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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Resolution Re. Forming Independent And Empowered Regulatory Authority Capable Of Taking Action Against Erring Media - Part 1

Resolution Re. Forming Independent And Empowered Regulatory Authority Capable Of Taking Action Against Erring Media - Part 1 

Mr. Vice-Chairman,

Sir, I move the following Resolution:- "Having regard to the fact that –

(a) In Indian democracy, media has a responsible role;

(b) Women are portrayed in poor light through obscene, vulgar pictures/scenes;

(c) Entertainment free from obscenity, vulgarity and violence, will be a sign for a healthy society;

(d) Media is required to be accountable to the general public;

(e) Self-regulation is not properly and appropriately followed by media;

(f) the Press Council of India does not have enough teeth and authority to take action against abuse of independence by media; and

(g) An independent regulatory authority for media is necessary to check unhealthy tendencies, this House urges upon the Government to form an independent and empowered regulatory authority capable of taking action against erring media."

Mr. Vice-Chairman, Sir, as a matter of fact the forefathers of our Constitution reposed immense faith in the media expecting that it can play a very impartial, constructive and selfless role on the matters relating to public interest. The belief is reflected more than adequately in several concessions granted to media including the provisions of Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India, considering the media as an important organ in the nation building. The media conducted itself on the strength of ethical values coupled with self-restraint for considerable period. However, as the media started expanding its activities on the strength of modern technological advances, at times, unfortunately the issues which are interested to public started overtaking the issues of public interest and welfare. This is further aggravated with the advent of some business houses into media business bringing the concept of profit-making through media business. All these changes have led to the dilution of the moral values and self-regulation of our media. Sir, if we take into account some of the recent controversies surrounding the media, it clearly suggests that all is not well in this territory. It is needless to emphasize the importance of a strong and impartial media in strengthening any society and, at the same time, if we fail to contain and restrain negative and selfish media elements, it can weaken the foundations of our well-preserved democratic values, social harmony, uplift of weaker sections and national integration. Sir, some of the recent developments, strongly, prompt me to say that in the name of freedom of expression, some sections of the media at times have been brutally suppressing the fundamental rights of selected individuals and groups purely due to selfish reasons. In this context, I would like to quote a statement made by an Editor-in-Chief of a television channel. I quote: "I guess journalists are more feared today, but sadly less respected. We are more arrogant, less ethical". The above statement clearly depicts the direction in which our media is moving.

Sir, in a civilized society, many of us expect everyone to conduct ethically and morally. Unfortunately, this rarely happens and if it really happens, there is really no need for this august House to deliberate and formulate innumerable laws. Sir, I find that strangely some of the intelligent and senior functionaries argue that media should be left to its own ethics and self-regulation. A point of consolation and appreciation is that still some of the old media houses are following the journalism based on ethics and self-regulation, even when some media houses are reckless and blatant in their unethical approach. I am unable to understand the reason for this exception of self-regulation and ethics only for media, when every citizen, employee, constitutional functionaries, including he members of this hon. Parliament and Judiciary are accountable and answerable for their actions.

Sir, can we expect a conduct guided by ethics and morals from a media, which is aimed at improving its TRP ratings at any cost? Can we call the media socially responsible and self-regulated, which is promoting obscene programs in the name of reality shows wherein the women and children are shown in poor light?

Sir, before sensationalization, nothing is important including national security for some sections of media. , The entire country watched with shock the live telecast of commando operations during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. This telecast might not have benefitted the country but the terrorists got immense benefit' as their masters could guide them depending on the information gathered through telecasts. The media should have been more responsible enough to telecast these shots only after the conclusion of commando operations.

Sir, it is an undeniable fact that in the recent times some mafias on the strength of the ill-gotten wealth accumulated through corrupt practices got entry into media business and started promoting totally truth less, biased, motivated and illegal news targeting their opponents in the business and politics. These forces hardly give any value for social decency either, in promoting episodes relating to women, children and other weaker sections. This reckless behavior of a section of our media, if not checked and restrained, can derail social harmony and national integration.

Sir, I am sure it is in the minds of every one of us as to how, recently, one TV Channel tried to intimidate a business house for financial gains. Similar such incidents are happening to intimidate political opponents and spread communal and religious hatred. Sir, the most unfortunate and most damaging is the extensive trial by media in some sensational cases even before the trial started by the hon. Courts and decided. No one can enjoy unlimited rights at the cost of the fundamental rights of others

It is pertinent to mention here that the hon. Supreme Court held recently that when there is a conflict between right to dignity and freedom of speech, the latter should give way to the former. Sir, what will happen to the morale and morals of our society if money power coupled with media power is allowed to project a blatant lie as a monument of truth repeatedly?

Sir, the days are gone when media was viewed as only a source of information and on the contrary the media is playing a crucial and decisive role in crystallizing public opinion on any issue, taking advantage of its vast circulation and proximity to the people. A responsible media can be a guide and protector to the society and similarly, the irresponsible and selfish  media can be a destroyer, worse than any infectious disease which ultimately can drive us to a primitive world. This fact underlines the necessity of transforming our media into an unbiased and selfless tool. This can be possible only through introspection by every stakeholder in the country.

Sir, considering all the points narrated above, I strongly advocate the necessity of creating a Constitutional Authority to regulate media.

Sir, I would like to clarify that by saying 'regulation' I do not mean 'control.' As all of you are aware, the 'control' does not allow freedom, whereas the 'regulation' allows freedom but with reasonable restrictions and a watch.

Continued in Part 2

http://yschowdarymp.blogspot.com/2013/05/Resolution-Re-Forming-Independent-And-Empowered-Regulatory-Authority-Capable-Of-Taking-Action-Against-Erring-Media-Part-2.html

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Improve Passenger Amenities at Hyderabad and Secunderabad Railway Stations

Demand For Improving Passenger Amenities at Hyderabad and Secundrabad Railway Stations

Hyderabad and Secunderabad Railway Stations are under the administrative control of the South Central Railways. Hyderabad is well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and several other important places of the country, through a number of trains being operated from these stations. Every day, more than 100 trains arrive at or depart from these stations, transporting over 1,00,000 passengers to different destinations. But there are no facilities of lifts and escalators for the passengers at these railway stations. The passengers are facing inconvenience in reaching the platforms for want of lifts and escalators. The provision for lifts and escalators has been a long-pending demand of the passengers, especially the elderly and physically challenged ones. But till date, the railway authorities have taken no steps to install lifts and escalators at these railway stations in order to avoid inconvenience to the passengers.

Further, Sir, Hyderabad being the hub of IT and pharma industries, a lot of foreigners visit the city. Therefore, there is an urgent need to step up the facilities at these stations on par with international standards. As a part of this exercise, it is urgently required to upgrade the waiting rooms, retiring rooms and also install the equipment for digital display of information relating to trains. In view of the above, I urge upon the Central Government to direct the concerned authorities to initiate action in this regard, immediately.

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Resolution Re. Forming Independent And Empowered Regulatory Authority Capable Of Taking Action Against Erring Media - Part 2

Resolution Re. Forming Independent And Empowered Regulatory Authority Capable Of Taking Action Against Erring Media - Part 2

 

Sir, the legislations made so far in the direction of making media accountable have not yielded any noticeable results because of severe limitations and lack of teeth in those laws.

Sir, as per the existing law, any person aggrieved from media can approach courts, but very few opt this as the complainant alone is required to personally attend the court proceedings when the accused media-heads enjoy the exemption from their physical presence. Further, no such case is decided within reasonable time and thus there is no fear of penalty or correction for the errant media.

Sir, any article aimed at sensationalizing and damaging the reputation of a person or an institution is very prominent and reaches masses like tsunami, whereas the retraction of such articles is slow and insignificant, if at all done. Therefore, the safeguards offered by the present system to protect the affected persons from the excesses of media are toothless and inadequate. Even if we go through, how many TV licenses, media permits have been cancelled until now? None. Regulation does not mean control or wagging the Fourth Estate. Regulatory authorities are everywhere. They are in telecom, power, Securities Act, insurance. Why are we not able to set up for media? Though there is a Working Journalists Act, it is largely toothless. In the past, basically, people used to run media houses with a lot of ethical values but with commercially viable models. But, unfortunately, today none of them are following that. Whenever such issues of regulating media come up, media says they are being controlled, which is not true. We understand that free market forces should run free, but in India a large part of our population is still, unfortunately, uneducated. Hence, it needs definitely, regulation and safeguards. Institutions of editors and editorials have been killed. We now have CEOs and managing editors that will be responsible for profit-making for the promoters. My sympathies are with all the journalists of this country because now they have no choice but to take up articles which would benefit society. Only commercial heads and corporate houses, in advance, tell them what to air or what to print and what not to print. I have a few suggestions in this case. Media must have a regulatory body that would verify facts from opinions, unverified or dubious materials, defamatory news damaging one’s credibility, absence of inappropriate material which enhances social unease.

In fact, recently, during a meeting in Delhi, on some of the points--I can’t mention the names in this august House—media people said that the media had been growing big but it had not been able to regulate itself. The National Broadcasting Association has a code of conduct, but this applies to a handful of channels; even while this code was being violated and strictures passed by the Ombudsman, no action was taken. In fact, by the way, they are all laments of the top journalists. Many TV Channels have been promoting irrationality, Bhoot Pret, superstition, violating the

privacy of individuals showing the face of rape victims and inciting

unproved violence. Recently, a school teacher in Delhi was wrongly accused by a TV channel and thrashed by the local people. Later, we understood that it was wrong. What grave implications could have the teacher’s family gone through?

Definitely, the media wants autonomy. But, it has not shown responsibility. Even if we compare with the developed countries like the U.S., which is also one of the large democratic countries, freedom of press is a Fundamental Right under the First Amendment of their Constitution. But, just see how quickly they have moved to having controls without sacrificing the basic Fundamental Rights. They have formed a commission called Federal Communications Commission which has been regulating for quite some time and it is a very successful model. Of course, they have different branches and are regulated by different bureaus.

Even in the U.K., more than the media regulator, the BBC sets standards of quality journalism. We are proud of having some of the best brains in the world. We must have such a regulation in place before it is too late and we create more social unrest. Sir, it is because of these inadequacies that I am moving this private Member's Resolution with a proposal to .create a body for regulation of media both print and electronic including internet.

Sir, I propose that such a regulatory body consisting of about fifteen members be headed by a retired Chief Justice of India, who will be selected by the sitting Chief Justice of India. Four Members of Parliament be made ex-officio members of the Committee. Five members may be drawn from the media community and balance five members may be drawn from the social elite of high repute. This regulatory body begiven a fixed tenure of five years making it directly accountable to the Parliament and insulated by the provisions similar to impeachment of the Supreme Court Judges.

At the end I request all colleagues of this August House to support this Resolution. Sir, with this I conclude.

Link to Part 1
http://yschowdarymp.blogspot.com/2013/03/Resolution-Re-Forming-Independent-And-Empowered-Regulatory-Authority-Capable-Of-Taking-Action-Against-Erring-Media-Part-1.html

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