Sir, the state trading corporation came into existence three years ago when the opinion in the country was very much divided. There were many doubting elements who shouted and cried that the state was embarking on an adventure which should be the close preserve of private enterprise. All these people represented the world of vested interests, but the organisation was ushered in, spite of their criticism, of their adverse reaction, in a healthy climate of goodwill, because there were also many in the country who thought that such an organisation would be able to introduce a new healthy trend in our trade and commerce and that it would help us to build up our trade, international and national. So, Sir, we have this organisation for the last three or four years and we have to look at the judge the career of this small which we have ushered into the economy of our country. Sir, the report gives evidence of the fact that the organisation has been able to do certain good things which I really appreicate, good things which would otherwise have been neglected if they had been entrusted to private hands. For instance, the organisation has been able to utilize the neglected small ports. It has utilized these ports for the purpose of exporting mineral ores and other goods. Sir, I have looked at all the three reports produced by the corporation and I was very much disappointed to find that the achievements of this organisation during this period have been pitifully small. It has belied our expectations. It has defeated hopes and desires. Sir, in the year of its performance this body has been able to trade to the extent of Rs. 10 Crores. In the second year, it has been increased to Rs. 28 Crores. In the third year which we are reviewing, the achievement has gone further and there is a turnover of Rs. 35 Crores or so. These figures may signify a trend in the upward direction, a favourable trend, an expansionary growth of this organisation. Sir, I think one of my friends on the opposite side pointed out that this organisation has been embarking upon fresh fields and new areas which should have been conveniently left in the hans of private people. My complaint is not that the organisation is taking up new fields and new areas and is encroaching upon the domain of the private people and industrialists but that it has not been able to go sufficiently far so that it might play a very vital, significant and far-reaching part in building up the trade and commerce of this country.
