XI LOK SABHA DEBATES,   Session IV (Budget) 

Thursday , May 8, 1997 / Vaisakha  18 1919 (Saka)



Type of Debate: SPECIAL MENTION			

Title: Regarding handling of wheat vessels carrying imposed wheat from 
Australia, Canada and other countries through different ports of India.

TEXT :
 SHRIMATI KRISHNA BOSE:  Mr.  Chairman, Sir, may I draw the  attention  of  the
agitated Members  of  the  House to a different problem altogether?  I want to
draw the attention of the House to the handling of wheat vessels  which  carry
imported  wheat  from  Australia, Canada and other countries through different
ports of India.

			... (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: Order please.

SHRIMATI KRISHNA BOSE:  The Food Corporation of India had decided in a meeting
in  December  1996  the  quantum  of imported wheat to be handled by different
ports of India.  Calcutta and Haldia were allotted  60,000  metric  tonnes  of
wheat.  Calcutta  Port  has  a Silo Plant which is unique in Asia.  This plant
makes unloading of bulk of wheat easy and smooth.    The  plant  was  kept  in
readiness in expectation.

	But  for  some  mysterious  reason, not a single metric tonne of wheat
arrived in Calcutta Port or in Haldia Port. The vessels were directed to other
ports which are under private stevedores. This is the most vital point.

	Will the Government clarify the position and explain why Calcutta  and
Haldia were deprived and the allocation order was not followed?




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