(ii) Re: Non-payment of Crop Insurance dues to the farmers of Karnataka

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, in Karnataka, the farmers are committing suicide because of lack of disbursement of crop insurance especially by the Agricultural Insurance Company of India Ltd., which has not disbursed Rs. 221 crore for rabi and summer crops for the year 2003-04. The farmers are demanding it. … (Interruptions) They are on agitation. They are not getting the insurance money. They want their premium money which they have already given to the Government. Their condition is so pitiable. The women have sold their mangalsutras to give premium money and they are not getting any relief. Without the crop insurance money and without getting the premium money, the farmers in Karnataka are in deep distress. Today all the BJP MPs sat on dharna. In Karnataka also, all our MLAs are sitting on dharna in front of the Karnataka Assembly.

We are demanding the Union Government, through you, Sir, to immediately intervene and to disburse Rs. 221 crore for the amelioration of the distress of the farmers of Karnataka. The hon. Home Minister, Shri Shivraj V. Patil, who is a friend of farmers, is sitting here. I request him, through you, Sir, to intervene and assure that this amount of Rs. 221 crore of crop insurance by the Agricultural Insurance Company of India Ltd. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Unfortunately he has not got that much money to provide.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, he is a very senior Minister. This amount of Rs. 221 crore is due to the farmers of Karnataka by the Agricultural Insurance Company of India Ltd. This amount should be disbursed immediately because the farmers have given the premium, and this is due from 2003-04. Sir, I request the Home Minister to give an assurance to the farmers of Karantaka … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: How can he? He is not concerned with this.

… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: When the Speaker allows the matter to be raised, the Government has to take the matter seriously. This is obvious.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : I only request the Government, through you, Sir, to take it very seriously. Sir, the Home Minister is ready to respond. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Some matters should be taken very seriously.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, the Home Minister is ready to respond. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: He will bring it to the notice of the appropriate Minister.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL): Sir, I will bring it to the notice of the Agriculture Minister and then I will ask him to appropriately act on it.

MR. SPEAKER: Generally, I am right while I am here. While I am here, I am always right. The Speaker is always right.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN (TRICHUR): Sir, during the last fortnight, in Kerala, repeated police atrocities… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Only refer to matters relating to Members of Parliament.

… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Please have patience. If you do not get a chance, then you can say.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : Sir, the freedom of Press in Kerala is in danger. That is the problem.

PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA (SOUTH DELHI): Sir, what happened to the issue of rise in prices? Is it finished?

12.17 hrs.

(Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra and some other Hon’ble Members then left the House)

MD. SALIM (CALCUTTA – NORTH EAST): Sir, the BJP has come down from divinity to this. I welcome this.

SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU (SRIKAKULAM): Sir, please allow me to speak on this. I have given a notice.

MR. SPEAKER: Your notice is on petroleum prices.

SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU : Sir, the poor people, the downtrodden people are affected by the rise in prices of petroleum products… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: I have not given you permission to speak.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU : Sir, if you do not allow me to speak, then I also walk out in protest.

12.18 hrs.

(At this stage, Shri Kinjarapu Yerrannaidu left the House.)

MR. SPEAKER: Yes, Shri Chandrappan. Please do not refer to the State matters. Refer only to matters relating to Members of Parliament.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : I am only referring to the problem of freedom of Press, which is ensured in the Constitution. The freedom of Press is under attack in Kerala. The Kerala police is constantly… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: I will not allow this.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : Sir, this is a very serious matter. This is with regard to freedom of Press… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: I have told you to refer to matters relating to the Members of Parliament.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : Sir, this is a national matter relating to the freedom of the Press.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : Sir, the MP from Cannanore, who had gone to enquire into the matter how the Press people were beaten up in Cannanore, was attacked, and his vehicle was damaged. That is the aftermath of events that were taking place in Kerala during the last three weeks.

The Press people who were trying to report were attacked in Trivandrum and in Calicut. They are now attacked in Kunnur. Police is attacking them. Police is beating them down including women journalists. They are put behind the bar.

MR. SPEAKER: This is a matter relating to the pressmen. But, it is a State matter. I cannot allow State matters to be discussed here.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : It is a question of freedom of Press.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : It is not a State matter.

MR. SPEAKER: Law and order relating to Press is a State matter.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : I am not raising the law and order issue. I am raising the the issue that the freedom of Press, which is enshrined in our Constitution, is under attack in Kerala. That is the issue. When that is under attack, the Government of Kerala stands… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Sorry, this is not Kerala Assembly. I would not allow it.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : There, democracy is under attack.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : I am requesting that there should be an inquiry why in Kerala freedom of Press is under attack. I have to raise it in Parliament.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : It is not a State matter.

MR. SPEAKER: I shall see that the information relating to the hon. Member is obtained and we shall intervene in the matter

.… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Nobody’s statement is being recorded. You know about my general direction.

(Interruptions) *

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : I am stating that if the Speaker is kind enough to make an inquiry, I will be happy.

MR. SPEAKER: I have already said that.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : If you make that inquiry, I will be happy about it.

MR. SPEAKER: That is what I have already said.

SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN : Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: I am trying to help you to understand your problem.

You can only associate please.

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : In this matter I associate myself.… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: There should not be State matters. Shri Radhakrishnan, you know that very well.

* Not Recorded

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN (CHIRAYINKIL): I am putting it in a different manner not in the manner Shri Chandrappan has put it. My representation is entirely different from that. Now, the question is this. Why ‘Right to Information’ is a fundamental right?

MR. SPEAKER: Whom are you putting the question?

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : I am putting it before the House. Now, in this House also we have discussed a Bill relating to Right to Information. ‘Right to Information’ is a fundamental right. The Press people are collecting information. But, they are being prevented from doing that. That is the most important thing.

MR. SPEAKER: That is not a matter under the Central subject. I will not allow it, Shri Radhakrishnan. I will look into it.

Shri M.P. Veerendra kumar.

… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Shri Radhakrishnan, you have made your point.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : There must be a law to prevent such occurrence.

MR. SPEAKER: Only Shri M.P. Veerendra Kumar’s statement will be recorded.

(Interruptions) *

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : I bring the matter to the concern of the House. … (Interruptions) We have to take immediate steps to give adequate protection to the pressmen especially in Kerala. Otherwise, there is no end of the matter.

SHRI M.P. VEERENDRA KUMAR (CALICUT): I would request the hon. Speaker to make an inquiry why Shri Abdullakutty is not allowed to come to the

* Not Recorded

House today. Yesterday, his house was attacked. He was prevented from going anywhere. Along with that, the attack on the Press is continuing unabated today. That Member of Parliament is prevented from coming to the House. I think, that must be inquired into. That is a serious matter.

MR. SPEAKER: I have already said that if the Member of Parliament is inconvenienced or if there is any problem, I shall find it out. I have already directed an inquiry.

PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA : Attack on the Press is not a State subject. Attack on the Press has to be an all-India subject. It cannot be a State subject in any case.

MR. SPEAKER: I will discuss with you in my Chamber.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): It is very sad to say that on the very first day of the Winter Session itself… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Minister may hold patience.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P.C. THOMAS (MUVATTUPUZHA): Your party has attacked an MP.

MR. SPEAKER: Nothing will be recorded except Shri Karunakaran’s statement.

(Interruptions) *

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Sir, it is very sad to say that one of our hon. Members is unable to attend the very first day of this Session.

MR. SPEAKER: I will just look into it.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Sir, he was enquiring about the incident. The incident was in relation to the attack against the media persons. That is not the only thing. There were series of attacks, which started from November in Calicut, Karipur airport, Trivandrum, Cochin and twice in Cannanore. … (Interruptions)

*Not Recorded

MR. SPEAKER: Shri Krishnadas, please take your seat. Please do not interrupt your own Member.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : It is true that these media persons go with pen and pencil and not with any arms. They were attacked by a section of the people and it was registered by the Police. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: You have made your point.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Sir, Press is the fourth estate in our democratic set up. We know that the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are significant. Even if we commit some mistakes, these media persons have to come, watch and prevent. It is an attack against the democratic set up itself. … (Interruptions) I request the hon. Speaker to make an inquiry into this. … (Interruptions)

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS `: Sir, the hon. Home Minister should make a statement on this. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: You have made a very good suggestion. Please sit down.

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : Sir, media is to report. When some matters were reported which were not suitable or palatable, they were simply attacked. Some people were allowed to go there, attack the media persons, take their camera and run away. They also attacked the van of the media persons. This is what is taking place in the southern most part of India now. One political party is behind that, and that party is the Indian Union Muslim League. I name the political party. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: There is the Constitution of India.

… (Interruptions)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED): Sir, I am speaking as a Member of Parliament and not as a Minister now. I am saying that it is an unjustified accusation. It is wrong. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Please take your seat. It is over now.

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : One hon. Member of Parliament could not come to this House today because he was seriously attacked by members of one political party, which I have already named. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: I have already taken up the matter. No more discussion on this issue. I shall find out the facts about the hon. Member of the House.

Now, Shri Brajesh Pathak.

… (Interruptions)

MD. SALIM : Sir, the House is confused. The hon. Member has demanded a statement from the Home Minister. Why should he not make a statement? … (Interruptions)

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : Sir, the hon. Home Minister is here. Again I am requesting him to make a statement on this. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: The Home Minister is not obliged to make a statement. I cannot compel him.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, we request you to give a direction to the Home Minister to make a statement. Press is the fourth estate. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, please take your seats.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, the Home Minsiter should come out with a statement. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Your suggestion has been noted by him.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : Sir, the national flag has to be hoisted in the airport. That place was taken up by one party and that party has hoisted their flag. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: This is not to be recorded. You have not given any notice on this. I will not allow it.

(Interruptions)*

* Not Recorded

MR. SPEAKER: Enough has been said. Shri Krishnadas, I am very sorry. Please take your seat.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, it cannot be tolerated. We should fight for the protection of the National Flag. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: What are you doing? Is it a free for all that you can raise anything you like any time? I would not allow this. Sit down.

… (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Thomas, please co-operate. You are a senior Member. You had been a Minister. You should know how to co-operate.

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : This is my last point.

MR. SPEAKER: There is no last point. You are on the last point for the last five minutes.

… (Interruptions)

PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA: Our National Flag is being humiliated. If they have humiliated our National Flag, why should they sit in Parliament?

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, we are requesting the Home Minister. … (Interruptions) This is an attack on the media. This is an attack on the National Flag. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: No, it is enough.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI N.N. KRISHNADAS : Sir, the hon. Home Minister is sitting here. He should make a statement on this here.

MR. SPEAKER: You have made your point. You have said that five times. You cannot go on repeating the same thing. It is for him to make a statement. I cannot compel him. You are a senior Member. You know that.

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : We are requesting him.

MR. SPEAKER: Your request has been heard by him. The Leader of the House is here. The hon. Minister is here. I do not know of any rule by which I can compel them to respond.

… (Interruptions)

SHRI P.C. THOMAS : A political party was involved which was reported. That is why, I said it. … (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: You have not given notice on this. Please sit down. I would not allow this anymore. Please take your seat. Give a notice tomorrow, and I will see. I will consider your notice tomorrow.