Sir, in Andhra Pradesh for the last 15 years, not a single irrigation project has seen the light of the day. In this context, I would like to specially mention the proposed. Project which was conceived as a multi-purpose project to provide irrigation, drinking water, navigation and power. The estimated cost of this project in 1992 was Rs. 1,675 Crores which has now gone up to Rs. 3,000 Crores. This project should be taken up as a national project. Everybody knows it. We know that there is poverty and that poverty is increasing on acount of a number of circumstances, including the pressure of population, which is peculiar not only to our country but to a number of other Asian countries. Sir, the farmer needs more assistance and help from the government. More subsidies should be provided for fertilizers, seeds, etc. So that the farmer can become self-sufficient and produce more. Backward and remote villages should be identified and funds should be allocated for their upliftment. There was a proposal for an aluminum project in Vishakapatnam. Sir, if started, it could create employment for at least 10,000 people. Through you, Sir, I request the government to consider favorably the setting up of this project. Sir, I am happy that the price of gold has come down in the market. But then the prices of essential commodities are increasing day by day affecting the common man. We should try to control this price hike. The government has introduced public distribution system in 17000 blocks of our country and has been laying great emphasis on its proper implementation. This is an appreciable step. Sir, whether it is MGR or NTR, whoever may be in power should see that basic requirements of every individual are met fully. Rice and sugar are not the only needs of the common man.
