The Budget (General), 2013-14

The Budget (General), 2013-14

 

Thank you, Sir. I rise to speak on the Budget 2013-14. The Economic Survey 2012 had predicted that the Indian economy would register growth of around 7.6 per cent, plus or minus 0.25 per cent, in 2012-13. But now, the economy is expected to register a growth rate of 5.0 per cent in 2012-13. According to economic Survey, Growth rate in Agriculture, forestry and fishing has declined from 5.1% in the year 2005-06 to 1.8% in the 2012-13. Mining and Quarrying from 1.3% in the year 2005-06 to 0.4% in the year 2012-13, Manufacturing from 10.1% in the year 2005-06 to 1.9% in the year 2012-13, Construction from 12.8% in 2005-06 to 5.9% in the year 2012-13, Trade, Hotels, and restaurants, transport and communication from 12.0% in 2005-06 to 5.2% Service. The Growth Rate has declined significantly in almost all sectors during the period from 2005-06 to 2012-13. As a result, our GDP has declined from 9.3% in the year 07-08 to 5.0 in the year 2012-13. Fiscal Deficit increased from 2.5% in 07-08 to 5.01% in 2012-13. Capital formation also declined from 38.1% 2007-08 to 35.0% 2011-12.

Sir, the allocation in case of education, health and woman and child development in respect of the UPA II has decreased from UPA 1 . I would just give you data, in education it was 25.7 %, now in UPA II it is 21.7% . In health it was 19% now in UPA II it is 16.2% . In case of woman and child development it was 28.9 % now it is 25.4 %. There is inadequacy of the Budgetary hike for education sector. 25.7 %, now in UPA II it is 21.7% . The Education Minister informed press recently that a very little amount has been allocated to Education Ministry, and he will make a request to Finance to increase. Nothing has been done.

The Economic Survey also indicates that, the economy has slowed down due to euro crisis, uncertainty in fiscal policy in the United States and weak monsoon. Revenues did not keep pace with spending, the fiscal deficit threatened to breach the target, saving falls and private saving also shrinks. Current account deficit also increased.

Sir, if we take the issue of Infrastructure projects, they are unable to complete due to inconsistent Govt. policies thus resulting huge PSU banks exposure and becoming NPA’s.

While world-wide infrastructure financing is on long term basis, we have no Policy regarding Long Term Low Cost initiatives. Not only this, Sir, we have no proper gestation periodmethodology and combined with improper finance planning which is affecting Thermal / Gas based / Hydel Projects and they are all languishing

In AP alone, I am told, 6000MW equivalent power plants capacity is completed but due to environmental clearance (once given) are kept idle and this amounts to Rs.30,000 Cr of Banks’ Money which is completely stuck.

No proper Coal Linkages/non fuel supplies resulting in power plants being non-starters are posing a major setback to the whole Country,

while Petroleum as well as Gas allocations which are not planned are affecting our foreign exchange outflow.

Sir, This kind of inconsistent approach towards the Industry will have serious ramifications on industries too, be it large, medium or small, and they are all not running beyond 30% of their capacity due to the lack of working capital or power cuts as all this is cyclical.

This would lead to people’s unrest because most employees will eventually default in either housing loans or personal loans which eventually will affect the Country’s ratings.

Sir, regarding Agriculture, this sector is constantly suffering either due to lack of fertilizers or lack of power or no proper financing. In fact no Indian farmer wants any dole as he is a respectable person. Our economy is pushing him to live on doles. Govt can give them a level playing field by supporting proper timely fertilizers, power, warehousing facilities and cold storage centers.

Sir,our farmers in Andhra Pradesh are going on Crop Holidays which was unheard in the past. Why is there no planning to address such issues when we are largely dependent on agriculture? Is there no responsibility to take care of farmer issues? I am sure though this Budget did no mention, at an appropriate time this Government will resort to some quick fix method in this election year to give a Loan Waiver scheme in order to draw votes as well as help middle men as seen by the recent CAG’s report on the earlier loan waiver scheme.

In order to accelerate the growth rate, all the major sectors, Agriculture, Industry and services, have to perform well. India has 1799000 square kms. of Agricultural Land. China has lesser agriculture land area than India and still it produces more agro products than India. Productivity per acre is much more there than in India. I would like to know from the Hon’ble Finance Minister what Government has in mind to increase productivity in agriculture.

Sir,in my Budget speech of last year in this House you may please recall that I have mentioned the way our economy is going and the way industries are going to their banks for Corporate Debt Re-structuring and unless this is not corrected it would hit the healthy banks which have played such a vital role in nation building. They are likely to land on the sick bed which may warrant a Special Banks Restructuring Cell. This will pull our Country’s rating further down.

Sir, the problem is, there is total paralysis of the Govt. in terms of inter – Ministerial relationship, be it in fiscal issues or even internal law enforcement issues. There is total chaos in between Ministries. I had on several occasions cautioned that the way our economy is being neglected there would be very soon large scale NPA’s and as the Manufacturing sector is already down. Very soon joblessness will rise and would Impact inflation. Our Imports and exports amounts to 44% of GDP and capital inflow and outflow represent 108 % of GDP. Sir, Today we are discussing the most important issue, i.e. Finance of the Country and continuous slow down of the economy for the two/three years, which the Hon’ble Prime Minister has also accepted. I would like to know from Hon’ble Finance Minister, what concrete steps are being conceived to move up our economy and to contain inflation. Every Budget time, the Government takes the international crisis as the reason for the slowdown of the economy. International crisis was there in 2008 but in the year 2008-09 our economy was completely insulated. Why our economy today is so badly affected and why is the Government takes the reason of the crisis to the American crisis. India is a big country; we have a big domestic market. We should explore the possibilities to boost domestic market. There is a huge potential for the domestic consumption and market. I wish, the Hon’ble Finance Minister, would tell us what plans this Govt has for this.

Unless India undertakes reforms, our economic growth will be far below potential. At this hour, there is a need to be innovative in terms of policy. But our Government have failed to spell the innovation in the policies in the Budget.

Sir, regarding my State of Andhra Pradesh which was one of the most flourishing States and several years back and was being compared to California / Singapore etc. The State which gave the best talent to the Software world and created so many jobs is today in total backwardness. This Budget has nothing to provide for issues like Power as am sure that many industries would be closing down while many more will become NPA’s. Both Govts in Centre as well as the State are same but apathy been shown in such a way that the state is totally neglected. Earlier we were told that we are a de-coupled economy and hence insulated. Does it now mean that are we now re-coupled economy?

Sir, this Budget has no direction. This Budget has failed to fulfill the dreams of the people of the country. With this, I conclude. Thank you, Sir

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Wind Power Energy Projects

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3362

ANSWERED ON-07.05.2012

(a) whether Government has identified the locations for wind power energy projects across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise
(c) the details of total wind power energy potential available across the country;
(d) the details of funds earmarked/released for the implementation of wind power energy projects, State-wise; and
(e) whether there is any time-frame fixed for implementation of these projects?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
(DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a) Suitable sites for wind power energy projects are identified in the Indian Wind Atlas and wind monitoring data. The Ministry has established 653 wind monitoring stations in the country through Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai for carrying out wind resource assessment. The wind data of these locations is available with C-WET and is used by developers for setting up of wind power projects.

(b): The State-wise details of wind monitoring stations are given at Annexure-I.

(c): As per an estimation done by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai, the wind power potential in the country is estimated at 49,130 MW at a height of 50 m. The State/UT-wise details are given at Annexure-II.

(d): The Ministry provides funds only for Generation based Incentive (GBI) for wind power energy projects through the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The funds released for GBI during 2010-11 and 2011-12 are Rs. 25.00 crore and Rs. 21.18 crore respectively.
(e): Wind Power Installations are taken up in commercial mode with private sector investment under the policies of respective State Governments.


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Early Completion Of New Broad Gauge Railway Line

Demand For Early Completion Of New Broad Gauge Railway Line From Rayadurg To Thumkur

Sir, the new broad gague railway line between Thumkur and Rayadurg (207.65 km) via Kalyandurg, Madakasire and Pavagada was sanctioned in 2008-09, at a total cost of Rs.970.34 crore. This project of Rs.970.34 crores is to 103 be executed on a 50:50 cost sharing basis between the Railways and the State Governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Sir, this line is very important for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This new line would reduce the journey time from the present seven hours to four hours, and will also save journey on a 146 km-distance between Rayadurg and Chennai. The people of the three States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu would be benefited a lot after the completion of this line. The work on the line has not yet been completed.

In view of the above, I would urge upon the Government of India to take immediate steps, including sanctioning of funds, to facilitate early completion of the new broad gauge railway line between Thumkur and Rayadurg.

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Need For Universal Old Age Pension

Raised A Matter Regarding Need For Universal Old Age Pension

SHRI RAMA CHANDRA KHUNTIA (ODISHA): Mr. Vice-Chairman, Sir, as we all know, the changed socio-economic scenario and the rise in longevity has added to the disadvantage of the elderly people, especially in the unorganised sector. We live in a country where 30 per cent people belong to the unorganised sector. They are totally dependent on their daily wage earnings. They are not covered by any medical care or social security scheme.

While, on the one hand, their lifespan has increased, elderly people no longer enjoy the protection of their wards and other relatives and are now required to fend for themselves. Their physical condition does not even allow them to collect water from the wells with their own hands. They are unable to live by themselves.

Their demand is non-contributory pension for those who are above the age of 55 while the eligibility for women should be 50 years without any distinction on the lines of the BPL and the APL; it should be for all the people. Presently, the Centre pays Rs.200/- as pension to those who are above 60 years and Rs.500/- to those who are above 80 years. As you know, for a person to live in this world, a minimum of 2,400 calories per day is required. Rs.200/- may not be enough for purchasing rice even for a week. So, it is high time that the Central Government should consider raising the pension to Rs.2,000/- per month. According to an estimate, if their pension is enhanced to Rs.2,000/-, the State would have to bear about Rs.3.6 lakh crores a year. It will benefit about 10 crore people. It may be difficult for the Central Government, but it is hoped that the Central Government will bear the cost. A cess has been proposed on the industrial sector to raise the needed funds and provide relief to the Government, which is very much required.

Today, thousands of elderly people, with the help of some NGOs, are staging dharna at Jantar Mantar from 7.00 a.m. – it has already been started -- to 11 a.m. Through you, Sir, I urge upon the Government to consider the demand and increase the pension of all elderly people. Thank you.

ी ईर िंसह (हिरयाणा): महोदय, म वयं को इस िवषय से सबं  करता हूँ।

DR. BHALCHANDRA MUNGEKAR (NOMINATED): Sir, I also associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.


SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY (ANDHRA PRADESH): Sir, I also associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.

SHRI HUSAIN DALWAI (MAHARASHTRA): Sir, I associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.


डा. िवजयलमी साधौ (मध्य देश): महोदय, मवयं को इस िवषय से सबं करती हूँ।

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Provide Financial Assistance For Completion Of The Krishna Water Project

Demand To Provide Financial Assistance For Completion Of The Krishna Water Project To Solve The Problem Of Water In Hyderabad

I would like to bring to the kind notice of the hon. Minister of Water Resources that the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is facing severe shortage of drinking water. This shortage of drinking water in Hyderabad is expected to worsen in the coming years. Against the drinking water demand of 450 MGD, the Water Board is able to supply only 330 MGD. By 2013, projected water demand is likely to increase to around 480.20 MGD and the present resources available are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand. To augment the increasing demand for drinking water the construction of Krishna Water Project Phase -III is essential.

The Water Board has sought Rs. 1690 crore in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) that it submitted to the State on October 2011. But the State government, from its resources, is able to earmark only Rs. 30 
crore. Unless the financial grant or loan is provided by the Central Government, it appears that the Krishna Water Project is not going to take off.

In view of above, I urge upon the Central Government to provide financial assistance for completion of Krishna Water Project Phase II Project so that drinking water problems of the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad could be solved. Thank you.

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