Questions asked by Mr. Mohammad Shafi during Rajya Sabha session November – December 2009

No. of questions found: 44

3498. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether grid electricity is unlikely to reach in 24,418 remote villages and remote hamlets by the end of the Eleventh Five Year Plan;

(b) if so, the steps taken by Government for electrification of the villages and hamlets and the funds allocated for the purpose;

(c) whether Government’s Common Minimum Programme (CMP) envisages electrification of all households by 2009; and

(d) if so, the measures taken to achieve the CMP
Answer
THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

(DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a): On the basis of information provided by the state government agencies for renewable energy, the number of remote unelectrified census villages where grid was not likely to reach was tentatively estimated during 2003-04 at 24,418. Subsequently, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana was initiated by Ministry of Power for electrification of all unelectrified villages. The remote villages and remote hamlets where grid connectivity may not be feasible are shortlisted by the respective state governments and endorsed by the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), which is the apex implementing agency for Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. So far around 8650 such remote villages and hamlets have been identified.

(b): The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is implementing a programme for providing financial assistance to the state implementing agencies for providing lighting/basic electricity in remote villages and remote hamlets through renewable energy sources. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of upto 90% of the cost of the systems subject to the pre-specified maximum amounts is provided for approved projects. For the 11th Plan, an outlay of Rs.867.89 crores has been approved.

(c): The National Common Minimum Programme of the previous Government envisaged to provide access to electricity to all rural households in 5 years.

(d): The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana of Ministry of Power targets to complete the sanctioned 1,18,499 villages by the end of the 11th Plan while the Remote Village Electrification Programme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target of covering 10,000 remote villages and remote hamlets during the same period.

3470. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is implementing a scheme of Gram Nyayalayas to dispose of the cases at village level itself for the people living in rural areas of the country;

(b) if so, the number of villagers whose cases have been resolved through these courts, so far; and

(c) if not, the progress made by Government in this direction and by when this scheme would be operational and modus operandi that would be adopted by these courts?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE

(Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Government does not maintain such information centrally.

(c) The Central Government has enacted the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 on 07.01.2009 which enables the State Governments to establish one or more Gram Nyayalayas for every Panchayat at intermediate level to cater to specified Civil and Criminal cases in the rural areas. The Gram Nyayalayas Act was brought into force with effect from October 2, 2009. Under the Scheme, over 5000 Gram Nyayalayas are likely to be set up across the country.
While concerned State Governments have been requested to set up Gram Nayalaya in their respective States, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the States for establishing the Gram Nyayalayas and for operating the same during the first three years by bearing the non-recurring cost of establishment of Gram Nayayalayas subject to a ceiling of Rs. 18,00 lakhs per Gram Nayayalays and 50% of Rs. 6.40% lakhs per annum as recurring cost of one Gram Nyayalaya for the first three years.

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has notified 40 Nayalayas which started functioning from October 2, 2009. The Government of Maharashtra has inaugurated 9 Gram Nayayala on 2nd October 2009 out of which 5 Gram Nayayalays have started functioning. The Government of Orissa has notified one Gram Nayayalayas which has been inaugurated on Nayayayalays. The Government of Assam has decided, in principle, to establish Gram Nayayalyas in each district excluding 2 Hill districts within one year in the first phase.

The functioning of these Courts is prescribed in the Gram Nyayayalays Act, 2008. These Courts will operate under the directions of the respective High Courts.

3450. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of food parks sanctioned to be set up in various States, so far, States-wise;

(b) the reasons for slow progress in operationalising the food parks; and

(c) the fresh steps taken to ensure that all the conditions, necessary for the success of food parks, are put in place quickly? ANSWER
Answer
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)

(a): 56 Food Parks have been sanctioned so far in various States during the 8th to 10th Plan Periods. Food Park Scheme has been discontinued in the 11th Five Year Plan. List of Food Parks is given in Annexure.

(b): Ministry of Food Processing Industries had engaged reputed external agencies namely EDI, Ahmedabad and Consulting Engineers Ltd. to carry out evaluation of the Food Park Scheme. As per the study report, most of these Food Parks were promoted by State Industrial Development Agencies, they were conceptualized in traditional industrial estate mode with no forward and backward linkages. This resulted in valuable real estate being acquired but utilized at low levels of efficiency. Major reasons for the poor functioning of parks are mentioned below:
· Poor site selection · Delay in providing basic infrastructure facilities like power, water, road etc. · Absence of strong backward linkages · Weak linkages with the market · Delay in release of financial assistance due to slow progress · Poor management and implementation capabilities · Lack of funding for components such as internal roads, drainage, environmental control facilities and soiled waste management facilities etc., which are also important infrastructure needed in the park.

(c): In view of the experience gained in the implementation of the Food Park Scheme during 8th to 10th Plan periods and keeping the recommendations of the evaluation studies into consideration, Food Park Scheme has been suitably revised and restructured into a new scheme for establishing Mega Food Park, which is a demand driven scheme with strong backward and forwarded linkages. Continuous efforts are being taken by the Ministry to revitalise the earlier Food Parks to make them functional. Progress of food parks is periodically reviewed with implementing agencies. Periodical physical inspection of food parks is carried out from time to time by the SNAs. Joint inspections associating SNA, Ministry’s representative and the Bank are also conducted. State Governments have been requested to coordinate and cooperate with implementing agencies so as to overcome the constraints being faced by food parks. A revitalization-cum diagnostic study has been assigned by the Ministry to Tariff Commission in those cases where progress has been slow. The Program Management Agency (PMA) for the ongoing Mega Food Park Scheme has also been entrusted to visit the 20 selected old Food Parks to study and suggest the way out for their early completion and operationalisation.

Annexure

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to Rajya Sabha
Unstarred Question No. 3450 for 21.12.2009.

S State Location of Implementing Year of
. the Project agency approva
N l
o
.
1 2 3 4 5
1 Andhra Kuppam, Dist.- Andhra Pradesh 2000-01
. Pradesh Chittoor Industrial
Infrastructure
Corporation Ltd.,

2 Assam Chaygaon, Assam small 2000-01
. Distt. Kamrup Industries
Development
Corporation Ltd.,

3 Bihar Hajipur, North Bihar Ind. 2002-03
. District Area Dev.
Vaishali Authority, C/o
Department of
Industries

4 Chhattisgarh Village Chhattisgarh State 2001-02
. Teadesara, Industrial
Dist – Development
Rajnandgaon Corporation

5 Haryana Saha, Distt.- Haryana state Ind. 2001-02
. Ambala Dev. Corporation
Ltd.,

6 Haryana Rai, Dist.- Haryana state Ind. 2001-02
. Sonipat, Dev. Corporation
Ltd.,

7 Jammu & Khunmoh, J&K State 2000-01
. Kashmir Distt.- Industrial
Srinagar, Development
Corporation Ltd.

8 Jammu & Sopore, J&K State 2002-03
. Kashmir Baramulla Industrial
Development
Corporation Ltd.

(J&K SIDCO)

9 Jammu & Jammu Jammu Agro 2001-02
. Kashmir Industrial Food
Park,

1 Karnataka Malur, Distt.- Karnataka 2000-01
0 Kolar, Industrial Areas
. Development Board
/ Food Karnataka
Limited

1 Karnataka Bagalkot, Karnataka 2000-01
1 Industrial Areas
. Development Board
/ Food Karnataka
Limited

1 Karnataka Jevargi Karnataka 2002-03
2 Industrial Areas
. Development Board
Food Karnataka
Limited

1 Karnataka Hirriyur M/s Akshay Food 2006-07
3 Park Limited
.
1 Kerala Distt. Kerala Industrial 1996-97
4 Mallapuram, Infrastructure
Development
Corporation

1 Kerala Aroor, Distt.- Marine Products 2001-02
5 Alappuzha, Infrastructure
. Development
Corporation P.
Ltd. (MIDCON) /
Seafood Park India
Ltd.

1 Kerala Mazhuvannur, Kerala Industrial 2002-03
6 Ernakulam Infrastructure
. Development
Corporation

(KINFRA)

1 Kerala Adoor Kerala Industrial 2005-06
7 Infrastructure
. Development
Corporation

(KINFRA)

1 Madhya Jaggakhedi, Madhya Pradesh 2000-01
8 Pradesh Distt.- Audyogic Kendra
. Mandsaur, Vikas Nigam

(Indore) Ltd.,

1 Madhya Nimrani, Dist. Madhya Pradesh 2001-02
9 Pradesh Khargone, Audyogic Kendra
. Vikas Nigam

(Indore) Ltd.,

2 Madhya Piparia, Madhya Pradesh 2001-02
0 Pradesh Babai, Distt.- Audyogic Kendra
. Hoshangabad Vikas Nigam

(IBhopal) Ltd

2 Madhya Borgaon, M.P.Audyogik 2001-02
1 Pradesh Distt. Kendra, Vikas
. Chhindwara Nigam (Jabalpur)
Ltd.,

2 Madhya Malanpur, M.P.Audyogik 2002-03
2 Pradesh Ghirongi, Kendra, Vikas
. District Bhind Nigam (Gwalior )

(M.P). Ltd

2 Madhya Maneri, Distt. M.P.Audyogik 2002-03
3 Pradesh Mandla Kendra, Vikas
. Nigam (Jabalpur)
Ltd.

2 Maharashtra Butibori, Maharashtra Agro 2000-01
4 Distt.-Nagpur, Industries
. Development
Corporation Ltd.

2 Maharashtra Vinchur, Maharashtra 2001-02
5 Distt. Nashik Industrial
. Development
Corporation

2 Maharashtra Mouza M/s Haldiram 2002-03
6 Gumthala, Krishi Udyog Pvt.
. Bhandara Road, Ltd., Dist.
Dist. Nagpur. Nagpur.

2 Maharashtra Village M/s Agrifood 2002-03
7 Sangvi, Distt. Informatics
. Satara (India) Ltd, Pune-
411013

2 Maharashtra Palus, Distt.- Maharashtra 2003-04
8 Sangli Industrial
. Development
Corporation

2 Maharashtra Kapsi, Taluka M/s Maa Umiya 2005-06
9 Kamtee, Distt. Audyogic sahakari
. Nagpur asahat Maryadit

3 Maharashtra MIDC M/s Laxmi Nirmal 2006-07
0 Industrial Pratisthan
. Area, Shendra,
Aurangabad
3 Manipur Lamphelpat, Manipur Food 2000-01
1 Imphal Industries
. Corporation Ltd.

3 Manipur Distt.-Ukhrul Rishang Keishing 2001-02
2 Foundation
. for Management of
Tribal Areas

3 Mizoram Chhingchip, Mizoram Food and 2001-02
3 Allied Industries
.
3 Nagaland Bamunpukri, Progressive Rural 2006-07
4 Dimapur Development
. Society

3 Orissa Khurda Orissa Indl. 2001-02
5 Infrastructure
. Development
Corporation

3 Punjab Sirhind, Punjab Agri Export 2000-01
6 Distt. Corporation
. Fatehgarh
Sahib
3 Rajasthan Ranpur, Distt. Rajasthan State 2002-03
7 Kota. Industrial
. Development &
Investment
Corporation Ltd.,

(RIICO)

3 Rajasthan Boranada, Rajasthan State 2002-03
8 District – Industrial
. Jodhpur Development &
Investment
Corporation Ltd.,

(RIICO),
3 Rajasthan Sri Ganganagar Rajasthan State 2003-04
9 Industrial
. Development &
Investment
Corporation Ltd.,

(RIICO),

4 Rajasthan Alwar Rajasthan State 2006-07
0 Industrial
. Development &
Investment
Corporation Ltd.,

(RIICO),

4 Tamil Nadu Virudhunagar, V.P.S Ayyemperumal 2000-01
1 Distt.-Madurai Nadar & Sons.

4 Tamil Nadu Dindigul Nilakottai Food 2004-05
2 District Park Ltd.
.
4 Tripura Bodhjungnagar, Tripura Industrial 2000-01
3 West Tripura Development
. Corporation Ltd.

4 Uttar Ghaziabad Wise Industrial 1999-00
4 Pradesh Park Ltd.
.
4 Uttar Kharkion, U.P State 2000-01
5 Pradesh Distt.- Industrial
. Varanasi Development
Corporation Ltd.

4 Uttar Shahajanwa, Gorakhpur 2004-05
6 Pradesh Gorakhpur Industrial Dev.
. Authority.

4 Uttar Village M/S Kushal 2002-03
7 Pradesh Kushalipur, International
. District Limited,
Saharanpur.
4 Uttar Kursi Road, U.P State 2000-01
8 Pradesh Distt.- Industrial
. Barabanki Development
Corporation Ltd.

4 West Bengal Chakgaria, 24 State Fishermen’s 1998-99
9 Parganas Cooperative Ltd.,
. (South) (BENFISH), Kolkata
5 West Bengal Dankuni, Modular 1996-97
0 Distt. Hooghly Consultants Pvt.
. Ltd.

5 West Bengal Haldia Haldia Development 2002-03
1 District Authority,
. Midnapore Haldia,
.

5 West Bengal Sultanpur, State Fishermen’s 2003-04
2 South 24 Cooperative
. Parganas Ltd., (BENFISH),
Kolkata
5 West Bengal Malda Deptt. Of Food 2003-04
3 Processing
. Industries and
Horticulture,
Govt. of West
Bengal.
5 West Bengal Shankarapur, Department of 2004-05
4 Dist. Purba Fisheries,
. Medinipur, Aquaculture,
Aquatic Resources,
Govt. of West
Bengal,

5 West Bengal Sankhrail, West Bengal 2004-05
5 Howrah Industrial
. Development
Corporation

(WBIDC)

5 West Begal Murshidabad M/s Pataka 2005-06
6 Industries Limited

3237. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of schemes being run by his Ministry under which financial assistance is provided to Non-Governmental Organisations;

(b) the details of funds allocated to Uttarakhand, Organization-wise and scheme-wise, during the last three years; and

(c) the steps taken by Government to provide benefit of these schemes at village level?
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): The details of schemes being run by this Ministry under which financial assistance is provided to Non-Governmental Organizations is at Annexure-I. No funds are released to NGOs directly by the Ministry, except for two schemes of Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach in India and National Project on Organic Farming.

(b): Details of funds allocated directly to NGOs in Uttarakhand, organization-wise and scheme-wise during the last three years are at Annexure-II.

(c): Most of the schemes implemented through NGOs are meant for village level interventions and are implemented through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Government also carries out publicity through print, electronic and other media to bring awareness of these schemes at the village level.

3154. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of cases filed in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) during last two years;

(b) the number of cases settled in those years;

(c) the details of the cases pending at the moment;

(d) the steps taken to clear the backlog; and

(e) the details thereof?
Answer

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs .(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a): : During 2007 and 2008, 17725 and 18287 cases were filed respectively.

(b) : During 2007 and 2008, 18674 and 20352 cases were disposed of respectively.

(c): As on 30.09.2009, there were 22372 cases pending in various benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal. Contd /2-
2—
Principal Bench 3299 Ahmedabad 568 Allahabad 2949 Lucknow 1099 Bangalore 559 Bombay 1807 Calcutta 2794 Chandigarh 1214 Cuttack 1015 Guwahati 306 Hyderabad 874 Jabalpur 686 Jodhpur 605 Jaipur 874 Madras 1105 Patna 1824 Ernakulam 794

(d) & (e) : The following steps have been taken to clear the backlog :

(i) Monthly Pendency report is called for from all the benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal and the rate of disposal is personally monitored by the Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal.

(ii) Targets are set up by the Chairman for the Benches.

(iii) During the All India Conference 2009, the Benches were advised to give priority to the disposal of old cases pending since 2004 to 2007.

3105. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has proposal to provide telephone to all the revenue villages in the country;

(b) whether any target has been fixed for the purpose; and

(c) the progress that has been made in that regard, state-wise?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) to (c) As on 31.10.2009, out of a total of 5,93,601 inhabited villages as per Census 2001, 5,62,152 villages (about 95%) have been provided with Village Public Phones (VPTs). It has been decided to cover all the remaining inhabited villages with VPTs through subsidy support from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) in a phased manner by February, 2011. Circle-wise details are at Annexure.

3085. SHRI KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI PRABHAT JHA
Will the Minister of SPACE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it a fact that an American scientist associated with Chandrayaan Mission has been arrested by FBI on the charge of working as a spy for Israel;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether ISRO has given any secret information related to Indian space science to that American scientist; and

(d) if so, the steps taken to prevent breach of secrecy related to space science after this disclosure and to ensure avoidance of the recurrence of such negligence in future?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS, MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS , MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES

(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) It is learnt that one Dr. Stewart Nozette, Principal Investigator of NASA’s Mini-SAR, flown on-board the Chandrayaan-I spacecraft, has been arrested.

(c) No, Sir.

(d) Does not arise.

413. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of beneficiaries under the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) during the Eleventh Plan period;

(b) the details thereof;

(c) whether the NCPEDP has achieved its goal; if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps taken by his Ministry?
Answer
MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(MUKUL WASNIK)

(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. 413 for 17.12.2009 by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari regarding “Employment for disabled persons”

(a) to (d) As National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People is not a government organization and is not receiving any financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment the information is not available with the Ministry.

3061. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of proposals received by Government from the State Government of Uttarakhand till date;

(b) the details thereof indicating the date of receipt;

(c) the number of proposals sanctioned so far; and

(d) by when the remaining proposals would be sanctioned along with the reasons for the delay?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)

a) Sixty nine numbers of proposals regarding National Highways have been received from State Government of Uttarakhand for the current financial year 2009-10. b) The details indicating the date of receipt of these proposals are placed at Annexure.

c) Thirty four numbers of proposals have been sanctioned so far.

d) Proposals are considered for sanction as per their technical feasibility and the availability of funds. After the sanction of the thirty four proposals, commensurate to the remaining funds available for State of Uttarakhand, few other proposals are also under the process for sanction. As such there is no delay in sanctioning the proposals.

2951. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there is any proposal to set up heavy industries in the backward districts of the country during Eleventh Five Year Plan;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a) to (c): In a deregulated industrial environment, decisions to set up industries are taken by the entrepreneurs. The State Governments are primarily responsible for industrial development in their respective States. The Union Government supplement the efforts of the State Governments through various schemes to provide incentives and/or to improve infrastructure facilities. Besides, the Union Government is also implementing packages of incentives for the special category States of the North East (including Sikkim) and the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in view of the adverse geographical locations and other specificities of these States.

2900. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the amount provided to State Government of Uttarakhand under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme, during the last two years;

(b) whether the State Government has requested to provide additional fund under these schemes and also for such other schemes; and

(c) if so, whether Government has provided fund to complete all the above- mentioned projects?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a): Rs. 1841.90 lakh during 2007-08 and Rs.4720.53 lakh during 2008-09 were released to the State Government of Uttrakhand under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) which includes, among others, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).

(b)&(c): The State Government had not requested for additional fund under NSAP during the last two years as funds released by the Central Government were sufficient to meet the requirement.

2893. SHRI KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) the status of bio-diesel sale plan in the country;

(b) whether Government has not been able to purchase even a drop of bio-diesel in last four years;

(c) whether there is any dispute between bio-diesel producing companies and oil marketing companies; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the way Government has found out for its improvement? isVªksfy;e ,oa izkd`frd xSl ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jh ftfru aaizzzlkn )
Answer
MINISTER of STATE for PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS

(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b) To encourage production of bio-diesel in the country, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced a Bio-diesel Purchase Policy, in October, 2005, which became effective from 1.1.2006. Under this scheme, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) will purchase bio-diesel at a uniform landed price which is to be reviewed every six months for blending with High Speed Diesel (HSD) to the extent of 5% at 20 identified purchase centres across the country. At present the purchase price of bio-diesel is Rs. 24.50 per litre which is valid up to 31.03.2010. However, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have not been able to purchase any bio-diesel at the identified purchase Centres so far, as the parties who have expressed interest are not willing to supply at the declared price. As such the bio-diesel programme has not yet taken off.

(c) No, Sir

(d) Does not arise.

2793. SHRI KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the State Governments have demanded from the Central Government to increase stamp duty on insurance products;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether insurance holders will have to pay more premium for having insurance due to increase in stamp duty; and

(d) if so, whether any alternative way has been found in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) : No, Sir.

(b) to (d): Does not arise.

2771. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether work on formation of National Mission for Gender Conversion and Equity which is aimed at the empowerment of women involved in the 100 days agenda of Government has been completed;

(b) : if so, the details of the work done by the Mission for empowerment of women; and

(c) : if not, by when the Mission would be formed?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a),(b) & (c) : The actual contours of the proposed National Mission for Empowerment of Women are being worked out and will be finalised after inter ministerial consultations are complete.

2642. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has taken steps for protection of tigers;

(b) if so, what are the new tiger conservation measures proposed to be adopted;

(c) the States where such steps are being taken;

(d) the impact on the tiger population because of these measures during the last three years;

(e) whether Government proposes to set up special task force for tigers; and

(f) if so, the steps taken in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a)to f) The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers and other wild animals are at Annexure-I. Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS OF (a), (b),(c),(d),(e) & (f) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2642 ON PROTECTION OF TIGERS DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.12.2009.

Milestone initiatives (including the recent) taken by the Government of India
for protection of tigers and other wild animals

Legal steps

1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for providing enabling
provisions for constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the
Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.

2. Enhancement of punishment in cases of offence relating to a tiger reserve
or its core area.

Administrative steps

3. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for
monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to Tiger Reserve States, as
proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army
personnel / home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in
addition to strengthening of communication / wireless facilities.

4. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect
from 4.09.2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring
normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific
tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament,
constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief
Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation.

5. Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species
Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007
to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife.

6. Declaration of eight new Tiger Reserves and in-principle approval
accorded for creation of four new Reserves, namely Sahyadri in Maharashtra,
Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Ratapani in M.P. and Sunabeda in Orissa.

7. The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to States for
strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities,
interalia, include funding support to States for enhanced village
relocation/rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger
habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh/family to Rs. 10 lakhs/family),
rehabilitation/resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunt
ing, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger
reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to
arrest habitat fragmentation.

8. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators,
prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and
mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation/assessment are bench marks for
future tiger conservation strategy.

9. An area of 29284.76 sq. km. has been notified by 15 Tiger States (out of
17) as core or critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006 (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Mizoram, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal). Two
tiger States (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) have taken a decision for notifying the
core or critical tiger habitats (2765.04 sq.km.). The State of Madhya Pradesh
has not identified / notified the core / critical tiger habitat in its newly
constituted tiger reserve (Sanjay National Park and Sanjay Dubri Wildlife
Sanctuary).

Financial steps

10. Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various
Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated Development of
Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States
for providing effective protection to wild animals.

International Cooperation

11. India has a Memorandum of Understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-
boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on
tiger conservation with China.

12. A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for
addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.

13. During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was
held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution
along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties
with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such
captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The
resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made
an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate
stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of
continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized.

14. Based on Indias strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the
Standing Committee of the CITES at Geneva from 6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES
Secretariat has issued a notification to Parties to submit reports relating to
compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 within 90 days with effect from
20.10.2009 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers
etc.).

Reintroduction of Tigers

15. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger
Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers /
tigresses have been done.

16. Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger
population through active management in tiger reserves having low population
status of tiger and its prey.

Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)

17. The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget
Speech of 29.2.2008, interalia, contains action points relating to tiger
protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a
Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been
approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. Rs. 93 lakhs each
has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation
of STPF during 2008-09. Central Assistance will be provided to States for
creation of STPF in remaining 10 Tiger Reserves in 2009-10. Since then, the
guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place
of Police, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars.

18. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, action has been taken for an online
wildlife crime data base, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve
specific Security Plan has been evolved.

Recent initiatives

19. Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for
effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives.

20. Revised the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) guidelines to involve
local people like Van Gujjars and others in field protection.

21. Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done (12 good, 9 satisfactory and 16
poor).

22. Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing
extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey.

23. All India meeting of Field Directors convened on 25 and 26 July, 2009
under the Chairmanship ofthe Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Environment and Forests for reviewing the status of field protection and related
issues in tiger reserves.

24. Chief Ministers of tiger States addressed at the level of the Minister of
State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests on urgent issues, viz.
implementation of the tripartite MOU, creation of the Tiger Conservation
Foundation, stepping up protection etc.

25. Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing
extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking
special initiatives.

26. Field visits to Bhadra, Corbett, Sariska and Ranthambhore made by the
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests to review the
initiatives and problems relating to tiger conservation.

27. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection.

28. Advisory issued for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the
forthcoming all India tiger estimation.

29. Core Committee involving outside experts constituted for overseeing the
forthcoming all India tiger estimation.

30. Report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted for looking
into the local extinction of tiger in the Panna Tiger Reserve sent to the State (Madhya Pradesh) for the needful action.

31. Issue of tiger farming and trafficking of tiger body parts discussed at
the level of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests
with the Chinese Authorities.

32. Action taken for amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act to ensure
effective conservation.

33. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity
building of field officials, apart from providing incentives.

34. Decision taken to host the World Tiger Summit in October-November, 2010.

358. SHRI KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) whether, keeping in view the increasing demand of power, his Ministry has decided to implement new power projects;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Government has formulated any special policy, keeping in view those States which overdraw power; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF POWER

( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )

(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 358 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE RAJYA SABHA ON 14.12.2009 REGARDING NEW POWER PROJECTS.

(a) & (b) : Planning Commission had fixed a capacity addition target of 78,700 MW during the 11th Plan to meet the power requirement of the country. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recently reviewed the likely capacity addition during 11th Plan after meeting with project developers. Based on the inputs provided by the project developers and suppliers, CEA has assessed that capacity addition of 62,374 MW is likely to be commissioned with high level of certainty during the 11th Plan. In addition, projects totaling to 12,590 MW capacity are being attempted for commissioning on best efforts basis during the 11th Plan.

(c) & (d): In accordance with the Electricity Act, 2003, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission regulates the inter-State transmission of electricity. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued the Indian Electricity Grid Code, for facilitating operation, maintenance, development and planning of economic and reliable Regional Grid, which, inter-alia, deals with aspects relating to drawal of the States from the grid as compared to their schedule. In addition, CERC has also formulated a regulation on charges for unscheduled interchanges i.e. deviation of the actual drawal with respect to the schedule. The charges for Unscheduled Interchange (UI) are payable by the concerned entities for deviation from the schedule. The UI rate is maximum at frequency of 49.2 Hz. For overdrawal below 49.2 Hz, in addition to the UI rate corresponding to frequency of 49.2 Hz, an additional charge at the rate equivalent to 40% of the UI rate corresponding to frequency of 49.2 Hz is payable.

Data regarding overdrawal and persistent overdrawal of power by state power Utilities at low frequency are brought to the notice of CERC by the Regional Load Dispatch Centres (RLDCs). CERC has been taking cognizance of the overdrawal at low frequency and has also imposed fines on the State Utilities.

2565. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of funds released to Uttarakhand under Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) during the last three years;

(b) the number of villages benefited as a result thereof; and (

(c) the funds proposed during the year 2009-2010?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

(SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) to (c) Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) is not being implemented with effect from 2008-2009 as a new scheme namely Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has been formulated by merging two employment generation schemes viz., PMRY and Rural Employment Generation Progamme (REGP) earlier being implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The details of fund released to Government of Uttarakhand during 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 under PMRY are as under:

Year Funds released (Rs. lakh)
2006-2007 83.49
2007-2008 81.14

Funds for subsidy payable to the individual beneficiaries were routed through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) which in turn passed them to the implementing banks for crediting the admissible subsidy to the loan accounts of beneficiaries.

PMRY was a credit linked subsidy scheme and its objective was to assist the educated unemployed youth of economically weaker sections in setting up of self employment ventures in industry, service and business sectors. Initially, the PMRY was implemented only in urban areas of the country. With effect from 1994-1995, it was implemented in both urban and rural areas. The number of beneficiaries in Uttarakhand to whom loans were disbursed during 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 as reported by Reserve Bank of India are as under:

Year No.of beneficiares (persons to whom loan disbursed by banks)
2006-2007 7573
2007-2008 7737

2509. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of raids carried out from 2008 onwards to check black- marketing of essential commodities, State/Union Territory-wise; and

(b) the number of wheat, rice, sugar sacks and other essential commodities seized during these raids?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(Prof. K.V. Thomas)

(a) & (b): The details of the raids conducted, value of essential commodities seized/confiscated and persons booked for violation of rules under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, during the year 2008 and 2009 (updated upto 30.11.2009) as reported by State Governments/UT Administrations are at Annexure I & II.

335. SHRI KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that hormone injections are given to cattle to increase the yield of milk;

(b) if so, the number of complaints received by Government, State-wise;

(c) the details thereof; and

(d) whether Government has taken strict steps to tackle it?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(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. 335 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 DECEMBER, 2009.

(a): Hormones are not allowed to be used to increase milk yield of cattle in the country.

(b) to (d): No specific complaints have been received by the Government in this regard.

2453. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of funds released to Uttarakhand State in last five years to build new and upgrade existing sports infrastructure ; and

(b) whether any scheme exist to promote sports and provide sports training and infrastructure at primary and secondary schools in the country and particularly in rural areas ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

(SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a) & (b) The scheme `Panchayat Yuva Krida Khel Abhyan’, a centrally sponsored scheme, was introduced in 2008-09, for creation of basic sports infrastructure in all village and block panchayats and for conducting sports competitions at blocks, districts, states and national level of the country. The XIth Five Year Plan outlay for this scheme is Rs.1500 crore. The scheme envisage to cover around 2.50 lakh village panchayats and 6,400 block panchayats (including their equivalent units) in a phased manner over a period of 10 years at an annual coverage of 10% ( and the coverage will be 20% in the case of special category states including North Eastern States). The scheme is implemented through the state governments/ UTs. administrations. An amount of Rs. 8.89 crore was sanctioned to Government of Uttrakhand for creating basic sports infrastructure in 750 village panchayats and 10 block panchayats during 2008-09. Out of the sanctioned amount, Rs. 4.45 crore had been released towards first installment. School’s playgrounds are mostly identified fpr PYKKA centres. Further, for conducting competition in 95 blocks and 13 districts during 2009-10, an amount of Rs.1.03 crore, out of admissible grant of Rs.1.38 crore, has so far been released to Uttrakhand State.

2425. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of foreign tourists who have visited India during last two years and how many of them registered complaints against cheating, harassment, rape and murder etc.;

(b) the action taken on complaints registered, complaint-wise, city-wise;

(c) the measures taken for the safety and security of foreign tourists; and

(d) the measures taken to attract more foreign tourists?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a) to (c): Foreign tourists who have visited India during last two years is as under:-

Year 2007 2008
Foreign Tourist Arrivals 5081504 5366966

‘Public Order’ and ‘Police’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India and as such, registration, investigation, detection and prevention of crime including crimes against foreign tourists, is primarily the responsibility of the State Government.

However, in order to ensure the safety and security of foreign tourists, Ministry of Tourism has advised all the State Governments / Union Territory Administrations to deploy Tourist Police, in one form or the other. Ministry of Tourism has also circulated guidelines for formation of Tourist Security Organization(s) comprising Ex – Servicemen for the safety and security of tourists to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.

(d): To increase the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals, Ministry of Tourism through its India Tourism offices overseas is undertaking a series of promotional activities like advertising, participation in travel fairs, exhibitions, road shows, India evenings, seminars and workshops, Indian food and cultural festivals, publication of brochures, inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry. Further, Ministry of Tourism also launched ‘Visit India Year – 2009’ in collaboration with Hoteliers, Tour Operators, Airlines and other service providers in the tourism sector for incentivizing and attracting foreign tourists to the country.

2303. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of workers rendered jobless due to the closure of textile mills during the last five years;

(b) the measures taken to rehabilitate them;

(c) the number of workers given financial assistance so far;

(d) whether lakhs of workers have been denied financial assistance;

(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the measures taken to ensure assistance to each and every worker rendered jobless?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): As per records, during the period October 2004 to September 2009, 77 cotton/man made fibre textile mills (Non SSI) were closed down. These mills had 22927 workers on their role.

(b): Government of India under Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS) provides interim relief to the textile workers rendered unemployed as a consequence of permanent closure of any particular portion or entire textile unit. Assistance under the Scheme is payable to eligible workers only for the purpose of enabling them to settle in another employment. Any worker is eligible provided he/she is engaged in a closed textile unit on the date of its closure continuously for five years or more and earning a wage equivalent of Rs.2500 per month or less for the mills closed between 6.6.1985 to 1.4.1993 and Rs.3500 or less thereafter. They should be contributing to the Provident Fund maintained by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner of the State concerned.

(c) to (e): Since inception of the Scheme, a total of 103755 workers out of 132956 workers on rolls have been given financial assistance till 31.10.2009 as per the funds available under the Scheme.

(f): Constant efforts were/are made by the Government to provide relief to displaced workers of closed textile mills at an early date by organizing various Grievances Redressal Meetings, which were/are presided over by the Textiles Minister / Textiles Commissioner / Joint Textiles Commissioner etc. Such meetings had/have the representatives from various State / Central Government Departments / Organisations / Labour Associations and from workers.

2263. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of plight of the labourers working in unorganized sector; and

(b) if so, the social security and other welfare measures formulated for their upliftment?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b): Government is aware of the conditions of unorganised workers. Recognizing the need of providing social security, the Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008. The Act provides for constitution of National Social Security Board at the Central level and State Social Security Boards at the state level which shall recommend formulation of social security schemes for unorganised workers. Various schemes/programmes are being implemented by the Government for improving the conditions of unorganised workers such as Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, National Social Assistance Programme and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 which provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Apart from these, the Government has launched some new schemes such as the Aam Admi Bima Yojana to provide insurance against death and disability and the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to provide health insurance cover to BPL workers.

2090. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of children orphaned on account of spread of AIDS in the country during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) how many of them are infected with this disease during the last three years, State-wise;

(c) the details of budgetary and institutional support made and provided for their rehabilitation; and

(d) the details of the steps taken by Government/NGOs to protect the children?
Answer
THE MINSITER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) & (b) Information on number of children orphaned on account of AIDS is not available. Number of HIV infected children during the last three years, State-wise is annexed.

(c) Under National AIDS Control Programme Phase-III (NACP-III), five Community Care Center (CCC) for children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, have been supported for providing, care, support, food, education and health care. Grant-in-aid of Rs.21.5 lakh has been given to each of these centers. In addition, care and support services are also being provided by HIV/AIDS Alliance to 18,405 children and Clinton Foundation to nearly 28,000 children affected by HIV/AIDS in selected high prevalence districts.

(d) Following steps are being taken to protect children from HIV infection:

(i) Identification, counselling and prophylactic treatment to HIV positive pregnant women and new born babies;

(ii) Diagnosis of HIV positive children and provision of anti-retroviral drugs to those children eligible for treatment; and

(iii) Public awareness through various media regarding prevention of HIV transmission.

1875. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) set up by Government for the protection of tigers had entrusted the work pertaining to protection of tigers to a monitoring committee in the month of September last year;

(b) the details of the improvement made by the committee in this area; and

(c) the number of tigers in the country, as on date?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b) A Monitoring Committee was constituted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in September, 2008, for overseeing the village relocation process to suggest monitoring benchmarks, apart from providing inputs for eco-tourism to benefit fringe dwellers outside the core / critical tiger habitats, and people relocated from such areas.

(c) As per the findings of the recent All India tiger estimation in 2008 using the refined methodology, the total country-level population of tiger is 1411 (mid value); the lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively. The State-wise tiger population and area of tiger occupied landscapes are indicated in Annexure-I.

1874. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India is in agreement that the current level of carbon emissions is damaging the world’s eco system;

(b) whether India has agreed to reduce carbon emissions unilaterally;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether this is in conjunction with the level of carbon emissions reduction agreed to by the USA, Japan, EU, China and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any capital has been proposed by the developed world to subsidize cost of technology transfer and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) what were the outcomes of the Copenhagen meeting?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 4th Assessment Report published in 2007, changes in physical and biological systems in different continents and regions have been observed which are indicative of adverse impacts.

(b)&(c)Although India does not have legally binding reduction commitments, a range of policies and programmes taken to respond to reducing emissions, interalia, include:

(i) Setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and encouraging energy conservation and introduction of energy efficiency labeling.

(ii) promoting use of renewable energy

(iii) power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme

(iv) use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport

(v) fuel switching to cleaner energy

(vi) afforestation and conservation of forests

(vii) promotion of clean coal technologies

(viii) reduction of gas flaring

(ix) encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems

(x) environmental quality management for all sectors

(d) Developed Countries e.g., USA, Japan and other Annex I Parties have quantified emission reduction obligations while developing countries like India, China and others have no emission reduction obligation under the Convention.

(e)&(f)Negotiations on the issues relating to Finance and Technology Transfer among others are underway under the Bali Action Plan. The forthcoming Conference of Parties (CoP) in Copenhagen, Denmark is expected to reach an agreed outcome on these issues.

1694. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there has been a substantial increase in the production of fruits and vegetables in the country;

(b) if so, in what ways the fruits and vegetables produced in the country are utilized;

(c) whether any possibility has been explored by Government to increase the export of fruits and vegetables; and

(d) if so, the performance in that regard during the last three years, year-wise?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. There has been increase in production of both fruits and vegetables in recent years as per following details:

(Quantity :Million Tonnes)
Commodity 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

(3rd Advance)
Fruits 59.56 65.60 69.45
Vegetable 115.01 129.26 133.07

Source: National Horticulture Board (NHB)

Fruits and vegetables are utilized for table consumption, processing into value
added products, exports etc.

(c)&(d): Yes, Sir. Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA) in the Ministry of Commerce has been promoting export of fruits
through several measures such as infrastructure development; setting up of Agri Export
Zones; opening up new markets for export; participation in international trade fairs and
providing financial assistance to exporters for several activities. Other steps include
integrated training programmes for quality & productivity of selected fruits and setting up
pilot facilities for disinfestations etc. to meet specific quarantine requirements of
importing countries.

The details of export of fruits and vegetables during the last three years is as
below:

(Quantity-in Metric Tonnes and Value – Rs. in lakh)
Year Fruits Vegetable
2006-07 347660 871.88 1655198 159645
2007-08 365733 91185 1358841 152527
2008-09 NA 245374 NA 194531
Source: Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS)

1577. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Nepalese Foreign Minister met the External Affairs Minister;

(b) if so, the details of discussion which took place;

(c) whether the matter relating to the recent spurt in the cross-border infiltration by Pakistan was also brought to his notice; and

(d) if so, his reaction thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) Yes.

(b) to (d) The Nepalese Foreign Minister Ms. Sujata Koirala visited India from August 10 to 14, 2009 and met the Minister of External Affairs. During the visit, issues of mutual interest, including border management were discussed. Both sides agreed to resolve border related issues through existing bilateral mechanisms and not allow the open border to be misused. Nepal assured that it will not allow its territory to be used against India. India expressed full support for the successful completion of the peace process and for Nepal’s efforts for its economic development. The visit was a preparatory one preceding the visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal, to India from August 18-22, 2009.

1504. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGH WAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the funds allocated for maintenance, repair, widening and other miscellaneous construction of National Highways to the States for the year 2009-10;

(b) the work in progress in all the States and the details of completion of the work; and

(c) the funds used by each State for the proposed work?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) : During 2009-10, the allocation available for the States/Union Territories for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) is Rs. 3432.55 crore and Rs. 1036.44 crore respectively.

(b): Various types of development works on NHs, such as widening to 2-lanes/4 lanes/6 lanes, strengthening of existing weak pavements, construction of missing links, improvement of riding quality, construction of bypasses, construction/rehabilitation/reconstruction of bridges on NHs, etc. and various types of maintenance and repair works, such as Periodical Renewal, Special Repairs, Flood Damage Repairs and Ordinary Repair works have been taken up in all the States. These works are generally targeted for completion in phases varying from a few months to about three years.

(c) The State-wise details of expenditure incurred on development and maintenance of NHs during the year 2009-10 (up 31-10-2009) is given in Annexure.

1415. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of soldiers killed during the last five years;

(b) whether Government has given full compensation to the next of kin of those killed during the said period; and

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the list?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

MINISTER OF DEFENCE

(a) to (c): A number of soldiers of the Indian army have made the supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives for the cause of the nation, in the last 5 years. The next of kin of all such battle casualties (fatal) are granted full entitled compensation except in cases where legal cases are filed or necessary formalities are incomplete.

1353. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has any plans of promoting watershed management in the drought-hit areas of rural India;

(b) if so, the areas where such projects are taking place; and

(c) the details of Central assistance and funds given to the various State Governments to implement such projects?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SISIR ADHIKARI)

(a) &(b) Earlier three watershed programmes namely Desert Development Programme (DDP), Drought Prone Areas program (DPAP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) have been implemented by Department of Land Resources. These three schemes have been consolidated into a single programme since 26.2.2009 known as Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).This programme covers erstwhile DPAP and DDP areas as well.

( c) The details of projects sanctioned and central assistance given to the various State Governments to implement IWMP projects are given at Annexure-I.

1240. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the total amount of loan disbursed by the banks under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) in Uttarakhand since 2008-09 till date, bank-wise and year-wise;

(b) whether any irregularities have been found in disbursement of loans;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the action taken by Government against the defaulters?
Answer

( MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE )

( SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA )

(a), (b), (c) & (d): The Prime Minister`s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) has been merged with Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) with effect from 1st April, 2008 by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and a new scheme, namely, Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has been formulated.
PMEGP is monitored by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME.
As reported by Reserve Bank of India , bank-wise details of the loan disbursed in Uttarakhand is not available. However, details of loans disbursed by implementing banks under PMRY for the years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 in the State of Uttarakhand are as under:

(Amount Rs. In lakh )

Programme Year Loans Disbursed
Number Amount
2005-06 7584 5349.67
2006-07 7205 5201.36
2007-08 7737 6939.33

1205. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that more than a third of the world`s child brides are from India, according to studies conducted by UNICEF;

(b) if so, Government`s reaction thereto; and

(c) the steps being taken by government to impose ban on such underage marriages by educating the parent through government Agencies/NGOs?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) As per the United Nations International Children Education Funds (UNICEF) Report, `The Progress for Children-A Report Card on Child Protection` of September, 2009, more than one in three women in the world who were married as children, are from India. It is a Global Report base don 96 countries representing 61% of the world population. This report is based on data available for 2000-2007 from various sources.

(b) & (c) In order to prohibit child marriages and to make the provisions of the Act more effective with punishment for offenders, a new legislation `The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006` was notified in the Gazette of India on 11th January, 2007 and the said Act has been enforced w.e.f. 1.11.2007. In addition the Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched the Integrated Child Protection Scheme aimed for care and protection of children. Also, awareness generation and advocacy measures are continuously being undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in this connection.

1122. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the increase in the advertising industry has been assessed during the last three years;

(b) if so, the turnover of the industry during 2007-08 and 2008-09;

(c) the share of electronic and print media in this industry, separately;

(d) whether Government have any plan for development of this industry in future; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

(SHRI C.M. JATUA)

(a) : As per the report on Media and Entertainment, 2009 by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) – KPMG, the Indian Advertising Industry has recorded 17.1% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), during the period 2006-2008. The report is available on the website @http://www.in.kpmg.com /TL_Files/Pictures/FICCI-KPMG_Media_Entertainment_Industry_Report.pdf.

(b) : As per the report, the turnover of the industry is as follows:
In 2006 Rs.165.0 billion
In 2007 Rs.196.6 billion
In 2008 Rs.221.6 billion
estimated

(c): As per the FICCI-KPMG Report, for the period 2006-2008, the shares of the electronic and print media advertisements are as follows :
( Rs. In billion )
Media 2006 2007 2008estimated
Television 60.5 71.1 82.5
Print 84.9 100.2 108.4
Radio 6.0 7.4 8.4
Internet Advertising 2.0 3.9 6.2
Outdoor 11.7 14.0 16.1
TOTAL 165.0 196.6 221.6

(d) & (e) : Government’s efforts to help development of this industry is an ongoing process. Recently, the Government has announced a fiscal stimulus package for the print media, which includes the following:-

(i). Waiver of 15% Agency Commission on DAVP advertisements

(ii) 10% increase in the current DAVP advertisement rates (to be paid as a separate element and designated as `special relief`) subject to documentary proof of loss of revenue in non-governmental advertisements as compared to the same period last year.

The above package was initially given for the period from 27/2/2009 to 30/6/2009 and it has been extended upto 31/12/2009.

917. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that storage of foodgrains in villages by farmers has led to losses due to pests, weather, etc.;

(b) whether there is any scheme to help panchayats or mandals to build modern warehouses with small capitals to store grains in villages; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c): Yes, Sir. A Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme namely Rural Godown Scheme has been launched by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation since 1.4.2001 with the objectives of creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc. The project for construction of rural godowns can be taken up by Local Bodies other than Municipal Corporations apart from individuals, farmers, Group of farmers/growers, Partnership/ Properietary firms, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), Self Help Groups (SHGs). Corporations, Co-operatives, Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees, Marketing Boards in the entire country. Under the scheme, subsidy @ 25% of the capital cost of the project is provided, subject to a maximum ceiling on subsidy of Rs.46.87 lakh. For the North-Eastern Stateps and Hilly areas, subsidy @ 33.33% of the capital cost of the project is provided subject to maximum ceiling on subsidy of Rs.62.50 lakh.

832. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) how many academic institutions in Uttarakhand have been supported through the programmes of Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology Infrastructure, during 2007-08 and 2008-09, so far; and

(b) the amount released to these institutions during the above period?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) Two academic institutions (Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee and Kumaun University, Nainital) during 2007-08 and three academic Institutions (Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee; H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal); and Shri Guru Ram Rai PG College, Dehradun) during 2008-09 were supported in Uttarakhand through the programmes of Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology Infrastructure.

(b) An amount of Rs.723.6 Lakhs and Rs.481.1 Lakhs were supported during 2007-08 and in 2008-09 respectively, to the above institutions.

797. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Prime Minister of Nepal has recently visited India and held discussions with various leaders;

(b) if so, the details of the discussions held and outcome thereof;

(c) whether the Government of Nepal have agreed to extend help to fight terrorism and Naxal; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) Yes.

(b) Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal, Prime Minister of Nepal, paid an official visit to India from 18 – 22 August, 2009. The Prime Minister of Nepal called on the President of India and the Vice-President of India. He had meetings with Prime Minister, Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Finance and Minister of Home Affairs. Discussion were held on issues of mutual interest and concern and both sides expressed their satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and resolved to work together to further strengthen and enhance cooperation consistent with the wishes and aspirations of the people of both the countries. They also reaffirmed their determination to consolidate and expand the areas of cooperation with a view to taking the relationship to a new height on the basis of mutual respect, understanding and mutual benefit. During the visit, the Foreign Secretaries of India and Nepal signed an MoU regarding continuation of Indian grant assistance for the Goitre control programme in Nepal. A Joint Press Statement was also issued during the visit.

(c) & (d) The Government of Nepal has assured that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India. It has also been agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to effectively address all issues concerning security, including cross border crime, through existing bilateral mechanisms.

711. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that proportion of unemployment has been going up whereas the proportion of job opportunities has been declining in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(c) the effective steps being taken by Government for providing employment to the educated, uneducated, skilled and unskilled youth in the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b) Reliable estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained through quinquennial labour force surveys conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation. Last such survey was conducted during 2004-05. As per two last quinquennial rounds of surveys on employment and unemployment, estimated number of unemployed persons on usual status basis has marginally increased form 9.04 million in 1999-2000 to 10.84 million in 2004-05 and during the same period number of employed persons has also shown increase from 397 million to 459.10 million. This was due to the fact that the pace of growth in labour force at 2.97% per annum exceeded the rate of growth of work force at 2.95% per annum.

(c) Eleventh Five Year Plan aims at creating 58 million job opportunities. Government have taken several steps for providing employment to educated, uneducated, skilled and unskilled youth in the country. The focus is on productive employment at a faster pace in order to raise the incomes of masses of the rural population to bring about a general improvement in their living conditions. The job opportunities are likely to be created on account of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), investment in infrastructure development, growth in exports etc. Government of India has also been implementing various employment generation programmes, such as, Swarna Jyanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY); Prime Minister`s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP); Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

710. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of a large number of educated unemployed youth in the country particularly in Uttarakhand;

(b) if so, the details of the unemployed registered in employment exchanges, State-wise; and

(c) the steps taken by Government to tackle the problem of unemployment?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) Yes, Sir. Number of youth job seekers on the live register of employment exchanges, all of whom may not necessarily be unemployed, including educated (10th pass) in the age group of 15-29 years was 279.10 lakh in the country and 3.40 lakh in Uttarakhand as on 31-12-2007.

(b) State-wise details of youth jobseekers in the age group of 15-29 years on the live register of employment exchanges in the country as on 31-12-2007 is given at Annex.

(c) Eleventh Five Year Plan aims at creating 58 million job opportunities. Government have taken several steps to tackle the problem of unemployment. The focus is on productive employment at a faster pace in order to raise the incomes of masses of the rural population to bring about a general improvement in their living conditions. The job opportunities are likely to be created on account of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), investment in infrastructure development, growth in exports etc. Government of India has also been implementing various employment generation programmes, such as, Swarna Jyanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY); Prime Minister`s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP); Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

545. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is taking any effective measures to control the number of diabetic patients, which according to available data has increased upto four crores in the country;

(b) if so, whether any plan has been formulated by Government in this regard; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (c): The Government of India has earmarked a sum of Rs.1660.50 crore under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPDCS).
Pilot projects have been launched in 10 districts to facilitate, among other things, health promotion and early detection of the disease through opportunistic screening.
Flexi pool funds are provided under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to the States for making available drugs for the treatment of diabetes as per laid down standards.

521. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has made any plan to provide special medical assistance to senior citizens in government hospitals including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); and

(b) if so, the number of beds reserved for senior citizens in Government hospitals including AIIMS alongwith the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINSITER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)& (b): In so far as the Central Government Hospitals located in Delhi namely, Safdarjung, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, are concerned, separate registration counters/windows/rows are provided for senior citizens in OPDsto avoid standing in long queue. In addition, assistance like wheelchairs/trolleys are also provided for senior citizens in OPDs of Dr. RML Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital. They are attended on priority basis in OPDs . There is a weekly geriatric OPD in Dr. RML Hospiral and Safdarjung Hospital. In so far as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is concerned, preference is given to Senior citizens with regard to OPD consultation, emergency management as well as patient’s hospitalization.
In Safdarjung 104 beds are reserved for senior citizens and in other Hospitals including AIIMS, although there is no special reservation of beds for senior citizens, preference is given to them in admission and bed is allowed to them on priority.

500. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the ratio among doctors, nurses and population has been defined by Government;

(b) if so, whether this ratio is being implemented in rural areas;

(c) the details of vacant posts of doctors and nurses in the country at present;

(d) whether any certain date has been fixed to fill these vacant posts; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINSITER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): No. However, in order to provide Quality Health Care services to the community, Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) have been prescribed for implementation in the Country in which requirement of doctors, nurses and other staff has been defined for the health facility.

(b): Does not arise.

(c)’ As per available records, there are 4068 & 4708 vacancies of doctors at Community Health Centers & Primary Health Centers respectively and 8781 vacancies of Nurses in the country.

(d) & (e): No date has been fixed to fill the vacant posts.

312. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the amount Government has already spent on Yamuna Action Plan Project to clean the holy river Yamuna;

(b) whether it is a fact that despite so much efforts the river still remains completely polluted;

(c) whether it implies that the entire Yamuna Action Plan has proved to be a failure; and

(d) if so, whether Government proposes to take action against the erring agencies?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (d) The first phase of the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), covering 21 towns of UP, Delhi & Haryana commenced in April, 1993. A total expenditure of Rs. 682 crore was incurred under this phase which was completed in 2003. The second Phase of YAP commenced in December, 2004. Till September, 2009, an expenditure of Rs 226.89 crore has been incurred under this phase. The projects taken up under YAP include interception and diversion of raw sewage, setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants, creation of low cost sanitation facilities, setting up of electric/improved wood crematoria etc. Sewage treatment capacity of 753.25 mld has been created so far under this Plan.

As per the water quality monitoring undertaken through independent institutions, the water quality in the stretch of the river Yamuna from Tajewala to Palla in Haryana is found to be within the prescribed limits. However, the stretch of the river in the vicinity of Delhi (downstream of Wazirabad barrage to upstream of Okhla barrage) and in parts of Uttar Pradesh does not meet the standards in terms of Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand. The water quality of Yamuna has not shown the desired improvement owing to large gap between the demand and availability of sewage treatment capacity and lack of fresh water in the river.

Besides YAP, the Government of NCT of Delhi has taken up sewerage and sewage treatment works under other schemes to fully address the pollution load being discharged into Yamuna. The Delhi Jal Board has prepared schemes for laying of interceptor sewers along three major drains namely Najafgarh, Shahdara and Supplementary, construction of sewage treatment plants, interception of drains and rehabilitation of trunk sewers, laying of sewerage system in unsewered colonies and rural areas and desilting of peripheral and internal sewers.

311. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is going to open a National Institute of Himalayan Glaciology at Dehradun and a fully automatic wheather station at Almora in order to protect environment in the Himalayas;

(b) if so, what efforts Government has made in this direction; and

(c) by when these institutes would be set-up and the budget be earmarked by Government in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (c): There is no proposal to start a National Institute of Himalayan Glaciology. However, Government has initiated a nodal centre on glaciology as part of existing Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology(WIHG). The first fully automated weather tower has been established in the G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development(GBPIHED). GBPIHED in collaboration with Centre for Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation, Bangalore have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to establish series of fully automated weather towers across Indian Himalayas.