Pathetic condition of Air India fleet should be improved

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) RJD's Mangani Lal Mandal today expressed concern over the pathetic condition of Air India fleet which is deteriorating day by day.

Raising the issue during Special Mentions in Rajya Sabha, Mr Mandal said the flights were unclean and stinking, stressing that Air India, being the national carrier of the country, should be kept in excellent condition in all respects.

Mr Jai Parkash Aggarwal (Congress) demanded to withdrawal of Indian soldiers from Lebanon, where they are serving in the UN Peacekeeping Force. He said there are 72 Indian soldiers in Lebanon and under the prevailing situation, they should be called back from there.

Congress' Vijay Darda stressed the need for sub-division of Dalits for allotting reservation quota. He suggested that suitable changes be made in the Constitution so that only Dalits should be identified and benefitted by bringing a new legislation.

Mr Kalraj Mishra (BJP) demanded financial help for widows of HIV positive victims as after the death of their husbands, these women are ousted from the house. ''These widows are compelled to lead a very pathetic life for no fault of theirs. They should be provided with some financial protection from the government like pension or other measures,'' he said.

Mr Ram Narayan Sahu (Samajwadi Party) expressed concern over recruitment of children in Bihar Police and demanded that these children should not be inducted in jobs until they attain adulthood.

By providing the jobs to them in the early age, these children are deprived of their childhood. Jobs should, however, be assured to them at the appropriate period.

Ms Viplov Thakur of Congress demanded for upgradation of Bhuntar Airport in Kullu and introduction of new flights of Indian and other private airlines keeping in view the tourist flow into this region.

Tourists income is the only source for the economic status of this area.

Congress' Praveen Rashtrapal of Congress expressed concern over damage caused by heavy rain in Gujarat. He wanted to know as to what arrangements have been in line or made by the government for the hardships of the people of these rain affected areas. Many people have lost lives in the absence of proper arrangements.

He suggested preventive plans for the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Food and boats should be provided in the area.

He also wanted to know the fate of 20 ONGC people working a drilling site in the affected area.

AIADMK's C Perumal demanded amendment of the Nursing Council Act, 1947 as training undertaken in private nursing colleges is not recognised and such candidates cannot get a nursing job in government hospitals. He said the number government colleges for the purpose was very less.

Mr Saman Pathak of CPI(M) expressed concern over scarcity of drinking water in Darjeeling. ''Darjeeling is a tourist spot and acute shortage of drinking water is diverting tourist traffic to other states. Other adjacent towns and villages of the area were also facing the same problem which should be addressed at the earliest to retain the tourist traffic.

Mr Matilal Sarkar, also of CPI(M), demanded to bring all districts of Tripura under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Employment to the tribal people of the four districts of this area should be ensured. This is a backward district and NREG should be implemented within this year itself in this region, he said.

Mr K Chandran Pillai of CPI(M) demanded setting up of Petro Chemical hub at Cochin to provide employment to the people of Cochin.

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