New Delhi, March 27 AIADMK's M Thambidurai urged the government on Friday to ensure the safe return of Kanyakumari fishermen, who are stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Thambidurai said that as many as 447 fishermen from Kanyakumari, who had travelled to Iran legally with valid passports, are now stranded due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
He requested the government to involve the Indian Embassy in Iran.
Thambidurai said that officials should be sent to meet the fishermen at their current locations to assess their needs and provide immediate relief, such as food, clean water, and medical assistance, while also initiating an emergency evacuation and repatriation process to bring them back safely to India.
He urged the government to save the lives of these 447 citizens, who contribute significantly to the nation's economy but are currently helpless in a foreign land.
BJP MP Sanjay Seth highlighted the need for a comprehensive population control law, stating that according to a 2023 report by the United Nations, India, with a population of 1.42 billion, has surpassed China and become the most populous country in the world.
He mentioned that India's population density is 481 people per square kilometre, compared to 149 in China, 37 in the United States, 25 in Brazil, 9 in Russia, and 4 in Canada.
He said that due to this population explosion, the benefits of government schemes are not reaching the common people. Seth demanded a stringent population control law, with incentives such as tax rebates and free education for families with two children.
"This law should be implemented in the national interest, beyond the politics of religion and caste," he said.
BJP MP Narhari Amin called for additional train stoppages at Ambli Road railway station in Ahmedabad, while, Amar Pal Maurya, another MP from the same party, stressed the need to introduce compulsory sports education at the primary level to help reduce children's digital addiction.
Vikramjit Singh Sahney of the Aam Aadmi Party expressed serious concern over the rising threat of substandard and counterfeit medicines in the country.
Javed Ali Khan of the Samajwadi Party highlighted the need to safeguard and preserve social harmony while promoting fraternity.
He said that TV channels, government officials, and even political leaders and chief ministers are competing with each other in spreading social disharmony through their programmes and speeches. He suggested that communal organisations and television channels spreading such content should be banned.
BJP MP Sangeeta Balwant demanded train stoppages and better passenger amenities at Jakhania railway station in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
Nominated member PT Usha sought the development of Beypore Port in Kerala, stating that its potential has remained largely untapped.
She said that developing the port would contribute not only to the state but also to the country, boosting direct and indirect employment, as well as shipping, logistics, tourism, and allied industries.
