Speeches in Parliament Vol. (III)-8

The question was raised about regional imbalances. It is a very important question. This has been recognised not only now. I think during the last two or three years, the Prime Minister herself has taken deep interest in this matter. The Planning Commission also has tried to look at the question and in the plan itself this question has been dealt with. As a result of that, a new approach has been adopted in this matter. We have now certain criteria to decide which are the backward areas. Certain districts from each State have been selected and named as backward areas and special efforts have been made as far as industrialization is concerned. Certain incentives have been indicated. Shri Piloo Mody: It is not working properly.

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan: That is going into the details. For that, we will have to seek the cooperation of the State Governments. I am talking about the new approach that has been adopted. In the case of certain financially needy States, some special arrangements have been made. I have mentioned certain figures in my speech. Nearly Rs. 175 crores were provided. Actually more than that was spent as a result of floods, scarcity conditions, etc. We have continued a tapering provision for the next year also. It is not that backward States are forgotten.

I will mention another aspect of regional imbalances. The financial institutions themselves have taken a new attitude in this matter. They have decided that in the case of backward areas they will give certain incentives to those who want to go and establish industries in those areas. So, there is a new approach to the question of regional imbalance.

At the same time, the States concerned must also take care of those regions which are backward. For instance, there seems to be a misunderstanding. The Hon. Lady Member said that I come from a rich State. In our State there is rich city called Bombay, but the State itself, is not rich. There are large pockets of backward areas which are steeped in poverty. So, the States concerned also have to look into this problem. I have no doubt the question of regional imbalance will naturally be solved. But, I do not say that it can be solved in a day or two. Some coordinated, continuous, intensive efforts will have to be made for a decade or so, so that we can say that we have made some impact.

Shri Piloo Mody: What about minor irrigation?

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan: I have no detailed figures. I can say from my personal experience that in recent years, in the last two or three years, greater emphasis has been laid on minor irrigation, because major irrigation schemes take longer years for implementation. Shri C. C. Desai referred to the Narmada Project. He made a grievance of having referred the dispute to the tribunal. Really speaking, for a decade or so the Government of India pursued a policy of not referring the matter to the tribunal for two reasons; firstly, it is time-consuming and, secondly, it is not right that States should try to litigate against each other before a judicial forum. We certainly waited for a long time for the States themselves to come to an understanding. When that failed, we ultimately resorted to the tribunal so that we could at least get a solution. Shri Desai suggested that the issue should be withdrawn from the tribunal. I do appreciate and share his anxiety, the anxiety of Gujarat and also the anxiety of Madhya Pradesh.