportions

owing to lack of management. Interlinking of rivers is a serious challenge for the

country. Various department of the states are not on the same page on this issue.

They have also asked the Union Government whether it is contemplating to bring

the subject of water under the Concurrent List. We are not able to utilise even the

8th part of available water on the land. The quantity of water that is recharged

every year is estimated to be four hundred billion cubic meter. About 85 per cent

quantity of water required for our irrigation facilities expanded in last forty years,

is met from the ground water. The storage of the rain water, the recycling of the

water and the judicious use of water are of cardinal importance.

National water policy covers guidelines for mopping up the availability of water.

In the current scenario, there is an imperative to spring into action and commence

work on Demand side management also other than supply management. For

example 5600 ltr. water is required to grow one kilogram of paddy in India vis-a-

vis merely 350 liters of water in several other countries including China. We all

essentially need to lend a thought to this aspect. Agriculture figures in the State

list. It is for the States to ensure that dissemination of technology reach the ground.

Hon'ble Prime Minister has come up with a Resolution- Per Drop, More Crop. A

new Ministry has been formed by integrating almost all the Ministries and

Departments dealing with water. The Prime Minister has written to representatives

of village and has communicated them as to how to make Optimal utilization of

water in every village by sensitizing Gram Sabhas. As many as 256 districts have

been identified as water stressed ones. Let there be water shed Development in

these districts. There is an urgent need for plantation, invoking rain and storage of

ground water. This programme has been identified as the most successful

inititative. A Jal Shakti Ministry has been made in UP acting along the Clarion Call

of the Prime Minister and a vigorous initiative has been made by the State

government through Jal Shakti Abhiyan in every district of Uttar Pradesh. More

than 2 lakh water reservoir structures have been put in place through Jal Shakti

Abhiyan. The Government of the day has started the study of Aquafer. A total of

25 lakh square Kilometer aquafer is to be studied out of which 11 lakh 40 thousand

square kilometer has been subjected to intensive study and a planning to this effect

has been over. Every district has been subjected to in-depth study leading to a fool

proof plan which has been shared with the states in order that the amount to be

spent may under MNREGA be carried out with scientific backup. All this is aimed

at achieving good results. Under the ablest leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister

we have made water accessible to every farm. This apart, 99 schemes lying

pending for over 30 years have been ear-marked of which work on 40 projects has

been accomplished. Thanks to accelerated efforts irrigation capacity of 76 lakh

hectare has enhanced. A new scheme namely Atal Boojhal Yojana has been

introduced. 78 districts of 7 water stressed states have been identified and a

budgetary provision of Rs. 6 thousand crore has been made for this purpose.

Taking leaf out of Israeli Scientists' book, a good number of persons have taken

serious pains to make this country water rich. In so far as participating

Management is concerned, an effective initiative is afoot through the

implementation of Atal Bhoojal Yojana. We are faced with severe crisis of

drinking water. The fact of the matter is that even after the lapse of seventy years,

we had reached the level of merely 18 per cent in terms of ensuring availability of

tapped water. We have made a resolution to ensure the availability of tapped water

to every village household by the year 2024. The work has been commenced

through Jal Jeevan Mission. Over exploitation of ground water is the biggest

challenge facing the country and is an issue of concern. Perceptual increase in the

quantity of Arsenic and flouride in the ground water is an issue of serious concern.

We can recharge ground water. Other than resorting to the formulation of a

comprehensive plan to deal with it, we have also started working on it at an

accelerated pace. We ought to cause awareness among the farmers in our

surroundings as to how to make judicious use of water and how to grow right crops

involving less amount of water. The Government provides aid and assistance for

water efficient irrigation. Sprinklers and drip irrigation and certain initiatives have

already been undertaken by the government through Jal Shakti Mantralya for

Bundelkhand region as well . The concept of inter-linking of rivers has been the

dream project of the country. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) in respect of Ken-

Betwa Link Project has been prepared. We have received proposal from the states

for the link projects of Inter-state and Intra-state. In to to 47 such proposals have

been received so far. The fact of the matter is that water resource happens to be a

State subject. It would be desirable and of course, in the fitness of things to evolve

a cohesive understanding with the State Governments leading to the signing of an

MoU in order to move forward on this front. Bundelkhand was home to over ten

thousand ponds and thereby had the distinction of being a water-rich region for all

practical purposes. Sadly, with the flux and flow of time this unique identity has

been something to be relegated to be in our distant memory only. Given such

fractured state of affairs, the power - that be taking care of the affairs of the

Government of Uttar Pradesh. has launched an intensive initiative called 'Apna

Khet, Apna Talab' Scheme to revive those ponds. Refilling of 38 such ponds

through Ken-Betwa link will go a long way in tackling water crisis of this region.

The Government is making a slew of initiatives to deal with the issue of stray

animals as well. 'Gokul Mission' has been launched on this count. I would request

the hon. Member to withdraw the resolution and I do assure the House with

conviction that we shall leave no stone unturned to actualize the Resolution placed

in the House by adducing it the form of Prime Minister's Resolution.

The Resolution was withdrawn.

(ii) Re: Welfare measures for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers.

SHRI RITESH PANDEY moving the Resolution said: I believe that Anganwadi

workers and Anganwadi Helpers cater to the nutritional requirements of over 10

crore and 23 lakh beneficiaries in 36 states and Union Territories. At the same

time, they impart pre-school education to 3,65,44,000 children of 3 to 6 years age

group. This is a gigantic task which broadbases the foundation of nation's

development. That is why it is incumbent upon us to take care of and protect their

interests. They are over-burdened with work. An amount of Rs. 4000 and Rs. 2250

being given to the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers respectively do not

commensurate with the volume of work executed by them. Hence, I would like to

urge the Government to increase their honorarium to a reasonable limit. Besides,

their employment should be regulated. The 'honorarium' being paid to them as

wages should be replaced by 'salary'. Every Anganwadi Centre should be upgraded

and equipped with all the basic facilities like pure drinking water and clean toilets

including of all the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers. All the

outstanding amount including rent amount for those Anganwadi centres which are

being run in rented building needs to be paid. Proper training facilities are require

to made available to all the Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers and

moreover, they need to invariably be paid at least minimum wages.

The discussion was not concluded.

SNEHLATA SHRIVASTAVA

Secretary General

© 2020 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

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