I may tell you that in my speech I have said that we have identified the problem. One problem is the problem of inventories. This is one of the problems. We have to go into these matters. We have got problem of proper planning for the maintenance of the units. Then there is the problem of managerial and operational efficiency. That is the second problem. The third problem is the problem of the personnel management and there comes the problem of industrial relationship. The loss incurred by the Hindustan Steels is really speaking a result of the politics of a party which claims to have more interest in the public sector.
I must also mention the contribution by public sector enterprises in the matter of export earnings. We have achieved significant results in this direction. In 1965-66 exports by manufacturing enterprises in the public sector were to the tune of Rs. 4.60 crores. I would like Hon. Members to listen to me carefully because the figures are eloquent. In 1965-66 it was only Rs. 4.60 crores, but in 1969-70 these exports have reached a level of Rs. 84.64 crores. This is something significant. This is about manufacturing concerns. Similarly, the earnings of foreign exchange, by aviation, shipping and ship-repairing concerns etc. have also recorded a marked increase from Rs. 30.20 crores in 1965-66 to Rs. 85.24 crores in 1969-70. Therefore, to say that efforts are not being made and that Progress is not being made, is trying to be unfair to ourselves.
I had mentioned in my budget speech the directions in which we had to take steps. I have just indicated them, and we shall pursue those matters very carefully. I can assure the House that it is certainly our responsibility, and we are not unaware of our responsibility in this matter. I have said in my budget speech that financial surplus from the public sector is going to be one of the very important factors in our economic strategy in this country. And certainly, we are determined to see that day arrive very soon.
I have mentioned about the nutrition programme of children. There was some criticism that there was some shortfall in the nutrition programme. Unfortunately, the administrative arrangements that we had to make were rather delayed and the work was started only late in July last, and, therefore, there were certain difficulties and certain loopholes as one Hon. Member had mentioned. But we cannot be discouraged by these things. We have to take speedy measures. This year, I think that we shall have to increase the age group. Last year we had accepted the age group from 0 to 3. But this year, we shall have to accept the age group from 0 to 6, and we shall have to take more administrative steps to see that the provision that we have made this year is completely utilised.
