No. of questions: 20
|
Q No: 423 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Statistics and programme |
Subject: Implementation of centrally sponsored |
Question:
Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that State Governments are facing serious difficulties in implementing various centrally sponsored schemes, as the applicable norms do not suit the conditions specific to States;
(b) if so, whether the Kerala Government has pointed out the matter to the Central Government; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), MINISTRY OF COAL AND STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House,
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 423 FOR ANSWER ON 03.08.2009 REGARDING- IMPLEMENTATION OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES IN STATES Various State Governments have been raising the matter of building in greater flexibility in the guidelines for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) so as to be better able to meet the specific needs and conditions in each State. Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission has requested all Chief Ministers in December, 2008 to review the matter and provide specific suggestions for changing the guidelines in a manner which would make it easier for flow of resources.
The Government of Kerala has suggested that CSS should insist only on broad objectives of the programme and allow the States to introduce flexibility in the norms of CSS to match regional requirements. Government of Kerala has also stated that NREGA guidelines may be modified to suit the specific conditions prevailing in the State like long monsoon season and availability of very little public land. They have suggested that: • NREG could be used for replanting perennial crops. • NREG could be used for land and water development activities for small and marginal farmers. • NREG may be used for collection of coconut husk by Kudumbasree Group. NREG guidelines have been modified in July 2009 to include provision of irrigation facility, horticulture plantation and land development facilities to land owned by, inter alia, small farmers or marginal farmers as defined in the Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme 2008.
|
Q No: 3149 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Railways |
Subject: Survey of Nanjancode to Nilambur rail |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the survey for the construction of Nanjancode of Karnataka to Nilambur of Kerala railway route via Sultan Bathery in Wayanad at Gudalloor Road of Tamil Nadu is in progress; and
(b) if so, when the survey was started, by when it is proposed to be completed, and the budgetary allocation made in the budgets since the survey was started?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a) & (b): An updating survey for Nanjangud- Nilambur via Sultan Bathery & Gudallur was taken up and completed during 2007-08 and its report further updated in February, 2009. An outlay of Rs. 12.7 lakh has been provided for this survey so far.
|
Q No: 3151 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Railways |
Subject: Peninsular Railway zone for Kerala. |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the State Government of Kerala has been demanding a peninsular railway zone for Kerala considering the needs and geographical sprawl of Kerala being quite different from the neighbouring States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Some States including Kerala have requested for separate zone. As of now, no decision to form a new zone has been taken.
|
Q No: 2764 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Defence |
Subject: Fast interception boats for Sagar Prahari |
Question:
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that after Mumbai terrorist attacks, Government had announced that the Navy would get 80 fast interceptor boats for a new specialized force ‘Sagar Prahari Bal’ with 1000 personnel; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and what action has been taken thereon?
Answer:
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir, with a view to strengthening coastal security and surveillance, Government has approved ‘Sagar Prahari Bal’ in the Indian Navy, comprising of 1000 personnel with 80 fast attack crafts. Navy will carry out shallow water operations by day and night for seaward anti-terrorist patrols for security of naval assets, besides interception at high speeds and perform search and rescue operations.
|
Q No: 2788 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Home Affairs |
Subject: Inclusion of lightning and sea |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that the Kerala has a Coastal belt extending to a stretch of 580 kms and encroachment thereon by people causes vast damages every year, particularly during monsoon season and several cases of death due to lightning are reported during monsoon season;
(b) if so, whether State Government has demanded inclusion of lightning and sea erosion in the list of natural calamities for providing relief/assistance under CRF/NCCF and placing the demand for the consideration of 13th Finance Commission; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (c): The issue of inclusion of specific calamities in the list of identified natural calamities for the purpose of incurring expenditure from Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) comes under the purview of the successive Finance Commissions. The concerned State Governments are required to submit their proposals regarding inclusion of new calamities to the Finance Commission, for consideration and its inclusion in the notified list of natural calamities.
The 12th Finance Commission, the Award of which is in operation during the year 2005-10, had also inter-alia considered the proposals for inclusion of lightning and soil erosion, however not recommended to include them in the list of notified natural calamities qualifying for assistance from Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its memorandum submitted to the 13th Finance Commission, has inter-alia suggested the inclusion of calamities of sea erosion and lightning in the list of calamities eligible for relief under CRF/NCCF.
|
Q No: 2118 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Communication and Information |
Subject: Tele density in rural areas. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that though India is a fast growing telecom markets in the world, the tele density in rural areas is very low; and
(b) if so, the details and measures that are being taken to accelerate telecom growth in rural India?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) No, Sir. The percentage of tele-density in the rural areas of our country is 16.54 % as on 31.05.2009 against the target of 4% rural tele-density by year 2010, as per New Telecom Policy 1999. However, following steps are being taken by the Government to further increase the telecom facilities in rural areas of the country:
1. To meet the demand of wireline telephones in rural areas, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is now laying cable up to 5 Kms. of exchange against the earlier standard of 2.5 Kms.
2. BSNL has deployed Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) network in rural areas to meet the demand of scattered and far-flung rural areas. It now plans to further expand its WLL network (MSC based).
3. Remote and far-flung areas, which are not possible to be covered with terrestrial technology, are planned to be covered with Digital Satellite Phone Terminals (DSPTs).
4. Support is being provided from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for provisioning of Rural Direct Exchange Lines (RDELs) in all the 1685 net cost positive Short Distance Charging Areas (SDCAs).
5. A scheme has been launched by USO Fund to provide subsidy support for setting up and managing 7440 number of infrastructure sites (towers) in 500 districts spread over 27 States, for provision of mobile services in the specified rural and remote areas, where there is no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage in the country. Also, about 10128 number of additional infrastructure sites (towers) are proposed to be installed in the second phase.
|
Q No: 239 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Power |
Subject: Supply of coal for Kayamkulam Plant. |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Kayamkulam plant of NTPC Ltd. has not been working to full capacity, due to short supply of coal;
(b) if so, the details of the capacity utilization during the years 2008 and 2009, and requirement and supply of coal to this plant during the same period; and
(c) the steps being taken to supply sufficient coal, to utilize the full capacity of the plant?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF POWER
( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )
(a) to (c) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 239 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE RAJYA SABHA ON 20.07.2009 REGARDING SUPPLY OF COAL FOR KAYAMKULAM PLANT.
(a) to (c) : The Kayamkulam plant (Rajeev Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant) (350 MW) of NTPC Limited operates with liquid fuel
(Naphtha), not with coal. There has not been any shortage of fuel at Kayamkulam Station.
The capacity utilization i.e. Plant Load Factor (PLF) of this plant was 61.6% and 87.4% during the years 2008 and 2009 (Jan-June, 2009) respectively. The less capacity utilization is mainly due to low schedules given by the beneficiary state power utilities and not due to fuel shortage.
|
Q No: 1683 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Environment and Forests |
Subject: Coal mining in Degraded Forests. |
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has decided to allow coal mining in degraded forests;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact that there is no category called ‘degraded forests’ in the Forest Survey of India; and
(d) if so, how Government proposes to identify degraded forests, for the purpose of giving approval for coal mining?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b): So far, 254 proposals involving diversion of about 50,818 ha of forest land including degraded forests have been approved by the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The State-wise details are enclosed at annexure.
(c) & (d) The Forest Survey of India classifies forests into Very Dense Forest (all lands having tree cover with canopy density more than 70%), Moderately Dense (all lands having tree cover with canopy forest density between 40% and 70%), Open Forest (all lands having tree cover with canopy density between 10% and 40%), and Scrub (all forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10 percent). The last two categories, namely, Open, and Scrub having forest canopy density less than 40% are commonly categorized as degraded forests. These forest areas have been identified by the Forest Survey of India.
|
Q No: 1769 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Power |
Subject: Hike in electricity tariffs by NTPC |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Kayamkulam plant of NTPC Ltd. is likely to hike the tariff of electricity it supplies to Kerala and Tamil Nadu;
(b) if so, the present tariff and by how much it is proposed to be increased; and
(c) what are the reasons therefor?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) to (c) : The tariff for all Central Generating Stations including that for the Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project, Kayamkulam of NTPC Ltd., are determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission through a transparent process involving all the stakeholders. The present tariff for this Generating Station is as below:
Fixed charges for 2008-09 at 80% Pant Load Factor : 79.16 P/kWh Variable charges : 307.72 P/kWh Fuel Price Adjustment : 266.98 P/kWh
This tariff is due for re-determination with effect from 1.4.2009 and shall be determined by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.
|
Q No: 1540 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public |
Subject: Increase in import of vegetable oils. |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that import of vegetable oils has increased by about 86 per cent during November-May period in 2008-09 from 25.22 lakh tonnes to 46.83 lakh tonnes in the year ago period;
(b) if so, the details of imports during this period and a year ago oil-wise;
(c) the reasons for increased import of edible oil; and
(d) the measures being taken to increase the indigenous production of oilseeds?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): According to the Solvent Extractor’s association of India, Mumbai, the import of edible oils has increased by about 88 per cent during November-May period in 2008-09 from 25.46 lakh tonnes to 47.91 lakh tonnes during the same period last year;
(b): Oil-wise details of imports during the period November-May 2008-09 and November-May 2007-08 are at Annexure –I.
(c): The total demand for edible oils in the country has been increasing in recent years. Domestic production of edible oils is not increasing to the same level. In order to bridge the gap between demand and supply, import of edible oils to the country has been increasing.
(d): The Government has taken various steps to enhance the production and productivity of oilseeds in the country. A centrally sponsored Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) is being implemented in 14 major oilseeds growing States for increasing production. The States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat etc. are implementing the Oil Palm Development Programme under ISOPOM.
Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided for purchase of breeder seed, production of foundation seed, production and distribution of certified seed, distribution of seed minikits, distribution of plant protection chemicals, plant protection equipments, weedicides, gypsum/pyrite/lime/dolomite, distribution of sprinkler sets and water carrying pipes, training, publicity etc. to encourage farmers to grow these crops. Block demonstrations and Integrated Pest management demonstrations are organized through State Department of Agriculture and ICAR. Budget Expenditure of Rs. 320 crore has been kept for 2009-10 for ISOPOM.
|
Q No: 889 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Environment and Forests |
Subject: Ganga |
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has made any assessment of working of Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans and how far these have been effective in checking pollution of these two dying rivers in the country; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures proposed to be taken to rescue these dying rivers?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase I was launched as a centrally funded scheme in 1985 with the objective of improving the water quality of the Ganga to acceptable standards. Various pollution abatement works like Interception & Diversion of sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation works, crematoria works, etc. were taken up. GAP Phase – II which covered the tributaries of Ganga namely, Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar and Mahananda, besides Ganga, was approved in stages from 1993-1996. GAP Phase II was merged with the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) in December, 1996. The total expenditure incurred for river Ganga under the GAP Phase – I & II so far, is Rs.816.47 crore. Sewage treatment capacity of 1007 million liters per day (mld) has been created.
The first phase of the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) for the abatement of pollution of river Yamuna was started in April, 1993 in 21 towns of the three States of UP, Delhi & Haryana. A total expenditure of Rs. 682 crore was incurred. The second Phase of YAP commenced in December, 2004 at an approved cost of Rs. 624 crore. Till March, 2009, an expenditure of Rs 190.15 crore has been incurred. Sewage treatment capacity of 753.25 mld has been created for the river Yamuna under the Plan. Independent studies have been carried out from time to time to evaluate the impact of the river conservation plans. Studies have been conducted by a group of independent experts (1995); University of Bath and Metroeconomica, United Kingdom and the Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi (1995-97); and Alternate Hydro Energy Centre IIT, Roorkee (2002). The studies have made recommendations for improving the performance of the Schemes by continuous river quality monitoring, proper operation and maintenance of assets, upgradation of treatment technologies/ designs etc.
The water quality monitoring carried out by reputed institutions of the country like IIT, Kanpur, BHEL, Patna University, etc. indicates that, water quality of the river Ganga conforms to the prescribed standards in terms of key indicators namely, Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at most of the locations except, in the stretch between Kannauj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. As per the water quality monitoring undertaken through independent institutions, the water quality in the stretch of the river Yamuna from Tajewala to Palla in Haryana is found to be within the prescribed limits. However, the stretch of the river in the vicinity of Delhi (downstream of Wazirabad barrage to upstream of Okhla barrage) and parts of Uttar Pradesh exceeds the standards in terms of Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand of 3.0 miligram per litre (mg/l), mainly due to significant increase in pollution load and lack of fresh water in the river during lean period.
The Central Government, by a Notification dated 20.2.2009, has set up the ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority’ (NGRBA) as an empowered planning, financing, monitoring and coordinating authority for the Ganga River. The objective of the Authority is to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a holistic approach with the river basin as the unit of planning. The functions of the Authority include all measures necessary for planning and execution of programmes for abatement of pollution in the Ganga including augmentation of sewerage infrastructure, collection, analysis and dissemination of information relating to environmental pollution in Ganga; investigations and research regarding problems of environmental pollution and conservation of Ganga; and, promotion of water conservation practices including recycling and reuse, rain water harvesting, and decentralised sewage treatment systems.
The Government of NCT of Delhi has taken up sewerage and sewage treatment works under other schemes to fully address the pollution load being discharged into Yamuna. The Delhi Jal Board has prepared schemes for laying of interceptor sewers along three major drains namely Najafgarh, Shahdara and Supplementary, construction of sewage treatment plants of 318 mld, interception of drains and rehabilitation of trunk sewers, laying of sewerage system in unsewered colonies and rural areas and desilting of peripheral and internal sewers.
|
Q No: 730 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Agriculture |
Subject: Impact of delayed monsoon. |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the delayed monsoon in the current season is going to have an adverse impact on agricultural production, affected by the crop size of pulses, oilseeds and maize etc.; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION)
(SHRI K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Agricultural production of various Kharif crops in the country depends on the quantity and spread of rainfall during the monsoon season (July-September). As per the information furnished by India Meteorological Department, delay of one to two weeks in arrival of monsoon in certain states such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, East Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, East Uttar Pradesh has been observed. As a result, some delay in sowing of Rice, Groundnut, Soyabean in these states has been reported.
|
Q No: 78 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Labour and Employment |
Subject: Settlement of claimspending in EPFO. |
Question:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that more than 74 lakh settlement claims were pending at various offices of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) across the country at the end of the year 2008-09;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons for pile up of such a huge number of settlement claims with EPFO; and
(c) the steps being taken by Government to ensure speedy clearance of pending cases?
Answer:
MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 78 FOR 08.07.2009 BY SHRI K.E. ISMAIL AND SHRI D. RAJA REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS PENDING IN EPFO.
(a) & (b): No, Sir. During the year 2008-09, a total of 99.58 lakh claims were received. Out of this, a total of 93.07 lakh claims were disposed off leaving a balance of 6.51 lakh claims as on 31.3.2009 pending with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.
As per provisions of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, claims received, complete in all respects are settled within 30 days. Settlement of claims is a continuous process. As there is a continuous inflow of fresh claims, certain claims are pending at any given point of time.
The main reasons for delay in settlement of claims are as under :-
(i) Submission of incomplete forms by the claimants.
(ii) Increased inflow of claims for ‘Final Settlement’.
(c): Computerization project in Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is being implemented in collaboration with National Informatics Centre and after completion of the same, the time taken in settlement of claims will come down substantially.
|
Q No: 422 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Commerce and Industry |
Subject: Spices park in Kerala. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Spices Board has a plan to set up a spices park in Idukki district of Kerala; and
(b) if so, at what stage is this proposal and by when it is expected to be completed?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
a) & b): The Spices Board is setting up a Spice Park in Puttady, Idukki which is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
|
Q No: 413 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Rural Development |
Subject: Expansion of NREGP. |
Question:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering a proposal to expand and strengthen the scope of National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme(NREGP); and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) & (b): NREGA has been extended to cover entire rural areas of the country with effect from 1.4.2008. As regards strengthening the scope of NREGA, the issue is under examination of the Ministry.
|
Q No: 28 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public |
Subject: Production of sugar. |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the production of sugar has considerably gone down during the year 2008-09 compared to previous years resulting in high rise in prices of sugar in the market; and
(b) if so, the reasons for decrease in the production and steps being taken to encourage cultivation of sugarcane and sugar production in the country?
Answer:
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) & (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (b) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 28 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 03.07.2009 IN THE RAJYA SABHA.
(a): Yes, Sir. The production of sugar during current sugar season 2008-09 (October-September) is estimated to be lower as compared to last three years’ production. Lower production of sugar has put pressure on prices of sugar in the market.
(b): The production of sugar during the current sugar season 2008-09 has been low mainly due to decrease in area under sugarcane, reduction in cane yield, higher diversion of sugarcane for the manufacture of jiggery (Gur) & Khandsari and fall in recovery rate. The Government has taken the following steps to encourage cultivation of sugarcane and increase sugar production in the country:
i) Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane for the sugar season 2009-10 has been increased to Rs.107.76 per quintal, with an additional premium of Rs.1.13 for every 0.1% point increase in the recovery above 9.5%. The SMP for the previous sugar season was Rs.81.18 per quintal, with an additional premium of Re.0.90 for every 0.1% point increase in the recovery above 9%.
ii) A centrally sponsored scheme of Sustainable Development of Sugarcane Based Cropping System (SUBACS) is under implementation. The main thrust of the scheme is on the transfer of improved production technology to the farmers through field demonstrations, training of farmers, supply of farm implements, enhancing production of planting materials, efficient use of water, treatment of planting materials etc. The scheme is under implementation in 22 States/Union Territories.
iii) Concessional loans at an interest rate of 4% per annum are given to sugar factories from Sugar Development Fund (SDF) for modernization of plant and machinery, expansion of crushing capacity, upgradation of technology, and sugarcane development including better irrigation facilities, improved seed variety, ratoon management, etc.
|
Q No: 125 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Agriculture |
Subject: Rejuvenation programme for pepper in |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has approved a rejuvenation programme for pepper in Kerala to be implemented by the Spices Board; and
(b) if so, the details of the scheme and what is the criteria adopted to identify the eligible planters for the scheme?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “National Horticulture Mission”, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has approved a Project for Pepper Development in Idukki District of Kerala to be implemented by Spices Board in close coordination with State Horticulture Mission, Kerala and Directorate of Spices and Arecanut, Kozhikode, Kerala. The project envisages replanting/ rejuvenation of senile pepper plantations in an area of 60,000 ha over a period of 5 years, at a total cost of Rs.230.58 crore with a Central subsidy of Rs.120.00 crore. The component wise details of the project are given in Annexure.
The eligibility criteria adopted to identify the beneficiaries under the scheme are as follows:
1. The planter should have minimum of 10 Nos. of pepper standards with 2 vines per standard.
2. The maximum number of pepper standards per beneficiary should be 1080 Nos. having 2 vines per standard, irrespective of size of the holding.
3. The plantation should maintain a minimum plant spacing of 2.5 M x 2.5 M.
|
Q No: 129 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Agriculture |
Subject: Stagnation in Agriculture |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the agricultural productivity is almost stagnant in the country for a long time;
(b) if so, the details of the productivity of cereals and pulses during the last five years and how does it compare with that in other countries; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to increase the productivity of the agricultural products?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)&(b): Based on the reports of Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), the tables given below depict the productivity of cereals (rice and wheat) and of pulses in India vis-à-vis other major producer countries of these crops from 2003 to 2007:
While the productivity of pulses in India has remained almost stagnant at around 750 kg/hectare except in 2005, the productivity of rice and wheat have registered increase during 2007 as compared to the productivity of these crops during 2003.
(c): In order to increase production and productivity of cereals and pulses in the country, the Government has taken many initiatives such as National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojna, Integrated Cereals Development Programme, etc. Further, for increasing agricultural production and productivity in the country, researches on the improvement of crops and development of production and protection technologies are being carried out. Some of the major steps are as follows:
Enhancing the per hectare productivity through superior varieties having high diseases resistance and high yield in different crops. To evolve appropriate crop management practices and formulate efficient crop based cropping systems.
Intensification of research on the development of commercially viable hybrid technology for achieving higher yield in various crops. Development of varieties/hybrids suitable for mechanization, particularly in sugarcane harvesting, cotton picking etc. Development of molecular techniques/ tools and their application in crop breeding with emphasis on genetic engineering of crop plants.
|
Q No: 226 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Health and Family Welfare |
Subject: Screening exam for foreign medical |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is mandatory for Foreign Medical Graduates to clear the screening exam conducted by National Board of Examination to register with Medical Council of India;
(b) whether very few FMGs pass this test despite repeated appearance;
(c) how many FMGs appeared for the test during 2007, 2008 and 2009 so far;
(d) whether Government is aware of their complaints that NBE does not have a fixed syallabus for the exam and their marks are not revealed etc.;
(e) if so, Government`s reaction thereto; and
(f) steps proposed to be taken to make the exam more transparent and help FMGs to get registered with MCI?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): Yes.
(b)&(c): A status of candidates appeared and passed is stated below:
(d) to (f): According to National Board of Examinations there is a well defined and prescribed syllabus for examination which is contained in the information bulletin for the Screening Test. Since, examinatioin is not merit based and only qualifying examination, personal marks obtained by the candidates are not revealed. The examination system is transparent and papers are evaluated on computer and results generated and notified within few hours of conducting the examination.
Review of examination system is an ongoing process.
|
Q No: 60 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Indian Affairs |
Subject: Effect on Indian workers due to |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of the large scale exodus of Indian workers in Gulf countries due to the global economic slow down and recession in those countries;
(b) if so, the details of the Indian workers, State-wise, who returned to India due to loss of job since the effect of economic slow down started; and
(c) the measures that are proposed to be taken for their rehabilitation in their respective States?
Answer:
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) (b) and (c) Indian Missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar have informed that there has been no report of any large scale exodus of workers, though there has been report of some job losses because of global economic slowdown and recession. The Indian Mission in United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported that accurate figures of return of Indian workers are not available. It is estimated that ranging from 50,000 to 1,50,000 workers have returned to India as a result of the delay in execution of projects due to economic slow down and recession. They have further informed that most of the workers have returned to India on leave without pay with the expectation that they would be able to return to work in the UAE once the situation improves. At the same time, 432802 workers have been given emigration clearance for new employment in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries between January and May, 2009.