LOK SABHA

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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES

(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)

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Thursday, April 19, 2001 / Chaitra 29, 1923 (Saka)

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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER

Re: Launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

THE PRIME MINISTER (SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE): I am happy to inform this august House that the first test flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV, was successfully carried out from Sriharikota on April 18, 2001.

GSLV is the most technologically challenging mission undertaken so far by ISRO and its successful launch is a new landmark in our space achievements. GSLV, once commissioned into regular service, will provide us with the capability to launch INSAT type of communication satellites into 36,000 km high orbit.

GSLV represents a confluence of sophisticated technologies with a major proportion developed indigenously by our scientists. It uses solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion stages. The cryogenic stage has been supplied by Russia. The 49 metre tall GSLV, weighing about 400 tonnes, lifted off from Sriharikota at 3.43 pm IST, carrying GSAT-1 satellite weighing 1540 kg. After a flawless countdown and 17 minutes of flight, the satellite was successfully placed into its intended orbit.

The first signals acquired from the GSAT-1 satellite indicate normal performance of the satellite. In the next few days, the satellite will be manoeuvred to reach its final geo-stationary orbit. The satellite carries instruments to conduct experiments in digital audio broadcast, internet services and compressed digital TV transmissions.

The successful accomplishment of GSLV mission is the culmination of a decade of efforts of ISRO Centres supported by industries and academic institutions in India.

I request this august House to join me in congratulating ISRO and all others who have been involved in the successful launch of GSLV.

SHRIMATI SONIA GANDHI: It is a matter of great pride for us all that the GSLV satellite has been successfully launched yesterday. This will place India in the front line of international space technology and open for us a huge opportunity to share fully in the information and communication revolution. The successful launch of the GSLV satellite is the culmination of a comprehensive plan of action drawn up by previous Governments. On behalf of myself and of the Congress Party, I congratulate the scientists and the technicians whose dedication and commitment have made this possible.

MR. SPEAKER: On my own behalf and on behalf of the entire House, I congratulate our scientists who have worked tirelessly for making the launch of GSLV D-I from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 3.43 p.m. yesterday, 18th April, 2001, a success.

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH laid a statement on the matter regarding need to declare Buddhist Stupa near Lala Chhapra Chowk on Kesharia-Sahebganj road in Champaran District, Bihar as a national monument.

(ii) SHRI SHANKAR PRASAD JAISWAL laid a statement on the matter regarding need to set up Homeopathy Department in Sir Sundar Lal Hospital under Kashi Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.)

(iii) PROF. RASA SINGH RAWAT laid a statement on the matter regarding need to include marble industry in the category of Small Scale Industry in Rajasthan.

(iv) SHRI ANADI SAHU laid a statement on the matter regarding need to set up a Marine Museum in Berhampur University at Gopalpur in Orissa.

(v) SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY laid a statement on the matter regarding need for electrification of villages in Giridih, Bokaro and Dhanbad districts, Jharkhand.

(vi) SHRI G. PUTTA SWAMY GOWDA laid a statement on the matter regarding need to strengthen Public Sector Banks in the country.

(vii) SHRI IQBAL AHMED SARADGI laid a statement on the matter regarding need to make M.S.K. Textile mills in Karnataka, viable.

(viii) SHRI G.S. BASAVARAJA laid a statement on the matter regarding need to clear the proposal of Karnataka Government seeking relaxation in entry point norms for organization of New Primary Urban Cooperative Banks.

(ix) SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN laid a statement on the matter regarding need to include Pathiyan, Kalamadi, Kunduvadiyar and Thachandadan Moopper communities in the list of Scheduled Tribe in Wayanad district of Kerala.

(x) SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI laid a statement on the matter regarding need for all round development of North Bengal.

(xi) PROF. UMMAREDDY VENKATESWARLU laid a statement on the matter regarding need to safeguard the interests of handloom workers in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.

(xii) SHRI BAL KRISHNA CHAUHAN laid a statement on the matter regarding need to provide financial assistance to Government of Uttar Pradesh for re-construction of a bridge on Tonse river in Mau district.

(xiii) SHRI NAWAL KISHORE RAI laid a statement on the matter regarding need to open a Sainik School at Dumra/Sitamarhi in Bihar.

 

G.C.MALHOTRA,                                                                                                                                    Secretary-General.

* Laid on the Table as per the direction of the Chair.

© 2001 BY THE LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NOTE : It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.