Gujarat Congress delegation meets PM to make representation on five issues

New Delhi, 19 December 2013

A delegation of Gujarat Congress led by GPCC president Arjun Modhwadia today called on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Delhi and made representation on five issues; (1) Narmada dam height, (2) change in excise duty structure for ceramic industry to help Morbi based ceramic industries, (3) release of fishing boats of Gujarat fishermen from Pakistan and special package for them, (4) Enhance the payment to Anganwadi workers and (5) Register offense against Chief Minister Narendra Modi for alleged snooping of a woman and telephone taping scam.

The delegation demanded that excise on ceramic tiles should be considered on the basis of production capacity and not selling price. Pollution control board should allow gasifier option and come out with a policy on that. There should be anti-dumping duty over imported Chinese tiles. Prime Minister assured the delegation members to take up this issue with the Finance minister.

The delegation told PM that Pakistan has stopped releasing Indian fishing boats since 2003. Such 150 boats are in Pakistan’s custody and they should be released. Also a new package should be announced for victim boat owners. Prime Minister assured to resolve this issue through foreign ministry and agriculture department.

Following this, a delegation of fishermen today met Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar to demand relief package money announced earlier by prime minister and new package. The minister directed his department to immediately release relief money through MPEDA. He also directed his department for new package.

Congress delegation requested prime minister to take needed steps for Narmada Control Authority’s permission for installation of gates at Narmada dams and press the state government to complete unfinished task of building canals.

With a delegation of mid-day meal scheme employees, Congress leaders requested the PM to abolish contract system in Gujarat state in mid-day meal scheme. Prime Minister assured to look into the issue.

The Congress delegation requested the PM for supreme court sitting judge probe into alleged snooping in Gujarat as phone surveillance was done in more than one state – in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. PM gave assurance to look into the issue.