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Q No: 3667 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO TACKLE THE UNCERTAINTY OF MONSOON . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the percentage of rain fed agriculture in the country;
(b) whether some alternative arrangements have been made for rain fed agriculture in the country in view of uncertainty of the monsoon;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any assessment has been made of the ground water utilization by the farmers for irrigation purposes;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
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): About 57% of the net sown area is cultivated under rainfed condition.
(b) & (c): Government has accorded very high priority to the holistic and sustainable development of rainfed areas through integrated watershed management approach. Following major schemes are being implemented by Government to enhance soil and water conservation.
Ministry of Agriculture
(i) National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA)
(ii) Soil Conservation for enhancing productivity of degraded lands in the catchments of River Valley Projects and Flood Prone River (RVP & FPR)
(iii) Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA)
Ministry of Rural Development
(iv) Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
Government of India has established the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) to address various problems of farming in the rainfed areas and to ensure a coordinated strategy for development of rainfed areas. Under the programmes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Food Security Mission, Micro Irrigation, National Horticulture Mission also, special focus is given to rainfed areas for improving the livelihood and agricultural productivity.
(d) to (f): No specific assessment has been made regarding percentage of farmers utilizing ground water for irrigation. However, assessment of ground water resources is carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board and State Ground Water Organizations. As per the assessment carried out during 2004, the ground water draft for irrigation is 212 billion cubic meter per year. About 60% of the total irrigated land in the country is irrigated by ground water.
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Q No: 3668 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: LOSSES DUE TO DROUGHT . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of States affected by drought this year in the country;
(b) the extent of loss incurred by each State as a result of this;
(c) the norms prescribed for providing relief to drought affected States;
(d) the amount of assistance and foodgrains demanded by each States; and
(e) the State-wise amount released and quantum of foodgrains provided to tackle the problem of drought?
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) to (e): As reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the period
1.6.2009 to 29.7.2009, out of 36 meteorological sub-divisions in the country, 18 received deficient rainfall (-20% to -59%) and 1 received scantly rainfall (-60% to -99%). In view of deficit rainfall in the State during South-West Monsoon, 2009, the Governments of Assam, Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland and Uttar Pradesh have declared drought/drought like conditions in their States. It is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments to take immediate necessary measures for drought relief from the funds available in its Calamity Relief Fund (CRF). For assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), over and above CRF, the drought affected States are required to send Memorandum, with all relevant details. No such Memorandum for financial assistance or allocation of foodgrains has been received from any State, including the States, which have declared drought, for the current monsoon period. The existing norms of expenditure for assistance from CRF/NCCF include assistance towards input subsidy for crop loss of 50% and above, assistance for providing fodder for cattle maintained in the cattle camps, assistance for transportation of drinking water, assistance towards supplementary nutrition and gratuitous relief.
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Q No: 3521 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: WIRELESS IN LOCAL LOOP FACILITY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of villages in country, especially in Uttar Pradesh where the ‘wireless-in-local-loop’ facility has been provided;
(b) the number of villages in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh where telecommunication services are not available; and
(c) the steps being taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Out of 4,62,159 villages in the country, where Wireless-in-Local-Loop (WLL) facility has been provided, 86,225 villages are in Uttar Pradesh.
(b) & (c) As per Census 2001, a total of 40,490 inhabited villages remains to be covered with Village Public Telephone (VPT) facility in the country which includes 896 villages in Uttar Pradesh. The remaining villages in the country are likely to be covered with VPT facility by February, 2011 by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in progressive manner.
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Q No: 3522 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: TELEPHONE CONNECTION IN RURAL AREAS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether difficulties are being faced in getting telephone connection in rural areas and PCO connection at Panchayat level;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the corrective measures taken in this regard;
(c) whether telephone sets being provided with new connection are of inferior quality;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) Against the envisaged target of 4% teledensity in rural areas by 2010 under New Telecom Policy, 1999 (NTP-99), the present teledensity is 16.54% as on 31.05.2009 as a result of various initiatives of the Government. No difficulties are being faced in providing mobile connections in rural areas, where mobile coverage exists. However, the main reasons for difficulties generally faced in providing wire line and Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) telephone connections in rural areas and also PCO connections at Panchayat level are given below :-
(i) Non availability of cable pair in some cases, especially in remote, hilly and thinly populated areas.
(ii) Non availability of WLL signal in some areas.
(iii) Disturbed law and order situation.
(iv) Damage to primary cable by roadways authorities at the time of digging for road widening affecting provision of new connections.
Despite these difficulties, Government is making following corrective measures to provide telephone connections in rural areas:-
(i) In hilly areas, where laying of underground cable is not feasible, overhead lines are erected.
(ii) Where the connection is not possible by laying underground cable or overhead lines, Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) are installed to make the area feasible on WLL.
(c) & (d) Mobile telephone sets are being purchased by the consumers. However, Telephone sets for new wire line and WLL connections are being provided after inspection by the quality and assurance wing of BSNL.
(e) Does not arise in view of (c) & (d) above.
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Q No: 3356 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION |
Subject: INCREASE IN HELICOPTER CRASHES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that there has been increase in the incidents of helicopter crashes in different parts of the country during last year;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of cases of helicopter crashes which have come to the notice during the last two years;
(d) whether all these cases have been investigated; and
(e) the steps being taken by Government to prevent these crashes?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a) and (b) :- No, Sir.
(c):- Three helcopter crashes were reported in 2007 and two in 2008.
(d) and (e):- All accidents reported are investigated as per prescribed procedures and preventive action taken on the basis of the recommendations emanating from the investigation to avoid the recurrence of similar accident. A Helicopter Cell is working in Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)to look after safe helicopter operations and other requirements.
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Q No: 3201 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COAL |
Subject: IMPORT OF COAL. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:-
(a) whether coal is imported on a large scale because of sub-standard heat value of that found in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the quantity of coal imported in metric tonnes during the last three years, year-wise;
(d) the total amount being incurred on import of coal; and
(e) whether Government proposes to abolish import duty on coal so that the domestic steel, power and cement companies could get due returns?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) & (b) Primarily, due to gap in demand and indigenous availability of high grade coal and economic considerations, the concerned user industries are importing coal which is placed under Open General Licence (OGL) category. Some coal is also being imported by the thermal power stations to meet environmental norms. The production of coal has been increasing significantly over the years but the quality of coal produced by the major producer i.e. Coal India Limited (CIL) is largely of lower grade i.e. E & F. During the year 2008-09, CIL produced about 68% of total coal pertaining to these lower grades.
(c) & (d): Import of coal during last three years both in quantity and value (CIF Value) is given below:
Year Quantity (Million Import (Rs. In Tonnes) Crore) 2006-07 43.081 16689 2007-08 49.794 20738 2008-09(Upto 45.907 32691 January, 2009)
(e) No, Sir. At present, there is nil duty on imported coking coal and 5% duty on imported non-coking coal.
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Q No: 3305 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: TRANSPARENT GAS CYLINDERS. |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is proposed to use transparent gas cylinders in place of opaque gas cylinders used for domestic purpose ;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) by when these gas cylinders would be available to consumers ; and
(d) the steps being taken by Government to curb misuse of gas cylinders meant for domestic use?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA )
(a) to (c) : Government has conveyed “in principle” approval to the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for expanding the product line by way of introduction of composite (translucent fiberglass) cylinders for marketing domestic LPG, subject to there being no subsidy element in the LPG to be marketed through these composite cylinders. The composite cylinders will show the level of LPG present in the cylinder. These cylinders are being introduced (in selected markets) as a separate package and not as replacement of existing cylinders.
OMCs have invited Global tender for procuring 1 lakh cylinders and it is expected that the same will be introduced in the select markets during the second quarter of 2010.
(d) : The possibility of blackmarketing/ diversion of subsidized domestic LPG cylinders by some unscrupulous elements cannot be ruled out due to the wide gap between the retail price of LPG for domestic use and the market price for commercial LPG.
In order to stop blackmarketing/ diversion of domestic LPG cylinders, the Government has enacted “Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000” and formulated “Marketing Discipline Guidelines, 2001” which provides for penal action against LPG distributors indulging in diversion/ blackmarketing of LPG.
Whenever OMCs receive complaints, these are investigated and if the complaint is established, suitable action is taken against the LPG distributor(s) in accordance with the provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG).
In addition to the action taken by the OMCs, State Governments are empowered under the LPG (Regulation of Supply & Distribution) Order, 2000 promulgated under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to take action against blackmarketing/diversion of domestic LPG. Similarly, the Weights and Measures Departments of the States / UTs initiate legal action against those LPG distributors found blackmarketing/diversion of LPG cylinders.
The officials of OMCs carry out random checks at distributors godowns, delivery points, as well as en-route to ensure that no misuse takes place. The distributors of OMCs are under strict instructions to check the weight of cylinders at their godowns before delivery, and only cylinders with the specified weight are to be delivered to the customers. The distributors have also been instructed to ensure that the seals are verified & shown to the customers at the time of delivery. In case any under-weight cylinder is received by the customer, such cylinders are replaced free of charge by the OMCs. OMCs have introduced different colours for domestic and non-domestic LPG cylinders for controlling the diversion of domestic LPG for unauthorized use.
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Q No: 410 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: NEED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SUGARCANE CULTIVATION . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether sugarcane farmers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, are facing losses in their production;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to make sugarcane cultivation lucrative and to encourage the sugarcane farmers?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 410 FOR 31/07/2009 REGARDING NEED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SUGARCANE CULTIVATION.
(a) & (b): There is increase in sugarcane production in the country since 2003-04 except in 2007-08 and 2008-09, when production declined mainly due to reduction in area particularly in Maharashtra and marginally in Uttar Pradesh. The production of sugarcane during last six years in major sugarcane growing States including Uttar Pradesh is enclosed at Annexure.
(c): To increase the production and productivity of sugarcane, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Sustainable Development of Sugarcane Based Cropping System (SUBACS) under Macro Management of Agriculture is implemented in 22 States / Union Territories namely, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Pondicherry. The scheme provides assistance for transfer of improved technology to the farmers through field demonstrations; training of farmers and extension workers, supply of planting material, farm implements, moist heat treatment unit, boaring of tube wells/ pump sets, micro-nutrients, etc.
Besides, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is providing soft loans to sugar mills from Sugar Development Fund (SDF) for cane development in mill areas for production of planting materials, irrigation purposes, incentive to farmers for switching over to improved varieties, ratoon management, tissue culture laboratories etc. From Kharif 2006-07, farmers are receiving crop loans upto a principal amount of Rs. 3 lakh at 7% rate of interest and the Government of India and state Governments are providing necessary interest subvention to NABARD and Banks for this purpose.
Apart from the above, Central Government has been fixing the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane for each sugar season to protect the interest of farmers. The Government has fixed SMP of sugarcane for 2009-10 sugar seasons at Rs. 107.76 per quintal linked to a basic sugar recovery rate of 9.5%, subject to premium of Rs. 1.13 for every 0.1 percentage point increase in recovery above that level. This is significantly higher than the SMP for the previous sugar season which was Rs. 81.18 per quintal linked to a basic recovery of 9 percent subject to a premium of 0.90 for every 0.1 percent increase in the recovery above that level for the sugar season 2008-09.
These measures are meant for encouraging sugarcane farmers to cultivate sugarcane and increase production, in the coming years.
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Q No: 3064 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: POTENTIAL OF EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether employment generation avenues have declined in agriculture sector;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government has worked on any action plan for the creation of additional opportunities of employment in agriculture sector; and
(d) 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): As per Population Census data released by the Registrar General of India, the number of persons engaged in agriculture sector comprising cultivators and agricultural labourers has increased from 210.68 million in 1991 to 234.10 million in 2001, registering an increase of 11.11% in ten years. According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), (61st Round) as per Usual Status, the estimated number of workers employed in agriculture, has increased from 239.73 million in 1999-2000 (55th round) to 258.59 million in 2004-05(61st round), showing an increase of 7.86% in five years.
(c) & (d): Creation of employment in rural areas is one of the policy objectives of the Government. As per the Approach Paper to the Eleventh Plan, doubling the rate of growth of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 4% per annum will improve rural employment conditions by raising rural wages and reducing unemployment. For the agriculture sector, a series of policy initiatives and programmes/ schemes have been taken in vital areas like credit, irrigation facilities, crop diversification, marketing infrastructure, horticulture and extension services to boost investment in agriculture and allied sectors. Efforts are on to enhance production and productivity and to encourage farming as a remunerative profession. This process is being further strengthened through farm mechanization, agri clinics and agri business centres. Programmes have also been taken up to develop rainfed areas. All these schemes and programmes are expected to generate additional employment opportunities in Agriculture Sector. Several development programmes such as Macro Management of Agriculture covering Integrated Cereals Development Programme (ICDP) for Rice, Wheat and Coarse Cereals, Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, Development of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Micro Irrigation, Rural Credit, Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and National Horticulture Mission (NHM) are being implemented. Recently, Government has launched two schemes viz.
(i) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to increase production of Rice, Wheat and Pulses and
(ii) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to incentivize the States/UTs to invest more in the agriculture sector, district wise.
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Q No: 3065 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: BIO FARMING . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has carried out any survey with regard to use of biofarming;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the outcome thereof;
(c) whether Government has taken any step to encourage bio-farming and provide easy financial support/loan to farmers;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
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): While the Government has not carried out any specific survey with regard to use of bio-farming or organic farming, the details of area certified or under certification are maintained. Till 2007-08, area of 4.01 lakh hectares had been certified under organic cultivation, while area of 4.64 lakh hectares was under certification.
(c) & (d): Government has taken following steps to encourage organic farming.
(i) Under “National Project on Organic Farming” (NPOF) financial assistance is provided for capacity building through service providers, setting up of organic input production units, promotion of organic farming through training programmes, field demonstrations, setting up model organic farms and market development.
(ii) Under the “National Horticulture Mission” (NHM) and the “Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand” (TMNE), promotion of organic farming has been included as a component and financial assistance is provided for organic cultivation of horticultural crops, setting up of vermi-compost units and organic farming certification.
(e): Does not arise.
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Q No: 2884 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: BASIC AND MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) the share of public and private sector companies providing basic and mobile telephone services in the country;
(b) whether the share of public sector companies is declining in comparison to private sector company market share;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor;
(d) the steps taken by Government to face the competition from the private companies and to store market share; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
( SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) As on 31.05.2009, share of public and private sector companies providing basic and mobile telephone services in the country is 20.03 per cent and 79.97 per cent respectively.
(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. The decline in the share of public sector companies is due to the increasing competition and greater participation of the private telecom service providers. However, the subscriber base of public sector companies is steadily increasing. The subscriber base of public sector companies which was 52.09 million in March 2005, now stands at 90.70 million, as on 31st May 2009.
(d) & (e) The public sector companies are taking lot of measures to face the competition from the private companies and improve its market share by way of expansion of network, improvement in services, customer care, provision of Value Added Services, revision of tariffs etc. such as:
1. During 2009-10, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has planned to provide 18 million cellular mobile connections.
2. BSNL has planned to deploy newer technologies like Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) and Next Generation Network (NGN) etc.
3. BSNL is reducing tariff for basic services and empowering Chief General Managers of Telecom Circles to launch Circle based competitive tariffs for basic and Cellular Services to face competition effectively.
4. Deployment of Wireless technologies by BSNL to enhance service Coverage to far flung rural areas.
5. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in Delhi and Mumbai has been expanded by 750,000 lines alongwith 111 Base Trans-receiver Stations (BTSs) in Delhi and 57 BTSs in Mumbai during the year 2008-09. The GSM network capacity of 500,000 lines is under installation each at Delhi and Mumbai.
6. Additional 200 GSM towers in Delhi and 291 GSM towers in Mumbai are proposed to be installed during 2009-10 by MTNL to provide better coverage.
7 MTNL has already launched 3G GSM services in Delhi & Mumbai (soft launch) for which a capacity of 250,000 (3G) has been installed each at Delhi and Mumbai.
8. MTNL is providing a lot of Value Added Services for both land line and mobile subscribers like news, songs, e-ticketing, Short Message Service (SMS), Voice SMS, Internet, Broadband, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) etc. in line with the emerging trends.
9. MTNL is reviewing its tariff for various products and services so as to make them customer friendly and to suit various segments of the society.
10. MTNL has launched Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services to provide international calls at lower tariffs.
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Q No: 2903 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: FACILITIES IN POST OFFICES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of post offices in urban and rural areas which are equipped with e-mail, internet and computer facilities;
(b) whether Government has prepared any time bound programme to provide computer facility in remaining post offices;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) whether Government proposes to provide the said facilities in all the main post offices within stipulated time?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) The number of Post Offices in urban and rural areas which are equipped with computers facilities are as under:
As per the information available, 5544 Post Offices are equipped with broadband internet facility. Department of Posts does not provide e-mail facilities.
(b) to (e) Computerisation of Post Office is an ongoing programme and is being pursued in phased manner.
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Q No: 3026 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: WATER HARVESTING PROGRAMME |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to make law for the implementation of water harvesting programmes in urban and rural areas keeping in view of the falling level of under ground water day by day;
(b) if so, the time by when it is likely to be implemented; and
(c) the sources through which funds are likely to be raised for this programme?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) Central Government has circulated to the States/UTs the Model Bill to facilitate regulation and control of ground water development, which also includes provision for rain water harvesting. So far, 18 States and 4 UTs have made rain water harvesting mandatory under building bye-laws.
(c) Ministry of Water Resources has approved schemes for promotion of rain water harvesting and ground water recharge, artificial recharge of ground water through dugwells and repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies. Activities relating to water conservation and water harvesting are also funded under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
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Q No: 3034 |
Dated: |
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS |
Subject: RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCIES FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of responsibilities assigned to different agencies namely Delhi Development Authority(DDA), Central Public Works Department (CPWD),Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Urban Development and Delhi Police etc. for 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi;
(b) the steps taken by Government so far to complete various tourism infrastructure projects especially the hotel room capacity and beautification of Delhi before the Commonwealth Games; and
(c) the details of concession and incentives provided to different agencies for completion of various infrastructure projects on time?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
( SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL )
(a): Details of responsibilities assigned to different agencies including Delhi Development Authority(DDA), Central Public Works Department (CPWD),Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Urban Development and Delhi Police, for 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, have been indicated in the Annexure.
(b): Arrangements are being made to augment appropriately the existing availability of hotel rooms in Delhi by 30,000 hotel rooms for expected 1.00 lakh visitors of Commonwealth Games. For the visiting contingents of various countries, Games Village is being constructed by the Delhi Development Authority(DDA) with in-house facilities of Board & Lodging etc. Keeping in view the need for developing adequate tourist accommodation in readiness for the large expected influx of visitors for the Commonwealth Games, an inter-Ministerial Task Force has been set up under the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) for monitoring and coordinating further action in this regard by all the agencies concerned. In addition to these arrangements at the Central level, there is a Committee under the Chief Minister of Delhi to take decisions in respect of all matters pertaining to infrastructure and other preparations for the Games within the jurisdiction of the Government of NCT of Delhi. An amount of Rs. 1770 crore has been allocated by the Planning Commission to the Govt. of NCT of Delhi for improvement in the city infrastructure which , inter-alia, includes substantial amount for beautification of Delhi. In addition to these, NDMC and MCD will also spend considerable amount from their own resources for sports and civic infrastructure, Power, Water etc.
(c): DDA is providing incentives for early completion of the CWG projects in the nature of bonus to contractor which is, inter-alia, mentioned in the agreement itself. CPWD is also providing similar incentives/concessions to the contractors involved in execution of the CWG projects.
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Q No: 2752 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: PENDING PROPOSALS FOR FDI IN VARIOUS SECTORS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any proposal is pending with Government for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in various sectors;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the sectors in which Government is going to allow Foreign Direct Investment;
(d) whether any guidelines have been formulated in this regard;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) by when decision is likely to be taken on pending proposals?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b): Upto 30.06.2009, there are 30 proposals pending before the FIPB. The list of pending proposals is at Annexure.
(c) to (e): Government has put in place a liberal and investor-friendly policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under which FDI up to 100% is permitted on the automatic route in most sectors / activities. The Government’s decisions on FDI policy are notified by way of Press Notes which are available at the website of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion: http://dipp.gov.in/.
(f): Appropriate action/decision will be taken by the FIPB on the pending proposals after getting the requisite/relevant information from the concerned Ministries and/or from the companies.
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Q No: 2753 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: FTA WITH OTHER COUNTRIES H . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is trade between India and foreign countries under free trade agreement;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the names of countries with whom free trade agreements have been signed in last two years;
(d) the quantum of reduction in taxes under these agreements; and
(e) the average amount of annual export and import under these agreements during the last two years?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. So far India has signed following Free Trade Agreements:-
SN Name of the Agreement FTA partner countries Date of Signing/ renewal of the Agreement
1 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISL- FTA) Sri Lanka Signed on 28th December. 1998
2 Agreement on South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Signed on 4th January, 2004
3 India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) Singapore Signed on 29th June, 2005
4 India-Nepal Treaty of Trade Nepal Renewed wef 6th March 2007
5 India-Bhutan Agreement on Trade Commerce and Transit Bhutan Renewed wef 29th July, 2006
Annual trade turnover in Crores of Rupees between India and the countries with which India has Free Trade Agreements for the last three financial years is as follows:
(c) India has not signed any Free trade Agreement in the last 2 years.
(d) & (e) Does not arise.
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Q No: 2876 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: STEPS TO PROMOTE HANDICRAFTS |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether government has taken any step to promote handicrafts in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) whether Government is aware that a large number of handicraft industries have been closed ;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the steps taken by Government to revive the handicraft industries particularly the closed units in the country ; and
(f) the time by when these industries are likely to be reopened for production ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
( SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI )
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. For promotion and development of handicrafts in the country, the Government is implementing various schemes during the 11th Five Year Plan, which include: Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana; Marketing Support and Services scheme; Design & Technology Upgradation Scheme; Handicrafts Artisans Welfare Scheme; Human Resource Development Scheme and Research & Development Scheme.
(c) to (f): No such information of handicrafts industries being closed, has come to the notice of the Government.
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Q No: 358 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: CAMPUS SELECTIONS IN IITS AND IIMS |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that Corporate and multinational companies are making campus selection of students at attractive salaries at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs);
(b) If so, the details of campus selection made by these companies during 2008 and 2009; and
(c) The steps being taken by Government to bring talented persons to public services?
Answer
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI ARJUN SINGH )
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 358 ASKED BY SHRI AMIR ALAM KHAN TO BE REPLIED ON 28.07.2009 REGARDING CAMPUS SELECTIONS IN IITs AND IIMs.
(a) : It is a fact that multinational and Indian private sector companies recruit a substantial number of students of IITs and IIMs through campus selection.
(b) : A statement showing the details of campus selection made by the two kinds of companies during 2008 and 2009 is annexed.
(c) : Recruitment to public services is done in a very transparent manner through a selection process in which all the relevant attributes of the applicants including their intellectual abilities are evaluated to ensure that the selected candidates are best suited to discharge the functions as would be assigned to them. Besides, the emoluments in the public services have been raised substantially after the implementation of VIth Pay Commission’s recommendations so as to attract as well as retain the talented persons in the public services.
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Q No: 2671 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: MODERNIZATION OF MADARSAS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is formulating any scheme for modernization of madarsas and traditional schools of Islamic education ;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of madarsas in the country and the funds required for their modernization;
(d)the funds spent or sanctioned for the maintenance of these madarsas during 2008-09;
(e) the amount allocated for maintenance of these madarsas during 2009-10; and
(f)by when Government would complete the modernization of all these madarsas?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (f) The erstwhile Area Intensive and Madrassa Modernization Programme has been reformulated in November 2008 into the Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM) to encourage traditional institutions like Madrassas and Maktabs to introduce Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language and English in their curriculum on a voluntary basis so that children studying in these institutions gain academic proficiency. The details of the various components of revised scheme of SPQEM are given in Annexure. An outlay of Rs. 325 crore has been earmarked under the scheme in the 11th Plan period covering an estimated 6000 madrasas in the country. An amount of Rs. 64.42 crore was released during 2008-09 and an amount of Rs. 50.00 crore has been allocated for the year 2009-10 under the Scheme.
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Q No: 2466 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES |
Subject: FOOD PROCESSING UNITS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:-
(a) the estimated requirement of food processing facilities in the country and the availability of these facilities in the States/Union Territories;
(b) the number of food processing units approved in the country during the last three years, State-wise;
(c) the details of amount allocated to the States/Union Territories during the said period, sector-wise;
(d) the details of schemes pending or under implementation in the country, State-wise;
(e) the details of units closed during the past few years; and
(f) the details of steps taken to make these units operational?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) : Ministry of Food Processing Industries has not conducted any study in respect of estimated requirement of food processing facilities in the country and the availability of such facilities in the States/ Union Territories. However, the level of wastage of agricultural food items is estimated to be about Rs. 50,000 crores occurring at various stages of handling after harvesting due to fragmented farming, provisions in Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development & Regulation) Act, lack of cold chain facilities, transportation, proper storage and processing facilities etc. Vision Document 2015 finalized by the Ministry envisages trebling the size of the processed food sector by increasing the level of processing of perishables from 6% to 20%, value addition from 20% to 35% and share in global food trade from 1.5% to 3% by 2015.
(b) to (f) : The data on approval and closure of food processing units in the country is not centrally maintained by the Ministry. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) extends financial assistance in the country in the form of grant-in-aid to implementing agencies/entrepreneurs @ 25% of the cost of Plant & machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs in general areas and 33.33% subject to a maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs in Difficult areas under the Scheme of Technology Upgradation/Establishment/Modernization of food processing industries in the meat, fish fruits, vegetables, grain milling, dairy products and beverages. Since financial assistance schemes are project oriented, no funds are allocated State-wise. The State-wise details of food processing units to which financial assistance has been provided is annexed.
Apart from the above, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is also implementing the following plan schemes : i) Scheme for Infrastructure Development with major components i.e. Mega Food Park, Cold Chain, Modernization of Abattoirs and Value Added Centres, ii) Scheme for Quality Assurance, Codex Standards and R&D iii) Scheme for Human Resource Development, iv) Scheme for Strengthening of Institution and v) Scheme for Upgradation of Quality of Street Food.
Annexure
Statement referred in reply parts (b) to (f) of Rajya Sabha
Unstarred Question No. 2466 for 27.7.2009 regarding Food
Processing Units
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Q No: 2512 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: OIL AND GAS RESERVES EXPLORED BY ONGC . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) the oil/gas reserves explored by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation during the last three years;
(b) the details of oil/gas reserves explored by the private sector companies during the said period;
(c) whether a biased attitude is being adopted in exploration of oil /gas reserves, in order to benefit the private sector at the cost of public sector companies;
(d) if so, whether Government has conducted any inquiry in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
a): In place oil and gas reserves explored by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) in last three years i.e. from 2006-07 to 2008-09 are 636.54 million metric tonne oil equivalent (MMTOE).
(b): In place oil and gas reserves explored by Private/JV companies in last three years i.e. from 2006-07 to 2008-09 are 222.60 million metric tonne oil equivalent (MMTOE).
(c): Government of India awards exploration blocks on international competitive bid basis to national oil companies viz., ONGC and OIL, as well as to private and foreign companies through a transparent bidding process, wherein companies have the option to bid for exploration blocks as per their assessment of prospectivity, and all companies compete on the basis of equal terms and conditions.
(d) & (e): Does not arise in view of reply given in part c.
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Q No: 2561 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: EDUCATION STANDARD FOR TRIBALS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is going to initiate any incentive-based plan to improve the standard of education among the tribals;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether Government agrees on augmenting the budget for welfare of tribals so that necessary improvement in the condition of these people can come about?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(DR. TUSHAR A. CHAUDHARY)
(a) The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is already implementing education oriented schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes/PTGs. There is no proposal of the Ministry to initiate any incentive-based plan to improve the standard of the education among tribals.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has submitted proposals for additional funds for tribal welfare.
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Q No: 2280 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: QUALITY AND SHORTAGE OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the total quantum of production from Animal Husbandry products especially meat, egg, milk and wool recorded in the last three years;
(b) the growth rate recorded of the said products during the said period;
(c) the percentage of said products in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth; and
(d) the steps taken by Government to improve the quality and shortage of said products?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b) The estimates of meat, egg, milk and wool production and their growth rates during the last three years are enclosed at Annexure-I
(c) The growth rates and contribution of livestock sector in GDP at 1999-2000 prices and at current prices are enclosed at Annexure-II
(d) The list of schemes being implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries to improve the quality and shortage of livestock products is enclosed at Annexure-III.
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Q No: 2312 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: AMOUNT DUE TO SUGARCANE FARMERS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the amount owed by sugar mills to farmers for sugarcane during the last three years, region-wise and State-wise;
(b) the time since, the payment of the owed amount is pending;
(c) whether farmers are giving up sugarcane farming because of hardships faced by them due to pending payment of their dues; and
(d) if so, the details of the steps taken by Government in order to expedite the payments of dues to the farmers?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): The sugar season-wise and State/Zone- wise details of outstanding cane price dues payable, as on 30.4.2009, by sugar mills to the cane growers are given as Annexure.
(b): Supply of sugarcane by cane growers to sugar mills and their payment by the sugar mills is a continuous process. Since the cane price dues payable to the cane growers for a sugar season pertains to supply of sugarcane to different sugar mills at different points of time and the position is continually changing on account of payment towards fresh supplies by a very large number of farmers during the course of the season, it is not possible to pinpoint the dates from which such dues are pending to individual farmers.
(c): The Central Government has not received report from any of the sugarcane producing States that farmers are giving up sugarcane farming due to non-payment of their dues.
(d): Does not arise.
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Q No: 2394 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: CLEANLINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF COACHES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that the standard of cleanliness and maintenance of coaches and the quality of water supplied in the trains is deteriorating day by day;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the level of commitment of railway employees is decreasing resulting in late running of trains as well as increase in the number of accidents; and
(c) if so, the steps being taken by Government to improve the standard of maintenance and cleanliness in trains and to run the trains on time?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) No, Sir. Indian Railways have always endeavoured to improve upon the standards of maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene in coaches and ensure good quality of the water supplied in the coaches.
(b) & (c): No, Sir. Late running of trains is due to various reasons like miscreant activities, alarm chain pulling, natural calamities, damage to track due to breaches, law and order problems, bad weather, cattle run over, equipment failures and electricity grid failure. Several steps viz. monitoring of trains, punctuality drive, improvement in time tabling, upgradation of technology of track, rolling stock and signaling are being taken by Railways to run the trains on time. Safety is the prime concern of Indian Railways. All possible steps are undertaken on a continuing basis to prevent accidents which include timely replacement of over-aged assets,signaling and interlocking systems, safety drives, publicity campaigns and inspections at regular intervals to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. As a result, there has been a declining trend in the number of train accident.
Following schemes have been launched for improving the standards of cleanliness in trains: – Intensive mechanized cleaning of rakes in the coaching depots. – On Board House Keeping Services (OBHS) in all Rajdhani/Shatabdi and important Mail/ Express trains. – Clean Train Station Scheme at identified stations. – Comprehensive pest and rodent control arrangements.
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Q No: 2119 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: RURAL TELEPHONE SYSTEM . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the upgradation work in rural telephone sector in the country especially in Uttar Pradesh has been done by Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years; and
(c) the benefits likely to be accrued in the rural sector due to system upgradation in rural telephone system?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The details of upgradation work, carried out by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), of small and medium exchanges, Multi-Access Radio Relay (MARR) Village Public Telephone (VPT) in rural areas of the country including in Uttar Pradesh during the last three years and the current year is given in Annexure A & B. The status of MARR replacement as on 30.6.2009 is given in Annexure-C. In addition, Wireless in Local Loop(WLL) network in the country including Uttar Pradesh has been expanded with MSC based Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA). WLL capacity added during the last three years in the country including Uttar Pradesh(East and West) circles are given in Annexure-D. Subsidy support is also being extended by USOF for setting up of 7,440 Shareable Infrastructure Sites in the country including 656 towers in Uttar Pradesh for provision of mobile services in rural and remote areas, where there is no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage. Out of these, 5,624 towers in the country including 649 towers in Uttar Pradesh have already been commissioned under this scheme as on June, 2009.
(c) The upgradation of work in telecom sector in rural areas of the country will result in better telecom connectivity and services in these areas thereby leading to improved socio-economic activity.
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Q No: 2180 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: EXPLOITATION OF PIOS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any discussion has been held on the issue to exploitation of persons of Indian origin and protection of their human rights;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether international treaties are big hurdle in this direction; and
(d) the efforts being made by Government to bring these issues under the purview of National Human Rights Commission?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b) No, Sir. However, reports are often received about the exploitation of overseas Indian workers at the hands of unscrupulous employers and intermediaries. To lay down a framework of bilateral cooperation to address this problem, the Government has signed labour MOUs with the major receiving countries like the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Malaysia. These MOUs also provide for a joint working group to resolve bilateral labour issues.
(c) & (d) India is a party to the core international conventions on human rights namely – International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 1966; Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979; convention on the Rights of the Child 1989; Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, 2000; and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, 2000. These conventions/ treaties facilitate the protection of human rights of Indians, that includes PIOs and are in no way an obstacle/ impediment.
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Q No: 2016 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: REVIEW OF ANTI SODOMY LAW . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to review anti-sodomy law (Sec. 377, IPC);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether Government would consider fears of all sections of the society including the leading religious outfits/groups in the country before reviewing the law;
(e) whether the Delhi High Court has also given verdict on legality of Section 377 of IPC;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) by when Government proposes to take a review of the law in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (g): Delhi High Court in its recent judgment on the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 7455 of 2001 filed by an NGO, has, inter alia, ruled that Section 377 of IPC, insofar as, it criminalizes consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 of the Constitution. The order of the Delhi High Court has been challenged in the Supreme Court of India by Suresh Kumar Kaushal & another. As such, the matter is sub-judice .
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Q No: 2080 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: BYPASS ON NH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is any proposal for construction of bypass road nearby Murad Nagar and Modi Nagar in view of heavy traffic on National Highway No. 58;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when the said project is likely to be approved by the Government?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) There is no such proposal for construction of bypass road nearby Murad Nagar and Modi Nagar in view of proposed expressway between Delhi and Meerut. Feasibility study for the expressway is in progress.
(b) & (c) Does not arise.
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Q No: 2103 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: PITIABLE WORKING CONDITION OF WORKERS OF GARMENT INDUSTRY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of the pitiable working conditions and low wages of the employees of the garment industries of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken by Government to improve the working conditions and wages of employees of this industry for the future?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): The Government has not received any reports regarding pitiable working conditions and low wages of the employees of the garment industry of the country. The working condition and wages of persons employed in industry, including the garment industry, are regulated under various Acts viz. Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages, etc. which are enforced by the Central and State Government.
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Q No: 1932 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: NREGS IN UTTAR PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether 100 days guaranteed work is not being provided to the card holders under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has compiled any data on the average number of working days provided to the card holders on an average in different States particularly Uttar Pradesh;
(d) the steps taken by Government to ensure availability of 100 days of work to each family under the scheme; and
(e) the nature of work done and assets created under the scheme, so far?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) & (b): NREGA is demand based. The Act provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Number of days of employment availed by a household depends on the number of days of employment demanded by the household.
(c): Yes, Sir. The Ministry has compiled data on the average number of days of employment provided to the households which have taken up employment under NREGA in various States including Uttar Pradesh.
(d): To ensure guaranteed employment to the households, intensive IEC activities have been undertaken to generate greater awareness among rural households about their legal rights under the Act. It has been emphasized upon the States to deploy dedicated staff in the implementing agencies. Salary of such dedicated staff is met out of the administrative expenditure admissible under the Act. The administrative expenditure admissible under the Act was enhanced from 2% to 4 % of the cost of the scheme with effect from 1.4.2007 and has now been further enhanced to 6% from 1.4.2009. States have been directed to ensure that adequate number of works are available to meet the labour demand.
(e): Activities which are permissible under NREGA are listed in their order of priority in para 1 of Schedule I of the Act. Number of works of different categories taken up under the scheme so far are as under:
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Q No: 1654 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS |
Subject: VANISHING COMPANIES QUESTION . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any mechanism to monitor fraudulent activities of various finance, plantation, corporate houses, builders and other such companies that have cheated the public worth thousands of crores of rupees over the last few years and have vanished;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of such companies inspected by Government during the last three years; and
(d) the action proposed by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) & (b) Ministry of Corporate Affairs administers only those companies which are registered under the Companies Act, 1956. In addition to the various provisions of the Act, applicable in this context, a central Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC), co-chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Chairman, SEBI has also been set up to look into issues relating to companies that had come out with public issue and vanished and to monitor the progress of action taken against them. Specific criteria have been adopted for identification of such vanishing companies.
(c) On the basis of above criteria, no company that had raised funds from public through public issue has been identified as “vanished” during the last three years.
(d) Does not arise in view of reply to (c) above.
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Q No: 1700 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LAW & JUSTICE |
Subject: TRANSPARENT SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR SC HC JUDGES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of pending cases in different courts in the country, especially in High Courts and Supreme Court, as on date;
(b) whether the main reason for the pending cases is the shortage of judges in High Courts and Supreme Court;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Government is planning to make the selection procedure of Judges in High Courts and Supreme Court simple, easy and transparent;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) by when the above plan is likely to be implemented?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a): As per the information received from the Registry of the Supreme Court and the respective Registries of the High Courts, 50,659 matters were pending in the Supreme Court as on 1st June, 2009 and 3910858 cases were pending in the High Courts as on 31.12.2008.
(b) & (c): Vacancies of Judges in High Courts and Supreme Court is one of the reasons for pendency in these courts. As on 10th July, 2009, against an approved strength of 886 Judges in the High Courts, 237 were vacant and there were 7 vacancies of Judges in the Supreme Court against an approved strength of 31 Judges.
(d) to (f): The Government is preparing a road map for judicial reforms in the country for which consultations have already begun. A decision in the matter will be taken on completion of the consultation process.
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Q No: 212 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: ENDING OF VENDOR SYSTEM AT STATIONS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Railways is contemplating to end the vendor system at various railway stations;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the system to be started in place of the existing vendor system;
(d) whether Railways propose to give employment to the existing vendors; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS
(KUMARI MAMATA BANERJEE)
(a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 212 BY SHRI AMIR ALAM KHAN TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 17-07-2009 REGARDING ENDING OF VENDOR SYSTEM AT STATIONS
(a): No, Sir.
(b) and (c): Do not arise.
(d): No, Sir. However, the commission vendors/bearers who were earlier engaged on commission basis in the erstwhile railway departmental catering units, are being absorbed in the railways progressively.
(e): Does not arise.
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Q No: 1503 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: BAN ON EXPORT OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the total annual production and consumption of milk and dairy products in the country during the last three years;
(b) the total export and import of these products taken place during the last three years;
(c) whether it is a fact that the export of milk and dairy products is still being banned by Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the anticipated loss of foreign exchange to Government due to this ban?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) The total Annual production of milk during the last three years are as below:
Year Milk Production (in million tones) 2006-07 100.9 2007-08 104.8 2008-09 Not available
Milk Production at National level is by and large sufficient to meet the domestic consumption of milk & milk products. However as per National Sample Survey 63rd round (2006-07), the average monthly consumer expenditure per person on milk & milk products is Rs.56 & Rs.97 in rural & urban areas respectively.
(b) The total value of export & import of milk & milk products during last three years are as below:
Year Export (value in Rs.) Import (value in Rs.) 2006-07 4,97,09,49,272 1,12,02,91,396 2007-08 9,60,24,13,848 68,65,05,530 2008-09 (April’ 08 to Jan’ 09) 10,14,15,62,219 71,02,91,726
(c) No, Sir.
(d) & (e) Does not arise in view of (c).
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Q No: 1577 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: BLOOD BANKS AT BLOCK LEVEL |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to set up blood banks at block level health centres to bring down maternal mortality rate in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the above rate in the State of Uttar Pradesh, district-wise;
(d) the financial allocation made by Government during the last three years, district-wise; and
(e) the steps taken by Government to set up blood banks?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b) No. Presently blood banks will notbe established at block level; however Blood Storage Units are being set-up at the First Referral Unit (FRUs) for making available adequate quantity of tested blood unis to bring down maternal mortality rate in this country. © As per the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2007 conducted by Registrar General of India (RGI), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of UP is 440 per one lac live births as compared to 254 per one lac live births which is the state average of India as enclosed at Annexure – A.
(d) A statement indicating financial allocation made by Government during the last three years district wise is enclosed at Annxure – B.
(e) National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are setting up Blood Storage Units at First Referral Unit (FRUs) in the country. National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is resp0onsible for:- . Training of one Medical Officer and one Lab technical from each FRU. . Provide recurring grant to Blood Storage Units after establishment @ Rs. 10000 per annum). . Regular supply of screened and tested blood units from the linked blood bank. While National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is responsible for:- . Selection of FRU for setting up of Blood Storage Unit and ensuring availability of infrastrue and manpower. . Supply of equipments required for Blood Storage Units.
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Q No: 1350 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: SPEED POST FACILITY. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Speed post facility is available only in cities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of speed post centres running in each State as on date;
(d) whether Government proposes to extend such facilities to rural areas;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) No, Sir. The Speed Post facility is available in cities as well as in rural areas in the country. The details are given in Annexure ‘A’.
(c) There are 315 National Speed Post Centres and 991 State Speed Post Centres in the country. State-wise number of Speed Post Centres is given in Annexure ‘B’.
(d) to (f) The facility of Speed Post is extended taking into account the market requirements, customers needs, expected business, transport facilities available. The details of availability of speed post service in rural areas is also given in Annexure ‘A’.
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Q No: 1395 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: LORD BUDDHA STATUE IN PAKISTAN |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether terrorist have made an attempt to blow off the ancient statue of Lord Buddha in violence hit Swat valley in north-eastern part of Pakistan;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has raised this matter with Pakistan;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) Yes. This was reported in September 2007.
(b) According to the reports the statue was badly damaged.
(c) No.
(d) Does not arise.
(e) The statue is in Pakistan. It is for the Government of Pakistan to protect such ancient heritage.
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Q No: 1422 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS |
Subject: CORRUPTION CASES AGAINST BUREAUCRATS. |
Question:
(a) the number of vigilance/corruption cases registered against high placed bureaucrats during the last three years;
(b) the number of such officers against whom chargesheets were filed during the said period; and
(c) the action taken by the Government thereto?
Answer
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister`s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a): The number of corruption cases registered by CBI against Joint Secretary & above level officers during the last three years is as under :
(b): The number of corruption cases in which charge sheets have been filed against Joint Secretary & above level officers during the last three years is as under :
(c): The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act) and the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act) provide for effective investigative machinery into the offences of corruption. The PC Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 have comprehensive provisions for criminalizing bribery and other acts of corruption covering all public servants. The Central Vigilance Commission along with the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Ministries concerned every year draw specific lists of officers of doubtful integrity who are kept under surveillance. The enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2005 as a comprehensive legislation provides an effective mechanism for access to information and disclosure by the authorities to work against any corrupt practices and exploitation.
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Q No: 1469 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: ACUTE WATER SHORTAGE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the country is likely to face acute water shortage by 2020;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the quantum of availability of fresh water in the country has dropped drastically as compared to last few years;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by Government to meet the shortage of fresh water and its conservation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) Acute water shortage is not anticipated by 2020 for the country as a whole.
(c) No trend has been noticed in respect of reduction in average annual quantum of availability of fresh water in India.
(d) Does not arise.
(e) The demand for water for various purposes is increasing due to population growth, urbanization and industrialisation. Therefore the need for the utmost efficiency in water utilisation and a public awareness of the importance of its conservation has been highlighted in the National Water Policy. The National Water Policy states that (a) the water resources should be conserved, (b) water resources available to the country should be brought within the category of utilisable resources to the maximum possible extent, (c) efficiency of utilisation in all diverse uses of water should be optimised and (d) there is urgent need of paradigm shift in the management of water resources sector. Several measures for development and improved management of water resources are undertaken by the respective States Governments which include creation of storages, restoration of water bodies, rain water harvesting, artificial recharge to ground water and adoption of better management practices etc. Government of India is providing assistance to the State Governments through various schemes/programmes, such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies, scheme for Artificial Recharge of Ground Water through Dugwells etc.
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Q No: 1185 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: EFFECT OF GLOBAL RECESSION ON FUTURE OF SEZS H . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has made any assessment about the effect of global economic recession on the utilization and future of Special Economic Zones sanctioned in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government proposes to bring changes in the existing policy of Special Economic Zones;
(d) if so, the details of the changes that are proposed to be brought therein; and
(e) the total number of Special Economic Zones approved by the Government alongwith the total land area specified by the Government for establishing these sanctioned areas?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (d): The impact of economic meltdown on the performance of SEZs cannot generally be ruled out. However, export from the SEZ during the financial year 2008-09 has been to the tune of Rs. 99,689 crores registering a growth of 50% over the export for the year 2007-08. The Development Commissioners and Approval Committee continuously monitor the operation of SEZs. Corrective steps are taken as and when required under the provisions of SEZ Act and Rules.
(e): In addition to the Seven Central Government SEZs and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs set up prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005, formal approvals have been accorded to 578 proposals out of which 323 SEZs have been notified. A total of 91 SEZs are operational. An investment of Rs. 1,08,903 crore has been made and direct employment for 3,87,439 persons have been generated in the SEZs. The total land area involved in notified SEZs is 39,060 hectare approximately.
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Q No: 1282 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: NOC FOR INSTALLING PETROL PUMPS ON NHS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is mandatory to get no objection certificate from National Highways Authority of India for installing petrol pumps and laying water supply pipelines on National Highways;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the State-wise details of such proposals pending for approval during the last three years;
(d) the reasons for the pendency of these proposals; and
(e) the special action taken by Government regarding granting approval?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. It is mandatory to get no objection certificate through National Highways Authority of India for National Highways which are vested with them, for installing petrol pumps (for which licence deed is required to be signed between MoRTH and oil company) and water supply pipelines as per extant guidelines.
(c), (d) & (e) Request for NoC and their approval are a continuing process. Statewise details are being collected and compiled. Clarifications are to be obtained if the proposal is incomplete in its detail which takes time. Where minor deviations are there, a committee in the Ministry considers them on case to case basis if relaxation is required.
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Q No: 1172 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SHIPPING |
Subject: UNCLAIMED WASTE OIL CONTAINERS AT PORTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that waste oil containers in large numbers are lying in various ports unclaimed;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there are any guidelines to check such situation;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF SHIPPING
(SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir, some waste oil containers are lying at some ports. Port-wise details of such containers are as under:-
Sl.No. Port Details
1. Tuticorin Port 284 drums containing 60.750 MT of waste oil imported by M/s Sakthi Fuels, Tanjore, through 3 containers from Qatar are lying in Tuticorin Port Trust.
2. Kandla Port Only one container weighing 18.945 MT of waste oil is lying unclaimed/ uncleared at Kandla Port Trust.
3. Cochin Port 9 Nos. of 20 feet containers of Furnace oil are lying uncleared at the container terminal of Cochin Port since 20.2.2003. Also, one container containing pitch oil in barrels is lying at the port container freight station.
(c) to (e): The Ministry of Environment & Forests have notified rules namely the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Trans Boundary Movement) Rules, 2008 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for handling import/export; treatment/storage/disposal transport and movement of hazardous waste including waste oil.
Besides the above rules, the Supreme Court of India has issued orders dated 14.10.2003 in the writ petition No. 657 of 1995 which dealt with the alarming situation created due to dumping of hazardous wastes, their generation and irreversible damage being caused to the environment because of improper waste. A monitoring committee has also been constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to oversee the compliance of the orders. Quarterly progress review reports are being filed by the Committee before the Hon’ble Court.
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Q No: 127 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LAW & JUSTICE |
Subject: SURVEY ON CORRUPTION IN JUDICIAL SYSTEM . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of rampant corruption in the judicial system;
(b) if so, whether Government has carried out any survey in this regard;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) how many cases of corruption against judges of Supreme Court/High Courts came to the light during the last three years and how many cases have been disposed of, out of them;
(e) whether Government proposes to establish some mechanism to reform the judicial system;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) to (g) : A Statement is laid on the table of the House
Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (g) of the Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 127 for answer on 13.7.2009
Reports of alleged corruption in judiciary have come to the notice of the Government from time to time. No survey, however, has been carried out by the Government in this regard.
2. The issue of Judicial Accountability was discussed at the Conference of Chief Justices held in 1990 and on the basis of the broad consensus emerging out of the deliberations, the procedure to deal with complaints against the Judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court was adopted as under:-
The Chief Justice of the High Court has the competence to receive complaints against the conduct of the Judges of his court and when he receives any, he would look into it for finding out if it deserves to be closely looked into. Where he is satisfied that the matter requires to be examined, he shall have facts ascertained in such manner as he considers appropriate keeping the nature of allegations in view and if he is of the opinion that the matter is such that it should be reported to the Chief Justice of India, he shall do so.
The Chief Justice of India shall act in a similar manner in regard to complaints relating to conduct of Judges of the Supreme Court and in regard to conduct of Chief Justices of the High Courts. On the basis of the facts ascertained, the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, shall take such appropriate action as may be considered proper, keeping the interests of the judiciary as the paramount consideration.
The complaints received against the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are, at present, dealt with in the manner indicated above.
3. No statistics regarding the number of complaints against the Judges is maintained.
4. The Government is in the process of preparing a road map for judicial reforms in the country.
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Q No: 998 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: RURAL ELECTRIFICATION. |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of villages in the country where electrification has been done during the last three years, year-wise;
(b) the number of households electrified so far, under the rural electrification programme;
(c) the number of households that are to be electrified under the scheme of electrification of all villages; and
(d) by when this scheme is likely to be completed?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)
(a) : The year-wise number of villages where electrification works have been carried out during the last three years are at Annex.
(b) & (c) : Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was launched for providing access to electricity to all rural households. Under the scheme, free electricity connections are provided to BPL households. 562 projects have been sanctioned so far. These projects target to provide connections to 2.45 crore BPL households. Upto 30.06.2009, 62.52 lakh connections have been released to BPL households.
(d) : Projects sanctioned under RGGVY are likely to be completed within the 11th Plan period.
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Q No: 733 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: CONSUMPTION OF ORGANIC FOOD |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the organic food items are hygienic as there are no residues of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in these items;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the efforts being made by Government to increase the consumption of organic food items; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
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): As organic crops are grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, these are likely to be free from pesticide and fertilizer residues contamination.
(c)&(d): Under the National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) launched during 2004-05, financial assistance is inter-alia provided for creating awareness through international/national/regional seminars/exhibitions and publicity through print and electronic media to increase production and consumption of organic food. To ensure quality of organic produce, the ‘National Programme on Organic Production’ was launched in 2002. Assistance for promotion of organic farming is provided as a component of the National Horticulture Mission.
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Q No: 764 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: BAN ON IMPORT OF TOXIC CHINESE TOYS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that some countries have imposed ban on Chinese toys because of use of toxic substance in them;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has taken concrete steps to create awareness amongst consumers about buying indigenous goods, and threats of buying foreign goods particularly Chinese goods;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b) This information is not maintained in this Department.
(c) to (e) Department of Consumer Affairs has undertaken multi media publicity campaign regarding consumer awareness under which efforts are being made to educate consumers about their rights and grievance redressal mechanism. Specific focus has been given to spread awareness regarding purchase of goods that are based on standardization such as ISI, Agmark, etc.
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Q No: 801 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME FOR CGHS BENEFICIARIES. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is going to introduce Health Insurance Scheme for CGHS beneficiaries and the pensioners;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the CGHS facility would be withdrawn after the implementation of the Health Insurance Scheme;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) to what extent the said Health Insurance Scheme is likely to reduce the financial burden on the ex-chequer, would provide quality health facilities to the employees and remove corruption?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (e) The Sixth Central Pay Commission recommended the introduction of health insurance scheme for Central Government Employees and pensioners. It had recommended that for existing employees and pensioners, the scheme should be available on a voluntary basis subject to their paying prescribed contribution. It had also recommended that the health insurance scheme should be compulsory for new Government employees who would be joining service after the introduction of the Scheme. Similarly, It had recommended that new retirees after the introduction of the insurance scheme would be covered under the scheme.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has floated an Expression of Interest from Insurance companies providing health Insurance and health insurance Consultants for implementation of the proposed Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS) for Central Government employees and pensioners on an all India basis.
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Q No: 89 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TOURISM |
Subject: PPP FOR CRUISE TOURISM . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the cruise tourism has attracted the affluent foreign tourists in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is considering to develop cruise tourism on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM
(KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.89 ANSWERED ON 09.07.2009 REGARDING PPP FOR CRUISE TOURISM.
(a) to (d): Cruise Tourism has tremendous potential to attract both domestic as well as foreign tourists in the country. The Cruise Shipping Policy envisages development of Port Infrastructure and connectivity on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)/Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model wherever possible.
Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to the State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Government Agencies under the following schemes for development of tourism including cruise tourism:
1. Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits
2. Large Revenue Generating Project
3. Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure Development Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the following projects for development of cruise tourism in 2008-09:
1. Development of tourism infrastructure at Cochin Port, Kerala for Rs.1450.00 lakh sanctioned to Cochin Port Trust, Kochi.
2. Purchase of Ferries in Tamil Nadu for Rs.52.70 lakh sanctioned to Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Ltd., Chennai.
Ministry of Tourism has also sanctioned following projects for development of river cruise in the year 2008-09:
i) Rs.2042.35 lakh for development of Ganga Heritage River Cruise in West Bengal;
ii) Rs.4309.91 lakh for integrated development of infrastructure for Heritage and River Cruise Development on Mandovi and Zuari river in Goa.
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Q No: 607 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CULTURE |
Subject: REVENUE FROM TICKETS FOR MONUMENTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of those protected monuments in the country where ticket is being levied;
(b) the revenue earned through the sale of tickets each year during the last five years and till date; and
(c) the total amount spent on renovation and maintenance of these monuments during the said period?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) There are 116 ticketed monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India. Their details are at the Annexure.
(b) The revenue collected through the sale of tickets during the last last five years (financial year) and from April to June, 2009, is as under:
(c) The amount spent on renovation and maintenance of these monuments during the said period is as under:
ANNEXURE
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.607 FOR 9.7.2009
LIST OF CENTRALLY PROTECTED TICKETED MONUMENTS
Sl.No. STATE / Name of monument ANDHRA PRADESH 1 Lower fort (Raja and Rani Mahal), Chandragiri, Distt. Chittoor 2 Golkonda fort, Golkonda, District. Hyderabad 3 Ruined Buddhist Stupa and other remains, Amaravati, District Guntur 4 Hill of Nagarjunakonda with ancient remains, Pullareddigudem, District Guntur 5 Four storeyed rock-cut Hindu temple, Undavalli, Distt. Guntur 6 Buddhist monuments, Guntapalle, Distt. West Godavari 7 Warangal fort, Warangal, Distt. Warangal 8 Charminar, Hyderabad, District Hyderabad ASSAM 9 Ahom Raja’s palace, Garhgaon, District Sibsagar 10 Karenghar of Ahom Kings, Sibsagar, Distt. Sibsagar 11 Group of four maidans, Charaideo, Distt. Sibsagar 12 Bishnudol, Joysagar, Distt. Sibsagar 13 Ranghar Ruins, Joysagar, Distt. Sibsagar BIHAR 14 Site of Mauryan Palace, Kumrahar, Patna, Distt. Patna 15 Ancient ruins Vaishali, Distt. Vaishali 16 Sher Shah’s tomb, Sasaram, Distt. Rohtas 17 Excavated Site, Nalanda, Distt. Nalanda 18 Ancient Site of Vikramshila, Antichak, Distt. Bhagalpur CHHATISGARH 19 Temple of Laxman and Old sites including sculptures Sirpur, Distt. Raipur GUJARAT 20 Sun Temple, Modhera, Distt. Mehsana 21 Rani Ki-Vav, Patan, Distt. Patan 22 Champaner Monuments, Champaner, Distt. Godhra 23 Asokan Rock Edict, Junagadh, Distt. Junagadh 24 Buddhish Caves, Junagadh, Distt. Junagadh. 25 Baba Pyare, Khapra Kodia Caves, Junagadh, Distt. Junagadh HARYANA 26 Sheikh Chilli’s tomb, Thanesar, Distt. Kurukshetra 27 Suraj Kund, Lakharpur, Distt. Faridabad HIMACHAL PRADESH 28 Ruined fort, Kangra, Distt. Kangra 29 Rock-cut Temples and Sculptures, Masrur, Distt. Kangra JAMMU AND KASHMIR 30 Group of temples, Kiramchi, Distt. Udhampur 31 Ancient palaces attributed to Raja Suchet Singh, Ramnagar, Distt. Udhampur 32 Avantiswami temple, Avantipura, Distt. Pulwama 33 Ancient palace Leh, Distt. Leh (Ladakh) KARNATAKA 34 Group of monuments, Hampi, Distt. Bellary 35 Daryia Daulat Bagh, Srirangapatanam, Distt. Mandya 36 Keshava temple, Somnathpur, Distt. Mysore 37 Palace of Tipu Sultan, Bangalore, Distt. Bangalore 38 Fortress and Temple Chitrudurga fort, Chitradurga, Distt. Chitradurga 39 Bellary fort, Bellary, Distt. Bellary 40 Durga temple, Aihole, Distt. Bagalkot 41 Cave at Badami, Distt. Bijapur 42 Group of temples, Pattadakal, Distt.Bagalkot 43 Gol-Gumbaz, Bijapur, Distt. Bijapur 44 Ibrahim Rauza, Bijapur, Distt. Bijapur 45 Temples & Sculpture Gallery, Lakkundi, Distt. Gadag KERALA 46 Bekal Fort, Pallikere, Distt. Kasargod MADHYA PRADESH 47 Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Distt. Chhatirapur 48 The Palace in the fort, Burhanpur, Distt. Burhanpur 49 Buddhist Caves, Bagh, Distt. Dhar 50 Group of monuments, Mandu, Distt. Dhar 51 Roopmati’s Pavilion, Mandu, Distt. Dhar 52 Hoshang Shah’s tomb Mandu, Distt. Dhar 53 Buddhist Monuments, Sanchi, Distt. Raisen 54 Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Distt. Gwalior 55 Bhojshala and Kamal Maula’s mosque Dhar, Distt. Dhar MAHARASHATRA 56 Ajanta Caves, Ajanta, Distt. Aurangabad 57 Ellora Caves, Ellora, Distt. Aurangabad 58 Pandulena Caves, Mahoor, Distt. Nanded 59 Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad, Distt. Aurangabad 60 Tomb of Rabia Durani (Bibi Ka Maqbara), Aurangabad, Distt. Arrangabad 61 Aurangabad Caves, Aurangabad, Distt. Aurangabad 62 Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri, Distt. Raigad 63 Buddhist Caves, Kanheri, Distt. Mumbai Suburban 64 Caves, Temples and inscriptions, Karla, Distt. Pune 65 Cave, Temple and Inscriptions, Junnar, Distt. Pune. 66 Raigad Fort, Raigad, Distt. Raigad 67 Shaniwarwada, Pune, Distt. Pune 68 Hirakota old fort, Agarkot, Distt. Raigad 69 Old fort, Sholapur, Distt. Sholapur 70 Cave, Temple & Inscriptions, Bhaja, Distt. Pune. 71 Aga Khan Palace building, Pune, Distt. Pune NCT DELHI 72 Jantar Mantar 73 Khan-i-Khana 74 Purana Qila 75 Tughluqabad Fort 76 Kotla Feroz Shah 77 Safdarjung Tomb 78 Red Fort 79 Humayun’s Tomb 80 Qutb Minar 81. Sultan Garhi ORISSA 82 Sun Temple, Konarak, Distt. Puri 83 Rajarani temple, Bhubaneshwer, Distt. Puri 84 Ancient Remains on both Udaigiri & Khandagiri hills, Bhubaneshwar, Distt. Khurda 85 Ratnagiri Monuments, Ratnagiri Distt. Jajpur 86 Ruins of Buddhist temples and images, Lalitagiri, Distt. Cuttack RAJASTHAN 87 Deeg Bhawan, Deeg, Distt. Bharatpur 88 Kumbhalgarh fort, Kumbalgarh, Distt. Rajsamand 89 Chittaurgarh fort, Chittaurgarh Distt. Chittaurgarh TAMIL NADU 90 Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, Distt. Kanchipuram 91 Gingee fort, (Rajgirid and Krishnagiri), Gingee, Distt. Villupuram 92 Fort, Dindigul, Distt. Dindigul 93 Muvarkoil, Kodumbalur, Distt. Pudukkottai 94 Rock-Cut Jain temple, Sittanavassal, Distt. Pudukkottai 95 Natural Cavern called Eladipallanan, Sittannavassal, Distt. Pudukkottai 96 Fort, Tirumayam, Distt. Pudukkottai 97 Fort St. George, Chennai, Distt. Chennai. UTTAR PRADESH 98 Taj Group of Monuments, Agra, Distt. Agra 99 Agra Fort, Agra, Distt. Agra 100 Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Distt. Agra 101 Akbar’s tomb, Sikandara, Agra, Distt. Agra 102 Mariam’s tomb, Sikandara, Agra, Distt. Agra 103 Itimad-ul-Daula’s tomb, Agra, Distt. Agra 104 Rambagh group of monuments, Agra, Distt. Agra. 105 Mehtab Bagh, Agra, Distt. Agra 106 Rani Jhansi Fort, Jhansi, Distt. Jhansi 107 Rani Lakshmi Bai Mahal, Jhansi, Distt. Jhansi 108 Site of Sahet –Mahet, Distt. Sravastinagar 109 Residency Buildings, Lucknow, Distt. Lucknow 110 Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Distt. Varanasi 111 Observatory of Man Singh, Varanasi, Distt. Varanasi 112 Lord Cornwallis Tomb, Ghazipur, Distt. Ghazipur 113 Old fort, Jaunpur, Distt. Jaunpur WEST BENGAL 114 Hazarduari palace, Killa Nizamat, Distt. Murshidabad 115 Cooch Bihar Palace, Cooch Behar, Distt. Cooch Behar 116 Bishnupur Temples, Bishnupur, Distt. Bankura
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Q No: 663 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT |
Subject: HOSTELS MEANT FOR SC ST STUDENTS |
Question:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that hostels built for SC/ST students at various places are being used for other purposes;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to get them vacated and put to use of SC/ST students?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(D. NAPOLEON)
(a) and (b) The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (of 2007) has pointed out some cases of misutilization of hostels meant for SC/ST students for other purposes, in Assam, Jharkhand, Manipur, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Some instances of misutilization are, use of hostel buildings for running of Govt. offices, schools, beggars` home, staff residence etc.
(c) The maintenance and proper utilization of hostels is the responsibility of the concerned State Government/UT Administration/implementing agencies. The instances of misutilization as brought out in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General have been communicated to the concerned State Governments for remedial measures and submission of compliance reports.
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Q No: 433 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: FDI IN DIFFERENT SECTORS IN U.P.. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) the present status of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in different sectors, especially in Uttar Pradesh since the last two years; and
(b) the details of steps taken or proposed to be taken to enhance foreign direct investment in different sectors such as basic infrastructure, high technology etc.?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): A statement on over-all sector-wise inflows during the last two financial years is at Annexure-I. A statement on sector-wise inflows in respect of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand is at Annexure-II.
(b): Government has put in place a liberal and investor-friendly policy on FDI under which FDI up to 100% is permitted on the automatic route in most sectors/ activities, including infrastructure and Research and Development (R&D). The UNCTAD World Investment Reports (WIR) 2007 & 2008, in their analysis of the global trends and sustained growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, have reported India as the second most attractive location for FDI for 2007- 2009. India has retained the second place in A. T. Kearney’s 2007 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, a position it has held since 2005. Government has also announced a slew of measures to accelerate the demand in the economy which would enable India to continue as an attractive investment destination. Under the liberalized economic environment, investment decisions of investors are based on the macro-economic policy framework, investment climate in the state, investment policies of the transnational corporations and other commercial considerations.
The Government of India continues to make efforts to increase economic cooperation with the developing as well as developed countries through different fora such as Joint Commissions/Joint Committees, other bilateral channels like interaction with the delegations visiting the country and organizing visits abroad for discussions on issues of mutual interest and business/ investment meets between Indian and foreign entrepreneurs to stimulate foreign investment into India. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion also participates in discussions covering industrial cooperation organized by other Ministries and Departments of Government of India and the Joint Business Council meetings.
The Government of India also undertakes investment promotion activities through organisation of Destination India and Invest India events in various countries with FDI potential to create awareness about the investment climate and opportunities in India, as well as to provide support to potential investors.
The Government of India, in partnership with various State Government and Business Associations, is making concerted efforts to make regulations conducive for business. In addition, the Government has initiated to implement e-Biz Project, a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Project, to provide online registration, filing payment services to investors and business houses.
Annexure-I
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Q No: 451 |
Dated: |
Ministry: DEFENCE |
Subject: INCIDENTS OF FIRE IN DEFENE DEPOTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of the incidents of fire taken place in the ordnance depot during the last three years;
(b) the separate details of the loss of arms and ammunitions and loss of life and property in each case;
(c) whether Government has conducted inquiry in every case;
(d) if so, the outcome of the every enquiry and action taken thereon; and
(e) the measures being taken by Government to check the recurring of such incidents in future and safeguarding the interests of the citizens?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(a) to (e): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.451 FOR 8.7.2009 REGARDING INCIDENTS OF FIRE IN DEFENE DEPOTS.
During the last three years only one incident of fire has taken place in 21 FAD, Khundroo, J&K on 11.8.2007. Nineteen people died and ammunition worth Rs.1313 crores approximately was destroyed in the incident. The civil administration has made a preliminary estimate of collateral damage to crops, fruits, livestock and buildings for Rs.39.33 crores.
2. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the Army. A number of measures have been taken to check the recurrence of such incidents in future:
(i) All Depots have updated safety and security instructions.
(ii) All Depots have been inspected by a Board of Officers to check adequacy of safety safety and security arrangements.
(iii) 225 trucks for fire fighting have been provided to the units.
(iv) Unserviceable ammunitions is being disposed off on priority.
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Q No: 519 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT |
Subject: AMENDMENT IN LABOUR LAW . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government propose to change the labour laws in consultation with labour organization and trade and industry;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has prepared any draft for the amendment in labour laws;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) by when Government intend to change these labour laws?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (e): Review/updation of labour laws is a continuous process in order to bring them in tune with the emerging needs of the economy. The required changes in the labour laws are accomplished by the Government after detailed consultation with the social partners with a view to harmonize the interests of all stake holders. The Bills to amend Acts like Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishments) Act, 1988, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 have been introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
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Q No: 524 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT |
Subject: RASHTRIYA SWASTHYA BIMA YOJANA . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of families to be brought under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana during the year 2009-10;
(b) whether Government is planning to bring all the families living below the poverty line in unorganised sector, under the above scheme;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (d): The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana has been extended to all the estimated 6 crore BPL families ( a unit of five) from the year 2009-10. The estimated BPL families are, however, likely to be covered in five years.
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Q No: 550 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: MOU FOR NHDP PROJECTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the present status of National Highways Development Project (NHDP) in the country, State-wise;
(b) whether all State Governments have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for NHDP project;
(c) if so, the State-wise details thereof; and
(d) the steps being taken by Government for early approval and completion of these projects?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) State-wise status of NHDP in the country is given at Annex enclosed.
(b)&(c) No, Sir. However, as on date 15 State Governments namely, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have signed State Support Agreement for individual NHDP projects taken up on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.
(d) In order to expedite the implementation, progress of the ongoing projects is closely monitored by Project Implementation Units of NHAI assisted by Supervision / Independent Consultants. Meetings have been held on periodic basis both at sites as well as at NHAI Headquarters to review progress and concerted efforts are being made to expedite land acquisition procedure.
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Q No: 53 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION |
Subject: STRAINED EXISTING FACILITIES BY PRIVATE AIRLINES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the increasing number of private airlines have strained the existing facilities at most of the airports in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to cope up with the increase in the number of flights, passengers amenities and to facilitate timely landings?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a), (b) & (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED () QUESTION NO. 53 FOR 07/07/2009 REGARDING STRAINED EXISTING FACILITIES BY PRIVATE AIRLINES.
(a) No Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c)The unprecedented growth in civil aviation sector has thrown up challenges for airport infrastructure, specially at busy metro airports. Upgradation of Airport Infrastructure is a continuous process and is undertaken taking into consideration the growth rate, availability of land, availability of resources, socio-economic considerations and economic feasibility. Following steps have been taken to improve airport infrasructure both in air side as well city side in the country:
(i) Delhi and Mumbai airports have been restructured through joint venture route. Joint Venture Companies are undertaking the upgradation/development of these airports at an estimated cost of Rs.8975 crores (first phase) (completion in March 2010) and Rs.9802 crores (completion in December 2012) respectively.
(ii) Two new Greenfield `state-of-art` airports have become operational at Hyderabad and Bangalore in the year 2008.
(iii) Airports Authority of India (AAI) is undertaking development/modernisation of Kolkata and Chennai airports at an estimated cost of Rs.1942.51 crores and Rs.1808 crores, respectively.
(iii) Development of airports in North East Region is being taken up by AAI on priority basis.
(iv) Besides, AAI is also undertaking modernisation of following 35 non-metro airports. Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Guwahati, Jaipur, Udaipur, Trivandrum, Lucknow, Goa, Madurai, Mangalore, Agatti, Aurangabad, Khajuraho, Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhopal, Indore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Patna, Port Blair, Varanasi, Agartala, Dehradun, Imphal, Ranchi, Agra, Chandigarh, Dimapur, Jammu & Pune Airport. In addition to the above, CNS/ATM facilities are also being provided in collaboration with ISRO, Bangalore. Upgradation and installation of latest navigation aids like Instrument Landing System (ILS), Doppler Very High Omni Range (DVOR) & Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Flight Data Processing System (FDPS), Remote Control Air Ground System (RCAG), Primary and Secondary Radars, etc. is also undertaken, as a continuous process.
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Q No: 414 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SHIPPING |
Subject: SCRAP LYING AT PORTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether large quantities of scrap are lying at some ports in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, port-wise;
(c) whether it has been posing a great hindrance in loading and unloading of ships; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?
Answer
MINISTER OF SHIPPING
(SHRI G.K.VASAN)
(a) to (d): Some scrap is lying at some ports in the country. Port-wise details of such scrap; hindrance, if any, posed by such scrap in loading and unloading of ships etc., are as under:-
Sl. No. Port Details of scrap Hindrance, if any, posed by such scrap and action, if any, taken thereon.
1. Chennai Port About 13,959 MT of Iron scrap are lying at the licensed plots in the port as on 25.6.09 As the scrap is being moved to the licensed plots directly from the hook point for storage and subsequent delivery from the plot, the lying of scrap does not pose any hindrance to the loading/unloading of the ships in the port.
2. Mumbai Port About 588 tonne of metallic scrap is lying in one of the CFSs away from the docks. Since the scrap is lying away from the docks it causes no hindrance in loading/unloading of ships in the port.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Navi Mumbai Around 5,250 TEUS destined for Ludhiana are lying at JNPT as on 29.6.09. Most of these containers contain scrap material. No hindrance, whatsoever, is being caused by this scrap in the loading/unloading of ships in the port.
4. Kolkata Port Approximately 730 MT of Iron scrap in 28 containers is lying undelivered at Haldia Dock Complex of Kolkata Port Trust. Of the 28 containers, 6 were detained by Customs on 18.8.06; 19 have been included in Port Auction and 3 containers have landed recently and are awaiting delivery. Since the scrap is lying inside containers, no hindrance is caused in loading/unloading of ships. At Kolkata Dock System, some scrap which is old port material is lying in some parts of the docks which are not used for cargo handling operations. Action has already been initiated for disposal of this scrap.
5. Paradip Port About 600 MT of scrap is lying at this port. The said scrap does not pose any hindrance in loading/ unloading operations. Tenders have been issued for disposal of this scrap.
6. Kandla Port Approximately 30602 MT of HM scrap, 56473 MT of SS scrap and 120 MT of scrap containing war materials are lying at various storage areas inside Kandla Port as on 30.6.09. The scrap does not pose any hindrance in loading/unloading of ships in the port.
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Q No: 146 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: SAZ TO BOOST AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of the steep fall in production of agriculture items and phenomenal increase in the prices of essential food items;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is working on a plan for setting up Special Agriculture Zone to boost agriculture production;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
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): There has been no steep fall in the production of food grains. As per final estimates of 2007-08 food grain production at 230.78 Million tones was recorded . As per third Advance Estimates for the year 2008-09, the production of food grain is likely to be at 229.85 Million Tonnes. The Government is aware of the increase in prices of essential food items during the year 2008-09. The prices of essential commodities were closely monitored and various measures were taken to augment supplies and stabilize prices of certain essential commodities. Rise in domestic prices was owing to the combined effect of factors such as, growing demand on account of increase in population and income, hardening of international prices, changes in consumption pattern, etc. Government has been taking effective steps to moderate the prices.
(c)to(e): As of now there is no proposal under consideration to Establish SAZ. However, for the development of Agriculture Sector, a number of initiatives and plan scheme are being implemented, which includes Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) and Micro Irrigation etc.
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Q No: 157 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS |
Subject: BLACK MARKETING OF FERTILIZERS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-
e:
(a) whether there are uniform criteria for supply of fertilizers to all States of the country during Kharif and Rabi seasons;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is aware of the rampant black marketing of fertilizers during sowing season in the country; and
(d) if so, efforts made/being made by Government to check it?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS
(SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) & (b) Government have approved the New Pricing Scheme (NPS) State III to be implemented with effect from 1.10.2006. Under the NPS III, the effort is to reach urea to each and every State.
The subsidy on urea will be paid only when it reaches the district. The urea is allotted as per monthly requirement project by State Government through Department of Agriculture & Cooperation. The requirement of urea is met through indigenous production and gap between demand assessment and indigenous production is met through imports.
Urea is the only fertilizer which is under partial movement and distribution control of the Government. All other fertilizers viz. DAP, MOP, SSP and NPK etc. are decontroleed/de-canalized since 1992. The availability of Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers is decided by the market forces of demand and supply. Department of Fertilizers gives Statewise-monthwise supply plan plan indicated by manufactureres/ importers of these fertilizers as per the requirement and ensures availability through the instrument of subsidy.
(c) & (d) The State Governments, as the enforcement agencies, are adequately empowered under Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 to take appropriate action against any offender who indulges in any kind of malpractices including black marketing.
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Q No: 209 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: ARRANGEMENTS FOR TACKLING SWINE FLU . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that swine flu is spreading in the country, particularly in Delhi and northern India;
(b) if so, number of swine flu cases came to light during last month;
(c) whether the country lacks anti-swine flu drugs being supplied to the patients;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the details of extensive arrangements made by Government to tackle swine flu and take up the matter on priority basis?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) Yes.
(b) Since 13th May, 2009 till 30th June, 2009 there have been 109 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1[Swine]
(c) There is adequate stock of anti-flu drugs in the national stockpile.
(d) Question does not arise.
(e) Government of India took a series of actions. A comprehensive plan including guidelines and standard operating procedures were put in place. Travel advisory was issued to defer non essential travel to the affected countries. Entry screening of passengers started at 22 international airports and five international checkpoints Community surveillance to detect clusters of influenza like illness is being done through Integrated Disease Surveillance Project. National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi and National Institute of Virology, Pune are testing clinical samples. Sixteen additional laboratories have also started testing. There is adequate quantity of Oseltamivir, the drugs and protective equipments. License has been issued to three Indian manufacturers for importing seed virus to manufacture flu vaccine. Short term media plan has been implemented. Travel advisory, do’s and don’ts and other pertinent information has been widely published to alley fear and avoid panic. Media is kept informed on daily basis. The pandemic preparedness and response calls for actions in sectors beyond health. National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for such actions. All States have been requested to gear up the State machinery and strengthen isolation facilities including critical care facilities at district level. Government is fully geared up to deal with the situation.
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Q No: 238 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: ENCROACHMENT OF RAILWAY |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether large expanse of prime land under Railways ownership has been encroached upon by unauthorized person and land mafia;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the concrete steps taken by the Railways to clear the encroachment?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (c): Railway land measuring 1023 hectares is under encroachments involving a total of 140177 encroachments. These encroachments are existing since long. Railways are engaged in continuous exercise to remove encroachments from Railway land.
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Q No: 22 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CULTURE |
Subject: Archological sites buried under construction and development . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that many archaeological sites are buried under construction and cultivation;
(b) whether country is loosing out on the possibilities of excavating a large number of archaeological sites because of growing population and development activities;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any survey is being conducted before taking up any development project;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor? A N S W E R
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SH. V. NARAYANASAMY )
(a), (b) & (c) Yes sir. No comprehensive survey / investigation of all such sites has been done so far. However, the National Commission for Heritage Bill 2009 introduced in the Parliament contains a provision for maintenance of a Heritage Site Roster.
(d), (e) & (f) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) invariably conducts a survey in respect of a developmental project coming up near any centrally protected monument / site. ASI also undertakes such a survey in respect of any project referred to it by the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
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Q No: 41 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: PASSPORT FOR HAJ PILGRIMS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether International Passport has been made compulsory for all Haj pilgrims from this year onwards;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the applicants for issue of temporary county specific passport are exempted from police verification;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether Government proposes to open special passport counters across the country;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) the efforts that Government is making to ensure that opportunity for Haj is not lost because of passport and Hajis face no difficulties in undertaking the sacred journey?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI SHASHI THAROOR)
(a) & (b) Government of India is aware that in accordance with the decision of the Saudi Government all Haj pilgrims will have to travel on International Passport for Haj-2009 onwards.
(c) Yes.
(d ) to ( g) Government has issued new policy guidelines to all the Passport Offices after consultation with the National and State Haj Committees to ensure that no Haj pilgrim faces any hurdles in obtaining his / her passport to undertake the pilgrimage. All Passport Offices have been instructed that the Haj passports should be handed over to the Haj pilgrims / Haj Committee within the due date stipulated by the Committee to ensure that no Hajis face any difficulty in undertaking the sacred journey.
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Q No: 63 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: DEMAND OF INDIAN WORKERS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether various countries have shown interest in calling for workers from India for development of their manufacturing industries.
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken thereon by Government?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a), (b) and (c) Indian workers are in demand abroad in various sectors including manufacturing industries. There are about 4.5 million Indian workers in the Gulf countries apart from the large number of high-skill Indian workers in the USA, Canada, Australia and the European Union.
During 2008 about 8.49 lakh workers from India took emigration clearance to leave India for employment abroad. The policy of the Government is to facilitate orderly and legal emigration of Indian workers, discourage illegal/irregular migration and ensure the protection and welfare of emigrants. In pursuit of this policy, the Government is implementing emigration process reforms, and is pursuing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the management of migration.
India had signed Labour agreements with Jordan and Qatar in 1980s. The Ministry, after its creation in 2004, made concerted efforts to enter into bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the major receiving Countries for ensuring protection and welfare of our emigrants. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed with United Arab of Emirates (UAE) in December, 2006, with Kuwait in April, 2007, with Oman in November 2008, with Malaysia in January 2009, and with Bahrain on 17th June 2009. An Additional Protocol to the existing Labour Agreement between India and Qatar was signed in November, 2007.
An MoU for forging a labour mobility partnership has been negotiated with Denmark. The Government is also pursuing labour mobility partnerships with some other countries as well as with the European Union.
The Government has signed social security agreements with France, Germany and Belgium and has concluded negotiations with the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Negotiations are in progress with several other countries including Australia, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Hungary and Denmark. These agreements protect our workers abroad from double coverage, loss of contributions and loss of benefits in the field of social security.