Idris Ali speaks on strategic divestment of sick central PSUs

FULL TRANSCRIPT

It is very unfortunate that Central Government is preparing a cabinet note recommending for closure of several CPSUs of the country . NITI Aayog is preparing a roadmap for ailing public sector undertakings.and had earlier identified 26 sick Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) for closure, of which 7 received cabinet nod. These include Hindustan Cable, Tyre corporation, HMT Watches, Birds Jute and Export Limited (BJEL) and Central Inland Water Transport Corporation. It is very unfortunate that Niti Aayog has also identified 12 more CPSEs for strategic sale. whereas the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are meant to serve certain larger social causes.

117  years old Country’s first Pharmaceutical company Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Works Ltd. is one of the prime listed of the Government  to sale. Bridge and Roof Company who is on average profit of Rs 32.83 crore since last 6   years is also in the target of strategic disinvestment . Most surprisingly, special steel plant unit Alloy Steel Plant, the first Indian producer who adds muscle to the “Make in India” campaign for indigenous production of speciality  products to meet defence needs are also in process of Strategic Sale plan of the Government. The fact is that all these three are from West Bengal.

Bridge & Roof Co. (I) Ltd . is serving the construction industry for more than ninety seven years with enviable track record in making profit years together, paying dividend to Government of India & never been fallen sick with constant positive growth with 1500+ permanent employees & 15000 + temporary employees  & workers posted all over INDIA . Whereas Hindustan Newsprints is also a profitable and regular paying dividend in the central exchequer since last few years with a continuous profit of average Rs 9.24 crore since 2010.

Keeping in mind the necessity of the existence of Central Public Sector Organisations for addressing social causes and tremendous scope of direct and indirect employment dependency, I request the Central Government, the Finance Ministry to close the decision to close down the Public Sector Organisations of the country better to think for revival/restructure by conducting a well-organised comprehensive research study to identify the areas of business, where these units can successfully/profitably operate and grow.

In conclusion, I request the Government that there are still tremendous potential of industry in West Bengal, please do not ruin the ‘RHUR’ of Asia but make Bengal another gateway of Industrial renaissance.

আমি কেন্দ্রীয় সরকার ও মন্ত্রীদের অনুরোধ করব পশ্চিমবাংলা – যেখানে ঠাকুর শ্রী শ্রী রামকৃষ্ণ পরমহংসদেব জন্মগ্রহণ করেছেন, যেখানে স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ জন্মগ্রহণ করেছেন, যেখানে আশুতোষ মুখোপাধ্যায়ের মতো মানুষ জন্মগ্রহণ করেছেন – সেখানে বঞ্চনা যাতে দয়া করে না হয়।

I kindly request the Centre through you, Sir. Thank you.

 

SS Roy’s Point of Order on the powers of the NITI Aayog

Article 280 has been referred to regarding the Finance Commission, and its expiry at the end of every five years. We know all the modalities. Previously, the other things were being done by the Planning Commission, now it is being done by another extra-Constitutional authority, that is, NITI Aayog. Most of the financial powers have been usurped by the Finance Ministry, and they are allocating the funds to the States at their whims and fancies. I want to ask whether this system should continue.

WB CM not going to NITI Aayog meeting because of the historic 100th administrative meeting

July 15 is a historic day for the Trinamool Congress Government of West Bengal. On this day, the 100th administrative meeting of the State Government is going to be held, which would be presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This is the first time since independence that a Chief Minister has undertaken 100 such CM-to-BDO meetings, spread over all the districts.

This meeting was scheduled a long time back, and hence Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s schedule for July 15 was decided much before the NITI Aayog meeting on the issue of land acquisition was called.

The party’s view on land acquisition is well known. It was Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had undertaken a 26-day fast on the issue. It was Trinamool Congress that moved a resolution in Parliament opposing the 2013 Land Acquisition Bill. The 2013 Bill was opposed by only one party in Parliament – Trinamool Congress, which even called for a division of votes.

The above reasons for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s inability to attend the NITI Aayog meeting has been communicated clearly in a letter to the Prime Minister.