(a) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested the Ministry for directing the Hindustan Paper Corporation for early supply of paper for printing of text books;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons for the delay; and
(c) the measures taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI SUBODH MOHITE)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Andhra Pradesh Government Textbook Press, Hyderabad placed a total order of 9815 Metric Tonnes of white printing paper with Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) during the period 20th March,2003 to 14th May,2003. Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh wrote a letter dated 26th May,2003 to Secretary, Department of heavy Industry requesting him to impress upon HPCL to expedite supply of paper to AP Government Textbook Press. The delay in supply of paper was mainly due to non-liquidation of HPCL`s dues of Rs.18 crore as on 31st May 2003 by the Andhra Pradesh Government.
(c) The Department of Heavy Industry has advised HPCL to expedite the dispatch of paper to AP Government Textbook Press, simultaneously requesting the Government of Andhra Pradesh to settle the dues of HPCL at an early date. HPCL have now supplied 7393 MT of paper to AP Government Textbook Press. However, the outstanding dues of AP Government Textbook Press to HPCL have increased to about Rs.27 crore as on date.