The Hindu
Udupi, Apr 10: Oscar Fernandes, MP, said on Friday that the Union Government was committed to getting back the black money stashed in Swiss banks by some Indians.
He was speaking at a programme titled “Jago Sansad Jago” organised by the Udupi Consumers' Forum here.
Mr. Fernandes said that Union Government would have to get this money back as per the laws prevailing in Switzerland. Those who spoke about it now should ask themselves as to what they had done to get it back when they were in power. However, since there was a lot of public interest involved in the matter, the Union Government was pursuing it, he said.
To a question, he said that earlier an incentive was being given to those informing the authorities about smuggling activities. The Union Finance Ministry was now thinking of giving an incentive to those who gave information about black money, he said.
To another question, Mr. Fernandes said the movement of overloaded lorries carrying iron ore was responsible for the poor condition of roads. But the quantity of iron ore exports from the New Mangalore Port Trust had come down by nearly two to three million tonnes. All these issues would be discussed with the Railway Minister and the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, he said.
He said that he would give Rs. 25 lakh from his Local Area Development Fund for the renovation of the Board School in Udupi.
Trustee of the forum Shantharaj Aithaland Chairman of Hanuman Transport Company P. Rabindra Nayak were present.