TEXT :
SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH : No, no; it is not like that. I am raising a national issue relating to my constituency. I am not raising issues pertaining to the State subjects. I am raising only such matters which are of great national importance and are recent ones.

There is a National Highway running from Bangalore-Kolar-Shimoga. To the extent of 30 kms, it is a double road. The remaining length of 40 kms shall have to be doubled. It is pending since a very long time.

During the period of the Tenth Lok Sabha, an amount of Rs. 3 crore was sanctioned for acquisition of land. The acquisition of land is not yet over. Every day, a minimum of two or three accidents are taking place. The cases are pending in the courts. We have been insisting upon the Government for a long time to take action. But unfortunately, the Government is not taking any action at all. it is not a State subject. It is a national subject. The Central Government has also announced it. In spite of all these things, no action is taking place. Who is going to be responsible for this? The people die every day. The road is very narrow. Heavy traffic is there. Every minute, one truck passes through.

SHRI MULLAPALLY RAMACHANDRAN (CANNANORE): Yes, Sir.

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH : Shri Ramachandran has got a very bitter experience. It is surprising. It is an important matter. Therefore, I request the Government to take immediate action. They cannot play with the lives of the people.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: I hope some people will be taking note of it from the Government's side.

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI RAM NAIK): I will be responding, Sir.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: All right.

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH (TUMKUR): You will be responding on a passive note. I want a response from a positive note.

SHRI RAM NAIK: Yes.

SHRI R. MUTHIAH (PERIYAKULAM): Please give a positive reply, Sir.

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH : Many truck drivers have become victims. Their children have become orphans. They cannot go to courts. ... (Interruptions)

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Mallikarjuniah, now let him react.

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH : How long will it remain? This is not the first time that I have been raising this issue. I am raising this issue for the last several years. I have been pained so much. Many of our friends travelling on that highway would be able to tell what actually it is. Why is the Government not taking any action?

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Who is going to react?

SHRI S. MALLIKARJUNIAH : I believe, Shri Ram Naik will take active participation in this.

SHRI RAM NAIK: The hon. Member has certainly raised this issue on many occasions. I know that because I have heard him saying so. The other hon. Members also supported him. I will bring this issue to the attention of the Minister for Surface Transport and try to see how the difficulties can be solved. I will request the Minister for Surface Transport to have a special meeting with him and ensure that the problem is solved.