5
Controls essential
On 16 July 1952, in the Bombay Legislative Assembly there was a lively debate on general policy and administration of the Civil Supplies Department. As the Minister-in-charge, of the Civil Supplies Department, Shri Y. B. Chavan replied *to the points raised by the Opposition members, and explained to the House the economic condition in the country, basic features of the control policy in the State, storage capacity and constructive programme undertaken by the Government.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Speaker, Sir, I am really grateful to the hon. Members of the Opposition, particularly for the way in which they have contributed to the discussion on this very important question of this State. There was, of course, vehemence in the discussion but there was no bitterness.
While replying to the points raised in this House, I would first of all try to deal with the points of a general nature and then I would reply to the individual points of details made out by the hon. Members.
The speech of the hon. Member Shri V. N. Patil raises certain fundamental issues regarding the economic conditions in this country and the world. He has got a philosophical point of view according to which all problems emerge out of the conditions obtaining in the world. He takes into consideration those world conditions and tries to draw the inference that those conditions are applicable to our own conditions either in a village or a town. Therefore, in this particular case his conclusion or his suggestion is that as the economic crisis has developed in the world today, it is responsible for everything that is happening in this country. Perhaps, according to him, that is the only factor which explains away the policy of this Government, if I have understood him correctly and if I have summarised him well. When I try to consider this question of food, I hope the hon. Member will pardon me if I say that I never try to consider that question from this radical point of view. At least on that point I agree with the hon. Leader of the Opposition who said that I do not look at the question of controls from a doctrinaire point of view. I am not one of those who show contempt the moment the word ‘control’ is used. I do not belong to that category. I am not one of those who again would at once feel enthused the moment the word ‘decontrol’ is uttered in the present context of things in this country. I look at it this way. It is a question which vitally concerns the lives of millions of people in this country, and, therefore, it is our duty, it is our obligation, to he very practical about it, and to see that the lives of the people of this country are in no way harmed by the policy that we may adopt in this matter. Therefore, accepting the blame, for repetition, I may say that we are not thinking in terms of decontrol at present. I would like the words ‘at present’ to he underlined. In this context, the hon. Member Dr Amul Desai suggested that this House should he taken into confidence if any modification in the policy is contemplated. With all respect to you, Sir, to this House and to its sovereign status, I submit that it would be very difficult for any Government, in any country, and in any stage to consult the House every now and then in regard to modifications of policies. But, certainly, if the need arises, and if time permits, I would consult some of the leading hon. Members of the Opposition. As far as I am concerned, I am not unwilling to do that. That is the only assurance that I can give to the hon. Members of the Opposition.
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
*BLA Debates, Vol. 22, Part I, June-July 1952, 16 July 1952, pp. 946-54.
Before going into the maze of details, I would request the House to look at the basic features of the control policy in this State. The policy is aimed, as it should be, at giving to all citizens a reasonable quantum of grain, at a reasonable price. To achieve that aim, we have adopted the policy of monopoly purchase and sale and have selected certain areas for statutory rationing of foodgrains. Even granting that we may be going in for decontrol, this aim will have to be there. Our obligation to supply to all citizens a minimum quantum of foodgrains at reasonable prices will continue. (Interruption.) I have used the word ‘minimum’ carefully and cautiously. If we can achieve that aim in this State, I should not be afraid of going in for a modification in our present food policy. That is all that I can say at this stage about the general food policy that I have in mind at present.
