Questions asked by Mr. Moinul Hassan during Rajya Sabha session November – December 2009

No. of questions found: 69

3495. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the survey by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) regarding solid waste generated by the cities;

(b) if so, the quantum of solid waste generated in the cities due to lack of adequate treatment and disposal facilities;

(c) whether landfill gas is a natural by-product of the de-composition of solid waste in landfills and is primarily comprised of carbon dioxide and methane which can be used as a substitute for electricity generated by thermal or coal; and

(d) if so, the Central contribution thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

(DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has brought out a report in August 2009, on survey of current status of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in 22 cities. The report indicates that 23,425 tonnes per day of solid waste out of a total of 27,018 tonnes per day generated in these 22 cities, is dumped in the landfills. This shows a lack of adequate treatment of solid waste before it’s disposal.

(c): Landfill gas, which is a product of decomposition of the biodegradable fraction of solid waste in scientifically constructed landfill, can be used as a fuel for generating electricity. However, as per the provisions of Municipal Solid Waste (Handling & Management) Rules – 2000, Municipal Corporations / Urban Local Bodies are supposed to treat the biodegradable waste through composting or other state-of-the-art technologies for power generation, etc. and dump only the inert fraction of solid waste in the landfills.

(d): Ministry of Urban Development has approved solid waste management projects based on an integrated approach under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, in 40 cities, including 15 of the 22 cities covered by the survey, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2186.14 crore. The projects include segregation at source, collection, transportation, processing & treatment and disposal of solid waste in accordance with Municipal Solid Waste (Handling & Management) Rules–2000.

3481. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether it is a fact that many reports come to Government regarding the misuse of section 498 A of the Indian Penal Code;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action Government has taken to prevent misuse of the above section?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE

(Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)

(a) to (c): A number of representations have been received from various quarters regarding the misuse of the provision of Section 498 A of IPC. Information regarding its misuse is not collected by National Crime Records Bureau. An Advisory has been issued to the State Governments to prevent the misuse of the said Section.

3297. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether Government is aware that even before the impending drought conditions arose, speculative trading in essential commodities was playing havoc with the prices;

(b) whether Government is also aware that in the month of June, 2009 alone, the cummulative value of trading in the commodity exchanges, according to the report of the Forward Markets Commission of India was a staggering Rs.15,64,114.96 crores from Rs. 2,21,888.06 crores in June, 2007; and

(c) if so, by when Government would ban the speculative trading in essential commodities in order to control the price rise?
Answer

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

(Prof. K.V. Thomas)

(a) : Facts show that futures trading in essential commodities has not been responsible for the price rise in recent period. There is no future trading in Urad and Tur since January 2007 when it was suspended. But the prices of these commodities are showing sharp increase during 2008-09 and 2009-10. The year-on-year price increase (in terms of Wholesale Price Index) at the end of financial year 2008-09 (29.3.2009) was 14.7% for Urad and 17.1% for Tur. During the year 2009-10 (as on 28.11.09) Y-o-Y increase was 59.46% and 72.25% for Urad and Tur respectively. As against this there is futures trading in Gram. Year on Year change of Prices of Gram was negative at -6.8% in 2008-09 and 4.32% during 2009-10 (as on 28.11.09) respectively. Therefore, the increase in prices of commodities need not necessarily be attributed to future trading. In fact an Expert Committee appointed by the Government of India under the Chairmanship of Planning Commission’s Member Prof. Abhijit Sen to examine whether futures markets was responsible for rise in the prices of essential commodities in its report submitted in April 2008 did not find futures market responsible for the increase of the prices of essential commodities. The forward trading in a commodity is a mechanism for price discovery and price risk management and not a mechanism to check price rise. The futures market gives price signals for future periods of time based on the most likely supply and demand situation at those points of time. The market is tightly regulated. There are various effective tools like margins, price band, open interests limit etc. which the Regulator (Forward Market Commission) employs to regulate futures trading.

(b) : The total value of trade during period three months of April to June 2009 was Rs.15, 64,114.96. The value of trade during the corresponding period of April-June 2008 was Rs.11,15,326.99 and that of the corresponding period of April-June 2007 was Rs.8,97,816.52. Figures for the month of June 2009, June 2008 and June 2007 were Rs. 5,77,056.718 crores, Rs. 4,13,551.34 crores and Rs. 2,82,550.35 crores respectively.

(c) : In view of the answer to part (a) above, there is no case for banning futures (speculation) trading in essential commodities.

3230. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is fact that the post of Assistant Silt Analyst in work charged establishment in Central Water commission has been redesignated to the post of work Sarkar Garde-II under the order of Superintending Engineer, C.W.C. Maithan;

(b) if so, whether redesignation has been done on the basis of Government Order or Department’s Order; and

(c) the basis of the said order?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) to (c) The posts of Assistant Silt Analyst, Work Sarkar

(Grade II), and Machine Operator (Grade II), in the work charged establishment under Superintending Engineer, Hydrological Observation Circle, Central Water Commission (CWC), Maithon, have been merged and designated as Work Sarkar Gr-II vide CWC Hydrological Observation Circle, Maithon order dated 25/5/2009, which was issued with the approval of CWC (Headquarters). This has been done in pursuance of an exercise of review of Work Charged Establishment as per site-wise/work-wise norms in the field formation.

3222. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that hydrological discharge observation had been suspended on River Ganga at Farakka site consecutively years together in peak monsoon period at Central Water Commission, Behrampore;

(b) if so, the reasons for suspension of discharge observation at Farakka site being an International site for sharing of Ganga water between India and Bangladesh;

(c) whether it is a fact that due to want of high power craft discharge observation was suspended in the peak monsoon period; and

(d) if so, the steps that has been taken by Government to regularize the observation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) High velocity in the river associated with high discharge, continuous rain, strong wind with high turbulence and foggy weather are the main reasons for suspension of discharge observation at Farakka site during the uncontrolled peak monsoon season. Further, these observations are not required for sharing of Ganga Waters between India and Bangladesh, during monsoon period.

(c) No Sir.

(d) The question does not arise in view of reply to (c).

3219. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) the area of land under irrigation in First Plan period and in Eleventh Plan period, State-wise;

(b) the budgetary allocation in each Plan period and the results thereof; and

(c) the reasons for which area under drought prone is escalating?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) The total irrigation potential created prior to I Plan was 22.6 million hectare (mha). The total irrigation potential created upto March 2009 is about 106 mha. The State-wise details are at Annexure – I.

(b) Plan – wise details in respect of expenditure in irrigation sector and the irrigation potential created are at Annexure – II.

(c) Ministry of Water Resources has not received any information from States about increase in drought prone area.

Annexure I

(Reference Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3219 dated 17.12.2009) STATEWISE DETAILS OF THE TOTAL IRRIGATION POTENTIAL CREATED UPTO MARCH 2009

(In Million hectare)
Sl. State / Union Irrigation Potential Created
No. Territories up to March 2009

1. Andhra Pradesh 7.36

2. Arunachal Pradesh 0.13

3. Assam 1.00

4. Bihar 7.77

5. Chhattisgarh 2.58
6. Goa 0.07

7 Gujarat 4.46

8. Haryana 3.86

9. Himachal Pradesh 0.20
10. Jharkhand 1.10
11. Jammu & Kashmir 1.81
12. Karnataka 2.95
13. Kerala 3.40
14. Madhya Pradesh 2.27
15. Maharashtra 7.10
16. Manipur 0.21
17. Meghalaya 0.07
18. Mizoram 0.02
19. Nagaland 0.10
20. Orissa 3.80
21. Punjab 6.09
22. Rajasthan 5.52
23. Sikkim 0.04
24. Tamil Nadu 4.15
25. Tripura 0.16
26. Uttar Pradesh 33.32
27. Uttaranchal 0.85
28. West Bengal 5.92
29. Union Territories 0.06

Annexure II

(Reference Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3219 dated
17.12.2009)
PLAN WISE EXPENDITURE IN IRRIGATION SECTOR AND IRRIGATION
POTENTIAL CREATED

Sl.N Plan Expenditure on Irrigation
o. Irrigation (major, Potential
medium, minor and Created
command area) ( in million

(in Rs. crore) hectare)

1. I Plan (1951-56) 441.8 3.66

2. II Plan (1956-61) 541.6 2.82

3. III Plan (1961- 1019.1 4.49
66)

4. Annual Plans 990.7 3.53

(1966-69)

5. IV Plan (1969-74) 2415.7 7.10
6. V Plan (1974-78) 3925.8 7.82

7 Annual Plans 3423.5 1.59

(1978-80)

8. VI Plan (1980-85) 11528.7 8.61

9. VII Plan (1985- 18734.1 11.31
90)
10. Annual Plans 9108.7 4.56

(1990-92)
11. VIII Plan (1992- 34957.2 5.17
97)
12. IX Plan (1997- 63049.0 7.69
2002)
13. X Plan (2002-07) 100151.6 8.82

3143. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of urban poor in the country and the rate of increase in each year; and

(b) the total amount earmarked for Swarna Jayanti Rajiv Awas Yojana for the year 2009-10?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a): Planning Commission releases estimates of urban poor from time to time based on the national sample survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Orgnaisation (NSSO). As per the latest such estimates of NSSO (61st Round) for the year 2004-05, based on the Uniform Recall Period (URP) method, the estimated number of urban poor is 80.8 million which is 25.7%, of the urban population. The comparable estimates are available for the year 1993-94, when the estimated number of urban poor was 76.3 million which was 32.4%, of the then urban population.

(b): There is no such scheme named as Swarna Jayanti Rajiv Awas Yojana. However, the Government has announced a new scheme called Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) for the slum dwellers and the urban poor. This scheme aims at providing support to States that are willing to provide property rights to slum dwellers. The total amount earmarked for Rajiv Awas Yojana is Rs. 150 crore for the year 2009-10.

3142. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) the approximate cost of dwelling units in metros and other major cities ;

(b) the prescribed loan amount under Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISSHUP) ; and

(c) whether any monitoring system has been adopted to see the desired benefits are reaching the targeted borrowers ?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a)&(b):The cost of dwelling unit varies as per specifications and location of dwelling units and no data on the cost of dwelling units in metros and other major cities is available with the Ministry. However, in so far as Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP) is concerned, looking into affordability of the targeted group of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG) incomes where incomes have respectively been defined as upto Rs. 3300/- and between Rs. 3301-7300/- , the cost envisaged is in the range of Rs. 1.50 lakhs to 3.00 lakhs. Further, the loan ceilings for EWS & LIG prescribed under the scheme respectively are Rs. 1.00 lakh and Rs. 1.60 lakh. However, subsidy will be given for loan amount upto Rs. 1 lakh only.

(c): A Steering Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and members drawn from select State Governments, Senior Executives from Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, National Housing Bank (NHB), Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), eminent bankers & social researchers / workers in the field of urban housing, finance and allied areas etc. for suggesting and deciding on operational instructions, monitoring the implementation of the Scheme and advising adjustments as necessary for the implementation of the scheme in keeping with the guidelines of the scheme. Further, National Housing Bank (NHB) & Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) the two Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) under the Scheme have been entrusted the task of disbursement of the subsidy to Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) and monitoring the progress under the guidelines of the Scheme.

3032. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether it is a fact that most of the beedi workers are women;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether it is also a fact that women beedi workers are getting less wage amount; and

(d) if so, the action taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): A statement showing the details thereof is annexed.

(c) & (d): The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 clearly stipulates the duty of employer to pay equal remuneration to men and women workers for same work or work of a similar nature. The concerned State Governments are responsible for enforcement of this legislation. From time to time, the States have been requested to take strict action in this regard.

3006. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether Government is aware that due to ethnic problem, more than 30,000 people of Reang tribe are staying in relief camps in Tripura; and

(b) if so, what steps have been taken to persuade the Mizoram Government to take all necessary steps so that the migrants can go back to their home State?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) According to survey conducted by Government of Tripura in August 2008, 32172 Bru migrants are staying in six relief camps of Tripura.

(b) The State Government of Mizoram at various levels are regularly advised to expedite repatriation of Bru migrants form Tripura to Mizoram. Grants in aid is being extended to Government of Mizoram to cover expenditure on repatriation of Bru migrants to Mizoram as also for covering the expenditure on rehabilitation assistance to Bru migrants on their repatriation to Mizoram. Rehabilitation assistance of Rs. 50,000/- and housing assistance of Rs.30,000/- is admissible to each Bru migrant family on their repatriation to Mizoram.

2941. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that during last five years the two States– West Bengal and Tripura had suffered as more than a half of total factories closed down and a large number of workers affected throughout the country;

(b) if so, whether it is the result of ‘East Look’ policy of the Government; and

(c) if not, the details of steps taken to help the two States to overcome this problematic situation?
Answer
THE MINSTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a): Yes, Sir. The information provided by the Office of Labour Bureau, Shimla under the Ministry of Labour & Employment in this regard is at Annexure-I.

(b): In a deregulated industrial environment, decisions to set up or close industries are taken by the entrepreneurs themselves based on various factors.

(c): The State Governments are primarily responsible for industrial development in their respective States. The Union Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments through various schemes to provide incentives and/or to improve infrastructure facilities. The Union Government is implementing package of incentives such as Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme, Interest Subsidy Scheme, Comprehensive Insurance Scheme and Transport Subsidy Scheme besides other tax related concessions for the States of North East (including Tripura) as per the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007. Transport Subsidy Scheme is applicable to the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Annexure-I
Statement referred to in reply to part (a) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No.2941 regarding Adverse Effect of East Look Policy to be answered on 16.12.2009

Number of Permanent Closures and workers affected in Tripura and West Bengal during the years 2004 to 2009 (P)

Years Tripura West Bengal
No. of Units Closed No. of Workers Affected No. of Units Closed No. of Workers Affected
1 2 3 4 5
2004 101 732 2 96
2005 47 2346 – –
2006 127 3681 5 925
2007 53 1285 2 36
2008 (P) 16 456 3 1447
2009 (Jan. to Sept.)(P) 40 1070 1 100

All India Total

Years No. of Units Closed No. of Workers Affected
2004 194 13136
2005 86 4895
2006 168 7189
2007 91 3894
2008 (P) 56 3052
2009(P) 56 1880

(P) = Provisional – = Nil.

Note:- The above information is reported monthly by the Offices of State Labour
Commissioners and CLC ( C ), on voluntary basis.

2940. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the State Government of West Bengal has demanded some concessions for setting up industries in North Bengal; and

(b) if so, what steps have been taken in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a) & (b): The Union Government is implementing special packages of incentives for the special category States of the North East (including Sikkim) and the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in view of the adverse geographical locations and other specificities of these States. Requests were received for announcing a package for the North Bengal but not agreed to as the State of Bengal does not face such adversities. Transport subsidy scheme being implemented by the Union Government is, however, applicable to the Darjeeling district of West Bengal also.

387. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deputed along the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal;

(b) how many conflicts between the BSF and the local villagers have taken place during the last three years;

(c) whether language is acting as a factor behind such disputes; and

(d) if so, whether Government will appoint adequate BSF personnel having knowledge of local language?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

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

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.387 FOR 16.12.2009 REGARDING “CONFLICT BETWEEN BSF AND LOCAL VILLAGERS”

(a): 36 Battalions of Border Security Force (BSF) have been sanctioned for West Bengal. Of the total strength, about 16,000 BSF personnel are deployed on international border duty at any given point of time with remaining on other duties in the fields like communication, transportation, security, maintenance, supply of stores, training, leave, courses, temporary duty and rest & relief etc.

(b): There are no major instances of conflict between the BSF and the local villagers. However, 27 minor conflicts on varying issues have been reported between BSF personnel and local villagers during the last three years.

(c): Language, per se, is not reported to be a factor behind these disputes.

(d): No, Sir. The BSF, as a Central Para Military Force (CPMF) has a national character in terms of its organization, recruitment and ethos. Deployments are based on operational requirements.

2821. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a)the total number of commodities taken in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) basket;

(b)the names and number of primary articles, manufactured products and fuel and energy sources, each separately; and

(c)the base year for the current WPI series and how does Government determine WPI and set up their planning and budgetary formulation with very old base year and inaccurate yardstick for the current WPI?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a)The total number of commodities, included in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) basket (Base: 1993-94=100), is 435.
Composition of the commodity basket group-wise is indicated below:
Description Number Name of major sub groups
of items
–
Primary articles 98 1.Food article 2.Non-food articles 3.Minerals

Fuel, power, light
& lubricants 19 1.Coal, 2.Mineral oil and 3.Electricity

Manufactured
products 318 1.Food products 2. Beverages, tobacco & tobacco
products 3. Textiles 4. Wood & wood products

5. Paper & paper products 6. Leather & leather
products 7. Rubber & plastic products

8.Chemicals & chemical products

9.Non-metallic mineral products
10. Basic metals,alloys & metal products
11. Machinery & machine tools and 12. Transport
equipment & parts.

(b) The base year of current series of WPI is 1993-94. The WPI is determined from price data collected for 435 commodities through 1918 quotations. The budget is formulated every year on nominal basis at current prices. The Five Year Plans, however, generally assess resource availability and expenditure requirements on the basis of the price level of the last year of the previous five year plan. For example, the assessment of the resource availability and expenditure requirements of the Eleventh Plan has been done at 2006-07 prices.

2790. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a)whether it is a fact that Government is going to roll back subsidies in different sectors;

(b)if so, the details thereof, sector-wise;

(c)whether Government is aware about the impact of it on common people of the country; and

(d)if so, the plan of Government to protect the interest of the people?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (d) Having regard to the needs of poorer sections, the levels of prices and the subsidy outgo, some specific announcements relating to major budgetary subsidies were indicated in the Budget for 2009-10, which included: National Food Security Act with the objective of providing every family living below the poverty line in rural or urban areas an entitlement of 25 kilos of rice or wheat per month at Rs.3 a kilo; the intention to move towards a nutrient based fertilizer subsidy regime and the intention of the Government to set up an expert group to advise on a viable and sustainable system of pricing of petroleum products. The above has not yet been operationalised.

2783. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that many airports in the country do not have night landing facility; and

(b) if so, the details of airports where such facility do not exist?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a) & (b): All operational airports managed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) in the country have been provided with Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGL) except at Umroi (Barapani) in Meghalaya, where work has been undertaken with an estimated cost of Rs.81.32 lacs.

2550. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that Government is going to set up Central Madarsa Board;

(b) if so, by when and who will be the members; and

(c) whether Government would seek experience of various States?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (c) The proposal in regard to establishing a Central Madrasa Board, through an Act of Parliament, for standardizing the education in modern subjects of Science, Maths, etc. which are non-theological, was proposed in a report of a National Conference organized by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). Since it is not a proposal initiated by the Government, any decision in this regard shall be taken only in the event of there being consensus among all stakeholders. At present there are Madrasa Boards in the States of Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.

2473. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the amount of loss of agricultural production due to drought situation in the country;

(b) in what ways Government would face the deficit of food production in the country; and

(c) the lesson Government has taken from the previous experiences?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION)

(SHRI K.V. THOMAS)

(a): Due to deficient and erratic rainfall in the Kharif 2009, Kharif crop production was adversely affected. The crop-wise position at all India level as per 1st advanced estimate released by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture is annexed at Annexure I.

(b) & (c): Various steps have been initiated by the Government. Relaxation in respect of use of Truthful Labeled (TL) seeds and age limit have been given under crop Development Schemes. Subsidy rates of rice, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses seeds have been enhanced from Rs. 500 to Rs.700/qtl. for rice & wheat, Rs. 1200 to Rs.2000/qtl. for pulses & Rs. 800 to Rs 1000/qtl. for coarse cereals(only for 2009-10), under crop development schemes. Additional power has been supplied to Punjab, Haryana and other States to energize the water pumps for saving standing crops. Planning for timely supply of inputs such as quality seed, adequate quantity of fertilizers for Rabi is ensured through tie-up with various agencies. Periodic district level Visits of experts/ consultants in the ministry to States for gearing up timely preparation and implementation of rabi crop development plans. Additional areas under boro/ summer rice, wheat, pulses are planned. Additional wheat minikits of rust resistance, heat tolerant varieties such as DBW 17 are being distributed. Enhanced pulses production through area expansion especially of green gram in rice fallows in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and chick pea in rice fallows of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh is planned. Additional seed quantity is made available to the states as per the required demand assessed in the zonal input review meetings.

2446. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the recruitment, educational qualification and the nature of work of Research Assistant and Assistant Silt Analyst in Central Water Commission are same; and

(b) if so, the reasons for the Research Assistant’s scale not been provided to Assistant Silt Analyst at the time of granting 1st Assured Career Progression Scheme?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) No, Sir. The recruitment, educational qualification and nature of work of Research Assistant and Assistant Silt Analyst are not the same.

(b) The post of Assistant Silt Analyst is an isolated post and not the feeder grade post for Research Assistant in Central Water Commission (CWC). As per the provisions contained in the Assured Career Progression Scheme, Assistant Silt Analysts, on first financial upgradation, are eligible for grant of the immediate next higher pay scale of Rs 4000 – 6000 and not the pay scale of the post of Research Assistants (Rs 4500 – 7000).

2372. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that lots of Indian citizens are living abroad as an unorganized labour;

(b) whether any study has been made regarding the number of people engaged;

(c) whether they are not covered by any labour right; and

(d) the action by Government in this regard ?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a) & (b): It is, estimated that there are about 4.5 million Indian workers in the Gulf countries, out of which some are working in the unorganised sector.

(c) & (d): The emigrants working in the households as domestic servants etc. are not covered by labour laws. The Government has made it compulsory that the employment contracts of all such workers be attested by the Indian missions prior to their emigration. The Government has also signed bilateral MOUs with Malaysia and all the GCC countries except Saudi Arabia for protection and welfare of our emigrant workers. The MOUs provide for protection of “all” categories of workers. Any issues arising in this regard are resolved through Joint Working Groups constituted under the MOU.

2352. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of Indians and People of Indian origins who are living in various countries, country-wise;

(b) the type of assistance/help that is being rendered to Indians living in foreign countries by the Indian Embassies;

(c) the details of the assistance so far rendered to helpless Indians in foreign countries during the last five years; and

(d) the budgetary allocations to Indian Embassies, Embassy-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(DR.SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (d) A statement showing details of Indians in various foreign countries and the country-wise Budgetary Allocation for the year 2009-2010 is annexed.

(b) The Indian Missions/Posts abroad, whenever approached by the Indian nationals, render all possible following assistance to them:

(i) Issue of passports and Emergency Certificates, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Cards and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards, No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) Certificates, etc.

(ii) Rendering of miscellaneous services like change of date of birth, name/surname/place of birth, etc.,

(iii) Miscellaneous Service like registration and Issue of Certificates of Birth/Life/Marriage/Death/Police Clearance,

(iv) Attestation of all types of personal documents like the employment contracts, property, legal documents and commercial documents,

(v) Attends to trade and commercial enquires,

(vi) Mission also facilitates release of detained Indians by requesting the local authorities for factual information, requesting consular access to the detained Indian(s), speedy trial, seeking remission of sentence, ensuring fair and humane treatment of detained Indians. The Mission also keeps in touch with the family of the detained Indian and apprise the family of his welfare. On the release of arrested Indian nationals, the Mission assists in their repatriation.

(vii) Provide assistance to Indian nationals in amicable settlement of labour disputes and settlement of dues,

(viii) Wherever required, the Mission assists in the transportation or local burial/cremation of mortal remains of Indian nationals and settlement of death compensation.

(ix) Wherever required, the Indian Missions/Posts also provide shelter, food, clothes, free legal and medical aid and other basic necessities to distressed Indian domestic workers. The Indian Missions always take extra measures particularly in the ECR countries to safeguard the interest of the Indian workers including domestic maids through the process of highly regulated recruitment process.

(c) The information is being collected from the Indian Missions/Posts abroad and will be laid on the Table of the House.

2214. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of CPI (Maoist) activists arrested in the country; and

(b) the total number of them languishing in jails, State-wise?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) & (b): Police being State subject, prevention, detection, investigation, registration & prosecution of crimes are primarily dealt by concerned State Government/UT Administrations and these are continuous processes. As per available information, 1822 naxalites have been arrested in 2009 (till November 30).

2211. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the total casualty due to terrorist attacks during last two years;

(b) the State-wise break up list of the people killed by the terrorists; and

(c) which terrorist outfit has taken toll of how many lives?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): As per Annexure enclosed.

2037. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that growth in bank credit has dropped to single digit level;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) what is the performance of nationalised bank in this regard; and

(d) what action Government proposes to take to improve the situation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The year-on-year growth in bank credit by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) as on 6th November, 2009 was 9.8 per cent as compared to 27.7 per cent during the corresponding period of the previous year.

(c): According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as on 23rd October, 2009, credit growth on year-on-year basis for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) was 14% compared to 1.8% for private sector banks and (-)16.3% for foreign banks.

(d): The RBI has been taking necessary steps through its monetary policy to provide an enabling environment for credit growth. With increase in economic growth including growth in manufacturing sector, credit growth is expected to pick up further in the coming months.

280. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that economic slow down has hit plan resources;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) what action Government has taken in this regard?
Answer
FINANCE MINISTER

(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJI)

(a) to (c): A Statement is placed on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to Rajya Sabha Starred Question No.280 by SHRI MOINUL HASSAN for answer on December 8, 2009 regarding IMPACT OF ECONOMIC SLOW DOWN

(a) to (c): The economic slowdown in 2008-09 was largely on account of global shocks; the first half of the year, witnessed steep rise in international commodity prices while the global financial crisis emerged in the second half of the year whose impact spilled over to the current year as well. To minimise the adverse impact on the economy, the Reserve Bank of India took a number of monetary measures and the Government under took a fiscal expansion including through stimulus measures announced in December 2008, January 2009 and February 2009. Due to this conscious fiscal expansion, resources flow to plan schemes increased in 2008-09 and 2009-10 (BE) as detailed in the Table below.

Year Total Plan Total Plan
Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure

(Rs. crore) (As per cent of GDP)

2007-08 7,12,671 2,05,082 15.1 4.3
2008-09

(Prov. Act.) 8,81,469 2,75,450 16.6 5.2
2009-10

(BE) 10,20,838 3,25,149 17.4 5.6

269. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has emphasized the need to increase investment infrastructure to more than nine per cent of GDP by 2014; and

(b) if so, the details of proposed investments sector-wise? To be
Answer
ed by Minister of Finance

(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) &(b)
A statement is placed on the table of the House.

Statement placed on the Table of Rajya Sabha in reply to parts (a) to (b) of the Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 269 regarding Investment in Infrastructure raised by Shri Shyamal Chakraborty and Shri Moinul Hassan for reply on December 8, 2009.

(a) For sustaining a growth rate of 9% in GDP in the 11th plan, investment in physical infrastructure has been targeted to increase from around 5% of GDP in the base year of the plan 2006-07 to 9% by the terminal year 2011-12. However, no targets have so far been set for the period beyond 2011-12.

(b) Sector-wise investments projected for the Eleventh Plan are as under:

(Amount in Rs crore at 2006-07prices)

Sector Eleventh Plan (Projected investment)

Amount Share (%)

Rs. (crore) US$ billion (@ Rs 40/$)

Electricity (incl. NCE) 666525.00 166.63 32.42
Roads and Bridges 314152.00 78.54 15.28
Telecommunication 258439.00 64.61 12.57
Railways (incl. MRTS) 261808.00 65.45 12.73
Irrigation (incl. Watershed) 253301.00 63.32 12.32
Water Supply and Sanitation 143730.00 35.93 6.99
Ports 87995.00 22.00 4.28
Airports 30968.00 7.74 1.51
Storage 22378.00 5.59 1.09
Gas 16855.00 4.21 0.82
Total 2056150.00 514.04 100.00

1739. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether Government would ensure that no one goes hungry and will provide 35 kg. of foodgrain per month to each household that would cost a little more than 2 per cent of GDP while given largesse nearly Rs. 3 lakh crores as tax benefits and other concessions to corporate over the past year;

(b) whether Government is aware that inadequate and even worsening conditions of nutrition have made India among the worst nutrition indicators in the world; and

(c) if so, the reasons why there is persistent increase in food prices resulting in reducing the ability of many more households to access sufficient food?
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): Targeted Public Distribution System is focused on poor families as estimated by Planning Commission. Government of India allocates foodgrains at the rate of 35 kg. per Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family per month at subsidized prices. The State /Union Territory (UT) Governments have to deliver these foodgrains to eligible BPL and AAY ration card holders. For Above Poverty Line (APL) category of ration card holders, Central Government allocates foodgrains to States / UTs at the rate of 10 to 35 kg. per family per month. However, in order to protect the vulnerable sections, the Central Issue Prices for rice and wheat have remained unchanged for the last 7 – 9 years and are as given below:

BPL
AAY
APL

Rice

(Rs. per kg)
5.65 3.00
8.30

Wheat

(Rs. per kg.)
4.15 2.00
6.10

However, it is not possible to allocate foodgrains at the rate of 35 kg. per APL family per month for all APL households.

(b): As reported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, level of malnutrition among children in India is high.

(c) The rise in prices of foodgrains is due to a number of factors such as growing demand on account of increase in population and income, hardening of international prices, changes in consumption patterns, adverse climatic changes, market expectations and sentiments, etc.

1729. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has any plan to provide essential commodities to the APL people through Public Distribution System;

(b) whether APL people can afford food expenses in the midst of soaring rise in prices of food articles; and

(c) if not, by when Government is going to implement universalisation of PDS?
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),(b)&(c): Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), focused on the poor is operated under joint responsibility of Central and the State/UT Governments.

Based on 1993-94 poverty estimates of Planning Commission and population estimates of Registrar General of India as on 1st March, 2000, number of Below Poverty Line(BPL) [(including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)] families accepted for allocations of foodgrains under TPDS is 6.52 crore out of total 18.04 crore families. However, as reported by end of October, 2009, State/UT Governments have issued 10.96 crore BPL ration cards (which include 2.43 AAY cards) and 13.27 crore APL ration cards.

At present, under the TPDS, allocations of foodgrains to Above Poverty Line (APL) families are made between 10 and 35 kg per family per month depending upon their availability in central pool. During 2009-10, total allocations of rice and wheat for APL category are of 19.02 million tons. These allocations are made at subsidized rates. The Central Issue Prices (CIPs) of foodgrains for APL category are as follows:
(Rs. per kg.)

Wheat
Rice Gr.A
Coarse Grains

6.10
8.30
4.50

At present, under the TPDS, the level of subsidy is 59.5% and 56.2% on wheat and rice respectively allocated to States and UTs for the APL category. These subsidized issue prices for the APL category have been retained at these levels since July 2002 and are thus affordable.

There is no proposal before Government to make Targeted Public Distribution System universal in coverage.

1686. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that in the countries like Israel where water is scarce, drip irrigation is being used successfully; and

(b) if so, the reasons for not encouraging it in the country?
Answer

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

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The Government has already launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation in January 2006 to install drip and sprinkler irrigation systems in the country. The scheme supports the following interventions:-

i) Assistance @ 50% to all categories of farmers in the ratio of 40:10 shared between Central Government and State Government and remaining 50% is borne by the beneficiary either through his/her own resounces or by availing soft loan from financial institution. An area of 8.02 lakh ha. has been achieved under drip irrigation.
ii) Training & awareness programmes on drip technology for farmers, officials, financial institutions, NGOs & other stake holders.
iii) Operational research on drip irrigation technology for various crops through 22 Precision Farming Development Centres.
iv) Integration of drip irrigation with other plasticulture applications/technologies viz. greenhouse, mulching, low tunnel etc.
v) Integration of Macro & Micro Irrigation in canal command area e.g. Andhra Pradesh & Gujarat.

1652. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) the percentage of rain water that seeps underground in monsoon season;

(b) the percentage of rain water harvested out of total rain fall in monsoon season;

(c) the per cent of underground water used for irrigation purposes; and

(d) the current stock of ground water in the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) to (d) As per the assessment carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board and State Ground Water Organizations in 2004, the total Annual Replenishable Ground Water Resources of the country have been estimated as 433 billion cubic metres (bcm). Keeping 34 bcm for natural discharge, the Net Annual Ground Water Availability is estimated as 399 bcm. Ground water draft for all uses as on March, 2004 is estimated as 231 bcm per year. Out of that, the ground water draft for irrigation is estimated as 212 bcm.

Total annual precipitation in the country has been estimated as 4000 bcm. The water resource harvested

1580. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
hat in view of the slow progress under Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) Project, what steps have been taken to achieve the targets in time?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

The steps include:
(i) Persuasion with lagging State Governments at the highest level to execute projects and seek release of second and subsequent installments for projects already sanctioned and send new projects for sanction against the Additional Central Assistance yet to be committed against the Mission period allocation;
(ii) Regular reviews with State and Urban Local Body Officials and visits to States and Cities,
(iii) Provision of Central support for Programme Implementation Unit (PMU) at the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) level and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the City/Implementation Agency Level and
(iv) Undertaking Capacity Building Programmes in Project Preparation, Implementation, Monitoring and Quality Assurance to address the constraints of capacity at various levels. So far more than 100 capacity building/handholding programmes have been conducted across the country covering all States and a large number of Urban Local Bodies and more than 12,000 State/parastatal/local body officials have been trained.

1578. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) the target fixed for the conversion of dry latrines into water-seal units in 2009-10 under Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Programme; and

(b) the achievement and the present status of such conversion?
Answer
MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a) :As per the revised guidelines of ILCS the target for conversion of dry latrines into twin pit pour latrines is by March 2010.

(b) : Under the revised guidelines proposals received from the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir were approved for conversion of 2,49,035 dry latrines in to twin pit pour flush latrines during the year 2008-09 and 2009-10 and funds were released. States of Assam and Nagaland have reported that they do not have dry latrines. As per the progress report received from the State of Bihar, 342 units are completed and 341 units are in progress and in the State of Uttar Pradesh 17583 units are completed and 12003 units are in progress.

1481. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
D. RAJA R.C. SINGH
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has proposed to invest 5-6 per cent of the total deposit of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) amounting to more than Rs. 13 thousand crore in share market;

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

(c) the new investment pattern accepted by EPFO for its accumulated funds?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) to (c): Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund has not taken any decision on investment of fund under Provident Fund in share market so far. Under the existing pattern of investment as notified by the Government on 09-07-2003 Provident Fund accumulations can be invested in Government Securities, Government Guaranteed Securities, Bonds/Securities of Public Financial Institutions, short duration Term Deposit Receipt of Public Sector Banks and Collateral Borrowing and Lending Obligation subject to the terms and conditions mentioned therein.

1458. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) in view of increasing Maoists killings of police personnel, innocent people, blasting railway stations, uprooting railway tracks, destroying roads and communications, what prevented Government from taking combing operations in all Maoists affected States simultaneously;

(b) the sources of Maoists’ sophisticated arms, ammunition, mines and what steps have been taken to cut-off those sources;

(c) how many of them have been arrested so far;

(d) the total number of people the Maoists killed so far, State-wise; and

(e) the total number of Maoists killed and apprehended in the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) : The State Governments take appropriate action against the naxalites. The Central Government supplements their efforts to deal with naxalites in the States inter-alia by providing Central paramilitary forces (CPMFs) depending upon their availability.

(b) : Maoists obtain most of their arms & ammunition by looting from the Security Forces. Most of the explosives are clandestinely obtained from the explosive dumps of mining companies. They also manufacture country made weapons locally.

(c) to (e): Details are given in the Annexure.

1397. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the total amount of arms deal of our country with Israel in the last five years;

(b) what types of arms have been bought from Israel;

(c) are there any conditions imposed by Israel in this regard; and

(d) whether Pakistan have also bought the same arms from Israel?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

MINISTER OF DEFENCE

(a) to (c): Procurement of defence items is made from various indigenous as well as foreign sources including Israel in accordance with the defence procurement procedure. This is a continuous process undertaken for the modernization of the Armed Forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet any eventuality. A number of contracts were concluded with Israel during the last five years for acquisition of various types of defence equipment. Contractual obligations are required to be met by both the sides.

(d) In the absence of specific inputs, it is difficult to comment whether Pakistan is having the same arms from Israel.

195. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that the activities of Maoists in India are not linked with any political and ideological moorings;

(b) if so, whether Government has contemplated to take multi-pronged steps, such as developmental works, in Maoist affected regions and combined combing operation in the States simultaneously;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

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

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.195 FOR 02.12.2009 REGARDING “MAOIST ACTIVITIES NOT LINKED TO POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL MOORINGS”

(a) to (d): Maoist’s aim is to capture political power through a protracted armed struggle against the State.

Government continues to pursue a policy to deal with the naxalite activities in a holistic manner in the areas of security and development. State Governments deal with the various issues related to naxalite activities in the States. The Central Government supplements their efforts in several ways. These include modernization and upgradation of the State Police forces under various schemes; sharing of intelligence and facilitating inter-State coordination; and assistance for integrated development of naxal affected areas through a range of schemes.

A high-level Task Force under Cabinet Secretary has been formed for promoting coordinated efforts across a range of development and security measures. Ministries such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Affairs, Power, Drinking water Supply, Road Transport & Highways and Planning Commission are represented in the Task Force.

34 most affected districts in eight States have been taken up for special attention on planning, implementation and monitoring of security related measures and development schemes so that a comprehensive approach to deal effectively with the naxal problem, with monitorable targets and deliverables, is formulated and implemented.

1309. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of health centres in the country, State-wise;

(b) the number of health centres equipped with immediate blood and urine and other pathological tests; and

(c) what steps Government has taken to equip the health centres with laboratories?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (c) A state wise statement of number of health centres functioning in the country as per the Rural Health Statistics (RHS) Bulletin (March 2008) is as per Annexure. All Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) are envisaged to have facilities for immediate blood, urine and other pathology tests. As per RHS Bulletin March 2008, there are 12886 lab technicians positioned at PHCs and CHCs in various states in the country.

1285. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that common investors are harassed by broker in trading and dematerialized account;

(b) if so, whether Government is going to survey the Situation, and

(c) whether Government would give any direction to Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to look into the matter?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) The Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) receives complaints against all registered intermediaries associated with Securities market including stock brokers and depository participants on-matters relating to trading and demat accounts respectively. The complaints from investors, as and when received by SEBI are forwarded to the concerned Stock Exchange and Depository, who are suitably empowered to resolve the grievances, for redressal. The complaints received by SEBI, do not indicate that common investors are generally harassed by brokers.

(b) The stock exchanges and/depositories-have their own administrative mechanism for handling and redressing the investor1 complaints. In terms of the SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub-Brokers) Regulations, 1992, the stock brokers are required to take adequate steps for redressal of grievances of the investors within one month of the date of receipt; of the complaint. Similar provisions exist under the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996 for grievances received against the depository participants. In case of violation of any rules, regulations and guidelines by the Stock Brokers and Depository participants, SEBI takes action against them in terms of the applicable Rules, Regulations, SEBI Act and Depositories Act, as warranted. SEBI also conducts special purpose inspections of the stock brokers and depository participants based on the complaints received against them.

(c) It is the constant endeavour of the Government and SEBI to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of the stock exchanges & depositories. Complaints received by the Government from investors, as and when received, are forwarded to SEBI for appropriate action. SEBI has made it mandatory for the stock brokers to get their half yearly internal audit done by independent Chartered Accountants/ Companies Secretaries/ Cost & Management Accountants; which covers various areas including their investor grievance handling mechanism. With a `view to bring in more transparency in the grievance redressal available in the stock exchanges, SEBI has also directed stock exchanges to disclose all investor complaints and arbitration? details on their websites.

1224. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) what is the total amount of dues as user charges in respect of services of Airports Authority of India (AAI) from the private airlines;

(b) what are the area of services for which the user charges are being charged; and

(c) whether they are revised as per the increase of airfare by the private airlines?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a) Total dues payable by major domestic airlines as on 31st October, 2009 are Rs. 277.55 crores.

(b) Major aeronautical services provided to airlines by Airports Authority of India (AAI) for which users are charged include Route Navigation Facilities (RNFC), Terminal Navigation Landing Facilities (TNLC), Landing and Housing & Parking of the aircraft, besides rent for space occupied.

(c) No, Sir.

1094. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether there is any outside pressure to announce measures for control of emission;

(b) if so, what steps Government has taken to resist the pressure;

(c) whether it is a fact that Government is working together with G5 and G77 countries; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a)&(b): In the International Negotiations on Climate Change, developed country Parties have advocated that large developing economies should also commit themselves to emission reduction targets. However, India’s stand is that, as per the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), developing countries, including India have no obligation to reduce their emissions. India’s per capita emissions are meagre 1.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and the total GHG emissions from the country is only 3 to 4% of the global emissions. India has argued that social and economic development and poverty eradication are our overriding priority and emission reduction commitment will adversely affect our economic growth. India has expressed its willingness to take mitigation actions as supported and enabled by transfer of technology and finance by developed countries.

(c)&(d): The Government is fully engaged with our partners in G5 and G77 countries and have coordinated its approach in all international meetings together with partner countries. However, differences still persist in the approach of developed and developing countries towards mitigation actions, long-term goal for emission reduction and provision of financial resources for addressing climate change impact and vulnerabilities. Parties are expected to reach an agreed outcome in the climate change negotiations at Copenhagen in December 2009.

1043. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of train accidents took place during last three years, year-wise;

(b) the total number of train accidents reported after the formation of this Government in 2009; and

(c) the number of inquiries held and the findings thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a): The number of consequential train accidents which took place during 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 were 195, 194 and 177, respectively.

(b) & (c): During the period 23rd May, 2009 to 19th November, 2009, 76 consequential train accidents took place. Out of these, 11 were inquired into by the Commission of Railway Safety, an independent organization under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the balance 65 were inquired by the Departmental Committees. Based on findings of inquiries into those accidents which have been finalized and prima facie causes of those accidents where inquiries are still under progress, 34 accidents were caused due to failure of railway staff, 5 were caused due to failure of persons other than railway staff, 29 were caused due to negligence of road users at unmanned level crossings, 5 due to sabotage and cause of 3 accidents was incidental.

128. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that production of pulses in the country has been going down for the past several years ;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the measures Government is planning to take to improve the production of pulses in the country?
Answer

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 128 FOR 27/11/2009 REGARDING DECLINE IN PRODUCTION OF PULSES.

(a) & (b): No, Sir. Production of pulses has increased from 13.13 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 14.66 million tonnes during 2008-09. The year wise details of pulses production is as follows: Production (in million tonnes) 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 13.13 13.39 14.20 14.76 14.66

(c): In order to meet the increasing demand of pulses, Government of India has been promoting pulses development through various central schemes for enhancing the production and productivity of pulses in the country. At present two major Schemes namely Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize (ISOPOM) and National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-pulses programme are being implemented in 14 major pulses growing states of the country covering about 97.5% pulses area in the country. Under these schemes farmers are provided incentives for purchase of high yielding certified seeds, demonstration of improved production technology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) including micronutrients, gypsum, lime; farm implements such as zero tillage, rotavators crop planters, weeders etc. and water lifting and moisture saving devices which would help in production enhancement. Besides, under Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) Scheme (Revised), assistance is also provided for pulses development to the States which are not covered under ISOPOM through National Food Security Mission. Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana also additional central assistance is provided to the states for creation of infrastructure, agriculture development which are essential to catalyse higher crop production including that of pulses. Contd….2/-
-2-
Financial allocation for pulses development programmes has increased from Rs.287.19 crores in 2007-08 to nearly Rs. 615 crores in 2009-10 under Government of India schemes. Out of these, the allocation of funds under NFSM-Pulses was increased from Rs.209.24 crores during the initial year of implementation (2007-08) to an amount of Rs.539.40 crores during the current year (2009-10).
Minimum support price (MSP) of the pulses crops especially of arhar, urad, moong, gram and masur have been increased from around Rs.1400/- per qtl. in 2005-06 to around Rs.2500/- per qtl in 2009-10 to incentivise the farmers.

885. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether attention of Government has been drawn to the scientific survey about the current stock of groundwater in this country;

(b) if so, the reaction of Government thereto;

(c) whether Government is aware that water insecurity has come about because of poor hydrological management—water storage, distribution, usage and conservation—as well as failure of water authorities to periodically survey and record accurately the state of the country’s water-table, the extent of its usage and wastage; and

(d) if so, the steps Government has taken to overcome its shortcomings in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) to (c) As per the assessment of ground water resources carried out by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) jointly with States in 2004, out of 5723 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/Talukas) in the country, 839 units have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’, 226 units as ‘Critical’ and 550 as `Semi- critical`. CGWB regularly monitors ground water levels in the country through a network of 15640 observation wells. Further, the States also monitor the ground water levels in their respective States. The data generated through the monitoring is disseminated to the user agencies in the States for necessary action. Time series data generated by CGWB and the States is used in assessment of replenishable ground water resources in the country and categorization of assessment units based on decline in ground water levels and stage of ground water development. These form the basis for planning ground water development and management by the Central Government/States.

(d) The measures taken by the Government for ensuring sustained development of ground water resources in the country include:- Implementation of demonstrative artificial recharge projects by CGWB. Implementation of scheme for “Artificial Recharge of Ground Water through Dugwells” in 7 States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh. Implementation of scheme for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of water bodies to help water conservation and ground water recharge. Implementation of Farmers Participatory Action Research Programme (FPARP) aimed at creating awareness about water conservation practices. Circulation of ‘Model Bill’ to enable States/Union Territories to enact suitable legislation for regulation and control of ground water development. Setting up of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for the purpose of regulation of ground water management and development in the country. Organization of mass awareness programmes on Water Management, Rain Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge of Ground Water. 18 States and 4 UTs have made rain water harvesting mandatory under building bye-laws.

867. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the role played by the National Institute of Smart Government (NISG) in enhancing capacity at the JNNURM units; and

(b) the reasons for not involving Ministry’s own agencies like National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and Town and Country Planning Organization (TCPO)?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a) :National Institute of Smart Governance (NISG) is enhancing capacity for implementation of National Mission Mode Project on e-Governance in Municipalities under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in Ministry of Urban Development. It provides specialized support in project appraisal, implementation and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation of approved projects for e-Governance.

(b) :The Government of India (GOI) through a Cabinet decision approved the setting up of the NISG, Hyderabad, a not-for-profit private company incorporated in 2002 with government nominees from Department of Information Technology (DIT) and Department of Personnel & Training (DoP&T) on the Board of NISG. NISG has been appointed to assist the Mission Directorate in consultation with DIT. NIUA and TCPO are not specialist organizations for implementing e-Governance projects though they are expert in urban sector.

857. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of cities covered under JNNURM, State-wise;

(b) whether there is a constant demand for other big cities to be included under JNNURM; and

(c) if so, the reaction of Government thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): 65 cities have been covered under Urban Infrastructure & Governance (UIG) component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Infrastructure Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Details are annexed. All other cities and towns are covered under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) of JNNURM.

(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. Request have been received for inclusion of various cities under UIG of JNNURM. The hundred days agenda of the Ministry refers to concerted effort to include cities with population of 5 lakh and above under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission(JNNURM).

847. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the percentage of thorium oxide that can be obtained from Monazite; and

(b) the time schedule for generating nuclear power form the Thorium Oxide (ThO2)?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGES), PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.

(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):

(a) Monazite available in India contains about 9% Thorium Oxide.

(b) While in technological terms we are ready with the design of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor which would produce around two third of its energy from Thorium, large scale deployment of Thorium for power generation will be mainly in the third stage. This can start once large generation capacity based on fast reactors has been set up in the second stage of our nuclear power programme.

798. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether the passport offices were deprived of the software which were provided to TATA;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the whole work related to Passport Insurance System is proposed to be done by the private contractor and the passport employees would be given the job of verifying the work done by private workers; and

(d) if so, the reason for Government going in for privatization of passport offices?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) No.

(b) Question does not arise.

(c) & (d) No. All non-sovereign and non-sensitive functions involving issuance of tokens, initial scrutiny of application, capture of photo and finger prints, scanning of documents and acceptance of fee will be performed by the employees of the Service Provider while sovereign and sensitive functions such as actual verification of documents with originals and the granting, printing and dispatch of passports will be performed by Central Passport Organisation (CPO) employees.

112. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether the reading time in the National Library at Kolkata has been reduced;

(b) if so, whether the readers, both domestic and foreign, are facing a problem; and

(c) if so, the action Government has taken to resolve the problem?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) to (c) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO.112 FOR 26.11.2009 REGARDING READING TIME IN NATIONAL LIBRARY AT KOLKATA

(a) No, Sir.

(b) & (c): The National Library, Kolkata has four buildings namely, (I), Main Building, (II) Bhasha Bhavan, (III) Annexe Building and (IV) New Annexe Building within the library campus at Belvedere, within walking distance of each other. The Esplande Reading Room is located 10 kms. away from the Belvedere Campus. The main Building has been declared as a “Heritage Building” and needs immediate restoration and conservation. For this purpose, the building has been vacated for handing over to the ASI for restoration. All books, documents and reading materials have been shifted to the Bhasha Bhavan and other buildings. The Annexe building has several reading rooms, including the Asutosh Collection and Rare Books. The Indian Official Document Divisions Reading Room and the English Periodical Reading Room were housed in this building. Presently the English Periodical Reading Room has been shifted to the second floor of the Bhasha Bhavan and remains open from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The Indian Official Document Division’s Reading Room remains open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Annexe Building and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., the services to it are provided from the Bhasha Bhavan Reading Room. As soon as the work of shifting is over, the earlier arrangement will be restored.

706. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that under neo-liberal policy regime Statutory inspection on safety in industrial centres and units is being discouraged thereby allowing the employers to flout all basic safety norms in workplaces resulting in frequent fatal accidents killing and injuring many workers;

(b) whether Government is also aware that in view of increase in the number of contract workers outnumbering the regular workers in the workplaces, the victims of the accidents are not getting compensation; and

(c) if so, the steps taken by Government for ensuring that the employers strictly maintain basis safety norms in workplaces and adequate compensation for the contract workers?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a): The neo-liberal policy regime does not discourage the statutory inspections on safety in industrial Centres/units at work place. The provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and rules framed thereunder are to be complied with by all the types of factories and no exemption is granted.

(b) & (c): As per the provisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 there is no distinction between the regular worker and Contract Worker for payment of Compensation. Statutory provisions exist under the Factories Act, 1948 and Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 to ensure basic safety norms in workplaces and adequate compensation for the workers respectively.

660. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether CISF personnel have been instructed to guard biometric machines at offices of the Ministry to prevent any possible attempt at tampering;

(b) if so, whether attempt has been made earlier without CISF guards to keep records of attendance of officers and other staff in Government offices;

(c) if so, the result thereof; and

(d) if not, on what basis Government is apprehending tampering of machines?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a): The Government Building Security (GBS) Unit of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which looks after security of the Government buildings, has been instructed to ensure security of the biometric attendance control machines installed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its offices, in which MHA is housed, namely, North Block, Jaisalmer House and Lok Nayak Bhawan. This has been done to ensure that the system is not tempered with.

(b) to (d): Prior to the introduction of the Biometric Attendance Control System, the attendance of the employees was maintained through Attendance Registers for which there was no requirement of any kind of guarding by the CISF. Since the Attendance Machines have now been installed, as a measure of caution, the GBS unit of CISF, which is already providing security to MHA, has been asked to guard the Machines from tampering.

643. SHRI MANOHAR JOSHI
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that the naxalism has become a big problem in the country;

(b) if so, the details of the districts affected with this problem;

(c) the details of the loss of lives and property due to naxalism during last three years; and

(d) the steps likely to be taken by Government to solve naxal problem?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): The naxal movement, which is about 40 years old, has undergone considerable metamorphosis in 2004 with the merger of various groups and formation of CPI (Maoist). Presently, 83 districts in nine States are included under Security Related Expenditure Scheme of the Ministry for which expenditure on account of anti naxal operations are reimbursed to the States. During 2007, 2008 and 2009 (upto 31.10.2009), there have been 1405 casualties of civilians. 754 Security personnel laid down their lives. Naxals continue to target economic and social infrastructure as well as public utility buildings.

(d): The Central Government assists efforts of the State Governments to deal with naxalites in the States, These include deployment of Central paramilitary forces (CPMFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, modernisation and upgradation of the State Police Forces and their Intelligence apparatus under the Scheme of Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF scheme); re-imbursement of security-related expenditure (SRE) Scheme; assistance in training of State Police through Ministry of Defence, Central Police Organisations and Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence and assistance in development works through a range of schemes of different Central Ministries.

614. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether Government is considering to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN;

(b) if so, the terms of the Agreement and what interest it will serve India by bringing down tariffs on a range of commodities produced in Kerala; and

(c) why Government is not willing to adhere to the demands of healthy democratic practice to make public the terms of the agreement before it is signed?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) India has already signed the Trade in Goods Agreement with ASEAN on 13th August, 2009.

(b) The India – ASEAN Free Trade Agreement is envisaged to come into force with effect from 1st January, 2010. Majority of the agriculture and fisheries items are protected under the Agreement by placing them in the Exclusion (Negative) List where no tariff concessions are available to ASEAN countries. A complete list of India’s offer is available at http://commerce.gov.in/trade/international_ta_indasean.asp

(c) Does not arise.

594. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) the total foreign investment in India from different sources;

(b) the names of the companies from different countries who have invested in India, sector-wise;

(c) the reasons for about 40 per cent of total investment enrouted from Mauritius; and

(d) the employment generated by these investments?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a): The total foreign direct investment from August 1991 to September 2009 is US$ 121.85 billion.

(b): A statement on country-wise FDI inflows (including FDI inflows from Mauritius), from August, 1991 to September, 2009, is at Annex. Company-wise data on foreign direct investment made by foreign investors is published as the “SIA Newsletter” on a monthly basis and made available on the website of the Department of industrial Policy & Promotion at http://siadipp.nic.in/publicat/pub_mn.htm. The online data is available since January, 1998. Copies of this publication are also available in the Parliament Library.

(c): Government has put in place a liberal and transparent policy for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including investments from Non-resident Indians (NRIs), wherein most of the sectors are open to FDI under the automatic route. Under the liberalized economic environment, investment decisions of investors are based interalia on the overall macro-economic policy framework, investment climate in the host country, investment policies of transnational corporations and other commercial considerations. Residents of Mauritius are not required to pay tax in India on capital gains arising from transfer of shares, in terms of India’s Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty with Mauritius. This could be one of the reasons for routing of investments through Mauritius.

(d): There is no centralized data on the employment generated by investments routed from Mauritius.
ANNEX
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 94 FOR ANSWER ON 25.11.2009.
STATEMENT ON COUNTRY-WISE FOR FDI INFLOWS FROM AUGUST 1991 To SEPTEMBER 2009

(Amount in million)
S.No
Country
Amount of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows %age with total
FDI Inflows

(In Rs) (In US$)
1 Afghanistan 1.08 0.03 0.00
2 Australia 15,109.36 347.50 0.29
3 Austria 3,767.87 88.34 0.07
4 Bahamas 1,130.48 28.00 0.02
5 Bahrain 1,862.84 43.54 0.04
6 Argentina 0.38 0.01 0.00
7 Belgium 16,501.54 378.09 0.31
8 Belorussia 497.84 12.42 0.01
9 Bermuda 23,395.09 527.31 0.44
10 Bhutan 19.00 0.61 0.00
11 Brazil 92.41 2.43 0.00
12 Bahamas 1.00 0.02 0.00
13 Bulgaria 6.43 0.14 0.00
14 Canada 13,669.34 316.53 0.26
15 Cayman Island 27,488.84 665.91 0.52
16 Channel Island 485.03 11.22 0.01
17 China 2,443.15 51.00 0.05
18 Croatia 22.94 0.52 0.00
19 Czech Republic 910.52 21.37 0.02
20 Cyprus 140,187.12 3,092.53 2.65
21 Denmark 8,520.72 203.00 0.16
22 Estonia 44.76 1.32 0.00
23 Finland 7,948.15 172.87 0.15
24 Chile 1,979.19 41.31 0.04
25 France 73,749.00 1,691.99 1.40
26 Greece 132.78 3.43 0.00
27 Germany 136,998.99 3,219.42 2.59
28 Hongkong 31,575.38 776.51 0.60
29 Hungary 13.74 0.35 0.00
30 Indonesia 3,674.62 78.91 0.07
31 Ireland 3,453.18 83.14 0.07
32 Isle of Man 249.16 5.83 0.00
33 Israel 2,362.57 61.85 0.04
34 Italy 42,619.60 1,015.62 0.81
35 Liechtenstein 247.35 5.78 0.00
36 Japan 183,953.91 4,221.84 3.48
37 Kazakhstan 811.05 17.42 0.02
38 Korea(North) 584.46 14.09 0.01
39 Lebanon 11.16 0.24 0.00
40 Korea(South) 43,148.04 1,074.46 0.82
41 Kuwait 767.18 16.67 0.01
42 Latvia 2.60 0.06 0.00
43 Luxembourg 6,227.88 142.43 0.12
44 Malaysia 12,302.64 276.54 0.23
45 Mauritius 2,063,060.89 46,992.48 39.07
46 Mexico 3.71 0.08 0.00
47 Maldives 144.40 3.24 0.00
48 NRI 192,366.05 4,471.22 3.64
49 Nepal 73.17 1.57 0.00
50 Netherlands 208,740.17 4,788.82 3.95
51 Nevis 1,458.77 33.11 0.03
52 New Zealand 770.21 18.49 0.01
53 Nigeria 302.23 6.39 0.01
54 Norway 1,592.44 37.46 0.03
55 Oman 2,813.29 66.56 0.05
56 Panama 1,333.64 30.73 0.03
57 Phillipines 1,896.07 52.63 0.04
58 Poland 1,002.17 21.04 0.02
59 Portugal 384.05 9.36 0.01
60 Qatar 4.95 0.11 0.00
61 Romania 0.76 0.02 0.00
62 Russia 21,119.52 450.67 0.40
63 Saudi Arabia 1,745.49 40.06 0.03
64 Singapore 408,585.64 9,341.70 7.74
65 Scotland 119.10 2.69 0.00
66 South Africa 4,507.22 98.13 0.09
67 Slovakia 190.88 4.43 0.00
68 Spain 22,482.56 517.54 0.43
69 Sri Lanka 694.75 16.09 0.01
70 Sweden 39,212.84 896.90 0.74
71 Slovenia 390.74 8.24 0.01
72 Switzerland 50,024.45 1,176.73 0.95
73 Syria 0.22 0.01 0.00
74 Taiwan 1,656.17 39.64 0.03
75 Tatarstan 0.40 0.01 0.00
76 Thailand 4,136.81 104.31 0.08
77 Turkey 38.67 0.89 0.00
78 U.A.E. 63,894.27 1,415.14 1.21
79 U.K. 265,539.23 6,178.79 5.03
80 U.S.A. 429,062.66 10,028.72 8.12
81 Ukraine 35.95 0.84 0.00
82 Venezuela 0.01 0.00 0.00
83 Uruguay 160.54 3.63 0.00
84 British Virginia 23,274.35 531.69 0.44
85 West Indies 2,723.86 62.28 0.05
86 Yugoslavia 11.31 0.24 0.00
87 Unindicated Country 245,644.50 5,628.57 4.67
88 Malta 290.44 6.59 0.01
89 Iran 626.29 19.67 0.01
90 Tanzania 32.55 0.78 0.00
91 Georgia 0.10 0.00 0.00
92 Gibraltar 827.28 19.33 0.02
93 Sudan 2.41 0.05 0.00
94 Jordon 49.45 1.01 0.00
95 Vietnam 5.53 0.13 0.00
96 Jamica 10.00 0.22 0.00
97 Ice Land 917.62 20.81 0.02
98 Kenya 566.80 12.28 0.01
99 Egypt 20.37 0.54 0.00
100 Yaman 77.40 1.87 0.00
101 Cuba 47.32 1.04 0.00
102 Liberia 578.42 13.09 0.01
103 Costa Rica 0.10 0.00 0.00
104 ST. VINCENT 348.64 8.05 0.01
105 MAYANMAR 357.49 8.96 0.01
106 ZAMBIA 6.70 0.15 0.00
107 MORACCO 699.77 15.21 0.01
108 COLUMBIA 41.24 0.94 0.00
109 BRITISH ISLES 619.95 13.57 0.01
110 VANUATU 40.75 0.87 0.00
111 ARUBA 19.65 0.43 0.00
112 VIRGIN ISLANDS 145.71 3.12 0.00
113 PERU 2.01 0.04 0.00
114 TUNISIA 198.40 4.31 0.00
115 Uganda 36.87 0.84 0.00
116 Seychelles 762.05 16.00 0.01
117 West Africa 4.56 0.11 0.00
118 FII`s 2.46 0.06 0.00
119 FIJI ISLANDS 222.98 5.07 0.00
120 EAST AFRICA 0.06 0.00 0.00
121 GHANA 135.61 3.08 0.00
122 LIBYA 2.56 0.06 0.00
123 DGIBOUTI 0.03 0.00 0.00
124 Congo (DR) 4.40 0.11 0.00
125 Nicosia 0.30 0.01 0.00
126 KYRGYZSTAN 0.10 0.00 0.00
127 Mangolia 2.70 0.06 0.00
128 Island JE 24WA 50.00 1.03 0.00
Sub. Total 4,877,926.55 111,973.34 92.36
129 Acquisition of Share 72,780.18 1,848.86 1.38
130 Advance of Inflow 98,689.96 2,178.72 1.87
131 Stock Swapped 147,418.99 3,341.35 2.79
132 NRI RBI Schemes 84,269.48 2,509.86 1.60
Grand Total 5,281,085.16 121,852.13 100.00

Note: Amount includes the Inflows received through SIA/FIPB route, acquisition of existing shares and RBI`s automatic route only
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

572. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of houses built so far under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), State-wise; and

(b) the number of such houses which are having proper sanitation and water facilities?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a) Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) is being implemented as an independent Scheme w.e.f.1.1.1996. Since then 185.19 lakh houses have been constructed under the Scheme. As per the Scheme guidelines, IAY beneficiaries also have to construct sanitary latrine along with house. Further, since 2006-07, IAY beneficiaries can access Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) funds for construction of sanitary latrine. Since 1996-97, sanitary latrines have been constructed in 67.25 lakh houses. A statement showing State-wise number of houses and the sanitary latrines constructed is at Annexure.

(b) Water is a state subject and State Governments are responsible to provide drinking water to the rural areas. To supplement the efforts of the States, technical and financial assistance is provided to the states through the centrally sponsored scheme National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) (erstwhile Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme – ARWSP). Under this programme, State Governments are competent to plan, sanction and implement rural water supply schemes from the funds provided under NRDWP. The coverage of drinking water in rural areas is done habitation-wise. As such house-hold coverage details are not maintained at Central level.
Annexure referred to in reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Quest due for reply on 24-11-2009
Statement showing State wise Number of Houses and Sanitary Latrine Constructed under Indira Awaas Yojana since 1996-97
Unit in No
Sl. Name of the States / UTs Number Sanitary
No. of Houses Latrines
Constructed Provided
1 2 3
1ANDHRA PRADESH 1655985 820743
2ARUNACHAL PRADESH 52862 8777
3ASSAM 1014608 269559
4BIHAR 3450906 141916
5CHHATTISGARH 211835 121402
6GOA 7264 1206
7GUJARAT 678467 367077
8HARYANA 136236 98169
9HIMACHAL PRADESH 49407 29686
10JAMMU & KASH. 113477 6257
11JHARKHAND 546618 22939
12KARNATAKA 689855 275219
13KERALA 394781 271908
14MADHYA PRADESH 994484 483166
15MAHARASHTRA 1180258 744622
16MANIPUR 28941 11126
17MEGHALAYA 48152 9187
18MIZORAM 25073 6355
19NAGALAND 95852 0
20ORISSA 1600495 258495
21PUNJAB 98144 40547
22RAJASTHAN 531401 177569
23SIKKIM 17602 3846
24TAMIL NADU 845480 485839
25TRIPURA 145366 1501
26UTTAR PRADESH 2488904 1244664
27UTTARANCHAL 160483 109583
28WEST BENGAL 1247412 711775
29A&N ISLANDS 3185 313
30D&N HAVELI 926 41
31DAMAN & DIU 290 21
32LAKSHADWEEP 797 351
33PONDICHERRY 3166 978
T O T A L 18518712 6724837

557. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) what is the Central Government tax component of petrol and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG);

(b) whether Government is willing to reduce this tax component; and

(c) the price of aviation fuel?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a): The details of Central Government taxes on Petrol and Domestic LPG, as on date, are as under :

Product Custom Duty Rate Excise Duty Petrol (Unbranded) 2.50% Rs.13.35 per litre Domestic LPG Nil Nil 3% Education Cess is also levied on the above Duties.

(b): The Government has rationalized the Custom Duty and the Excise Duty on Petrol and Domestic LPG, as per the details given below:

(i) Customs Duty on Petrol has been gradually reduced from 15% to 2.5% between August 2004 to June 2008.

(ii) Ad-valorem Excise Duty on unbranded Petrol has been gradually reduced from 26% in June 2004 to Nil in March 2008, and converted to Specific Duty.

(iii) Specific Excise Duty on unbranded Petrol has further been reduced by Re.1 per litre in June 2008.

(iv) Custom Duty on Domestic LPG, which was 10% in August 2004, has been brought down to NIL in March, 2005.

(v) Excise Duty on Domestic LPG, which was 16% in June 2004, has also been brought down to NIL in March 2005.

(c): The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel, at Delhi, effective 16.11.2009 is Rs.40,422.62 per kilolitre.

540. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) the total number of palliative care centres in the country, State-wise; and

(b) what steps Government has taken to set up more palliative care centres in the country?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a) & (b) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under its National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has provided financial assistance to 27 Regional Cancer Centers (RCCs) and Government Medical Colleges in the States to provide comprehensive cancer care facilities including palliative care. State-wise distribution of Oncology Wings supported under NCCP in India is annexed.

515. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) whether India as being one of the largest producers and exporters of legal opium in the world, is abysmally failing to use morphine to relieve crippling pain to patients of cancer, AIDS, burns and accidents;

(b) whether Government is aware that developed countires, the importers of opium from India are using morphine as per the doctors` prescriptions; and

(c) the reasons for not following the practice in India and thus showing cruelty to serious and dying patients?
Answer
THE MINSITER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (c): In so far as the Central Government hospitals located in Delhi namely, Safdarjung, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Harding Medical College & Associated Hospitals, are concerned, the Morphine injection is used whenever indicated/suggested by the attending doctors to the patients suffering from diseases like cancer, AIDS, burn accidents cases for their relief and at no stages it is denied to such patients.

418. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) the target for electricity generation enhancement in the Eleventh Five Year Plan and the track record thereof;

(b) whether Government is aware about various studies that suggest that the manufacturing sector alone looses over Rs.22,000 crore annually due to poor availability and quality of power; and

(c) if so, how could Government achieve eight per cent annual economic growth?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )

(a) : The targets for electricity generation in the country are decided on year to year basis and not for the Plan period as a whole. The targets for electricity generation in the country for the first three years of the 11th Plan were 710 BU, 774.3 BU & 789.5 BU. As against this, the actual electricity generation in the country (including import of power from Bhutan) has been 704.5 BU and 723.8 BU during the first two years of 11th Plan i.e. 2007-08 and 2008-09. Electricity generation during the current year 2009-10 (April – October, `09) has been 448.4 BU as against the programme of 460.2 BU.

(b) : Electricity being one of the important inputs for infrastructure development in the country, the shortage of power leads to direct production losses and results in inefficiencies in broad range of areas impacting profitability and competitiveness.

(c) : As per Economic Outlook for 2009-10 (October, 2009), the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister, assessed the average growth of the economy at 8.5% from 2004-05 to 2008-09 and stated that the growth was likely to be about 6.5% in 2009-10. The target for electricity generation during 2009-10 has been fixed at 789.5 Billion Unit with a growth of about 9% over the actual generation during 2008-09. Actual growth of 6.4% has been registered during April to October, 2009 over the actual generation during April to October, 2008.

411. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) the projected power shortage in the country, State-wise;

(b) the per capita power consumption in the country, State-wise; and

(c) the comparative figure of per capita power consumption in India and other developing countries?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )

(a) : As per Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) for year 2009-10 prepared by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the projected overall peak power deficit of the country is anticipated as 12.6% and energy deficit is as 9.3%. The State- wise details are given in Annex-I.

(b) : State/UT-wise per capita power consumption in India for the year 2007-08 is given at Annex-II.

(c) : The information regarding per capita electricity consumption in India and other developing countries for the year 2007 as available in the publication entitled `Key World Energy Statistics 2009` are given in Annex-III.

410. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
he annual distribution losses in power sector presently, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )

State-wise Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses for the years 2005-06 to 2007-08 as contained in the 6th `Report on Performance of State Power Utilities` published by Power Finance Corporation are given at Annex.

58. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) The total number of Anganwadi worker in the country;

(b) The structure of allowance being received by them;

(c) The nature of work they have to execute; and

(d) The details of the infrastructural facilities available for their work?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 58 FOR 23.11.2009 BY SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY AND SHRI MOINUL HASSAN REGARDING ANGANWADI WORKERS.

(a) to (d): As per information available from the States/UTs, there are 10,03,319 anganwadi workers in- position, as on 30.09.2009, in the country.

The Anganwadi workers (AWWs) are the `Honorary Workers` selected from the Local Community. In recognition of their voluntary efforts, they are paid a monthly honorarium, ranging from Rs. 1438/- to Rs.1563/- per month, depending upon their qualification and experience. Anganwadi Workers engaged in Mini Anganwadi Centres are paid an honorarium of Rs.750/- per month. Some of the States/UTs provide additional honoraria/incentives.

The role and responsibilities of AWWs envisaged under the ICDS Scheme, inter-alia, includes weighing each child every month and record the weight graphically on the growth card, organize non-formal pre-school activities for children in the age group 3-6 years, provide supplementary nutrition feeding to children (6 months to 6 years) and pregnaut & lactating mothers, to assist ANM in administration of IFA and Vitamin A, by keeping stock of the medicine, to support in organizing Pulse Polio Immunization drives and maintain records & registers as prescribed. Details of the role and responsibilities of AWWs is available at Ministry`s website www.wcd.nic.in/icdsimg/RoleresponseAWWs.pdf.

Under the schematic norms of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, the infrastructure facilities like weighing scales (both baby & adult), medicine kit, pre- school kit, records and registers, outdoor/indoor play equipments/material must be made available at the anganwadi centers. Besides, other items such as mats/durries, kitchen equipments, bathroom equipments and items of general use have been left to be provided by the State Government/UT Administration depending on the local requirements and specific needs.

43. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN

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

(a) The budgetary allocation for the National Nutrition Mission for the year 2002-03 and 2009-10;

(b) Whether Government is aware that if women are made healthy, children, the future of our country, would be bright and healthy; and

(c) If so, the reasons for Government`s failure to treat the National Nutrition Mission in priority sector?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 43 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.11.2009 BY SHRI MOINUL HASSAN REGARDING ALLOCATION FOR NATIONAL NUTIRION MISSION.

(a) to (c) The Government accords high priority to overall issue of malnutrition, and, particularly, in respect of children, adolescent girls and women. With this in view, Government has universalized ICDS scheme w.e.f December 2008 with increased budgetary allocation in 2009-10 for expansion of Anganwadi centres as well as for higher nutritional norms for providing supplementary nutrition to the children below 6 years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers. There is also a proposal to universalize the scheme for empowerment of adolescent girls by merging the existing schemes of Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) and Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG). Besides, there are other programmes such as National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Mid-day Meal, Rajiv Gandhi Mission for Drinking Water and Total Sanitation Campaign etc. which are being implemented and these impact on improving the nutritional status.

A National Council on India`s Nutrition Challenges under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister has been constituted in October 2008 for giving policy directions and for reviewing & achieving effective coordination amongst various programmes. A Budget provision of Rs. 1.00 crore was made for the year 2002-03 and 2009-10.

226. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether attention of Government has been drawn to the demand of IIT faculty members asking for ‘scholastic pay’ of Rs. 15,000 per month;

(b) if so, by when Government would consider their demand;

(c) the reasons for keeping these gems in ‘low paying jobs’;

(d) whether Government is aware that many of the gems in various fields in public sector have joined private sector because of the better offer and facilities given to them by the private sector; and

(e) if so, the reasons for Government’s dilly-dallying in considering their demand?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) : Yes, Sir.

(b) : Although no “scholastic pay” has been given to the IIT faculty, the pay revision of the IIT faculty, interalia, includes a Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) in which remuneration will be granted in recognition of distinguished achievement by way of research.

(c) to (e): The pay structures of the IIT faculty has historically been higher than many other institutions which has been maintained in the 6th Central Pay Commission (6th CPC). The pay structure has been so designed as to attract faculty and retain good teachers as faculty in IITs.

149. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that the future of agriculture in our country is bleak since it has become non-profitable for our agriculturists with the escalation of cost of irrigation, fertilizer and seeds on the one hand and the absence of remunerative prices for the produce on the other; and

(b) if so, the reaction of Government thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b): The Government of India is implementing the National Policy for Farmers, 2007 with an objective to improve economic viability of farming by substantially increasing the net income of the farmers and to ensure that agriculture progress is measured by advances made in this income. The policy provisions, inter alia, include supply of good quality seeds and disease-free planting material, issue of soil health passbooks to the farmers to facilitate application of integrated pest management and integrated nutrient management system. Another measure is the announcements of Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The Government’s price policy for agricultural commodities seeks to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce with a view to encourage higher investment and production. The Government decides on the support price for various agricultural commodities taking into account the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP while recommending the MSP for various agricultural crops takes into account the cost of all kinds of inputs at their prevailing rates which also included seeds, fertilizers and irrigation charges etc. Substantial increase in the MSP of major cereals ranging from 49% to 78% was provided during the last 5 years. MSPs of pulses & oilseeds were enhanced by up to 83% during the same period.

148. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the names of the States facing drought situation;

(b) whether the Ministry earlier undermined the gravity of drought situation in the country;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps Government has taken so far to face the challenge?
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): During South-West Monsoon 2009 the following 12 States have declared drought/drought like conditions/scarcity in the entire state or some districts of the State:
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Assam
3) Bihar
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) Jharkhand
6) Karnataka
7) Madhya Pradesh
8) Maharashtra
9) Manipur
10) Nagaland
11) Rajasthan
12) Uttar Pradesh.

(b)&(c): The Government was constantly monitoring the situation with the India Meteorological Department and the State Governments and undertook such steps as required to mitigate the crisis.

(d) : The steps taken so far to face the challenge are indicated in Annexure –I.

116. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether water resource department, drinking water department and irrigation department do have water conservation schemes;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether there is any coordination among these departments for water management?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) & (b) Several schemes have been undertaken by the respective departments of the State Governments for development and conservation of water which inter-alia includes conservation of water through reservoirs, rainwater harvesting and ground water recharge. Storage capacity of 225 billion cubic metre has so far been creates through reservoirs. The Government of India has also drawn up National Perspective Plan for optimal utilization of the water resources particularly through diversion of surplus flood water to deficient areas.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) Administrative arrangements are in place for coordination among various Ministries dealing with activities related to water resources development and management.

115. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN
SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) the steps that have been taken to construct small scale trenches to conserve water therein;

(b) whether Government is considering to formulate small- medium drinking water projects in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) Ministry of Water Resources has no scheme to support construction of small scale trenches to conserve water therein.

(b) to (d) Water being a State subject, the State Governments are responsible to provide drinking water to the rural areas. However, the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Drinking Water Supply) provides technical and financial assistance to the States through centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) to supplement the efforts of the States. Under NRDWP, the States are competent to plan, sanction and implement rural water supply schemes.

111. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that with the growing urbanization and cities the river becomes the sewerage line; and

(b) if so, the steps that have been taken for river conservation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) Reports indicate that the pollution load on major rivers has increased due to urbanisation and industrialization.

(b) The steps taken for conservation of rivers include the following:

i. Implementation of pollution abatement works, i.e., infrastructure for interception and diversion of sewage and creation of sewage treatment facilities, under the centrally sponsored National River Conservation Plan.

ii. Implementation of river conservation activities under other central schemes, such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, as well as under state schemes.

iii. Constitution of the ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority’ to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga.

iv. Monitoring of pollution from industries on the banks of rivers by Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards and enforcement of the provisions of Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

44. SHRI SHYAMAL CHAKRABORTY
MOINUL HASSAN
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has received a Memorandum from All India Passport Employees Association (AIPEA) ;

(b) if so, the salient points raised in the memorandum; and

(c) the steps Government has taken to mitigate the grievances of Passport employees in the country ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) Yes.

(b) The salient points raised in the memorandum relate to improvement in passport issuance system, Passport Seva Project, foreign postings, anomaly in pay scale of Superintendents and transfers of Passport Office employees.

(c) The Ministry has constituted a committee comprising the Administration side and the Staff side to redress the grievances of Passport employees.