Author: aitc

Mr. Chairman, Sir, the issue of migrant workers is not new in our country. They have been moving from one State to another for better livelihood for hundreds of years. Over time, migration has increased which is not new for a developing country like us. In the words of Rabindranath Thakur, ∗ “The massive crowds walk on different paths in different groups from one point to another for their daily needs.” In various paths, in various groups, people move from one era to another for the daily needs of humans. Thakur depicted the struggles of working people in our country capturing the essence of their struggles. We take pride in the new Parliament House. Even in the construction of this modern building, the sweat and blood of several thousands of workers is intricately woven. However, a broader societal concern arose when the horrifying images of migrant workers came to the forefront during the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. From railway tracks to roads, the nation witnessed the plight of these fellow citizens. Not long ago, 41 workers were trapped in the Silkyara tunnel that collapsed on November 12 in Uttarakhand. After 17 days, they were rescued. They were mostly migrant workers. This is one of the latest examples. I can go on with dozens of such examples highlighting the plight of such people. As per the latest Census data from 2011, there are more than 45 crore inter-State migrants, constituting 38 per cent of the total population. By the end of 2023, the number has probably increased by at least ten per cent. According to the Census data, the highest number of migrant workers is in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar. This is not true that the most unemployed are from West Bengal. Migrant workers from Bengal when they go to other States, they are commonly identified as Bangladeshis as they speak in their mother tongue Bengali. But migrant workers from other States always stay in Bengal peacefully and unharmed. Unfortunately, the nation lacks a concrete database of migrant workers with their details and there are no specific schemes dedicated to that community. I want to refer to West Bengal where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee formed first such body for the welfare of migrant workers and announced a slew of schemes.

Sir, I thank you very much for giving me a chance to speak on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Kashmir is a cradle of dreams. It is the sanctuary of hopes for 13.6 million Kashmiris. Kashmir is the jewel in the crown of India. The Government has made a habit of bulldozing legislations. Of every ten legislation, 3.5 are Ordinances. But I hope that this House deliberates on Kashmir. Let our deliberations be more than just jumlas and election gimmicks. Let them be the resounding voice that calls for justice and the recognition of the Kashmiri people’s right to adult franchise and to be governed by their elected representatives. Sir, what Jammu and Kashmir and the Union of India had — I stress ‘had’ — was a special understanding of the unique historical and cultural identity of the people of Kashmir and a deep sense of constitutional respect. What is the Government’s rationale behind the Lt. Governor nominating Members to the State Assembly? This indicates that the Government has no intention to conduct elections. The nomination of these members ideally falls within the purview of the elected State Legislative Assembly. This contradicts the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The verdict dated 11th December, 2023, today, specifies that elections to the Legislative Assembly cannot wait for the restoration of statehood. Sir, this Bill reflects the Government’s profound disregard for the Constitution, parliamentary democracy and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While the Bill was being discussed in Lok Sabha, there were mentions of the Flag being hoisted and movies being screened in Kashmir. Years ago, in the very same House, Shrimati Sushma Swaraj had said that ordinary men are not affected by fancy things. The ordinary people of Kashmir are affected by ordinary things. In the freezing winters of December, ordinary rural wage workers in Kashmir are affected by the unemployment rate being over 21 per cent, one of the highest in the country. In the freezing winters of December, ordinary families in Kashmir are affected by the twelve to sixteen hour long power cuts. Sir, please remember that this is the longest the State has seen in two decades. In the freezing winters of December, 66 per cent ordinary villages in Kashmir are affected… सर, हम लोग हर व� उनको सुनतेहैं। Sir, in the freezing winters of December, ordinary families in Kashmir are affected by twelve to sixteen hour long power cuts; I repeat. Please remember that this is the longest the State has seen in two decades. In the freezing winters of December, 66 per cent ordinary villages in Kashmir are affected by not having access to functional household tap water connections. In the freezing winters of December, as we sit in the comfort of these chambers in New Delhi, let us not forget the biting cold that seeps into the bones of those in Kashmir, grappling with the basic necessity of employment, electricity or clean water. When the Government speaks about representation and expression of people’s mandate, it reeks of double standards. I ask this Government, whom does it aim to serve by crushing academic and political dissent? Why did India rank 161st out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index? Why do studies show that in more than 198 serious attacks on reporters between 2014 to 2019, forty journalists were killed? What a shame! Sir, the Government wants States to follow the Centre. But, how can we expect State Legislatures to be accountable when the legislature of the Union, that is, the Parliament sends only one out of every ten Bills for scrutiny? How can we expect State Governments to function effectively when the Union Government refuses to release funds that rightfully belong to them? Since December, 2021, the Government at the Centre has blocked more than Rs.18,000 crores for West Bengal under MGNREGA, Awas Yojana, Gramin Sadak Yojana and National Social Assistance Programme. Despite continuous protests, letters and appeals from my party’s leaders, Members and wage workers, there has been nothing but silence. Instead of cooperative federalism, our efforts have been met with a deafening lack of response. This is not ‘sabka saath, sabka vikaas’. This is ‘kuchh logon ka saath, kuch logon ka vikaas’. The Government’s politics are based on exclusion. But, it will not work in West Bengal because the children of West Bengal sing with their heads held high… Okay, Sir. Okay, Sir. I accept your… Sir, the Government is boasting that everything is ideal in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. I would like to remind the House once again that it is not just about tourism. Allow me to share four points. The solid waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission, more than sixty per cent villages do not have it in Kashmir. Under Ayushman Bharat, 7,000 ineligible beneficiaries and three lakh incorrect household IDs have been found. Under Ujjwala Yojana, there is below average consumption. Yet, the Government boasts of normalcy. How can the Government boast normalcy when the people of Kashmir are engulfed in the chilling embrace of unrest and uncertainty? I only say that this is not about politics of mere tokenism any more. This is about the faith of 13.6 million Kashmiris whose destinies are determined by everyone but themselves. “नक़्श हैहर ज़ुल्म िजस का वादी-ए-कश्मीर पर उसनेदहशत-गदर्िलखा अमन की तस्वीर पर कािहली की लग गई दीमक हर इक तदबीर पर इ�क्तफ़ा करके रह गया हर कश्मीरी तक़दीर पर”। نقش ہے ہر ظلم جس کا وادی کشمیر پر اس نے دہشت گرد لکھا امن کی تصویر پر کاہلی کی لگ گئی دیمک ہر ایک تدبیر پر اکتفا کرکے ره گیا ہر کشمیری تقدیر پر

Would the hon. Minister give the data of the percentage of the loans given under this scheme to SC/ST and Minority communities in the last three years State-wise? Sir, would the hon. Minister give the data of the percentage of the loans given under this scheme to SC/ST and Minority communities in the last three years State-wise?

Sir, the Minister has been repeatedly mentioning that the oil marketing companies have taken a hit and, therefore, the customers have been safe. He has given it to me in writing on 25th November that public sector oil marketing companies have suffered under recovery. Admitted. At the same time, would the hon. Minister be kind enough to state how much profits went to the private oil refiners during the same critical period? Because I have data with me, at my disposal, which we are exchanging, sometimes not in the best of manner, we are in regular exchange? How much profits were made? Okay; I am naming two companies, Reliance and Roseneft that has taken over Essar company in Gujarat, at rock bottom prices. They bought it at rock bottom spot prices from the Russians whereas oil companies were unable to take the Russian offer despite the fact that External Affairs Minister was defending our stand because they were bound by long-term contracts. So, the benefit of the Russian oil went to two private limited companies. How much profit did they make? When you are talking, do not make gesticulations like this. Do not make gesticulations like this. We all are addressing the hon.

Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, I thank you for allowing me. My subject is, ‘Need to address the rising cases of crime against women. Sir, I wish to bring to your notice that the recent NCRB has reported and revealed a staggering figure of 4,45,256 cases of crimes committed against women in 2022. This translates into about 51 FIRs filed every hour! This way the safety of women has become very paramount. It is imperative for authorities to address this concerning trend and implement robust measures for ensuring safety and security of women all across the nation. While details underscore the urgent need to have comprehensive strategies to combat gender-based crimes, it is noteworthy that Kolkata stands out as the safest city in the country. This distinction highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives and law enforcement efforts in creating a secure environment for women. Sir, to further enhance women safety nationwide, it is crucial for policy-makers to analyze successful models like that of Kolkata and replicate best practices available all over the nation. This may include increased police presence, community engagement programmes and leveraging technology for a rapid response to such incidents. This alarming statistics underscores the responsibility of both, law enforcement, roping and engaging the community to work collaboratively in tandem in creating a society where women can live without fear. Sir, it is essential to prioritize and invest in women’s safety, ensuring that every city and region becomes a safe haven for women to thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress. Thank you.

Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, the country as a whole and the entire medical fraternity demand the restoration of previous logo of National Medical Commission. Sir, earlier it was Indian Medical Degree Act, 1916, which became Indian Medical Council Act, 1933 and finally it became the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Thereafter, despite having several objections from different corners of the society and the fraternity, it was repelled and the National Medical Commission came into force from 25th September, 2020 repealing the 64 years old Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Sir, earlier it was termed as Western Medicine, then it became Medicine and finally, it was termed as Modern Medicine. The logo of Modern was caduceus. There was no need and there was no permissible condition so far as the National Medical Commission is concerned that this logo can be changed, but, unfortunately, we have seen in the recent past, I don’t know whether it is because of the Government’s instruction or by the National Medical Commission itself, they have changed the logo and they have brought a photograph of Dhanvantari in the logo. Sir, the change of logo was absolutely not needed. It symbolizes one particular religion. What is the function of the National Medical Commission? It regulates the medical curriculum; it gives sanction to the new medical colleges. Its function is not to promote any particular religion. Even the AYUSH Department did not change its logo. But, the National Medical Commission has changed its logo. It is against the basic oath which we, the doctors, take after passing MBBS, be it the Charak oath or be it the Hippocratic Oath. We take oath that we will treat each and every patient irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. We are not bound to treat one particular religion. Sir, again, it is the basic essence of the Indian Constitution which, through its Articles 25 and 26, after the 42nd Amendment in 1976, speaks that India is a secular country and we should not promote dovetailing of religion. There are eight major religions of the world that very much exist in our country. We know, by now, we worship Lord Ram and some use the religion for their political benefit. It is known to all that in Uttar Pradesh, one Dalit is forced to lick his spit from ground because his son gets married to a woman who belongs to another community. And, it is known to us by now that in the Lok Sabha, their MP openly abuses one Muslim MP * So, we, and the Indian Medical Association, being the largest organization, demand that immediately the previous logo which does not symbolize any particular religion should be restored. Thank you.

Sir, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you. Today, we saw you protecting a Member and actually putting a question to the Minister. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the way you protected the Member. A lot of States, especially during COVID-19 and even after that, have rejected dal and other grains that come under the PMGKAY. Sir, through you, my question to the hon. Minister is: What were the reasons for States rejecting food grains that come under this Yojana and what steps have been taken to ensure that high quality food is now being supplied to different States under this scheme? Sir, Tamil Nadu is one example. What had happened was that after food grains were rejected, they went to NAFED. They instituted a committee. After that, NAFED changed the procurement process where out of 100 per cent that is given by millers, 70 per cent is taken and the OTR lower limit was removed. That is why I would request the hon. Leader of the House to kindly let the Minister, under whose jurisdiction it is, to respond because he does not seem to be aware of the facts.