No. of questions found : 47
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Q No: 26 |
Dated: |
Ministry: Power , |
Subject: Hydro |
Question:
a) Whether despite the immense potential, the share of hydro power sector in power generation in the country is decreasing;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the targets set for hydro power generation and achievements made during the Tenth Five Year Plan, State/UT-wise;
(d) the targets fixed for augmenting hydro power generation capacity in the country during the eleventh Five Year Plan; and
(e) the funds proposed for the purpose and the steps taken/likely to be taken by the Government to achieve the targets?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF POWER(SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )
(a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 26 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 03.07.2009 REGARDING HYDRO POWER GENERATION.
(a) & (b) : The share of hydro capacity in the total of generating capacity in the country has declined from 34% at the end of the Sixth Plan to 25% at the end of the Ninth Plan. The share of hydro capacity at the end of Tenth Plan was 26% and is envisaged to be about 23% by the end of the Eleventh Plan if the targeted capacity addition is achieved during the Eleventh Plan.
Geological uncertainties, contract management, resettlement and rehabilitation issues, land acquisition problems, inter-state issues, long gestation period, law and order problem & cost as well as security and infrastructure development have been the main reasons for lesser share of hydro capacity in the total generating capacity.
(c) : The State-wise and Utility-wise hydro generation target and achievement in respect of hydro stations with installed capacity above 3 MW during the 10th Five Year Plan is enclosed at Annex.
(d) : Planning Commission has set a target of 15,627 MW hydro capacity during the Eleventh Plan. However, keeping in view the preparedness and projects under construction, Central Electricity Authority has revised the target to 15,507 MW.
(e) : For accelerated development of hydro power in the country a 50,000 MW hydro initiative was launched in 2003 and Preliminary Feasibility Reports of 162 projects aggregating 48,000 MW were prepared. Out of these, 77 projects with capacity of 37,000 MW were selected for execution. Against this, a target of 15,627 MW hydro capacity has been set by the Planning Commission for the Eleventh Plan. A total fund requirement of Rs. 1,31,105 crores were provided in the Eleventh Plan for the hydro projects. The following steps have been/are being taken to achieve the target :
i) Expediting preparation of Detailed Project Reports based on economic viability;
ii) Streamlining clearances for pursuing priority projects;
iii) Simplifying approval procedures;
iv) Facilitating early financial closure;
v) High priority to smaller capacity run of the river type hydro projects having gestation period of less than five years; and
vi) Basin-wise optimization studies.
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Q No: 59 |
Dated: 07/07/2009 |
Ministry: Information |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) whether the operational costs of the Doordarshan is constantly
increasing while its revenue has not recorded any significant growth;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken / proposed to be taken by the Government to bail out Doordarshan from the financial crisis?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (Smt. AMBIKA SONI)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.59 FOR ANSWER ON 07.07.2009.
(a) & (b): No Sir. As informed by Prasar Bharati, the Operational cost of Doordarshan is not constantly increasing over the last five years. With regard to Revenue generation, it has shown a significant growth during 2005-06 and thereafter, there is gradual growth in revenue earnings.
The details below illustrate the status of Operational Cost & Revenue generation during last five years.
(Rs. in crore)
Financial year Operational Exp. Revenue (Net)
2004-05 862.75 580.02
2005-06 1069.25 768.91
2006-07 913.92 726.07
2007-08 830.27 724.42
2008-09 1152.42 737.05
There was an increase in Operational cost during the years 2005-06 & 2008-09 on account of grant of Dearness Pay and impact of recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission on salary respectively.
During 2008-09 there is increase in net revenue earnings as compared to 2006-07 & 2007-08 despite stiff competition from other Private Channels
(c) The GoM on Prasar Bharati was looking into the issues of capital and financial restructuring of Prasar Bharati. Re-constitution of GoM is under consideration of the Government.
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Q No: 64 |
Dated: 08/07/2009 |
Ministry: Health |
Subject: Health |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has addressed the health care needs of the urban poor;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to launch any programme akin to the National Rural Health Mission for the urban poor; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)to(d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 64 FOR 8TH JULY, 2009
(a) & (b): Yes. Government has been providing assistance for addressing the health care needs of the urban poor under different schemes:
1. As part of urban component of Reproductive Child Health – II under National Rural Health Mission, funds are provided for the improvement of health status of the urban poor through quality integrated primary health care services. Besides, NRHM also provides for strengthening and up-gradation of district hospitals, which is accessed by the urban poor also.
2. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme-Urban Family Welfare Centres (UFWCs.), urban health services are being provided as a package of reproductive child health programme through a network of 1083 UFWCs.
3. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme–Urban Health Posts (UHPs), primary health care services are being provided through a network of 871 UHPs.
4. Besides the above, all other National Disease Control Programs cater to the needs of poor persons including the urban poor.
(c)&(d): A proposal in this regard is under consideration.After due deliberation, a decision will be taken in this regard.
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Q No: 72 |
Dated: 02/07/2009 |
Ministry: Corporate |
Subject: Protection |
Question:
(a) whether small investors in the country are being cheated out by companies;
(b) if so, the number of such cases which came to the notice of the Government recently; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the interests of small investors?
Answer:
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) The investors’ complaints received in the Ministry pertain to defaults by the companies from complying with various provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, such as non-receipt of dividend/duplicate shares, non-refund of application money,non-payment of matured deposits and interest thereon, non-redemption of debentures and interest thereon, etc. The Ministry redresses the grievances through the jurisdictional Registrars of Companies. It also coordinates with the Reserve Bank of India, Department of Economic Affairs and Securities and Exchange Board of India for redressal of investors’ grievances received in the Ministry but pertaining to these agencies.
(b) The number of investors’ complaints received in the Ministry during the period 1.4.2008 to 31.3.2009 were 986.
(c) Government has taken a number of steps to protect the interests of small investors. Appropriate provisions have been made in the Companies Act, 1956, for this purpose under various Sections, such as Sections 252 (i),58AA,58A(1) and 399 (4). The Companies (Appointment of Small Shareholders’ Director) Rules, 2001 provide for election of a director representing small shareholders as prescribed under the Rules. The defaults in repayment of deposits are to be intimated to the Company Law Board (CLB) by the companies on a monthly basis. Further, in cases of default, CLB can direct the companies to repay within prescribed time and in the manner specified in its order. Other steps taken by the Ministry for protection of small investors include implementation of MCA21,an e-governance programme for easy access to corporate information in public domain; launch of three websites www.watchoutinvestors.com, www.investorhelpline.in, www.iepf.gov.in to provide information about economic defaulters; putting in place suitable mechanisms for redressal of investor grievances and imparting financial literacy to general public etc. All these facilities have been provided free of cost. Besides, Ministry has also organized media campaigns, workshops, etc. to educate investors.
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Q No: 117 |
Dated: 02/07/2009 |
Ministry: Petroleum |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to bring forward a scheme named
“Gramin LPG Vitrak Scheme” to cover more rural areas in the country ;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the network of agencies required to cover whole country under this scheme ; and
(c) the strategy being chalked out by the Government in this regard ?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS(SHRI JITIN PRASADA )
(a) to (c): Yes,Madam.In order to increase rural penetration and to cover remote as well as low potential areas,a new scheme is proposed to be implemented. Details of the scheme will be notified shortly.
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Q No: 126 |
Dated: 13/07/2009 |
Ministry: Defence |
Subject: One rank |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has agreed to one rank one pension and separate Pay Commission for the armed forces in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Committee appointed by the Government for this purpose
under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary has submitted its report to
the Government; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer:
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 126 FOR ANSWER ON 13-07-2009
A Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension and other related matters. After considering all aspects of the issue, the Committee made several recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers which have been accepted by the Government. As regards a separate Pay Commission, it has been agreed to set up a separate Pay Commission for Armed Forces in future.
The Committee has recommended the following benefits to substantially improve the pension for the PBORs and Commissioned Officers:-
(i) Inclusion of Classification Allowance for PBOR from 01-01-2006.
(ii) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from 01-01-2006.
(iii) Revision of Lt. General pension after carving out a separate pay scale for them.
(iv) Bringing parity betweenpension of pre and post 10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners and
(v) Further improving PBOR pensions based on award of GOM, 2006. Total financial implication on account of above benefits is Rs.2144 Crores.
Moreover, the recommendations of the Committee with regard to the broadbanding of percentage of disability/war injury pension for pre 1.1.1996 disability/war injury pensioners and removal of the cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belonging to Category E have also been accepted by the Government.
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Q No: 173 |
Dated: 15/07/2009 |
Ministry: External |
Subject: Sharing of |
Question
(a) whether the Government has provided sufficient evidence to Pakistan on the latter’s involvement in Mumbai terror attack;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Pakistan Government thereto;
(c) the details of hardships being faced by the people after the said attack; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government in this regard?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SMT PRENEET KAUR)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARTS (A) TO (D) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.173 REGARDING ‘SHARING OF EVIDENCE ON MUMBAI TERROR ATTACK’ FOR ANSWER ON 15.07.2009
(a) &( b) On 05 January 2009 Government of Pakistan was given material linking the Mumbai attack on 26-29 November 2008 to elements in Pakistan. Subsequently, clarifications and additional information were handed over on 13 March and 20 May 2009. Pakistan has confirmed that elements in Pakistan were involved in the terrorist attack in Mumbai, that the Lashkar-e-Tayeba had carried it out and informed about the arrest of 5 Pakistani nationals said to be responsible. We, however, expect Pakistan to act on the information provided by us to uncover the entire conspiracy, and to bring all the perpetrators and conspirators of the heinous terrorist crime to justice.
(c) & (d) As a consequence of the attack, 164 people were killed and 308 wounded.Government is committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard the security of its citizens and territory.
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Q No: 226 |
Dated: 03/07/2009 |
Ministry: Housing |
Subject: Bill on |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has introduced a new Bill on Street Vendors;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Bill has been circulated to State Governments for their opinion;
(d) if so, the response of the State Governments thereto;
(e) whether the Bill contains any new framework for implementation and recognition of street vending; and
(f) if so, the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
Answer:
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION(KUMARI SELJA)
(a)&(b) : Street vending being a State subject, the Government has not introduced any new Bill on Street vending. However, with a view to assisting State / Union Territory Governments in bringing out their own legislation to make the revised National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009 effective, Model Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2009 has been formulated by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation with the approval of the Union Cabinet and circulated to the State / Union Territory Governments for suitable and appropriate adoption.
(c)to(f): While considering revision in the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2004, State / Union Territory Governments and other stake holders were consulted. Their views/comments were considered and incorporated in the revised Policy 2009, wherever necessary. The Model Bill contains a framework for implementation duly recognizing the role that street vendors play. Salient features of the bill are annexed.
ANNEXURE
Annexure referred to in reply to the Lok Sabha USQ No.226 for 03.07.2009
It would be obligatory for the appropriate Government to constitute a Town Vending Committee (TVC) in each local authority, with 40% of the members being from street vendors themselves. Ward Vending Committees may be constituted, if so needed.
There would be a fixed tenure of three years for the non-official members of the TVC. The appropriate Government may terminate their nomination earlier.
The TVC would be responsible for identifying spaces for `Restriction Free Vending Zone`, `Restricted Vending Zone`, or `No-vending Zone`, assessing holding capacity of particular areas for vending, granting registration and issuing Identity Card to vendors, monitoring vending activities etc.
Every street vendor would be required to get registered with the TVC on prescribed fee. A person would be entitled for registration for one vending spot only. Registration would be renewed periodically.
The Local Authority would frame necessary bye-laws for street vending apart from supervising and monitoring activities of the TVC. They would provide civic amenities in the vending zones. Fees/levies to be charged from street vendors would be fixed by the Local Authority in consultation with the TVC.
It would be the responsibility of the Planning Authority to earmark adequate space for vending zones in the master plan / development plan, zonal plan, etc.
Appropriate penalties, ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.500/-, would be imposed on the vendors by the TVC for offences relating to violation of the terms and conditions of vending.
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Q No: 281 |
Dated: 23/07/2009 |
Ministry: Petroleum |
Subject: Reduction |
Question:
(a) whether the prices of crude oil have dropped recently in the global market;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the extent to which the petroleum companies have made their losses
good in the wake of reduced crude oil prices in the international
market;
(d) whether the Government proposes to reduce the prices of petroleum products in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government to safeguard the domestic market
from the effect of fluctuating prices of crude oil in the international
market?
Answer:
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI MURLI DEORA)
(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (f) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 281 asked by Shri Asaduddin Owaisi to be answered on 23-07-2009 regarding “Reduction in Prices of Crude Oil”.
(a)to(f): International prices of crude oil and petroleum products have remained highly volatile in the recent past. The Crude oil prices have been steadily increasing since March, 2009 and the average Indian Basket during July, 2009 is $63.27 per barrel (up to 15th July, 2009). The month-wise average price of Indian Basket of Crude Oil since January, 2009 is given below:
$ per barrel
January, 2009 43.99
February, 2009 43.22
March, 2009 46.02
April, 2009 50.14
May, 2009 58.00
June, 2009 69.12
July, 2009 (up to 15-07-2009) 63.27
The total under-recoveries of the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) on the sale of Petrol, Diesel, PDS Kerosene and Domestic LPG, during the financial year 2008-09 and in the 1st Quarter of 2009-10 (April-June, 2009) are given below: –
Rs. crore
2008-09
2009-10
(April-June, 2009)
(Provisional)
Petrol 5,181 1,030
Diesel 52,286 (469)
PDS Kerosene 28,225 3,249
Domestic LPG 17,600 1,626
Total 1,03,292 5,436
As passing on the entire impact of the steep increase in the oil prices to the consumers would result in a sharp increase in the domestic prices the Government has taken measures to ensure that the burden of international oil prices is shared by all the stakeholders, namely, the Government, the Upstream Oil Companies, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the consumers, in the following manner:
# Government, through issue of Oil Bonds
# Public Sector Upstream Oil Companies, through price discounts to OMCs.
# OMCs to bear a portion of the under-recoveries, and
# Consumers, through minimal price increases.
During 2008-09, to compensate the OMCs for their under-recoveries incurred on the sale of Petrol, Diesel, PDS Kerosene and Domestic LPG, Government issued Oil Bonds of Rs.71,292 crore to the OMCs while the Upstream Oil PSUs, viz. ONGC, OIL and GAIL contributed Rs.32,000 crore in price discounts on crude oil and petroleum products. In addition, ONGC and OIL also contributed Rs.943 crore through price discounts towards the import losses of OMCs.
Government is closely monitoring the international oil price situation and will take appropriate pricing decisions to protect the interest of the common man, particularly the vulnerable sections of society.
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Q No: 296 |
Dated: 03/07/2009 |
Ministry: Women and |
Subject: Anganwadi |
Question:
(a) the details of facilities provided by the Government in Anganwadi Centres;
(b) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from various
State Governments for increasing the number of Anganwadi Centres and to
modernize them; and
(c) if so, the details thereof, State/Union Territory-wise ?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a): The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme provides a package of six services comprising supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up, referral services, pre-school non-formal education and nutrition health education with a view to improve the nutritional and health status of children below six years of age and pregnant women and lactating mothers. The health related services are through linkages with health system of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
(b) & (c): In order to cover all the hitherto uncovered habitations/settlements across the country, as per revised norms the States/UTs were requested to undertake a micro level survey especially having regard to predominantly SC/ST/Minority habitations and furnish specific requirements of additional Projects/Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)/Mini-AWCs for 3rd Phase of expansion of the ICDS Scheme. State/UT-wise allocation based on requirements of additional Projects/Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)/Mini-AWCs are given in the Statement annexed.
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Q No: 392 |
Dated: 30/07/2009 |
Ministry: Civil |
Subject: Expansion |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has undertaken expansion of runways of different airports in the country;
(b) if so, the status of expansion of these runways;
(c) the number of States which are yet to transfer land for expansion of these runways;
(d) the number of runways where the work has not started so far due to nonclearance of defence land;
(e) the total expenditure incurred on this work and the likely escalation in the original cost due to non-transfer of land; and
(f) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for getting early clearance of land?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION(SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED () QUESTION NO. 392 FOR 30-07-2009 REGARDING EXPANSION OF RUNWAYS
(a) & (b) Airports Authority of India (AAI) has planned expansion of runways at Agatti, Belgaum, Cooch Behar, Coimabatore, Dibrugarh, Gaya, Hubli, Jaipur, Jammu, Khajuraho, Kota, Kullu, Madurai, Mangalore, Mysore, Pantnagar, Rajahmundry, Ranchi, Selam, Tiruchirapalli, Tirupathi and Tuticorin. The work of expansion of runway at Aurangabad, Bhopal, Vijayawada and Varanasi is in progress. At Guwahati, Indore, Pudduchery, Raipur and Udaipur airports, the expansion has been completed.
(c) Ten State Governments and two Union Territories.
(d) Two.
(e) The runway projects are being taken up when land is made available. The quantification of likely escalation in such case is not possible till the transfer of land, commencement and completion of work.
(f) The matter is followed up regularly with the concerned State Governments, Union Territories and Defence Authorities. Regular meetings are also held to resolve the issues.
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Q No: 395 |
Dated: 07/07/2009 |
Ministry: Home |
Subject: Asadha |
Question:
(a) whether the National Human Rights Commission has taken a serious
view of the increase in the incidents of oppression of women prisoners
in various jails of the country;
(b) if so, the details of such incidents reported during each of the last three years, State- wise;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any special guidelines to check this trend;
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) monitors the condition of all the prisoners including the women prisoners and the infrastructure of jails in the country. The observations of the Members and Special Rapporteurs of the Commission visiting all over the country are conveyed to the State Governments from time to time for implementation.
(b) A Statement indicating State-wise break-up of cases registered in the Commission regarding oppression of women in jails in the last three years is at annexure.
(c) & (d)’Police and ‘Prison’ are State subjects under the Seventh schedule of the Constitution and the responsibility lies primarily with the respective State Governments. However, advisories are issued from time to time by the Government of India in this regard to take stern action against the guilty officials. The Government of India has also circulated a Model Prison Manual to all the States/Union Territories in 2003 for their guidance and adoption which has specific provision for providing various facilities to the women prisoners such as separate prison/barracks for women prisoners and their children in jail, educational facilities to the children of women prisoners, providing other basic amenities such as sanitary napkins etc, various recreation and correctional programme etc.
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Q No: 445 |
Dated: 07/07/2009 |
Ministry: Road |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) the number of bridges constructed, location-wise and State-wise
over the railway lines on the National Highways during the Tenth Plan;
(b) the funds released and expenditure incurred in this regard; and
(c) the time frame fixed for the construction of the bridges which have not been completed so far?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) to (c) The State-wise & location-wise details of number of bridges constructed over the railway lines on the National Highways during the Tenth Plan are given at Annexure-I. Bridges over railway lines formed part of the highway improvement projects as such no separate allocation was made for bridges over railway lines. The details of bridges over the Railway lines on the National Highways which have not been completed so far along with their target date of completion are given at Annexure-II.
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Q No: 479 |
Dated: 07/07/2009 |
Ministry: Road |
Subject: Status of |
Question:
(a) whether a meeting of State Road Ministers had been convened to assess the status of road construction in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the difficulties put forward by
States in the construction of National Highways and State roads;
(c) whether the Government has issued instructions to the NHAI for
better coordination between developers of roads and NHAI; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) and (b) A conference of the Ministers in-charge of the Highways in the States and Union Territories was held on 24th June, 2008 under the Chairmanship of the then Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways to discuss the critical issues concerning National Highways (NHs) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes which required urgent intervention for resolving the problems affecting implementation of the projects. During the meeting the Ministers in-charge of the Highways in the States and Union Territories mainly raised the issues regarding the proposals for enhancement of allocation of funds for development and maintenance of NHs and other Centrally sponsored road works, enhancement of sanctions, proposals concerning escalation for development works on NHs, early sanction of works, decentralization and delegation of more powers to the State Governments, proposal to take up improvement of single lane / intermediate lane NHs stretches to two-lane standards including removal of existing deficiencies, making provisions of appropriate numbers of under psasses and foot over bridges on 4lane sections, proper upkeep and maintenance of NHs stretches by the entrepreneurs and contractors engaged by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to the required level of service during construction period, duly informing State Government and local authority before NHAI commences their work, review of toll policy, road safety works, proposals for declaration of new NHs, strengthening of organizational structures of NHAI and this Ministry, coordination of this Ministry with the Railways for speedy finalization of designs of Railway Over / Under Bridges (ROBs / RUBs), ensuring uniform policy for land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement for project affected persons, etc.
(c) and (d) Developers have inter-alia raised issues of land acquisition, utility shifting, Viability Gap Funding payments and variations. NHAI has been asked to take actions as per contract provisions.
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Q No: 496 |
Dated: 07/07/2009 |
Ministry: Home |
Subject: Review of |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the law and order situation in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the recently constituted Federal Agency and laws framed in
this regard have helped in improving the law and order situation; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) & (b): The internal security situation in the country is reviewed by the Government form time to time. As per available information, internal security situation in the country remains largely under control. No major terrorist incident has been reported in the hinterland during the current year. Similarly, no major communal incident has been reported in the current year. In overall terms, the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir has shown perceptible improvement. The security situation in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland continue to be a matter of concern whereas, Sikkim and Mizoram have remained peaceful. The situation in Tripura has improved significantly over the years and barring sporadic violence in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, the situation has remained peaceful. There has been increased level of naxal violence especially in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar Orissa, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
(c) & (d): The National Investigation Agency has been constituted under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 to investigate and prosecute offences under the Acts mentioned in the schedule, which, inter-alia, includes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as amended in 2008.
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Q No: 536 |
Dated: 08/07/2009 |
Ministry: Environment |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) whether the Union Government proposes to develop biosphere reserves in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details of the locations thereof;
(c) whether the State Government has given its clearance to these reserves;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether any plan has been chalked out for the rehabilitation of tribals living in these areas; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be completed ?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) In Andhra Pradesh,the Seshachalam hills and surrounding areas have been identified for designation as a Biosphere Reserve.
(c) Reply from the State Government is still awaited.
(d) to (f) Does not arise.
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Q No: 672 |
Dated: 08/07/2009 |
Ministry: Environment |
Subject: Setting up |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a National Environment Protection Authority;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which the Authority is likely to be set up?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (c) A proposal to set up a National Environment Protection Authority to strengthen enforcement and monitoring of compliance of environmental statutes and to improve environmental planning and management is in a conceptual stage. The details and time schedule for setting up of the Authority are yet to be formalized.
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (c) A proposal to set up a National Environment Protection Authority to strengthen enforcement and monitoring of compliance of environmental statutes and to improve environmental planning and management is in a conceptual stage. The details and time schedule for setting up of the Authority are yet to be formalized.
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Q No: 696 |
Dated: 08/07/2009 |
Ministry: Science |
Subject: National |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to set up National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority;
(b) If so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a), (b) & (c): Yes Sir, The Government of India is in the process of setting up of a regulatory authority for biotechnology, product and processes. The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology has been entrusted to act as the nodal agency to establish “National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority” (NBRA) through an act of Parliament. Accordingly, a consultative group of experts have prepared draft establishment plan of NBRA and the proposed Bill. Both the draft documents were put in public domain for review and comments. Several consultative meetings were held with concerned stakeholders representing farmers and consumer’s organizations, industry, legal experts, media and academia/scientists from research institutions/universities. State Governments were also consulted for their feedback. An Interdisciplinary and Inter-ministerial Advisory Committee was also constituted to oversee and advise on all matters related to drafting,reviewing the comments of experts and stakeholders as well as preparing final documents. The governmental process of inter-ministerial consultation has been completed for obtaining necessary approvals for the NBR Bill by the Cabinet and subsequently the Parliament as per procedure expectedly by the end of the financial year 2009.
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Q No: 888 |
Dated: 09/07/2009 |
Ministry: Petroleum |
Subject: Exim |
Question:
(a) whether the Union Government has changed the EXIM policy to import Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) by parallel markets;
(b) if so, whether the change of policy has affected the needy
customers who are facing difficulty in getting free sale SKO while it
is easily available in the open market; and
(c) if so, the remedial measures proposed in this regard?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (c) Parallel Marketing System (PMS) for Kerosene had been introduced vide Notification dated 2.9.1993, allowing private agencies to import and market Kerosene at market price in the country. Subsequently, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Department of Commerce vide their Notification dated 25.11.2003 allowed. Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) to be imported by State Trading Enterprises. Such import is subject to stipulation in Para 2.11 of the Foreign Trade Policy and is allowed through State Trading Enterprises (STEs) i.e. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The State Trading Corporation (STC) has also been nominated as a State Trading Enterprise (STE) for supplying it to Advance Licence holders. The SKO Control Order, 1993 has been amended on 06.07.2006, allowing parallel marketeers to source their requirements from indigenous sources also.
IOCL, BPCL & HPCL are marketing non-PDS Kerosene in the open market. As per the existing system of marketing of non-PDS Kerosene followed by the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the genuine industrial and non-domestic customers having requirement of more than 1 Tank Lorry load at a time are being supplied directly and the requirement of small customers having requirement of less than full Tank Lorry load is being met through the existing SKO-LDO Dealership network at the non-subsidized rate. Under the provisions of Kerosene (Restriction on Use and Fixation of Ceiling Price) Order 1993, Government has also permitted Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL) and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to market their indigenously produced Kerosene, after meeting the demand of PDS Kerosene in full, to non-PDS customers. These Companies can make free sale of Kerosene at market prices as per requirement.
There is no report of any bulk customer/customers facing difficulty in getting non-PDS SKO.
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Q No: 923 |
Dated: 10/07/2009 |
Ministry: Rural |
Subject: Report on |
Question:
(a) the main recommendations made by the Technical Expert Group (TEG)
constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Gaurisankar Ghosh to examine
various issues in the rural water supply and sanitation sector;
(b) whether the Government has implemented these recommendations; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MS. AGATHA SANGMA)
(a): The main recommendations of the Technical Expert Group (TEG) are as given below: The group has submitted its recommendations for changes to be carried out at micro-level, district level, State level and at the central level. The funds disbursed by Government of India pertaining to water and sanitation sector should be dealt in a holistic manner in the Mission mode. The basis for funds allocation to the States is required to be revised after taking into consideration the problem existing at the grassroot level for implementation of the Schemes.
For giving effect to these changes, the structure and working of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water and Sanitation Mission is required to be changed in a fundamental way. The group suggested three tier structure for Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water and Sanitation Mission, the first should be a Council to be headed by Minster of Rural Development, the second to be the Governing Body of the Council accountable to the Minister of Rural Development and the third tier should be the Secretariat of the Mission for carrying out the mandate of the Mission.
The Group had also recommended that the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water and Sanitation Mission should be the nodal point for coordination of all initiatives with major agencies both bilateral and multi-lateral working in rural drinking water and sanitation sectors.
(b)&(c): The draft Note for the Cabinet incorporating various recommendations of the Technical Expert Group has been circulated to various Ministries/Departments for their comments.
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Q No: 1022 |
Dated: 10/07/2009 |
Ministry: Power |
Subject: Ultra Mega |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to rework the formula of sharing
power generated by the proposed/ongoing Ultra Mega Power Projects in
view of the acute power shortage in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which it is likely to be implemented; and
(d) the steps taken or being taken by Government to meet the power shortage?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)
(a) to (c) : Power allocation from the Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs) had been worked out on the basis of discussions with the States in the meetings that had been convened by the Ministry of Power. As this process for allocation of power from UMPPs is working well, there is no proposal for reworking of the process.
(d) : The following steps have been taken / are being taken to mitigate shortage of power in the country:
(i) A capacity addition target of 78,700 MW from conventional energy sources has been set for the 11th Plan. Out of this, a capacity of approximately 15,036 MW has been commissioned as on 30.06.2009.
(ii) Development of Ultra Mega Power Projects of 4,000 MW each.
(iii) Harnessing surplus captive power into the grid. A capacity of 12,000 MW of captive power is likely to be added to the system during 11th Plan.
(iv) Development of approximately 10,000 MW capacity through the merchant power plant initiative.
(v) Launch of 50,000 MW hydro initiative for accelerated development hydro power in the country.
(vi) Renovation, Modernization & Life Extension of old and inefficient generation units.
(vii) Augmentation of manufacturing capacity of equipment for electric power in the country.
(viii) Promoting demand side management, energy efficiency and energy conservation measures.
(ix) Import of coal to bridge the gap between anticipated demand and domestic production of coal.
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Q No: 1134 |
Dated: 13/07/2009 |
Ministry: Human |
Subject: Opening of |
Question:
(a) the number of proposals received from the State Governments/Public
Undertakings for opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas in their respective
State/area during the last three years alongwith the status thereof;
(b) whether the Government is planning to open more Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country during the Eleventh Plan period;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the places identified for the
establishment of such Kendriya Vidyalayas, Region-wise and the time by
which these are likely to be made functional;
(d) whether the quality of education and the performance graph of
students in these schools is much better than many of the public
schools in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the total amount earmarked, sanctioned and utilized during the last three years and the current year, region- wise?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has received 161 proposals for opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) from the sponsoring agencies including State Governments and Central Public Sector undertakings during the last three years i.e. 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and till date. Out of these, 68 schools have been sanctioned.
(b) & (c) Opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas depends on receipt of viable proposals from the sponsoring organisations, availability of funds and sanction by the competent authority.
(d) & (e) Yes, Sir. The comparative performance of Kendriya Vidyalayas and private independent schools in class X and XII Examinations conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education during the last five years is at Annexure-I.
(g) A statement showing the amount released and utilized in the last three years and during the current year till date region-wise is at Annexure-II.
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Q No: 1181 |
Dated: 13/07/2009 |
Ministry: Commerce |
Subject: FTA with |
Question:
(a) whether the officials of BIMSTEC countries i.e. Thailand, Myanmar,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal met recently in Phuket to
conclude negotiations for Free Trade greement (FTA) after 18 rounds of
talks since 2004;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which the proposed deal is likely to be concluded; and
(c) the extent to which the proposed deal is likely to increase multilateral trade to tackle recession in the global market?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) and (b) Officials of the BIMSTEC countries i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand met in Phuket from 2 – 4 June 2009 for the 18th meeting of the BIMSTEC Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC). A major achievement of this TNC meeting was the finalization of the texts of the
(i) Agreement on Trade in Goods,
(ii) Rules of Origin and
(iii) Operational Certification Procedures. Agreement on the three texts paves the way for future implementation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA). The BIMSTEC FTA will become operational once each BIMSTEC member country works out its schedule of tariff concessions, seeks necessary approvals and then circulates it among the other members.
(c) The BIMSTEC FTA is expected to substantially increase India’s trade with Thailand and Myanmar with which India presently does not have any preferential trading arrangement.
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Q No: 1240 |
Dated: 13/07/2009 |
Ministry: Labour |
Subject: Welfare |
Question:
(a) whether some State Governments lag behind in terms of
implementation of welfare measures for construction workers and
utilization of funds meant for this purpose;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Union Government has issued guidelines/directives to
the State Governments recently to take special steps and respond within
a week in terms of measures taken or being taken in this regard;
(d) if so, the response of the State Governments thereto; and
(e) the further steps taken or being taken by the Government for
implementation of welfare measures for construction workers alongwith
the purposeful utilization of welfare funds?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (e): A statement is annexed.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1240 FOR 13.07.2009 BY SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI REGARDING WELFARE FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
(a) to (e): The Government has enacted the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996. Under these Acts, the States have to frame and notify Rules, constitute Advisory Committees/expert Committees, appoint various authorities for registration of workers, cess collection, Inspection and Appealing Authority and constitute State Welfare Boards to frame and implement various welfare schemes in pursuance of the said Acts.The State Governments are collecting cess and the same is transferred to the State Welfare Boards. State Welfare Boards are implementing various welfare schemes for building and other construction workers.Some States are in the process of formulating different welfare schemes.The States are at various stages of implementation of these Acts. Till date 27 State/Union Territories have notified Rules under the Act, 26 have constituted Welfare Boards, 24 have notified Implementing/Cess collecting authorities and 26 have constituted State Advisory Committees.
The Government is monitoring the implementation of the Acts in the States/Union Territories.The Government has been issuing directions from time to time to the State/Union Territories for speedy implementation of these Acts.In this regard,under the directions of Prime Minister’s Office, a Special Group had been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Labour & Employment) to monitor and review the implementation of the Building and other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment & Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and Other Construction Workers welfare Cess Act, 1996. The Special Group is holding region wise meetings with the State Governments and 15 such meetings have already been held in different regions.
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Q No: 1268 |
Dated: 14/07/2009 |
Ministry: Agriculture |
Subject: Soil |
Question:
(a) the locations of the Soil Testing Laboratories in the country, State-wise; and
(b) the number of such laboratories established and proposed to be set up during the 11th Plan period?
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): A statement showing the locations of the soil testing laboratories in the country State-wise is annexed. It is proposed to establish 500 static soil testing laboratories and 250 mobile soil testing laboratories in the country during the 11th Five Year Plan.
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Q No: 1375 |
Dated: 14/07/2009 |
Ministry: Consumer |
Subject: Closed |
Question:
(a) the details of sick and closed sugar mills in the country including Uttar Pradesh; State-wise;
(b) the reasons for the closure of the said mills;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to revive the said mills; and
(d) the efforts made by the Union Government to rehabilitate the
workers rendered unemployed by the closure of the said sugar mills?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): A statement indicating the State-wise number of sick sugar mills as furnished by Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is enclosed at Annexure-I. Another statement indicating the number of sugar mills which did not work during the current sugar season is enclosed at Annexure-II.
(b): The main reasons for closure/sickness of these sugar mills are non-availability of adequate raw material, poor recovery from sugarcane, uneconomic size, lack of modernization, up-gradation and diversification, high cost of working capital, declaration high State Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane by some States, control of molasses, lack of professional management, overstaffing etc.
(c): It is responsibility of the entrepreneur concerned to take steps to restart the closed sugar mills. However, Sugar Development Fund Rules, 1983, provides that a potentially viable sick sugar undertaking can take Sugar Development Fund (SDF) loan for
(i) modernization or rehabilitation of plant and machinery and
(ii) sugarcane development. The loan from the Fund should be recommended by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) for sugar mills in private and public sector or the Committee of Rehabilitation (CoR) which has been set up in the Department of Food and Public Distribution to consider cases of sugar mills in co-operative sector.
(d): The rehabilitation of the workers rendered unemployed by the closure of the said sugar mills is not the responsibility of the Central Government. However, the interest of workers employed in closed sugar mills is protected under the relevant laws.
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Q No: 1413 |
Dated: 14/07/2009 |
Ministry: Agriculture |
Subject: Minimum |
Question:
(a) whether the Commission on Agricultural Cost and Prices (CACP) has
made any recommendation to increase the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of
foodgrains so as to make it commensurate with the increase in the per
capita income;
(b) if so, the main recommendations made by CACP during the last one year and the current year, crop-wise;
(c) whether the Government has considered the recommendations of the
CACP in consultation with State-Governments to increase the MSP and
this give farmers their due share; and
d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
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): The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), while formulating its recommendations on price policy considers a number of important factors which include cost of production, changes in input prices, input/output price parity, trends in market prices, demand and supply situation, inter- crop price parity, effect on industrial cost structure, effect on general price level, effect on cost of living, international market price situation and parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers.
(b): A statement indicating the MSPs recommended by CACP for the Kharif and Rabi Crops of 2007-08 and 2008-09 Season is at annexure.
(c)&(d): The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) has submitted its Report on Price Policy for Kharif Crops of 2009-10 season to the Government. Final decision regarding the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for the Kharif crops will be taken by the Government after obtaining the views of State Government/UTs and Central Ministries as well as such other relevant factors which are considered important for fixation of support prices.
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Q No: 1433 |
Dated: 14/07/2009 |
Ministry: Consumer |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) the quantum of foodgrains procured by the FCI and other Government
agencies alongwith the price and bonus paid therefor during each of the
last three years and in the current year, State-wise and grain wise;
(b) whether the amount due to the farmers has since been paid;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor and the remedial steps taken in this regard;
(d) whether the States are having sufficient space for safe storage of the procured foodgrains;
(e) if not, the details thereof and the steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure safe storage of the foodgrains;
(f) whether foodgrains were also imported due to shortage in procurement during the said period; and
(g) 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 & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): A statement showing the State-wise procurement of wheat and rice by the FCI and agencies of the State Governments during each of the last three years and in the current year are at Annexure-I and Annexure-II respectively. The Minimum Support Prices of wheat and paddy and incentive bonus announced by the Government during each of the last three years and in the current year is at Annexure-III.
(b): Yes, Madam.
(c): Does not arise.
(d)&(e): Due to record procurement of wheat in RMS 2009-10 and of rice in KMS 2008-09, shortage of covered space has been felt by FCI and State agencies. Action was taken by FCI and State agencies to hire additional godowns. However, in order to store of wheat procured in RMS 2009-10 and to make adequate space available for taking rice deliveries, wheat stocks have also been stored in Covered and Plinth (CAP) storage. The steps taken to ensure safe storage of the foodgrains by FCI is at Annexure-IV.
(f)&(g): 53.79 lakh tonnes and 18.44 lakh tonnes wheat was imported by the Government during 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively.
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Q No: 1533 |
Dated: 15/07/2009 |
Ministry: Personnel, |
Subject: Quota for |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has enacted a law for providing three per
cent reservation in services and educational institutions to physically
challenged persons;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether despite the law, the deserving physically challenged
candidates are deprived of the facilities/concessions meant for them;
and
(d) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government for proper implementation of the law in letter and spirit?
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) & (b): According to `the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995`, every appropriate Government shall reserve in every establishment not less than three per cent of vacancies for persons or class of persons with disability of which one per cent each shall be reserved for persons suffering from blindness or low vision; hearing impairment; locomotor disability or cerebral palsy in the posts identified for each disability except in establishments which are exempted by the appropriate Government by notification. The Act further provides that all Government educational institutions and other educational institutions receiving aid from the Government, shall reserve not less than three per cent seats for persons with disabilities.
(c) & (d): The Government has issued instructions regarding implementation of reservation for persons with disabilities in services in line with the provisions of the Act which all the Ministries/Departments etc. follow. The University Grants Commission has issued circulars to all Universities requesting them, iter alia, to give three per cent reservation for persons with disabilities in the matter of appointment to the posts of Lecturer and other jobs and in the matter of admission to all courses. Schools under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, also have provision of reservation of three per cent seats for disabled children.
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Q No: 1577 |
Dated: 15/07/2009 |
Ministry: Culture |
Subject: Conducting |
Question:
(a) whether Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) permits use of protected monuments for conducting certain events;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the nature of events being permitted by ASI and the charges fixed therefor; and
(d) the details of permission granted by ASI for conducting events during the last three years and the current year?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a)to(c) Yes, Sir. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) permits conduct of cultural events of high standards preferably classical music, dance and drama in the back-drop of the selected monuments (List at Annexure-I) and at the specifically identified locations in their precincts and as per the approved guidelines (Annexure-II).
(d) The details of the permissions granted by ASI for the conduct of cultural events during the last three years and the current year are at Annexure-III.
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Q No: 1601 |
Dated: 15/07/2009 |
Ministry: Science |
Subject: Guidelines |
Question:
(a) whether guidelines have been issued by the Government to encourage
research and development projects of small and medium pharma units in
the field of bulk Drugs;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of funds sanctioned by the Department of Science and
Technology for research and development projects under the Drugs and
Pharmaceuticals Research Programme during the last three years and the
current year, year-wise?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARCH 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) & (b): Yes, Madam.The government have issued detailed guidelines regarding the Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research Programme to enable drugs and pharma industry including small and medium pharma units in the area of bulk drugs to avail soft loans for R&D projects, grants-in-aid for clinical trials (Phase-I, II & III) to develop new drugs for neglected diseases of tropical region and to undertake collaborative R&D projects with public funded research institutes / universities and industry. The soft loans are provided upto 70% of the total project cost @ 3% simple interest per annum. The repayment commences after the project period and the total amount including the interest is recovered in 10 annual instalments. This information is also available in the website www.dst.gov.in.
(c) The details of funds sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology for research and development projects under the Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme during the last three years (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09) and the current year (2009-10) are given below:-
Year Loan
(Rupees in crores) Grants – in – aid (Rupees in Crores)
2006-07 43.71 43.86
2007-08 73.50 100.44
2008-09 50.02 35.76
2009-10 6.89 1.40
(up to June 2009)
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Q No: 1787 |
Dated: 16/07/2009 |
Ministry: Civil |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to install high tech euqipments in
major airports of the country for handling of passengers and the
luggage;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds to be invested on this modern technology; and
(d) the time by which it is likely to be installed?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a)&(b)Airports Authority of India (AAI)is installing 40 Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB) at various airports in the country. In the first phase Passenger Boarding Bridges are being installed at following 15 airports namely, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Udaipur, Calicut, Amritsar, Trivandrum, Manglore, Vizag, Trichy, Srinagar, Jaipur. In second phase AAI is providing 16 Passenger Boarding Bridges(PBBs)at following airports viz. Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Khajuraho, Madurai, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Chandigarh, Goa, Bhubneshwar, Ranchi, Port Blair and Leh. For luggage modern Baggage Handling System is being installed at 8 airports in first phase i.e. Srinagar, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Udaipur, Dibrugarh and Kolkata.In second phase Baggage Handling System is being provided at 19 airports i.e. Nagpur, Vizag, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Manglore, Lucknow, Khajuraho, Madurai, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Chandigarh, Goa, Leh, Bhubneshwar, Port Blair and Ranchi Airport. AAI also plans to install In-line X-ray Baggage Inspection System at various airports. Delhi International Airport Private Limited (DIAL) proposes to install inline hold baggage screening in the new terminal-3 complex scheduled for commissioning i n March 2010.
(c)The likely expenditure on installation of these high tech equipment will be approximately Rs.450 crores.
(d)The Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) have already been installed at three airports i.e. Calicut Trivandrum and Amritsar. Out of the 15 airports of the first phase and the PBBs in the remaining 12 airports is scheduled to be installed by December,2009. In second phase installation of PBBs will be completed by December,2010.
The luggage handling system has been installed at Srinagar, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Dibrugarh and Chennai airports. The installation at Kolkata airport is under progress and likely to be commissioned by October,2009. Installation of In-line XBIS has been completed at Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Calicut airports. Installation at Kolkata airport will be taken up after site is ready. Installation at 17 other airport are likely to be completed in the next one year.
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Q No: 2104 |
Dated: 20/07/2009 |
Ministry: Defence |
Subject: Delivery schedule of defence PSUS |
Question:
(a) the items produced by each of Defence Public Sector Undertakings;
(b) whether the Government has reviewed the performance of these undertakings;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether these undertakings are maintaining delivery schedule;
(e) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to increase the efficiency of these undertakings on corporate lines?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI M.M. PALLAM RAJU)
(a) The major production areas of each of the Defence PSUs are as under:-
(i) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Aircraft and Avionics
(ii) Bharat Electronics Ltd. Communication and Electronics
(iii) BEML Ltd. Mining equipment, Defence vehicles,
Rail and Metro coaches
(iv) Bharat Dynamics Ltd. Missiles
(v) Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. Alloys and special Metals
(vi) Garden Reach Shipbuilders Warship Building
and Engineers Ltd.
(vii) Mazagon Dock Ltd. Warship Building
(viii) Goa Shipyard Ltd. Warship Building
(b) & (c): Yes, Sir.
The performance is being reviewed regularly by the Raksha Mantri, Apex Steering Committees, the Board of Directors in addition to the mechanism of signing MOUs between the Defence Public Sector Undertakings and the Government on a yearly basis.
(d) & (e): While these undertakings make efforts to maintain delivery schedules, in certain cases delays do take place on account of reasons like design changes, necessary mid-course correction due to long gestation periods, timely non-availability of some high-tech components and the stringent all weather trials/inspections by the users.
(f) In order to increase the efficiency of DPSUs on corporate lines, they have been delegated powers in accordance with the Navratna and Mini-Ratna status accorded to them as under:
(i) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Navratna Companies
(ii) Bharat Electronics Ltd.
(iii) BEML Ltd.
(iv) Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
(v) Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd.
(vi) Garden Reach Shipbuilders Mini Ratna Companies
and Engineers Ltd.
(vii) Mazagon Dock Ltd.
(viii) Goa Shipyard Ltd.
In addition to the above, modernization/up-gradation plans have also been envisaged by these companies to meet the demand of our defence forces.
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Q No: 2124 |
Dated: 20/07/2009 |
Ministry: Human |
Subject: Mid-day |
Question:
(a) whether the Government is reviewing the mid-day meal scheme regularly;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any monitoring system has been developed by the Government for monitoring the benefits of this scheme;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the benefits accrued from the implementation of the monitoring system; and
(e) the details of the successful implementation of the scheme and the expenses incurred thereon, State-wise?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The Central Government is reviewing the implementation of Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) regularly through Regional and National level meetings with focus on coverage, quality, safety, regularity and transparency. Critical issues are brought to the notice of States/UTs for necessary corrective actions to further improve the quality of implementation of MDMS. During 2008-09 four Regional Meetings were held on 4.7.2008, 15.10.2008, 06.11.2008, 29.11.2008 at Shillong, Bangalore, New Delhi, Ahmedabad respectively. Review of the MDMS was made in National Level meetings held on 1.8.2008 and 6.2.2008 at New Delhi. The performance of the States/UTs is also reviewed through the Half-yearly reports of the 42 Monitoring Institutions, Quarterly Progress Reports received from States/UTs. In-depth review of the implementation of MDMS is also made during Mid-Day Meal – Project Approval Board meetings held to approve Annual Work Plan & Budget of the States/UTs every year.
(c): Besides the above, monitoring at the National level, the following Monitoring Mechanism has been developed for monitoring at various levels:
(i)The local level monitoring is done on daily basis through the representatives of Gram Panchayats/ Gram Sabhas, members of Village Education Committees (VECs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management & Development Committees (SMDCs) as well as Mothers’ Committees who are required to monitor the (a) regularity and wholesomeness of the mid day meal served to children,
(b) cleanliness in cooking and serving of the mid day meal,
(c) timeliness in procurement of good quality ingredients, fuel, etc,
(d) implementation of varied menu, (e) social and gender equity.
(ii) All schools and centres are required to display information on
(a) quantity of food grains received, date of receipt
(b) quantity of food grains utilized
(c) other ingredients purchased, utilized
(d) number of children given mid day meal
(e) daily menu
(f) roster of Community Members involved in the programme
(iii) Officers of the State Government/ UTs belonging to the Departments of Revenue, Rural Development, Education and other related sectors, such as Women and Child Development, Food, Health are required to inspect schools and centres where the programme is being implemented. It has been recommended that 25% of primary schools/ EGS & AIE centres are visited every quarter.
(iv) States/UTs have been advised to constitute District Level Committees comprising public representatives (MPs, MLAs) to monitor the implementation of MDMS in Districts. The senior-most Member of Parliament present in the meeting is to chair this meeting.
(v) States and Union Territories are required to develop a dedicated mechanism for public grievance redressal, which should be widely publicized and made easily accessible.
(vi) State Level Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee headed by Chief Secretary to oversee the implementation of the Programme in the State/UT.
(vii) 1.8 per cent of the total cost of foodgrain, cooking cost and transportation of foodgrain, is provided to States/UTs for Monitoring Management & Evaluation of the Scheme.
(d): The benefits accrued from the implementation of MDMS, as brought out by various independent evaluation studies include inter alia enhancement in enrollment and attendance, especially of girls and SC/ST children, narrowing of social distance among children so as to foster social harmony, and improvement in scholastic achievement etc.
(e) The State-wise details of the expenditure incurred during the year 2008-09 are given in the Annexure.
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Q No: 2385 |
Dated: 21/07/2009 |
Ministry: Micro, small and medium enterprises |
Subject: Funds to agro and rural industries |
Question:
(a) the total number of Agro and Rural Industries functioning in the country, State-wise and Union Territory-wise including Gujarat;
(b) the total funds granted and utilised by the Government during each of the last three years, State-wise and Union Territory-wise;
(c) whether the Government has any proposal to set up more Agro and Rural Industries during the current year; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): Industries in the rural areas of the country, including those of Gujarat, have been promoted by the Government (in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) through three credit-linked subsidy schemes, namely,
(i) the Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), implemented by the Government from 01.04.1995 to 31.03.2008 through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC);
(ii) the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana (PMRY), implemented from 02.10.1993 to 31.03.2008 through the States and Union Territories, and
(iii) Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), being implemented from 2008-09 through KVIC as the single nodal agency at the national level and through field offices of KVIC, State/Union Territory Khadi and Village Industries Boards and District Industries Centres (DICs) at the State/Union Territories level, with involvement of banks. Approximately, fifty per cent of the units established under PMRY (implemented in both rural and urban areas) are estimated to be in rural areas. The State/UT – wise details of projects set up under REGP and self employment ventures set up under PMRY during the entire period of their implementation, and the ‘micro enterprises’ assisted under PMEGP during its inaugural year 2008-09 (provisional) are given at Annex. I
(b): REGP was a Central Sector scheme and the approved grants for the scheme were used to be released to the KVIC which, in turn, released the funds (towards margin money assistance) to the banks against the projects sanctioned in each State/Union Territory (UT). The State/UT – wise details of margin money allocated by KVIC under the REGP as well as those of margin money utilised during 2006-07 and 2007-08, are given at Annex. II. Under PMRY, allocation of the subsidy and release of funds were based on the targets for States/UTs.
The subsidy amount had been released directly to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which, in turn, released the necessary amounts to the implementing banks. The amounts of subsidy released to the RBI during 2006-07 and 2007-08 under PMRY are given below:
Year Subsidy released under
PMRY (Rs. crore)
2006-07 228.82
2007-08 283.20
The State/Union Territory-wise details of funds allocated (released) to the States/UTs for entrepreneurial development and contingencies as well as the funds utilised under the PMRY during 2006-07 and 2007-08 are given at Annex. III.
During 2008-09, no budget provision was made under these two schemes, namely, REGP and PMRY, since they have now been merged into a new scheme called “Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)”, the details of which have been given in the answer to part (a). The State/UT – wise details of margin money utilised under PMEGP during 2008-09 (Provisional), are given at Annex. II.
(c) & (d): About 61,697 micro enterprises, including agro and rural industries, are likely to be assisted with utilization of margin money subsidy of Rs. 740.33 crore as per the tentative targets set for 2009-10.
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Q No: 2482 |
Dated: 22/07/2009 |
Ministry: Health |
Subject: Complete |
Question:
(a) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from various
State Governments to put a complete ban on the use of gutka and
tobacco;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the status of such proposals; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a to c) Yes. The Central Government had received the request from the Govt. of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in the year 2004 to ban manufacture and sale of Gutka in their State. The request were examined by the Govt. and a provision has been made under PFA Rules 1955 vide G.S.R. No. 491 (E) dated 21-8-06 (effective from 20-8-2007) which provide that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. However, the said rule has been challenged in a number of High Courts in many States viz Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra and stay on its implementation has been given by these High Courts. The matter has subsequently been transferred to the Hon’ble Supreme Court and therefore the matter is sub-judice.
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Q No: 2537 |
Dated: 22/07/2009 |
Ministry: Water |
Subject: Meeting of |
Question:
(a) whether the Union Government has convened a meeting of water resources Secretaries of the States recently; and
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the outcome of the meeting?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Water Resources convened a meeting of Principal Secretaries/Secretaries-in-Charge of Irrigation, Water Resources and Command Area Development Departments of the States/Union Territories on 24.06.2009 to discuss the progress in respect of ongoing schemes/ progragmmes. The Agenda for the meeting included Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (CADWM), Flood Management Programme (FMP), Ground Water Management, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Externally Aided Projects. During the meeting, strategies for efficient and timely implementation of the projects were discussed.
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Q No: 2563 |
Dated: 22/07/2009 |
Ministry: Environment |
Subject: Use of Forest land for other purposes |
Question:
(a) whether a large portion of forest land is being used for non-forest purposes;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has received usage charges from the parties using forest land for other purposes; and
(d) if so, the total amount presently lying with the Union Government unutilized collected as a result thereof?
Answer:
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b): So far, the Central Government has approved 18,952 proposals involving 11.82 lakh ha of forest land for different non-forestry purposes such as irrigation, power generation, construction of roads, railway line, transmission lines, drinking water supply projects, mining, village electricity, schools, hospitals etc as per the developmental need of the country. The category wise details are enclosed at annexure.
(c) & (d): The State/UT Governments realize statutory charges towards compensatory afforestation, penal compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment plan, net present value and protected area management, etc., from different user agencies for use of forest land for non-forestry purposes. As on 30.06.2009, an amount of Rs. 9,932.12 crores, has been remitted by the State/UT Governments to the Ad-hoc body of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) as per the Supreme Court Order dated 05.05.2006.
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Q No: 2787 |
Dated: 23/07/2009 |
Ministry: Petroleum |
Subject: Energy |
Question:
(a) the measures taken by the Government to enhance energy security in the country;
(b) the details of the exploration made under New Exploration Licensing Policy in different blocks so far;
(c) the volume of oil/gas accrued from the new discoveries; and
(d) the progress made in respect of six projects approved for oil/gas discovery?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a): Several measures have been taken to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and production activities to meet our maximum requirement from indigenous sources, which include the following:
(i) Carving out more and more areas for exploration for offer under various rounds of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) Coal Bed Methane (CBM).
(ii) Quicker development of discovered reserves for enabling commencement of production.
(iii) Use of stimulation techniques for increasing production from existing fields.
(iv) Application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)/Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) techniques for increasing recovery factor from existing fields.
(v) Arresting decline from ageing fields.
(vi) Acquisition of exploration acreages and producing properties overseas to bring in equity oil.
(vii) Substitution of oil through use of non-conventional source of energy such as bio-diesel, ethanol etc. Extraction of gas from gas hydrates under National Gas Hydrates Programme (NGHP) by evolving suitable production technology.
(b): Under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) 2,71,402, Line Kilo Meter (LKM) of 2D Seismic Survey and 1,41,525 sq km. of 3D Seismic Survey have been under taken and 241 wells have been drilled as on 01.04.09. 71 oil/gas discoveries have been made in the NELP regime till June, 2009.
(c): As far as NELP regime is concerned, 643 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) Oil + Oil Equivalent Gas (O+OEG) in place reserve has been accreted as on 01-04-2009 from new discoveries in the NELP blocks.
(d): In the NELP regime, the Management Committees have approved development plans for 6 discoveries in NELP blocks and the commercial production of oil and gas have commenced from these discoveries.
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Q No: 2808 |
Dated: 23/07/2009 |
Ministry: Petroleum |
Subject: Supply of |
Question:
(a) whether the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer has raised an
alarm over the Bombay High Court ruling asking Reliance Industries to
supply 28 million metric standard cubic meters a day of KG gas to
Reliance Natural Resources Limited (RNRL);
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Union Government to ensure that the supply
of KG gas to the power and fertilizer industry should not be effected?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) Yes, Madam. The Department of Fertilizers on a reference from Fertilizers Association of India has sought re-confirmation from Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to the effect that the recent judgement of Bombay High Court would have no implications on the supply of gas from KG Basin to the fertilizer industry. The clarification/confirmation in this regard will remove the uncertainty in supply of feedstock to the fertilizer industry. This would also have implications on the fuel oil and naphtha based urea units, which are making large investments to switch feedstock to natural gas as per the declared policy of the Government.
[b] The Department of Fertilizers has contended that the gas in question has been allocated based on Government’s authority and rights under the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) aimed at regulating gas marketing and allowing their orderly growth. Further, fertilizer sector has been accorded highest priority by Government in allocation of gas to meet its current and future requirements and same needs to be intact.
(c) Both RIL and RNRL have gone on appeal through SLPs to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Bombay High Court. Government of India has been made an intervener in the SLP filed by RIL. This Ministry has filed an affidavit expressing its stand on the basis of Production Sharing Contract (PSC). Further, the Government has filed a special leave petition to protect its interest.
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Q No: 2976 |
Dated: 24/07/2009 |
Ministry: Rural |
Subject: |
Question:
(a) The details of the projects implemented and the area of wastelands
brought under cultivation during the last three years and current year
under Area Development Programmes, State-wise;
(b) The area of wastelands to be brought under cultivation and the
funds estimated to be spent thereon during the Eleventh Five Year Plan;
(c) Whether the Union Government has received proposals from the State
Governments under the modified Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP) : and
(d) If so, the State-wise details thereof and the action taken or proposed to taken by the Government in this regard?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SISIR ADHIKARI)
(a) The Department of Land Resources has been implementing three Centrally sponsored area development programmes namely, Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) on watershed basis as per Hariyali Guidelines, 2003. The projects are being implemented @ Rs. 6000/- per hectare by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) with project duration of five years. The funding is shared between the Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25 for DPAP and DDP and 11:1 for IWDP. A total number of 5841 projects have been sanctioned to States under DPAP, DDP and IWDP during the last three years.
(b) Under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), it is proposed to sanction projects to cover 24 million hectares during 11th Plan with the outlay of Rs. 15,359.46 crore.
(c) & (d) The Department of Land Resources has so far not received any proposal from any State Government for release of central share of funds under the modified Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
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Q No: 2977 |
Dated: 24/07/2009 |
Ministry: Tourism |
Subject: Hotel |
Question:
(a) whether the tariff of four star and five star hotels in our country
are much higher than the tariffs of similar class hotels in the
developed countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the tariff rates of star hotels are adversely affecting the inflow of tourists into the country; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to rationalize
the tariff structure of such star hotels as well as for low budget
hotels located at various tourist places in the country to benefit
middle class tourists?
Answer:
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to (d): Ministry of Tourism does not fix hotel tariff’s.Hotels fix their own tariff based on the market forces depending on the demand and supply of hotel rooms.In order to meet the demand of accommodation in budget segment hotels, on the request of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Finance has granted a five year Tax Holiday under section 80-ID (1) of the Income Tax Act to new hotels under two, three and four star category coming up in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautam Budh Nagar and Gaziabad between 1.4.2007 to 31.03.2010.Similarly, a five year tax holiday was also announced in the budget of 2008-2009 for two, three and four star hotels that are established in specified districts which have UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites except the revenue districts of Mumbai and Delhi. The hotel should be constructed and start functioning during the period 1.4.2008 to 31.03.2013.
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Q No: 3120 |
Dated: 27/07/2009 |
Ministry: Comerce and Industry |
Subject: Lower growth rate of core sectors |
Question:
(a) whether all core infrastructure industries/sectors except coal, have recorded lower growth during the last financial year in comparison to the previous year;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the estimated growth rate of these core sectors during the current financial year; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to achieve the growth targets in such sectors?
Answer:
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (c): Growth in production of six core sectors viz Crude oil, Petroleum refinery, Coal, Electricity, Cement & Finished Steel for the year 2007-08 and 2008-09 is given below:
GROWTH IN PRODUCTION OF SIX CORE SECTORS
(Growth in %)
Sector 2007-08 2008-09
Crude Oil 0.4 -1.8
Petroleum Refinery 6.5 3.0
Coal 6.3 7.8
Electricity 6.3 2.7
Cement 8.1 7.5
Steel 6.2 0.4
Overall 5.9 2.7
The slowdown in growth of core industries in 2008-09 can be attributed to slowdown in economic activity, which led to decline in growth rate for the manufacturing and construction sectors. Growth in electricity sector was hampered by capacity constraints and supply of raw material.
(d): Steps taken by the Government to achieve growth targets in these sectors include,inter alia, New Exploration Licensing Policy launched to increase availability of domestic oil and gas, measures to maximize domestic production of coal, allocation of new coal blocks, quicker investment decisions and imports, re-imposition of Countervailing Duty (CVD) on cement to protect and promote domestic cement industry, withdrawal of export duty on all steel items, restoring DEPB on steel items, re-imposition of 5% import duty on iron and non-alloy steel items, reduction in CENVAT to 10% and inclusion of hot rolled coils in the restricted category of imports.
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Q No: 3163 |
Dated: 27/07/2009 |
Ministry: Labour |
Subject: Changes in |
Question:
(a) whether the various State Governments have sought changes in law dealing with child labourers;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the changes sought by the States; and
(c) the response of the Union Government thereto?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (c): The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 had come into effect way back in 1986. Suggestions for amendments/changes in the Act are received from time to time from various quarters including State Governments. A Working Group set up by the Government, has submitted its report on the various suggestions.
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Q No: 3560 |
Dated: 29/07/2009 |
Ministry: Personnel, public grievances and pensions |
Subject: Reservation for womenin government jobs |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce a bill to provide reservation for women in Government jobs;
(b) if so, the details and the percentage of jobs likely to be reserved for them;
(c) whether any special reservation in this regard is likely to be made for women from minority communities;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in the matter?
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) to (e): There is no proposal to introduce any Bill regarding reservation for women in Government jobs.
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Q No: 3772 |
Dated: 30/07/2009 |
Ministry: Civil |
Subject: Advisory |
Question:
(a) whether the Government proposes to set up an International Advisory
Board comprising prominent people including former heads of major
airlines to study the state-of-affairs in the Air India (AI);
(b) if so, the details thereof and time by which this body is likely to be set up;
(c) the main functions of this board; and
(d) the extent to which this board is likely to be helpful for revival of AI?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a), (b), (c) and (d): Yes, Sir. A proposal to set up International Advisory Board comprising prominent people is under consideration.
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Q No: 3813 |
Dated: 30/07/2009 |
Ministry: Civil Aviation |
Subject: FDI in aviation section |
Question:
(a) whether the Government has assessed the progress made in the civil
aviation industry after allowing 100% FDI under automatic route;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of services which are available at present under 100% FDI.
(d) whether this step of the Government has affected the domestic scheduled airlines;
(e) if so the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken or being taken by the Government for unhindered
progress in civil aviation industry vis-a-vis protecting the interest
of domestic scheduled airlines?
Answer:
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION(SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a):- No, Sir.
(b):- Does not arise.
(c):- 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through automatic route is presently permitted in Greenfields airport projects, Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO), Flying Training Institutions/ Technical Training Institutions and Helicopter/Seaplane Services. In addition, Non-Resident Indians (NRI) can make 100% FDI investment in Ground Handling Services, Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airlines, Non-Scheduled (Passenger/Charter) Airlines subject to no direct or indirect participation by any foreign airlines and sectoral regulations. Foreign airlines are allowed to participate in the equity of companies operating Cargo airlines and Helicopter/ Seaplane Services.
(d) and (e):- The Government has not made any such assessment.
(f):- FDI policy has been formulated to attract foreign investment. It has sectoral regulations and restrictions in investment by foreign airlines to protect the interest of domestic schedule airlines.