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Q No: 3767 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: REVISION OF CRITERIA FOR SEASON TICKETS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to increase the earning income criteria to Rs.3,000/- a month for availing the facility of the season ticket;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, by when such proposal would be implemented?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a): No, Sir.
(b) & (c): Do not arise.
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Q No: 3798 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: UPGRADATION OF STATIONS IN SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is need for a facelift of many railway stations in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, zone-wise especially in South Central Railway;
(c) the amount spent on each zone during the last three years compared to South Central Railway; and
(d) the future programmes identified therefor for South Central Railway?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (d): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3798 BY SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 07.08.2009 REGARDING UPGRADATION OF STATIONS IN SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY
(a) to (d) : Improvement to stations including face-lifting is a continuous process and works in this regard are undertaken as and when required through Annual Works Programme. Zone wise details in this regard including South Central Railway are as under:
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Q No: 464 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: MUSLIM COMMUNITY ABROAD . |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any details of the muslim minority people who have gone abroad for work and studies;
(b) if so, the details thereof for the last five years, country-wise and purpose-wise;
(c) whether Government is providing any financial assistance to them in case of any difficulty;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, by when such financial help would be provided to those persons who are facing trouble abroad?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (e) No, Sir. Statistics based on religion are not maintained. The Indian missions extend help as and when overseas Indians in distress require assistance.
In addition, in 17 ECR countries ‘Indian Community Welfare Fund’ to extend on-site welfare services to all overseas Indians in distress has been established.
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Q No: 3556 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: COMMITTEE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has constituted any Committee for affordable housing for all;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the report of such committee; and
(d) if not, by when such a committee would be formed to provide affordable housing for the weaker sections like muslims in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The Government had set up a High Level Task Force under the Chairmanship of Mr. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Ltd. to look into various aspects of providing `Affordable Housing for All`.
(c): The High Level Task Force has presented the report on 29.12.2008.
The Task Force has strongly recommended the need for `Affordable Housing` and mentioned that delay in addressing the affordable housing problem would seriously affect India`s economic growth and poverty reduction strategies. The Task Force notes that housing is central to economic growth and has multiplier effects on employment, poverty reduction etc. The Task Force estimates that alleviating the urban housing shortage could potentially raise the rate of growth of GDP and have a decisive impact on improving the basic quality of life.
The major recommendations of the Task Force are:-
i. `Affordable Housing` be put at the centre of public policy.
ii. Government may undertake a separate exercise to estimate the number of households in need of affordable housing. The Task Force visualizes the size of the household as five members.
iii. Upward revision in the FAR/FSI, across cities of different sizes commensurate with investment in infrastructure that it will necessitate.
iv. In-situ development on public lands for addressing affordable housing issues in partnership with the Government.
v. `Security of tenure` be recognized as an important and integral tool for relieving pressures on the housing market. This may be undertaken through regularisation of settlements, community or cooperative ownership, security via lease, use rights, which enables in-situ development to take place.
vi. The recommendations on land related issues i.e. bringing in additional lands, upward revision in the FAR/FSI and in-situ development have to be implemented in an integrated manner.
vii. Role of State Housing Boards be revamped and the Boards be encouraged to focus on playing a more active role in the provision of affordable housing, even if it is through public private partnerships.
viii. Bring `affordable housing` under the infrastructure definition.
(d): Does not arise.
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Q No: 3561 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: RAJIV AWAS YOJANA |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is launching Rajiv Awas Yojana;
(b) if so, the details worked out, so far;
(c) the views of each State including Andhra Pradesh in the implementation;
(d) the plan allocation thereof in the current Five year Plan; and
(e) the preference being given to muslim weaker sections?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a)to(c): The Government has decided to launch a new scheme called Rajiv Awas Yojana for slum dwellers and the urban poor. Rajiv Awas Yojana would extend support to States that are willing to assign property rights to people living in slum areas for provision of shelter and basic infrastructure and civic amenities in slums. Consultations on concept note have been held with a wide range of stakeholders in which the Government of Andhra Pradesh was also included. Their views have been noted, which broadly endorsed the policy direction and strategy and gave suggestions and views pertinent to its implementation.
(d): A token allocation of Rs.150 crores has been made in the current year`s plan allocation.
(e): The scheme of Rajiv Awas Yojana is aimed at improving the quality of life of slum dwellers, which would include the economically and socially deprived sections of the society.
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Q No: 3553 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: CONDITIONS FOR COMING INTO UAE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the United Arab Emirates has put a condition that those who come to UAE for jobs have to earn Rs. 60,048 per month from the present Rs. 36,048 to bring their families to UAE;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the facts thereof;
(c) the comments of the Ministry thereupon; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Ministry to remove such condition in consultation with the talks with UAE?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (d) No, Sir. There is no change in UAE laws pertaining to sponsoring of family members by expatriate workers. An expatriate worker in UAE earning a monthly salary of AED 3000/- (Rs.39,000/- approximately) with accommodation, or AED 4000/- (Rs.52,000/- approximately) continues to be eligible to sponsor his family members to UAE.
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Q No: 3488 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: ROADS UNDER NREGS IN SC ST AREAS IN ANDHRA PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has decided to take up roads under National Rural Employment Scheme(NREGS) in the SC/ST inhabited areas in each State, especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time set to complete these projects; and
(d) if not, by when such proposals will be implemented?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) to (d): NREGA applies to the rural areas of the country irrespective of their inhabitants. 200 districts of the country, including 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh
(AP) were covered under NREGA in the first phase from 2.2.2006; 130 districts including 6 districts of AP were added in the second phase during 2007-08 and all the remaining districts which included 3 districts of AP were covered under the Act from 1.4.2008. Rural connectivity to provide all-weather access is a permissible activity under the Act. Total number of rural connectivity works taken up under NREGA in the country and in Andhra Pradesh during the last three years are as under:
Year Total rural connectivity works Total rural connectivity works
taken up in the country taken up in Andhra Pradesh
2006-07 180049 501
2007-08 308091 5914
2008-09 491044 19923
Incomplete works in a financial year spill over to the next financial year for providing employment to the household who demand for employment under NREGA.
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Q No: 3296 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: DRY FUEL PRODUCTION .
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Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the country produces around 500 million tonnes of dry fuel annually;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the contribution of Andhra Pradesh in this regard;
(d) whether it is also a fact that if we do not reach a production level of one billion tonnes, our power plants would not materialize; and
(e) if so, the comments of Government thereon for production in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. As far as Dry Hydrocarbon is concerned 32.8 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) of natural gas was produced during 2008-09 in the country.
(c): Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) produced 1.5 BCM of natural gas from its fields in Andhra Pradesh, in the year 2008-09.
(d) & (e): Natural Gas produced in the country is supplied to various priority sector customers, including inter-alia power plants in Andhra Pradesh.
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Q No: 3123 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS .
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Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether country is short by six lakh doctors, 10 lakh nurses and 2 lakh dental surgeons;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the reasons for such shortages; and
(d) the steps initiated to recruit the staff according to the country`s requirement especially in Andhra Pradesh by giving them sops in rural and backward areas?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d) As per information furnished by Medical Council of India, the total number of registered allopathic doctors in the country is 7,33,617. Currently, there are 299 medical colleges in the country for teaching modern system of medicine with annual intake of 35, 152 who add up to the existing medical manpower. Further, there are 24,893 dental surgeons in India. The National Rural Health Mission has been operationalised with the aim of providing accessible and reliable primary health care facilities especially to poor and the vulnerable section of the population. Medical Council of India regulations are being amended to rationalise land requirement, student-teacher ratio, allowing public-private partnership which will facilitate setting up of more medical colleges and increase the number of doctors. This Ministry has proposed to set up a National Council for Human Resources in Health as an overarching regulatory body for the health sector to reform the current regulatory framework and enhance supply of skilled personnel. A Task Force under the chairmanship of Union Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) has been constituted to deliberate upon the issue of setting up the proposed National Council. The Task Force shall submit its report to the Ministry by 31st July, 2009.
As per the Bajaj Committee recommendations of nursing staffing norms for Hospital and community services, 10.43 lakhs nurses would be required by 2012. With the existing training capacity 6.84 lakhs nurses are expected to be trained by 2012.
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Q No: 3124 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: FREE MEDICAL SERVICES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the expenditure incurred by poor population to meet their medical needs amount to about 42 per cent of GDP;
(b) if so, the facts thereof; and
(c) the steps Government is taking to give free medical services at every hospital in urban and rural areas in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) No.
(b) Does not arise
(c) “Health” is a state subject and it is the primary responsibility of the State Government to ensure adequate and accessible health care to its citizens. Central Government only supplements the efforts of the State Government through funding under Central and Centrally sponsored Schemes. With a view to provide accessible, affordable and accountable health care facilities to all sections of the people, the Union Government has launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005. The Mission is under implementation throughout the country including Andhra Pradesh.
NRHM makes adequate provision for all health facilities to achieve the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) as per facility specific requirement viz, Sub Centre (SC), Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC) and District Hospital (DH) which includes generic drugs/medicines, diagnostic care, referral transport etc.
Funds are released for health facilities in the state, as per their requirement reflected in the Annual state Programme Implementation Plan, which is appraised and approved by the National Programme Coordination Committee under NRHM.
In the context of Andhra Pradesh, the State Government, apart from routine programmes, have also introduced the following schemes to cater to health needs of poor people :
(i) Aarogyasri: The scheme provides to each family financial protection upto Rs. 2.00 lakhs in a year for medical treatment. All Below Poverty Line ration card holders (white cards) are eligible for benefit. The Aarogyasri scheme enables poor patients in Andhra Pradesh to avail state assistance for catastrophic health expenditure and for treatment in cashless manner both in private and Government sector. Coupled with existing health care services in Government sector, this scheme is able to meet total health needs of the poor people of the state.
(ii) Emergency Health Transportation Scheme (108): To improve access of rural poor to hospital services in times of emergence, particularly in respect of maternal, neonatal and infant emergencies, a Rural Emergency Health Transport Service has been launched. The scheme is operated through a toll free line 108 which can be accessed by any one in need of help from any location throughout the state.
(iii) Fixed Day Health Services (104 mobile): The scheme aims to provide the last mile health care to the rural population that are located beyond 3 kms of existing Primary Health Centers for reducing maternal and child mortality and treatment of chronic ailments.
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Q No: 2906 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CULTURE |
Subject: PROTECTION OF HISTORIC CITIES. |
Question:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is planning measures to quickly devise the required steps that should be taken to recognize the historic cities as cultural artefacts that are worth protecting in each State: and
(b) if so, the details thereof especially in Andhra Pradesh where hundreds of years of history was involved in the muslim areas?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 provides for declaring ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains as of national importance for their protection and conservation. There is no provision in the Act for declaring heritage cities as cultural artefacts.
(b) The Central Government has declared 3675 monuments and archaeological sites and remains in the country, including 137 in Andhra Pradesh under the Act as of national importance. The list of centrally protected monuments, archaeological sites and remains in Andhra Pradesh is at Annexure.
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Q No: 2932 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: HOUSING SHORTAGE
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Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether most of the housing shortage in the region originates from the low income segment of the population;
(b) if so,the details there of particularly for the people of minority especially in Andhra Pradesh, State-wise;
(c) the project taken up for all including minority people in Andhra Pradesh with the assistance of Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) the role of World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) in housing sector?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a)&(b): According to the estimates made by the Technical Group constituted by the Ministry for assessment of the urban housing shortage at the end of the 10th Five Year
Plan, the total housing shortage in the country is 24.71 million. The Group had further indicated the housing shortage amongst various income groups as under:-
State-wise details of housing shortage estimated by the Technical Group including for Andhra Pradesh in given at Annexure.
(c): `Land` and `Colonisation` being State subjects, it is primarily the responsibility of State Governments to provide for adequate Shelter at affordable prices and taking such measures as may be essential for facilitation thereof.
However, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched by the Government in the year 2005 for 7-year mission period, caters to provision of housing and basic services to urban poor, including in 65 specified cities under the Sub-Mission Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and in other cities and towns under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). Houses at Affordable costs for slum dwellers/urban poor/Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)/Low Income Group (LIG) categories is one of the admissible components under these schemes.
A total of 36 projects under Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and 77 projects under Integrated Housing & Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) have been approved in the state of Andhra Pradesh so far envisaging construction/upgradation of 134694 and 47896 dwelling units respectively.
(d): There is no ongoing project being implemented by the Ministry in housing sector with assistance from the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank at present.
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Q No: 2955 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PLANNING |
Subject: REBOUND IN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the infrastructure sector has rebounded recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof, comparatively, during the last five years; and
(c) the steps being taken for the current year in Andhra Pradesh to make it attractive?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a): After the global recession the Indian economy is slowly recovering and it is too early to state about the trends, which is being closely watched.
(b): Total investment in infrastructure during past five years is as under:
(c): Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that the steps taken by them to make investment in infrastructure attractive are:
i) Effective implementation of provisions of A.P. Infrastructure Development Enabling Act, 2001 (APIDEA Act, 2001) for ensuring speedy project clearances.
ii) Provision of fiscal incentives like exemption of stamp duty, seigniorage charges, VAT exemptions on all inputs for infrastructure projects costing more than Rs.100 crore.
iii) State support agreements for Port and Airport Projects to meet the expenditure of land cost and provide external infrastructure like water, power and road connectivity.
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Q No: 2986 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TOURISM |
Subject: TOURISM PROJECTS IN TIRUPATI ETC. |
Question:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) the steps taken during the last five years for the tourism projects in Tirupati, Hyderabad and Ajmer;
(b) the funds allocated and spent during the last five years, year-wise; and
(c) the plan prepared for the current Five Year Plan?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM
(KUMARI SELJA)
(a), (b) and (c): Projects for development and promotion of tourism are primarily undertaken by the State Govts./Union Territory Administrations. Ministry of Tourism, however, provides financial assistance for the tourism projects based on proposals received from them subject to availability of funds and inter-se priority.
The details of projects and amounts sanctioned for Tirupati, Hyderabad and Ajmer during the last five years are at Annexure.
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Q No: 3003 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: QUALITY OF URBAN LIFE |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is facing any challenge in enhancing the quality of urban life without compromising existing values of the historic cities in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh like Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities which have rich heritage and culture;
(b) if so, the details thereof, and
(c) the funds allocated and utilized for each city, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a)to(c): No, Sir. The Government has launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in order to provide reforms linked central assistance for development of infrastructure in a time bound manner in selected cities including Hyderabad, Secunderabad forms a part of Hyderabad.
Cities can prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for funding in the eligible sectors/component, which include Urban Renewal, Water Supply including Desalination Plants, Sewerage & Solid Waste Management, Construction/improvement of Drains/Storm Water Drains, Urban Transport including roads/highways/Expressways/MRTS/Metro Projects, Parking lots on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis, prevention and rehabilitation of soil erosion/land slides, preservation of water bodies and development of heritage area.
Projects have been approved for provision of infrastructure & services as also for urban renewal & development of heritage areas. Additional Central Assistance (ACA) committed and released to cities for projects under Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM is given in Annexure.
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Q No: 3013 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: PLAN TO REVIVE THE WATER BODIES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is preparing any action plan to revive the water bodies in the States in consultation with the State Governments especially in Andhra Pradesh in rural areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the steps to be taken in this direction in a specific period for SC/ST people in agency areas?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (c) The Government of India sanctioned a pilot scheme for Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of 1098 water bodies in 26 districts of 15 states with an outlay of Rs. 300 crore (Central Share of Rs. 225 crore) during X Plan. The Government has further approved a programme for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies with an outlay of Rs.10,000 crore (Central share of Rs.2750 crore) for XI Plan. The programme covers all states of the country including Andhra Pradesh. Under the scheme, the World Bank Loan Agreement has been signed with Tamil Nadu for Rs. 2182 crore for restoration of 5763 water bodies having a CCA of 4 lakh hectares, with Andhra Pradesh for Rs. 835 crore for restoration of 3000 water bodies with a CCA of 2.5 lakh hectares, with Karnataka for Rs. 268 crore for restoration of 1225 water bodies having a CCA of 0.52 lakh hectare and with Orissa for Rs. 478 crore for restoration of 900 water bodies with CCA of 1.2 lakh hectare.
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Q No: 2747 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: PROLIFERATION OF SEZ IN A.P. . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is checking the proliferation of Social Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country;
(b) if so, the State-wise details thereof, including Andhra Pradesh;
(c) the projects came in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years; and
(d) the employment generated so far, in the each SEZ especially for minorities?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (d) : In addition to seven Central Government SEZs and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs set up prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005, formal approval has been accorded to 578 proposals out of which 325 SEZs have been notified. Out of these, 103 formally approved and 68 notified SEZs are located the state of Andhra Pradesh. A statement indicating state-wise distribution of formally approved and notified SEZs including those in Andhra Pradesh is enclosed. Direct employment for 3,87,439 persons has been generated in SEZs.
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Q No: 2748 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: PROJECTED EXPORTS FROM SEZS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether exports from the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in 2008-09 stood at Rs.99,688 crore against the total export of $ 168 billion;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the projected exports for 2009-10 from SEZs are Rs.1,10,000 crore; and
(d) if so, the details thereof in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (d): Exports worth Rs. 99,689 crore have been made from SEZs during the financial year 2008-09 registering a growth of 50% over the exports for the year 2007-08. Out of this, the export made by SEZs located in Andhra Pradesh has been to the tune of Rs. 2727 Crore. Projection of exports for 2009-10 is Rs. 1,10,000 Crore.
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Q No: 2781 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: DIVERSION OF MPF FUNDS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether funds allocated to each State Government for modernization of police forces are being diverted for other purposes;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the funds so far utilized in Andhra Pradesh for modernization?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) and (b) : Under the Scheme for Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme), funds are allocated to the States for various items of expenditure approved in the annual action plans, like mobility, modern weaponry, communication system, training infrastructure facilities, forensic science facilities, strengthening of intelligence branches, security equipment, construction of buildings for police stations/posts, construction of residential buildings for lower level police personnel, etc. On the basis of audit reports, some instances have come to notice where funds meant for a particular item under the Scheme have been inadvertently or otherwise utilized for purchase of another item either not approved in the action plan or other approved items under the scheme requiring prior approval or in another year requiring revalidation. For example, it was found that in the case of Andhra Pradesh, funds allocated against the specific activities were incurred on the training of newly recruited police staff; Punjab Police has purchased office equipments which need prior approval of the competent authority and in the case of Bihar, funds were spent on purchase of vehicles in the year 2008-09 from the allocation of funds of previous year requiring approval / revalidation. In order to have a proper check on recurrence of such events, a system of Concurrent audit on a quarterly basis has been introduced from last quarter of 2008-09 and is in place.
(c) : The central funds released for the period 2000-01 to 2008-09 under the MPF Scheme and utilization reported by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, as on 29-11-2008 is as under :-
The Utilization Certificate in respect of funds released in 2007-08 is still awaited from the State Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Utilization Certificate for 2008-09 from the State Government would become due on 01-04-2010
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Q No: 2691 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: INCREASING LECTURER STUDENT RATIO |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering to increase the lecturers ratio compared to the students in various faculties in each State, especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the present ratio of lecturers and students, college- wise, State-wise especially in Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) the steps being taken to allot more funds to recruit the lecturers in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The University Grants Commission has prescribed the norm of teacher –student ratio as 1: 20 for general courses. The teacher-student ratio in technical and professional education institutions is decided by the concerned statutory council.
(c): College-wise teacher-student ratio as prevalent in the States is not centrally maintained.
(d): Funds for recruitment of teachers is provided by the concerned State Government.
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Q No: 2499 |
Dated: |
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS |
Subject: SCHOLARSHIP FOR MUSLIMS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that more than 20 lakh Muslims in Andhra Pradesh are eagerly waiting for scholarships;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in the matter; and
(c) What funds Government has released and spent so far for the current year in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) No Sir.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) Funds have not been released to any of the States/UTs under the scholarship schemes for the current year as no proposals have been received from them. ***** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2500 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27th July, 2009 LOW RETURNS ON WAKF PROPERTIES 2500. SHRI VARINDER SINGH BAJWA: Will
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) whether it is a fact that all wakf properties in the country are either in adverse possession or are fetching very low returns, thereby depriving the community of the benefit of these properties;
(b) if so, whether the Central Government proposes to consult the State Governments to evolve a joint course of action to remedy the situation; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and by when a final decision in this regard is likely to be taken?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) to (c): To enable the State Wakf Boards to manage the wakf properties better, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on wakf has recommended amendments in the wakf Act, 1995. The Government has consulted the State Governments on the amendments to the Wakf Act. This issue has been processed further as per approved modalities.
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Q No: 2540 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: POWER PROJECT IN ANDHRA PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Andhra Pradesh Government has sent any proposal for the financial help from the Ministry for the 4,000 mega watt prestigious project done through APGENCO in Kanaparthi area of Prakasam district of the State;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken, so far; and
(d) if not, by when action would be taken and funds would be released to this prestigious project in the State to complete it in time?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) : No, Sir.
(b) to (d) : In view of (a) above, questions do not arise.
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Q No: 303 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: BOOKING OF FOOD ITEMS BY PHONE IN TRAINS. |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to introduce the system of booking food items by phone no.139 in trains at the time of booking;
(b) if so, the complete details thereof; and
(c) by when it would be implemented in the South Central Railway in Andhra Pradesh ?
Answer
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS
( KUMARI MAMATA BANERJEE )
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 303 BY SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 24.07.2009 REGARDING BOOKING OF FOOD ITEMS BY PHONE IN TRAINS.
(a) to (c) : Railway is a vast organization operating 17,754 trains including 10,385 passenger carrying trains and carrying more than 18 million passengers per day throughout the country. Phone No. 139 is primarily meant for passenger enquiries pertaining to running of trains and reservation status. Due to the vastness of the system ordering of food through this telephone number is not feasible at present. However, orders for food are taken in the running trains and food, as per order, is supplied through pantry cars or at the serving stations.
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Q No: 2367 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: LOW PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN DOCTORS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that out of the total doctors posted in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in our country, only 17.9 per cent are women;
(b) if so, the complete details thereof, State-wise;
(c) the exact reasons for such low percentage; and
(d) the steps being taken to improve the women percentage posted at PHCs in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d): The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are established and maintained by states under the Minimum Needs Programme and the human resource deployed at these centres is recruited/posted/transferred by the respective State Governments. As such, gender based disaggregated data of the doctors posted by various states at their Primary Health Centres is not available.
However, as per Rural Health Statistics as on March 2007 3109 functioning PHC have female doctors.
Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) comprehensive rejuvenation of the public health delivery system has been undertaken. This inter alia includes rational posting of the health human resources at all PHCs in all the states including Andhra Pradesh.
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Q No: 2410 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: INSUFFICIENT RAIL RACKS FOR SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether rail racks are insufficient in number to supply the food items which are at the godowns to each State;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to increase the rail racks to supply food items to each State especially in the rainy seasons when the food items get damaged?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (c) : No, Sir. There are enough rakes available with the Railways to carry foodgrains as per programme given by Food Corporation of India. Railways are according high priority to allotment of rakes for movement of foodgrains.
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Q No: 2171 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: LOW COST HOUSING |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has urged the developers to enter mid-income and low cost housing project to exploit the potential of that segment to help the minority people in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the response of the developers in this regard so far?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a)to(c): The newly launched Scheme of Affordable Housing in Partnership aims at operationalising the strategy envisaged in the National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy (NUHHP) 2007, of promoting various types of public-private partnerships – of the government sector with the private sector, the cooperative sector, the financial services sector, the state parastatals, urban local bodies, etc. – for realizing the goal of affordable housing for all.
Central Government assistance under this scheme which would cover Middle Income Group (MIG) dwelling units also, will be provided for the provision of civic services such as water supply including ground level/overhead service reservoirs, storm water drainage, solid waste management, sewerage including common sewerage treatment facilities, rain water harvesting, approach roads, electricity lines including electricity transformers, parks and playgrounds and other amenities.
Central Assistance under the scheme will be limited to least of following :
a. Rs. 50,000 per Dwelling Unit for all dwelling units taking Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) units together which are proposed in the project; and
b. 25% of the cost of all civic services (external and internal) proposed in the project.
Subject to the above, Central Assistance would be computed in the following manner:-
Sl. Built up area for Subsidy Amount No. EWS/LIG as a percentage of total constructed area
1. 25% Rs.60,000 per EWS/LIG unit
2. >25% and upto 30% Rs.60,000-70,000 per EWS/LIG unit
3. >30% and upto 35% Rs.70,000-80,000 per EWS/LIG unit
4. >35% and upto 40% Rs.80,000-90,000 per EWS/LIG unit
5. >40% Rs.90,000-1,00,000 per EWS/ LIG unit
An Additionality of 12.5% may be provided for North Eastern States including Sikkim & Special Category States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand).
No project has so far been sanctioned under the Scheme.
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Q No: 2164 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: PROBLEMS OF INDIAN BRIDES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the recommendation of Law Commission to tackle the problem of abuse of Indian brides by NRI husbands merits urgent implementation;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the cases registered, State-wise;
(d) the action taken against guilty persons so far; and
(e) the compensation paid to the victims so far in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b) These recommendations are under examination of the Ministry of Law & Justice. Main recommendations with regard to marriage of Indian brides with NRI husbands are given in Annexure-I.
(c) & (d) The number of such complaints received in the Ministry is given in Annexure-II. Action on guilty persons can be taken only based on court orders in each case.
(e) There is no scheme to pay compensation to the victims of fraudulent NRI marriages.
ANNEXURE-I
ANNEXURE-I REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2164 FOR 23RD JULY, 2009
A. Registration of marriages must be made compulsory;
B. Dissolution of marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage be introduced in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954;
C. Where one of the spouses is an NRl, parallel additions must be made in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954 to provide for provisions for maintenance and alimony of spouses, child custody and child support and as also settlement of matrimonial property;
D. In the matter of succession, transfer of property, repartition of NRI funds etc., the respective State governments must simplify and streamline procedures;
E. The Commission has already recommended in its 218th Report as to the need to accede to the Hague Convention on the Civil aspects of International Child Abduction;
F. Inter-country Child Adoption Procedures must be simplified and a single uniform legislation must be provided for in the matter of adoption of Indian children by NRIs. India has also ratified the Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. Thus a simplified law should be enacted on the subject in the light of this Convention.
ANNEXURE-II
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Q No: 2197 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PLANNING |
Subject: DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN ANDHRA PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) the economic development programmes undertaken in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) the funds allocated and utilized so far, State-wise especially in Andhra Pradesh backward regions like Warangal; and
(c) the programmes to be taken up in the current year in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (c): Economic development programmes are taken up in each State, including in Andhra Pradesh, both under Non Plan and Plan heads. Details of these programmes are contained in their budget estimates placed before their respective legislatures. The funds allocated and utilized for economic development programmes, State-wise, are available only in the budget documents of each State and the accounts that are compiled by the Accountants General and placed before the State legislatures.
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Q No: 2061 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: PROJECTS IN A.P. |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the projects running in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) the amount spent on each project;
(c) time fixed to complete each project;
(d) new projects to be taken in the current five year plan for Andhra Pradesh; and
(e) the allocations to be made for each project?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) to (c) Total 78 projects amounting to Rs. 8023.00 crores are under implementation in Andhra Pradesh and an expenditure of Rs. 2653.00 crores has been incurred on these projects. These works are targeted for completion by December, 2013.
(d) and (e) Project-wise plans are prepared on annual basis. Accordingly, it is proposed to take up new projects amounting to Rs. 6696.00 crores in Andhra Pradesh during current financial year 2009-10.
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Q No: 2101 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: CONTRIBUTION OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY TO ECONOMY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the labour intensive textile industry contributes 14 per cent of industrial production, 4 per cent to GDP and around 14 per cent to the country’s export earnings;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(c) the plans prepared for the current Five Year Plan?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): As per Quick Estimates for 2007-08, provided by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), the share of textiles in total manufacturing and in GDP at factor cost (at 1999-2000 prices) were 12.4 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively.
As per data published by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, Kolkata, the share of textiles exports in total exports was 13.58 per cent during 2007-08 and 12.10 per cent during April’08-February’09 for which data are available.
(c): The current Eleventh Five Year Plan envisages an allocation of Rs.14000.00 crore at current prices for the various approved plan schemes, which are being implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. The budget outlay for the Annual Plan 2009-10 is Rs. 4500.00 crore. The broad objectives of the plan schemes are technology upgradation with a view to modernizing the textile industry and making it internationally competitive, improvement of quality, product diversification, strengthening of raw material base, increasing exports, maximizing employment opportunities and enhancing welfare of workers/artisans. The details of plan schemes alongwith the financial allocation during the year 2009-10 are annexed.
Annexure referred to in reply to part (c) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Q. No. 2101 for 22.7.2009 Statement of ongoing schemes/programme Name of Ministry/Department: Ministry of Textiles
(Rs crore) S. No. Sector/ Schemes Allocation (2009-10)
VSE Sector A Handloom 1 Integrated Handloom Development Scheme 125.00 2 Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme 50.00 3 Handloom Weavers` Comprehensive Welfare Scheme 120.00 4 Millgate Price Scheme 25.00 5 Diversified Handloom Development Scheme 20.00 Total Handloom 340.00
B Wool & Woollen 1 Integrated Wool Improvement & Development Programme 12.50
2. Quality Processing of Wool and Woollens 1.00
3. Social Security Scheme 1.50 Total Wool & Woollen 15.00
C Sericulture 1 R&D/Transfer of Technology/ Training & IT Initiatives 23.07 2 Seed Organization/HRD 13.75 3 Quality Certification Systems (QCS) 1.45
4. Catalytic Development Programme (CDP)(CSS) 76.73 Total Sericulture 115.00
D Handicraft 1 Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana 60.09 2 Design & Technical Development 14.00 3 Marketing Support & Services 52.96 4 Welfare and other Schemes 71.60 5 Human Resource Development 6.22 6. Construction of building including (handicraft Bhawan) 6.00
7 Research & Development 9.13 Total Handicraft 220.00
E
Powerlooms
1. Group Insurance Scheme 10.00
2. Group Workshed Scheme & Integrated Powerloom Cluster Development Total Powerloom 10.00 F. Development of Mega Clusters 50.00 Total VSE Sector 750.00
Industry Sector 1 NIFT 32.25 2 Jute Technology Mission 70.00 3 Research & Development including TRAs 10.00 4 Export Promotion Studies 1.00 5 Cotton Technology Mission (CSS) 60.00 6 Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) 397.00 7 Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) 3140.00 8 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Textile Management Coimbatore (SVITMC) 5.25 9 Setting up of Fashion Hub$ 1.00 10 Common Compliance Code$ 0.01 11 Technical Textiles including Jute 18.00 12 Textile Engineering including Jute $ 0.00 13 Foreign Investment Promotion Scheme (FDI) $ 0.01 14 Brand Promotion Scheme $ 6.48 15 Textipolis $ 1.00 16 Human Resources Development $ 8.00 Total ( Industry & Minerals) 3750.00 Total Textiles 4500.00 $ New Schemes
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Q No: 1818 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION |
Subject: PILOT FATIGUE AS A SAFETY THREAT . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether his Ministry recognizes pilot fatigue as a safety threat;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to correct the situation to avoid threats in future?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a), (b) and (c):- Pilot fatigue is recognised as a safety threat. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 28 of 1992 to regulate the flight time, flight duty time and rest requirements of the pilots. DGCA has further reiterated these requirements in Air Safety Circular No. 2 of 2009 and prescribed further measures for management of crew fatigue during flights. Adherence to these requirement is assessed during audits and surveillance inspections.
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Q No: 1853 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: LOANS TO INDUSTRIES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that a recent survey of 300 units having turnover between Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 40,000 crore had revealed that besides the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, even bigger industries were facing problems securing easy loans;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to give more loans to industries in each State, especially in Andra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) and (b) : As per information made available by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), in the second and early third quarter of 2008 banks faced acute liquidity crunch, as a result of which the industries had some difficulty in securing loans. However, since the beginning of 2009, the situation has eased off and banks now have better liquidity position. Banks have now increased their credit portfolios considerably since then.
(c) : In October 2008, RBI advised the banks to review all cases where banks have been averse to disbursing working capital limits and term loans (including short-term loans) against the sanctioned limits where drawing power is available and permit drawal of sanctioned limits, guided by their usual commercial judgment.
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Q No: 1679 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: HABITAT FOR BIG CATS .
|
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether 1,411 big cats are left in India;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken to give habitat for their sustenance in each State, especially in Andhra Pradesh forest areas?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) As per the findings of the recent All India tiger estimation in 2008 using the refined methodology, the total country-level population of tiger is 1411 (mid value); the lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively, as indicated in Annexure-I. The new findings are based on spatial occupancy of tigers and sampling such forests using camera traps in a statistical framework, which are not comparable to the earlier total count using pugmarks. The said findings indicate a poor status of tiger population in areas outside tiger reserves and protected areas. The tiger population, by and large, in tiger reserves and protected areas of the 17 tiger States are viable, while requiring ongoing conservation efforts.
(c) An area of 29284.762 sq. km. has been notified by 15 Tiger States (out of 17) as core or critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which also includes an area of 2527 sq.km. pertaining to the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, funding support is given to tiger States, including Andhra Pradesh, for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves.
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Q No: 1793 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: FUNDS FOR CHILD WELFARE SCHEMES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
e:
(a) the funds release and spent for child welfare schemes, State-wise, especially in Andhra Pradesh:
(b) the details thereof, rural and urban-wise in Andhra Pradesh; and
(c) the benefits reached to the poor people like minority Muslims in that State?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) & (b) The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the following Plan schemes for welfare of the children in need of care & protection and children in conflict with law, in the country.
(i) An Integrated Programme for Street Children .
(ii) Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection.
(iii) A Progarmme for Juvenile Justice; and .
(iv) A Scheme of Assistance to Homes for Children (Shishu Greha) to Promote In-country Adoption. The details of funds released, including funds released for projects in Andhra Pradesh, under the schemes at
(i),
(ii)&
(iii) above to the State Government/UT Administrations and Non-Governmental Organizations/ institutions are available at Ministry`s website- www.wcd.nic.in and for scheme
(iv) above at Central adoption Resource Agency`s website- www.adoptionindia.nic.in. The projects under the schemes at
(i) &
(ii) above are set up in urban areas and in case of schemes at
(iii) &
(iv) no separate data is maintained for rural and urban areas.
(c) The benefits under these schemes are provided to all children who are in need of care & protection and children in conflict with law, in the country irrespective of religion, caste, etc.
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Q No: 1523 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: PROPOSAL FOR IGIRC FOR ANIMALS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has sanctioned any amount for the Indira Gandhi International Research Centre for Animals at Pulivendula, Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, by when the amount would be sanctioned for this prestigious project?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) Indira Gandhi International Research Centre for Animals is functioning under the State Government of Andhra Pradesh. No funds have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Agriculture.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Does not arise.
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Q No: 1524 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: PROPOSAL FROM ANDHRA PRADESH GOVERNMENT FOR MEAT DEVELOPMENT |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether his Ministry has received any proposal from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for Meat Development Corporation;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken thereon so far; and
(d) if not, by when action would be taken?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) No, Sir. Ministry has not received any proposal from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for Meat Development Corporation.
(b) to (d) Question does not arise.
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Q No: 1585 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: HEALTH INSURANCE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that only 10 per cent people in our country have been insured in terms of health;
(b) if so, the reasons for such low percentage; and
(c) the steps being taken to achieve higher percentage, State-wise especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b) No. The Health Insurance and other organized forms of payment for Health Services, including ESIS, CGHS and other such employer Schemes of Defence, Railways, PSUs etc. presently reach over 15% of the population in the country and is growing at a rapid pace, especially due to schemes like Aarogyasri and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana [RSBY] of Ministry of Labour which covers a large number of BPL families.
(c ) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana of Ministry of Labour is being implemented in 21 States and statement is at the website of RSBY at www.rsby.in.
Andhra Pradesh has already covered over 18 million BPL households under the Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme.
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Q No: 1365 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES |
Subject: LATE ARRIVAL OF MONSOON . |
Question:
Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Prime Minister has convened any meeting of Secretaries of various States to study the late arrival of monsoon in each State especially from Andhra Pradesh recently;
(b) if so, the details discussed and decisions arrived so far; and
(c) if not, by when such meeting will take place to monitor the day-to-day weather in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh where farmers are in trouble due to late arrival of rains?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
a) No Sir.
b) Does not arise.
c) The day-to-day weather and monsoon situation is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Indian Meteorological Department. Daily information despatches are sent to Cabinet Secretariat and all concerned Ministries including Agriculture, Water Resources, Rural Development, etc.
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Q No: 1382 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: FUNDS FOR HAJ YATRA . |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is supporting the fund to the Haj Yatra;
(b) if so, the details of such funding according to its population in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(c) the people who have utilized such funding in Andhra Pradesh;
(d) whether the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested to enhance the allocation made to the Haj pilgrim;
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and
(f) if not, by when action would be taken?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) The Government is not supporting the fund for the Haj Yatra expect to the extent the subsidy being provided for air travel for the pilgrimage.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Selected Haj Pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh have also benefited from the Government subsidy as above.
(d) No.
(e) & (f) Does not arise.
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Q No: 1383 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: FUNDS FOR MINORITIES FOR HAJ PILGRIMAGE |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the criteria setup to fund the minorities for Haj pilgrimage;
(b) the preference being given to poor people under BPL categories in Andhra Pradesh; and
(c) the preference being given to children especially not only for Haj pilgrimage but also for Ajmer and other pilgrimages within the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) The Government do not fund the minorities for Haj pilgrimage except to the extent the subsidy being provided for their air travel for the pilgrimage.
(b) The selection of the pilgrims is done on random basis on the pattern of ‘Computerized Qurrah’. As such, no preference is being given to the poor people under BPL categories in Andhra Pradesh or any other State.
(c) No preference is being given to children for Haj Pilgrimage.
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Q No: 173 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: DILUTION UPTO PER CENT IN USE OF JUTE BAGS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is allowing a dilution of upto 25 per cent in the use of jute bags for packaging foodgrains meant for Government procurement;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) how it would protect the environment?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN)
(a) to (c): The statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN PART (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.173 FOR ANSWER IN RAJYA SABHA ON 15.7.2009.
(a) to (c): Government is mandated to provide reservation of products for compulsory packaging in jute under the Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory use in Packaging Commodity) Act, 1987 (JPM Act). Under the said Act, Government has been specifying the products and percentage for compulsory packaging in jute separately for each year, considering the recommendations of Standing Advisory Committee (SAC), constituted under the JPM Act. SAC looks into all the relevant issues like availability of raw jute, capacity of jute industry, the likely demand and other such issues before making a recommendation. Proposal for deciding the products and percentage of reservation for compulsory packaging in jute for the jute year 2009-10 (July-June) is under consideration.
Whenever there is shortage of supply of jute bags, Ministry resorts to providing exemptions from the reservation in order to meet the demand of packaging material.
The Government considers the use of Jute as environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable, reusable and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, providing for compulsory packaging of certain products in jute protects the environment.
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Q No: 1207 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: RELIEF PACKAGE FOR COFFEE GROWERS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether coffee growers have sought Rs. 1,120 crore relief package for indebted coffee growers;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken so far;
(c) the present status of coffee growing in each State, especially in Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) the working conditions and facilities being granted to workers?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c ) The present status of coffee growing in each State including Andhra Pradesh is as under:
State Area under coffee Holdings Coffee Production (2008-09)
in Ha. % to total No. % to total
(In MT ) % to total
Karnataka 225458 58.00 66438 30.00 183860 70.10
Kerala 84716 22.00 76040 34.00 57200 21.80
Tamilnadu 31344
8.00 15715
700 16255 6.20
Andhra Pradesh 37774 10.00 54512 25.00 4670
1.77
Orissa 3142 0.80 1983
1.00 200 0.08
North Eastern States 5761
1.20 6137
3.00 115 0.05
Total 388195 100.00 220825 100.00 262300 100.00
(d): The coffee estates which employs 15 and above workers or 5 hectares or more of land under coffee are covered under the Plantation Labour Act 1951. The Act prescribes appropriate living conditions and various other benefits to workers. The provisions of the Act are being enforced by the respective State Governments. The Coffee Board through Plan programme has been extending educational stipend/meritorious awards and support to pursue professional degree courses to children of workers and tiny growers.
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Q No: 1265 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: RELIEF PROVIDED TO VICTIMS OF CYCLONE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the nature of relief provided to the victims of cyclone in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) the meetings held with States in this regard during the current five year plan;
(c) the decisions arrived at so far; and
(d) the future action plan prepared to meet disasters especially for Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a): Financial assistance in the wake of natural calamities including cyclone is provided from the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF), which is supplemented by National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) in the wake of calamities of severe nature.
The State Governments are required to meet the expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims of notified natural calamities, from the CRF in accordance with the approved norms and items of assistance. These items & norms of assistance from CRF/NCCF, are applied uniformly for all the States including Andhra Pradesh. These norms inter-alia provide relief for damage to crops, damage to houses, gratuitous relief, medical aid, provision for untensils/clothing loss of cattle, feed and fodder for cattle, provision for temporary shelters and ex-gratia to the next of the kin of the deceased etc.. Additional expenditure, if any, incurred over and above the norms, is required to be met by the States from their own resources.
(b) to (d): A National Cyclone Risk Management Project (NCRMP) has been drawn up with World Bank assistance with a view to address cyclone hazard risk in 13 cyclone prone coastal States/ UTs, including Andhra Pradesh. The Project aims to strengthen the structural and non-structural cyclone mitigation efforts, to reduce the cyclone risk and vulnerability in the coastal districts prone to cyclones, to establish a system for quick dissemination of cyclone warnings and advisories from State/district/ sub-district level to community and to strengthen the present arrangements. The project is being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Planning Commission has accorded in principle approval to the Project.
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Q No: 1330 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to unveil the special package for textile industry;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, by when such package will be announced especially for Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): In order to boost exports, arrest the impact of economic slow down and to improve liquidity, Government had announced two stimulus packages on 7th December, 2008 and 2nd January, 2009 to the domestic industry including textiles industry. These measures/packages have helped to meet the crisis to a great extent. In addition to this, the Budget 2009-10 has also announced several relief measures to the textiles sector. These measures are applicable throughout the country including Andhra Pradesh.
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Q No: 159 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: ASADHA SAKA TAX ON CORPORATE INCOME |
Question:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that India’s tax on corporate income is a shade lower than that of the United States of America (USA);
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
FINANCE MINISTER:
(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) & (b): In India, the income-tax on the income of a domestic company is levied at a flat rate of 30 per cent. Further, the income-tax so calculated is increased by a surcharge, if the total income exceeds Rs.1 crore. The surcharge is levied at the rate of 10 per cent of such income-tax in the case of a domestic company and at the rate of 2.5 per cent in the case of company other than a domestic company. Education Cess and Higher and Secondary Education Cess are also levied at the rate of 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. In the United States of America, the Federal income tax rates for Corporations vary from 15 per cent to 39 per cent, depending upon the amount of income and the slab in which such income falls.
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Q No: 1157 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: BHARAT NIRMAN YOJANA . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is implementing Bharat Nirman Programme effectively;
(b) if so, the details of developmental activities under this programme; and
(c) the funds released and spent in each State especially for Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)&(b): Bharat Nirman Programme launched in 2005-06 for building infrastructure and basic amenities in rural areas, has six components, namely irrigation, rural housing, rural roads, drinking water in rural areas, rural electrification and rural telephony. The progress of its implementation during the last four years from 2005-06 to 2008-09 is as under:
Higher achievement reported cumulatively as some states have reported coverage of habitations other than those included in Bharat Nirman Programme Projects completed: 46344; Ongoing projects: 2, 13,284
(c) State-wise information including Andhra Pradesh regarding funds released/spent for the four year period, 2005-06 to 2008-09 under Bharat Nirman is given in Annexure I, II and III.
Annexure I .
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1157
DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.7.2009
Bharat Nirman Drinking water, Rural Housing and Rural Road Components
Annexure-II ANNEXURE REFERRED TO RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1157 DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.7.2009 Bharat Nirman -Irrigation & Electrification components , Funds Released (Rs Crores) Sl. No. Name of States/Uts Irrigation Electrification 1 Andhra Pradesh 2997.75 434.49 2 Arunachal Pradesh 126.14 277.3 3 Assam 548.49 614.8 4 Bihar 191.41 2173.6 5 Chattisgarh 308.37 204.84 6 Goa 73.62 0 7 Gujarat 1305.82 81.7 8 Haryana 9.17 75.2 9 Himachal Pradesh 267.38 87.5 10 Jammu & Kashmir 666.75 232.21 11 Jharkhand 19.27 1647.6 12 Karnataka 1093.47 517.2 13 Kerala 26.91 21 14 Madhya Pradesh 1190.53 412.7 15 Maharashtra 3862.99 145.23 16 Manipur 557.67 57.32 17 Meghalaya 28.29 32.2 18 Mizoram 108.61 79.4 19 Nagaland 107.71 65.02 20 Orissa 1634.06 1121.2 21 Punjab 49.36 60.4 22 Rajasthan 437.05 596.01 23 Sikkim 7.47 44 24 Tamil Nadu 43.18 100.8 25 Tripura 62.61 7.93 26 Uttar Pradesh 681.19 3007.11 27 Uttaranchal 802.48 553 28 West Bengal 38.49 906.7 29 A&N Islands 30 D&N Haveli 31 Daman & Diu 32 Lakshadweep 33 Pondicherry Total 17246.20 13556.46
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Q No: 962 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: DECLINE IN OIL IMPORT BILL . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the oil import bill has declined by 58 percent with falling crude prices;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) what steps Government would take to control the oil import bill?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) & (b) No Sir. India’s oil import bill in respect of crude oil and petroleum products during 2007-08 was Rs.3,33,699 crore or US $ 83,115 million. The import bill during 2008-09 was Rs.4,02,780 crore or US $ 89,200 million.
(c) The Government has formulated several plans to control the oil import bill. These are as follows :
i. Carving out more and more areas of exploration for offer under various rounds of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) / Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Policy. ii. Quicker development of discovered oil and gas reserves for enabling commencement of production. iii. Use of stimulation techniques for increasing production from existing fields. iv. Application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)/Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) techniques for increasing recovery from existing fields. v. Arresting decline from ageing fields. vi. Acquisition of exploration acreages and oil producing properties overseas to bring in equity oil. vii. Exploration of gas hydrates, by participating in the Gas Hydrates programme in cooperation with other countries. viii. Extracting gas from deep-seated and/or isolated coal deposit/lignite resources under the Underground Coal Gasification programme. ix. Substitution of oil in the transport sector through use of alternative fuels such as Bio-diesel, Ethanol-blended Petrol, etc.
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Q No: 975 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: LEAKAGES IN OIL PLANTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether leakages in some oil well recently caused panic at some plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof, plant-wise; and
(c) the steps being taken to prevent such occurrences in future?
Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) No, Madam.
(b)&(c) In view of the above, does not arise.
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Q No: 976 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: FUEL PROBLEMS IN THERMAL POWER STATIONS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that India`s 36 per cent thermal power stations are facing acute fuel problem and are operating on coal stocks of less than a week, coinciding with summer;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, especially in Andhra Pradesh, power station- wise; and
(c) whether an action plan has been prepared to tackle such issues?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)
(a) & (b) : The coal supply position of thermal power stations in the country is not comfortable. As on 6th July 2009, out of total 78 coal based utility thermal power stations monitored by Central Electricity Authority on daily basis, 31 power stations were `critical` having a coal stock of less than 7 days, out of which 10 power stations were `supercritical` having a coal stock of less than 4 days. The All India Coal Stock was 11.055 Million Tonne (MT) against a normative requirement of 22 MT. Station-wise details of coal stock including power stations of Andhra Pradesh are enclosed at Annex.
(c) : The following steps are being taken by the Government of India to enhance supply of coal to power stations:
(i) Regular monitoring of supply of coal to Thermal Power Stations for optimizing coal supply to the power stations from various sources.
(ii) Import of coal to the tune of 28.7 MT has been envisaged during 2009-10 to bridge the gap between requirement of coal and its availability from the domestic sources.
(iii) New coal blocks are being allocated by the Ministry of Coal to power producers / utilities for captive mining to meet requirement of their power plants.
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Q No: 722 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: RETAIL EXPANSION PLAN OF NAFED . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether nafed plans retail expansion through franchise route;
(b) if so, the details thereof especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(c) the aims and objective of such plans; and
(d) the implementation stage thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. NAFED has planned retail expansion through appointment of franchisees to run retail outlets in the name of NAFED Bazaar for sale of consumer products. NAFED has laid down guidelines for appointment of franchisees. Any party from any State including Andhra Prdesh can apply in accordance with the guidelines. It is proposed to start appointment of franchisees in Delhi and move to other places depending upon its success.
(c): The aims and objective of this plan is to make available quality products of daily need at reasonable price to the consumers.
(d): The implementation of NAFED’s plan of retail expansion is at preliminary stage. Offers from interested parties have been invited which will be evaluated as per prescribed guidelines.
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Q No: 783 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: GDP SPENDING ON HEALTH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government is spending only one per cent of the GDP for the health of the people in the country;
(b) if so, the facts and complete details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) what steps Government is taking to improve the percentage for the welfare of the poor people like minorities especially living in slum areas in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh in the current Five Year Plan?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d) Government Spending on Health Sector is in the vicinity of one percent of the GDP with the Central Govt. contribution on health in the range of 25% to 30% of the total Govt. spending. With the launch of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in April 2005, budgetary allocations by the Union and State Governments have significantly gone up.
To enhance public spending on health a number of measures have been initiated in the spheres of primary, secondary, tertiary healthcare and control of Communicable and Non-communicable diseases. The NRHM aims at effecting an architectural correction in the existing healthcare delivery system particularly primary and secondary healthcare. The Mission inter-alia seeks to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, effective and quality health care facilities, especially to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population including minorities throughout the country including Andhra Pradesh etc.
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Q No: 808 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF TRAIN FROM DELHI TO HYDERABAD. |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has received any proposal to introduce one more train from Delhi to Hyderabad like Andhra Pradesh express in view of heavy rush daily especially in the evening like T.N. express and G T express, the train from Delhi to Chennai;
(b) if so, the comments of the Government thereupon; and
(c) by when such new train would be introduced from Delhi to Hyderabad in the evening daily?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (c): Introduction of Hazrat Nizammudin-Bangalore Rajdhani Express (tri-weekly) via Kacheguda has been announced in Railway Budget for 2009-2010. With this, Hyderabad city will now have a daily Rajdhani connection with New Delhi.
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Q No: 99 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: SERVICES OF EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has constituted any Committee to consider the feasibility of regularizing the services of about 2.75 lakh extra-departmental employees;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when regularization would take place?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI A RAJA)
(a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Contd …2/-
-2-
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE RAJYA SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 99 FOR 9TH JULY, 2009 REGARDING SERVICES OF EXTRA-DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES
(a) to (c) The Government set up a one-man committee with Shri R. S. Nataraja Murti, Retired Member Postal Services Board as Chairman for examining the conditions of service, emoluments and other facilities available to Extra-departmental employees now designated as Gramin Dak Sevaks.
The Committee submitted its report on 29-10-2008. The report was examined by the Department and discussed with the Unions. Final decision will be taken after obtaining approval of the Cabinet.
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Q No: 595 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: NEW TELECOM POLICY .
|
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the department is preparing a work agenda for the new telecom policy to suit the present conditions of the country and to compete with the private telecom players;
(b) if so, the groundwork done so far to compete with private players; and
(c) the critical issues before Government to tackle like spectrum allocation and pricing and a comprehensive agenda for future?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above..
(c) The issues like auction of 3G & BWA Spectrum, licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, Internet Telephony etc. are under active consideration of the Government.
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Q No: 608 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES |
Subject: RAINFALL IN METEOROLOGICAL SUBDIVISIONS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact t+hat as many as 27 of the country’s 36 meteorological subdivisions have received deficient or no rainfall;
(b) if so, the details thereof, division-wise;
(c) the reasons identified so far, and;
(d) the remedial steps taken so far;
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES, STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVENCE & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) Yes, Sir
(b)
(i) Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions for the period 01.06.2009 to 30.06.2009, 18 subdivisions received deficient rainfall and 10 subdivisions received scanty rainfall. Two subdivisions show excess rainfall and 6 subdivisions show normal rainfall. There is no subdivision with no rain during this period.
(ii) The detailed subdivision-wise statistics for this period is enclosed in annexure I.
(c) The south west monsoon is a large scale circulation phenomena which is governed by many global and regional factors. Hundred years of data shows the mean Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) to be 89cm with a variation of 10%. The reduced rainfall during monsoon 2009 so far is a part of this natural variability of the ISMR. The variability is attributed to different large scale and local scale phenomena that include the EL-Nino, EL-Nino/Southen Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena, etc.
(d) Efforts are on to have in-depth understanding of the various factors and mechanisms that cause the variability of the Indian Monsoon Rainfall. These are being done through well defined observational programs/campaigns and research work that will lead in acquiring improved capability for skilful forecast system.
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Q No: 621 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: H B AND L VISAS .
|
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Indian professionals in IT industry receive the largest share of H-1B and L-1 visas;
(b) if so, the details thereof especially from Andhra Pradesh; and
(c) the steps being taken to improve the share of such visas in future?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)
(a) & (b) Indian companies, mostly IT companies, received 12810 H-1B and L-1 visas in 2008 out of a total of 85,000 H-1B visas. Infosys (4559), Wipro (2678), Satyam(1917) and Tata Consultancy Services (1539) were the largest users of H-1B visas in 2008. H-1B visa is given to workers in specialty occupations and L-1 to all intra-company transferees; irrespective of their sectors. It is, therefore, not possible to ascertain what percentage were given to IT professionals.
(c) Government of India have urged a higher allocation of H-1B and L-1 visas for Indian professionals by the US Government.
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Q No: 685 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: BEAUTIFICATION OF JAMA MASJID AREA |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is going to provide funds for the complete change of Jama Masjid area to make it beautiful;
(b) if so, the funds released and spent for this purpose; and
(c) if not, by when beautification drive would be undertaken in Jama Masjid area?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a)&(b): The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has informed that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has agreed to provide funds for redevelopment of Jama Masjid area.
(c): The beautification drive is subject to approval of redevelopment Plan by concerned agencies for which no time frame can be fixed.
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Q No: 417 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: SEZS IN ANDHRA PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is going to make SEZs in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the present status of SEZs in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) the purpose of each SEZ in Andhra Pradesh and employment given so far?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) : Central Government has enacted the Special Economic Zone Act, 2005 and Rules, 2006 under which a Special Economic Zone can be set up either jointly or severally by the Central Government, State Governments, or any person for manufacture of goods or rendering services or for both or as a Free Trade and Warehousing Zone.
(b) : Seven Central Government and 12 State/Private Special Economic Zones(SEZs) were set up prior to the SEZ Act, 2005. In addition, 322 SEZs have been notified till 19th June, 2009 after the enactment of the SEZ Act, 2005.
(c) & (d): The State wise present status of notified SEZs including those in Andhra Pradesh is enclosed at Annexure-I. The current employment in different SEZs in the state of Andhra Pradesh is about 30,998.
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Q No: 444 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: TRADE DEFICIT DUE TO GLOBAL RECESSION. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that India`s exports and imports are getting hit big due to recession and other reasons;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the exact reasons therefor;
(c) the details of trade deficit recorded so far;
(d) whether it is also a fact that India`s exports will pick up from July onwards and may touch the $185 billion mark in 2009-10 on the back of diversification to countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia; and
(e) if so, the details thereof available with Government?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c) The details of export, import and trade deficit recorded so far is given below:
(a) (P): Provisional
(b) Data Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata
The slow growth of trade during 2008-09 and the negative growth of trade during current year 2009-10 (April-May) is primarily due to economic slowdown in India’s major export destinations and slowdown in the domestic demand for industrial inputs and intermediate products.
(d) & (e) The world economy is still going through recession and therefore it is very difficult to forecast timeline for improvement in India’s exports.
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Q No: 445 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: SCRAPPING OF IMPORT DUTY ON CRUDE SOYAOIL. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has scrapped the twenty per cent import duty on crude soyaoil to reduce the prices;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has earned the desired results with such decision;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
a) & b) Yes, Sir. After harvesting season of soyabean, in March 2009 it has been observed that the soyabean seeds price and domestic soyabean oil had shown an increase of 54.5% and 24% respectively during December 2008 to February 2009. Taking into account these factors the basic customs duty on crude soyabean oil was reduced from 20% to ‘nil’ w.e.f. 24.03.2009.
c) to (e) Yes, Sir. The domestic wholesale price of soyabean oil as on 30.06.2009 has declined by 2.97% and 32.54% during last one month and one year respectively.
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Q No: 466 |
Dated: |
Ministry: DEFENCE |
Subject: BRINGING RELIEF FOR COUNTER INSURGENCY ON PAR WITH WAR VICTIMS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the army has sent proposal on compensation in counter-insurgency cases to bring relief on par with war victims for their brave acts;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and
(c) the special package prepared so far like giving land and cash for their children survival and educational continuance for the minority people?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(a) to (c): Army Headquarters have sent a proposal for uniform rate of ex-gratia payment in case of death of Defence Forces Personnel in all kinds of military operations viz. Counter Insurgency Operations, International Wars or War-like engagements. The proposal is under consideration of the Government. Educational scholarship is awarded to children of Armed Forces personnel killed/missing/permanently disabled in counter-insurgency operations. Land is given to some of the gallantry award winners by the respective State Governments based on their policies.
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Q No: 511 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: EXTENT OF LOSS TO GDP DUE TO DISASTERS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that as per the review of World Bank direct disaster losses on an average amount of 2 per cent of India`s GDP and consume up to 12 per cent of Central Government`s revenues yearly;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(c) the crucial areas identified for such disasters?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (c): As per World Bank study, published in June 2003, India lost upto 2.25% of its GDP and upto 12.15% of Central Government revenues during 1996-2000 due to natural disasters. India is vulnerable to various types of disasters: 55% of its land is prone to earthquake, 8% is vulnerable to cyclone and 5% vulnerable to flood.
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Q No: 345 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: CHANGES IN NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to make changes in the National Council for Higher Education to suit the present conditions;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the suggestions received from each State;
(d) the views of Andhra Pradesh Government in this regard; and
(e) if not, by when such changes will take place in a time bound manner?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The Committee to Advise on the Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education (Yash Pal Committee) has recommended the creation of an all-encompassing National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) with constitutional status to replace the existing regulatory bodies including All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and Distance Education Council (DEC). The Committee has also recommended that universities be made responsible regarding the academic content of all courses and programmes of study including professional courses and regulatory bodies in professional education should be divested of their academic functions.
( c) & (d): During its deliberations the Committee had held wide ranging consultations including with State Government representatives in various parts of the country. The interim report of the Committee was published on the internet for inviting views. No formal views were received by the Committee from States.
(e) : The need for an overarching independent body for overseeing the entire spectrum of higher education has been accepted by Government as one of its priorities.
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Q No: 354 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: POPULARITY OF SANSKRIT AND URDU . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Sanskrit and Urdu is gaining popularity among students;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the allocation made for the research and development of Sanskrit and Urdu in each State and to each university in the country especially in minority populated areas in Hyderabad and other Telangana areas in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a)&(b) While no information is centrally maintained in regard to enrollment in language courses in higher education, the number of students opting for Sanskrit and Urdu at the Secondary and Senior Secondary levels of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) shows an upward trend.
(c) No State-wise allocations are made for research in Sanskrit and Urdu. In the XIth Plan, UGC has allocated Rs. 966.5 lakhs and Rs.1162.5 lakhs to Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi respectively, for the promotion of Sanskrit and Rs.13,022 lakhs to the Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad for the promotion of Urdu. The Central Government has also allocated Rs.17500 lakhs to Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi for the Plan period. Additionally, Rs.400.00 lakhs each was allocated to Aligarh Muslim University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University and Jama Milia Islamia for establishing Academies of Professional Development of Urdu language. Central Government also provides funds to State Governments for appointment of Urdu and Sanskrit teachers.
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Q No: 172 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government plans to pass a National Food Security Act to give 25 kilogram of rice or wheat to about 260 million people below poverty line or those who earn less than $1 per day at just Rs. 3 per kilogram;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when such Act would be implemented in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)to(c): As per the President’s Address to Parliament on 4th June, 2009, the Government proposes to enact National Food Security Act to provide for assured food security for all citizens and to make entitled, by law, every family below the poverty line in rural and urban areas to 25 kgs of rice or wheat per month @ Rs.3 per kg.
In order to frame the proposed law, Government has initiated necessary action. Different aspects of the proposed law are being examined in consultation with State Governments, various Central Ministries, experts and other stake holders.
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Q No: 173 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: BAN ON FUTURE TRADING IN SUGAR . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has taken a decision to ban future trading in sugar;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) how it would be beneficial to the consumers?
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): Forward Markets Commission (FMC) which is the regulator for commodity futures trading under the provisions of Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952 suspended futures trading in sugar on 26.5.2009 as a measure of abundant caution and directed the Exchanges that no new sugar contracts would be launched and suspended the permissions granted for yet-to-be launched contracts, till 31.12.2009. As regards the running contracts, the Exchanges were directed that no new position would be allowed to be taken and only squaring off of the existing positions would be allowed.
(c) : Considering the concerns of the Government about the higher price expectations in sugar in the wake of the drastic fall in sugar production during 2008 – 09 by over 40% from the previous year and depleting stocks, FMC has taken the decision on futures trading as an abundant caution so that the perceived inflationary expectations are contained. The prices of the commodities are governed by the supply and demand factors. The futures market is a platform for price discovery and price risk hedging. Hence, futures trading in commodities play two important roles of price discovery and price risk management for various stakeholders. To the extent that the expectations of inflation are contained, the decision to suspension may benefit consumers.
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Q No: 200 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: OPENING OF EQUIPPED HOSPITALS IN RURAL AREAS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that there are only 34 per cent hospitals which can find diseases at an early stage by doing medical check-ups in rural areas;
(b) if so, the reasons for such low percentage in rural areas; and
(c) the number of such hospitals to be constructed in the current year, State-wise, especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): No.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): A State-wise statement including the State of Andhra Pradesh indicating the number of Sub Centres/Primary Health Centres/Community Health Centres to be constructed and amount approved under National Rural Health Mission for the year 2009-10 is annexed.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.200 FOR 03.07.09
Sl.No. State SC/PHC/CHC/to be constructed No. of units & rate Amount approved in 2009-10
(Rs in lac)
1. Assam Sub Centres (new) 750 units @Rs 7.5 Lac 5625.00
do PHCs(new) 50 units @ Rs 53.00 lac No grants
2. Manipur PHCs (new)
9 units @ Rs67.62lac
for PHC & Rs 68.07 lac for staff qtrs. 1017.55
SCs (new) 66 @ Rs 15.52 lacvalley & Rs 17.27 lac for hilly districts Proposed but not approved by NPCC
3. Meghalaya PHCs (new) 3 units @Rs 1.51 crore 453.00
4. Mizoram SCs (new) 28 units 382.18
PHCs (new) 4 units 275.31
5. Nagaland Scs(New)
25 units @Rs 12.33 lac 308.25
PHCs (new) 5 units @Rs 65.88 lac 328.4
6. Tripura SCs (new)
20 units @Rs 1087 lac 217.4
Scs for bldg. less SCs 40units @Rs 10.35 lac 414.00
PHCs (new) 8 units @ Rs 412 lac 2472.00
7 Arunachal Pradesh SCs 25 units @ Rs 9 lac 225.00
PHC One units @ Rs 12 lac 12.00
8. Punjab CHCs (new) 4 units @ Rs 200.lac 300.00
9. Bihar HSCs 315 units @ Rs 9.5 lac 2992.50
PHCs 121 units 4000.00
10. Gujarat CHCs 4 units @ Rs 1.65 crore
PHCs 5 units @ Rs 50 lac
SCs One units @ Rs 16. lac
11. Kerala CHCs 52 units 759.40
SCs 100 units 660.00
12. Jharkhand SCs 55 units 1095.00
PHCs 4 units 200.00
13. Uttar Pradesh SCs 3000 units 24000.00
CHCs 110 units 11000.00
14. Orissa SCs 6 units 6000.00
15. Andhra Pradesh CHCs Not indicated 2025.00
16. Himachal Pradesh SCs 85 units 2700.00
17. Tamil Nadu PHCs 22 units 110.00
18. West Bengal SCs (non Gram Panchayat HQ SCs) 300 units @ Rs 12.47 lac 6384.64
19. M.P SCs 100 units 150.00
PHCs 20 units 200.00
CHCs 30 CHCs 700.00
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Q No: 204 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: PREVENTION OF SWINE FLU . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is tackling the Swine Flu cases in our country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the cases registered, State-wise;
(d) whether the root cause of the disease has been ascertained; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken to prevent it?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (e) Yes. Swine Flu (now called Influenza A H1N1) is caused by a novel influenza virus which has components from existing avian, human and swine flu viruses.
To tackle this disease, 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.
The cases registered State-wise is annexed.
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Q No: 237 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: REDUCTION OF TATKAL CHARGES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has any proposal to reduce the charges of tatkal tickets to protect the interests of poor passengers at least for the sleeper class;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a) to (c): The matter is under review.
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Q No: 16 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: MOBILE CONNECTION IN THE COUNTRY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the number of mobile connection in the country would be increased to 600 million by 2012;
(b) if so, the complete details thereof;
(c) the present status of connections, rural and urban area-wise in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) A telecom subscriber base of 600 million connections, including wireless and wireline, has been envisaged by the end of 2012. As on 30th April 2009, the total number of mobile connections are about 404 million. With the current pace of addition of about 10 million connections per month, it is expected that the target of 600 million connections shall be achieved by the year 2012.
(c) The details of rural and urban connections in the country as on 30.04.2009 are given in the Annexure.
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Q No: 56 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF PRAVASI |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a): whether Government is in the process of establishing a Pravasi University – one soon and three more later;
(b): if so, the details worked out so far;
(c): whether the children of overseas Indians would have a 50 percent quota in the university;
(d): if so, the details thereof;
(e): the funds to be allocated for this purpose; and
(f): in what way the recruitment would be made?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) It is proposed to have four more PIO/NRI universities besides the one to be set up at Bangaluru by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Trust (MAHET).
(b) The task of setting up the first PIO/NRI university at Bangaluru has been entrusted to the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Trust (MAHET).
(c) & (d) Yes, Sir. It is proposed to earmark 50% seats for children of overseas Indians.
(e) No funds allocation from Government is envisaged for the project.
(f) The universities will have complete autonomy within a broad framework.
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Q No: 107 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: JNNURM FUNDS FOR HERITAGE AREAS |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is giving funds under JNNURM for the development and maintenance of Shahjahanabad to restore the heritage area to its lost glory;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the funds released under JNNURM for heritage areas, State-wise especially in Andhra Pradesh where many heritages were situated in Hyderabad surroundings?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): Two projects for development of Heritage areas have been sanctioned under Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), namely `River Front Development North Bank Zone-3`, Nanded, Maharashtra for Rs. 43.13 crore and `Construction of Heritage precincts along EVR Periyar Salai`, Chennai, Tamil Nadu for Rs. 6.10 crore. In Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh a project `Road Widening on Outer Ring Road and Inner Ring Road under Charminar Pedestrianisation Project`, at cost of Rs. 35.10 crore has also been sanctioned.
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Q No: 113 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: WATER SHORTAGE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the water shortage is mostly due to poor management of rivers in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) how Government propose to solve this primary important need of the hour of the people in each State especially in Andhra Pradesh cities like Hyderabad and Secunderabad?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (c) There are various reasons for shortfall in meeting the demand of water for various purposes which inter-alia include lack of the developed facilities and poor management of the created facilities for optimal utilization of available water resources for specific purposes.
With a view to optimally utilize the available water resources for meeting the demand for different purposes several measures for development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Governments which include creation of storages, restoration of water bodies, rain water harvesting, artificial recharge to ground water and adoption of better management practices. State Governments conceive, plan and implement major, medium and minor irrigation schemes both surface and ground water for utilization of water resources. Government of India provides central assistance to State Governments through various schemes/programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area development & Water Management (CADWM) Programme, National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies directly linked to agriculture and scheme for Artificial Recharge of Ground Water through Dugwells.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board has informed that the requirement of water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundarbad are met through various sources including reservoirs and bore wells etc. For meeting the shortage in specific areas, mobile tankers are also used.
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Q No: 119 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: WATER STOCK IN AP . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the total water stock in the 81 reservoirs had plummeted to 30.62 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM), which is only about 20 per cent of their combined live water storage capacity of 151.76 BCM by April 23, 2009 which also included Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh alongwith other States;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the reasons therefor; and
(d) the corrective steps being taken by Government so far?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Detailes for the week ending 23.04.2009, as monitored by Central Water Commission (CWC) are as below:
Name of reservoir
Live capacity at FRL (BCM)
Current live storage (BCM)
Total for 81 reservoirs of India
151.768
30.628
Total for 5 reservoirs in AP
20.044
3.988
1. Srisailam
2. Nagarjunasagar
3. Somsila
4. Sriramsagar
5. Lower Manair
8.288
6.841
1.994
2.300
0.621
1.285
0.998
0.922
-0.663
0.120
(c) As informed by CWC, the reasons for poor storage could be less inflows into the reservoirs due to delayed/less rain falls in the catchment areas of the reservoirs besides withdrawal/out flow from the reservoirs for irrigation, drinking and other uses without proper water budgeting under present circumstances.
(d) An advisory to all State Governments and Union Territories is being issued to judiciously use available storage giving priority to drinking water, to take over successful exploratory wells of Central Ground Water Board not yet taken over and make use of ground water to meet the situation and to prepare water budgeting for each reservoir.