SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: That value will come only if the people of Uttar Pradesh and the elected representatives of Uttar Pradesh bring responsible politics to the economics of Uttar Pradesh. It is the absence of responsible politics which has caused great misery to Uttar Pradesh. I wish to say no more.

In the Budget Estimates for 1997-98, the revenue receipts are estimated at Rs. 17,425.57 crore which is an increase of Rs. 1,368.22 crore over the revised estimates for 1996-97. The expenditure on revenue account is estimated at Rs. 22,126 crore. On the capital account, the receipts are placed at Rs. 6,855.47 crore and expenditure, including loans and advances, at Rs. 5,149.40 crore. Taking into consideration the revenue account, the capital account, the public account and the opening surplus, the budget for 1997-98 is expected to close with a surplus of Rs. 67.23 crore.

A mention was made about the Annual Plan. The Annual Plan for 1996-97 was fixed at Rs. 6,549.03 crore. For 1997-98, the Annual Plan has been fixed at Rs. 7,080 crore. As hon. Member, Shri Narayan Datt Tiwari, has mentioned, the detailed financing table is yet to be received from the Planning Commission.

Sir, I wish to take two to three minutes to reply to some of the main issues raised in the course of this debate.

There was a reference to the Gorakhpur Fertilizer Plant. I have been informed that the Secretary (Fertilizer), Government of India visited the Plant. It was found that it would not be economically viable to restart this unit and that it has to be replaced with a Naptha-based plant. Accordingly, a proposal for a new naptha based plant is now being presented to the PIB. The first stage clearance is expected within a month. The second stage clearance, that is the DPR, is expected within five months thereafter. A final investment decision of about Rs. 1,300 crore would be possible during the current year. Only with a new naptha-based plant, it is possible to revive the fertilizer factory.

Reference was also made to the power sector. The installed capacity in Uttar Pradesh is 6,049 Megawatt. Generation - thermal 4,271 MW and hydel 1,505 MW. Uttar Pradesh also receives 2,601 MW from the Central power stations. The enrgy demand is 6,000 MW and 110 million units. However, energy availability is only 5,300 MW and 101 million units. So, there is a shortfall.

Now, I would like to mention about the proposals which are in the pipeline. In the hydropower sector, the private sector has been invited in order to tap the potential. MoU has been signed in case of Srinagar Power Project for 330 MW. PPA has been signed in case of the Vishnu Prayag Project. These are the two projects for which MoU and PPA have been signed.

Negotiations are under way for the Maneribali - (476 MW), Palamaneri4 (104) MW; Tapoban - 3 (120) MW and Lohari Nagpal - (520) MW projects. However, to improve the availability of power, private parties have been selected for seven liquid based power projects. Agreements have also been signed for small hydropower projects and coal generating units.

Sir, Shri Narain Dutt Tiwari mentioned about the allocation. He is right. For the energy sector, the budgetary support on Revenue Account is Rs. 5.39 crore. That is at page 5 of the Annual Financial Statement under the Head 2045 for under capital account it is 993.92 + Rs. 37 crore for hilly areas making a total of Rs. 1, 030.92 crore. These are under Head Nos. 6801 and 6551 in page 20 of the Annual Financial Statement. This is the budgetary support. Apart from budgetary support, of course, there are internal and extra-budgetary resources. They would be disclosed, once the Plan outlay is approved.

Reference was made to the prohibition on felling of trees. In Writ Petition No. 202 of 95, the Supreme Court by an order dated 12.12.96 has prohibited the felling of trees. Villages in the hilly region have been granted some rights and concessions for timber and fuel wood under forest settlement in various Government Orders.

The Supreme Court has been moved for reconsideration of the matter. The matter is now pending in the Supreme Court.

Some comment was made about the poor PDS in hill areas. I have been informed that under the revamped Public Distribution System, 60 per cent of the total foodgrains are being allotted to hilly regions.

1601 hours (Shri Basu Deb Acharia in the Chair)

1601 hrs (Shri Basudeb Acharia in the Chair)

I have no reason to disbelieve what the hon. Member has said, that much of that does not reach the PDS shops but this is the sad state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh and some other States as far as the PDS is concerned. There are only four or five States where PDS works well and it is in those States that the PDS has served the purpose. In other States the PDS is in a poor shape and I am willing to concede that the PDS is in a poor shape.

A lot of passion was generated on Uttarakhand. I would urge the hon. Members to read Article 3 of the Constitution. Neither the Treasury Benches nor the Opposition can change the meaning of Article 3. It says:

"Parliament by law may form a new State provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States.

The Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such periods as may be specified".

The President is required to refer the Bill to the Legislature of that State. It may be that the President is using his legislative power to that end but that does not mean that in Article 3, the President as President can refer to himself as a Legislature and give a view. The President can only refer to the Legislature of that State. That Legislature, as you know, is now in suspended animation. It is only when that Legislature meets that we can move on Uttarakhand.

A major allocation has been made for it.

SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR (BAREILLY):

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