No. of questions: 24
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Q No: 3805 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Steel |
Subject: Joint venture of Indian Steel |
Question:
Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Indian steel industry, cautious in current economic scenario, have preferred joint ventures and acquisition deals while getting into tie up with partners overseas;
(b) if so, whether Japan, the third largest steel maker is reportedly looking for a venture with India’s Bhushan Steel to set up a $1.8 bn. steel factory in West Bengal;
(c) whether the demand of steel is going to be stabilised in the latter part of 2009 as per the expectation of World Steel Association Industry; and
(d) if so, to what extent it will help the steel industry?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL
(SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP)
(a)&(b): Joint venture and acquisition overseas are commercial activities of the concerned companies are not normally made public until their finalization and approval. The details regarding proposals of steel companies for joint ventures and acquisition overseas are not available in the Ministry of Steel. However, on a specific query, M/s. Bhushan Steel Limited has informed that, the company is currently having preliminary discussion on the issue of joint venture with some of the Japanese companies for their projects in India.
(c) In the “Worldsteel Short Range Outlook” published on 27th April 2009 the World Steel Association (worldsteel) had made a forecast that worldwide apparent steel use is expected to decline by – 14.9% to 1,018.6 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2009 after declining by (-) 1.4% (1,197 mmt) in 2008. However, World Steel Association has predicted that world steel demand is expected to stabilize in the latter part of 2009 leading to a mild recovery in 2010.
(d) A stability in world steel market is expected to cause a steady demand – supply situation, thereby, helping the industry to plan for its future business growth.
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Q No: 3504 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Atomic Energy |
Subject: Location for Nuclear Reactor |
Question:
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has finalized location for $ 150 bn. US nuclear power reactor promised to Washington during negotiations for ending India’s isolation from global nuclear commerce;
(b) whether any final decision for finalizing sites for US origin nuclear reactors has been finalized; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGES), PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN
(a) No, Sir.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) Does not arise.
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Q No: 3519 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Communication and Informaton |
Subject: Telephone Services. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of villages in Bihar and Maharashtra not having telephone connectivity;
(b) the list of applicants who have applied for various telephone services; and
(c) the time that would be taken for providing facility to the waitlisted people by the BSNL?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Out of 39,032 and 41,442 inhabited villages in Bihar and Maharashtra Telecom Circles, 1162 and 3,272 villages have not been provided with Village Public Telephone (VPT) as on 30 June, 2009 respectively.
(b) A statement indicating number of waitlisted applicants for various services such as Wireless in Local Loop (WLL), Landline etc. in the States of Bihar and Maharashtra is given below:-
Name of BSNL Telecom Circle Landline/MTNL Mobile Broad Band Bihar 7653 Nil Nil Maharashtra 67500 Nil 13348
(c) The current waiting list is likely to be cleared progressively by March, 2010 subject to technical feasibility.
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Q No: 3570 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Overseas Indian Affairs |
Subject: Incidents of discrimination on |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the total number of incidents of discrimination, misbehaviour and attacks against Indians abroad;
(b) whether Government of India has taken this matter in the United Nations or any other agency for the safety of the students and people working abroad;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) 238 incidents of attack/ assault on Indian nationals in various countries have been reported in the last 3 years.
(b), (c) & (d) Such incidents are taken up with the governments of the country concerned through official channels.
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Q No: 3452 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Human Resource Development |
Subject: Reservation in private institutions. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has decided to provide education for all and are ready for education reforms;
(b) if so, what steps Government has taken or likely to take:
(c) what would be the first step in this direction;
(d) whether expansion of higher education is not possible without participation of private sector and whether his Ministry is willing for more public private partnership;
(e) the manner in which Government, plans to address the issue of reservation in private educational institutions; and
(f) if so, by when these reforms after being considered are to be implemented ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a)to(c): Through the Constitution (eighty- sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, Article 21A was inserted in the Constitution which provides for free and compulsory education of all children in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. Consequently, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2009 has been introduced which inter-alia seeks to provide that every child has aright to be provided full time elementary education of satisfactory and equitable quality in formal school which satisfies certain essential norms and standard.
The 100 days programme announced by the Government includes major Legislative initiatives; Policy initiatives; and Administrative & other initiatives.
(d): As per the National Policy on Education, 1986 as modified in 1992, Government is against the commercialization of education. Several pronouncements of the Supreme Court of India, have also prohibited commercialization of education in India, though reasonable surpluses can be generated for further development of the educational institutions.
Government favours active support and involvement of private participation for funding and management of educational institutions subject to reasonable surplus earned and the same being ploughed back for development of institutions. The 11th Plan document as approved by the National Development Council, also mentions the need to explore private sector initiatives and various forms of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector. Government has already decided to set up 2500 Model Schools and 300 Polytechnics under Public Private Partnership mode during 11th Plan period. A proposal for setting up of 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology in various parts of the country under PPP mode is also under consideration.
(e) & (f): In regard to admission made by unaided non-minority educational institutions, the matter is under consideration of the Government.
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Q No: 420 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public |
Subject: Rise in prices of food articles. |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether consumer overall inflation rate based on wholesale price index that constitutes a very large number of products like food articles and manufactured goods, articles and manufactured goods, actually masks the real picture, which is that food inflation is yet to abate sufficiently enough to bring real relief to ordinary consumers;
(b) if so, whether prices of food grains including wheat, rice and vegetables etc., are very high;
(c) if so, what steps Government proposes to take to check rise in prices of food articles, food products and to what extent it has been reduced; and
(d) whether due to shortage of rains the prices may rise further?
Answer
MINISTYER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINSTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the house.
STATEMENT REFFERRED TP OM RE[;U TP PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 420 FOR 31.07.2009 REGARDING RISE IN PRICE OF FOOD ARTICLES
(a): The pverall Whole sale Price Index (WPI) inflation is based on weighted price change of 435 items comprising Primary Articles (98 items), Fuel, Power, Light and Lubricants 11.07.2009 was (-) 1.17 % (provisional) the Food group inflation was reported at 8.25 % (provisional).
(b): The prices of foodgrains such as rice, wheat, have remained relatively stable over the last year. The prices of edible oil have declined. The prices of pulses increased in the range of 0.43% (Gram dal) to 54.40% (Tur dal), Sugar by 49.56% and potato by 73.41% as compared to last year.
(c): Government has been taking steps to check the increase in prices by taking effective measures such as augmenting domestic supplies of rice, wheat, pulses and edible oils through imports at zero/reduced rates of duty and ban on exports. Government measures to control the prices of essential commodities are given in the Annexure. On account of various measures, the prices of sugar have stabilized for the last 3 months and rices of pulses are now showing a declining trend.
(d): According to latest report, as on 24.07.2009, the kharif area coverage is more than 50% of normal in case of cotton, jowar, maize, bajra, coarse cereals, sugarcane, jute and Kharrif sowing continues upto end of July/first week of August. Therefore, area coverage is procured 25.23 million tonne of wheat and 31.91 million tonne of rice as of 24.07.2009. Substantial quantities of edible oil, pulses and sugar have also been imported, which provide the necessary cushion against inflationary pressures and expectations. Hence in its assessment, the overall impact on prices is expected to be marginal.
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Q No: 2546 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Power |
Subject: Status of power sector. |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there has been serious shortage of power in the country;
(b) whether Government is considering to address shortages of key players in power sector;
(c) whether the Ministry is also considering to revamp rural electrification;
(d) whether the Ministry has urged States to follow open access norms; and
(e) if so, to what extent these steps have helped in fully achieving the power target?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) : There is an overall shortage of power in the country both in terms of energy and peaking power. The shortage varies from state to state on month to month, day to day and hour to hour basis depending upon the demand and supply of power. During the period April to June, 2009, the energy and peaking shortage in the country was 9.8% and 12.3% respectively.
(b) : The steps taken / being taken to address the shortages of key players in the power sector include
o Enhancement of main plant equipment manufacturing capacity by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
o Joint Venture companies have been planned by NTPC Ltd. and BHEL, M/s L&T and MHI, Japan, M/s JSW and Toshiba, M/s Bharat Forge and Alstom, and M/s BB Engineering and Ansaldo for manufacture of various power plants equipments.
(c) : The Government has envisaged rural electrification of 1,18,000 villages and free electricity connections to 1.75 crore BPL families under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY).
(d) & (e) : The Electricity Act mandates the SERCs to provide Open access to consumers having load of more than one MW, latest by January, 2009.
In the Conference of Chief Secretaries held in February, 2008, States were advised to ensure notification of Open access charges by the SERCs by the end of February 7, 2009. Ministry of Power had in October, 2008 impressed Chief Secretaries of all State Governments to ensure that the SERCs in turn ensure that the SLDCs give permission for open access in three days from date of application and refusal should only be on verifiable grounds. Further, in the Power Ministers` Conference held on 23rd June, 2009, Minister of Power requested the State Governments to ensure that all necessary steps be taken to operationalise Open access by implementing various measures laid down in the Electricity Act, 2003, National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy.
Twenty one (21) SERCs have issued Regulations for intra-state Open access so far.
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Q No: 2116 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Communication and Information |
Subject: Modernization of post offices. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether after successful completing modernization of 500 post offices, mostly in rural areas, the Departament has now decided to extend this ambitious project to 4500 more post offices across the country offering efficient services to customers through use of modern technology;
(b) whether Department will spend Rs. 900 crores for upgrading infrastructure of post offices giving them better connectivity through broadband and providing internet facilities to customers; and
(c) if so, the total number of post offices at present modernized and to what extent it has improved their efficiency?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) No, Sir. However Department of Posts is extending the scheme “Project Arrow” to another 500 post offices across the country during 2009-10 with financial outlay of Rs. 65 crores.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) Under project Arrow, Department of Posts has modernized 500 Post Offices in 2008-09 and is modernizing another 500 Post Offices in 2009-10 with a aim to improve the “Look and Feel” of the post offices and strengthen core business by providing quality services to customers within stipulated time. A significant quality important has been registered in core business after modernization of these post offices for eg. Money Order delivery has improved from 76% to 94.5% , Registered Mails delivery from 84% to 97.3%, Speed Post delivery from 89% to 98.2% and Ordinary Mail delivery from 97% to 99.7%.
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Q No: 2027 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Home Affairs |
Subject: Crime and criminal tracking network. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has given clearance to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems project;
(b) if so, the salient features of this project; and
(c) what is the time-frame for its implementation?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b): Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Project, which is proposed to be implemented as a Mission Mode Project, about 14000 Police Stations and 6000 other police offices at various levels would be interconnected for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the –art tracking system around “investigation of crime and detection of criminals” in the real time. The project will be implemented in a manner where the major role in the implementation of the project would be with the States and the role of the Centre would be largely confined to development and management of the Core Application Software and aspects pertaining to issuing guidelines, review and monitoring of the project implementation.
(c): The Project is expected to be implemented during the three years under the XIth Five Year Plan from 2009-2010 to 2011-2012.
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Q No: 243 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Finance |
Subject: High Tech product export promotion |
Question:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether his Ministry has operationalized high-tech product export promotion scheme;
(b) if so, whether this move comes two years after the scheme was announced in April, 2007 in annual supplement to the foreign trade policy;
(c) whether this scheme provides for duty credit of 10 per cent on incremental export growth for exports of high-tech items;
(d) whether his Ministry has pointed out that benefit would be available for duty credit scrips issued against exports of 12 specified high-tech items; and
(e) to what extent it will be helpful for exports?
Answer
FINANCE MINISTER (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a – e) a statement is placed on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in Reply to Rajya Sabha Starred Question No.243 for 21.7.2009
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) Yes Sir. The Scheme was announced in the Foreign Trade Policy 2007 (01.04.2007). It was operationalized by the Department of Revenue after discussions with Ministry of Commerce vide Notification No. 14/2009-Cus. dated 19.02.2009.
(c ) No Sir. The High-Tech Product Export Promotion Scheme provides for duty credit scrips against exports of notified products, equivalent to –
(i) 1.25% of FOB value of exports; or
(ii) 5% of incremental growth in FOB value (realized as per Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC)/Foreign Inward remittance certificate (FIRC) against exports of notified products.
The exporter may opt for either
(i) or
(ii) above.
(d) Yes Sir. The Notification No. 14/2009-Cus issued by the Department of Revenue opetationalising the High-Tech Product Export Promotion Scheme extends the incentives in the form of duty credit scrips against the export of 12 notified high-tech items.
(e) This incentive will help Indian exporters of notified high-tech products to offset costs involved in marketing of these products thus making export of their products internationally competitive.
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Q No: 1675 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Environment and Forests |
Subject: Compensatory afforestation management |
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a whopping Rs. 11000 crore would be spent in the country on afforestation and for that purpose all States would have to set up Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authorities soon;
(b) whether this amount has been received from parties who had used forest land throughout the country for non-forest purposes;
(c) whether this compensation had been given on the direction of the Supreme court; and
(d) if so, the total allocation made for this to each State and the concrete programme of action plan prepared?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (d) In pursuance of the Supreme Court Order dated 10th July, 2009 in IA No. 2143 in Civil Wirt Petition (C) No. 202 of 1995 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs Union of India and Others, it has been decided to set up State CAMPAs in the concerned States/UTs to undertake compensatory afforestation, penal compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment plan, protection and conservation of natural forests, conservation and management of wildlife etc. by utilizing funds available with the Adhoc CAMPA received from the user agencies in lieu of diversion of forest land for non forestry purposes under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The money received from the States/UTs would be utilized by the respective States/UTs as per the approved Annual Plans of Operations (APOs) prepared by them.
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Q No: 1770 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Power |
Subject: Shortage of coal. |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether acute shortage of coal, that is hampering power generation at several plants of the National Thermal Power Corporation, the country`s largest power producer, may force to shut down some units temporarily;
(b) whether NTPC is running hand-to-mouth situation and there is no stock of coal for the last three months;
(c) if so, whether the Kahalgaon, Farakka, Talcher and Singrauli plants are running 20 per cent below capacity; and
(d) if so, the steps Government proposes to take to meet coal shortages so that several power plants are not shut down?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) & (b) : Some of the NTPC`s power stations, namely Farakka, Kahalgaon, Talcher
(STPS), Sipat & Korba faced coal shortages during the last three months (April – June 2009). However, power generation has not stopped in these plants due to coal shortage except in one unit of Sipat, which was temporarily shut down for five days in May 2009. Coal stock position of NTPC power stations, as on 14th July 2009, as well as the generation loss reported by NTPC in their thermal power stations during April to June, 2009 are enclosed at Annex.
(c) : Of the power plants at Kahalgaon, Farakka, Talcher (STPS), Talcher (Old) and Singrauli, only Kahalgaon Power station has reported capacity utilization/Plant Load Factor (PLF) of less than 80%, primarily on account of planned maintenance carried out during the period April – June 2009. However, the power plant has reported loss of generation to the tune of 126 million unit due to coal shortage during the period.
(d) : Following steps are being taken to augment coal supply for NTPC stations:
– The coal supply position to thermal power stations is rigorously monitored by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power as well as an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising representatives from Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Power and CEA to optimise coal supply to the plants having stock upto 7 days.
– The Infrastructure Constraints Review Committee, headed by Secretary (Co- ordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat, reviews the coal production and supply to thermal power stations in the country every month.
– Fuel Infrastructure Committee, under the chairmanship of Member (Power), Planning Commission, regularly reviews the status of supply of fuel to power stations in the country.
– In order to bridge the gap between demand and indigenous supply of coal for the current year 2009-10, power utilities have been advised to import 28.7 Million Tonne (MT) coal including import of 12.5 MT by NTPC. They have already imported 3.6 MT coal upto 30th June 2009 against the order placed during 2008-09.
– Towards ensuring long term fuel security, NTPC has entered into captive coal mining and is in the process of developing six coal blocks allocated to it. NTPC is also exploring the possibility of acquiring stakes in the coal mines from abroad for sourcing coal supply for its power plants.
International Coal Venture Pvt. Ltd. (ICVL), a joint venture company amongst NTPC, RINL, SAIL, NMDC and CIL has been formed for securing metallurgical and thermal coal assets from overseas.
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Q No: 1348 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Communication and Informaton |
Subject: Technology based services. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has started to provide technology based services through post offices to common man; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Department of Posts is using technology to provide technology-based services like e-Post, Instant Money Order (iMO), electronic Money Order (eMO), e-Payment, International Money Transfer Service (IMTS), Speed Post track & trace, Online booking of complaints, etc. Besides, Department has introduced Multipurpose Counter Machines (MPCM) as a single window system for all postal transactions. Information kiosks have been provided at selected Post Offices to allow public to access Postal information.
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Q No: 1367 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Earth Sciences |
Subject: Monsoon in north India. |
Question:
Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Monsoon is expected to reach North India very late and due to this reason, its impact is going to be very bad;
(b) if so, the reasons thereof;
(c) whether Government is keeping a watch on this and taking early steps in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
a) – b) Southwest Monsoon-2009 set in over Andaman Sea around its normal date on 20th May 2009 but it advanced over Kerala earlier than its normal date (1st June) by about 8-days on 23rd May 2009. Further advancement of Monsoon-2009 over parts of Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, West Bengal and Northeastern States was seen by the 1st week of June. Subsequently, the monsoon advancement over other parts of the country was sluggish as monsoon entered into a weak phase of its activity. Details of delay in monsoon advancement during 2009 over North India are given below: S. No. Name of the Sub-Division Normal Date of Monsoon Onset Actual Date of Monsoon Onset during 2009 No. of Days of Delay 1 Jharkhand 16th June 29th June 14 2 Bihar 16th June 29th June 14 3 Chhattisgarh 17th June 26th June 10 4 East Madhya Pradesh 20th June 29th June 10 5 Gujarat Region 21st June 24th June 4 6 East Uttar Pradesh 22nd June 29th June 8 7 Saurashtra, Kutch and Diu 22nd June 24th June 3 8 Uttarakhand 26th June 29th June 3
On the whole, Monsoon-2009 advancement over parts of north India is found to be 3-14 days delayed from the respective normal date of onset in various parts of the country. It is believed that the realized delay of monsoon onset does not have appreciable impact on the sowing operations in those parts of the country.
c) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is keeping a continuous watch on the monsoon rainfall activity on day-to-day basis and provides updates to various ministries of Government of India (Agriculture; Water Resources etc.) for taking appropriate steps to deal with the emerging situation effectively.
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Q No: 168 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Road Transport and Highways |
Subject: Highway projects pending in Bihar. |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that several highway projects are pending in Bihar;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including the enhancement of lanes on existing roads;
(c) whether it is also a fact that these projects are taking more time than expected;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps Government is taking for early completion of these projects?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI KAMAL NATH)
(a) to (d): Yes. Sir. Some projects for four laning of NH 2, 31, 57 and 28 have been delayed. Details of these projects including present progress, schedule date of completion, likely date of completion and reasons for delay are given in Annex. which is laid on the Table of the House along with reply to part (e) of the question.
(e) : Steps taken for early completion of the projects are:-
i) All efforts are being made for making the balance encumbrance free site available to contractors.
ii) Targets are being fixed as per revised work programme and being monitored at every level.
iii) Supplementary Agreements are being entered fixing the minimum monthly progress wherever the contractor’s performance is very poor.
iv) Frequent meetings by the top officials of NHAI with State Government officials are being made to clear the above impediments.
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Q No: 1130 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Human resource development |
Subject: Implementation of SSA. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has been atrocious and there is almost no monitoring and in case of girl education it is far below than assumed;
(b) if so, the steps Government is taking for proper implementation of this programme;
(c) whether it is also a fact that many States have diverted SSA funds to sectors and schemes not covered by the SSA; and
(d) if so, the names of the States and what action Government has taken against those States?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. A vigorous system of monitoring of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is already in place which includes, inter alia, monthly and quarterly progress reports and review meetings, furnishing of annual elementary school statistics, field monitoring by 42 independent monitoring institutions and six monthly independent Review Missions. The audit arrangements for the State Implementing Societies (SIS) include audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, annual audit by independent chartered accountants and concurrent financial reviews through independent professional bodies. The gross enrolment ratio of girls has increased from 86.9% at primary level and 52.1% at upper primary level in 2001-02 to 107.84% and 69.51% in 2006- 07. Dropout rate for girls has declined from 39.88% to 26.56% at primary level and 56.92% to 45.33% at elementary level for the same period.
(c) & (d): In the light of the report on the Performance Audit of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, submitted by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India in August 2006, for the period 2001-02 to 2004- 05, and the examination of the points raised therein by the Government of India and State/UT SSA programmes, an amount of about Rs.53 crores can be classified as expenditure not covered under the SSA guidelines. There has been no case of embezzlement. In cases of diversion of SSA funds for other educational purposes, the Government of India has directed States to recoup the inadmissible expenditure to the State SSA programmes. The States/UTs have been strictly instructed to avoid recurrence of such instances in future.
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Q No: 129 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Coal |
Subject: Shortage of coal. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that despite having ample reserves of non-coking coal, India is facing shortage of coal;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government is formulating a new policy for coal mining; and
(d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Rajya Sabha Starred Question No.129 for 13.7.2009
(a) & (b): Although India has the fourth largest coal resources in the world, it is estimated that only about 25% of the resources are extractable. Further, coal resources occur as horizontal deposits which are to be extracted in a sequential manner starting from the top horizon. As such, whatever is available for extraction also can not be extracted at one go and the reserves are to be extracted in a sequential manner which takes some time. Thus, once the demand for coal is firmed up, there may be some time lag in meeting the demand, particularly if the firmed up demand outstrips the estimated demand and planned coal production.
As per Annual Plan 2009-10, the total coal demand in the country is estimated to be 604.33 million tonnes, with the indigenous availability at 534.33 million tonnes, thereby leaving a gap of 70 million tonnes, which is required to be met through imports.
Further, the captive blocks so far allocated have not been able to enhance their production to the desired level due to factors like delay in getting forestry and environmental clearances, land acquisition problems etc. Moreover, some of the consumers including power plants, coastal plants and cement plants have been importing coal on cost, location and quality considerations.
In respect of some of the power plants, due to lesser materialization as against the planned movement of coal on account of loading/unloading and movement constraints, short term production constraints in the linked sources etc., there has been depletion of coal stocks despite there being an overall comfortable pit head stock position with the coal companies.
(c) & (d): Coal mining is governed by the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. Under the Act, coal mining was mostly reserved for the public sector. However, through subsequent amendments, captive mining of coal by private companies engaged in specified end use activities such as production of iron and steel, generation of power, production of cement, production of syn-gas obtained through coal gasification (underground and surface) and coal liquefaction have been permitted.
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Q No: 963 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Petroleum and natural gas |
Subject: KG basin gas dispute |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government had not intervened in the KG Basin gas dispute;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether Government has taken appropriate action for safeguarding its interest?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (c) Government had intervened in the Bombay High Court to seek vacation of the ad-interim injunction of the court on creation of any third party interests or rights in respect of natural gas to be supplied from KG D-6 block and/or entering into any contracts and/or use or supply to any third party the said natural gas.
On 30th January 2009, the Bombay High Court delivered its interim judgment vacating the ad-interim injunction.
Bombay High Court delivered final judgment in the matter on 15th June 2009, with a direction to the parties that within one month from the date of pronouncement of this judgment and order the parties should enter into a “suitable arrangement” on the basis of quantity, tenure and price as specified and agreed between the parties under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) either by renegotiating the terms and conditions of the agreement so as to make it a bankable agreement or revert back to Smt. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani who had reserved her ability to intervene again if the parties fail to act upon the MOU dated 18th June, 2005 and the Anil Ambani Group may opt for a claim for damages. On failure to arrive at suitable arrangement by entering into an agreement the scheme itself provides for a remedy to the resulting company.
The Order further states that if all the options available to the parties in the MOU and/or Scheme of Demerger approved by the Company Court meet with failure within the stipulated time of one month it will be open for the aggrieved party to approach the Company Court for modification of the Scheme, till then the interim arrangement ordered by the Court at conclusion of the arguments will continue to operate.
The judgment mentioned that RIL will supply 28 MMSCMD of gas for a period of 17 years from the date gas could be supplied to Reliance Energy Limited (REL) for all its projects at a price not more than US$2.34 per million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU).
In the interim judgment given by the court, the stay on supply of gas to various consumers was vacated. Presently, about 28 MMSCMD gas is being produced and supplied to fertilizer and power companies, in consonance with the decisions of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM).
Now, both the parties, RIL and RNRL, have separately challenged the above High Court Order in the Supreme Court.
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Q No: 1017 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Women and child development |
Subject: Priyadarshini project. |
Question:
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has started Priyadarshini Project for women in the country; and
(b) if so, the details of this project and in which States this project would initially be implemented?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) &(b) Yes, Sir,. The Ministry proposes to implement the Central Sector Scheme of Women`s Empowerment & Livelihood Programme in the Mid- Gangetic Plains- Priyadarshini. The objective of this project is to empower in a holistic & sustainable manner vulnerable groups of women to enable them to address their social, political, legal, health and economic problems. The programme is assisted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD). The Lead Programme Agency for implementation is the National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD). The project will be of 8 years duration. It will be implemented in select districts of the staes of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
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Q No: 765 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Consumer affairs, food and public |
Subject: Price rise of sugar. |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that price of sugar is rising during the last one year;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to control it?
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)to(c): Due to lower production of sugarcane and sugar in the country during the current sugar season 2008-09, sugar prices in the open market have increased. The Central Government has taken a slew of measures to check the price hike as indicated below:
(i) Stock-holding and turnover limits on sugar have been imposed vide Notifications dated 09.03.2009 and 12.03.2009 for a period of four months i.e. upto 08.07.2009. The Government has since decided to extend these limits by another six months, i.e., upto 08.01.2010;
(ii) Additional releases of non-levy sugar quota were given during the quarter April-June, 2009;
(iii) Futures trading in sugar on NCDEX has been suspended to check speculative tendencies in sugar trade with effect from 27th May, 2009.
Apart from the above, the Central Government has also taken steps to augment sugar stocks by permitting import of raw sugar by sugar mills, and one million ton of white/refined sugar by designated agencies, at zero customs duty for a specified period under O.G.L. Besides, sugar mills have also been permitted to import raw sugar under Advance Authorization Scheme upto a specified period and sell the processed sugar in domestic market, subject to discharge of export obligation in subsequent period.
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Q No: 802 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Health and Family Welfare |
Subject: Fake drugs from China. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that after electronic items, fake Chinese drugs are coming to India now;
(b) if so, who is the responsible authority to check it and whether it is well equipped; and
(c) if not, what are the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c): During the recent past, three cases of import of bulk drugs from unregistered source originating from China were detected at Chennai sea port by the officers of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The import of drugs from unregistered source is not permitted under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and Rules 1945.
The import of drugs is handled along with other goods at the port of entry. Drugs being imported into the country are in the control of customs department which as per norms refers the cases to CDSCO for no objection for the purpose of import. After receiving no objection the drugs are released by the custom authorities. The system is well equipped and functioning properly.
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Q No: 860 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Steel |
Subject: Restructuring of MSTC FSNL KIOCL and |
Question:
Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:-
(a) whether in an initiative to optimize functioning of 4 of its Public Sector Undertakings, i.e. MSTC, FSNL, KIOCL and HSCL, his Ministry is considering restructuring of companies and has appointed a Committee to suggest ways for it;
(b) if so, whether the Committee has examined structure and functioning of these four companies and has made recommendations regarding their reorganization, merger with other companies or other structure reorganization;
(c) if so, whether committee has already submitted its recommendation; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and by when final decision in this regard is likely to be taken ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL
(SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP)
(a)to(d). Yes, Sir. A Committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Steel in May, 2009 to study the structure and functioning of MSTC, FSNL, KIOCL and HSCL and to suggest measures to achieve sustainable profits, enhanced business presence, diversification as well as re-organization or merger with other companies with a view to optimizing efficiency and profitability. The Committee has not submitted its recommendations so far.
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Q No: 592 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Communication and Information |
Subject: G Spectrum. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that 3G Spectrum technology is going to be started in India shortly;
(b) if so, the salient features of this technology; and
(c) how much revenue Government is going to get?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The 3G (3rd generation) mobile telecommunications is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that will combine wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities. The 3G networks shall be capable of providing higher data rates upto 2 Mbps and shall be capable of supporting a variety of services such as high-resolution video and multi media services in addition to voice, fax and conventional data services.
(c) Revenue to the Government can not be assessed since the auction of 3G Spectrum is yet to take place.
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Q No: 703 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Water resources |
Subject: Water crisis in country. |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of cities and towns are facing water crisis in the country; and
(b) if so, the policies that Government is formulating to cope up this problem?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) As per the information provided by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), the MoUD have not received information from cities and towns that they are facing water crisis. However, there are instance of shortages particularly due to uneven distribution of available water resources.
The National Water Policy assigns highest priority to drinking water and provides that drinking water needs of human beings and animal should be the first charge on any available water.
With a view to address the various issues related to urban water supply, MoUD has launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) programmes (in State Sector) in December 2005 to facilitate additional Central Assistance for providing infrastructure in metropolitan cities/urban areas of the country. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) covers 65 cities with population above one million as per 2001 census including 35 metro cities, State capitals and other important cities, pilgrimage centres etc. the UIDSSMT scheme is for all the other towns. Further, with a view to ensure reliable adequate and sustainable water supply service in urban areas, the MoUD has mandated Service Level Benchmarks in urban water supply sector for projects availing additional central assistance as follows.
S.No Indicator Benchmark
1. Coverage of WS connections (population) 100%
2. Per capita availability of WS at consumer end 135Lpcd
3. Extent of metering of water supply connections 100%
4. Extent of Non-Revenue Water 15%
5. Continuity of Water Supply 24×7 6. Efficiency of redressal of Customer Complaints 80%
7 Quality of Water Supplied 100%
8. Cost recovery of in Water Supply Services 100%
9. Efficiency in collection of Water Supply Charges 90% 10. Number of persons receiving less than 70 litre per capita per day 0