Number Of Ls Seats Not To Be Increased

The number of seats in the Lok Sabha will be frozen at the current level, which is based on the 1971 census, up to 2026, the Union Cabinet decided yesterday.

The decision would, however, be enforced through a constitutional amendment, which would be brought before Parliament in the budget session, information and broadcasting minister Pramod Mahajan said at the official briefing here yesterday. The decision will ensure that there is no disincentive for states to curb population growth.

The decision is part of the National Population Policy, which was also cleared by the Cabinet yesterday. The policy's stated objective is to ensure a stable population by 2045, but the medium term objective is to bring the total fertility rate to replacement level by 2010.

 

Under the policy, the National Commission on Population, chaired by the Prime Minister will oversee review and implementation of the National Population Policy. It has been suggested that the policy be replicated in the states.

Four statutes repealed: The Cabinet also decided to repeal four statutes. These are the Iron and Steel Companies Amalgamation of 1952, the IISCO takeover Act of 1972, the Cotton Cloth Act of 1918 and the Cotton Textile Cess Act of 1948.

IA retirement age: Mahajan said the Cabinet approved the Indian Airlines proposal for bringing down the retirement age from 60 to 58 years, making it the first public sector company to do so. The move is expected to result in a saving of Rs 193.38 crore for IA.

Dishnet proposal cleared: The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA), which also met along with the Cabinet, decided to clear the proposal of Dishnet Services Ltd for induction of foreign equity through equity placement, American Depository Receipts and Global Depository Receipts up to 45.125 per cent in the paid up equity. The extent of foreign investment to brought in this manner is Rs 1,300 crore.

Migration deadline extended: The CCEA has also extended the deadline for migration of existing cellular and mobile telecom providers up to March 15, subject to three conditions, including that licensees should furnish bank guarantees by February 29 for the full amount of licensee fee dues. Bank guarantees should be valid till March 31 this year. A penal interest of 2 per cent per month will be charged on the amount of guarantees required to be raised, in addition to a 3 per cent per month penal interest on the arrears.

Mandya paper mill declared sick: The CCEA also decided to communicate to the Apellate Authority for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. that Mandya Paper Mill in Karnataka should be declared sick. A ccordingly a non-Plan loan of Rs 20 crore will be provided for carrying out a voluntary separation scheme.

Land for Symbiosis: The CCEA also cleared a defence ministry proposal of leasing four acres to the Symbiosis Institute of Management for a period of 30 years with an option to extend it to 90 years.

Aviation scheme: The proposal for a civil aviation awareness and traffic management scheme was also cleared. This proposal, mooted by the European Union Association for Aerospace and HAL will have programmes on airworthiness of aircraft and safety standards.