No. of question: 38
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Q No: 474 |
Dated: |
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: REHABILITATION OF SLUM CLUSTERS IN DELHI |
Question:
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Union Government has recently asked DDA to submit the detailed rehabilitation and development plans for slum clusters in the city;
(b) if so, the details of the plans submitted by DDA to the Union Government;
(c) whether any estimate of population living in slums in the capital has been made and reasons for its rapid growth; and
(d) the specific time by which all the slums in the capital are likely to be rehabilitated and the city would be declared as slum free?
Answer
MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
( SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY )
(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. 474 FOR 6.8.2009 REGARDING REHABILITATION OF SLUM CLUSTERS IN DELHI.
(a)&(b): As part of the Ministry of Urban Development Agenda for Action for 100 days, and in order to meet acute shortage of houses for urban poor, economically weaker sections and lower income groups of city of Delhi, construction of about 40,000 houses will be taken up. About 10,000 houses are phased to be completed every year from the year 2010 onwards. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will take up in-situ development towards rehabilitation of slum-dwellers and Jhuggi Jhompri (JJ) clusters in next five years for 23 clusters. The total numbers of dwelling units of about 25 square meters will be about 47,500. These will be taken up on public-private partnership model in which the land in question that is presently occupied by the JJ/slum-dwellers will be made available to developers, who will construct houses for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in accordance with the numbers identified by the DDA. These houses will be constructed on part of the area while in the remaining area, the developer will be allowed to carry out commercial exploitation of the land. The bidding parameter is envisaged to be the amount to be paid to the DDA in addition to the number of houses identified by the DDA in each cluster/land.
(c): The Slum & JJ Wing of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has informed that as per the survey conducted by the Food & Supplies Department of Government of NCT of Delhi in 1990, there were 929 JJ Clusters wherein 2.59 lakh jhuggi families were identified. The Slum & JJ Wing of MCD has also informed that a field assessment was conducted in 1994 and 1080 JJ clusters with about 4.80 lakh families were identified. According to the Slum & JJ Wing of MCD, presently there are about six lakh jhuggi families with a population of about 30 lakh living in Delhi. The rapid growth of slums in Delhi every year is mainly due to number of people migrating to Delhi from neighbouring states in search of employment.
(d): No specific time frame can be given, in view of the issues involved.
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Q No: 3459 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has assessed the requirement of primary schools in the country in view of passing of legislation on free and compulsory education;
(b) if so, the details thereof; (
(c) whether Government has any idea about the children who are not going to schools;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the manner in which the Centre is going to share expenditure in this regard;
(f) whether States have got enough infrastructure in this regard; and (g) if not, whether the Centre will help them?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): Clause 6 of ‘The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2009’ provides that appropriate Government and the local authority would establish elementary schools in such area or limits of neighbourhood as may be prescribed. Rules for prescribing such areas/limits can be framed only after the proposed Bill is enacted, and the State Governments would determine the requirement of primary schools thereafter.
(c) & (d): The Gross Enrolment Ratio at the primary level was 111.24 in 2006-07. The drop out rate for that level has decreased from 31.5% in 2003-04 to 25.43% in 2006-07.
(e) to (g): Clause 7 of the Bill lays down that the Central Government and the State Governments shall have concurrent responsibility for providing funds for carrying out the provisions of the Act. It further lays down that the Central Government (a) shall prepare estimates of capital and recurring expenditure for implementation of the provision of the Act (b) shall provide to the State Governments, as grants- in- aid of revenues, such percentage of expenditure as it may determine in consultation with the states and (c) may request the President of India for making a reference to the Finance Commission to examine the need for additional resources, if any, to be provided to the State Governments for meeting their financial commitment to implement the Act.
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Q No: 424 |
Dated: |
Ministry: MINES |
Subject: CHANGES IN MINING POLICY |
Question:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to bring sweeping changes in the mining policy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has taken the views of the mining experts and the State Governments, before bringing about such changes; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO STARRED QUESTION No. 424 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE RAJYA SABHA ON THE 3RD AUGUST, 2009 REGARDING CHANGES IN MINING POLICY
(a) & (b): The Government has already enunciated the new National Mineral Policy, 2008, taking into consideration the views of mineral bearing States. The new National Mineral Policy has been tabled in the both Houses of Parliament, on 20.3.2008 in Rajya Sabha and on 16.4.2008 in Lok Sabha and is available on the website of Ministry of Mines(http://mines.nic.in). The new Policy has enunciated policy measures like assured right to next stage mineral concession, transferability of mineral concessions and transparency in allotment of concessions and measures to reduce delays which are seen as impediments to investment and technology flow in the mining sector in India. The Policy also seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilisation of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country and at the same time improving the life of people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country.
(c) & (d) Government had constituted a Committee on 14.09.2005 under the chairmanship of Shri Anwarul Hoda, Member Planning Commission to review the National Mineral Policy and to suggest changes in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, in order to give a fillip to the investment in the mining sector. The Committee considered submissions by Government of Rajasthan, Government of Bihar, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Government of Uttaranchal, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of Orissa and Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Committee also heard the views of a large number of other stakeholders (list at Annexure I). The Committee had 12 meetings and it submitted its report on 19.7.2006.
Thereafter important mineral producing State raised issues relating to concerns on the need to allow the State Government to give preference to value addition within the State, policy on seamless transition, security of tenure, need to strengthen Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and allow preferential treatment in grant of mineral concessions to PSUs, apart from requesting for levy of royalty on ad valorem basis as given in the recommendations of the Hoda Committee on Mineral Policy.
These issues alongwith the recommendations of the High Level Committee were discussed in the meeting of the Mineral Advisory Council held on 6.11.2006, where the Chief Ministers of all the States were invited. Apart from this, the Chief Ministers of State Government of Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh also separately gave their views on Mining Policy to the Government through joint representation.
The National Mineral Policy was referred to a Group of Ministers (GOM) headed by Shri Shivraj V Patil which recommended the new Mineral Policy for consideration of the Government. Further, the Chairman of Group of Ministers held consultations with the Chief Ministers of State Government of Orissa, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh on 6.8.2007. All the views and concerns in the various meetings mentioned above were considered and appropriately addressed by the Government before finalisation of National Mineral Policy, 2008.
Annexure -I
Submissions made to the High Level Committee
1. Porbandar District Chamber of Commerce & Industries
2. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
3. Tata Steel
4. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
5. Aravali Minerals and Chemicals
6. Jai Prakash Associates Ltd.
7 Ambuja Cement
8. Gujarat Mineral Industry Association
9. Society of Geo-scientists and Allied Technologists
10. Birla Corporation Ltd.
11. The India Cements Limited
12. Rajashree Cement
13. Grasim Cement
14. Cement Corporation of India Ltd.
15. Shree Digvijay Cement Co. Ltd.
16. Reserve Bank of India
17. M/s Jindal Stainless Steel
18. Development Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone
19. Federation of Indian Mineral Industries
Presentations made before the High Level Committee
1. Department of Atomic Energy
2. Rio Tinto
3. BHP Billiton
4. Indian Steel Alliance
5. Dr T. M. Babu
6. AXL Industries
7 De Beers
8. Sesa Goa
9. Sterlite Industries
10. Essel Mining & Industries Limited
11. Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’Association
12. Mining Engineers’Association of India
13. Federation of Indian Mineral Industries
14. National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.
15. ESSAR Steel Limited
16. Wolkem India Limited
17. Geomysore Services (India) Pvt. Limited
18. Transworld Garnet India Pvt. Limited
19. Steel Furnace Association of India
20. The Associated Cement Companies Limited
21. Ernst & Young India Limited
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Q No: 3236 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: IMPACT OF G.M. FOOD ON HEALTH |
Question:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that Green peace, in a recent report, has highlighted the dangers of genetically modified food produced in India;
(b) if so, the safety mechanisms adopted by India in this regard;
(c) whether Government is aware that trees and traditional ayurvedic medicinal herbs are being subjected to genetic engineering; and
(d) if so, the details of the genetically modified food and its impact on health and environment?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) The Ministry has received representations from several NGOs alleging the ill-effects of genetically modified food on environment and human health.
(b) India’s biotechnology regulatory system is governed by the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms / Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989” under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These Rules cover the areas of research as well as activities involving manufacture, use, import, export, storage and large scale applications of Genetically Modified (GM) organisms and products. These Rules are supplemented by the biosafety guidelines for evaluating environmental and health safety aspects of GM food crops. The biosafety guidelines are updated regularly and follow international norms prescribed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, CODEX Alimentarius Commission and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). All GM crops are extensively tested for their biosafety prior to commercial release. The biosafety assessment includes environment safety assessment (pollen escape out- crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect of the gene on non-target organisms, presence of the protein in soil and its effect on soil micro-flora, and baseline susceptibility studies etc.) and health safety assessment (composition analysis, allergenicity and toxicological studies, and feeding studies on fish, chicken, cows and buffaloes, etc.) The biosafety data are available in the public domain and can be accessed at http://www.envfor.nic.in/divisions/csurv/geac/geac_home.html and http://www.igmoris.nic.in
(c) Preliminary laboratory based research has been initiated by a few institutions on eucalyptus, bamboo, casuarina, rubber, bell pepper, brahmi, amla, ashwagandha, ginger and anntmool. However, so far no transgenic with these trees or medicinal plants has been developed except rubber which is also under greenhouse studies.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 3341 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: MALNORUISHED WOMEN |
Question:
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that amongst India`s hungry people, the number of women is very high;
(b) if so, whether Government have any data about malnourished women;
(c) the details of programmes Government runs for the poor working women, who are mostly victims of malnourishment and don`t get proper diet and care during pregnancy; and
(d) how government plans to tackle the problem of homeless ill-fed children and women in the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) & (b) Nutrition status in adults is estimated by the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is based on height and weight measurements.
As per National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3), 35.6% of women (between 15-49 years) have BMI below 18.5 indicating chronic energy deficiency. State-wise prevalence is at Annexure-I.
(c) & (d) The Ministry of Women and Child Development is addressing the problem of undernutrition in children below six years and pregnant and lactating mothers through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme in all States/UTs. The ICDS provides a package of six services namely supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up referral services, pre-school non-formal education and nutrition & health education. Three of the services are provided through Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
To bridge the gap in Recommended Directory Allowances (RDA) and the actual intake, the nutritional norms to be provided through Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) ICDS have been revised. Now 600 Kcal and 18-20g of protein are provided through supplementary nutrition to pregnant and lactating women.
To prevent anemia, iron and folic acid supplementation is also provided to pregnant and lactating women under RCH programme o Ministry of Health & family Welfare.
Besides the ICDS programme, Government is implementing a number of schemes throughout the country, which directly or indirectly improve the nutritional status of women and children. A list of the schemes being implemented by various Ministries is at Annexure-II
In addition, Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing various women empowerment schemes like Swadhar, Swayamsidha, STEP etc. which have components for skill upgradation, training for self employment and stay in Shelter Homes etc. leading to economic empowerment of poor and destitute women. This will result in increase in their purchasing power and consequent reduction of malnutrition in the long run.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development is also implementing various child welfare & protection schemes to take adequate care of street children. The-National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) set up in 2007 looks into the matters relating to children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children without family and children of prisoners and recommends appropriate remedial measures. A Child Helpline is also in operation to take care of complaints from children.
Annexure-II
Statement referred to the reply to parts (c) and (d) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3341. SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN:
(i) Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls in 51 districts to provide free food grains to undernourished adolescent girls by Ministry of Women and Child Development.
(ii) Kishori Shakti Yojana is implemented in 6118 blocks using ICDS platform.
(iii) To promote appropriate infant and young child feeding practices, the National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding have been developed and disseminated all over the country. Increased emphasis is given to: a. Initiation of breastfeeding immediately after birth, preferably within one hour. b. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months c. Implementing the Infant Milk Substitute (IMS) Act.
(iv) Nutrition and Health Education: Food and Nutrition Board of the Ministry of Women & Child Development is engaged in advocacy, trainings and generating awareness on important nutrition issues among different level of functionaries and the masses.
(v) National Programme for Nutritional Support to Primary Education (Mid Day Meal Scheme) by the Department of School Education & Literacy;
(vi) Reproductive & Child Health Programme under the National Rural Health Mission being implemented by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has schemes for prevention of micronutrient malnutrition as below: ? Iron and Folic acid supplementation for children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women. ? Vitamin-A supplementation for children upto 5 years. ? National Iodine Deficiency Control Programme.
(vii) Targeted Public Distribution System, Antodaya Anna Yojna and Annapurna Scheme by the Department of Food & Consumer Affairs.
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Q No: 2979 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TOURISM |
Subject: SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO FOREIGN TOURISTS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has announced a special bonanza for foreign tourists visiting India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government is seriously considering to provide infrastructure status for tourism sector in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM
(KUMARI SELJA)
(a) and (b): A “Visit India 2009” Scheme has been announced by the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with all stakeholders including airlines, hotels, tour operators & State Governments for incentivising travel from overseas to India. The incentives being offered by the stakeholders include complimentary air tickets, hotel rooms, local tours, etc.
(c) and (d): The hotel industry has been requesting for the grant of infrastructure status which entails benefits under the Income Tax Act which is within the purview of the Ministry of Finance. On the request of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Finance had announced a 5 year Tax Holiday in the budget of 2007-08, for new hotels of 2, 3 and 4 star category coming up between 1.4.2007 to 31.3.2010 in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad. A five year Tax Holiday was also announced in the budget of 2008-09 for hotels of 2, 3 and 4 star category located in all UNESCO declared World Heritage sites
(except Mumbai and Delhi) which start operating w.e.f. 01.04.2008 to 31.3.2013.
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Q No: 362 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH |
Subject: DELAY AND COST ESCALATION IN NHDP PROJECTS |
Question:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a large number of projects under the National Highway Development Project (NHDP) have been affected and are running behind schedule due to cost escalation and other reasons;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof;
(c) whether various factors responsible for cost escalation of projects, cost variations and financial implications have been examined; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by Government to complete such projects without any further loss of time and cost escalation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI KAMAL NATH)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. 150 ongoing projects under NHDP have been affected due to various reasons including increase in prices of construction materials, delay in land acquisition, utility shifting, obtaining clearances from forest / environment, poor performance of some contractors and law & order problems in some states. Replies to (c) & (d) are laid on the Table of the House.
ANNEX
ANNEX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) AND (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 362 FOR ANSWER ON 29.7.2009 ASKED BY SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI AND SHRI N.K. SINGH REGARDING DELAY AND COST ESCALATION IN NHDP PROJECTS
(c) & (d) Escalation depends upon various factors like increase in prices of construction materials, labour, machinery, etc. Escalation is paid as per contract if the delay is due to reasons beyond the control of the contractor. The overall escalation can only be determined on completion of the project. In order to expedite the process of four laning, progress of projects is closely monitored and concerted efforts are being made to expedite land acquisition, shifting of utilities, granting interest bearing advances to contractors, etc.
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Q No: 2790 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: NAXAL ATTACK IN CHHATTISGARH |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that a recent attack by Naxals on police has claimed lives of about 50 policemen including a Superintendent of Police in Chhattisgarh;
(b) if so, whether the bodies of all policemen have been recovered;
(c) the number of people including policemen killed in naxal attacks during the last three years in different States; and
(d) whether Government will allocate more money to States to tackle the problem of naxals and modernization of forces?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) & (b): In a major naxal attack on 12.7.2009, 29 policemen including Superintendent of Police Rajnandgaon lost their lives and their bodies have been recovered.
(c): Details are given in Anneuxure.
(d): State Governments deal with the various issues related to Naxalite activities in the State. The Central Government supplements their efforts in several ways. These include modernization and upgradation of the State police under the Scheme for Modernization of State Police Force (MPF scheme); sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; and assistance in development works through a range of schemes of different Central Ministries.
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Q No: 2804 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: NAXALS SLOWING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN CHHATTISGARH AND JHARKHAND |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that naxals are slowing the developmental projects going on in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand areas;
(b) if so, what is the position of activities related to infrastructure development in these States;
(c) whether Government is providing adequate security to the people working in these areas; and
(d) whether Government will raise special force to tackle this problem and help in modernizing State forces?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (d): In the area highly affected by naxals, implementation of developmental programmes are affected. Infrastructure developmental works are in progress under police security. The States have raised Special Task Forces, India Reserve Battalions and have filled up vacancies in State Police Forces to deal with the various issues related to naxalite activities in the States. The Central Government supplements their efforts in several ways. These inter alia include deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMFs) – 37 Bns), modernization and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus under the Scheme for Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF scheme); re-imbursement of security-related expenditure under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; filling up critical infrastructure gaps under the scheme for Special Infrastructure in Leftwing Extremism affected States; assistance in training of State Police through Ministry of Defence, Central Police Orgainsations and Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; launching special intra-State and inter-State coordinated joint operations, assistance in community policing and civic actions and assistance in development works through a range of schemes of different Central Ministries.
Two CoBRA battalions specially trained in Counter Insurgency & Jungle Warfare, have been raised in Jagadalpur in Chhattisgarh and Koarput in Orissa. 37 India Reserve (IR) battalions have been sanctioned of which 24 have been raised. Rs. 10.50 crore have been released for setting up of 7 CIAT schools in 4 naxal affected States of Bihar 1, Chhattisgarh 2, Jharkhand 2 and Orissa 2.
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Q No: 2668 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: RECOMMENDATION OF KNOWLEDGE COMMISSION REPORT |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to bring all institutions of higher education like IIMs, IITs, Medical Institutions and other Institutions imparting higher education under one umbrella under his Ministry;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has accepted the recommendations of Knowledge Commission;
(d) if so, the details of recommendations accepted by Government; and
(e) the distribution of colleges of technical institutions in the country, State-wise, and whether his Ministry proposes to solve the problem of uneven distribution of educational institutions in the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) & (d): The recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission as well as those made by the Committee to Rejuvenate and Renovate Higher Education are inputs to policy decisions in reforming and strengthening Higher Education.
(e): State-wise details of the number of IITs, Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics as on March, 2009 is enclosed at Annexure. To overcome the regional imbalance of the number of seats in various States of the country, second shift of engineering colleges/ polytechnics have been allowed in existing institutions, in those States where the number of seats available per lakh of population is less than the all India average.
For more balanced growth of various streams of education in engineering & technology, it has been decided to allow establishment of new engineering institutions with at least three conventional branches as a mandatory requirement in the States where the number of seats available in engineering colleges per lakh of population are more than the all India average, whereas in the states where the number of seats available in engineering colleges per lakh of population are less than the all India average, no such restriction is applicable.
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Q No: 2687 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: GAP IN ACCESS TO EDUCATION |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that there is a huge gap in access to primary and higher education in various regions of the country;
(b) whether Government is also aware that this gap is also in terms of quality education available to children in various parts of the country;
(c) how Government proposes to bridge this gap;
(d) whether Government’s vision to provide education to all would cover quality education as well; and
(e) if so, whether Government proposes to involve private sector also?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (d): Access measured in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio for Primary and Higher Education varies across States. There are several reasons for differences in the standard of education in the country viz. the availability of good infrastructure for educational institutions, faculty, access etc., The country being vast and education being in the Concurrent list of the Constitution where States are responsible for the educational institutions within their jurisdiction, differences in standard do occur due to various factors. The standard of education is perceived by competence of the individuals that the system turns out. It varies from institution to institution in both Government and Private Sectors.
The Government of India has also set up authorities like Universities Grants Commission and the All India Council for Technical Education for coordination and development of higher education in the country. These regulatory bodies have framed, within their powers, the required rules and regulations for bringing about uniformity and a certain standard of education in the country. These regulatory bodies also give grants to the various universities and educational institutions in the country for improving the quality of education. As part of the Central Government’s commitment to make secondary education of good quality available, accessible and affordable to all young persons a centrally sponsored scheme to universalize access to improve quality of education at secondary stage, called Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) has been launched in March,2009. The scheme seeks to universalize access to secondary education, while improving quality and ensuring quality.
(e): Governments strategy is for expansion and quality improvement in the country’s education sector. Government favours active support and involvement of private participation for funding and management of educational institutions subject to reasonable surplus earned and the same being ploughed back for development of institutions. The 11th Plan document as approved by the National Development Council, also mentions the need to explore private sector initiatives and various forms of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector.
Government has already decided to set up 2500 Model Schools and 300 Polytechnics under Public Private Partnership mode during 11th Plan period. A proposal for setting up of 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology in various parts of the country under PPP mode is also under consideration.
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Q No: 2552 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: POWER MINISTERS CONFERENCE OF MONSOON . |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the States had raised certain issues regarding power generation, distribution and transmission in the conference of Power Ministers in New Delhi;
(b) if so, the details of issues raised;
(c) what has been done in that regard;
(d) whether functioning of the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana was discussed; and
(e) if so, the changes or modifications likely to be effected in the Yojana, to make it realistic?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) to (e) : Conference of Power Ministers of States was held on 23rd June, 2009 at New Delhi. Issues relating to Capacity Addition, Open Access, Rural Electrification and Re- structured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme were discussed in detail during the conference. After discussion, a Resolution was adopted at the end of the conference incorporating steps to be taken to expedite progress in Capacity Addition and facilitate implementation of RGGVY and R-APDRP.
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Q No: 2569 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: NATIONAL MISSION |
Question:
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government plans to set up a National mission on Empowerment of Women for implementation of women-centric programmes;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the women empowerment programmes are not implemented by some Ministries/Departments in an effective way; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by Government to ensure that women empowerment programmes are effectively implemented?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The overall aim of the proposed Mission is to strengthen the processes that promote economic and social development of women. Convergence of activities of multi disciplinary nature and across cutting holistic sectoral policies is an important ingredient in the Mission mode approach. It is envisaged that the proposed Mission would set goals and monitor achievements while participating Ministries and State Governments will continue to implement the programmes and schemes.
(c) No, Madam.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 2288 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR |
Question:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government envisage 4 per cent growth in agriculture sector in Eleventh Five Year Plan;
(b) if so, what amount has been invested in research and development in this field;
(c) what schemes have been launched for the benefit of farmers and what is the status of implementation of those schemes in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Bundelkhand region; and
(d) the status of private investment in this sector and what facilities of direct marketing have been launched for the farmers?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): An amount of Rs.12,023 crore has been allocated to DARE/ICAR for Research & Development in Agriculture during the XI Plan.
(c): In order to ensure that 4 per cent growth in the agriculture sector is achieved during the Eleventh Five Year Plan, in addition to ongoing schemes, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has launched two schemes
(i) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for Rs.25000 crore and
(ii) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Rs.4883 crore during the Eleventh Five Year Plan to increase production and productivity in the agriculture sector. An amount of Rs.315.33 crore under RKVY and Rs.253.03 crore under NFSM has been allocated to Uttar Pradesh during 2009-10. The Districts of (Jalaun,
(ii) Chitrakoot,
(iii) Lalitpur,
(iv) Hamirpur,
(v) Mahoba and
(vi) Jhansi of the Bundelkhand Region have been covered under NFSM.
(d): The Government has proposed to enter into partnership with the private sector to strengthen agricultural infrastructure. The areas identified for private investment are Agriculture Marketing and Horticulture. In addition, under the Scheme of Development and Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Promotion and Distribution of Quality Seed, private companies, individual entrepreneurs, self help groups, etc are given credit linked back ended capital subsidy. Since 2005-06 an amount of Rs.12 crore has been released to the National Seeds Corporation and they have sanctioned 205 projects.
For direct marketing States have to amend their Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee
(APMC) Acts. The State of Uttar Pradesh has not been notified for implementation of the scheme of “Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization” since the requisite reforms have not been introduced in the State.
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Q No: 2145 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: NUCLEAR TEST BY NORTH |
Question:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of nuclear test by North Korea, recently;
(b) if so, whether Government has described the nuclear test by North Korea as a development of serious concern;
(c) if so, whether in view of such developments, Government proposes to have eternal vigilance to meet any challenge to the national security from any quarter; and
(d) if so, the further reaction of Government thereon?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) & (b) In a statement on 25th May 2009 External Affairs Minister said, “We have seen reports that DPRK has conducted a nuclear test on 25 May 2009. For the DPRK to conduct such a test in violation of its international commitments would be unfortunate. Like others in the international community we are concerned at the adverse effect on peace and security in that region of such tests. We continue to monitor the situation.”
(c) & (d) Government monitors all such developments which have a bearing on national security and is committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard the nation’s security.
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Q No: 2166 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: AMENITIES IN URBAN AREAS |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that in a recent report published by UNDP, India: Urban Poverty Report, it has been mentioned that India will have over 41 per cent of its population, around 575 million people living in urban areas by 2030, from the figures of 286 million;
(b) if so, whether Government has envisaged any plan for the requirement of housing and their living conditions in these urban places; and
(c) the present situation in this regard and the amenities and housing infrastructure Government proposes to have for the present 80 million population in urban areas?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a): Yes, Sir. The `India: Urban Poverty Report` predicts that if the existing conditions prevail, the urban population of India may go up from above 315 million in 2005 to about 650 million in 2030.
(b)&(c): Government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in December 2005 with the basic objective to strive for holistic slum development by providing adequate shelter and basic infrastructure facilities to the urban poor/slum dwellers in identified urban areas. Additional Central Assistance is provided to States for taking up projects for housing and infrastructural facilities for slum dwellers/urban poor in 65 select cities in the country under the Sub-Mission on Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP). Other cities and towns are covered under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). The Government has also launched new scheme of Affordable Housing in Partnership with an outlay of Rs. 5000 crores for construction of 1 million houses for EWS/LIG/MIG with at least 25% for EWS category. The scheme aims at partnership between various agencies/ Government/ parastatals/ Urban Local Bodies/ developers. The Government has also launched the scheme for Interest Subsidy for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP) that envisages the provision of interest subsidy to EWS and LIG segments to enable them to buy or construct houses.
Furthermore, the Government has proposed to launch a new scheme called Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) for the slum dwellers and the urban poor. It aims at providing support to States that are willing to provide property rights to the slum dwellers. The Government`s effort would be to create Slum free India through implementation of RAY.
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Q No: 2173 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION |
Subject: URBAN POVERTY AND DEPRIVATION |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that with globalization of economy urbanization has increased in India and so has the poverty and deprivation in all urban areas;
(b) whether Government has analysed this trend and also the factors like migration of labour, their working conditions in urban areas;
(c) if so, the details and action taken in this regard;
(d) whether Government has analysed the gender dimensions of urban poverty; and
(e) if so, the details in this regard and schemes/financial help provided to women?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
( KUMARI SELJA )
(a): Yes, Sir. As per the Planning Commission estimates of urban poor for the years 1993-1994 and 2004-2005, based on the Uniform Recall Period (URP) method, the absolute number of urban poor has increased from 76.34 million to 80.80 million during this period whereas the absolute number of rural poor has decreased from 244.03 million to 220.92 million.
(b)&(c): The Report on Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the Unorganized Sector by the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector (NCEUS) brought out in August 2007, has deeply analyzed the trends of economy and its effect on poor/ informal sector. It reveals that in 2004-2005, out of India`s total workforce of 457.5 million, 92% or 422.6 million worked in unorganized economy i.e. informal sector. In case of gender break-up, the figure was 90.7% for male and 95.9% for female workforce respectively.
(d)&(e): The India Urban Poverty Report 2009, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, critically analyses the gender dimension of urban poverty in one of its chapters. The report says that women in urban areas are affected due to poverty as well as gender discriminations. The analysis made in the chapter, based on data over 1993-1994 and 2004-2005, emphasizes the need for a specific focus on urban poor women, given the increasing incidence of poverty in terms of absolute numbers of poor women and their high compound growth rate. Further the Head Count Ratio (HCR) of poverty among female headed households is higher in urban areas when compared to male headed householders.
With regard to the schemes targeting women urban poor, the Urban Women Self-help Programme (UWSP) component of the revamped Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) targets the urban poor women for assistance in setting up group enterprises as well as support in the form of revolving fund for Self-help groups/ Thrift & Credit Societies for meeting their micro-credit needs. Also 30% of the beneficiaries under the Urban Self Employment Programme (targeting individual urban poor for setting up micro-enterprises) and Skill training for Employment Promotion amongst Urban Poor (STEP-UP) components of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) must be women.
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Q No: 1983 |
Dated: |
Ministry: DEFENCE |
Subject: SECURITY CHECKS IN THE SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS TO TACKLE THE |
Question:
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has recently directed the Navy and Coast Guard to maintain a high state of alert in the Southern Coastal areas;
(b) if so, whether illegal infiltration from the Southern Coastal areas have increased in the past few months;
(c) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(d) to what extent the Navy and Coast Guard have maintained security checks in the Southern Coastal areas?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY) MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(a) to (d): The Indian Navy (IN) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) always remain in a state of readiness to protect the country’s coastal waters, including thwarting any attempt at infiltration. While no specific report about any illegal infiltration from the southern coastline of the country has been received, the coastal waters of the country are guarded by the ICG and the IN in coordination with the State Police and other agencies like Customs through various means including aerial surveillance, maritime patrolling etc.
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Q No: 1878 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: REGULATION OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has decided to regulate admission and fee structure of various private universities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of complaints received by the University Grants Commission (UGC) about malpractices in admission and fee structure of private universities; and
(d) the manner in which such malpractices by private universities will be curbed?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The University Grants Commission regulation for admission and fee structure in institutions deemed to be universities is presently under consideration of the Government.
( c ) & (d): According to the University Grants Commission(UGC), complaints are received by the Commission that some of the private universities do not refund the fee to the students, who opt out of the institution after taking admission, and also do not return their original certificates. The Commission has issued a public notice followed by a letter to all universities to refund the fee and return the original documents of the students in such cases. A legislative proposal to prohibit unfair practices in technical education, medical education and universities is under consideration of the Government.
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Q No: 1651 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS |
Subject: OF ACCOUNTS BOOKS OF BIG CORPORATES QUESTION |
Question:
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Ministry is looking into the accounts of big corporates with huge turnovers to assess whether these firms are reflecting correctly the losses or gains arising from transactions involving foreign currency in their account books;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has asked the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to check/scrutinize the accounts of big corporates; and
(d) if so, the details of discrepancies found by ICAI in the accounts of big corporates and further action taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) & (b) The Ministry carries out scrutiny and inspection of accounts of companies as and when required as part of its responsibility of administration of the Companies Act, 1956. During this process, compliance with Accounting Standards is also checked and Accounting Standard 11 titled ‘The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates’ is a part of Accounting Standards. Further, auditors of every company have to inter-alia report on the compliance of Accounting Standards as required under Section 227(3)(d) of the Companies Act, 1956.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 1776 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: PACE OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION |
Question:
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether, under the rural electrification programme, Government is financing various schemes under RGGVY also;
(b) if so, whether the rural electrification works in Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa are getting delayed due to pending forest clearances;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps Government proposes to take to clear the pending rural electrification programmes and implementing them in an effective way?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) : Yes, Sir. Under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), Government of India is providing 90% capital subsidy for electrification of villages and free electricity connections to BPL households. The balance 10% is provided by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Ltd. as loan.
(b) & (c) : The implementing Agencies have informed that 35 Villages in Gajapati District of Orissa and 2048 villages in Bokaro, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Girdih district of Jharkhand are affected due to forest clearance issue.
(d) : For effective implementation of RGGVY, the following steps have been taken:
i) An inter-Ministerial Monitoring Committee review the progress of implementation.
ii) States have been advised to set up district committees to monitor the progress of rural electrification works. All the states have notified formation of district committees.
iii) The Government of India as also Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), conduct frequent review meetings with all the stakeholders; the concerned State Governments, state power utilities and implementing agencies for expeditious implementation of the scheme on the agreed schedules.
iv) For speedier and effective implementation of projects, execution has been taken up on turnkey basis.
v) To ensure qualitative execution of rural electrification works, a three tier quality control mechanism has been enforced under RGGVY.
vi) Fund flow has been streamlined.
vii) Chief Ministers have been requested for expeditious implementation of the scheme.
viii) Chief Secretaries of States have been requested to resolve a state level issues by holding State level Coordination Committee meetings for expeditious implementation of the scheme.
ix) Grant amount of BPL connection has been enhanced to Rs.2200/- from Rs.1500/-.
x) To take care of the cost escalation, cost norms for village electrification have been revised upward.
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Q No: 1600 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether June 19, 2009 was remembered as World Sickle Cell Anaemia Awareness Day in the world to deal with the disease, an inherited condition that affects hundreds of thousands of babies born each year, mostly in low and middleincome countries;
(b) if so, whether Government is aware that in India thousands of tribal children born with this disease and die due to unawareness;
(c) whether Government has made survey of tribal population of entire country having symptoms and traits of this disease; and
(d) if so, the deails thereof, State-wise and the number of deaths recorded during the last three years?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d): Yes, Madam. Indian Council of Medial Research (ICMR) has been supporting research in this area in its own Institutes and other research institutions for over two decades. Council has recently completed a multicentric study on primitive tribal populations of four States i.e Gujarat, Orissa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It was reported from the study that the sickle cell gene was present in all the tribal groups. Among the tribal groups, the prevalence of sickle cell gene was found to be very high (21.9%) in Paniyas from Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) and very low (1.1%) in Didayis from Orissa. Information regarding death records is maintained by the State Governments.
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Q No: 1250 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: LIBERATED ZONES CREATED BY NAXALS |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that Naxals have created `liberated zones` in their areas of influence in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and have displaced local population;
(b) whether Government is also aware that lakhs of people have become internally displaced people due to reasons of law and order and fear;
(c) if so, what Government is doing to rehabilitate internally displaced people and what is estimated number of such people in various States and how many people have been killed in Naxal violence during the last three years, till date; and
(d) whether Government proposes for single command in Naxal prone areas for better intelligence input?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (c): The talk of so called liberated zones is baseless propaganda. The concerned State governments deal with naxal violence and take appropriate measures to provide relief and rehabilitation to victims of naxalite violence.
The number of civilians killed in naxal violence during the last 3 years and during current year (upto 30.6.2009) are as below:
(d): There is no such proposal at present.
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Q No: 1251 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: SCAM IN LAYING BARBED WIRE FENCING ALONG LOC . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the CBI has recently unearthed a scam running into Rs. 12.50 crore in the laying of barbed wire fencing along the border of Pakistan and the LoC in Poonch and Akhnoor sectors;
(b) if so, the modus-operandi of the scam;
(c) whether the role of Army officers is being probed in view of contract awarded to a Jammu based company through NCCF; and
(d) if so, the facts thereof and further steps Government proposes to take to bring transparency in awarding such contracts?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (d): As per the information received from the Ministry of Defence, a case relating to procurement of Concerting Wire, Barbed wire and Angle Iron Picket by the Army from NCCF, Jammu for the fencing along LoC (Line of Control between India and Pakistan is under investigation by the CBI.
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Q No: 1322 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TEXTILES |
Subject: PROTECTING INTERESTS OF HANDLOOM WORKERS IN U.P. |
Question:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) what has been done by Government during the last three years to protect the interests of handloom workers of Uttar Pradesh and the details of schemes launched;
(b) what has been done by Government for the education of children of weavers living in very poor conditions;
(c) what Government proposes to do to provide better market access and raw material to handloom workers and remove the menace of middlemen; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): The Government of India is implementing the following schemes during the XI Five Year Plan to promote the Handloom Sector in all over the country including Uttar Pradesh State:-
(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.
The developmental and welfare schemes being implemented by the Government of India are comprehensive in nature and cover the interest of handloom weavers of the entire country including Uttar Pradesh. In the 11th Plan, out of the two mega clusters sanctioned with an outlay of Rs 70.00 crores each, one of them is Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, the other being Sibsagar in Assam. Also, as a special measure for the welfare of handloom weavers, Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme is being implemented with components of
(i) Health Insurance Scheme and
(ii) Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana which provide medical facilities and life insurance cover for the weavers in the country including state of Uttar Pradesh.
(b): Under the Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana, a scholarship of Rs.300/- per quarter per child is available to students studying in standard IX to XII for a maximum period of four years or till they complete XII standard, whichever event occurs earlier. The benefit is restricted to two children of the member covered under the scheme.
(c) & (d): Mill Gate Price Scheme provides all types of yarn at Mill Gate Price to the eligible handloom weavers so as to facilitate regular supply of basic raw materials to the handloom sector and helps utilize the full employment potential of the sector including the weavers of Uttar Pradesh. With a view to develop and promote marketing channels in domestic as well as export market, Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme is under implementation which provides opportunities to the handloom weavers of the country including the weavers of Uttar Pradesh to showcase and market their products in various trade events organized in India and abroad. Besides, in order to boost the sale of handloom products, assistance under the Marketing Incentive Component of Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme is given to the eligible handloom agencies @ 10% of the average sales turnover of the concerned handloom origination for the last three years. This assistance can be used by the handloom organizations for offering rebate to customers, for creating infrastructure to improve production and productivity or for any other activity aimed at attracting consumers and to gear up the overall sales of handloom organizations.
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Q No: 145 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION |
Subject: LOSSES TO AIR INDIA |
Question:
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Prime Minister has recently promised to bail out crisis-hit State-owned airlines, Air India, which is running in losses;
(b) if so, the details of losses suffered by Air India in the last three years;
(c) the details of funds Government has agreed to provide for Air India and under what conditionalities;
(d) whether Government has now decided to have drastic restructuring and cutting the flab in Air India; and
(e) if so, the time by which process of restructuring the Air India is likely to be completed?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (C), (d) and (e) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED () QUESTION NO.145 FOR 14.7.2009 REGARDING LOSSES TO AIR INDIA.
(a): A Presentation was made before the Prime Minister about the financial status of Air India. Subsequently, Air India has been advised to formulate a concrete proposal for equity induction and provision of loans.
(b): NACIL, which was formed after the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines on 1 April 2007 has reported a loss of Rs. 2226 crores during 2007-08 and is estimated to incur a loss of around Rs. 5000 crores during 2008-09.
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Q No: 1166 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: SOCIAL AUDIT OF FLAGSHIP SCHEMES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware of various loopholes in the flagship schemes under his Ministry particularly in National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is a need to have a social audit of the schemes to curb leakage of funds;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken to effectively implement the flagship schemes under his Ministry?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)&(b): As a result of active monitoring of implementation of NREGA, various procedural gaps relating to maintenance of records, work planning, wage disbursement etc. have come to the notice of the Ministry.
(c)&(d): Section 17 (2) of NREG Act provides that the Gram Sabha shall conduct regular social audits of all projects under the scheme taken up within the Gram Panchayat. Social audit brings transparency in implementation of NREGA. Accordingly, States have been directed to conduct social audit of each and every work of NREGA within three months. So far, State Governments have reported that Social Audit has been done in 2.19 lakh Gram Panchayats.
(e): The following steps have been taken for effective implementation of the scheme:
(i) Generating Awareness
To generate greater awareness among rural households about NREGA, intensive IEC activities have been undertaken. These include use of print as well as electronic media.
(ii) Staffing
States have been instructed to appoint dedicated staff for NREGA. Salary of such dedicated staff is borne by the Central Government out of the admissible administrative expenditure admissible under the Act.
(iii) Strict Vigilance and Monitoring
Implementation of NREG Act is monitored on regular basis. National level Monitors (NLMs) and Area Officers visit various districts to oversee the progress of the Act. Professional institutions such as IIMs, IITs, Agricultural Universities and other Social Sciences Institutes have been engaged to assess the implementation of NREGA in the States.
(iv) Transparency
Wage payment to unskilled workers is to be made through Banks and Post Offices. States have been directed to conduct social audit of each and every work of NREGA within three months. A comprehensive Web-based MIS www.nrega.nic.in has been implemented which places all data in public domain. A Citizen Information Board has been introduced. This board is to be displayed at all prominent places.
(v) Grievance redressal mechanism
A grievance redressal mechanism has been set up. National toll-free telephone Helpline under NREGA has been established which receives complaints and queries relating to NREGA. States have also been requested to set up similar helplines.
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Q No: 879 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS |
Subject: MONITORING OF CORPORATE DISCLOSURES . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether in view of recent surge in stock markets, Government has decided to increase the vigil over companies by enhancing corporate disclosures and making their decision-making more transparent;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the funds raised by the companies are not utilized for the stated purposes; and
(d) if so, the manner in which such a control would be exercised on the companies by Government?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) & (b): An elaborate regulatory framework is already in place under the Companies Act, 1956 to deal with corporate disclosures by the companies registered under the Act. This framework provides for statutory disclosures to the stakeholders about the true and fair view of the state of affairs of the companies. To facilitate corporate disclosures by the companies to the stakeholders and the Regulatory Agencies, the Government has set up an electronic registry with round the clock access including inspection of documents, through internet. The companies are also required to disclose their financial position in accordance with Schedule-VI of the Companies Act, 1956 and the Companies (Accounting Standard) Rules, 2006.
SEBI has been continuously putting in place various measures to enhance transparency in corporate disclosures and decision making of listed companies. This includes various requirements of listing agreement between the stock exchange and listed companies. One such requirement is that the decisions of the company’s board on major corporate events may be intimated to the stock exchange for public dissemination within 15 minutes from conclusion of board meeting. The company is required to furnish financial results to stock exchanges on quarterly basis as per the specified format which includes segment wise revenue, results and capital employed, Audit qualification, if any, etc. The financial results are also required to be published in newspapers. Further, the company is also required to intimate immediately to the stock exchanges all events which have a bearing on the performance/operations of the companies including price sensitive information.
(c) & (d): Prosecutions are launched against companies which have not utilized funds for the stated purposes under various provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. Further, under clause 49 of the listing agreement, company is required to disclose to the Audit Committee about the use of funds on a quarterly basis. The company is also required to prepare a statement of funds utilized for the purpose other than those stated in the offer document which, has to be certified by Independent Auditors of the company. The Audit Committee shall also make appropriate recommendation to the Board to take steps in the matter. Under clause 43 of the Listing Agreement, all the Listed Companies shall intimate stock exchanges, on a quarterly basis, the variation, if any, between the proposed utilization of funds as disclosed in the offer document and the actual utilization of funds. Information is required to be given on annual basis, for each of the years for which proposed utilisation are provided in the prospectus. This is also required to be published in the newspaper, along with explanation for variation, which is also required to be included in the Directors’ Reports.
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Q No: 753 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION |
Subject: IMPORTED GM FOOD . |
Question:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that imported Genetically Modified (GM) food which have been banned by Government are freely entering into the country with the tag `Non-GM food`;
(b) if so, the facts and the details thereof;
(c) whether Government has contemplated any step to check the entry of imported GM food and to punish importers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
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) : As of date there is no ban on import of GM food. The import of GM food is governed by two regulations namely:
The entry of GM food at various ports of entry is governed by the DGFT notification dated 7th April, 2006. The DGFT notification requires:
(i) All applications for import of GMOs/LMOs for research, bulk import of GM food, feed, raw or processed or any ingredient of food, food additives or any food product that contains GM materials will require prior approval by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).
(ii) At the time of import, all consignments containing products which have been subjected to genetic modification will carry a declaration stating that the product is ‘Genetically Modified’.
(iii) In case a consignment does not carry such a declaration and is later found to contain genetically modified material, the importer is liable to penal action under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.
‘Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import and Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms / Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989’, commonly known as ‘Rules 1989’ issued under the provisions of the EPA, 1986.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) notified under Rules, 1989 is the apex body to accord approval for large scale use and commercial release of genetically modified organisms. The mandate of the GEAC is to
(i) ensure that all activities related to genetically modified organism are carried out in a safe manner and
(ii) evaluate the impact of the living modified organisms on environmental and human health before it is permitted for commercial release. Currently there is no mechanism or mandate to monitor the transboundary movement of GM products.
(b) : No such information has been received. However, two representations are under review:
Representation from M/s Greenpeace regarding the import of GM food namely “Dorito’s Cool Ranch Corn chips” manufactured by Frito Lays Inc. for Pepsico USA without the approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
(GEAC) notified under ‘Rules 1989’ of EPA, 1986
Representation from M/s K K Enterprise whose consignment consisting of Dorito Chips of three flavors namely ‘NACHO’, ‘TACO’ and ‘BBQ’ has been detained at Nhava Sheva Port, Navi Mumbai.
(c) & (d): The import of GM food requires the prior approval of the GEAC under Rules, 1989 of EPA, 1986 and a declaration at the port of entry. In case of a wrong declaration or import without the approval of the GEAC both, the regulations provide for taking punitive action against the importers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority is in the process of framing rules and guidelines for import of GM food. Once the FSSA is operational, the import of GM processed will be exempted from the provisions of Rule 11, of Rules, 1989 of EPA, 1986.
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Q No: 638 |
Dated: |
Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
Subject: SUPREME COURT S DIRECTION ON RACIAL ATTACKS |
Question:
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to explain the steps initiated to ensure safety of Indian students facing racial attacks in Australia and Canada;
(b) if so, the details of measures taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents;
(c) whether the steps initiated by Government to ensure safety of Indian students in Australia and Canada are found adequate; and
(d) if so, the further steps Government proposes to initiate in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (d) Yes, Sir. The matter is sub-judice.
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Q No: 473 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: INTERCONNECTING ALL POLICE STATIONS IN THE COUNTRY |
Question:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has recently decided to interconnect all the 14000 police stations in the country with network infrastructure and IT enabled tracking system;
(b) if so, whether it is a fact that only a few police stations had been connected through the cyber network under the previous plan; and
(c) if so, the time by when all the police stations in the country are likely to be connected through the cyber network?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a): Yes, Sir. Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Project, which is proposed to be implemented as a Mission Mode Project, about 14000 Police Stations and 6000 other police offices at various levels would be interconnected through a nationwide networked infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the-art tracking system around “investigation of crime and detection of criminals” in the real time.
(b): Police stations were not connected through the cyber network under the previous plan, namely, the Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA) Programme.
(c): The Police Stations are likely to be connected by the end of 2010-2011.
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Q No: 386 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN DEEMED UNIVERSITIES |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently drawn up regulation for standardization of Deemed Universities;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether most of the varsities are not maintaining standards and there is no monitoring mechanism to check the quality of education in such varsities; and
(d) if so, to what extent the steps taken by UGC are going to ensure that the accredited institutes are considered for deemed status and quality education is imparted by them?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The draft regulations on institutions ‘deemed-to- be-universities’, prepared by the University Grants Commission, are presently under consideration in the Ministry.
(c) & (d): Institutions ‘deemed to be universities’ are expected to maintain the minimum norms and standards prescribed by the Commission and the respective Statutory Councils. The Commission reviews the functioning of the Institutions ‘Deemed-to- be-Universities’ periodically every five years or earlier, if necessary, by constituting committees of experts. Such reviews include academic and financial aspects of Institutions ‘Deemed-to- be-Universities’. According to the University Grants Commission, only National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) (at least ‘B’ grade) accredited institutions or institutions with at least 75% of the eligible courses accredited by National Board of Accreditation (NBA), are eligible to be considered for declaring them as institutions ‘deemed-to-be-universities’.
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Q No: 387 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: REVIEW OF DEEMED UNIVERSITY STATUS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to initiate reforms in higher education and has decided to review the status awarded to Deemed Universities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has awarded Deemed University status to a large number of private institutions without checking their accountability; and
(d) if so, the present position of Government in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The Central Government is in the process of reviewing the functioning of institutions declared as ‘deemed-to- be-institutions’ through a Committee of Experts.
(c) & (d): Institutions are declared as ‘deemed-to-be- universities’ by the Central Government on the recommendations of the University Grants Commission. The Commission follows the procedure of assessment by Committees of Experts and its guidelines in regard to eligibility of institutions.
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Q No: 29 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: POLIO CASES IN THE COUNTRY . |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has reported two-fold increase in cases of virulent wild polio virus Type I this year as compared to the last year;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG), an expert body to the Government of India on Polio, have since been implemented; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by when the target of zero per cent polio cases is likely to be achieved?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)to(d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 29 FOR 3RD JULY, 2009
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. During the current year, till 26th June 09, 25 Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) including one case of mixture of Wild Polio Virus Type 1 and Wild Polio Virus Type3(WPV3) have been reported. As against this, 8 WPV1 cases were reported till the month of June in the year 2008. State- wise breakup of the WPV1 cases reported in 2009 (till 26th June, 2009) is as under:-
The number of polio cases reported in the country month wise from 2007-2009 are annexed.
(c) & (d) The India Expert Advisory Group on Polio (IEAG) reviewed the polio epidemiological situation during its meeting held on 10-11th November, 2008, and recommended following Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) to be undertaken in December, 2008, and in the first half of 2009 :-
– Mop Up in the high risk districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in December, 2008
– National Immunization Day (NID) in January and February 2009
– Sub -National Immunization Day (SNID) in UP, Bihar and neighbouring areas at risk of spread (including Delhi and Mumbai) in March and May 2009.
– An additional SNID should be added if Wild Polio Virus 1 (WPV1) transmission continues in the first quarter of 2009.
Based on the recommendations of the IEAG, polio immunization activities have been implemented. The January 2009 NID was preponed and implemented in December 2008 in view of the Parliament Elections and the Mop-up immunization scheduled during December 2008 was implemented in April 2009. In view of the reporting of WPV1 cases in low transmission season (January to April), an additional SNID has been implemented in June/July, 2009, in Bihar and UP and neighbouring areas at risk of spread (including Delhi and Mumbai). An additional round with monovalent Oral Polio Vaccine 3 (mOPV3) was implemented in the State of Bihar on 2nd May, 2009, based on the analysis of evolving epidemiology.
The epidemiology of polio was reviewed by the IEAG in its meeting held on 24-25th June, 2009.The IEAG has recommended implementing the SNIDs in August and September, 2009, covering whole of UP, Bihar and neighbouring areas at risk of spread. This will be followed by SNID in November and December, 2009, covering infected & high risk zones of UP and Bihar. The IEAG concluded that epidemiologic, virologic, genetic, operational & technical evidence all suggest that India is firmly on the right path to finish eradication.
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Q No: 227 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR SWINE FLU AFFECTED PATIENTS |
Question:
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether number of persons affected by H1N1 virus have increased in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether facilities and treatment provided by the Union Government/State Governments to such affected persons are inadequate; and
(d) if so, the concrete plans formulated by the Union Government in consultation with State Governments to challenge the outbreak of H1N1 virus in the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. Since the first case was reported on 13th May, 2009, there have been 109 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 [earlier called swine flu] as on 30th June, 2009. All these are travel related cases being brought into India by passengers coming from affected countries, except for nine, which are secondary cases reported in the immediate family contacts.
(c) There are adequate isolation facilities in 26 identified hospitals attached to international airports where patients of Influenza A H1N1 are treated. In addition, such cases can be treated in any medical college or tertiary care hospitals with isolation facilities.
(d) Government of India took a series of actions. A comprehensive plan including guidelines and standard operating procedures were put in place. Travel advisory was issued to defer non essential travel to the affected countries. Entry screening of passengers started at 22 international airports and five international checkpoints Community surveillance to detect clusters of influenza like illness is being done through Integrated Disease Surveillance Project. National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi and National Institute of Virology, Pune are testing clinical samples. Sixteen additional laboratories have also started testing. There is adequate quantity of Oseltamivir, the drugs and protective equipments. License has been issued to three Indian manufacturers for importing seed virus to manufacture flu vaccine. Short term media plan has been implemented. Travel advisory, do’s and don’ts and other pertinent information has been widely published to alley fear and avoid panic. Media is kept informed on daily basis. The pandemic preparedness and response calls for actions in sectors beyond health. National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for such actions. All States have been requested to gear up the State machinery and strengthen isolation facilities including critical care facilities at district level. Government is fully geared up to deal with the situation.
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Q No: 268 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: STOPPAGES OF TRAINS . |
Question:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether mobs set ablaze bogies of two trains near Patna on 1st June, 2009 in protest against withdrawal of stoppage of several trains ;
(b) if so, whether several express and super fast trains are making their stoppage at railway stations which have been found to be commercially unviable ;
(c) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(d) whether Government proposes to review its decision to have halts at various stations and to ensure the safety of trains and passengers?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) to (d): Commercial viability is not the only factor for provision of stoppages. Sanction of stoppage also depends on other factors like availability of alternate services, geography of the area, operational requirements, significance of the place etc. Review of stoppages is an ongoing process and action as found feasible and justified is taken. As regard safety of trains and passengers, RPF staff are deployed to escort important mail/ express / passenger trains and also deployed at important Railway stations in coordination with the Government Railway Police.
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Q No: 94 |
Dated: |
Ministry: TOURISM |
Subject: DECLINE IN TOURIST INFLOW . |
Question:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether inflow of tourists from foreign countries has seen a declining trend in the past few years;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Government has recently formulated a strategy to boost the inflow of tourists; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM
(SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) and (b): The number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India and the growth rates over the corresponding period of previous year, during 2006, 2007, 2008 and January-May 2009, are given below:
While the number of FTAs during 2006, 2007 and 2008 show a rising trend, during the period January-May 2009 there has been a decline. The decline in FTAs in recent months may be due to various reasons including global financial meltdown and terrorist activities.
(c) and (d): To boost the arrival of tourists in the country, the Government has taken the following steps:-
A “Visit India 2009” Scheme has been announced, in collaboration with all stakeholders including airlines, hotels, tour operators, State Governments for incentivising travel to India. Financial support being provided to approved service providers for undertaking promotional activities overseas under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme has been enhanced. With a view to promoting Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism, the scope of the MDA Scheme has been enhanced, so as to include active members of the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB). Enhanced subsidy of 25% in participation fee is being offered by the Ministry of Tourism and the Indiatourism offices overseas in the India Pavilions set up at the major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions till the end of the financial year 2009- 10. All States have been requested to beef up security measures in hotels and at tourist sites in their respective States; Familiarisation Tours for trade and media representatives to Mumbai and other regions of the country have been specially organized to project the ground realities relating to safety/ security conditions in the country. Permission has been given to corporates in the hotel sector to avail of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) upto US$ 100 million per year for foreign currency and/ or rupee capital expenditure for permissible end users. In addition to the above specific measures initiated recently, the other steps taken by the Government to promote tourism in the country include: Development of tourism infrastructure at tourist sites with the cooperation of other Ministries/ Departments and State/ UT Governments; Focusing on growth of hotel infrastructure, particularly that for budget hotels; Enhancing connectivity through augmentation of air capacity and improving road infrastructure to major tourist attractions; Direct approach to the consumers through electronic and print media through the “Incredible India” Campaign; and According greater focus to the emerging markets, particularly of China, North East Asia and South East Asia.
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Q No: 117 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: GROUNDWATER LEVEL . |
Question:
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether groundwater levels in the country, particularly in the capital have fallen sharply in the past few months;
(b) if so, whether Government/Central Groundwater Board have taken any effective steps to maintain groundwater level;
(c) if so, the details thereof and whether the groundwater becoming contaminated and unfit for consumption; and
(d) if so, the steps Government proposes to take in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (b) As per studies conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), fall in the levels of ground water has been observed in various parts of the country including NCT Delhi. Government has taken following steps to improve groundwater levels:- Implementation of a scheme on `Artificial Recharge to ground water through Dug wells`. Implementation of a demonstrative scheme on `Rain Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge to Ground Water` in identified areas during the period 2006-09. Circulation of Model Bill to States/UTs to facilitate ground water regulation and water harvesting for artificial recharge. Setting up of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water management and development in the country.
In addition to the above, Govt. of NCT of Delhi is implementing Bhagidari scheme under which technical and financial assistance is provided to Resident Welfare Associations /Registered Group Housing Societies/Government schools/hospitals etc. to promote rain water harvesting and ground water recharge.
(c)to(d) The studies conducted by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) have revealed that quality of ground water in most parts of the country is potable except in some areas where ground water is contaminated. Incidences of natural contaminants like salinity, arsenic, fluoride and iron in ground water have been reported.
The steps taken in this regard include:-
(i) Exploration of ground water sources free from contaminants.
(ii) Providing technical guidance to the States in tackling problem of ground water quality.
(iii) Provisioning of safe drinking water to rural population under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) and organisation of mass awareness programmes in ground water affected areas.
(iv) Issuance of directions by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to limit the discharge of effluents within the stipulated standards and setting up of network of water quality monitoring stations and common effluent treatment plants.