The subject matter of this bill is very interesting in the sense that it deals with certain institutions and institutional arrangements that have got a long history. In this country, there are many institutions, organizations and religious endowments that were created as a result of the prevalence of the cast system and the organisation of our community on a religious basis. These organizations and institutions were called upon to perform certain functions which we today associate with the welfare state. Mr. Chairman, Sir, as the other hon. Members have pointed out, this bill has had a very chequered history. I do not think (2021) in the history of parliament, after this country became independent, any bill has suffered the duress of circumstances so badly as this bill has suffered. But all the same, it does indicate the confused thinking of the government (2020-2021) of India. Really, how to explain the situation? This bill has been introduced again in the fourth Lok Sabha. As the hon. Member, prof. D.C. Sharma, pointed out, this bill has assumed really a very peculiar character because, somehow or other, neither the government nor the persons have been able to explain fully as to what exactly they want to do with the patents. This bill was also introduced in the third Lok Sabha but it could not be passed? It was always said that it was due to lack of time which prohbited this bill to be passed! The life of one Lok Sabha if five years. I am surprised & that in the life of the second Lok Sabha. The government has not come (2021-2022) forward with its mind made up and it is really a great tragedy that this bill is one of the many instances of how much confusion there is in the thinking of the government vis-a-vis modern requirements of economic development. This is only one instance? The whole world has always been talking about our patents. In the last twelve years, we have not been able to do anything. That was introduced in December, (2003-2004) but it lapsed I do not think that the government can convince this find time for an important law when we require this law. The present budget, apart from the arithmetic of it, must also solve the problem that are facing the country today and I am certain that we shall go the right way in solving them. The Congress Governemnts are in charge of the country. We have got a name, ideal and a programme and we have to reach the ideal. The Congress has stood all these years for the creation of a cooperative "Commonwealth which was 'Ram' 'Rajya by the "Father" of the Nation.
