|
Q No: 3724 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: READY TO USE THERAPEUTIC FOOD. |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a new branded food in the name `ready to use therapeutic food` has been imported into the country by international agencies worth crores of rupees;
(b) if so, the details of the importing agencies and its timing;
(c) whether this has been supplied to different States of the country;
(d) whether this was done within the ambit of national policy and approval of the Union Government; and
(e) what is the action being taken by Government to prevent such commercialization of child malnutrition and to ensure necessary regulation of international aid/assistance in future?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c) As per information received from the Ministry of Women & Child Development, ‘Ready To Use Therapeutic Food’ (RUTF), costing approximately Rs.11.5 crores, was imported by UNICEF India into the country between August 2008 and January 2009. RUTF was supplied and used in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar to treat children with severe acute malnutrition.
(d) RUTF was used in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh without any request or approval of Government of India. Use of RUTF is not a policy of Government of India.
(e) The whole issue was examined in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs. UNICEF has been directed to discontinue the use of RUTF and ship the stocks out of the country. UNICEF has further been asked not to act on any requests received directly by them, from State Governments. Disbursal of medicines and other health and family welfare related supplies be made under the supervision of the State Health and Family Welfare authorizes with the knowledge/ concurrence of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
|
Q No: 3520 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: SERVICES OF BSNL . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether due to non availability of signal properly, the service of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are badly affected in different parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the area where such problems are being encountered by BSNL;
(c) whether BSNL is serious in countering such problems to provide better facilities to its subscribers; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/being taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Sir, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) based cellular mobile service of BSNL is mostly meeting various Quality of Service (QoS) parameters prescribed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its area of operation.
(b) to (d) Do not arise in view of (a) above.
|
Q No: 3527 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: LAND FOR TELEGRAPH OFFICES .
|
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government would furnish the details of vacant lands at Delhi and other State capitals earmarked for Telegraph offices; and
(b) in what manner BSNL is intending to use these lands specifically allotted and earmarked for Telegraph offices because company is closing the Telegraph Services?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Sir, details of vacant Lands of BSNL and MTNL at Delhi and other State Capitals, originally earmarked for Telegraph Offices, are as under:-
Name of PSU Name of Capital Locations BSNL Delhi Rohini Sector – 14 Rohini Sector – 03 Shakur Basti Transport Centre Dilshad Garden Mukherji Nagar Bangla Sahib Marg Chennai Marimalai Nagar Sathangadu Madhavaram MTNL Delhi Bangla Sahib Marg
There is no vacant land of BSNL for Telegraph Offices in any State Capitals except at Delhi and Chennai.
In MTNL Delhi one plot measuring 1.141 acres was allotted near Bangla Sahib Marg, New Delhi by Ministry of Urban Development for construction of a building for International Telegraph/Telephone office, which was cancelled by Ministry of Urban Development. MTNL has taken up the case through Department of Telecom (DOT) for restoration of the same.
In MTNL Mumbai, no vacant land is earmarked for telegraph offices.
(b) The vacant lands of BSNL at Delhi are proposed to be used as follows:
International Long Distance (ILD) Gateway Exchange for routing of all International voice, Data and other Traffic. For Lawful Interception of Monitoring (LIM) Systems. For Multiprotocol Level Switching (MPLS) Node/MNGT Nodes. For installing New Technology Switches. For KU Band Satellite Services Hub for providing services to countrywide customers. For making Transmission Centres for Next Generation Network. Monitoring and Analysis Centre for “Network Operation Control Centre (NOCC)” for monitoring and analyzing the Satellite Media from Indian Soil by Telecom Operators, Broadcasters, Defence Agencies, Internet Service Providers etc. The Administrative offices required to maintain the services.
The vacant lands of BSNL at Chennai are proposed to be used as follows:
For setting up a Customer Service Centre and for accommodating the Divisional Engineer/Sub Divisional Engineer (External) Office which are currently functioning in a nearby rented buildings.
As on date, BSNL does not have any plan to close Telegraph Services.
MTNL, Delhi intends to install telephone equipments for new bandwidth intensive services, e.g. IPTV, Broadband, VOIP, Video etc.
|
Q No: 3594 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT |
Subject: SCHEDULED CASTE SUB PLAN |
Question:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether his Ministry is aware that the allocations of Special Componennt Plan/Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) were not being spent in different States as per the guidelines of the Planning Commission;
(b) if so, the action taken and the details thereof; and
(c) the details of expenditure incurred on different heads in all the States?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(D. NAPOLEON)
(a) to (c) Allocations under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) have not been spent in different States as per the guidelines of the Planning Commission. The outlay and expenditure of SCSP and TSP are reviewed in the Annual Plan discussions of State in the Planning Commission. State Governments are also advised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to ensure adequate earmarking/expenditure of funds, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Planning Commission. The headwise details of expenditure incurred are not maintained by the Ministry.
|
Q No: 3466 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: PROBLEM OF CREDITING SCHOLARSHIPS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether he is aware that the scholarships is not being credited to the accounts of the students though their names appear in the web list of concerned channelising agencies of different States;
(b) if so; what are the remedial measures taken by the concerned authorities;
(c) whether his ministry has started a scheme to help minority students for higher technical research studies;and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
( SMT. D. PURANDESWARI )
(a) The Ministry of Human Resource Development does not disburse scholarships through channelizing agencies in the States as is being done by Ministry of Minority Affairs. In the two scholarship schemes of this Ministry, the scholarship is disbursed electronically into the bank accounts of the students.
(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c) The Ministry of Human Resource Development does not have any scheme specifically for minority community students in the field of higher education.
(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.
|
Q No: 3243 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES |
Subject: SPECIAL POLICY PACKAGES FOR FPI . |
Question:
Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any special policy packages are given by Government to give a boost to the food processing industry in the country, State-wise; and
(b) the steps taken by Government to improve the prospects of food processing industry in rural areas of the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) : The Government has been announcing from time-to-time a number of incentives for the development of the food processing industry in the country. Prominent among these include – inclusion of food processing industries in the list of priority sector for bank lending, automatic approval for foreign equity up to 100% for most processed food items excepting alcohol and beer and those reserved for the small scale sector subject to certain conditions, zero excise duty on processed fruits and vegetables, income tax holiday and other concessions for certain food processing industries sectors, etc. No state specific policy packages have been announced so far.
(b): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been implementing various plan schemes for promotion and development of food processing sector in the country, including rural areas. These are – i) Scheme for Infrastructure Development with major components i.e. Mega Food Park, Cold Chain, Modernization of Abattoirs and Value Added Centres, ii) Scheme for Technology Upgradation/ Establishment/ Modernisation of Food processing Industries, iii) Scheme for Quality Assurance, Codex, Standards and R&D, iv) Scheme for Human Resource Development, v) Scheme for Strengthening of Institutions and vi) Scheme for Upgradation of Quality of Street Food.
|
Q No: 3134 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: IMPORTED THERAPEUTIC FOOD FOR NRHM |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that some international agencies have interfered with established norms of national flagship programmes such as NRHM/RCH by importing and providing a branded `ready to use therapeutic food` over the last one year;
(b) if so, what action has been taken in respect of the imported food; and
(c) what measure Government has taken to safeguard national flagship programmes from such interference by vested commercial interests in future?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c): As per information received from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, ‘Ready To Use Therapeutic Food’ (RUTF) was imported by UNICEF India into the country costing approximately Rs.11.50 crores.
The whole issue was examined in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Government of India has asked UNICEF India to send all stocks of RUTF procured by them out of the country latest by 15.6.2009. UNICEF.
India, and not the Government of India, has been deemed responsible for all legal liabilities and financial implications arising out of procurement and distribution of RUTF and UNICEF India shall restore funds of equivalent value of the stocks of RUTF sent back from India to the UNICEF – Government of Country Programme latest by the end of July 2009. In respect of multi -micronutrient sprinkles, that have not been delivered to India so far, funds of equivalent value of the procurement order cancelled shall be restored by the UNICEF to the UNICEF – Government of India Country Programme.
UNICEF has been asked not to enter into correspondence with any State/UT directly relating to supplies to be made. The concerned International Agency has been asked to ensure that the State/U.T. specific Annual Work Plan are in accordance with UNICEF Annual Work Plan approved by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Disbursal of medicines and other health and family welfare related supply should be made under the supervision of the State Health and Family Welfare authorities with the knowledge/concurrence of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
|
Q No: 3135 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: QUALITY OF BABY OILS LOTIONS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any test has been done to confirm that the products labelled and marked as baby oil/baby lotion by several companies including the multinationals like M/s. Johnson & Johnson meet the standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act;
(b) whether permissible ingredients are used within the parameters laid down;
(c) whether the products are mislabeled and misprinted and sold to innocent, gullible public;
(d) whether the sale of such products through unlicensed/unapproved dealers, agencies or persons is permissible;
(e) whether any action had been initiated in this regard;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) if not, reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): Cosmetic products including baby oil/baby lotions are manufactured under and in accordance to the licences granted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by the State Licensing Authorities appointed by the State Governments. The said authorities ensure that these products conform to the standards laid down under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules before these are permitted to be manufactured for sale.
(b): Yes.
(c): The cosmetic products marketed in the country are required to conform to the labeling requirements prescribed under the said rules.
(d): There is no restriction under the rules for sale of Cosmetics from general outlets.
(e) to (g): Do not arise.
|
Q No: 382 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT |
Subject: SC ST EMPLOYEES IN CORPORATE INDUSTRY |
Question:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has asked the Organisations/Associations of Indian Corporate Industry to publish the data relating to SC/ST recruits employed by them in their Annual Reports by the end of March, 2009; and
(b) if so, the response of the Organisations/Associations of Indian Corporate Industry thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI MUKUL WASNIK)
(a) and (b) A statement is laid on the table of the house.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 382 FOR 30.07.2009 REGARDING SC/ST EMPLOYEES IN CORPORATE INDUSTRY
(a) It had been suggested to chambers of industry in November, 2006, to explore whether their member-companies could incorporate data on SCs/STs recruited from 01.01.2007 onwards in their Annual Reports.
(b) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, Confederation of Indian Industry, and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry have developed their respective Codes of Conduct on affirmative action for adoption by their members.
|
Q No: 3002 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO METRO RAIL PROJECTS |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government of Andhra Pradesh has sought financial assistance from Union Government for construction of proposed Metro Rail network in Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the quantum of assistance sought;
(c) whether Government has examined the proposal of the State Government;
(d) if so, the amount of financial assistance to be provided to the State;
(e) whether any policy/guidelines have been formulated in this regard for extending financial assistance to similar Metro Rail projects; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b)to(d): The Proposal of Government of Andhra Pradesh for Hyderabad Metro Rail (MRTS) project was granted in principle, approval for grant of Viability Gap Funding of Rs.2362.88 crore for a total project cost of Rs. 11,814 crore under the Scheme for Financial Support to Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Infrastructure on 30th July, 2008. The Financial Bid was opened by Government of Andhra Pradesh and the lowest bidder offered payments during different stages of Concession Period and did not seek any Grant. There would be 10% negative grant on the Project cost and the project is not entitled to the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support. Government of Andhra Pradesh awarded the project to lowest bidder.
(e)&(f): Government of India is at present running two schemes which can support taking up of Metro Projects on Public Private Partnership (PPP):-
(1) India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF): The scheme is available for financial support for developing metro PPP projects; and
(2)Scheme for Financial Support to Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure – Viability Gap Funding (Plan) : The scheme is to provide financial support as Viability Gap Funding for enhancing viability of the project.
|
Q No: 3005 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY CGWA . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether CGWA had received complaints under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against the illegal abstraction of ground water for sale and supply, in C-Block, Sangam Vihar in South Delhi, from C-Block Sudhar Samithi and Sangam Vihar Avasiya Kalyan Mahasangh, Sangam Vihar on 14.06.2005 and 25.10.2005 respectively;
(b) whether CGWA has passed orders to Deputy Commissioner (South) vide No. 27-1/CGWA/Compl. (64)/05-802 dated 2 August, 2005 and No. 27-1/CGWA/ Compl. (83)/05-1425 dated 21 Nov. 2005 to file complaint under section 19A in authorized/appropriate court against alleged illegal drilling activities/construction of tubewell, bore well by Pani Mafia;
(c) if so, the action thereon; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (d) Central Ground Water Authority have reported that they had received complaints against illegal abstraction of ground water for sale and supply in C-Block, Sangam Vihar in South Delhi, from the C-Block Sudhar Samithi and Sangam Vihar Avasiya Kalyan Mahasangh in 2005 and also that the complaints were forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner (South), NCT Delhi for investigation and necessary action. CGWA has also reported that no action taken report has been received in the matter.
|
Q No: 3006 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: SURVEY OF TUBE WELLS BORE WELLS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) had conducted any survey of the tube wells/bore wells illegally abstracting ground water for sale and supply in C-Block, Sangam Vihar in violation of Environment Protection Act 1986;
(b) if so, whether CGWA has any action plan/proposal to stop further illegal abstraction of ground water by Pani Mafia in C-Block, Sangam Vihar and also in whole Sangam Vihar inorder to save the environment and to prevent further depletion of water level in Sangam Vihar; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) Based on the reports regarding availability and the stage of abstraction of ground water, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) vide it`s Public Notice No. 25/2001 had banned abstraction of ground water for sale and supply by private agencies/persons from the notified areas of South and South West districts of NCT, Delhi except Yamuna flood plain area.
(b) & (c) CGWA has notified Deputy Commissioner (South District) & Deputy Commissioner (South-West District) of NCT Delhi `as authorized officers` with effect from 5th October 2007 for the purpose of regulation of groundwater development and management.
|
Q No: 2756 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: FARMERS DISPLACED BY SEZS. |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to carry out a survey of all farmers displaced by SEZs; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) and (b): Land is a State subject. Land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is procured as per the policy and procedures of the respective State Governments. State Governments have been advised that in case of land acquisition for SEZs, first priority should be for acquisition of waste and barren land and if necessary single crop agricultural land could be acquired for the SEZs. If perforce a portion of double cropped agricultural land has to be acquired to meet the minimum area requirements, especially for multi-product SEZs, the same should not exceed 10% of the total land required for the SEZ. The Board of Approval for SEZs only considers those proposals, which have been duly recommended by the State Government. Further, pursuant to the decision of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM) in its meeting held on 5th April, 2007, the State Governments have been informed on 15th June, 2007 that the Board of Approval will not approve any SEZs where the State Governments have carried out or propose to carry out compulsory acquisition of land for such SEZs after 5th April, 2007. As regards rehabilitation of displaced persons, State Governments have their own policies and procedures to deal with.
|
Q No: 2833 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: SPECIFIC POLICY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has recently launched/proposes to launch a specific policy intervention programme for districts with chronic unemployment and industrial under-development; and
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by when it is likely to be implemented?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b) : No scheme for industrial development, district-wise, has been launched or proposed to be launched. The Government of India is implementing package of incentives for the special category States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and for the States of the North East including Sikkim which help in enhancing industrial activities and generating more employment in these States. The Government has also launched a number of other schemes such as Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS), Transport Subsidy scheme, Industrial Park Scheme etc. to provide financial assistance/concessions to the industries in other States as well. Besides, various other Departments of the Government of India are also implementing a number of schemes for generating employment and development of backward areas such as National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Bharat Nirman, Backward Regions Grant Fund etc.
|
Q No: 2878 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: TARGETS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF TUFS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) The targets and achievements of Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) for the handloom sector since its inception; and
(b) In the current financial year, how much amount was disbursed for handlooms and powerlooms under the TUFS, State-wise and district-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): No targets have been fixed for handloom sector. No release under the scheme has been made so far.
(b): No fund has been released for handloom under TUFS in the current financial year. Funds disbursed for powerloom sector under TUFS – 20% MMS for the current financial year, state-wise and district-wise as under:-
|
Q No: 2481 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LAW & JUSTICE |
Subject: CLOSURE OF CASES ON COMPROMISE . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has a proposal to evolve a procedure to close cases, including those involving criminal offences, through compromise; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) & (b): As per the information received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, there is no proposal to evolve a procedure to close cases, including those involving criminal offences, through compromise in terms of the code of criminal procedure, 1973 and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
|
Q No: 2283 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: SIDE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government maintains data relating to farmers and agricultural workers whose health has been affected on account of use of pesticides due to inhaling/exposure and poisoning, etc.;
(b) if so, the number of persons affected by pesticides during the last three years, State-wise;
(c) whether any deaths have been reported due to inhalation/over exposure to pesticides;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether any compensation is being paid to the affected victims; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)&(b): A statement showing the number of pesticides poisoning cases State-wise
(suicidal/homicidal/accidental/occupational) including farmers and agricultural workers during the last three years is at Annexure-I.
(c)&(d): A statement showing the number of deaths in various States
(suicidal/homicidal/accidental/occupational) due to pesticides poisoning including inhalation/ over exposure is at Annexure-II.
(e)&(f): No separate data relating to compensation being paid to the affected victims are maintained.
|
Q No: 2284 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: DECLINE IN PRICE OF COTTON . |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has observed that the agriculture market speculators have gained so much in India from boom-and- bust price cycle of global financial markets;
(b) whether it is a fact that the cotton price in 2009 is actually lower than it had been in January, 2007; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): No such instance has come to the notice of this Ministry.
(b)&(c): Cotton prices in January 2009 were higher by around 19% to 37% than what it had been in January, 2007. The details of average cotton prices for major varieties of cotton in January 2007 vis-à-vis month-wise average cotton prices in January 2009 and onward are as under:
|
Q No: 2123 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: QUALITY OF MOBILE SIGNALS |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the quality of mobile signals of MTNL/BSNL is unsatisfactory and there is frequent breakdown in mobile communication system in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and location-wise and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the corrective steps taken/being taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) Sir, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) monitors the performance of the service providers against the Quality of Service (QOS) benchmarks laid down by it through the quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports (PMRs) and monthly congestion reports submitted by the service providers. As per the PMR for the quarter ending March 2009, MTNL / BSNL Cellular Mobile Telephone services are generally meeting the benchmarks for network related parameters such as Service Access Delay (Benchmark Average of 100 calls =< 15 sec), Stand-alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) Congestion (Benchmark ~ <1%), Traffic Channel (TCH) Congestion (Benchmark ~ < 2%), Call Drop Rate (Benchmark ~ <3%), Connection with good voice quality (Benchmark ~ > 95%) and Point of Interconnection (PoI) Congestion (Benchmark ~ <0.5%) with the following exceptions:
Regarding the breakdown in mobile communication, there is a parameter in the above regulation on accumulated down time of community isolation, the benchmark of which is < 24 hours in a quarter. BSNL and MTNL complies with the benchmarks for this parameters in all the service areas. (c) TRAI has been taking various steps to ensure quality of service by Basic Service and Cellular Mobile Service providers. Some of these steps are given below: 1. TRAI has been monitoring the performance of Basic Service and Cellular Mobile Service against the benchmarks given for the various parameters laid in Quality of Service Regulations through Quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports. In addition, PoI congestion is being monitor on monthly basis. 2. TRAI also undertakes objective assessment of the Quality of Service of Basic and Cellular Mobile Service through an independent agency. A customer satisfaction survey is also conducted quarterly through this agency. The results of these audit and survey were widely published for public/stakeholders knowledge. 3. Apart from monitoring of the QoS through Quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports and objectives assessment of QoS and customer satisfaction survey through an independent agency, TRAI has issued number of Regulations and Directions to ensure QoS of Cellular operators.
|
Q No: 2247 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD CGWB . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the CGWB in association with the concerned State Governments makes periodical assessment of the availability of ground water in the country;
(b) if so, whether the latest assessment made in this regard has shown that the level of ground water is depleting year after year in almost every State;
(c) if so, the comparative figures of the last three assessments, State-wise;
(d) whether some remedial steps have been proposed by CGWB to the States to raise the ground water table at the requisite level; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the strategy chalked out in consultation with the States in regard thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a)to(c) The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in association with State Governments carries out periodic assessment of the availability of ground water in the country. As per latest assessment made in year 2004, decline in the levels of ground water has been observed in certain parts of the country. State-wise details of ground water resource assessment as per last three assessments are Annexed.
(d)&(e) The steps taken for augmentation of ground water recharge include, circulation of a Model Bill to States/UTs to facilitate ground water regulation and water harvesting for artificial recharge, circulation of a Master Plan on artificial recharge of ground water, implementation of schemes on repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies, implementation of a Scheme on demonstrative rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water, implementation of a scheme on artificial recharge of ground water through dugwells.
|
Q No: 2044 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT |
Subject: UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS REGISTERED IN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES |
Question:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that the unemployed youths are not getting jobs even after lapse of a period of more than 15 years of their registration in the employment exchanges.
(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor;
(c) the average number of years it takes for the unemployed youths registered in employment exchanges to get employment; and
(d) the number of employment opportunities likely to be created during 2009-10?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (c) Number of youth job seekers in the age group of 15-29 years, all of whom may not necessarily be unemployed, was 290.80 lakh as against total of 414.66 lakh persons registered with employment exchanges in the country as on 31.12.2006. The youth, therefore, constitute about 70% of the total job seekers. During the last 5 years, on an average, about 58 lakh job seekers including youth are being added to the live register every year whereas only 2.10 lakh job seekers, on an average, per year are being placed by the employment exchanges of the country. Employment Exchanges make submissions of suitable candidates to the employers against vacancies notified to them. Details of Registration, Placement, Vacancies Notified, Submissions made and Live Register for the last 15 years are annexed. The reduction in placement through Employment Exchanges is due to emergence of specialized recruiting agencies such as Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), State Public Service Commissions, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personal Selection (IBPS) and also as a result of Supreme Court judgment which gives freedom to employers to advertise their vacancies through print and electronic media to seek nominations from the market also.
(d) Eleventh Five Year Plan aims at creating 58 million job opportunities in the country. On an average, therefore, about 11.6 million job opportunities are estimated to be created during 2009-10.
Annexure
|
Q No: 2056 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT |
Subject: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the employment opportunities in organised and unorganized sectors in the country have been decreasing continuously for the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the factors attributed thereto; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken for the remedy of the situation?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (c) No Sir. Reliable estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained through quinquennial labour force surveys conducted by National Sample Survey Organization. Last such survey was conducted during 2004-05. As per two most recent quinquennial rounds of survey on employment and unemployment, work force on usual status basis has increased from 397 million in 1999-2000 to 459.10 million in 2004-05 registering an average growth rate of 2.95 percent per annum.
The employment in organized sector has increased from 26.46 million in the year (2004-05) to 27.27 million in 2006-07. The last available data for the unorganized sector relates to the period 2004-05 which has registered an increase from 369.0 million in 1999-2000 to 432.64 million in 2004-05.
|
Q No: 2105 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: NEW SCHEMES TO PROMOTE HANDLOOM INDUSTRY |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to formulate new schemes to promote handloom industry in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof,
(c) the number of persons employed in handloom industry, State-wise;
(d) the quantum of cloth produced by handloom sector during each of the last three years;
(e) whether Government has provided any financial assistance/subsidy to the Handloom Industries during each of the last three years; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): No Sir. The Government of India has introduced following schemes in the XIth Five Year Plan which are comprehensive in nature and cover the interest of the Handloom weavers of the country :-
i) Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme ii) Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme iii) Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme iv) Mill Gate Price Scheme v) Diversified Handloom Development Scheme
(b): Does not arise.
(c): State-wise details of number of persons employed in Handloom industry is enclosed as Annexure-I.
(d): The quantum of cloth produced by Handloom sector during the last three years are as under:-
(e) & (f ): Scheme-wise details of financial assistance released during the last three years is enclosed as Annexure-II.
Annexure I
Statement referred to in reply to part (c) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2105 for 22.07.2009.
State-wise details of number of persons engaged in weaving and associated activities in the Handloom Sector as per Joint Census of Handlooms & Powerlooms Report 1995-96
S. No Name of the State No. of persons engaged in Weaving (Weavers) & Allied Activities
1 Andhra Pradesh 490616 2 Arunachal Pradesh 53473 3 Assam 2322268 4 Bihar 110732 5 Chattisgarh 28362 6 Delhi 6708 7 Goa 25 8 Gujarat 57936 9 Haryana 22810 10 Himachal Pradesh 65099 11 Jammu & Kashmir 51847 12 Jharkhand 56975 13 Karnataka 177562 14 Kerala 63153 15 Madhya Pradesh 27744 16 Maharashtra 80901 17 Manipur 462087 18 Meghalaya# # 19 Mizoram# # 20 Nagaland 126228 21 Orissa 246782 22 Pondicherry 7369 23 Punjab 13160 24 Rajasthan 71915 25 Sikkim 1228 26 Tamil Nadu 607675 27 Tripura 291761 28 Uttar Pradesh 401362 29 Uttaranchal 19322 30 West Bengal 686254 Total All India 6551354 # Data not received from Meghalaya and Mizoram
Annexure-II
Statement referred to in reply to part (e) & (f) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2105 for 22.07.2009.
Scheme-wise details of financial assistance released during the last three years.
Sl. No. Name of the Scheme Released during 2006-2007(Rs. in crores) Released during 2007-2008 (Rs. in crores) Released during 2008-2009(Rs. in crores)
1. Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana (DDHPY) 75.31
2. Workshed-cum-Housing Scheme 17.95
3. Weavers’ Welfare Scheme 9.86
4. Design Development & Training Program 4.13
5. Marketing Promotion Programme. 15.19 6. Handloom Export Scheme 4.50
7 Mill Gate Price Scheme. 12.00
8. Integrated Handloom Training Project. 10.90
9. WSC(J&K) 0.36 10. Integrated Handloom Cluster Development 5.47 11. Health Insurance Scheme 37.00 12. Mahatma Gandhi BBY 3.00
The Schemes being implemented during the XI Plan(2007-08 to 2011-2012)
1 Integrated Handloom Development Scheme – 110.50 108.98
2. Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme – 126.09 124.87
3. Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme – 23.42 45.00
4. Mill Gate Price Scheme 23.50 29.59
5. Diversified Handloom Development Scheme – 9.07 16.00 Grand Total: 195.67 292.58 324.44
|
Q No: 1868 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES |
Subject: STUDY FOR RESTRUCTURING OF HCL . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) were engaged by Hindustan Cables Ltd. (HCL) to conduct study for restructuring the sick company;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether they have submitted the report and recommendations; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
(SHRI ARUN YADAV)
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. In furtherance to the Draft Rehabilitation Study (DRS) on revival of Hindustan Cables Ltd. (HCL) prepared by the State Bank of India, the Operating Agency appointed by the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), a technical study was conducted by IIT, Kharagpur in November, 2004. Subsequently, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was appointed in for conducting a detailed turnaround strategy for HCL.
(c)&(d): The technical study conducted by IIT, Kharagpur suggested capital investment of Rs.1643 crore for revival of HCL. The TCS turn around strategy examined three options viz. Status Quo, Closure and Revival. Status Quo option involved annual recurring expenditure of Rs.80 crore. Cost of closure was stipulated at Rs.1296.87 crore. Revival, even with certain concessions, restructuring and large scale Voluntary Retirement, in the view of TCS, was not possible.
Reports of SBI, IIT and TCS were considered by the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) on 11.09.2006 when it was desired that since these studies did not present an integrated approach on HCL, a fresh detailed, comprehensive, holistic study through IIT, Kharagpur be conducted. Report, accordingly, received from IIT, Kharagpur was considered by the BRPSE on 9.1.2008 when it was recommended for Joint Venture partnership either with Public or Private Enterprises failing which a complete disinvestment. Based on the recommendations of the BRPSE, views of Central Public Sector Enterprises, which have synergies with HCL were called for in June, 2008 and thereafter an advertisement was published in August, 2008 seeking expansion of interest from interested Public Sector Enterprises. Further action is under process.
|
Q No: 1733 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
Subject: LPG CONNECTIONS IN ANDHRA PRADESH . |
Question:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) the total number of domestic LPG connections in Andhra Pradesh ;
(b) the number of applications in the waiting list ; and
(c) the details of LPG connections released in the State during the last three years, year-wise, company-wise and district-wise ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA )
(a) : Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reported that as on 01.06.2009 they are serving 115.8 lakh domestic LPG customers in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
(b) : While Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have nil waiting list in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) has reported that there is a waiting list of 30035 as on 01.07.2009 for release of new connections with their LPG distributors in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
(c) : OMCs have released 15.22 lakh new LPG connections during the last three years in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The details are as under :-
The district-wise details are available with Directors (Marketing) of OMCs concerned.
|
Q No: 1623 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: REQUIREMENT OF AIR CONDITIONED AND OTHER COACHES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has assessed the annual requirement of air conditioned and other coaches;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the public sector factories are able to fulfil the requirement of the Railways;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, how the Railways plan to meet the requirement of coaches?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) As per report of the Working Group on Railway Programmes, annual requirement of air conditioned coaches and other coaches has been assessed as 660 and 3878 respectively during the Eleventh Five Year plan.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) & (e) Setting up of two new rail coach factories, one at Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh) and other at Palakkad (Kerala) is under process. In addition, setting up of another factory at Kanchrapara (West Bengal) has been announced in Budget 2009-10.
|
Q No: 1635 |
Dated: |
Ministry: STEEL |
Subject: MOUS WITH STATES FOR MINERAL EXPLORATIONS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that a number of steel companies have entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Governments for mineral explorations;
(b) if so, the details thereof company-wise and State-wise;
(c) the number of companies which have been granted mining leases, company-wise, State-wise and mineral-wise; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by Government to ensure constant supply of raw minerals like iron ore to the newly established steel companies?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL
(SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP)
(a)&(b): A number of steel investors have entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for setting up of iron and steel plants in mineral rich states Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh. The details of such proposal state-wise and project-wise are annexed, as per the record of information available in the Ministry of Steel.
(c) The information is being collected from Ministry of Mines and concerned State Governments and will be laid on the table of the House.
(d) Government has approved National Mineral Policy, 2008, which inter-alia provides for preference to value adders in the allocation of captive mines of iron ore. Further, it may be stated that while considering National Mineral Policy, 2008, the Group of Ministers had decided that conservation of iron ore resources of the country is of paramount importance, however, the same may not be achieved by banning or capping the export of iron ore but by taking recourse to appropriate fiscal measures. Accordingly, export duty at different rates was imposed on iron ore from time to time. At present, the rates of duty on iron ore export is following: –
(i) Iron ore fines (all sorts) – NIL
(ii) Iron ore other than fines (including lumps & pellets) – 5% ad-valorem
|
Q No: 193 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: MONITORING OF PROJECTS UNDER JNNURM NO. |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the budgetary allocation made for the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for each of the last three years, State-wise;
(b) the number of projects sanctioned under the scheme during the current year, State-wise;
(c) whether there is any monitoring mechanism to ensure proper implementation of the scheme; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a)to(d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.193 FOR 16.7.2009 REGARDING MONITORING OF PROJECTS UNDER JNNURM.
(a): Annual Budgetary allocation is not made State-wise. Budgetary allocation made for the implementation of Urban Infrastructure & Governance (UIG) component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for the last three years is given below:-
Figures (In Rs. Crore)
The State-wise indicative allocation for the seven years period for UIG component of JNNURM is at Annexure. In 2008-09, an additional amount of Rs.100 crore for all Million Plus Cities and State Capitals and Rs.50.00 crore for other cities was allocated under Urban Infrastructure & Governance (UIG) of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
(b): Under the UIG component of JNNURM, one project each for the State of Orissa and West Bengal has been approved in the current year i.e. 2009-10. One project each for the city of Kochi in Kerala and Pune in Maharasthra has been approved under the National Mission Mode Project on e-Governance in Municipalities under JNNURM during the current year.
(c)&(d):
(i) The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) apart from approving the projects also reviews and monitors the progress of the projects sanctioned by it on a monthly basis.
(ii) A mechanism at the State level, for third party monitoring and review of the projects sanctioned under the JNNURM has been put in place to ensure that the Mission objectives are met. It is intended that the review and monitoring process in the 65 Mission cities will keep track of the physical and financial progress of projects throughout the implementation of the project- pre-construction, construction, commissioning and trial run, and post-construction stages.
(iii) To strengthen the capacity of States to effectively co-ordinate implementation of projects and reforms under JNNURM, Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) is supporting a Programme Management Unit (PMU) comprising of a team of professionals at the State level.
(iv) Support is being extended to establish Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to enhance their capability to effectively implement projects and reforms under JNNURM.
(v) The second and subsequent installments of Additional Central Assistance (ACA) for projects are released only upon receipt of proper utilization certificate from State Governments. The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) before releasing the second and subsequent installments of ACA satisfies itself as regards the physical and financial progress of the projects under implementation and achievement of milestones as agreed upon by the States and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for implementation of reforms.
(vi) The monitoring of progress of the projects are also done through the Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) of the cities and States and the appraisal of reform implementation by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP).
|
Q No: 1397 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: RPO IN HYDERABAD |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad is not issuing Passports in the prescribed time; and
(b) whether it is a fact that the Passport Adalat, which is organized every Wednesday at Hyderabad, is also not responding properly?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI SHASHI THAROOR)
(a) Yes. The Government is aware that in recent months the issue of passports in the Regional Passport Office Hyderabad has slowed down, resulting in the accumulation of applications. Concerted efforts are being made to clear this pendency as quickly as possible.
(b) Regional Passport Office Hyderabad organizes a Passport Adalat every week for those who have not received passports in 60 days. Efforts are made to clear the pending applications and issue passports immediately to those who attend the Adalats.
|
Q No: 1398 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PASSPORTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of applications pending in each Regional Passport Office (RPO) as on date, State-wise;
(b) the steps being taken to clear the pending applications expeditiously;
(c) the number of passport offices in various States inspected during the last three years and the current year;
(d) the details of lapses/irregularities notified therein, RPO-wise;
(e) whether proposals have been received from States for opening of new passport offices; and
(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI SHASHI THAROOR)
(a) Two lists containing pending applications Passport Office-wise & State-wise, beyond the target date of 30 days for fresh applications and 15 days for reissue applications, are enclosed at Annexures ‘A’ and ‘B’.
(b) The Government has taken several steps from time to time to streamline the process of issuing passports to the applicants to cut down the delays, including:-
(i) special drives to eliminate pendencies,
(ii) expediting police verification process by coordinating with police authorities,
(iii) renewal of passports without police verification of those applicants who have clear police reports in respect of existing passports and nothing adverse against them in passport records,
(iv) issue of passports to senior citizens, Government servants and minors without police verification subject to completion of certain formalities, and
(v) holding of Passport Adalats/camps at regular intervals by Passport Offices to dispose of old passport cases.
(c) The number of Passport Offices inspected during the last three years and the current year is: 2006 – 38; 2007 – 26; 2008 – 31 ; and 2009 – 6 .
(d) During the inspections of Passport Offices, shortcomings falling in the following major categories have been noticed in some cases and in some offices:
i. not conducting proper scrutiny of applications at the time of receipt of the same, ii. not making special arrangements for Tatkal cases, iii. delays in dispatch of personal particular forms to Police authorities, iv. instances of delays in the granting and issue of passports after receipt of clear Police Verification Reports, v. wrong ‘Emigration Clearance Required’ endorsements, vi. delays in dispatch of passports, vii. absence of prompt redressal of grievances of passport seeking public, and viii. absence of requisite amenities for passport applicants.
(e) & (f) No proposal for opening new Passport Offices has been received from the States. However, the Government is committed to improving the Passport Issuance System as a whole, and has accordingly started implementing the Passport Seva Project under which 77 Passport Seva Kendras are to be established throughout the country with the objective to deliver passport-related services to the citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible and reliable manner.
|
Q No: 1466 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: FUNDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER JNNURM |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of funds allocated under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) during 2008-09 to each State/UT, especially Andhra Pradesh; and
(b) the details of utilization of funds in each State/UT till date, especially in Andhra Pradesh, alongwith the achievement of physical and financial targets?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI SAUGATA ROY )
(a): State-wise allocation of funds has not been intimated by the Planning Commission for 2008-09.
(b): Detail enclosed at Annexure-I.
|
Q No: 1190 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: SEZS APPROVED NOTIFIED AND PENDING . |
Question:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) the total number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) approved, investments made, Zones notified and pending, so far, along with the SEZs which has started operating during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise, location-wise and date-wise;
(b) whether complaints/representations have been received demanding review of the SEZ policy in view of its social, economic and other concerns;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government is reviewing the policy of SEZ and the SEZ Act in view of mass protests; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): In addition to the Seven Central Government SEZs and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs set up prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005, formal approval have been accorded to 578 proposals out of which 323 SEZs have been notified. An investment of Rs. 1,08,903 crore has been made and direct employment for 3,87,439 persons have been generated in the SEZs. Total export of Rs. 99,689 crore has been made from SEZs during the financial year 2008-09 registering a growth of 50% over the exports over the 2007-08. The details of formally approved and notified SEZs, State-wise/location-wise and list of operational SEZs are available on the website: www.sezindia.nic.in.
(b) to (e): Representations were received from various stake-holders on a number of issues including inadequate compensation for the land acquired, rehabilitation of displaced persons, compulsory acquisition of land, diversion of land from agriculture for SEZ purposes, need for adequate infrastructural requirements of SEZs, land used for activities in the non-processing area, maximum size of land that should be permitted for SEZs. Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) deliberated on various important issues concerning the SEZs and took appropriate decisions. Decisions taken by the EGOM included: fixing an upper ceiling of area requirement for multi product SEZs at 5000 hactare, preference to be given for wasteland for SEZs; otherwise for single crop land; if not, only 10% of double crop land to be acquired for multi-product SEZs, no Board of Approval (BoA) clearance for SEZs where State Governments have carried out or propose to carry out compulsory acquisition of land for such SEZs after 5th April, 2007, etc.
|
Q No: 1294 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: UPGRADATION OF STATE HIGHWAYS TO NHS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is planning to upgrade certain State Highways to the status of National Highways in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and location-wise;
(c) the total length of National Highways in the country; State-wise;
(d) the total length of State Highways in the entire country and the ratio of National Highways to State Highways;
(e) the details of funds sanctioned and disbursed in the country, State-wise during the last three years; and
(f) the target fixed for connecting roads with the National Highways during 2004-05?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) & (b) Upgrading State Highways as National Highways is currently not a priority for the Government since the emphasis is on development of the existing National Highways which suffer from many deficiencies;
(c) The total length of National Highways in the country State-wise is at Annexure-I.
(d) The total length of State Highways in the entire country is 1,33,000 kms. approximately and the ratio of National Highways to State Highways is 1: 1.885 approximately.
(e) The details of funds sanctioned and disbursed in the country, State-wise during the last three years is at Annexure-II.
(f) No such target was fixed.
|
Q No: 1295 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: INCREASE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of road accidents and the casualties as a result thereof have gone up in the country during the last three years and the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the effective measures taken by Government to check the increasing number of road accidents;
(d) whether Government plans to introduce Highway Traffic Management System in all the States including Andhra Pradesh; and
(e) if so, the details therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. The details of road accidents and casualties as a result thereof in the country for the calendar years 2005 to 2007 (the latest available data) are at Annexure. The road accidents are non random events which occur due to a complex mix of number of factors which interallia includes: (a) type of road users and volume of vehicular traffic, (b) environmental/road related factors like road visibility, road design and geometry, access control, intersections (area of traffic conflict), provision of segregation of non-motorized transport and heavy vehicle traffic, (c) vehicle related factorsvisibility of vehicles, use of protective devices (helmets and seat belts) by vehicle occupants; problems with head and tail lights, mechanical failure etc, (d) nature of traffic management use of automatic signals, traffic calming devices and (e) emergency care for accident victims.
(c) The safety of road users is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government. However, this Ministry has taken several steps to improve road safety for road users which are as under:
(i) Road safety is an integral part of road design at the planning stage for National Highways/Expressways.
(ii) Various steps to enhance road safety such as road furniture, road markings/road signs, introduction of Highway Traffic Management System using Intelligent Transport System, enhancement of discipline among contractors during construction, road safety audit on selected stretches, have been undertaken by National Highways Authority of India.
(iii) Refresher training to Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers in the unorganized sector being implemented by the Ministry since 1997-98 under plan activities.
(iv) Involvement of NGOs for road safety activities by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways Authority of India.
(v) Setting up of Driving Training Schools in the country.
(vi) Publicity campaign on road safety awareness both through the audio-visual and print media.
(vii) Institution of National Award for voluntary organizations/individual for outstanding work in the field of road safety.
(viii) Tightening of safety standards of vehicles.
(ix) Providing cranes and ambulances to various State Governments/NGOs under National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme. National Highways Authority of India also provides ambulances at a distance of 50 Km. on each of its completed stretches of National Highways under its Operation & Maintenance contracts.
(x) Widening and improvements of National Highways from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and 4 lanes to 6 lanes etc.
(d)&(e) Model Concession Agreement (MCA) contains a provision for establishment of Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS)/Automated Traffic Management System for Public Private Participation (PPP) projects.
Annexure
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1295 FOR ANSWER ON 15TH JULY, 2009 ASKED BY SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA REGARDING INCREASE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS
|
Q No: 897 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: AIR POLLUTION IN METRO CITIES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any survey has been conducted by Government to study the outcome of the measures undertaken to control air pollution in the metro cities, specially in Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of standards/norms fixed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with regard to air quality;
(d) whether Government proposes to initiate any programme to achieve WHO standards/norms;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) by when the said norms/standards are likely to be achieved?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) As such, no specific survey has been conducted to study the outcome of the measures undertaken to control air pollution in metro cities including Hyderabad. However, ambient air quality is regularly being monitored under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) alongwith State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). The monitoring of ambient air quality and interpretation of data therein helps in determining broadly the outcome of various measures adopted by the Government to control air pollution. Ambient air quality data for the last 03 years for Hyderabad has revealed that air quality is within the ambient standards with respect to Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). However, the levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) are exceeding the ambient air quality norms.
(c) The mandate of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes prescribing guidelines in respect of ambient air quality which have been issued from time to time, the latest being in 2005. WHO Guidelines are global in nature and do not take into account the local conditions. WHO air quality guidelines (2005) are in respect of Particulate Matter, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone.
(d) & (e) The Government has taken various measures to control air pollution which interalia includes implementation of notified emission standards for industries and generator sets. Implementation of action plan for air quality management in 16 cities including Hyderabad is being undertaken.
Implementation of emission norms for new and in-use vehicles and fuel quality in accordance with the Road Map of the Auto Fuel Policy, introduction of cleaner fuel in public transport and strengthening of mass transportation is underway.
(f) It is difficult to allocate a time line for the achievement of the said WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
|
Q No: 763 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: EXPORT OF FOODGRAINS FROM THE STOCK OF FCI .
|
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) the total stock of foodgrains in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India during the last three years, year-wise;
(b) the total quantum of foodgrains released and lifted for export during the last three years, year-wise;
(c) whether foodgrains were released to the exporters at a subsidized rate;
(d) if so, the details of subsidy given to the exporters during the said period, year-wise; and
(e) the details of release, off take and price of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System during the above period?
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): A statement showing the details of total storage capacity and stock of foodgrains in the godowns of FCI during the last three years is given at Annex-I.
(b),(c)&(d): There has been no export of foodgrains from Central Pool stocks during the last three years i.e. 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09..
(e): The details of allotment and off take under Targeted Public Distribution System during the last three years i.e. 2006-07 to 2008-09 and Central Issue Prices are given at Annex-II.
|
Q No: 852 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: GAUGE CONVERSION . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Railways have prescribed some norms for approving the gauge conversion work after completion of its survey works;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of railway lines for which proposals have been received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and South Central Railway; and
(d) the time-frame fixed for completing the works?
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. 852 BY SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 10.07.2009 REGARDING GAUGE CONVERSION
(a) & (b): The norms for taking up gauge conversion projects are as under:
i) To take up conversion of lines to develop alternative Broad Gauge (BG) routes obviating the need for doubling existing BG lines on these routes.
ii) To establish new BG links between stations connected by other BG lines.
iii) To establish BG connection to ports, industrial centres and locations having potential for growth;
iv) To take up conversion of lines required on strategic consideration;
v) To minimize transhipment and to improve wagon turn around by avoiding delays at transhipment points.
Gauge conversion works are also taken up on socio-economic considerations for development of backward areas.
(c) & (d): There is only one Metre Gauge line on South Central Railway for which Andhra Pradesh Government has requested for expeditious completion. On this Dharmavaram-Pakala line, conversion of Pakala-Madanapalli has already been completed and awaiting certification by Commissioner of Railway Safety. The portion from Madanapalli –Dharmavaram is targeted for completion during 2009-10.