New Delhi: Seeking a special package for
Indian expatriates returning from the Gulf due to Dubai
economic crisis, a CPI-M member today said Kerala economy,
which is highly dependent on remittances, would be hit.
Raising the issue through a special mention in the Rajya
Sabha, P Rajeeve said remittances from expatriates contribute
to one-fourth of the gross domestic product of Kerala.
He said the initial response from the government has not
been positive.
Economic crisis with global implications broke out in the
UAE last month as Dubai World, a leading real estate
government-owned firm sought restructuring of its debts
running into USD 59 billion.
Ram Prakash (Congress) said the government should ban the
auctioning of memorabilia associated with the Father of Nation
Mahatma Gandhi.
Bhagirathi Majhi (BJP) demanded a railway rack at
Rairangpur at Mayurbhanj district of Orissa for movement of
fertiliser.
Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi (BJP) sought changes in the
fertiliser subsidy policy to help small farmers.
Kanimozhi (DMK) said the Central Government should take
steps to deal with problems of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.
R C Singh (CPI) said Central funds allocated for the
Scheduled Castes are not being spent.
D Raja (CPI) said bank employees and officers are
agitating in the national capital against the move for merger
and acquisition of the nationalised banks.
He said in case these banks are consolidated into few big
ones, the social lending would get a go-bye and credit would
be available only for the big business houses.
He said the employees are also opposed to the World Bank
infusing USD 2 billion capital into the nationalised banks
because such funds would come with conditionalities.
Sabir Ali (LJP) raised the issue of India supporting an
IAEA resolution against Iran. He said this was done under
pressure from the US. Ali said Iran had been India's
dependable friend, while the US did not help when the country
needed it.
He said India supporting the IAEA resolution against Iran
has sent a wrong signal about New Delhi being a long-term
friend.
Najma Heptulla (BJP) asked the government to investigate
the issue of unauthorised people staying in the servant
quarters of bungalows allotted to ministers and MPs in the
capital.
She said the problem could pose a security risk in the
area where the Prime Minister and ministers live.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 03, 2009, 18:24