Chennai: Vice President M Hamid Ansari Tuesday
voiced concern over frequent disruptions in Parliament
proceedings but expressed confidence that "collective wisdom"
of the elected representatives would find a solution.
Interacting with students of BS Abdur Rahman University
near here, Ansari, also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said
the disruptions were of "considerable concern" and the MPs
should find a way out.
"Disruptions are taking a lot of time. It is a matter of
considerable concern. I am sure the collective wisdom of the
elected representatives will find a solution, sooner or
later," he said in his 45-minute interaction.
Responding to students` questions on the future of India
in the context of power generation, he said that while nuclear
power has a very important role to play, the potential of
importing other sources like hydro-electric power should be
explored.
Ansari, however, said nuclear power comprised only a
`miniscule` level of India`s total power production presently
and the country was not a match to certain European nations,
including France, which met a bulk of their energy
requirements through nuclear power.
"So it is an option to us and the government has
identified it and has comprehensive plans for availing it," he
said.
Ansari did not share a student`s view that India had
exhausted its hydro-electric power potential and said the
possibility of its import like crude oil should also be
explored.
Recently, he said, India and Bhutan had entered into an
agreement wherein the hydro-power being produced in Bhutan was
being sold to India, which benefited both. Such potential with
other countries should also be explored.
On educational status of minorities, he said while the
government was setting up facilities and providing funds, the
members of the community should also develop an urge to seek
knowledge.
The vice-president said collective efforts should be made
to alleviate poverty and child labour. He also called for more
investment and focus in Research and Development (R&D).
He said the government had set a target of increasing the
percentage of those seeking higher education, from the present
11-12 percent to 20-22 percent.
To a question on brain-drain, Ansari recalled the words of
former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and said they (skilled
people) were like `fixed deposits` which could be withdrawn at
a later point in time. He said, however, more people were now
coming back to India, as there were a plenty of job
opportunities in the country.
PTI
