Cong, AGP MLAs demand scrapping of oilfield auctioning

Opposition Congress and ruling coalition partner AGP MLAs today demanded scrapping of auctioning of 12 oilfields in Assam, which has triggered large scale protest in and outside the Assembly.
"Auctioning of oilfields is the most controversial issue today in Assam. Everywhere in the state protests are going on against privatisation of our resources and we are opposed to it," Congress MLA Ajanta Neog said in the House.
Questioning the reasons behind auctioning the oilfields owned by Oil India and ONGC, she said both firms are drilling crude from various parts of the world in extreme difficult environment.
"We demand this auction to be scrapped immediately. Also, please issue a White Paper on the issue as there is lot of confusion among the people."

Supporting her, AGP's Ramendra Narayan Kalita said the issue is important and complex, hence needs detailed study.
"OIL and ONGC have explored and drilled oil from many foreign locations. Both the firms use modern equipment abroad, but old ones in Assam. Why cannot they do that in these 12 small oilfields?" he asked.

There could be a "conspiracy" and the government should look into the matter, Kalita said.
He said, "AGP's view is clear that our own resources should not be handed over to private firms. So I request the government to form an expert committee to evaluate all aspects of the auction. I also appeal them to talk to agitators."

Replying to the debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said this is not the first time oilfields are being auctioned in Assam and 22 oilfields in the state have been auctioned since 1998.
Patowary said the companies, who will win the bidding, will not be handed over the land rights of the oilfields.
Stating that crude oil is a central subject, he requested all protesting political parties and groups to withdraw their agitation.
"If we do not move ahead with positive attitude, it will affect the state," he added.
The first day of Budget Session on Monday started with a stormy note with members from ruling and opposition parties protesting against auctioning of 12 oilfields.