Press Briefing Wednesday, 2nd December 2009

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.


Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that today we would like to welcome the encouraging signs in the economy by the projected growth rate. This is a clear indication of the success of measures taken by the Government, particularly the various stimulus packages that have been put in place and this is the reason why despite the global down-trend the growth rate of our economy has defied negative projections to project a much more positive outlook. However, as has been pointed out earlier on Friday by AICC Media Chairman Shri Janardan Dwivedi, prices of essential food items still need to be monitored closely by the Union Government and along with the State Governments steps need to be taken. Very strict action needs to be taken against hoarding and ensure the strengthening of the Public Distribution System (PDS) all over the country. Therefore, we welcome this encouraging signal sent by the economy particularly in the manufacturing sector and at the same time we are confident that the steps taken by the Government will also ensure that the prices of food and other essential commodities also remain stable and within the reach of the common man.

On the question of any loss at the sad demise of Rajasthan Governor Shri S.K. Singh, Smt. Natarajan said that yes it is a loss. He had an eminent career as a bureaucrat and at various levels including as Governor and all of us mourn his loss.

On the question of UPA Government not listening much to the appeal of the Congress to bring down the prices, Smt. Natarajan said that the Congress party believes the UPA Government is taking all steps to ensure the stability in prices. This has been pointed out by the Finance Minister. There is undoubtedly shortfall between supply and demand which has caused the prices to go up. There is a general concern over this. The agriculture sector, despite worries about the monsoon, has performed well. Steps include ban on the export of essential pulses and ban on future trading have been taken by Government. The other steps that have been put in place particularly strengthening the public distribution system and also cracking the whip on hoarders, if monitored effectively, will bring the prices down. All possible steps are being taken.

On the question of delay in tabling the report containing the recommendations of the Rangnath Mishra Committee in the Parliament, Smt. Natarajan said that we believe that the Government will table all reports including this report at the appropriate time. There is a time frame which is envisaged within the statute itself. Whatever the recommendations are contained therein are not yet within the public domain and we will reserve our comments upon it when the report actually becomes public.

On the question of the strong economy as stated by the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Natarajan said that it is Government’s collective responsibility for all actions taken and we would like to congratulate the Government and the Finance Minister for the encouraging signs shown in the economy.

On the question whether the price rise could be controlled in the Congress ruled States as claimed by the party, Smt. Natarajan said that certainly we believe that the congress Governments are taking very effective action. Wherever there are shortfalls, those shortfalls and those issues need to be emergently addressed. It is a continuing process and she was confident that not only Congress Governments but all State Governments will take action on this. It is our expectation that all steps will be taken to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS).

On the question of price of water going up in Delhi, Smt. Natarajan said that she had read the news report and said that she can’t answer for the Delhi Government and she was sure that the Hon’ble Chief Minister will explain the reasons for the necessity of the step she has taken.

On the further question whether the congress party has met with any success in bringing down the prices in any State, Smt. Natarajan said that she has made a general statement that all States need to take steps to ensure this and has not made any particular claim.

On the question of continuing absenteeism of MPs since two days in both Houses of Parliament despite Congress President taking note of it, Smt. Natarajan said that there is no doubt that the Congress party and our Hon’ble President take very serious view of need for members to be present in the House and we are sure that the members will ensure their presence in the House.

On the question whether some of the Congress speakers have been told not to defend Mr. Narasimha Rao while taking up the Liberhan Commission report, Smt. Natarjan said that she is not aware of any instructions given to any Congress speaker. She further said that the Congress party has not yet decided the names of the speakers and added that from the contents of the report, it is very clear about the public perception that it was the BJP and its sister organizations that created the great communal divide in the country.

Reacting on behalf of the Congress party on the statement of Naval Chief on the discriminatory attitude of Government while taking action against their officials and the leaders involved in corruption cases, Smt. Natarjan said that she does not want to get into any controversy with the Naval Chief; but the fact of the matter is whenever there is any issue of corruption where the country has suffered a lot, action will be and is taken against all those who are guilty no matter who they are. She said that she does not want to enter into any controversy but wants to reiterate that action will be and is taken against all those who are guilty.

On the question of Government not taking any action in the matter of gas leakage in Kaiga in Karnataka, Smt. Natarajan said that the concerned Minister has already made it clear that enquiry is being conducted. Further more time and again Mr. Kakodar has already assured the country about the safety of all nuclear installations there.

Smt. Natarjan further added that this particular incident, the Minister has stated, is being investigated and whosoever has done this deed will be severely punished. The Minister has already assured the country that all apprehensions are baseless.

 

Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC