(a) whether the Government have further taken a decision to remove quantitative restrictions on 715 items by March 31, 2000;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government have constituted a Inter-Ministerial Group to assess the likely impact of such decision on domestic industries, small scale industries and farmers;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which the report is likely to be submitted by the Group in this regard?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) & (b) India is committed to removing all quantitative restrictions on imports being maintained on account of balance of payment reasons by 31.3.2001. In view of this, import restrictions on714 tariff lines (at 8 digit level) were removed on 31.3.2000 and the import restrictions on balance 715 tariff lines are to be removed by 31.3.2001. The list of 1429 tariff lines, on which restrictions are being removed, is available in the Parliament Library.
(c)to (e) Government has constituted an Inter - Ministerial Group under the chairmanship of Commerce Secretary to assess the impact of removal of quantitative restrictions and to suggest suitable corrective measures on 28.7.2000. Ministries/Departments of Agriculture and Cooperation, Consumer Affairs, Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Information Technology, Chemicals and Petro-chemicals, Fertilizers, Petroleum and Natural Gas and Animal Husbandry and Dairying have been represented in the Group. The Group is yet to make its recommendations. The Group will closely examine the impact of removal of quantitative restrictions and will suggest corrective measures and is expected to submit its recommendations before the end of the year.