No. of questions found: 57
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Q No: 3441 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: *ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO HYDRO |
3441. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that environmental clearance has been sought for building about 168 large hydro power projects in the geologically and ecologically fragile, seismically active and culturally-sensitive Brahmaputra river basin; and
(b) if so, the details of these projects and the decision of his Ministry on giving clearance to these projects?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a)&(b) Under the provisions of Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, Ministry of Environment and Forests has received two hydroelectric projects for environmental clearance which are located in Brahmaputra Basin for environmental clearance. These are Demwe Lower Hydroelectric project (1750 MW) in Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh and Gongri Hydroelectric project (90 MW) in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. Both the projects have been considered by the Expert Appraisal Committee at its meeting held on 16.12.2009 and recommended for environmental clearance.
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Q No: 3307 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC |
Subject: IMPACT OF SUBSIDY ON PALM OIL IMPORT |
3307. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that the liberal import policy and the generous subsidy extended to palm oil imports is leading to a critical situation for the coconut farmers in Kerala;
(b) if so, whether the State Government of Kerala has demanded from Centre to provide subsidy to the coconut oil as is given to imported palm oil; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
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): Government subsidy this year has been extended only to a small quantity of edible oil imported under the Scheme for distribution of imported edible oils through States/UTs, implemented in order to moderate prices of edible oils in the country and to augment its domestic availability. In 2009-10 only about 74,868 tons of refined palmolein has been imported under the Scheme so far. About 45% of edible oils consumed in the country is imported. In 2008-09 (Nov. to Oct.) 65,35,448 tons of palm oils was imported. Export of major edible oils is banned since 17.3.2008. Further, import of palm oil is prohibited through Kerala ports and export of coconut oil is permitted through Cochin port.
(b)&(c): The Government of Kerala, vide its letters dated 29.3.2008, 23.6.2009 and 25.6.2009 had requested that the subsidy given under this Scheme may be allowed for coconut oil. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, vide his D.O. letter dated 12.8.2008 had also requested to extend the subsidy of Rs. 15/- per kg. for distribution of coconut oil through the Public Distribution System of Kerala.
The Government of Kerala had been informed that the subsidy under the ‘Scheme for distribution of subsidised imported edible oils through States/UTs’ is restricted to edible oils imported by PSUs and supplied to the States/UTs for distribution, and that the Scheme had no provision to subsidise domestic oils including coconut oil.
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Q No: 439 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN |
439. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has a proposal to allow private sector investment in education;
(b) if so, the details of the proposal;
(c) whether it is a fact that Government has asked Max India Chairman to prepare a feasibility paper thereon; and
(d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER
Answer
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.439 FOR 18.12.2009 ASKED BY SHRI M. P. ACHUTHAN REGARDING PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
(a) to (d): Even at present private sector participation exists in the funding and management of educational institutions as long as surplus earned is reasonable and the same is ploughed back for development of institutions. The 11th Plan document as approved by the National Development Council, also mentions the need to further explore private sector initiatives and various forms of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector.
The National Policy on Education, 1986 (as modified in 1992) encourages non-governmental and voluntary efforts in Education, while preventing the establishment of institutions which intend to commercialize Education. The Policy envisages that in the interest of maintaining standards and for several other valid reasons, the commercialization of technical and professional education will be curbed. An alternative system will be devised to involve private and voluntary efforts in Education, in conformity with accepted norms and goals. Government had recently convened a Round Table on Higher Education on 21st October 2009 to advise on important areas of growth in the education sector including the finances to meet the demands of expansion and quality of higher education. During discussion, it was felt that in the matter of skill development and vocational education, a different model needs to be evolved which grants a greater role to the private sector and where the structural requirements of setting up institutions are far more flexible than that for other higher educational institutions. It was decided that alternative models that provide structural flexibility and financial freedom need to be evolved. The Round Table has decided to entrust the responsibility of development of a concept paper to one of its members, Shri Analjit Singh, Chairman of M/s. Max India Ltd.
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Q No: 3216 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: RELEASING OF SURPLUS WATER FROM DAMS. |
3216. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that releasing of surplus water from dams during the period of heavy rains without prior warning has been one of the main reasons for the deteriorated flood situation, recently, in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra:
(b) if so, whether Government has any plan for galvanizing the inter-State and Centre State mechanisms to coordinate actions such as releasing of surplus water from dams, issuing early warnings and evacuating people from the vulnerable areas downstream during such calamities; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) No Sir.
(b) & (c) The question does not arise in view of reply to (a) above.
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Q No: 3122 |
Dated: |
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
Subject: *VOTE AGAINST IRAN . |
3122. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that India had voted in favour of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution to rebuke Iran for building a uranium enrichment plant in secret; and
(b) if so, the details and reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)
(a) Yes. India voted in favour of the resolution at the November 2009 meeting of the Governing Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran’s nuclear issue.
(b) The resolution was adopted by 25 votes infavour, 3 against, 6 abstentions and 1 absent. India’s position was laid out in the attached Explanation of Vote.
EXPLANATION OF VOTE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (B) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3122 REGARDING “VOTE AGAINST IRAN” FOR ANSWER ON 17.12.2009
Explanation of Vote
The Indian delegation has taken careful note of the report of the DG on Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and Relevant Provisions of Security Council Resolutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his Report the DG has noted that while the Agency has continued to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, there has however, been no movement on remaining issues of concern which need to be clarified for the Agency to verify the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran´s nuclear programme. The DG concluded that ‘Iran´s failure to notify the Agency of the existence of this facility until September 2009, rather than as soon as the decision to construct it or to authorize construction was taken, was inconsistent with its obligations under the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement and that Iran´s late declaration of the new facility reduces confidence in the absence of other nuclear facilities under construction in Iran which have not been declared to the Agency.’ India has consistently supported the right of all states to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with the respective obligations that they have undertaken. In Iran’s case which is a signatory to the NPT, it has all the rights and obligations that go with its membership of the NPT pertaining to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We also underline the importance of the full and effective implementation of all safeguards obligations under taken by member states of the IAEA. Our support for the resolution is based on the key points contained in the Report of the DG. During previous Board meetings we had underlined the critical importance of continued cooperation and dialogue between the Agency and Iran. The Agency’s safeguards system is the bedrock of the international community’s confidence that peaceful uses of nuclear energy and non-proliferation objectives can be pursued in a balanced manner. The integrity of this system should be preserved. India has considered the role of the DG has having a vital bearing on the consideration of all issues by the Board of Governors. The conclusions he has drawn in his report are therefore difficult to ignore. In recent months we were encouraged by the new pathways of engagement that had opened up with Iran, including the recent meetings in Geneva and Vienna which gave rise to hopes of constructive and productive results. As such we do not believe that the adoption of this resolution should divert the parties away from dialogue. This resolution cannot be the basis of a renewed punitive approach or new sanctions. In fact, the coming weeks should be used by all concerned to expand the diplomatic space to satisfactorily address all outstanding issues. India firmly supports keeping the door open for dialogue and avoidance of confrontation.
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Q No: 395 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: CENTRAL TEAM S FINDINGS ON HEAVY |
395. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Central team which visited the areas badly affected by the heavy rains during the month of June this year in Kerala, has submitted its report;
(b) if so, what were its findings as to the extent of loss suffered by the State and recommendations made, if any;
(c) whether Government has granted any special financial assistance to the State for the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by the State Government; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.395 FOR 16.12.2009 REGARDING “CENTRAL TEAM`S FINDINGS ON HEAVY RAINS IN KERALA”
(a) to (d): An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited the State of Kerala from 2nd – 6th August 2009 for an on-the-spot assessment of damage caused by heavy rains & floods during July, 2009 and has submitted its report. As per the report of the IMCT, 33 human lives were lost; 177 cattle perished; 39233 ha. of cropped area damaged, 13926 houses affected and also damage to infrastructure under various sectors. The IMCT recommended an assistance of Rs.116.90 crore from National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) and Rs.1.85 crore from Special Component of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP). The High Level Committee (HLC), based on the assessment of the IMCT, recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Group thereon and extant items & norms of assistance under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF), approved
(i) an amount of Rs.61.36 crore from NCCF subject to the adjustment of 75% of balance available in the CRF account of the State for the instant calamity and
(ii) Rs.1.85 crore from Special Component of ARWSP for repair of damaged drinking water supply works.
As per the Scheme of CRF/NCCF, a CRF has been constituted for each State to ensure ready availability of funds with the States to undertake rescue and relief operations in the wake of identified natural calamities. Additional financial assistance is also provided from NCCF when a calamity is of a severe nature and the funds in the CRF account are inadequate for relief operations. The corpus of CRF is contributed between the Government of India and the States in the ratio of 75:25. An amount of Rs.103.91 crore has been allocated to the State in CRF for the year 2009-10 consisting of Rs.77.93 crore as Central contribution and Rs.25.98 crore as State contribution. Both the installments of Central share of CRF amounting to Rs.77.93 crore have been released to the State Government.
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Q No: 2917 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: *DISTRICT RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES. |
2917. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were set up in place of erstwhile Small Marginal Farmers and Agriculture Labourers Agencies/ Small Farmers Development Agencies as per a Government of India vide letter No.1121/69/Agri. credit dated 3rd February, 1970 for purpose of implementing various poverty alleviation programmes;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the staffing and funding pattern for different DRDAs;
(d) whether Government has decided to merge the DRDAs with Zila Parishads and to continue to implement various Rural Development Programmes through them;
(e) whether Administrative structure of Zila Parishads is capable of absorbing the services of existing DRDA employees; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and to what extent this decision has been implemented by various States/Union Territories?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)&(b): Yes Sir, the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were created in the year 1980 when the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) was extended to all the blocks in the country. In the districts where Small Farmers Development Agencies (SFDAs) and Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) Agencies were existing, these were merged and renamed as District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). In other districts where such agencies were not existing, DRDAs were created afresh for purpose of implementing various poverty alleviation programmes.
(c): The guidelines of DRDA Administration lay down a model staffing structure for different categories of DRDAs depending upon the number of blocks falling under their jurisdiction. The number of posts in DRDAs are 37 for Category `A` having less than 6 blocks, 47 for Category `B` having 6 to 10 blocks, 54 for Category `C` having 11 to 15 blocks and 57 for Category `D` having more than 15 blocks. Each DRDA should have eight wings namely Self Employment Wing, Women`s Wing, Wage Employment Wing, Watershed Wing, Engineering Wing, Accounts Wing, Monitoring Wing and General Administration Wing. The Scheme is funded by Central and State Governments in the respective ratio of 75:25. The funding pattern in respect of North Eastern States has been revised to 90:10 w.e.f. 2008-09. In the case of Union Territories, the Central Government provides entire (100%) funds under the Scheme.
(d): No, Sir.
(e): Does not arise.
(f): In some States such as Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, the DRDAs have been merged with the Zilla Parishad/District Panchayat and function as a separate cell maintaining separate identity and separate accounts.
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Q No: 2881 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: *EXISTING STANDARD OF COW MILK. |
2881. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is fact that the existing standards for cow milk are 3.5 per cent fat and 8.5 per cent Solid Not Fat (SNF) under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA);
(b) whether it is also a fact that the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), Kerala chapter has made recommendation to the Central and State Government for lowering the SNF valued under the PFA to 8.3 per cent as the average SNF of cow milk is below 8.4 per cent due to massive cross breeding of cows with high yielding ones; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) Yes.
(b) &(c)- The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India has informed that no such recommendation from the India Dairy Association (IDA), Kerala Chapter has been received for lowering the SNF value for cow milk under Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules 1955 to 8.3 percent. However, a proposal was received from the Government of Kerala for lowering the SNF content of cow milk for the State of Kerala from 8.5% to 8.2% in January 1999 which was examined by the Milk and Milk Products Sub-Committee of Central Committee for Food Standards (CCFS), which recommended that there is no case to amend the specification of cow milk.
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Q No: 2871 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE VALIATHAN |
2871. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) what are the main recommendations of the panel headed by Dr. M.S. Valiathan for restructuring the functions of All India Institute of Medical Sciences;
(b) whether Government has accepted the proposals of this panel; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) The Government set up an Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Valiathan on 11.07.2006 to study the functioning of AIIMS and to make recommendations for further development of the Institute. The Committee has submitted its report on 10.10.2006. The main recommendations of the Committee are annexed.
(b) & (c) The recommendations were reviewed by the Academic Committee of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and subsequently discussed in the Governing Body and Institute Body of AIIMS in its meetings held on 26.11.2009 and 08.12.2009. The majority of recommendations have been accepted “in principle” by the Institute Body of AIIMS and the recommendations are at various stages of implementation.
ANNEXURE
(Recommendations of Valiathan Committee not requiring structural changes through amendments in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Act, Rules and Regulations)
Recommendation No. 1
Through discussions among the faculty and other stakeholders, Institute should develop a Mission Statement which should be inspirational and, at the same time, indicative of its commitment to advance medical education, standards of hospital care and biomedical research for the well-being of the Indian people and progress of the Indian economy. The Mission Statement should receive the approval of the Institute Body and appear in the Official Reports and documents of the Institute and its website.
Recommendation No. 2
The K.L. Wig Center should set up an Advisory Committee as suggested below to give a new direction to its activities.
· 3 Professors of AIIMS representing pre, para and clinical disciplines and with active interest in medical education.
· A Public health specialist
· A nominee of the UGC who is an expert on value addition.
· A nominee of ICMR representing bioethics.
· A nominee of NASSCOM, who is an expert in software development for education and training.
· A nominee of the D/o Space, who is an expert in telemedicine.
Recommendation No. 3
Strengthening the D/o Community Medicine, which would be the nodal point for the Institute participation in the National Missions in Public Health.
Recommendation No. 4
AIIMS should form a consortia with other research institutions and industry to develop and transfer for commercialization a range of products and processes prioritized by the National Mission in Public Health.
Recommendation No. 5
To set up and affiliate self-financing, non-profit body, viz. AIIMS International which would draw upon intellectual and professional strength of AIIMS for global partnership for training medical education
Recommendation No. 6
AIIMS International should establish collaboration with institutions for medical education and research; and teaching hospitals across the world to advance the cause of global partnership in health and education. The activities may involve consultancy by AIIMS faculty for specific projects; setting up new institutions for medical education or research in other countries;
Recommendation No. 7
The qualifying service required to become eligible for time-bound promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor should remain 4 years as the new appointees would be gaining valuable experience during this period and generally unwilling to leave; the eligibility period for promotion from Associate to Additional should be reduced to 3 years provided the candidate has published at least 3 papers in journals with an impact factor of not less than 2. This is a reasonable requirement for anyone who wishes to occupy a senior faculty position of Additional Professor.
Recommendation No. 8
Age of retirement should be raised from 62 to 65 whenever the individual’s academic and research performance has been excellent and he/she continues to remain productive as determined by the Academic Committee/Research Council.
Recommendation No. 9
(i) A research incentive of Rs.10,000/- may be given to authors for every paper they publish in Journals with an impact factor of not less than four. For professors who have papers or sessions to chair, international travel should be supported once a year;
(ii) For Assistant/ Associate/Additional Professors, international travel should be supported once in two years for the same purposes. The Director, AIIMS should be authorised to issue permission for these travels.
Recommendation No. 10
Consultancy for Indian industry should be encouraged among faculty either on individual basis or Deptt. Wise. Various formulae exist among IITs, CSIR laboratories etc. for the sharing of consultancy fees between the consultants and institutions, but few have been free from problems in actual operation. A formula, which seems fair but may not satisfy individuals is to credit the consultancy fee to a Department fund which could be used for specific purposes – payment of subscriptions, buying of books, hosting distinguished visitors, etc. and the consultants could authorize the expenditure from the Departmental fund. AIIMS should form a Committee to study the consultancy practice in other scientific organizations and evolve a scheme of its own.
Recommendation No. 11
For 5 years of completed service where a Professor has been academically and scientifically productive, he/she should be granted sabbatical leave for one year to be spent in any institution of learning in India or abroad when he/she would continue to receive full pay in AIIMS and permission to retain quarters.
Recommendation No. 12
For Additional Professors/Professors who wish to serve in the private sector in India or abroad after 5 years of service, leave for 2 years should be considered favorably when they would not be entitled to received pay or allowances or retention of quarters.
Recommendation No. 13
A small number – not exceeding ten- of supernumerary positions at Associate Professor/Professor level should be created to be filled when there is need in a frontier area in any branch of science (i.e. Nanomedicine) and a brilliant individual who is available may be lost by too much delay in regular selection. The Research Council should recommend these individuals before the offer of appointment to the supernumerary post is made.
Recommendation No. 14
At Additional Professor/Professor level, if any individual with proven contributions to science wishes to switch to a purely research career that should be permitted.
Recommendation No. 15
If a faculty member has excelled in research and has patents, which got licensed through the Institute, he/she should be given leave to join the industry as consultant/partner on suitable terms and lien protected for a specified period.
Recommendation No. 16
In new areas where AIIMS lacks expertise, acknowledged experts from laboratories in the public/private sector/institutions of higher education should be permitted to join as Adjunct Faculty on contract basis.
Recommendation No. 17
Headships of departments should be rotated every five years.
Recommendation No. 18
For Assistant Professors/Associate Professors who have innovative ideas for research and whose synopsis is recommended by the Research Council, seed money up to one lakh should be granted to undertake a study or do a pilot project.
Recommendation No. 19
The Institute should create a Personnel Deptt. With a competent Personnel Officer (MBA) in charge who should report to the Director.
Recommendation No. 20
The Institute should offer a regular, structured programme for continuing education for all categories of technical staff including nurses, technicians, radiographers, dieticians, and physiotherapists on a yearly basis. From the existing senior staff and with the assistance of retired staff as consultants, a Committee should be set up to prepare the course content of short term training, (2-3 weeks), their updating every year and monitoring of progress. The Personnel Deptt. should be closely involved in the operations of these programmes. Certificate of attendance at these courses should be made mandatory for promotion.
Recommendation No. 21
Recruitment to Class C & D level posts should be done through reputed professional agencies in the public/private sectors.
Recommendation No. 22
The present OPD should be expanded to the adjacent land in the rear so that its capacity can be nearly doubled; this should be accompanied by corresponding expansion in laboratory and other support facilities.
Recommendation No. 23
The expansion in the OPD should be coupled with the introduction of an MD course in family medicine, whose faculty and trainees will provide the core staff supported by other Deptts.
Recommendation No. 24
As expansion of the OPD will provide no more than temporary reprieve Govt. should consider a scheme to expand the OPDs of the 4 Medical Colleges in Delhi simultaneously so that they would draw away 8000 patients a day and reduce the pressure on AIIMS.
Recommendation No. 25
The expansion plans involving 12 super specialty block should be evaluated vis-à-vis the Mission of AIIMS and not only in terms of engineering feasibility. We would also urge that no project is launched without DPRs and before DPRs are approved by the GB and the Central Govt.
Recommendation No. 26
The Emergency Deptt. Already expanded, should be improved further with a view to introducing a Course in MD in Emergency Medicine, the trainees should have rotational postings in the Trauma Center which should, when opened, work in close collaboration with the Emergency Deptt. And the Satellite Trauma Centres in the National Capital Region. AIIMS should give support to the local authorities in terms of planning, consultancy and partnership for launching the Satellite Centres linked to the Trauma Center.
Recommendation No. 27
A construction group should be set up separately to supervise the construction part of all new projects.
Recommendation No. 28
A position of Dean (Research) should be created to coordinate and promote research activities. It should be filled by a faculty member who has impeccable credentials such as Fellowship of one of the Science Academics, Bhatnagar prize etc.
Recommendation No. 29
Two Research Councils should be set up to monitor the activities in clinical research and biomedical research with membership as suggested below:
(a) Research Council (Clinical) (18 members) of which 9 members who are Fellows of the National Academy of Medical Science (FAMS) in different medical disciplines.
(b) Research Council (Bio-medical) (18 members) of which 9 members who are Fellows of the 3 Science Academics (INSA, IISc, NASc) in different medical and biological sciences
Recommendation No. 30
A new project Planning and Monitoring Committee should be set up for all major developmental projects of AIIMS. Its role and composition are given separately
Recommendation No. 31
A reputed Institute of Management such as IIM/A may be asked to study the management practices at AIIMS and suggest a model for faster decision making, better control of operations, optimal use of financial and human resources, and for making it an effective organization.
Recommendations of Valiathan Committee requiring structural alterations through amendments in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Act, Rules and Regulations:
i. As the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare extends over numerous institutions all across India, including two institutions of National Importance (AIIMS and PGI) and several more AIIMS – type institutions on the anvil, it would no longer be practical or productive for the Minister of Health to preside over individual institutions. We would, therefore, recommend the adoption of the time-tested model of Ministry of HRD for IITs and suggest that the Minister of Health may preside over joint council of AIIMS, PGI and other AIIMS-type institutions, which should be created for this purpose.
ii. The President of India should be the Visitor AIIMS, which would place the Government-Institute relationship on a time-tested and highly prestigious foundation.
iii. To enhance autonomy and give primacy to Science and Education in the stewardship of AIIMS, changes are necessary in the Act, Rules and Regulations.
iv. It is necessary to induct individuals with expertise in diverse fields such as management, cost accountancy, urban planning etc. in the Standing Committees, which need strengthening to make prudent use of resources. This requires an amendment to the Act, which is recommended separately.
v. The Standing Committees should be reconstituted with a view to making them more effective with carefully chosen experts to address sectoral needs. A new pattern of membership for the Standing Committees is suggested.
vi. The period of the service of the members other an ex-officio members should be limited to one term in the institute Body and Standing Committee.
vii. The selection for the Director’s post should be done by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the President of the Institute and consisting of the DGHS, DG-ICMR, VC, Delhi University, 4-members of the Institute Body nominated under sub section (e) and (f) of Section 4. the Institute Body should appoint the Director or the basis of Committees’ recommendation with the prior approval of the Vistor.
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Q No: 360 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: *MISSION FOR COASTAL AND ISLAND |
360. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that there is a threat of sea level rising due to global warming and it will be a great threat to the safety of coastal communities;
(b) if so, whether Dr. M.S. Swaminathan has suggested to set up a mission for coastal and island ecological security; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO STARRED PARLIAMENT QUESTION NO. 360 RAISED BY SHRI D. RAJA AND SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN DUE FOR ANSWER ON 14.12.2009 IN RAJYA SABHA.
(a) to (c)As per the study of the tide gauge records of the north Indian Ocean for more than 40 years, conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography, it is observed that the sea-level rose by 1.06-1.75 millimeters per year in the past century. This estimate is consistent with the estimated global sea-level rise of 1-2 millimeters per year made by the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
As per India’s first National Communication, a one metre sea level rise is projected to displace approximately 7.1 million people in India and about 5764 sq. km. of land area will be lost.
There is no proposal for setting up a Mission for coastal and island ecological security. However, the Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan has recommended a separate Island Protection Zone Notification for the integrated management of the islands.
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Q No: 2533 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: NASSCOM REPORT ABOUT QUALITY OF |
2533. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to a study report by NASSCOM, a software industry group, saying that 75 per cent engineering students in India are unemployable;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reasons for the low quality of our engineering students and measures proposed to be taken to make them employable in the industry?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (c): Yes sir. As per information given by the Department of Information Technology, the NASSCOM in their Report “NASSCOM Perspective 2020: Transform Business, Transform India” have indicated employability rate of 26 % for engineering graduates. A working group was constituted by the Ministry to examine the issues raised by NASSCOM. The Working Group has, inter-alia, recommended Finishing Schools for engineering graduates to enhance their employability, changes in the syllabi of various engineering colleges so as to make them compatible with the needs of the industry etc. For the present Finishing Schools are being organized by the IT sector to alleviate the problem.
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Q No: 2532 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHANCELLOR OF |
2532. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether term of present Vice-Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi has expired on 14th November, 2009 after fifteen years of service i.e. three terms;
(b) if so, the steps being taken for appointment of a new Vice- Chancellor;
(c) whether Government is considering reappointment of same person for fourth term;
(d) if so, whether it is not against UGC Regulation, 2009 which has prescribed under 7.40 (IV) that term of office of Vice-Chancellor shall be five years and there shall not be a reappointment for second term in same university; and
(e) if so, Government’s reaction thereto ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D.PURANDESWARI)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c): Prof. Vachaspati Upadhayay has been appointed as Vice Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi w.e.f. 14.11.2009 for a fresh term of five years or till he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
(d) & (e): These Regulations are yet in draft form and not approved by UGC.
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Q No: 2462 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: *SWAMINATHAN COMMISSION FOR |
2462. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether M.S. Swaminathan Commission has recommended restructuring of various commodity boards so that they can be better catalyst for the productivity and quality; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): No such recommendation has been made by the National Commission on Farmers
(NCF) set up under the chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. However, in the context of conservation, cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants, it made a recommendation for mandating different commodity boards for promoting intercropping with plantation crops like coffee, rubber, spices and coconut.
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Q No: 2277 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS |
Subject: *INCLUSION OF THRISSUR KANYAKUMARI |
2277. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has agreed to include Thrissur-Kanyakumari stretch in the proposed National Expressway Network under the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP);
(b) if so, whether the Kerala Government has requested the Centre to extend this stretch upto Kasargod so as to cover the entire length of the State; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) to (c) The Ministry had awarded a Consultancy Services for Formulation of a Master Plan for the National Expressway Network in the country. The Final Report submitted by the Consultants, duly considering the views / observations received from the State Governments and inter-alia recommending development of total Expressway Network of about 18,637 km, has been accepted by the Government. State Government of Kerala had requested for extending the National Expressway from Thrissur to Kasargod and Mangalore. However, from overall perspective of broad integration of the Expressway Network in the entire country and keeping in view the existing connectivity, the Final Report has inter-alia recommended to include Thrissur-Kanyakumari stretch in the proposed National Expressway Network.
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Q No: 2276 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS |
Subject: CONSTRUCTION OF THALASSERY MAHE |
2276. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has approved the construction of Thalassery-Mahe bypass starting from Muzhappilangad in Kannur district and joining at Azhiyoor in Kozhikode district of total length 18.031 km in Kerala;
(b) if so, the details of the project and the progress so far made in its implementation;
(c) whether it is a fact that the land acquisition of the second phase of the project is progressing at a slow pace; and
(d) if so, the steps being taken to speed up the land acquisition and early construction of the project?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The construction of Thalassery-Mahe bypass has been included in the project of 4-laning of Kannur-Vengalam (Kozhikode district) section of NH 17 in Kerala (Km 148.00 to km 230.00) under National Highway Development Project (NHDP)-Phase III. The Letter of Award (LOA) has already been issued to lowest bidder. Presently land acquisition is in progress.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 2180 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: NEGATIVE LIST OF ITEMS IN ASEAN FTA. |
2180. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the negative list of 489 items in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been approved by the seven members of the pact; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) The items included in the Exclusion (Negative) List of India’s offer have been agreed by all the ten ASEAN members countries. These are 1297 items at 8 – digit classification equivalent to 496 items at 6 – digit classification.
(b) The details of items included in the Exclusion (Negative) List of India’s offer are available at http://commerce.gov.in/trade/international_ta_indasean.asp
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Q No: 2162 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: *EXEMPTING SEZS FROM STATE AND LOCAL |
2162. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Central Government has requested the State Governments to exempt SEZs from State and local taxes;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether some State Governments have opposed this proposal;
(d) if so, the names of these States and what are their objections; and
(e) Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (e): Central Government has recognized the pivotal role of State Governments in the Setting up and successful operation of SEZs. The Board of Approval (BOA) for SEZ does not consider any proposal unless recommended by State Governments. Section 50 of the SEZ Act, 2005 read with rule 5(5) of the SEZ Rule, 2006 envisage that the State Government may notify policies for developers and units and take suitable steps for enactment of any law granting exemption from State Taxes, levies and duties to the developer or the entrepreneur, delegating the powers conferred upon any persons or authority under any State Act to the Development Commissioner in relation to the developer or entrepreneur.
Some of States viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu etc. have since enacted State SEZ Act and Rules.
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Q No: 2129 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: *RAJIV GANDHI SEWA KENDRA . |
2129. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering to set up Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra for each gram panchayat and appointment of permanent Lok Sevaks for National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)&(b): Construction of Bharat Nirman, Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra as Village Knowledge Resource Centre and Gram Panchayat Bhawan at Gram Panchayat level has been included as a permissible activity in para 1 of Schedule I of the Act vide Notification dated 11.11.2009. No proposal for appointment of permanent Lok Sevaks for NREGS is under consideration of the Ministry of Rural Development.
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Q No: 2075 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: *ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NRHM. |
2075. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN T.K. RANGARAJAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that all major development indicators like immunization, ante-natal care, family planning in the health sector have shown negative growth in the year 2008-09 suggesting that the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) failed to make desired impact;
(b) if so, the details of the target fixed for immunization , ante-natal care and to provide easy access to family planning methods and NRHM for the years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 and the actual achievements for the aforesaid years; and
(c) what are the reasons for negative growth and remedial measures being taken in this regard?
Answer
THE MINSITER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): No. It is not correct the conclude that the major development indicators like immunization, ante-natal care, family planning in the health sector have shown negative growth in the year 2008-09. On the other hand the NRHM has succeeded in rejuvenating the public health delivery system and has accelerated the creation of accessible, affordable, accountable, effective and reliable primary health care facilities in remote, rural areas of the country.
(b) & (c): The NRHM is a decentralised initiative for comprehensive rejuvenation of the health delivery system in partnership with the states. The states propose the activities as per local needs in the Annual Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) which are apprised and approved by the National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) under NRHM. As such, a wide range of activities are taken up in various states and overall goal is to address the key gaps in the system. The targets and achievements for immunization, ante-natal care and to provide easy access to family planning methods are as follows:
Parameter 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10(till September, 2009)
( Source:- HMIS Report, MoHFW)
Antenatal care 22414991 26153523 12603835
Family Planning 5019000 5291000 698911(till August 2009)
Parameter HLHS-II(2002-04) DLHS-II (2007-08)
Full Immunization 45.9% 54.1%
Under the NRHM, the thrust is on establishing a fully functional, community owned, decentralized health delivery ststem with inter-sectoral convergence at all levels. The NRHM seeks to converge with other sectoral programmes like drinking water, education, sanitation, environment, local self government etc. To ensure a holistic approach towards healthcare. As such, the timeline targets under NRHM relate mainly to the systemic reforms undertaken in the health sector.
The states have taken several steps to improve the coverage of immunization including strengthening of cold chain, mandatory use of auto disabled syringes, setting up alternate vaccine delivery systems etc. Similarly several steps have been taken to improve the antenatal coverage including strengthening of the outreach activities at Sub Centres, monthly Health & Nutrition days at the Aanganwadi centres, use of untied funds to ensure availability of basic equipments and furniture at Sub Centres, enhanced IEC/BCC efforts to generate awareness etc. Several steps have been undertaken to improve the family planning performance. These include establishing the loss of wages compensation packages, family welfare linked insurance scheme, insuring availability of fixed day services, additional trainings in IUCD, NSV and lap sterilisations. The availability of the bouquet of family planning services at all levels has expanded the choice for the users and improved compliance. The close involvement of ASHAs and additional ANMs at Sub Centres under NRHM have greatly improved the performance of the health system towards delivery of the basic maternal and child health services and family planning services.
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Q No: 1912 |
Dated: |
Ministry: LAW & JUSTICE |
Subject: VACANT POSTS OF JUDGES . |
1912. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the delay in filling up the vacancies of Judges in subordinate judiciary, High Courts and Supreme Court is the main reason for the accumulation of pending cases in the various court, in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the vacant posts of Judges in subordinate courts, High Courts and Supreme Court, at present; and
(c) the steps being taken to fill up these vacancies within a time frame?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) : It is a fact that delay in filling up the vacancies of Judges is one of the main reasons for accumulation of pending cases in courts.
(b) &(c) : A statement showing the number of vacant posts of Judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts as on 1.12.2009 is annexed.
Under Article 235 of the Constitution of India, the administrative control over the members of the subordinate judiciary in the States vests with the concerned High Court and the State Government. Filling up of the vacant posts of Judges/Magistrates in Subordinate Courts is the concern of the respective High Courts and the State Governments.
Pursuant to the Supreme Court Judgment of October 6, 1993 read with their Advisory Opinion of October 28, 1998, the entire process of initiation of proposal for appointment of a Judge of the Supreme Court lies with the Chief Justice of India and for the appointment of a Judge of a High Court with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. The Government is periodically reminding the Chief Justices of the High Courts to initiate proposals in time for filling up the existing vacancies as well as the vacancies anticipated in next six months in the High Courts.
Statement referred to in reply to parts (b)&(c) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1912 for answer on 07.12.2009.
SI. No. Name of the Court Vacancies of Judges as on 01.12.2009
A. Supreme Court of India 5
B. High Court
1 Allahabad 79
2 Andhra Pradesh 18
3 Bombay 12
4 Calcutta 19
5 Chhattlsgarh 9
6 Delhi 5
7 Gauhati 3
8 Gujarat 16
9 Himachal Pradesh 2
10 Jammu & Kashmir 4
11 Jharkhand 6
12 Kamataka 13
13 Kerala 6
14 Madhya Pradesh 8
15 Madras 6
16 Orissa 5
17 Patna 21
18 Punjab& Haryana 22
19 Rajasthan 10
20 Sikkim _
21 Uttarakhand –
Total 264
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Q No: 253 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: ASSESSMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DOWRY |
253. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has made any assessment as to what extent the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 has been implemented in different States;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the dowry-related cases registered, conviction rate and the women died in such cases during the last three years, State-wise;
(d) whether it is a fact that most of the State Governments have not appointed separate prohibition offices as required under this Act; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and what action has been taken to ensure proper implementation of the law in the States?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a), (b),(c ), (d) & (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Rajya Sabha Starred Question No.253 for 07.12.2009 by SHRI M.P.ACHUTHAN: SHRI D. RAJA regarding `Assessment of implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act`.
(a) & (b) : The implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 is the responsibility of the respective State Government and UT Administration in the country. The National Commission for Women has organized a convention of Chairpersons of State Commissions for Women, members of civil society organizations and civil servants including Police Officers to discuss the issues relating to this social evil and implementation of the Act. The consensus at this convention was that the present law has not been effective enough to curb this social evil.
(c): The State/UT wise list of cases registered under Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code for the period 2005-2007 as per the National Crime Records Bureau is at the Annex.
(d) & (e) : The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. The Government is considering making amendments to the existing Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 with a view to make it more effective.
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Q No: 1800 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: *FINANCING THE COST OF LAND |
1800. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that Government of Kerala is finding it difficult to finance the cost of land acquisition for the Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) in the State due to prohibitive land value in the State;
(b) whether the State Government has requested Railways to share the land acquisition cost with the State Government on a 1:1 ratio; and
(c): if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a) & (b): Yes Sir.
(c): Principal Secretary, Public Works Department, Kerala State Government has requested to consider possibility of sharing land acquisition cost with State Govt. at the ratio of 1:1 citing reasons that land is scarce and cost of acquisition is prohibitive in Kerala, in comparison to other States and State Govt. is finding it difficult to finance the cost of land acquisition for all the proposed works of Road over/under bridges. Due to heavy liability in hand with Railways (as 830 works already sanctioned on cost sharing basis in the country) with meagre allocation of funds from Central Road Fund for construction of Road over/under bridges, it has not been found feasible for Railways to share cost of land acquisition also at the ratio of 1:1 under extant rules. State Govt. has been apprised of the position.
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Q No: 1788 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RAILWAYS |
Subject: *MOU FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROBS IN |
1788. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government of Kerala had discussed the matter of executing MoU for construction of some Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) with her Ministry; and
(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a) & (b): There is no latest communication from State Govt. in this regard. However, in the year 2002 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was entered into between Railways & PWD of State Govt. of Kerala to execute 20 works, out of which 15 works have been commissioned. 24 more works were also entrusted to Road Building Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) for execution by State Govt.
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Q No: 1684 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: INCLUSION OF THRISSUR MALAPPURAM AND |
1684. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that only one district Palakkad in Kerala has been included in the National Food Security Mission;
(b) if so, whether Government of Kerala has requested Central Government to include Thrissur, Malappuram and Kuttanad districts of Kerala under the National Food Security Mission; and
(c) if so, the details and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION)
(SHRI K.V. THOMAS)
(a): Yes, Sir. Only one district of Palakkad in Kerala has been included under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) i.e. NFSM-Rice.
(b) & (c): This Ministry received representation from the State Governments apart from other dignitaries including Members of Parliament.
The above representations were examined. The districts under NFSM are included based on certain criteria i.e. for NFSM-Rice, those districts were identified which have more than 50,000 ha area under rice and productivity less than the State`s average productivity; for NFSM- Wheat the districts in which irrigation coverage under wheat is more than 50% and productivity is less than State`s average were identified. The districts for implementation of NFSM-Pulses have been selected based on existing large area under pulses, potential for area expansion through inter-cropping and utilization of rice fallows.
Since only one district i.e. Palakkad qualified the above objective criteria, this district was included under NFSM-Rice for area based interventions. As regards other rice growing districts in Kerala, the State Government was advised to take these districts under the Integrated Cereals Development Programmes-Rice of Macro Management Scheme or under newly launched Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
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Q No: 1617 |
Dated: |
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
Subject: DNA PROFILING DATA BANK. |
1617. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL P. RAJEEVE A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the State Government of Kerala has submitted any proposal to the Department of Biotechnology to set up DNA profiling Data Bank in the State for its approval and sanction of the necessary funds; and
(b) if so, the details of the project proposal and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) & (b) The State Government of Kerala has not submitted any formal proposal to the Department of Biotechnology to set up DNA profiling Data Bank.
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Q No: 1539 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION |
Subject: *SPECIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE |
1539. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
P. RAJEEVE M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government provides financial assistance to the States to set up special data infrastructure;
(b) if so, whether Government has provided financial assistance to the State of Kerala in this regard; and
(c) whether any steps had been taken by Government in this direction?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SACHIN PILOT)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) and (c): Government has approved a project for setting up of `State Data Center` for the State of Kerala in March 2008 with a total outlay of Rs.55.68 crores to meet the capital and operational expenses over a period of 5 years. An amount of Rs.11..63 crores has been released so far in this regard.
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Q No: 1538 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION |
Subject: *KUDUMBINI PROJECT |
1538. SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN
K.E. ISMAIL M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Kerala State Government has submitted a proposal to set up a project entitled `Kudumbini` to provide BPO facility for women at home on a pilot basis in Kozhikode district of Kerala with a total project cost of Rs.575 lakh; and
(b) if so, the details of the project and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SACHIN PILOT)
(a): Government of Kerala vide its letter – DO No.4332/B1/2008/ITD dated 27.09.2008 has submitted a proposal for `Kudumbini Women BPO`.
(b): This project proposal was for utilizing the power of ICT to distribute work spatially and provide supplementary income to women who are otherwise unable to go out for work. The Department has decided not to provide any financial support for the project.
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Q No: 218 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION |
Subject: TELECOM SPECTRUM LICENCE SCAM . |
218. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked the CBI to probe the alleged scam in allotment of second generation telecom spectrum licences made by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in January, 2008; and
(b) if so, the details and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE RAJYA SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 218 FOR 3RD DECEMBER, 2009 REGARDING “TELECOM SPECTRUM LICENCE SCAM”
(a) & (b) Sir, as per information provided by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), they have entrusted the case regarding allotment of second generation telecom spectrum licences to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 12.10.2009.
CVC has conveyed that the Preliminary investigation by it has shown following irregularities:
(i) Entry fee for Unified Access Services License (UASL) issued to new entrants during 2007 was the same as decided during the year 2001 on the basis of a bidding process.
(ii) There is no mention of ‘First-Come-First-Served’ (FCFS) Policy in the guidelines issued by Department of Telecommunications for issuance of UASL and website of the Department also does not contain any information about this policy.
(iii) FCFS Policy has not been followed by the Department.
(iv) There was no-lock-in period for the licensees for off-loading of their stakes, which enabled the licensees to offload their stakes at an early stage.
Reactions of Government on Preliminary investigation by CVC are as follows:
(i) Based on the recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the decision of then Government, the Unified Access Services (UAS) licences are being granted continuously on First-Come-First-Served’(FCFS) basis since introduction of UAS licensing regime in November 2003 at the entry fee for the 4th Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) licence(s) awarded in 2001 & in service areas where there were no 4th operator, the entry fee of existing Basic Service Operator (BSO) fixed by the Government in 2001 based on TRAI’s recommendation. Based on this policy, 51 new UAS licenses/LoI(Letter of Intent) had been issued till March 2007.
TRAI in its recommendations dated 28.08.2007 has not recommended any change in the entry fee for UAS licence. Accordingly, Government continued with the existing entry fee structure for UAS licences and 122 new UAS licences were issued in 2008. The fact that TRAI had not recommended any change in the entry fee for UAS licence, is also evident from TRAI’s letter dated 26th May 2008 to Department of Telecom (DOT) conveying that keeping in view the objective of growth, affordability, penetration of wireless services in semi-urban and rural areas and principle of level playing field and opportunity for equal competition between the incumbents and new entrants, the TRAI recommended the same entry fee as was taken from the fourth cellular operator for grant of CMTS license in the year 2001.
(ii) In consonance with New Telecom Policy (NTP) 1999 & TRAI recommendations, the Guidelines for Unified Access Services (UAS) licences issued on 14.12.2005 are the extant guidelines for grant of new UAS licence. All UAS licences issued in year 2008 are governed by these detailed guidelines. These guidelines, inter-alia stipulate that “Licences shall be issued without any restriction on the number of entrants for provision of Unified Access Services in a Service Area.” When entry conditions are fixed and licensing is being done without any restriction of number of licences, there can not be any other transparent method other than the method of First-Come-First-Served basis. The Parliament was also informed of this policy from time to time in reply to questions raised therein.
(iii) DOT (Department of Telecom) has been implementing a policy of First-Come-First Served for grant of UAS licences under which initially an application which is received first will be processed first and thereafter if found eligible will be granted LOI and then whosoever complies with the conditions of LOI first will be granted UAS licence. This stand of DoT regarding the award of UAS Licenses on first come first served basis was clarified by Press release dated 10.01.2008 and accordingly, the UAS licences were granted in year 2008.
(iv) As per the UAS licence guidelines dated 14.12.2005 and the provisions of the UAS licence agreement, there were no lock-in-period/ restriction on sale of equity/ issuance of additional equity shares by the licensee company. Such transactions including the ceiling limit of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) were subject to extant guidelines of the Government/Statutory Bodies.
There were news articles regarding sale of equity by two new telecom licensee companies. However, these companies informed DOT that their shareholder/ promoters have not sold the equity and the investments have been brought in by their foreign partners by subscribing to additional equity which would be used for rolling out the services.
Government, in consultation with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), decided that there shall be a Lock-in-period for sale of equity of a person whose share capital is 10% or more in the UAS licensee company on the effective date of the UAS licence till completion of three years from the effective date of the licence or till fulfillment of all the rollout obligations, whichever is earlier, subject to certain other conditions. In this regard, necessary amendment of the UAS licence agreement(s) has been issued on 23.07.2009.
The above issues alongwith certain other issues are presently before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in writ petition No. 7815/2008 in the matter of Dr. Arvind Gupta Vs UOI & others and the matter is sub-judice.
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Q No: 1501 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS |
Subject: *SHOW IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS |
1501. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that NH-17 and NH-47 are included under NHDP Phase-II and III for 4/6 laning through NHAI;
(b) the detail of projects in various stretches being taken up for implementation and the present stage of the implementation;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the progress of implementation is very slow; and
(d) if so, the steps being taken to speed up the completion of these projects?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) and (b) Yes Sir. The details of projects under implementation of NH-17 and NH-47 are annexed.
(c ) and (d) Some ongoing projects are delayed due to delay in land acquisition and no response from the prospective bidders. Additional land acquisition units are opened and State Governments are requested to expedite the land acquisition. Projects have been restructured to increase the viability to attract more bidders.
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Q No: 1494 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS |
Subject: CONSTRUCTION OF ALAPPUZHA BYPASS . |
1494. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the NHAI has taken up the construction of Alappuzha bypass starting from Kommady (NH-47);
(b) whether it is a fact that the traffic through the bypass could not be started due to the non-completion of two ROB’s on this bypass; and
(c) if so, the steps being taken to sanction additional funds for the construction of these ROB’s so that the traffic on this bypass is started at the earliest?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) Four lane Alappuzha bypass starting from Kommady and ending at Kalarcode on NH-47 has been included under National Highways Development Project Phase III to be implemented by National Highways Authority of India for which bids have been received.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) The two ROBs are forming part of the project referred to in reply to part (a) of the question.
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Q No: 1493 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS |
Subject: *CONSTRUCTION OF KOLLAM BYPASS . |
1493. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the construction of Kollam bypass starting from Altharamoodu and joining at Mevaram is taken up by NHAI;
(b) if so, the details of the projects and the progress made so far;
(c) whether it is a fact that the fund allotted to the project is not sufficient to complete the projects on time; and
(d) if so, whether Government will sanction additional fund for the project?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)
(a) and (b) Four lane Kollam bypass starting from Altharamoodu and ending at Mevaram on NH- 47 has been included under National Highways Development Project Phase III to be implemented by National Highways Authority of India for which bids have been received.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 1430 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS |
Subject: *VACANCIES IN POLICE FORCE . |
1430. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that there are more than 1.5 lakh vacancies in police force all over the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) what measures are being taken to fill up the vacancies and modernize police force in the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A statement indicating vacancy position State-wise as on 1.1.2008 is enclosed.
(c): “Police” is a State subject as per VII schedule to the Constitution of India. As such the responsibility to fill up the vacancies in police rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments have been advised from time to time in various forums in the Ministry to fill up the existing vacancies in police forces.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been supplementing the resources of the State Governments for upgradation and modernization of their police forces (MPF Scheme). Under the Scheme, assistance is being provided to the States for procurement of modern weaponry, construction of residential and non-residential buildings, mobility communication/security/forensic science equipments, strengthening of intelligence branches, training infrastructure and facilities, etc. Under the MPF Scheme, the State Governments formulate their specific requirements and include them in their annual action plan which are considered and approved by Ministry of Home Affairs and funds are released to States accordingly. During the last five years i.e. 2004-05 to 2008-09 a total amount of Rs. 5456.56 crore was released under the MPF Scheme to various States.
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Q No: 1290 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: SPECIALISTS FOR TREATMENT OF |
1290. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that India has very few doctors who specialize in treating patients suffering from infectious diseases (ID) though 48 per cent of deaths in the country are caused by such diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid, right down to the recent Swine Flu;
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto;
(c) whether it is also a fact that none of the 20 odd medical colleges in the country offer a degree course in infectious diseases; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b) No. The treatment of infectious diseases does not require specialization. The Medical Graduates (MBBS Doctors) are qualified to treat infectious diseases including tuberculosis, typhoid and swine flu. The Medical doctors posted in various Hospitals/Health Centres are given training/orientation from time to time to update their knowledge and skills. Continuous medical education (CME) and updates help the doctors to manage the cases.
(c) Yes.
(d) As mentioned in reply to (a) & (b) above, the Medical Graduates (MBBS Doctors) are fully qualified to treat infectious diseases with continuous medical education.
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Q No: 1266 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: *APPROVAL OF KOCHI METRO RAIL PROJECT |
1266. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the. Ministry of Urban Development has proposed the Kochi Metro Rail Project, a joint venture of the Kerala State and the Centre for the approval of his Ministry for its implementation and sanction of the fund; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b): A proposal for the Kochi Metro Rail Project is yet to undergo due appraisal/approval process. No proposal is pending with Ministry of Finance on date.
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Q No: 1259 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: REVIEW OF FDI GUIDELINES |
1259. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering a proposal to thoroughly review its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) guidelines following increasing risk of terror funds being parked in the country and other investments fraught with security implications; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE-MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b) : The policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is incorporated in the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident Outside India) Regulations, 2000, notified under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. FEMA indicates the countries from where investment is not permitted. As per Section 5(1) of FEMA Regulations, 2000 a person resident outside India or an entity incorporated outside India, other than a citizen or an entity in Pakistan, may purchase shares or convertible debentures of an Indian company under FDI scheme. EDI coming from Bangladesh is required to follow the approval route. Section 13 of the Act provides for imposition of penalty, after adjudication, for contravention of the provisions of the Act or Rules / Regulations. Further, any company established in me` country has to follow the relevant rules and regulations and is subject to the provisions of-`relevant Acts, Including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Government has put in place a liberal and investor friendly policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under which FDI up to 100%Hs permitted on the automatic route in most sectors/activities. The policy on FDI is reviewed on a continuing basis through an inter-ministerial consultation process, with a view to rationalizing/simplification of the policy and taking into account stakeholders concerns. All concerns of National security are being constantly addressed to by the Government suitably.
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Q No: 1239 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: REVIVAL SCHEME FOR RURAL CO OPERATIVE |
1239. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a, fact that the State Government of Kerala has expressed its opinion that the revival scheme for Rural Co-operative Credit Structure based on the Task Force headed by Prof. Vaidyanathan need to be modified taking into account the specific requirements of the State and the amendment proposed to the Banking Regulation Act 1949 as part of the legal and Institutional reforms may be dropped by the Central Government; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) : Yes, Sir.
(b) : The major issues on which the Government of Kerala has not.agreed with the provisions of the Government of India Revival Package for the Rural Co-operative Credit Structure are as under:
Removal of Stale intervention in all financial and administrative matters of Co-operative Credit Structure (CCS). Ban on acceptance of deposits from non-members by cooperatives other than banks. Restrictions on Cooperatives other than Cooperatives Banks using the word `bank`,`banking`,`banker`. All regulatory interventions of RBI. Fit and proper criteria by RBI for cooperative banks.
The Revival Package is to be implemented in a uniform manner in all States/UTs. Accepting the revival package, twenty-five State Governments have signed the MoU with Government of India and NABARD. This covers more than 96% of the Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure (STCCS) units in the country.
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Q No: 1197 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE. |
1197. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) : Whether it is a fact that the Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children ) Act, 2000 provides for constitution of a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in each district;
(b) : if so, the number of districts in the country where such committee have been constituted; and
(c) : in the absence of such CWCs the measures being taken to see that the Juvenile Justice Law is implemented properly in different States?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a): The Juvenile Justice ( Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2006 provides for constitution of a Child Welfare Committee( CWC) in each district.
(b): The number of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) set up in the country, State- wise, as per the information available in the Ministry of Women and Child Development received from the State Governments/UT Administrations, is given at Annexure.
(c): The responsibility for proper implementation of the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act as amended in 2006 lies with the State Government/UT Administrations. The Child Welfare Committee is one of the statutory bodies under Section 29 of the Act, set up by the State Government/UT Administrations for exercising the powers and to discharge the duties conferred on such Committee in relation to child in need of care and protection under this Act.
The States/UTs are advised from time to time to ensure proper implementation of the provisions of the Act including setting up of Child Welfare Committee in each district.
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Q No: 1177 |
Dated: |
Ministry: POWER |
Subject: PROJECTS UNDER RGGVY . |
1177. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) how many projects were sanctioned under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) this year;
(b) what is the outlay for this project;
(c) the number of projects submitted by Kerala under RGGVY; and
(d) how many projects have been sanctioned in the State?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a) & (b) : 6 projects with an outlay of Rs.24042.07 lakh have been sanctioned under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) this year. The details of projects sanctioned under RGGVY during 2009-10, is at Annex.
(c) & (d) : 14 projects were submitted by Kerala under RGGVY. Out of them, 1 project has been sanctioned under X Plan.
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Q No: 147 |
Dated: |
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING |
Subject: DECLARING FTII AND SRFTI AS CENTRES |
147. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether there is any proposal to declare Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata as Centres of excellence; and
(b) if so, the steps being taken to implement the proposal ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
(SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a) & (b) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 147 FOR ANSWER ON 30.11.2009
(a) & (b) Film & Television Institute of India, Pune (FTII) and Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata (SRFTI) are premier National Institutes in the field of Film and Television training in the country. The Government has envisaged upgradation of FTII, Pune in the 11th Plan to develop it to international standards. There is also a scheme in the 11th Plan for opening two new branches of study in SRFTI, Kolkata, viz., Department of Animation & Electronic Imaging and Department of Production Management.
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Q No: 994 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS. |
994. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that there is shortage of about five lakh teachers in the country for implementing the Right to Education Law; and
(b) if so, the details of the requirement of teachers and the steps being taken for recruitment of quality teachers for the purpose, State-wise?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) has, at the instance of the Government, prepared estimates for additional requirement of teachers on the basis of the Pupil Teacher Ratio norms prescribed under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, according to which around 5.10 lakh additional teachers would be required for the country as a whole at the elementary level. The Act has not yet come into force.
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Q No: 924 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: IMPLEMENTATION OF KUTTANAD AND IDUKKI |
924. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government of Kerala has submitted a number of projects worth Rs. 277 crores for the Kuttanad and Idukki packages as recommended by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Report;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether out of this, project worth Rs. 25 crores only has been approved as there are no corresponding or suitable schemes in Central Government;
(d) if so, whether State Govenment has sought an additional allocation under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to the tune of Rs. 105 crores over and above the normal entitlement for implementation of the said projects; and
(e) if so, the details and Government`s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Government of Kerala has submitted 26 projects involving an amount of Rs.390.36 crore under the package for development of Kuttanad Wetland Eco-system and 23 projects involving an amount of Rs.459.62 crore under the package for mitigation of farmers distress in Idukki District of Kerala.
(c): No, Sir. Central Government has approved projects involving amount of more than Rs.200 crore under Kuttanad and Idukki packages.
(d): No, Sir.
(e): Does not arise. The implementation issues in the packages are being sorted out on a continuous basis with Government of Kerala. Various decisions to speed up have been taken in the last review meeting that took place on 23.11.2009.
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Q No: 922 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: *VETERINARY SERVICES AT DOOR STEPS . |
922. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that with the advent of commercialization, the traditional livestock farmers now rear more than 3-4 cows which are highly productive and they expect veterinary services at door-steps owing to the constraints in transporting animals to veterinary institutions;
(b) if so, whether Government of Kerala has made a proposal to include schemes for providing round the clock and door-step veterinary services to the farmers under the Central Government schemes to provide assistance to such activities in future to support commercial dairying in the State; and
(c) if so, the details and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (c) Yes, Sir. Government of India has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, namely, “National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding” (NPCBB) for genetic upgradation of bovine population on priority basis. One of the objectives of the scheme is to arrange delivery of quality breeding inputs and services at the farmers’ door-step. Kerala is participating under the scheme since 2001-02 and central assistance to the tune of Rs. 33.77 crore has been released to the State including Rs 300.00 lakh released during current year.
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Q No: 603 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: MEASURES FOR REPLANTATION OF RUBBER |
603. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that about one-sixth of the area under rubber farming in Kerala have either senile or less productive trees which needs to be replanted; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and what measures are being taken for the replantation of such rubber trees?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b) : The total rubber area in Kerala which requires replanting in 2010 comes to around 48,000 ha. i.e 10 % of the total rubber area in the state. The replantation is being promoted through the Rubber Plantation Development Scheme in the 11th Five Year Plan. The scheme provides free technical assistance for replanting and financial assistance of Rs. 19,500/- per ha. for replanting an area upto 2 ha.
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Q No: 602 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: *KERALA CM S CONCERN ON FTA WITH |
602. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been signed between India and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN);
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) whether the Kerala Chief Minister had met Prime Minister by the end of the last Budget Session and had expressed the concern of the farmers of cash crops over the FTA agreement provisions and the PM has assured the CM that prior discussions will be held before the signing of the agreement; and
(d) if so, why the discussion was not held and what is the Government`s response to the concern expressed by the Chief Minister in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. India and ASEAN have signed a Trade in Goods Agreement on 13th August, 2009 which is envisaged to come into force with effect from 1st January, 2010. The Agreement mainly consists of exchange of tariff concessions by India and ASEAN Countries during 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2024.
(c) A delegation of political representatives from Kerala headed by Chief Minister of Kerala met the Prime Minister on 3rd August, 2009. The delegation was assured that:
(i) the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement completely protects the interests of farmers in Kerala with India insisting on a large Negative List of tariff lines under which no tariff concessions whatsoever would be provided to the ASEAN countries and
(ii) a Group of Ministers (GoM) to expeditiously recommend appropriate measures including structural reforms in vulnerable areas such as tea, coffee, pepper and plantations is being set up.
(d) Domestic consultations were held through various rounds of inter –ministerial meetings and stakeholders dialogues during the India – ASEAN FTA negotiations.
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Q No: 592 |
Dated: |
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
Subject: *ADVERSE EFFECT OF FTA WITH ASEAN |
592. SHRI PRABHAT JHA
BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE K.E. ISMAIL M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government believes that this agreement will have a negative effect on Indian agriculture sector;
(d) if so, the details thereof and how Government is going to protect agriculture sector from these negative effects; and
(e) if not, the reaction of the Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) India has signed Trade in Goods Agreement with ASEAN on 13th August, 2009. This Agreement is envisaged to come into force from 1st January, 2010.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.
(e) Majority of the agriculture items are protected under the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement by placing them in the Exclusion (Negative) List where no tariff concessions are available to ASEAN countries. A complete list of India’s offer is available at http://commerce.gov.in/trade/international_ta_indasean.asp
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Q No: 584 |
Dated: |
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: *MERGING OF RURAL SCHEMES . |
584. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering a proposal to merge all rural schemes into one comprehensive district plan; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Question does not arise.
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Q No: 484 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: DISCUSSION AT G SUMMIT . |
484. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether India had participated in the recent G 20 Summit at Pittsburgh;
(b) if so, the details of the discussion held and the outcome thereof
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Yes sir.
(b) In the Pittsburgh Summit the following issues were discussed:
1. Framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth
2. Progress and priorities on strengthening the International Financial Regulatory Systems
3. Reforms in the International Financial Institutions
4. Food, fuel and Finance for the poor of the world
5. Energy Efficiency and climate change 6. Putting Quality jobs at the heart of the recovery
7 An open Global Economy
8. Future role of the G 20
The G 20 countries agreed for a framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth and a mutual assessment process to assess whether policies are consistent with the shared objectives. The Leaders tasked the G 20 Finance Ministers to launch the framework and mutual assessment process in November 2009. In addition, the countries agreed to continue the stimulus till recovery is assured. There was a renewal of the commitment to carry on the strengthening of the International Financial Regulatory System and not return to the scenario of banking as usual. To this end the G 20 countries agreed to act together to raise capital standards, implement strong international compensation standards aimed at ending practices that leads to excessive risk taking, improve over the counter (OTC) derivative markets, and to create powerful tools to hold large global firms having systemic significance to account for the risks that they take. A major outcome was that the Leaders agreed to at least 5 per cent shift in quotas to dynamic emerging market and developing countries in the IMF by January 2011. The Leaders also agreed for a similar shift of at least 3 per cent in voting power in the World
Bank for developing and transition countries by the 2010 Spring Meetings (in addition to the 1.46 per cent that has been committed in the first phase). The Leaders also agreed to take new steps to increase access of the world`s poor to food, fuel and finance and to rationalise and phase out over the medium term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption while providing targeted support (for fuel) for the poorest. In addition, the Leaders have agreed to promote energy market transparency and market stability as part of a broad effort to avoid excessive volatility There was agreement that G 20 countries will fight protectionism and aim for a successful conclusion of the Doha Round in 2010. Also, on the Climate change the Leaders reaffirmed the primacy of the UNFCCC and agreed to cooperate for an agreed outcome at Copenhagen. The Leaders also committed to Implementing recovery plans that support decent work, help preserve employment, and prioritize job growth and to provide income, social protection, and training support for the unemployed and those most at risk of unemployment. One of the other major outcomes of the Pittsburgh Leaders` Summit has been to make the G-20 the premier multilateral forum for discussing international economic issues.
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Q No: 463 |
Dated: |
Ministry: FINANCE |
Subject: LOAN PACKAGE FROM WORLD BANK . |
463. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the World Bank has approved a 4.3 billion dollar loan package to India; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and for what purpose this loan is proposed to be utilized?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b) The World Bank has approved four Projects with a total commitment amount of US $ 4.395 Billion. These projects are part of additional financing of the World Bank to India for mitigating the global financial crisis.
The details of the loans are as follows:
Name of the Project Amount Purpose of Loan
(in US $ million)
1. Banking Sector 2000 Capitalisation of PSU Banks
Support Loan
2. India Infrastructure 1195 To facilitate private participation in
Company Limited infrastructure through the provision of long
term financing and to stimulate the
development of a long term debt
financing market for infrastructure in India.
3. Power Grid 1000 To strengthen the transmission system in Corporation of order to increase reliable power exchange
India Limited between the regions and States of India.
4. Small & Medium 200 Project support the Government of India’s Enterprises Additional Program to improve SME access to finance Financing (including term finance) and business
development services, thereby fostering
SME growth competitiveness and Employ- ment creation.
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Q No: 80 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
Subject: *LATE DIAGNOSIS OF SWINE FLU . |
80. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that a good number of the deaths have taken place due to Swine Flu in Pune and other places because of late diagnosis and lack of expertise in dealing with multiple medical conditions;
(b) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto; and
(c) what steps are proposed to be taken to increase the availability of enough Infectious Diseases (ID) specialists in the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)to(c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 80 FOR 24TH NOVEMBER, 2009
…..
(a) & (b) A total of 537 deaths have been reported due to Influenza A H1N1(Swine Flu) of which 214 deaths are from Maharashtra. Deaths were due to late arrival of patients to the treatment centres and had other co-morbid conditions. Mean interval between onset of symptoms and admission to the health facility is about 5.3 days.
Central Rapid Response teams assist the States of Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka to contain/ mitigate the pandemic. Guidelines have been issued for mitigating the pandemic by providing access to patients with influenza like illness to dedicated screening centres, categorizing them for home care or hospital care depending upon the risk and severity and providing treatment without testing. These are also available at our website http://mohfw-h1n1.nic.in. For those hospitalized patients who require testing, 41 laboratories have been identified to test the clinical samples. All States have been requested to gear up the State machinery and strengthen isolation facilities including critical care facilities at district level. States have been given adequate stock of Oseltamivir the drug to treat influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu). Restricted Sale has also been allowed through private chemists.
Public awareness is created through print and visual media campaign on prevention and for seeking treatment at designated screening centres and hospitals.
(c) Public Health Foundation of India has been established to address the limited institutional capacity in India for public health including infectious diseases. It has established 4 new institutions of public health and is assisting the growth of existing public health training institutions and departments. Mandate of addressing the capacity development is also taken up by premier institutions such as National Centre for Disease control, Delhi, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum and National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai.
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Q No: 323 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: *CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DAM IN |
323. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has given permission to Kerala Government for undertaking a forest survey for construction of a new dam in the Mullaperiyar reservoir area; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. The Ministry of Environment & Forests on the recommendation of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife in its 16th Meeting on 16.09.2009 has granted permission for undertaking survey and investigation involving an area of 2.5 hectare only against the area of 92,500 ha of Periyar Tiger Reserve subject to compliance of certain conditions as envisaged by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala. However, no such proposal from Kerala Government seeking permission for undertaking forest survey for construction of a new dam in the Mullaperiyar reservoir area has been received under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
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Q No: 308 |
Dated: |
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
Subject: *DISCUSSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY |
308. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there has been any discussion at any level so as to have a national consensus on climate change policy and India’s stand at the forthcoming meeting at Copenhagen; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change meets from time to time to oversee and guide the approach to climate change policy including formulation and approval of specific initiatives relating to implementation of ‘India’s National Action plan on Climate Change’. An institutional mechanism consisting of Policy Planning Group and Core Negotiating Group also functions with a view to help formulate the negotiating strategy on climate change with the necessary approvals from appropriate levels.
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Q No: 297 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS |
Subject: REGULATION OF SALARIES OF CEOS |
297. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is of the view that certain CEOs are being paid indecent salaries;
(b) if so, whether Government proposes to control the remuneration of CEOs by making some amendments to the Companies Act ;
(c) whether it is a fact that some guidelines have already been issued by his Ministry for executive pay and compensation to the Directors of a company; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken to ensure that these guidelines are followed by the companies?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) Companies registered under the Companies Act,1956 are free to decide about managerial remuneration within the ceiling given under the Act. Only such cases are to be referred to the Central Government for approval which are not within the prescribed ceilings. No analysis is done by the Government in regard to the cases which are not referred to the Central Government for approval.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) No guidelines have been issued in this regard.
(d) Does not arise.
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Q No: 232 |
Dated: |
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
Subject: *CUT OFF MARKS FOR JEE . |
232. SHRI D. RAJA
M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is considering a proposal to raise the minimum of 60 per cent marks in class XII Board to 80 percent for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government is aware that a high score in class XII depends on many social and external factors like the school, its facilities, etc. and students coming from rural and small town schools will not be eligible for appearing in JEE if the cut off marks is raised to 80 per cent; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (d): Joint Admission Board (JAB), which consists of representatives from all the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad and Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) as well as a representative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, make recommendations in respect of matters relating to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). A Review Committee has been set up by the JAB to give its recommendations regarding factoring in of class XII results on a percentile basis while deciding admissions into IITs. Integrating of class XII results with JEE results, would help students with rural backgrounds to get admission into IITs by reducing their dependence on coaching. Variation in the results of various Boards would be taken care of by following the cut-off marks on percentile basis.
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Q No: 193 |
Dated: |
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC |
Subject: LOSS OF WHEAT DUE TO SHORTAGE OF |
193. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that huge quantity of wheat, kept in the open due to inadequate storage facilities, has been damaged;
(b) if so, the details of the foodgrains got damaged and declared unfit even for animal consumption in different regions; and
(c) Government`s reaction thereto?
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): No, Sir. No foodgrains have been damaged due to lack of proper storage facilities. However, small quantities of foodgrains may get damaged due to various reasons, such as insect/fungus infestation, rodents, cyclones, floods and other natural calamities.
(b): The details of the foodgrains damaged and declared unfit in different regions during last three years are given at Annexure.
(c): The following steps have been taken to improve storage infrastructure in the country:-
1. FCI has prepared a shelf of projects to establish new godowns during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012). The estimated cost of construction of these godowns is Rs. 164 crores. Planning Commission has allocated Rs. 125 crores for FCI and Rs. 24 crores for State Governments of North Eastern region, Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir.
2. In July, 2008, the Government formulated a “Scheme for Construction of Godowns for FCI- Storage requirements through Private Enterpreneurs”. Under this scheme, the FCI is to provide a guarantee for 5 years for hiring of godowns through Central Warehousing Corporation and State Warehousing Corporations. FCI has approved creation of 126.35 lakh tonnes of storage capacity under this scheme.
3. Under the Scheme for Construction of Godowns for FCI and within the overall capacity of 126.35 lakh tonnes approved by FCI, the Government has allowed CWC/SWCs to build godowns on their own land for which FCI would provide 4 years guarantee for the storage charges.
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Q No: 152 |
Dated: |
Ministry: AGRICULTURE |
Subject: ORGANIC PADDY CULTIVATION IN PALAKKAD |
152. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
K.E. ISMAIL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that some farmers from Vadakkencherry in Palakkad district of Kerala had switched over to organic paddy cultivation two years ago with support from local Panchayat and State Agriculture Department and were depending upon export of their produce to remain sustainable;
(b) if so, the details of this experiment and Government`s reaction thereto;
(c) whether Government is also aware that these farmers find it difficult to sell their produce in the domestic market since their cost price is more than ordinary paddy; and
(d) if so, whether Government will consider to lift ban on organic rice export imposed in 2007 to encourage organic farming?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): As per information available, a group of farmers from Vadakkencherry in Palakkad district of Kerala have switched over to organic paddy cultivation.
(b)&(c): 13 farmers have switched over to organic paddy cultivation in 18.74 ha. The group was registered with Indian Organic Certification Agency (INDOCERT), Thottumugham (Kerala) during April, 2008 for organic certification. While the cost of production of organic rice is more during initial years of conversion, the yield gap narrows down in 2 to 3 years and comparable yields can be obtained thereafter. At that stage the cost of organic paddy is comparable to conventional paddy.
(d): A proposal has been formulated to permit export of certified organic non-basmati rice subject to a quantitative ceiling.
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Q No: 120 |
Dated: |
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES |
Subject: INTERLINKING OF RIVERS . |
120. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the statement made by the MOS for Environment and Forests that interlinking of rivers was a human and environmental disaster involving huge human and economic costs;
(b) if so, whether Government agree with this statement; and
(c) if so, the money spent so far on the projects related to the interlinking of rivers in the country and Government’s decision on the question of continuing the projects in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) A news paper item in this regard appeared in Dainik Veer Arjun on 6.10.2009.
(b) & (c) There are various stages in the implementation of projects related to Inter linking of rivers (ILR) such as preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs), preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), Clearances by various central appraising agencies, funding & benefits sharing agreements among the concerned States and agreements with the neighbouring countries (for the links under Himalayan Component). Detailed studies including studies on Environmental and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) aspects are carried out at DPR stage. National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs) under National Perspective Plan (NPP). Out of these, FRs of 14 links under Peninsular Component and of 2 links (Indian Portion) under Himalayan Component have been completed. Detailed Project Report (DPR) of one priority link namely Ken – Betwa has also been completed. Further, NWDA has taken up the DPRs of another two links after concurrence of the concerned states, namely Par – Tapi – Narmada & Damanganga – Pinjal which are planned to be completed by December 2011. The projects including interlinking projects are taken up for implementation after the clearances of the central appraising agencies which include Environmental clearance by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), Techno- economic clearance by Technical Advisory Committee of Ministry of Water Resources, clearance by Ministry of Tribal Affairs and investment clearance by the Planning Commission. At present, no interlinking project under NPP has reached the stage of seeking clearances from above agencies including Ministry of Environment & Forests. The ILR proposals under NPP envisage additional irrigation benefits of 25 million hectares (ha) of irrigation from surface waters, 10 million ha by increased use of ground waters and generation of 34000 MW of power apart from the benefits of flood moderation navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity, pollution control etc. National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has incurred on expenditure of Rs.271.44 Crore from 1982-83 up to October, 2009 for preparation of Pre-feasibility Report (PFRs) FRs/DPRs of link proposals under NPP, preparation of PFRs / FRs of interstate links and other studies in this regard. During XI plan, Government has kept a provision of Rs. 182.80 Crore for NWDA for carrying out above works.
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Q No: 82 |
Dated: |
Ministry: PLANNING |
Subject: SOCIAL SECTOR SCHEMES . |
82. SHRI M.P. ACHUTHAN
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the Planning Commission has been asked by the Prime Minister to carry out inspection at ground level to ensure proper implementation of various social sector schemes funded by the Central Government to States; and
(b) if so, the details and what action has been taken thereon?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) & (b): As per the direction of the Prime Minister, State Plan Advisers of Planning Commission have been asked to visit the States to review the implementation of important flagship programmes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes and submit their reports. State Plan Advisers have already visited some States and will be visiting other States soon.