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Government plans bill to protect industry, agriculture

Commerce and Industry Minister Murasali Maran said on Thursday the government, in the coming budget session of Parliament will bring in legislation to protect domestic industry and agriculture against any surge in imports.

"We would bring in a suitable legislation in this regard in the ensuing session of parliament," Maran told a meeting of parliamentary deputies ahead of the session beginning on February 19.

The minister gave no details about the legislation.

Maran said a meeting with state officials would be held soon to discuss steps and strategy to deal with the situation stemming from removal of quantitative import restrictions on April 1, 2001.

He said he will also designate a nodal officer in the Commerce Ministry to facilitate continuous interaction between the states and centre on WTO and export-related matters.

India will phase out quantitative restrictions on 714 items on April 1, 2001 in line with the World Trade Organisation agreement.

With inputs from PTI

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