Package needed for expatriates returning from Dubai: Rajeeve tells RS

Raising the issue through a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, P Rajeeve said remittances from expatriates contribute to one-fourth of the gross domestic product of Kerala.
He said the initial response from the government has not been positive.
Economic crisis with global implications broke out in the UAE last month as Dubai World, a leading real estate government-owned firm sought restructuring of its debts running into USD 59 billion.

Ram Prakash (Congress) said the government should ban the auctioning of memorabilia associated with the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Bhagirathi Majhi (BJP) demanded a railway rack at Rairangpur at Mayurbhanj district of Orissa for movement of fertiliser.
Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi (BJP) sought changes in the fertiliser subsidy policy to help small farmers.

Kanimozhi (DMK) said the Central Government should take steps to deal with problems of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.
R C Singh (CPI) said Central funds allocated for the Scheduled Castes are not being spent.

D Raja (CPI) said bank employees and officers are agitating in the national capital against the move for merger and acquisition of the nationalised banks.
He said in case these banks are consolidated into few big ones, the social lending would get a go-bye and credit would be available only for the big business houses.

He said the employees are also opposed to the World Bank infusing USD 2 billion capital into the nationalised banks because such funds would come with conditionalities.

Sabir Ali (LJP) raised the issue of India supporting an IAEA resolution against Iran. He said this was done under pressure from the US. Ali said Iran had been India's dependable friend, while the US did not help when the country needed it.
He said India supporting the IAEA resolution against Iran has sent a wrong signal about New Delhi being a long-term friend.
Najma Heptulla (BJP) asked the government to investigate the issue of unauthorised people staying in the servant quarters of bungalows allotted to ministers and MPs in the capital.

She said the problem could pose a security risk in the area where the Prime Minister and ministers live.