Questions asked by Mr. Syed Azeez Pasha during Rajya Sabha session November – December 2009

No. of questions found: 41

3533. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) : whether dowry-death cases pertraining to young brides are continuing unabated despite implementation of the Dowry- Prohibition Act, 1961; and

(b) : if so, the number of cases reported during each of the last three years?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) NCRB data shows rising trend in the cases of dowry death in the recent past.

(b) As per NCRB data, total number of 6787, 7618 and 8093 cases were registered during 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

3453. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether the Directorate of Audio Visual Publicity (DAVP) discriminates in releasing the Central Government advertisements to small, medium and large size newspapers and especially small and regional language newspapers have to bear the brunt of it;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the steps taken by Government to prevent it;

(c) whether it is a fact that certain M.Ps have also complained about discrimination by the Directorate in releasing advertisements and they have suggested or transparency in it;

(d) if so, the action taken by Government on their suggestions; and

(e) the amount of advertisements given to small, medium and large sized newspapers, separately, during the last two years in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

(SHRI C.M.JATUA.)

(a) No, Sir. Government has already made provisions for allocating display budget in the ratio of 50%, 35% and 15% for big, medium and small category of newspapers respectively and also 30%, 35% and 35% for English, Hindi and regional/other language newspapers respectively. However, Publicity requirements, target audience, budgetary provisions and preferences indicated by the client departments are also taken into account.

(b) Does not arise

(c) & (d) No such complaint has been received in the recent past.

(e) Details are given below:-

(in rupees)
Year Small Medium Big
2007-08 1,43,60,315 3,19,07,277 4,01,08,975
2008-09 1,59,92,519 5,74,43,416 6,42,90,864

3252. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that the payment of the crop insurance compensation of Kharif 2008 season for an amount of Rs. 356.58 crores is pending with Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps being taken in this regard?
Answer

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

(SHRI K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b): The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. (AIC) which collects insurance premium under National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) is entrusted with the responsibility to make payment of crop insurance compensation to farmers under the scheme. The financial liability on account of claims (for food & oilseeds crops) over and above 100% of premium and for annual commercial/ horticultural crops above 150% of the premium collected is shared by the Govt. of India and the State Governments in the ratio of 50 : 50.
Total claims amounting to Rs.1496.22 crore including Central and State Government share of Rs.946.60 crore and Rs.405.65 crore respectively, for Kharif 2008 season and other seasons, under NAIS, are pending for settlement with the AIC.

(c): The Government has provided Rs.250 crore of additionality under the NAIS in the First Supplementary Demands for Grants towards Central Government`s share. Further, the Government is committed towards proving adequate resources for this scheme to meet the liabilities on account of claims towards Central Government`s share.

421. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is extending any concessions to private parties for construction of storage godowns and cold storages;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of cold storages, with capacity, set up in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh at present, State-wise and district-wise;

(d) the assistance provided to States for increasing the existing capacity of cold storages during the last three years and current year, State-wise and district-wise;

(e) whether Government proposes to set up more cold storages in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) the steps being taken in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

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

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (g) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 421 FOR 18/12/2009 REGARDING CONCESSION TO PRIVATE PARTIES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF GODOWNS AND COLD STORAGES.

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): Details of the scheme under which, assistance is provided by Government for construction of storage godowns and cold storages include:

(I) Government of India has formulated a Scheme for construction of godowns for Food Corporation of India. Under the scheme, the godowns would be constructed by private entrepreneurs for which Food Corporation of India would provide guarantee for 5 years for storage charges. Under the Scheme, Food Corporation of India has approved creation of 126.35 lakh tonnes of storage capacity in various States.

(II) Government of India is also implementing a credit–linked back-ended Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme of Construction of Rural Godown with the objective of creating scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs, etc. Under this scheme, subsidy up to @ 25% (33% for North East States & SC/ST entrepreneur) is given to different categories of persons. Since inception of the scheme i.e, 2001-02, assistance of Rs.574.46 crores have been provided for construction of 20,962 rural godowns with a capacity of 243.79 lakh Metric Tonnes.

(III) Under National Horticulture Mission scheme, assistance is provided through State Horticulture Mission for construction of cold storages @ 25% (for general areas) and 33.33% (for hilly and tribal areas) of the capital cost of the project. The subsidy for the private sector is credit linked and back-ended. During the period from 2005-06 to 2009-10, financial assistance of Rs. 44.87crore has been given for establishment of 156 cold storages. The State wise number of cold storages established under this scheme is given in Annexure-I. In addition, National Horticulture Board (NHB) also provides back-ended capital investment subsidy for creation /modernization/expansion of cold storage @ 25% of the project cost. For North-Eastern Regions, the subsidy is @ 33.33% of the project cost with a cost ceiling of Rs 2.00 crore. Financial assistance of Rs. 604.60 crore has been provided for establishment of 2172 cold storages since inception of the scheme i.e., 1999- 2000. The State wise number of cold storages established under this scheme is given in Annexure-II.

(IV) The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), Government of India has a Plan Scheme for Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure during the 11th Plan to provide financial assistance to project proposals received from public/private organizations for cold chain infrastructure development. The scheme envisages financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid @ 50% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas (75% for North Eastern Region and difficult areas) subject to a maximum of Rs. 10.00 crore. Ministry of Food Processing Industries has approved 10 such project proposals in the first phase.

(V) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under Ministry of Commerce, provides financial assistance for establishment of common infrastructure facilities such as setting up integrated pack house, pre-cooling, sorting, grading and cold storage facilities. During the period from 2006-07 to 2008-09, assistance has been provided for establishment of 47 cold storages with a capacity of 2440 Metric Tonnes. The State-wise number of cold storages assisted under this scheme is given in Annexure-III.
The details of State-wise number of cold storages with capacity including Andhra Pradesh are given at Annexure-IV. District-wise data for cold storages in the state of Andhra Pradesh is given at Annexure –V.

(e) to (g): More cold storages can be set up in Public and Private sector through implementation of aforesaid schemes. Under the Scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, State Governments can also take up construction of storage godowns and cold storages for agriculture produce. Government has also approved a scheme of Modern Terminal Market Complex which, inter-alia, provides for state of art market Infrastructure through private sector. Infrastructure under Terminal Market complex project may include cold storage facilities for perishable produce.

In order to attract private sector, Investment-linked tax incentives have been announced for the business of setting up and operating cold chain and warehousing facilities for storing agricultural produce in the Union Budget 2009-10.

3225. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether large parts of the country suffered due to unprecedented floods recently including Andhra Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the extent of damages caused and the number of people affected therefrom, State-wise;

(c) whether any survey/assessment was conducted in the areas chronically affected by the floods;

(d) if so, the outcome thereof;

(e) the funds allocated to the affected States during the last three years and current year, State-wise;

(f) the plan outlay earmarked for flood control; and. (g) the effective steps being taken to check the recurrent floods and ensure gainful utilization of the excess water?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) and (b) During monsoon 2009, unprecedented floods are reported in river Ghaghra (Uttar Pradesh) and river Tungbhadra (Andhra Pradesh). As per the report received from the State Authorities and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the total damages in the country during monsoon – 2009 have been assessed as Rs.1,399.27 crore. The details of State- wise damaged caused and people affected given in Annex-1.

(c) and (d) The Ministry of Home Affairs deputed Central Teams for assessment of flood situation and damages in flood affected States.

(e) and (f) Flood Management being a State subject, the schemes for flood control are planned, funded and executed by the State Governments, as per their own priorities, out of their State plan funds which are made available to them through Planning Commission. In order to provide additional financial support to the State Governments, the Government of India has also been assisting the flood prone States in flood management and anti-erosion works for critical reaches since the VIII Plan period, through centrally sponsored schemes. During XI plan, a state sector scheme namely, “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” at an estimated cost of Rs. 8000 Cr. has been approved ‘in principle’ by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 02.11.2007 in order to provide financial assistance to the State Governments. However, the XI plan outlay for the scheme was limited to Rs. 2715 crore by Planning Commission. A total of 308 proposals from 19 states with a total cost of Rs. 3033.58 crore have been included under FMP by an Empowered Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance for providing central assistance to states. During XI plan, central assistance amounting to Rs. 905.83 crore has been released to states (including Rs. 85.15 crore for spilled over works of X Plan) upto 30.11.2009. Details of Central Assistance provided to the States during last three years 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 and the current year 2009-10 are enclosed at Annexure-II.

(g) The Government of India set up a Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) in 1972 for preparation of comprehensive master plans for flood control measures in Ganga basin States. Detailed Comprehensive Plans for all the 23 river systems constituting the Ganga basin had been prepared by GFCC and circulated to the concerned State Governments. Thereafter, Brahmaputra Board was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1980 to prepare comprehensive master plans for flood control in Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. The Brahmaputra Board has prepared the Master Plans of the main stem of the Brahmaputra and Barak along with 52 major tributaries of the region. In addition, Government of India has set up a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under Disaster Management Act, 2005 for management of natural calamities, including floods. The comprehensive guidelines on “Management of Floods” issued by NDMA in January 2008, inter alia, provides for preparation of flood management plans at National, State and District levels covering all aspect of disaster management cycle including the implementation schedule and monitoring system. Besides, the Government of India is having continued dialogue with neighbouring countries viz. Nepal, China and Bhutan on matters related to flood forecasting and construction of storage dams to check floods in Indian territory due to rivers flowing from their territories to gainfully utilise the flood/ excess water in other areas.

3184. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Government had received many representations from State Governments and other organizations to include various communities in the list of Scheduled Castes (SCs);

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

(c) the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) the steps taken/being taken by Government to include such communities in the list of SCs;

(e) whether any decision is taken by the Government about the demand of SC’s classification in Andhra Pradesh;

(f) if so, the details thereof; (g) the reaction of Government thereto; and (h) the time by which it is likely to the done?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(D. NAPOLEON)

(a) to (d) Complete proposals for inclusion in the list of Scheduled Castes, in accordance with the prescribed procedure, have been received from ten States and one Union Territory, details of which are shown in the enclosed Statement. The proposals are processed as per prescribed procedure.

(e) to (h) The Government of Andhra Pradesh vide their letter dated 10.01.2005, had inter-alia, informed that the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in its meeting held on 10.12.2004, had unanimously adopted the following Government resolution, moved by the Chief Minister:- “This House had passed Resolution on 22nd April, 1998, for categorisation of Scheduled Castes as recommended by Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission. In view of the recent Supreme Court Judgment, the House resolves to recommend to the Government of India to take up the matter in Parliament.” No decision has been taken in this regard.

3080. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of textile mills in cooperative, public and private sector functioning in the State of Andhra Pradesh at present;

(b) the number of workers working therein; and

(c) the details of financial assistance provided to these mills during the last three years, year-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) & (b): Number of Cotton, Man-Made fibre textile mills (Non-SSI)
and workers on roll as on September, 2009 in the Public, Private and Cooperative
Sectors in the State of Andhra Pradesh are as under :-

S.No. Sector No. of Mills (Working) Workers

1 Public 1 76

2 Private 87 27049

3 Cooperative 0 0

Total 88 27125

(c): Details of year-wise financial assistance released to the mill in Public sector is as under :-

Year Rs. In lakhs

2006-07 57.19

2007-08 50.19

2008-09 145.60

Year-wise subsidy released under the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS)
to textiles units located in Andhra Pradesh is as under:

Year Amount of Subsidy (Rs. in lakhs)

2006-07 Not available

2007-08 3434.00

2008-09 13435

3045. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the total loss suffered due to damages to National Highways and bridges by the floods that ravaged various States during the last three years, till date;

(b) the details of various States including Andhra Pradesh in this regard;

(c) whether Government has taken any steps for the repair of these roads/bridges;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested to provide funds for repair of damaged National Highways/bridges out of the Special Central Fund; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) to (d) There have been losses and damages ranging from minor surface distress to the major damages like breaches on the road etc. on various National Highways (NHs) / Bridges including approaches in various States including the State of Andhra Pradesh, due to floods / rains etc. during the last three years and current year. Generally, the types of losses and damages occurred on NHs are pot holes, alligator cracks, stripping, ravelling, depression, undulation, surface damage, sub-grade failures, breach of road, cuts and erosion of embankments & earthen shoulders, damage to cross drainage works and their approaches, landslides, etc. The State-wise details of estimates sanctioned for restoration of these damages, including those in Andhra Pradesh, during each of the last three years and the current year are annexed. The development and maintenance of NHs is a continuous process and NHs in the country are being kept in traffic worthy condition within the available resources, depending upon traffic density and inter-se priority of works. Actions for restoration of the stretches of NHs damaged in various states due to storms, rains, etc., are accordingly taken up from time to time to keep such stretches in traffic worthy conditions.

(e) and (f) This Ministry allocates funds to the State Governments and Union Territories for Maintenance & Repair (M&R) including restoration of the damages caused to NHs due to floods, rains, etc., from the total available allocation for M&R of NHs. However, this Ministry does not have any scheme to provide funds for repair of damaged NHs/bridges out of the Special Central Fund.

3033. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether the number of educated and uneducated youth/job seekers has been growing in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the total number of educated/uneducated/graduate/post graduate etc. registered in employment exchanges in the country during each of the last three years, State-wise and category-wise;

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to provide employment to these unemployed youth; and

(e) the fresh steps being taken by Government to eradicate unemployment?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b) Number of educated (10th pass & above) job seekers including youth on the live register of employment exchanges, all of whom may not necessarily be unemployed, was 306.50 lakh in the country as on 31.12.2007 whereas the corresponding figure as on 31.12.2006 was 306.91 lakh.

(c) State-wise number of educated, uneducated, graduate/post graduate and uneducated job-seekers registered with the employment exchanges during 2005, 2006 and 2007 is given in statement at Annex-I. Category-wise number of educated and uneducated job seekers registered with the employment exchanges during 2005, 2006 and 2007 is given in statement at Annex-II.

(d) & (e) Eleventh Five Year Plan aims at creating 58 million job opportunities. Government has taken several steps to tackle the problem of unemployment. The focus is on productive employment at a faster pace in order to raise the incomes of masses of the rural population to bring about a general improvement in their living conditions. The job opportunities are likely to be created on account of growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), investment in infrastructure development, growth in exports and expenditure on employment generation programmes implemented by the Government. Government of India has been implementing various employment generation schemes to provide additional employment opportunities. Some of the important ones are Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana(SJSRY); Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY); National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

2924. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-

(a) the due amount of voluntary and retired employees differential payments of wages, gratuity and PF etc. of Hindustan Shipyard Limited;

(b) whether Government has formulated any scheme to ensure the payment to VRS and retired employees (870 persons) for the outstanding due amount;

(c) if so, by when the proposed payment are to be made; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF SHIPPING

(SHRI G. K. VASAN)

(a) to (d): Rs.5.50 crores towards differential dues (compensation, gratuity and leave salary) of the Voluntarily Retired (VR) employees of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has been included in the Financial Restructuring proposal of HSL which is, presently, under consideration of the Government. The dues shall be paid on approval of the proposal by the Government. The pay/wage revision liability of Rs.16.32 crore to the retired/VRS employees is to be made by the Company from its own resources based on improvement in the financial position of the Company.

2876. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-

(a) the amount of outstanding payment of employees engaged in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) along with the names of the undertakings against which the outstanding payment of the employees are due;

(b) whether Government has formulated any scheme to ensure the payment of the outstanding amount;

(c) if so, by when the payment are proposed to be made; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES & PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(SHRI ARUN YADAV)

(a) & (b) Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are expected to pay the wages, salaries and statutory dues to their employees regularly out of their own resources. Government provides financial assistance by way of non-plan loans to certain CPSEs to supplement their efforts for payment of wages and salaries and statutory dues when they are unable to generate required resources.

(c) & (d): In respect of 11 CPSEs under the administrative control of Department of Heavy Industry total amount outstanding as on 30.11.2009 for payment to employees is Rs. 129.58 crore. Department of Heavy Industry has been giving budgetary support in the form of loan to CPSEs under its control for payment of salary/wages and statutory dues. The salary/wages and statutory dues to such CPSEs have been paid upto June, 2009.

2706. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-

(a) the estimated iron-ore reserves in the country, State-wise;

(b) whether Government has allocated iron-ore mines to public/private sector steel plants;

(c) if so, the details thereof, steel plant-wise;

(d) whether any steel player has acquired more than the allocated area;

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the action proposed/taken in this regard; and

(f) the balance of iron ore reserves after allocation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION

(SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)

(a): State-wise information on reserves/resources of iron ore is given in the Indian Minerals Year Book, published by the Indian Bureau of Mines, a copy of which is supplied to the Parliament Library on regular basis.

(b) & (c): The details of prior approval conveyed by Central Government for grant of mining lease including to public/private sector steel plants are available on the Ministry of Mines website(http://mines.gov.in/)

(d) to (f): State Governments grant mining leases as the owner of the minerals. No such report of any steel plant acquiring more than the area approved by the Central Govt. has come to the notice of Government.

2647. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the details of amount released by Government under various environmental schemes and amount utilized by the State Governments during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) whether Government is contemplating to formulate any new centrally sponsored schemes;

(c) if so , the details thereof;

(d) whether the State Governments are to be consulted before finalizing the scheme; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a): The details of amount released by Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to various States/UTs under its various environmental schemes during the last three years (2006-07 to 2008-09) are given at Annexure. The grants have been fully utilized by the State Governments for the purpose, for which these were sanctioned.

(b) No, Sir.

(c)to(e) In view of reply given to part (b),question does not arise.

Annexure
Annexure reffered to in reply to parts (a) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2647 for answer on 14.12.2009

Scheme wise/State wise Funds released under various Environmental Schemes during the last three years
(Rs. in Crores)
Sl. No Name of the Scheme Name of the State 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
1 Biosphere Reserve Assam 0.14 0.25 0.40
Arunachal Pradesh 0.38 0.35 0.30
Chhatisgarh 0.65 0.32 1.34
Karnataka 0.25 0.32 0.47
Kerala 1.09 2.08 1.05
Madhya Pradesh 0.57 1.27 1.37
Meghalaya 0.40 0.30 0.50
Orissa 0.83 1.10 0.25
Sikkim 0.58 0.59 0.50
Tamil Nadu 0.79 1.31 1.70
Uttranchal 0.80 0.73 0.60
Andman & Nicobar Island
West Bengal 0.79 0.64 1.08
2 National River Conservation Plan Andhra Pradesh 47.85 67.96 25.38
Bihar 0.07 0.00 0.00
Gujarat 0.00 0.25 1.49
Goa 0.00 0.70 0.00
Haryana 7.77 3.15 20.80
Jharkhand 0.00 0.00 0.00
Karnataka 0.00 2.75 2.25
Kerala 0.00 1.00 1.00
Madhya Pradesh 4.15 6.75 3.35
Maharashtra 10.09 5.21 0.35
Nagaland 0.00 0.00 0.00
Orissa 11.04 7.06 16.44
Punjab 15.35 44.30 0.00
Rajasthan 0.00 0.00 0.00
Tamil Nadu 82.72 18.40 9.52
Uttar Pradesh 38.65 37.66 105.60
Uttranchal 8.25 3.37 2.50
West Bengal 18.00 23.70 29.60
Delhi 26.50 14.87 47.57
Sikkim 5.05 4.79 5.00
3 National Lake Conservation Plan Andhra Pradesh 0.00 0.00 0.00
Jammu & Kashmir 30.00 31.66 12.50
Karnataka 4.50 2.59 4.84
Maharashtra 2.30 1.00 0.76
Tamil Nadu 0.00 0.00 0.00
Rajasthan 0.00 13.44 13.53
Uttranchal 7.33 4.28 3.40
West Bengal 1.11 0.00 4.00
Uttar Pradesh 1.49 1.00 4.00
Orissa 1.00 0.00 1.00
Madhya Pradesh 4.58 8.75 0.60
4 Conservation and Management of Mangroves, Coral Reefs and Wetlands Andhra Pradesh 0.53 0.34 0.47
Assam 0.82 0.50 0.00
Goa 0.04 0.05 0.15
Gujarat 2.49 2.40 2.24
Himachal Pradesh 0.83 0.40 0.30
Jammu & Kashmir 0.31 0.33 1.29
Kerala 0.92 0.15 0.26
Karnataka 1.59 0.34 0.88
Manipur 0.30
Orissa 0.80 1.56 1.13
Punjab 1.05 1.03 0.74
Rajasthan 0.61 0.53 0.13
Tamil Nadu 0.87 1.46 4.16
Tripura 0.25
West Bengal 1.77 2.41 3.99
Andman & Nicobar Island
Mizoram 0.18 0.53 0.72
Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh 0.19 0.49 0.43
Uttar Pradesh 0.76 0.29 1.20
Uttranchal 0.02
R & D 0.97 0.95 1.14
Sikkim
Lakshadweep 0.00 0.00 0.10
Others 0.44 0.05
5 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) Andhra Pradesh 0.00 0.00 0.72
Gujarat 2.12 1.37 0.44
Maharashtra 2.23 2.52 3.24
6 Hazardous Substances Management Andaman & Nicobar 0.00 0.00 0.00
Arunachal Pradesh 0.02 0.00 0.00
Assam 0.06
Andhra Pradesh 0.40 0.30 0.57
Bihar 0.05 0.00 0.00
Gujarat 1.13 0.05 0.46
Karnataka 0.67 0.00 0.00
Kerala 0.83 0.00 0.00
Maharashtra 0.25 0.85 1.60
Manipur 0.05 0.00 0.04
Orissa 0.00 0.00 0.08
Pondicherry 0.04 0.00 0.00
West Bengal 0.23 0.00 0.03
Uttar Pradesh 0.00 0.00 0.18
7 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Andhra Pradesh 0.24 0.10 1.08
Assam 0.12 0.29 0.88
Bihar 0.11 0.13 0.15
Chattisgarh 0.14 0.03 0.12
Goa 0.23 0.08 0.14
Gujarat 0.56 0.24 0.34
Haryana 0.01 0.05 0.00
Himachal Pradesh 0.35 0.46 0.41
Jharkhand 0.18 0.27 0.14
Karnataka 0.37 0.12 0.25
Kerala 0.27 0.43 0.41
Madhya Pradesh 0.16 0.12 0.39
Maharastra 0.32 0.75 0.69
Manipur 0.05 0.16 0.01
Meghalaya 0.10 0.05 0.11
Mizoram 0.01 0.05 0.09
Nagaland 0.17 0.03 0.07
Orissa 0.22 0.19 0.24
Punjab 0.12 0.19 0.12
Rajasthan 0.32 0.37 0.31
Sikkim 0.03 0.02 0.08
Tamil Nadu 0.30 0.20 0.09
Tripura 0.05 0.00 0.02
Uttar Pradesh 0.52 0.16 1.00
Uttaranchal 0.07 0.09 0.04
West Bengal 0.04 0.25 0.31
Chandigarh 0.17 0.10 0.12
Pondicherry 0.04 0.01 0.01
8 Assistance for Abatement of Pollution Arunachal Pradesh 0.02 0.00 0.04
Andhra Pradesh 0.00 0.50 0.50
Assam 1.09 0.14 0.26
Chattisgarh 0.15 0.00 0.00
Chandigarh 0.13 0.13 0.12
Delhi 0.28 0.27 0.30
Goa 1.03 0.00 0.59
Himachal Pradesh 0.00 0.26 0.00
Kerala 0.55 0.32 0.00
Lakshadweep 0.04 0.00 0.00
Maharashtra 0.00 0.00 0.35
Manipur 0.00 0.35 0.15
Madhya Pradesh 0.75 0.16 0.63
Meghalaya 0.27 0.02 0.04
Mizoram 0.12 0.19 0.16
Nagaland 0.09 0.20 0.25
Orissa 0.00 0.00 0.05
Punjab 0.16 0.00 0.00
Sikkim 0.05 0.02 0.01
Tripura 0.65 0.59 0.09
Uttranchal 0.00 0.01 0.00
9 Environment Education and Awareness Andhra Pradesh 1.90 1.90 2.45
Arunachal Pradesh 0.19 0.03 0.00
Andman & Nicobar Island 0.01 0.01 0.10
Assam 0.20 0.25 1.50
Bihar 0.30 2.33 2.71
Chattisgarh 1.12 1.16 1.44
Delhi 0.50 0.48 0.57
Goa 0.14 0.14 0.00
Gujarat 1.87 2.02 1.96
Haryana 1.40 0.15 1.50
Himachal Pradesh 0.54 0.14 0.91
Jammu & Kashmir 0.24 0.27 1.71
Karnataka 0.15 0.11 2.07
Kerala 1.06 2.49 1.37
Madhya Pradesh 2.47 3.73 53.28
Maharastra 2.76 2.76 2.83
Manipur 0.57 0.59 0.38
Mizoram 0.34 0.04 0.08
Nagaland 0.62 0.42 0.11
Orissa 1.92 0.89 2.47
Punjab 1.22 0.24 1.51
Rajasthan 2.26 1.70 2.34
Sikkim 0.07 2.25 0.03
Tamil Nadu 2.34 2.35 2.47
Tripura 0.28 0.28 0.35
Uttar Pradesh 1.54 1.02 0.65
West Bengal 1.44 1.42 2.01
Chandigarh 0.03 0.03 0.03
Lakshadweep 0.00 0.01 0.00
Pondicherry 0.03 0.06 0.21
Daman & Diu 0.01 0.00 0.01
Jharkhand 0.16 0.18 0.25
Meghalaya 0.00 0.02 0.00
Uttranchal 0.04 0.06 0.06

351. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the allocation to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) the allocation of funds of the State units during the said period;

(c) whether the State units are acting as money-lenders, putting stringent conditions and complicated formalities for entertaining the applications for financial assistance; and

(d) the achievements by NMDFC during the last two years, State-wise?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

(SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the table of the House. Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a) to (d) of the Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 351 to be answered on 14.12.2009.

(a) During the last three years and the current financial year the allocations provided to National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) by the Government of India are as given below.:

Year Allocations
2006-07 Rs. 18.29 crore
2007-08 Rs. 70.00 crore
2008-09 Rs. 75.00 crore
2009-10 Rs. 125.00 crore

(b) A statement showing the funds allocated (released) by NMDFC to the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) & Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) during the last three years and current financial year are as given in Annexure – I.

(c) National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has prescribed its lending policy to be followed by its implementing agencies viz. State Channelising Agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organizations for proper implementation of its schemes. These guidelines are meant to ensure simplification of formalities and charging concessional rate of interest from the beneficiaries. The formalities & loan documentation requirements are similar to other social lending programmes.

(d) A statement showing achievements by National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation for the last two years State wise is enclosed as Annexure- II.

2598. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh has written a letter on 27th August, 2008 for adequate allocation of funds for the ongoing projects, sanction of new lines and introduction of new passenger services in the State;

(b) if so, that details thereof; and (

(c) the present status of the requests made?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

( SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (c): Yes Sir. Request from Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has been received for allotment of funds for ongoing projects, taking up new projects and introduction of trains. Funds are allotted for sanctioned works yearly, keeping in view stage of project and availability of resources. About Rs. 800 crore has been provided in Budget 2009-10 for the projects falling partly/fully in Andhra Pradesh. For new projects, survey have been conducted/taken up wherever necessary. Introduction of Visakhapatnam-Mumbai Express(tri-weekly) via Secunderabad and Nizamuddin-Bangalore Rajdhani Express (tri-weekly) via Secunderabad have been announced in the Railway Budget 2009-10. These will provide additional service for Secunderabad-Mumbai and Secunderabad-Bangalore overnight passengers. The other requests have not been found feasible due to operational and resource constraints.

2544. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Government is aware of the protests organized by Students’ Unions across the country regarding change in the minimum marks required for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) from 60 to 80 per cent in class XII; and

(b) the reaction of Government regarding this issue?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) : The Joint Admission Board (JAB), which consists of representatives from all the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad and Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IT- BHU) as well as a representative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, makes recommendations in respect of matters relating to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). A Review Committee has been set up by the JAB to give its recom-mendations regarding factoring in of class XII results on a percentile basis while deciding admissions into IITs. Integrating class XII results with JEE results will help reduce dependence on coaching centres. Further, variation in the results of various Boards would be taken care of by following the cut-off marks on percentile basis. As the idea is yet to crystallise, it is too early to expect any reaction in concrete terms.

336. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the details of the funds released under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), State-wise including Andhra Pradesh;

(b) the achievements made through this programme to provide employment to the youth of the country; and

(c) the details of unemployed youth who received funds under the scheme since its inception, State-wise, District-wise, particularly in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

(SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) to (c): A statement is placed on the table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN ANSWER TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 336 FOR ANSWER ON 11.12.2009.

(a): State-wise details of funds (margin money subsidy) allocated by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the national level nodal agency for implementation of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and their utilisation under this scheme including that in Andhra Pradesh during 2008-09 is given at Annex I.

(b)&(c): District-wise information is not maintained centrally. However, State-wise number of units assisted and estimated number of employment opportunities generated under PMEGP including that in Andhra Pradesh during 2008-09 is given at Annex. II.

2333. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether several districts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly, Hyderabad are facing great difficulties due to poor mobile phone service of BSNL;

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

(c) the efforts being made by Government in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) Sir. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) based Cellular Mobile Telephone Service being provide by BSNL is working satisfactorily in all Districts of Andhra Pradesh including Hyderabad, in general, meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters prescribed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

(b) & (c) Do not arise in view of (a) above.

2278. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Government proposes to review the progress of various National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the fund allocated and spent thereon;

(c) the details of National Highway projects undertaken/proposed to be undertaken in Andhra Pradesh during the last three years and current year, project-wise;

(d) the status of each project; and

(e) the time-frame fixed for the completion of these projects?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) to (e) The Projects are reviewed quarterly and even earlier, for progress, bottlenecks and completion targets. Details of National Highway Projects undertaken/ proposed to be undertaken in the State of Andhra Pradesh during the last 3 years and current year is enclosed at Annexure-I.

2254. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether it is a fact that there is a long pending demand to establish a new sub-office in Vijayawada under Regional PF office, Guntur;

(b) the reasons for pendency of such genuine demand;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the new sub-offices were opened at Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh with very less PF accounts; and

(d) if so, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): There is a District Office of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) already in existence at Vijaywada under the jurisdiction of Regional Office, Guntur.

(c) & (d): After considering all the aspects, the Sub-Regional Office at Karimnagar was opened in August 2005 with the approval of the Executive Committee, Central Board of Trustees (Employees’ Provident Fund).

1982. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) : whether Government has taken any action on the report of the Review Committee for examining current levels of honorarium and other related issues of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers;

(b) : if so, the details thereof;

(c) : whether there is a disparity in the respective remunerations of the workers of Anganwadi and Mini-Anganwadi Centres;

(d) : if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to remove such disparity;

(e) : whether Government proposes to revise the status of Mini- Anganwadi Centres; and

(f) : if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) & (b) The Review Committee was constituted by the Government in 2006 to examine the current levels of Honorarium of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers and other related issues. The Report submitted by the Committee was accepted by the Government on 30.07.2008. Accordingly, the honorarium of Anganwadi Workers of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) was enhanced by Rs.500/- per month over and above the last honorarium drawn by them. Similarly, for Anganwadi Helpers of AWCs and Anganwadi Workers of Mini-AWCs, the honorarium was enhanced by Rs.250/- per month over and above the last honorarium drawn by them. The enhanced Honorarium is payable w.e.f. 1.4.2008.

(c)&(d) The honorarium being paid to Anganwadi Workers of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), out of grant-in-aid released by the Government of India ranges from Rs.1438/- to Rs.1563/- per month, depending upon their qualification and experience, whereas Anganwadi Workers engaged in Mini-Anganwadi centres are paid an honorarium of Rs.750/- per month.

The difference in honorarium being paid to these workers is on account of catering of lesser population (150-300 in tribal areas and 150-400 in rural/urban areas) by a Mini-AWC as compared to an AWC which caters a population in the range 300-800 in tribal areas and 400-800 in rural/urban areas.

(e) & (f) Presently, there is no such proposal.

1841. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of underground and open cast coal mines in the country, as on date, company-wise and State-wise;

(b) the details of the new coal mines opened during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government proposes to open more coal mines to increase coal production;

(d) if so, the details thereof, location-wise and State-wise; and

(e) the investment likely to be made for the purpose and the sources from where funds are likely to be mobilised in this regard ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a) : The number of underground and open cast mines in Coal India Limited (CIL) and in Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) as on 01.04.2009, company-wise and state- wise is given at Table-A of Annexure-I.

(b): The new coal mines opened during the last three years and the current year in respect of CIL and SCCL State- wise is given at Table-B of Annexure-I.

(c) to (e) : Yes sir. In Coal India Limited (CIL), 134 projects have been identified to be taken up during the XI Plan period for an ultimate capacity of 367.86 Mty. with estimated capital investment of Rs.35,772.63 crore. Out of these, 67 projects for a capacity of 157.42 Mty at an investment of Rs.8,870.67 crore have been approved and are under different stages of implementation. In Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), 23 projects have been identified to be taken up during the XI Plan period for an ultimate capacity of 38.053 Mty with estimated investment of about Rs.2,871.43 crore. The proposed investment in case of CIL and SCCL is entirely to be funded through internal resources. The details of the State-wise and location-wise projects are given in Table-C of Annexure-I.

ANNEXURE-I

Annexure referred to in reply to the parts (a) & (b) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1841.
Table: A

List of the Mines of CIL & SCCL AS ON 1.4.2009 (Provisional) Company State Undergroun Open Mixe Tot d Mines Cast d al Mine Mine Min s s es Eastern Coalfields West 73 15 6 94 Ltd. (ECL) Bengal(WB) Jharkhand(JH 9 6 1 16 ) Bharat Coking Coal West Bengal 2 1 0 3 Ltd. (BCCL) Jharkhand 45 17 17 79 Central Coalfields Jharkhand 24 36 2 62 Ltd.(CCL) Northern Madhya 0 5 0 5 Coalfields Ltd. Pradesh(MP)

(NCL) Uttar 0 5 0 5 Pradesh(UP) Western Coalfields Madhya 22 7 4 33 Ltd. (WCL) Pradesh Maharashtra( 21 32 0 53 MS) South Eastern Madhyra 28 8 0 36 Coalfields Ltd. Pradesh

(SECL) Chattisgarh( 41 13 1 55 CG) Mahanadi Orissa(OR) 9 15 0 24 Coalfields Ltd.

(MCL) North Eastern Assam(ASM) 4 3 0 7 Coalfields Ltd.

(NEC) Meghalaya 1 0 0 1 Coal India Limited Total 279 163 31 473

(CIL) Singareni Andhra 36 14 0 50 Collieries Co. Pradesh(AP) Ltd. (SCCL)

Table:B

List of the Mines opened during the last three years and in current year

State Name of the Mines Madhya

1. Block B (NCL) Pradesh

2. Urdhan (WCL)

3. Amadand (SECL)

4. Khaira (SECL)

5. Haldibari (SECL)

6. Damini (SECL) Chhattisga

1. Vijay West (SECL) rh

2. Amere (SECL)

3. Haldibari (SECL)

4. Ketki (SECL)

5. Chhal (SECL) Uttar

1. Krishnashila (NCL) Pradesh Maharashtr

1. Ghonsa (WCL) a

2. Inder UG to OC (WCL)

3. Navinkanada Ph.I (WCL) Orissa

1. Kulde (MCL)

2. Bhubeneshwari (MCL) Assam 1. Ledo (NEC)

Andhra 1. BPA OC-II Extension (SCCL Pradesh

2. KTK 8 Inc. (SCCL)

3. SRP OC-1 (SCCL)

4. DORLI OC-I (SCCL)

5. KTK OC Sector I (SCCL)

6. GDK 11 A Continuous miner (SCCL)

7 Kondapuram UG (SCCL)

SL Location/ State Approved Projects, Total Company Projects yet to be Projects approved 1 ECL West 6 5 11 Bengal(WB) Jharkhand(JH) 0 0 0 2 BCCL West Bengal 0 0 0 Jharkhand 0 6 6 3 CCL Jharkhand 13 12 25 4 NCL Madhya 2 1 3 Pradesh(MP) Uttar 0 0 0 Pradesh(UP) 5 WCL Madhya Pradesh 5 2 7 Maharashtra(MS 16 14 30 ) 6 SECL Madhya Pradesh 1 3 4 Chhattisgarh(C 9 12 21 G) 7 MCL Orissa(OR) 11 7 18 8 NEC Assam(ASM) 4 5 9 Meghalaya 0 0 0

(CIL) Total 67 67 134 9 (SCCL) Andhra 22 1 23 Pradesh(AP)

Table:C

List of proposed projects in CIL and SCCL.

1772. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the number of male/female students belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs) enrolled in Navodaya Vidyalayas during the years 2007-08 and 2008- 09, State-wise;

(b) whether Government proposes to enhance the existing percentage of enrolment; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) A statement showing the number of boys and girls belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes enrolled in Navodaya Vidyalayas during the years 2007-08 and 2008-09 in each State/UT is annexed.

(b) No, Sir. Seats are reserved in Navodaya Vidyalayas for children from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in proportion to their population in the concerned district, but not less than 15% for SC and 75% for ST.

(c) Does not arise.

1698. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the total amount spent/to be spent on agriculture in the country during the last three years and the current year and its percentage share in the Gross Domestic Product; and

(b) the amount allocated/proposed to be allocated to Andhra Pradesh for agriculture and dairy development during the said period and achievements made therein?
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): Investment in agriculture and allied sector in the country during 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 (for which data is available) with its percentage share in GDP is given in the Statement at Annexure-1.

(b): Details of major schemes of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries implemented in the State of Andhra Pradesh during 2006-07 to 2009-10 is attached in the statement at Annexure-II.

1660. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Government has issued any directions to the State Governments to take necessary steps to preserve the ground water storage against its unlimited exploitation;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the States thereon;

(c) whether Government is contemplating to introduce any special scheme to minimize the use of ground water;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the average rate of extraction of ground water for agriculture per day?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) to (d) Central Ground Water Authority issued direction to States having ‘over-exploited’ areas to take necessary measures to adopt/promote artificial recharge to ground water/rain water harvesting, conservation of ground water and also to include roof top rain water harvesting in the building bye-laws. As per available information, 18 States and 4 UTs have amended building bye-laws incorporating mandatory adoption of roof top rain water harvesting in existing/new buildings in their respective States/UTs.

The Ministry of Water Resources also circulated to the States/UTs a Model Bill on regulation of ground water. 11 States/UTs viz. Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli have enacted the ground water legislation for this purpose.

(e) The rate of extraction of ground water for agriculture varies from place to place depending upon the cropping pattern, rainfall intensity, etc. However, the net annual ground water withdrawal for irrigation is estimated as 212 billion cubic metres (bcm), which is 92% of the total ground water draft.

1573. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the number of Haj pilgrims that used the special quota of MPs in the year 2009;

(b) whether there is any discrimination in that quota; and

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

(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) A total number of 6014 seats have been allotted to Hon’ble Members of Parliament for Haj 2009. Efforts are made to allocate seats to each Member of Parliament requesting for the same, provided the recommendations have been received and quota is available at that time. A minimum of two seats per MP is held in reserve for such requests.

(b) No.

(c) Does not arise.

1483. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the number of non-muster-roll and casual workers appointed in the Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings during each of the last three years and the current year, separately, State-wise;

(b) the details of minimum wages paid to them;

(c) the mechanism put in place to ensure payment of minimum wages to the contract and casual workers through the labour contractors or outsourcing agencies;

(d) whether Government has formulated any policy for regularisation of above workers including contract workers; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) to (e): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

1384. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the status of people who have been relocated from designated or proposed Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country during the last three years till date;

(b) the number of people relocated during the above period and the number of people proposed to be relocated from such SEZs in near future, State-wise;

(c) the details of standard rehabilitation policy of Government for such people; and

(d) the money allocated, spent or proposed to be spent on the job by the Union Government and the respective State Governments, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) to (d): Land is a State subject. Land for SEZs is procured as per the policy and procedures of the respective State Governments. As per the current policy, the Board of Approval does not approve any SEZs, where the State Governments have carried out or propose to carry out compulsory acquisition of land for such SEZs after 5th April, 2007.

Insofar as relief and rehabilitation package for any affected person is concerned, these vary from State to State depending upon the provisions of the State policies. The Ministry of Rural Development has come out with the revised National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 07.

1381. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA
NANDI YELLAIAH
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any proposals for industrialisation, trade promotion and setting up of industries for the economic development of Andhra Pradesh are pending with the Union Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) by when these proposals are likely to be cleared?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) & (b): A list of Industrial License applications from Andhra Pradesh received by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion is annexed.

(c): The issue of Industrial Licenses is a continuous process. Cases are disposed off by the Licensing Committee after receipt of comments from the Administrative Ministries/Departments concerned.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1381 FOR ANSWER ON 02.12.2009.

ANNEXURE PENDING INDUSTRIAL LICENSE APPLICATIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH IL No Location Name of the Company Item of manufacture 176/IL/07 dt. 05.11.07 Hyderabad, A.P M/s Ananth Technologies Ltd Defence equipment 201/IL/07 dt. 19.12.07 Hyderabad, A.P M/s Speck systems Ltd Opto electronic systems, software and GIS, mobile systems, shelters etc. 79/IL/08 Dt .22 .9.08 Hyderabad, A.P M/s FLIC Microwaves Pvt. Ltd Apparatus for radio broad casting television transmission, radar apparatus & radio – remote control apparatus 80/IL/08 dt. 25.9.08 Nalgonda, A.P M/s A.P. Explochem Pvt. Ltd PETN, Industrial Explosives etc 82/IL/08 Dt. 01 .10.08 Nalgonda, A.P M/s Vijaya Explosives Pvt. Ltd Detonators of all types, industrial explosives, cast boosters, cladex powder etc. 86/IL/08 Dt. 11.11.08 Rangareddy,A.P M/s Salvo Explosives & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd Slurry explosives, Bulk explosives etc 3/IL/2009 dt.17.3.09 Nalgonda, A.P M/s Travancore Components Pvt. Ltd Semi combustible cartridge cases 18/IL/2009 dt.1.6.09 Rangareddy, A.P M/s Nova Integrated Systems Ltd Missiles systems, sub systems and accessories 19/IL/2009 dt.1.6.09 Rangareddy,A.P M/s Nova Integrated Systems Ltd Unmanned aerial vehicle systems, sub systems and accessories etc 20/IL/2009 dt.1.6.09 Rangareddy, A.P M/s Nova Integrated Systems Ltd Radars systems, sub systems & accessories 24/IL/2009 dt.3.7.09 Nalgonda, A.P M/s Sri Vishnu Explosives Ltd Water Gel Slurry Explosives 27/IL/2009 dt.30.7.09 Nalgonda, A.P M/s Sri Vishnu Explosives Pvt. Ltd Site mixed explosives, detonators, detonating cord etc 34/IL/2009 dt.28.08.09 Rangareddy, A.P M/s HBL Power Systems Ltd Hand Grenades 38/IL/2009 dt. 29.9.2009 Mahaboobnagar, A.P. M/s Explofab metals India Pvt. Ltd Nitro compound explosives Boosters & metal cladding powder 40/IL/2009 Dt. 7. 10.09 Karimnagar, A.P M/s Singareni Collieries Co., Ltd Site Mixed Industrial explosives including slurries, emulsion and heavy anfo 41/IL/2009 Dt. 7.10.09 Karimnagar, A.P M/s Singareni Collieries Co., Ltd Site Mixed Industrial exlosives including slurries, emulsion and Heavy anfo 50/IL/2009 Dt. 16.11.09 Ranga Reddy, (A.P) M/s HBL Power Systems Ltd Anti Tank influence Mines and parts there on

1356. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the details of ongoing watershed projects in the country, State-wise;

(b) the time by which all these ongoing projects would be competed;

(c) whether any new watershed projects have been initiated ; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SISIR ADHIKARI)

(a) The details of State-wise ongoing watershed projects are given at Annexure-I.

(b) The department has been pressing upon the State Governments the urgency to complete ongoing projects within the next 2 to 3 years at every review meeting.

(c) & (d) Three watershed programmes namely Drought Prone Areas program (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) of the Department of Land Resources have been consolidated into a single programme called Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). This was approved by the Cabinet on 26.02.2009. During 2009-10, a total of 816 projects covering an area of 40.23 lakh ha. have been sanctioned so far. The State-wise details of the project sanctioned under IWMP are given at Annexure-II.

1299. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether the expenditure on health is very low in Government sector as compared to the private sector;

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

(c) the average annual amount spent/being spent on health sector during the last three years and the current year;

(d) whether the health sector has largely been comercialized in the country; and

(e) if so, the reaction of Government thereto?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(e): As per the National Health Accounts India 2004-05 (with provisional estimates from 2005-06 to 2008-09), health spending by Government and private Sectors in the country for the last 3 years is estimated as follows:

(Rs. in crore
Year Public expenditure Private expenditure

2006-07
40678.86
127840.57

2007-08
48685.21
142690.24

2008-09
58681.38
157393.54

Information on expenditure for the current year is not available Relatively low public spending on health has led to the emergence of a large private sector. This contributes towards commercialization of the health sector.

Government plans to increase the public spending on health. The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) aims to raise public health spending to at least 2% of the GDP during the Plan Period.

To support the public health system in the States, Government of India had launched the National Rural Health Mission in 2005 and this has an outlay of Rs.90,558 crore during the 11th Plan period. The Mission aims to provide quality health services, which are accessible, affordable and accountable. It also strengthens the primary health care and aims at reducing the out of pocket expenditures. The allocation for a number of other programmes has also been enhanced substantially in the first two years of the Plan period.

1207. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the number and location of working women`s hostels in the country, State-wise;

(b) the quantum of assistance released to each State Government for the purpose during the last three years, State-wise;

(c) Whether any new hostels are to be set up in the country; and

(d) If so, the details thereof, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) The state-wise list of completed working women`s hostels is available in the website of the Ministry, i.e. www.wcd.nic.in.

(b) The scheme of working women hostel is a central sector scheme where grant is released directly to the implementing agencies and not to the State Governments.

(c) & (d) Setting up of new hostels depends upon receiving viable proposals from implementing organizations, duly recommended by the concerned State Government. The list of working women`s hostels under construction is also available in the website of the Ministry i.e. www.wcd.nic.in.

1179. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of villages electrified in each State under the RGGVY during the last three years, year-wise;

(b) the funds released for the purpose and utilized by each State during the period;

(c) whether some State Governments have submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to Government under the Yojana; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by Government thereon, State-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

( SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )

(a) & (b) : State-wise & Year-wise achievement of electrification of un/de-electrified villages and funds disbursed during the last three years for the sanctioned projects under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) is at Annex-I & II respectively.

(c) & (d) : 611 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were received in Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). 567 Detailed Project Reports (235 projects under X Plan and 332 projects under XI Plan) submitted by the State Governments have been sanctioned under RGGVY by the Government . The State-wise details of projects sanctioned under RGGVY, are at Annex-III.

1007. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the number of Government and private colleges in the country as on date, State-wise;

(b) the number of private colleges getting grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC);

(c) the criterion for disbursement of grants to private colleges; and

(d) the steps taken by Government for promoting quality education in private and Government colleges?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) According to information furnished by UGC, 7346 colleges have been recognized and included in the list of colleges maintained under Section 2(f) and Section 12B of the UGC Act -1956, of which 3993 private colleges are aided colleges as on 31st October, 2009. The State-wise list of college is at Annexure.

(c) Colleges which receive grants for salaries from State Governments and which are permanently affiliated to the University of jurisdiction are eligible for grants from the UGC.

(d) UGC provides development grants to eligible private as well as Government colleges for promoting quality education. In addition, the Commission also has a scheme of Colleges with Potential for Excellence for providing special assistance to promising colleges.

Annexure
Annexure referred to in reply to parts (a) & (b) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No.1007 for answer on 27.11.2009 asked by Hon’ble Member Shri Syed Azeez Pasha.
No. of Colleges included under Section 2(f) & 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956 (State-wise) as on 31.10.2009.

Sl. State/Union No. of Colleges Total
No. Territory
Govt Private

Aided Unaided
1 Andhra 191 227 44 462
Pradesh
2 Arunachal 6 2 8
Pradesh
3 Assam 27 169 37 233
4 Bihar 205 92 45 342
5 Chhattisgarh 114 29 2 145
6 Goa 8 15 3 26
7 Gujarat 40 330 19 389
8. Haryana 52 99 4 155
9 Himachal 40 10 50
Pradesh
10 Jammu & 43 8 57 108
Kashmir
11 Jharkhand 61 25 20 106
12 Karnataka 156 390 61 607
13 Kerala 55 164 9 228
14 Madhya 302 125 29 456
Pradesh
15 Maharashtra 75 755 144 974
16 Manipur 36 12 6 54
17 Meghalaya 3 22 9 34
18 Mizoram 10 11 2 23
19 Nagaland 4 10 3 17
20 Orissa 119 208 52 379
21 Punjab 48 163 9 220
22 Rajasthan 137 92 27 256
23 Sikkim 5 3 8
24 Tamilnadu 83 203 80 366
25 Tripura 13 3 16
26 Uttar Pradesh 102 426 596 1124
27 Uttaranchal 32 12 3 47
28 West Bengal 45 344 9 398
29 A&N Island 2 2
30 Chandigarh 11 7 18
31 D& N Haveli 0
32 Daman Diu 1 1
33 Delhi 36 40 5 81
34 Lakshadweep 0
35 Pondicherry 10 2 1 13

Total 2072 3993 1281 7346

980. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the details of universities and colleges in the country as on October 31, 2007, State-wise;

(b) whether 30 per cent of the teaching and non-teaching posts in the country’s Central and State Universities are lying vacant despite the efforts made by the Union Government;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(d) the number of vacant posts of lecturers and non- teaching categories in the academic year 2008-09, university-wise; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to fill up all these vacant posts both in the Central and State Universities?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) Information in regard to Universities and Colleges is available in Library.

(b) & (c) Based on information collected by the UGC from a sample of 14 Central Universities and 40 State Universities, the percentage of vacancies in Central Universities for the category of Lecturers is 29%, for Readers 34%, for Professors 42% and percentage of vacant non-teaching posts in Central Universities range from 21% in Group ‘D’ to 28% in Group ‘A’. In respect of State Universities, the status of vacant posts of Lecturers has been found to be 33%, for Readers 42%, for Professors 19% and in respect of non- teaching posts in State Universities, the vacancies range from 17% for Group ‘D’ and 27% for Group ‘A’ posts. One of the important reasons for posts lying vacant in State Universities has been the ban on recruitment to posts in States said to be due to lack of funds. Both, in respect of Central Universities as well as the State Universities, it may be generally stated that teaching as a career has been unable to attract suitable candidates due to comparatively more attractive remuneration in the other avenues in a growing economy.

(d) The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(e) The age of superannuation in teaching posts has been increased from 62 years to 65 years and further selectively till the age of 70 years so as to prevent depletion of qualified teachers. Revised package of Pay Bands, perquisites and other benefits has been implemented, making it more attractive than salaries etc. for Civil Servants. This is expected to make teaching as a career more attractive to the youth. The Central Government also impresses upon State Governments to lift their ban, wherever it is so, on employment of teachers and persons in non- teaching posts.

843. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) the total amount of grants-in-aid released to Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations(VOs) in Andhra Pradesh under various programmes/schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Physically challenged persons during the last three years;

(b) whether any study has since been conducted by the Government to check the proper utilization of grants by these NGOs/VOs for the schemes meant for SCs/ STs/OBCs and Physically challenged in Andhra Pradesh; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI D. NAPOLEON)

(a) : The total amount of grants-in-aid released by this Ministry and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to the Non-Governmental Organisations in Andhra Pradesh under various programmes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Physically challenged persons during the last three years is given at Annexure.

(b) & (c) : No such study has been conducted in Andhra Pradesh. The Ministry monitors the performance of Non-Governmental Organisations through utilization certificates received from them and periodical inspections by senior officers of this Ministry.

799. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Indo-Pak talks was held in the recent past ;

(b) if so, the details of various issues discussed in the said meeting;

(c) the reaction of Pakistan on the points raised by India;

(d) the details of the decision taken on the occasion; and

(e) the mutual benefits likely to accrue as a result of these talks?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) Yes. The External Affairs Minister (EAM) met Pakistan Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi on September 27, 2009 in New York on the sidelines of UNGA. This meeting was preceded by a detailed meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan.

(b) to (e) Both the Ministers had a useful, constructive and candid exchange of views on the situation in our bilateral relations. They agreed that the future direction in our bilateral relations has to be one of deeper, sustained and meaningful relations. EAM conveyed to Pakistan FM our view that for a sustained and meaningful dialogue process to succeed, it is essential to ensure an environment free of violence, terrorism and the threat to use violence. EAM underlined and reiterated that concrete and effective steps by Pakistan against individuals and entities who pose a threat to us can instill in us the confidence that commitments given by Pakistan for not allowing its soil to be used for terrorist attacks against India would be adhered to. Pakistan FM conveyed the seriousness of his Government in bringing to book through their legal process those responsible for the terrorist outrage in Mumbai. Pakistan FM conveyed that the trial against those accused for the Mumbai attack would begin shortly and that the Pakistan Government would take steps to see that justice is done.

713. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether Government has identified the States where child labour system is still prevalent;

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

(c) the steps taken/being taken by Government to eradicate the child labour and for their rehabilitation; and

(d) the result thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b): Census conducted by the Registrar General of India is the only authentic source of information on the number of working children. As per census 2001, the number of working children in the country is 1.26 crore. State-wise data is at Annexure. I

(c) & (d): Government is committed to the elimination of all forms of child labour. Considering the magnitude and the nature of the problem, Government has adopted a gradual & sequential approach to withdraw and rehabilitate working children, beginning with those working in hazardous occupations/processes and then covering children working in other occupations. In this direction, Government is implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme in 271 districts of the country. Under the Scheme, children withdrawn from work are enrolled into special schools where they are provided with bridging education, vocational training, stipend, nutrition and health care facilities etc. Under the Scheme, 5.21 lakh children have been mainstreamed into regular education system so far.

678. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA

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

(a) whether the atrocities against SCs/STs are on the rise in the country;

(b) if so, the total number of such cases registered, accused arrested cases solved, trial started and conviction achieved during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise, crime wise including murder, riots and sexual harassment;

(c) the action taken against the offenders including panchayat bodies reported to have punished the SCs/STs harshly for petty offences; and

(d) the steps taken by Government to check such incidents in future?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) & (b): The State/UT-wise and crime-head wise details of cases registered under crimes against persons belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes for the years 2006, 2007 and provisional details for 2008 are at Annexure-I & II, respectively. Statistics for the year 2009 is not available.

(c ) & (d): Government of India is committed to prevent and combat crimes against vulnerable sections of the society, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As per the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects and as such the primary responsibility of prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of crime, lies with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, the Central Government has issued advisories to the State Governments and UT Administrations from time to time, to give more focused attention to the prevention and control of crimes against SC/ST.

591. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that the Mumbai Port Trust administration has decided to commission four hired harbour tugs on contract basis for the Port operations like towing operations for shipping movements of the ships called at Mumbai Port and for its future requirements;

(b) whether this said decision of the Port management has been opposed by the labour unions at Mumbai Port on the grounds that contracted labour of outside private agencies should not be engaged for discharging the regular and perennial nature of job like shipping movements in the port area which would be contrary to the provisions of labour law; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?
Answer
MINISTER OF SHIPPING

(SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a): Yes, sir. A proposal recommending hire of four harbor tugs is under consideration of the Board of Trustees of the Mumbai Port Trust.

(b) & (c): Yes, sir. The issue has been discussed with the three trade unions by the management of Mumbai Port Trust. During discussion, the unions have recorded their objections to the proposal on various grounds including the ground that private agencies should not be engaged in to wage work which is of perennial nature. The views of the Unions and that of Management along with the comparative

589. SHRI SYED AZEEZ PASHA
D. RAJA
Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Mumbai Port Trust Flotilla Workers Association has made out a detailed petition to the Board of Trustees of the Mumbai Port, wherein it has been pointed out that the cost of port operations by commissioning hired harbour tugs on contract basis would be more than that of commissioning the Port’s own tugs and ongoing regular employees of the port;

(b) if so, whether the management of the port rejected the prayers of the Association; and

(c) if so, on which grounds?
Answer
MINISTER OF SHIPPING

(SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a): Yes, Sir. Mumbai Port Trust Flotilla Workers’ Association has made out a petition to the trustees wherein they have claimed that the cost of operation of hired harbour tugs would be more than the cost of operation by purchase of the tug by the Port and operating them with regular employees. However, it is seen that the working given by the unions is not correct. This has been explained to them during the meetings held on this proposal and the correct working of comparative cost made by the Port’s Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer provided to them. The comparative cost clearly indicates hire of tugs is cheaper than the Port investing in new tugs and recruiting personnel to man and operate them. Further, the availability of hired tugs is higher and assured for 353 days in a year as compared to the Port’s owned tugs and hence preferred to enable the port to provide competitive and quality services to the shipping.

(b) & (c): The views of the Association and that of the Management alongwith the comparative costs and availability have been placed before the board for consideration.