Tag: West Bengal CM

Highlights of Dr Amit Mitra’s Budget 2017-18 Speech

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Bengal Finance Minister Dr Amit Mitra presented the State Budget for 2017-18 at the Legislative Assembly today.

The Budget reflected the enormous effort put in by the Trinamool Congress Government to turn around a State left in ruins by the 34 years’ of Left Front rule. Despite being still in debt, and with no moratorium being provided by the Centre despite repeated requests, the State has made huge progress on all fronts.

For example, Dr Mitra said, “Tax collection has increased by 103% from 2010-11 to 2016-17”, which is a record among States.

After winning the 2016 Assembly election with a huge mandate, the developmental work in the State has continued apace.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF BENGAL BUDGET 2017-18 SPEECH

Debt problem

  • On the one hand, we have the legacy of the enormous debt left behind by the Left Front Government. On the other hand, there was the effect of demonetisation.
  • We will have to pay more than Rs 47,000 crore as debt instalment this year.
  • We may be cash-strapped but we are a humane Government; we believe in “hanste hanste chalna seekho”.

Growth

  • Growth rate of India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was -0.1% in 2016-17, while that of Bengal was 4.8%
  • Plan Expenditure of Bengal increased fourfold from 2010-11 to 2016-17

New announcements

  • Anganwadi workers, who provide nutrition to pregnant women, and new mothers and infants, brought under Swathya Sathi scheme
  • ASHA workers, who are a pillar of strength in the health sector, brought under Swathya Sathi scheme
  • Monthly allowance of Anganwadi workers will be increased by Rs 500, benefitting 2 lakh workers
  • Monthly allowance of ASHA workers will be increased by Rs 500, benefitting 50,000 workers

Fund

  • 50,000 artisans who lost jobs due to demonetisation to be given an aid of Rs 50,000 each
  • Rs 50 crore allocated for small businesses
  • A special fund of Rs 100 crore created for farmers

Taxation

  • Fundamental reforms in the taxation system ushered in, including simplification of the process and e-taxation
  • Tax collection increased 103% from 2010-11 to 2016-17, a record among States, reflecting the Trinamool Congress Government’s commitment and transparency
  • Stamp duty will be reduced to 2%, from 5%
  • Education cess and rural employments cess will be exempted for the betterment of tea industry.

GST

  • GST must be for the benefit of common people and small traders, among others; the State’s financial autonomy and federal structure must not be hampered.
  • GST Council has adopted the recommendations put forward by Bengal – Bengal has won what was sometimes a lonely fight

Settlement scheme

  • New settlement scheme started in December 2016, due to the overwhelming response received, extended till March 31, 2017

VAT

  • Ceiling of primary slab of VAT increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
  • Small traders and enterprises will no longer have to physically come to State Government offices to file hard copies of documents for VAT purposes
  • VAT audit report will be abolished, benefitting 30,000 businesses
  • All pending cases of VAT settlements will be disposed off by December 31, 2017
  • Small and medium enterprises and manufacturing companies to be brought under the ambit of minimal VAT scheme
  • VAT on solar water heaters, bio-diesel, terracotta tiles, kerosene stoves and sal leaf products will be abolished

Planned Expenditure (PE)

  • Despite demonetisation, Plan Expenditure of Bengal for 2017-18 will be Rs 64,733 crore
  • Target for revenue collection in 2017-18 is Rs 55,786 crore

Employment

  • 13.27 lakh employment opportunities created during last fiscal

২০১৭-১৮ অর্থবর্ষের রাজ্য বাজেট পেশ করলেন অর্থমন্ত্রী অমিত মিত্র

আজ বিধানসভায় ২০১৭-১৮ আর্থিক বর্ষের বাজেট পেশ করলেন অর্থমন্ত্রী ডঃ অমিত মিত্র।

৩৪ বছরে বাম শাসন বাংলাকে ধ্বংস করার পর বাংলার উন্নয়নের কর্মযজ্ঞ প্রতিফলিত হয়েছে এই বাজেটে। বাম আমলে করা বিপুল ঋণের বোঝা মাথায় নিয়ে চলছে রাজ্য। বারবার অনুরোধ করা সত্ত্বেও কেন্দ্রীয় সরকার কোনও রকম সাহায্য করেনি রাজ্যকে। তাও রাজ্য সব দিক দিয়ে এগিয়ে চলেছে।

২০১৬ সালে বিপুল জনমতে পুনরায় সরকার গঠন করে মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়। তারপর উন্নয়নের কাজে আরও গতি এসেছে। কেন্দ্রীয় সরকারের জনবিরোধী নোটবাতিলের সিদ্ধান্তে সারা দেশের অর্থনীতি ধুঁকছে। তা সত্ত্বেও তৃতীয় বিশ্ব বঙ্গ বাণিজ্য সম্মেলনে ২.৩৫ লক্ষ কোটি টাকার বিনিয়োগ যথেষ্ট আশা ব্যঞ্জক।

নোট বাতিল:

  • নোটবাতিল সাধারণ মানুষের ওপর ব্যাপক প্রভাব ফেলেছে। কোন গণতান্ত্রিক দেশে এভাবে ৮৬ শতাংশ নোট বাতিল হয় না।
  • মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ই একমাত্র নেত্রী যিনি প্রথম নোটবাতিলের এবং টাকা তোলার নিষেধাজ্ঞার বিরোধিতা করেন।
  • ভারতের জি ডি পি বৃদ্ধির হার নিম্নমুখী,  ১ থেকে ৩.৫ শতাংশ কমতে পারে।
  • নোট বাতিল অর্থনৈতিক ও রাজনৈতিক জরুরি অবস্থার সমান।
  • সাধারণ মানুষ চরম ভোগান্তির শিকার। ক্ষুদ্র ও মাঝারি শিল্প, শ্রমিক, চা, জুট, হ্যান্ডলুম, টেক্সটাইল – সব ক্ষেত্র ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত।
  • নোটবাতিলের গোলপোস্ট এখন কালো টাকা থেকে ক্যাশলেস অর্থনীতিতে সরে গেছে।
  • নোটবাতিলের আসল উদ্দেশ্য কারো জানা নেই। এর ফলে কারা উপকৃত হয়েছে?
  • রিজার্ভ ব্যাঙ্কের স্বাধীনতা খর্ব করা হয়েছে। যুক্তরাষ্ট্রীয় পরিকাঠামোকে দুর্বল করার জন্য এই ষড়যন্ত্র।
  • কেন্দ্রের নোট বাতিলের ফলে ভারতের বৃদ্ধির হার কমে ৭.১ শতাংশ হয়ে গেছে।
  • সাপ্লাই চেন ও সহযোগী শিল্প ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত, শ্রমিকরা কর্মহীন হয়েছেন।
  • নোট বাতিলের ফলে রাজ্যের বৃদ্ধির হার কমে হয়েছে ৯.২৭ শতাংশ।
  • নোটবাতিলের প্রভাব পুরোপুরি কাটিয়ে উঠতে আরও ২-৩ বছর লাগবে।
  • কৃষকরা কো-অপারেটিভ ব্যাঙ্ক ও লোনের ওপর নির্ভরশীল। নোট বাতিলের ফলে কো-অপারেটিভ সিস্টেম ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত।

ঋণের বোঝা:

  • একদিকে আমাদের ওপর বাম সরকারের করে যাওয়া বিপুল ঋণের বোঝা। অন্যদিকে নোট বাতিলের প্রভাব।
  • এবছর আমাদের ৪৭০০০ কোটি টাকা বেশি ঋণ শোধ করতে হবে।
  • আমাদের কাছে টাকা না থাকলেও আমরা মানুষের জন্য কাজ করে যাচ্ছি। আমরা বিশ্বাস করি ‘হাসতে হাসতে চালনা শিখো’।

বৃদ্ধি:

  • ২০১৬-১৭ অর্থবর্ষে আই আই পি বৃদ্ধির হার ছিল ০.১ শতাংশ, আর বাংলার আই পি বৃদ্ধির হার ছিল ৪.৮ শতাংশ।
  • ২০১০-১১ থেকে ২০১৬-১৭ পরিকল্পনা খাতে ব্যয় চার গুন বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে।

নতুন ঘোষণা:

  • অঙ্গনওয়ারী কর্মীদের স্বাস্থ্য সাথী প্রকল্পের আওতায় আনা হয়েছে।
  • অঙ্গনওয়ারী কর্মীদের মাসিক ভাতা বাড়িয়ে ৫০০ টাকা করা হচ্ছে।
  • আশা কর্মীরা হেলথ সেক্টরের মেরুদণ্ড। তাদের স্বাস্থ্য সাথী প্রকল্পের আওতায় আনা হয়েছে।
  • আশা কর্মীদের মাসিক ভাতা ৫০০ টাকা বৃদ্ধি করা হচ্ছে। এর ফলে ৫০ হাজার কর্মী উপকৃত হবে।

তহবিল:

  • ক্ষুদ্র শিল্পে ৫০ কোটি টাকা বরাদ্দ করা হয়েছে।
  • কৃষকদের জন্য ১০০ কোটি টাকার তহবিল গড়া হবে।
  • নোট বাতিলের ফলে কর্মহীন ৫০ হাজার কারিগরকে ৫০ হাজার টাকা করে সাহায্য দেওয়া হচ্ছে।

কর ব্যবস্থা:

  • আমরা কর ব্যবস্থায় মৌলিক পরিবর্তন করেছি । করা হয়েছে সরলীকরণ। শুরু হয়েছে ই-ট্যাক্সেশন ব্যবস্থা।
  • ২০১০-১১ থেকে ২০১৬-১৭ অবধি রাজ্যের রাজস্ব আয় ১০৩% বৃদ্ধি হয়েছে।
  • রাজ্যগুলির মধ্যে রাজস্ব বৃদ্ধির হারে বাংলাই প্রথম।
  • স্ট্যাম্প ডিউটি ৫ শতাংশ থেকে কমে ২ শতাংশ করার প্রস্তাব দেওয়া হয়েছে।
  • এডুকেশন সেস ও রুরাল এমপ্লয়মেন্ট সেস মকুব করা হচ্ছে।

জিএসটি:

  • বাংলার দাবি ছিল জিএসটির ফলে যেন উপকৃত হন সাধারণ মানুষ ও ক্ষুদ্র ব্যবসায়ীরা, রাজ্যের অর্থনৈতিক স্বাধীনতা ও যুক্তরাষ্ট্রীয় পরিকাঠামো যেন ক্ষুন্ন না হয়।
  • বাংলার দাবি জিএসটি কাউন্সিল মেনে নিয়েছে। হয়তো আমাদের একলা চলতে হয়েছে কিন্তু বাংলার জয় হয়েছে।

সেটেলমেন্ট স্কিম:

  • আমরা ২০১৬ ডিসেম্বর মাস থেকে নতুন সেটেলমেন্ট স্কিম চালু করেছি। আমরা খুব ভাল সাড়া পেয়েছি।
  • সেটেলমেন্ট স্কিম এর সময়সীমা ২০১৭ সালের ৩১ মার্চ অবধি বাড়ানো হবে

ভ্যাট:

  • ভ্যাটের প্রাথমিক স্তরের সীমা ১০ লক্ষ থেকে বাড়িয়ে ২০ লক্ষ করা হল।
  • ছোট ব্যবসায়ীদের আর সরকারি অফিসে গিয়ে ভ্যাটের জন্য নথিপত্রের হার্ড কপি জমা করতে হবে না।
  • ভ্যাট অডিট রিপোর্ট তুলে দেওয়া হল। এর ফলে উপকৃত হবেন ৩০,০০০ ছোট ব্যবসায়ী।
  • ৩১ ডিসেম্বর ২০১৭র আগে সমস্ত অমীমাংসিত ,ভ্যাট সেটেলমেন্ট করতে হবে।
  • ক্ষুদ্র ও মাঝারি ব্যবসা ও ম্যানুফ্যাকচারিং ব্যবসাগুলিকে ন্যূনতম ভ্যাটের আওতায় আনা হবে।
  • সোলার হিটার, বায়ো ডিজেল, শাল পাতার জিনিসপত্র, টেরাকোটার টালি, কেরোসিনে স্টোভ ভ্যাটমুক্ত করা হল।

পরিকল্পিত ব্যয়ঃ

  • নোট বাতিল সত্ত্বেও ২০১৭-১৮ আর্থিক বছরের মুলধনী ব্যয় ৬৪,৭৩৩ কোটি টাকা করা হয়েছে।
  • ২০১৭-১৮ অর্থবর্ষের জন্য কর আদায়ের লক্ষ্যমাত্রা স্থির করা হয়েছে ৫৫.৭৮৬ কোটি টাকা

কর্মসংস্থান:

গত আর্থিক বছরে ১৩.২৭ লক্ষ কর্মসংস্থান হয়েছে।

 

 

Trinamool in Parliament: Budget Session (Feb 1 – Feb 9)

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All through this first part of the Budget Session (February 1 – February 9), Trinamool’s Members of Parliament (MPs) highlighted the ill effects of demonetisation and raised their voices against the political vendetta being carried out by the Centre against the party.

In fact, in protest against demonetisation, the party’s MPs did not attend the first two days of Parliament.

The MPs, through a protest inside the Parliament complex, also showed solidarity with the Indian IT firms creating value globally, in response to the US Government’s order limiting the issuing of H1B visas. They also organised a dharna demanding state funded elections.

February 2

Suspension Notice in the Rajya Sabha

Leader of the Party in the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien gave a notice under Rule 267 on political vendetta and stifling of the voice of the Opposition.

Chief Whip of the party in Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy slammed the Centre for the “witch hunt” against Trinamool Congress.

Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Md Nadimul Haque asked a question on the empowerment of rural women.

During his speech on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien slammed the Centre on demonetisation, Digital India and political vendetta.

Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha

Vivek Gupta made a Special Mention regarding the inadequate number of toilets for girl students in schools in West Bengal.

February 3

Trinamool MPs protested inside the Parliament complex against the political vendetta by the Centre.

Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Derek O’Brien demanded Parliament observes a minute’s silence for the unfortunate victims of demonetisation.

Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha

Leader of the Party in the Lok Sabha, Saugata Roy in the Lok Sabha intervened to oppose the introduction of Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017.

Saugata Roy also raised the issue of misusing of CBI for political purposes by the Central Government, during which time BJP MPs disrupted the House, leading to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha.

February 6

Trinamool Congress MPs showed solidarity with the Indian IT firms creating value globally. The MPs gathered in front of Gandhi ji’s statue inside Parliament complex.

Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Derek O’Brien spoke on securing the interests of Indian IT firms creating value globally.

Vivek Gupta demanded an investigation into the case of missing JNU student Najeeb.

Md Nadimul Haque’s Zero Hour mention honoured the glory of former sportspersons, which received support across the aisle.

Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha

Vivek Gupta made a Special Mention on the issue of federalism.

Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha

Saugata Roy slammed the Government over demonetisation, political vendetta, rising intolerance in the country, deaths due to railway accidents, Maoist attacks, law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir and foreign policy vis-a-vis China and Pakistan.

Chief Whip of the party in the Lok Sabha, Kalyan Banerjee raised the issue of demonetisation and said that the country is facing a financial emergency.

February 7

Trinamool Congress MPs from both the Houses of the Parliament staged a dharna in front of Gandhi ji’s statue in the Parliament complex on the need for electoral reform and State funding of elections.

Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Derek O’Brien informed the House that BJP leaders in Bengal are threatening Trinamool leaders.

Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha

Kalyan Banerjee raised the issue of threats to Trinamool leaders by BJP functionaries in Bengal.

Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy questioned the Government on demonetisation.

Question Hour in the Lok Sabha

Ratna De Nag raised the issue of improvement of cold storages.

Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha: Saugata Roy called the Ordinance (which this Bill will replace) as “unnecessary and uncalled for”.

Legislative Business

Tapas Mandal, in the Lok Sabha, spoke on The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

February 8

Trinamool Congress MPs from both the Houses of the Parliament staged a dharna outside Parliament House, protesting against demonetisation, which completed three months today.

Suspension Notice in the Rajya Sabha

Sukhendu Sekar Roy sought the suspension of the House to discuss the impact of three months of demonetisation.

Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Dola Sen raised the issue of electoral reforms and state funding of elections.

Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha

Derek O’Brien raised the issue of online trolls. He wanted to know if the government is planning to issue an advisory for high Constitutional authorities, including the Prime Minister of India, who are following unknown people on the digital medium.

Ahamed Hassan Imran raised the issue of job losses in the manufacturing sector due to demonetisation.

Question Hour in the Lok Sabha

CM Jatua raised the issue of railway connectivity in the Sundarbans.

Aparupa Poddar asked a question about railway safety mechanisms.

Arpita Ghosh raised the issue of internet penetration in rural areas.

Idris Ali asked a supplementary question regarding Haj subsidy.

Legislative Business in Rajya Sabha

Dola Sen spoke on The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

Discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha

Saugata Roy spoke during a discussion on the Union Budget and called it conservative. He said the Government did not make any big announcements because it did not receive any windfall gains from demonetisation.

Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha

Trinamool Congress asked for one minute of silence in respect for the people who have died as result of the measures taken for demonetisation. Some ministers were giggling. Treasury benches showed no grace. Then Trinamool walked out.

February 9

During a discussion on the Union Budget, Kalyan Banerjee (Lok Sabha) and Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (Rajya Sabha) spoke on behalf of the party. Both of them cornered the government on the declining economy, lack of jobs, black money, demonetisation and failed promises of the government.

Special Mentions in Rajya Sabha

Derek O’Brien made a Special Mention on the lack of security in Aadhaar services. Nadimul Haque made a Special Mention on increasing trolling practices online.

A productive Session

Thus, during this Budget Session, Trinamool Congress raised issues of national importance like demonetisation and its effects as well as those related to political vendetta, be it the arrest of two of its MPs, including the Leader of the Party in the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay or the threats to party functionaries by members of the BJP in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee’s support inspires districts to take up development schemes

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Handing over a cheque worth Rs 15 lakh to Nadia district for the innovative idea of planting vetiver grass to stop soil erosion by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the two-day state Panchayat Conference has given a great boost to the districts to take up new schemes and complete them on time.

This is for the first time when the districts, gram panchayat and blocks that had performed well were awarded. The Bengal Chief Minister has asked Subrata Mukherjee, the minister for Panchayat and Rural Development department to hold such a conference every year.

Plantation of vetiver grass to stop soil erosion named Sabujayan project by Mamata Banerjee in an eye opener and has received global appreciation.

Two more districts and ten blocks have been awarded by the Chief Minister in different categories. Mamata Banerjee had said: “More innovative schemes should be implemented in the state and allotting fund for convergence through different state departments for overall development of the state through Mahatma Gandhi NREGA”.

Over 15,000 gathered to attend the conference including District Magistrates and Sabhadhipatis of the districts.

 

মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর নেতৃত্বে জেলায় জেলায় উন্নয়নের ঢেউ

মুখ্যমন্ত্রী মমতা বান্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের নেতৃত্বে জেলায় জেলায় উন্নয়নের ঢেউ। ভুমিক্ষয় রোধ করতে নদীয়া জেলার উদ্যোগকে পুরস্কৃত করেন মুখ্যমন্ত্রী; গত সপ্তাহে দুদিন ব্যাপী পঞ্চায়েত সম্মেলনে নদীয়া জেলাকে পুরস্কৃত করেন তিনি। ভেটিভার ঘাস রোপণ করে ভুমিক্ষয় রোধ করতেই এই সাফল্য। এইরকম প্রয়াস এর আগে কখনও হয়নি।
এই প্রথম বার যে সকল গ্রাম পঞ্চায়েত, জেলা ও ব্লক ভাল কাজ করেছে, তারা পঞ্চায়েত সম্মেলনে মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর দ্বারা পুরস্কৃত হয়। মুখ্যমন্ত্রীর দেখানো পথে জেলাগুলি বিভিন্ন উন্নয়নমুলক প্রকল্পের কাজ তুলে নিয়েছে এবং সময়মত শেষও করছে। মুখ্যমন্ত্রী পঞ্চায়েত ও গ্রামোন্নয়ন মন্ত্রী সুব্রত মুখোপাধ্যায়কে নির্দেশ দিয়েছেন পঞ্চায়েত সম্মেলন প্রতি বছর আয়োজন করার।
ভেটিভার প্রজাতির ঘাস রোপণ করে ভুমিক্ষয় রোধ করার প্রকল্পের পোশাকি নাম সবুজায়ন। এই নামকরন করেছেন মুখ্যমন্ত্রী। এই প্রকল্প বিশ্বের দরবারেও আদৃত। নদীয়ার পাশাপাশি আরও দু’টি জেলা ও দশ’টি ব্লক পুরস্কৃত হয় বিভিন্ন বিভাগে। মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বলেছেন, আরও নিত্যনতুন উদ্যোগ নেওয়া উচিত যাতে করে এই রাজ্যের  উন্নতি হয় ও পাশাপাশি ১০০ দিনের কাজে নিযুক্ত মানুষরাও উপকৃত হন।
পঞ্চায়েত সম্মেলনে জেলাশাসক ও জেলা সভাপতি ছাড়াও প্রায় ১৫ হাজার মানুষ উপস্থিত হয়েছিলেন।

From demonetisation to railways and online trolls – Trinamool MPs raise several issues of importance in Parliament

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It was a busy and productive day for Trinamool MPs in Parliament today. The day began with dharna on the completion of 90 days since demonetisation. The MPs highlighted the sufferings of the common people due to restrictions on cash withdrawal and demanded all restrictions be removed immediately.

Trinamool had given a Notice of Suspension of Business under Rule 267 to discuss the limits on withdrawal of cash. Speaking on the issue, Chief Whip of the party in Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said: “Three months have passed since the Government announced demonetisation.”

SS Roy reminded the House that the PM had asked for 50 days for situation to normalise but 90 days are over and cash crunch is still there. “Our party is against the restrictions on cash withdrawal. Govt must immediately remove these restrictions,” he added.

Read the full transcript of his speech

Dola Sen raised the issue of electoral reforms in her Zero Hour Mention in Rajya Sabha. She said, “The issue has been part of my party’s DNA, its very existence, since it was established on 1st January, 1998. In last 18 yrs, Trinamool has dedicated first section of every manifesto to electoral reforms.” She said solution to electoral reforms is state funding through Election Commission.

Read the full transcript of her speech

 

During Question Hour, Leader of the AITC Parliamentary Party in Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien raised the issue of online trolls. He said: “In today’s digital medium, everyone from civil society, every citizen can be a journalist because you can broadcast from your mobile phones.” He wanted to know if the government is planning to issue an advisory for high Constitutional authorities, including the Prime Minister of India, who are following unknown people on the digital medium.

Read the full transcript of his speech

MP Ahamed Hasan Imran raised the issue of job losses due to demonetisation during Question Hour. He asked the government, “what steps have been initiated for rehabilitation and compensation of the workers who have lost their jobs in the manufacturing sector due to demonetisation.”

Read the full transcript of his speech

During Question Hour in Lok Sabha, Mathurapur MP CM Jatua raised the issue of railway connectivity in Sunderbans. Arambagh MP Aparupa Poddar asked a question about railway safety mechanisms. Balurghat MP Arpita Ghosh raised the issue of internet penetration in rural areas.

Read the full transcript of CM Jatua’s speech

Read the full transcript of Aparupa Poddar’s speech

Read the full transcript of Arpita Ghosh’s speech

Trinamool stages dharna outside Parliament, protest in the House after three months of demonetisation

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Trinamool Congress MPs from both the Houses of the Parliament staged a dharna today outside the Parliament protesting against demonetisation, which completed three months today.

In the Parliament, the party gave notices in both the Upper and the Lower Houses to discuss on the issue that had led millions of poor people in great distress.

In Rajya Sabha, Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demanded Suspension of Rules in order to discuss forthwith the limits on cash withdrawal even after 3 months of demonetisation. He pointed out that in November, the PM had asked for 50 days which eded on December 30.  Now three months have passed. Deposit and withdrawal limits after the announcement are still being imposed, causing hardship and inconvenience to common man. People are unable to withdraw one’s own hard earned money, he pointed out. He said that Trinamool Congress is against the restrictions on cash withdrawal and the Government must immediately remove these restrictions.

The Trinamool MP pointed out that over 120 lives have been lost due to demonetisation and many daily wage workers, labourers and farmers have lost their livelihoods. The down trodden and poor continue to suffer.

Trinamool Congress Chairperson Mamata Banerjee was the first person to react against this ‘Draconian Policy’ of the Centre back in November 8, 2016, the day it was announced. Today, in a series of tweet, Mamata Banerjee said that “Demonetisation-Remonetisation” has derailed the nation and the step was “visionless, missionless and directionless”. Here is her full statement.

 

Restrictions & sufferings not over even after three months of demonetisation: Mamata Banerjee

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Three months are over since demonetisation was announced by the Prime Minister on November 8, 2016. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today took to Twitter to say that restrictions and sufferings of people due to demonetisation is still not over.

“Citizens have lost economic freedom. When economic freedom is lost, main freedom is lost,” she said. The CM added, “Only few rich capitalists are not suffering. Commoners, middle class, downtrodden, poorest of the poor continue to suffer.”

“The economy has slowed down tremendously. The nation is facing acute economic crisis. How much longer?” she asked.

Calling “Demonetisation-Remonetisation” as “visionless, missionless, directionless” Mamata Banerjee said the step has derailed the nation.

 

নোট বাতিলের তিন মাস পরেও মানুষের দুর্ভোগ শেষ হয়নিঃ মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়

গত ৮ নভেম্বর, ২০১৬ নরেন্দ্র মোদি নোট বাতিলের সিদ্ধান্ত ঘোষণা করেছিলেন। আজ তার তিন মাস পূর্ণ হল। আজ আরও একবার এই ইস্যুতে ক্ষোভ প্রকাশ করে মুখ্যমন্ত্রী মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় বলেন, “নোট বাতিলের তিন মাস সম্পূর্ণ, তবু সাধারণ মানুষের দুর্ভোগ, ভোগান্তি এখনও শেষ হয়নি”।

“মানুষ আর্থিক স্বাধীনতা হারিয়েছে। আর্থিক স্বাধীনতা হারিয়ে গেলে মূল স্বাধীনতাও খর্ব হয়”। তিনি আরও বলেন, “শুধুমাত্র কিছু ব্যবসায়ীরাই এতে লাভবান হচ্ছেন ৷ গরিব-মধ্যবিত্ত-অতি গরিবরা এখনও নোট সমস্যায় ভুগছেন ৷”

তিনি আরও বলেন, “অর্থনৈতিক কাঠামো ভেঙে পড়ছে, দেশ প্রবল আর্থিক সংকটের মুখে। আর কতদিন এই যন্ত্রণা ভোগ করতে হবে?”

তাঁর কথায়, “ডিমনিটাইজেশন-রিমনিটাইজেশনের এই পরিকল্পনাহীন / গতিহীন , উদ্দেশ্যহীন, দিশাহীন পদক্ষেপে দেশকে চরম দুর্ভোগের সম্মুখীন হতে হয়েছে”।

 

Country facing financial emergency due to demonetisation: Kalyan Banerjee in LS

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Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha, Kalyan Banerjee today cornered the government on the issue of demonetisation. During a discussion on the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address, he said the country is facing financial emergency due to demonetisation.

Kalyan Banerjee said that restrictions on withdrawing money violate Article 300 (A) of Constitution of India. Maintaining that Trinamool is not against curbing black money, Kalyan Banerjee demanded to know how much black money has been recovered after demonetisation and how much was brought back from abroad.

“Unemployment increased to 7% in the week following demonetisation and 25 crore daily wage workers lost their employment. 150 people have lost their lives. Cooperative banks were not allowed to exchange demonetised notes. The poorest of the poor take loans from cooperative banks not nationalised banks. Farmers do not have money to buy seeds and fertilizers. They are unable to sell their products. There has been 8% reduction in sales of two wheelers, 18.66% reduction in sales of four-wheelers,” he said.

On the issue of women empowerment, Kalyan Banerjee said that while the Centre allocated only Rs 200 crore for the entire country under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, Bengal government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, allocated Rs 1000 crore for Kanyashree. He also urged the government to bring the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Kalyan Banerjee slammed the govt on the issue of federalism. He asked under what provisions of law was the Centre bypassing the States. He accused the present Prime Minister of India of acting as an autocrat and taking away powers of the States. He also wanted to know how much money is being spent by the government for publicity.

Calling ‘Digital India’ only a slogan, Kalyan Banerjee said most areas do not have proper mobile networks. He said the minister must prepare the infrastructure before coining slogans. He reminded the government that only slogan-baazi will not solve problems.

The MP also said that year after year tall promises are made in the President’s speech but they are not met.

Saugata Roy speaks on Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address

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I rise to speak on Motion of thanks, opposing it and supporting the Amendments given by us. Sir, look at the ruling party benches. There are not even ten members there which means they have gone out with the Prime Minister; they have no respect for the President. They have only respect for the Prime Minister.When he left they all left like a flock of sheep.

Sir, Now coming to the President’s speech I am reminded of the film of Om Puri who passed away recently; the film was called ‘Ardh Satya’. The President’s speech was ‘Ardh Satya’ in that it does not mention most of the important issue facing the nation.

Sir, you know what are the problems before the nation. There is a crisis internationally with a change of regime in the United States. There is a possibility that Indian technical professionals who have gone there will be barred. The protectionist policy of America may create problems for trade and industry in our country in future. The China-Pakistan axis is active against us; China is building a port in Pakistan. China is continuing to block our entry into the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). Also China has refused to declare Masood Azhar as a terrorist thus preventing naming him at the United Nations. The President’s speech does not mention any of these problems. The President’s speech mentions the surgical strike. But Pakistan’s policy is not to have a surgical strike. They have said they will make India bleed from a thousand cuts. There is no mention in the President’s speech that how we will fight the shadow or proxy war in Kashmir.

Sir, above all the President’s speech is a cruel speech. The President of the country should take note of the people who died meaninglessly; 150 people died as a result of demonetisation. We all know who is responsible for that. President’s speech does not even mention a word about the sad death of these 150 people.

In the last three months since November people are dying in railway accidents. In Kanpur (UP) on 20 November 146 people died in a railway accident. President talks about Railways in Para 48. He does not make a mention of those people’s death. On 22 January, 39 people were killed and 50 injured in an accident of the Hirakhand Express. Not a word mentioned in the President’s speech about this.

President’s speech has spoken about the Government’s success in controlling Maoist activities. Though it has admitted that state of Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra MP witness rise in number of incidents and deaths in 2016 compare to 2015 is 72. In Koraput just last week the Maoist incident happened. All policemen have been killed. The Maoists are active even in Odisha especially in the district of Koraput. The President has not taken this into cognizance. How can I support this?

I want to speak on the main issue of demonetisation which was declared by the Prime Minister on the 8 November, 2016. It is the most senseless, cruel, heartless step taken by any Government since 70 years of independence. It has disrupted our economy.

It was said that demonetisation is to prevent black money. It is common knowledge that in our country only 6 percent of the black money is kept in currency notes. The rest is kept in gold, jewelry, foreign assets, land and real estate here. Why did you have to kill the whole economy to control black money?

What success did the Government have in bringing back black money stacked abroad? Now they say that counterfeit notes were the problem. The Indian Statistical Institute has estimated that only 0.028 per cent of the total currency in circulation is counterfeit notes, which means Rs 400 crore. For that Rs 400 crore do you cancel all the notes? And in the process what have you done? You have destroyed the lives of poor people.

Ninety per cent of our people use currency notes, 45% of our economy is informal. Sir, you know the Prime Minister talks about digital economy. The total number of credit and debit cards in this country of 125 crore people is 9 crore. There are only 1.36 lakh bank branches in this country, only 2.18 lakh ATMs. Now, in a country which has 5.5 lakh villages, with this few debit and credit cards, with this few ATMs, how can you say that the economy will go digital? It has killed lives.

Do you know, Sir, Bengali workers, who work in Delhi, Bombay and Surat in the jewellery trade have all lost their jobs and come back to Bengal, which is why there is an increase in demand for NREGA? And in Bengal alone, 81 lakh people have been hit be demonetisation, the worst step possible.

Sir, in our Finance Committee, we questioned the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. I asked him only two questions. How much black money has been deposited in the banks in Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes? He could not reply, and he will not reply, because more than Rs 15.44 lakh crore have been deposited. Number two, I asked him, when do you think we will be able to raise our money, because now, with the restriction, you cannot raise more than Rs 24,000 per week? When will this restriction be removed? He could not tell us.

There is a restriction of Rs 2.5 lakh on marriages. Several ministers’ children got married. Jaitley ji’s daughter got married; there were functions for several days. Gadkari ji’s son got married. Today is Prakash Javadekar’s son’s marriage. Let them come and declare that they’ll manage the marriages within Rs 2.5 lakh. They have not cared for the common people of this country.

Sir, they are only talking about digital. Yes, the BJP in our State, Bengal deposited Rs 3 crore on the evening of November 8. How did they know? It has happened all over Bengal. In Bihar, the BJP party has purchased property in all the districts – how did it come about?

Sir, this is a surgical strike on the Indian people. The GDP will fall due to this monumental mismanagement. People have spent their time standing in queues, and now Rs 20,000 crore will be spent to print new notes. On January 18, the RBI governor told us that only Rs 9 lakh crore have come back into circulation. That means the cash crunch continues.

Sir, our party, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, has been protesting against this anti-people and anti-national step taken by the Prime Minister from day one. Now that is why the Central Government is using and abusing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to punish our people.

You’ll be sad to know, Sir, that the leader of our party, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, a Member of this House, and Tapas Pal, were arrested. The law will take its own course. But we say that this is arrest on trumped-up charges; this is arrest as a part of political vendetta. And if the ruling party at the Centre thinks that in this way it will be able to cower the Trinamool Congress and cower Mamata Banerjee, it is living in a fool’s paradise. We shall fight them on the beaches, we shall fight them on the fields of India, we shall never surrender till the people of India throw this Government out lock, stock and barrel; our fight will continue.

Sir, I have some small points to say. This government  is misusing the CBI while the real fight should be elsewhere. The President has spoken about the banks; they are in the worst condition. The total NPAs of the banks are Rs 8 lakh crore and the government found out a way to refund the banks by asking people to deposit their money in the banks. Their health is notorious and most of the debts are from big corporates.

We have demanded time and again to reveal the names of those who are big debtors to the banks. We have seen how Vijay Mallya was able to escape from India, we have seen how Lalit  Modi was allowed to escape from India. And these people talk of corruption and fight against black money.

Sir, two diaries were discovered – the Sahara diaries. They mention the name of a certain big dignitary sitting there; the Supreme Court has said that it is not enough evidence But there is no sufficient evidence as nobody was allowed to investigate. Why were they not investigated to find out who the Gujarat CM was or who NM was? Who took the money from Sahara or the Aditya Birla group? That was not revealed yet.

Sir, this government has talked about electrification, they say that by May 1, 2018, all villages will be electrified, only 64% have been electrified, only 32% still remain. Do you know, Sir, that in PMGSY 68% of the targeted road length has been constructed, 44% of targeted habitations have been connected. They have failed in PMGSY and rural electrification. The worst case is that these people talk of women safety, in the Nirbhaya fund out of Rs 2000 crore, only Rs 400 crore were under implementation.

Sir, the President speaks about our cultural diversity at every speech. In the whole speech the word ‘intolerance’ in not mentioned. Intolerance is the biggest problem plaguing us. In Karnataka rationalists have been shot dead by Hindu extremists. The president has not spoken about that. Sir, you know that Dalits were attacked in Una in Gujarat. There is not a word about attack on Dalits in Gujarat.

Lastly, Sir, I want to say that in Jammu and Kashmir for 6 months after the killing of Burhan Wani, the whole state came to a standstill, I was with the All-Party Delegation which went there. Not a single person willing to talk to us. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, where the ruling party at the Centre is a partner in the government. More than 100 people were killed. Is this the way the ruling party is dealing with it? The President has not mentioned Jammu and Kashmir and the problems there at all.

Sir, that’s why I say, that President’s speech leaves out half the important matters confronting the country. The country is today, facing jobless growth. Lack of jobs is the biggest problem. The President does not mention the word ‘unemployment’ in his speech. Today Sir, we are facing the maximum crisis in private sector investment. Nobody is investing in this country. The President does not speak about this.

Sir, that’s why through this speech I again lodge my protest against the reckless demonetisation undertaken by this government and I’m sure that the people in these five states will reply to this government’s reckless step. I lodge my protest against the arrest of our Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and MP Tapas Pal and I’m sure that the people of this country will see through this political vendetta and take steps against this autocratic government at the Centre.
Thank You.

 

 

Week 1: Trinamool protests against the Centre’s unfair policies and actions

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The first week of the first part of the 2017 Budget Session of Parliament started on January 31 with the President’s Address.

On February 1, the Leader of the Party in the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien gave his Motion of Thanks speech on the President’s Address, where he highlighted Trinamool Congress’ views on the severe shortcomings of the BJP-led Central Government.

Earlier that day, he had given a Notice under Rule 267 regarding the political vendetta being carried out against Bengal by the Centre, during which speech he had also spoken out against the apathy of the Centre to the 135 deaths that have occurred across the country till now as a result of the promulgation of demonetisation. (You can read the full notice here)

On the same day, in the Rajya Sabha, Md Nadimul Haque asked a question on the empowerment of rural women.

February 3 began with the Trinamool Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) protesting inside Parliament complex against the political vendetta by the Centre.

Derek O’Brien demanded Parliament observes a minute’s silence for the unfortunate victims of demonetisation.

On the same day, the Leader of the Party in the Lok Sabha, Saugata Roy, intervened to oppose the introduction of Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017.

Later, he raised the issue of misusing of CBI for political purposes by the Central Government, during which time BJP MPs disrupted the House, leading to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha.

Thus, the first week saw Trinamool Congress protesting strongly against the unfair policies and actions of the Centre.

 

 

Centre is misusing CBI for political purpose: Saugata Roy

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Centre is misusing CBI for political purpose: Saugata Roy

Madam, with your permission, I want to raise the issue of the misuse of CBI for political purposes by the Central government.

Madam, as you know, the Leader of our party in Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay was arrested on January 3, 2017. The CBI is a caged parrot. Also, another MP of our party, Shri Tapas Pal was arrested on December 30, 2016.

<Saugata Roy’s intervention in Lok Sabha is disrupted by BJP MPs leading to adjournment till Lok Sabha>