Questions asked by Mr. Kamal Akhtar during Rajya Sabha Budget session 2010

June 17, 2010

No. of questions found: 89

4734

Support TwoCircles

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

RAILWAYS

ENCROACHMENT OF RAILWAY LAND

4734. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
to the reply to Unstarred Question 2413 given in Rajya Sabha on 16th April 2010 and state:

(a) the details of land which has been evicted during last one year till date in NE and NC railways;

(b) the name of schools which have encroached 0.42 acre of railway land in Varanasi;

(d) if so, how the title of this land was transferred to Sunbeam School, Lahartara; and

(e) the action Government will take to evict these lands particularly the land in records and has been transferred to Sunbeam, Lahartara?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a): Total 0.22 acre of railway land has been vacated from encroachments during last one year in North Central and North Eastern Railways.

(b): Janta Vidyalaya has encroached 0.42 acre of railway land in Varanasi, North Eastern Railway.

(c): No, Sir.

(d) & (e): Do not arise.

4675

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

*IMPLEMENTATION OF RTE ACT .

4675. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Right to Education (RTE) Act has become effective in the country since 1st April, 2010;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether notification in this regard has been issued and all schools, private and Government, have been directed in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether some States have refused to implement the said Act and some schools are also not following the provisions of the Act; (g) if so, the details thereof along with the complaints received, State-wise; and (h) the details of remedial measures proposed/adopted in this regard?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (h): The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 has been enacted to provide for free and compulsory education of all children of the age of six to fourteen years. The provisions of the said Act have come into force with effect from 1st April, 2010. Notification dated 16th February, 2010 regarding enforcement of the Act has been published in the Gazette of India on 19th February, 2010.
State Government have not expressed inability in implementing RTE Act. While endorsing the provisions of the Act, various states including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh have requested for allocation of adequate funds for implementation of the Act. It is the duty of the appropriate Government and the local authorities to take necessary steps for carrying out the provisions of the Act.

4674

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

*CONTROL OVER FEE STRUCTURE IN FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES .

4674. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 2368 given in the Rajya Sabha on 16th April, 2010 and state:

(a) whether Government has proposed any mechanism to control the fee structure to be charged by foreign universities;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether in the absence of any control over fee structure universities will behave like private schools in the country wherein students of middle class or lower class of the country can not even think of getting admission;

(e) if so, the rationale for bringing legislation for entry of foreign universities;

(f) whether these universities will be opened in rural areas also; and (g) if so, the details thereof?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (g) : A legislative proposal for regulating the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions in India has been introduced in Parliament on 3rd May, 2010 and the provisions of the Bill can take effect only subject to approval by Parliament. The proposal provides for applicability of all domestic laws on Foreign Education Providers as well. At present there is no law on control over fee structure of private unaided universities. Such legislation while preventing entry and operation of sub- standard institutions would provide Indian Students access to innovative areas of studies, enhanced research opportunities, increase in enrolment, and attracting foreign investments to achieve the targeted Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.

4590

UNSTARRED

06.05.2010

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

WASTE DUMPING GROUND AT DUNDAHERA

4590. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 2262 given in Rajya Sabha on 15th April, 2010 and state:

(a) the reasons for which his Ministry has stated that environmental clearance from UPPCB was ensured before sanctioning funds whereas M/o Environment in reply to Starred Question 330 dated 19 April, 2010 has stated that environmental clearance for solid waste dumping ground at Dundahera has not been given till date;

(b) the correct position and responsibility fixed for the error and action taken against culprits;

(c) whether UP Jal Nigam/GNN had fabricated environmental clearance to misappropriate public funds in name of dumping ground; and

(d) the action proposed against them and steps taken to cancel allocated funds and institute high level enquiry into the matter?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): The Project for Solid Waste Management and Drainage for Ghaziabad town (Hindon Airfield) was approved by the Ministry in August, 2005 under the Central Sector Scheme for Solid Waste Management and Drainage in 10 selected IAF Airfields after the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation had obtained `No Objection Certificate` from Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in August, 2004 under the Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000. Funds were released by the Ministry during September 2005 and July 2006. Subsequently, the Ministry of Environment & Forests issued Environmental Impact Assessment notification which came into force in September, 2006, requiring environmental clearance from State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for the `Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility`. The requirement of environmental clearance is being considered by the State Government. Thus, there has been no error in presentation of facts.

(b), (c) & (d): Do not arise.

4453

UNSTARRED

05.05.2010

TEXTILES

*SUICIDE BY WEAVERS .

4453. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of weavers committed suicide since 2007 till date, year-wise and State-wise;

(b) whether condition of weavers is very miserable and they are unable to cater to the basic needs of their family;

(d) if not, the reasons for neglecting the millions of poor weavers;

(e) whether weavers in UP have demonstrated against the policies of Government;

(f) if so, the details thereof; (g) whether Government will announce any financial package during 2010-11 to ameliorate the plights of poor weavers; and (h) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): The information were called from all State Governments /Union Territories. Only the following States have reported suicides committed by the weavers due to poverty, family disturbance, financial and other domestic problems. The details of suicide committed by weavers since 2007 and the current year are as under:
Name of State 2007 2008 2009 2010 Andhra Pradesh 75 77 21 7 Orissa – 01 01 – Kerala – 05 – –

(b): No, sir. The weavers in the handloom sector generally belong to the rural sector. They have to depend on the steady supply of basic inputs like yarn, credit, looms, accessories etc. at reasonable rates especially as they face stiff competition from the organized mill and powerloom sectors and also in marketing of finished products. Government of India is implementing number of schemes to enhance production, productivity and efficiency of the handloom and powerloom sector and enhance the income and socio-economic status of the weavers by upgrading their skill and providing infrastructural input and marketing support. During the 11th Five Year Plan, the following schemes are being implemented for the upliftment of weavers :-

1. Handloom Sector

(i) Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme

(ii) Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme

(iii) Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme

(iv) Mill Gate Price Scheme

(v) Diversified Handloom Development Scheme

2. Powerloom Sector

i) Integrated Scheme for Powerloom Cluster Development
ii) Group Insurance Scheme
iii) Group Workshed Scheme
iv) 20% Credit linked Capital Subsidy

(c): The Government of India is conducting 3rd National Handloom Census.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) & (f): No such report has been received from the State Government of Uttar Pradesh.

(g) & (h): This Ministry constituted a High Level Committee headed by Managing Director, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to look into the problems of high cost of working capital and choking of credit lines in the handloom sector. The Committee suggested a financial package for handloom sector which includes waiver of overdue loans and interest of Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies/Apex Handloom Weavers Cooperative Societies and provision of loan to handloom weavers at low rate of interest. The Financial Package is under consideration.

4370

UNSTARRED

05.05.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

GRANT OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP .

4370. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) the number of persons from Pakistan who had requested for the grant of Indian citizenship/long term visa in between 1975 to 1980, particularly from Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh;

(b) the names of each such person and the details of action taken on each such requests;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) by when such cases would be cleared?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

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

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4370 FOR 5.5.2010 REGARDING GRANT OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP/LONG TERM VISA TO PERSONS FROM PAKISTAN BETWEEN 1975 TO 1980.

(a) to (e): The grant of Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and a Rules made thereunder is a multi-level and multi-agency activity. As per rule 11 and 12 of the Citizenship Rules, 2009, an application for grant of Indian citizenship is to be submitted by the applicant to the Collector within whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily a resident. The Collector, after satisfying himself/herself regarding eligibility of the applicant to become a citizen of India, forwards the application to the State Government/UT administration concerned. The State Government/UT administration in turn forwards the application along with its recommendation to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Thereafter, the application is processed further as per the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the rules made thereunder. Since initial application is submitted to the Collector concerned and a number of agencies are involved in the processing of applications for grant of citizenship, no centralized data base of such persons requested for grant of Indian citizenship/pending cases is maintained. All cases received in the Ministry of Home Affairs are processed as expeditiously as possible.

4356

UNSTARRED

05.05.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

NAXALITE AFFECTED DISTRICTS OF UP .

4356. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that 18 districts of Uttar Pradesh are badly affected by naxalite threat;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the names of those districts;

(c) whether it is also a fact that in those 18 districts naxalites are running parallel Government and there is no rule of law;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of action his Ministry proposes to take to curb the naxalite menace in the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (e): On the basis of violence profile, 3 districts viz. Chandauli, Mirzapur and Sonebhadra in Uttar Pradesh have been included under Security Related Expenditure Scheme which is meant for reimbursing such expenditure incurred for anti-naxal operations by the States.

State Governments deal with various issues related to naxalite activities in the States. Central Government supplements their efforts over a wide range of schemes, both on security and development front.

563

STARRED

05.05.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

FAKE ENCOUNTERS BY DELHI POLICE

563. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) the number of persons who died in encounters with Delhi Police during the last three years, till date;

(b) the number of cases of fake encounters by Delhi Police reported/ represented during the last three years;

(c) the number and the details of police officials booked and punished during the last three years for involvement in fake encounters; and

(d) the action his Ministry has taken/proposed to take to check rising trend of fake encounters by Delhi Police?
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. 563 FOR 05.05.2010 REGARDING “FAKE ENCOUNTERS BY DELHI POLICE”.

(a): Number of persons who died in encounters with Delhi Police during the last three years, till date are given below:
Year Persons died in encounters
2007 13
2008 05

(including one police personnel)
2009
2010 (upto 20/4/2010)

(b) to (d): There has been no fake encounter by Delhi Police during the last three years. However, there have been representations/court cases for judicial enquiry into the Batla House incident on 19.9.2008. Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in W.P. (C) No. 7368/2008 and CM No. 9940/2009 passed an Order on 26.8.2009 declining the prayer for an independent judicial enquiry into the encounter being satisfied with the enquiry report of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

4239

UNSTARRED

04.05.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

MOUTH CANCER DUE TO GUTKHA PAN MASALA .

4239. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that gutkha/pan masala is the main reason of mouth cancer in India;

(b) if so, the number of deaths occurred due to mouth cancer during the last three years;

(c) whether gutkha/pan masala manufacturing companies are using harmful chemicals, which are either not permitted or using beyond permissible limit;

(d) if so, the details thereof and name of such companies;

(e) whether brands like Pan Parag, Rajanigandha, Pan Bahar, Manikchand, Dilbagh, Shikhar, Rajdarbar etc. are violating the norms set by Government;

(f) if so, what action his Ministry will take against these brands; and (g) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a) All tobacco products, both in smoking and smokeless form, are known to be a major cause of mouth cancer. Tobacco products are also a major cause of cancers of rest of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynox, lung, oesophagus, stomach etc.

(b) Based on the mortality data from Chennai and Mumbai Population Based Cancer Registries (functioning under the National Cancer Registry Programme of ICMR), the estimated deaths due to mouth cancers in India were 18,581 in 2009; 18,211 in 2008 and 17,847 in 2007.

4198

UNSTARRED

04.05.2010

FINANCE

*WITHDRAWAL OF CONTRIBUTION FROM NPS .

4198. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) money received by National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) under New Pension Scheme (NPS) from employees whose accounts are still inactive and whose accounts are active separately, year-wise since its inception in 2004;

(b) whether employees under NPS can withdraw 40 to 60 per cent of their contribution invested in unit linked market schemes at current NAV like employees under GPF contribution who can withdraw 40 per cent of their contribution anytime when they want;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a): Contributory Provident Fund is not covered under the New Pension System (NPS). However, the total amount received under NPS as contribution from Central Government employees since inception is as follows:
Year Amount (Central Government employees)
31.3.2008 Rs. 740.29 crore
31.3.2009 Rs. 2,032.29 crore
31.3.2010 Rs. 3,961.52 crore

For Government employees, the accounts get activated with the allotment of Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). The accounts are kept active till such time the accumulations are withdrawn due to superannuation or death or exit from the Government service.

(b) to (d): individuals can normally exit at or after age 60 years from tier-1 of the pension system. At exit, the individual would be mandatorily required to invest 40 per cent of pension wealth to purchase an annuity and would receive a lump-sum of the remaining pension wealth. Individual would have the flexibility to leave the pension system prior to age 60. However, in this case, the mandatory annuitisation would be 80% of the pension wealth.

4192

UNSTARRED

04.05.2010

FINANCE

LOAN DEFAULTS AND FUND DIVERSION BY REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
.

4192. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
–

(a) whether banking division is aware of huge loan liabilities of various companies promoted by Supertech Constructions Private Limited, Doon Valley Technopolies Private Limited, Supertech Limited, Supertech Infra Limited, Assotech Contracts India Limited, Assotech-Supertech (JV);

(b) whether banks are aware of the huge loan defaults by these companies to Government agencies like State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal (SIDCUL) etc. and blatant fund diversion by these companies;

(c) what steps Government proposes to take to ensure that banks and innocent investors are protected from such dubious real estate companies;

(d) if so, the details thereof, and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a) & (b): Pursuant to the then Finance Minister`s Budget Speech made in Parliament on 28th February 1994, in order to alert the banks and FIs and put them on guard against the defaulters to other lending institutions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put in place scheme to collect details about borrowers of banks and FIs with outstanding aggregating Rs. 1 crore and above which are classified as `Doubtful` or `Loss` or where suits are filed, as on 31st March and 30th September each year. In February 1999, RBI had also introduced a scheme for collection and dissemination of information on cases of willful default of borrowers with outstanding balance of Rs.25 lakh and above. At present, RBI disseminates list of above-said non-suit filed `doubtful and loss` borrowal accounts of Rs. 1 crore and above on half-yearly basis (i.e. as on March 31 and September 30) to banks and FIs for their `confidential use`. The list of non-suit filed accounts of willful defaults of Rs.25 lakh and above is also disseminated on quarterly basis to banks and FIs for their `confidential use`. Section 45 E of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 prohibits the Reserve Bank from disclosing `credit information` except in the manner provided therein. Credit information Bureau of India Limited (CIBIL) is also placing the list of defaulters (suit-filed accounts) of Rs.1 crore and above and list of willful defaulters (suit-filed accounts) of Rs.25 lakh and above as on March 31,2003 and onwards on its website (www.cibil.com) for confidential use by banks and FIs.

(c) to (e): RBI has issued a circular dated August 27, 2009 to all Scheduled Commercial Banks, regarding finance for Housing Projects – Incorporating clause in the terms and conditions to disclose in Pamphlets/ Brochures/ advertisements information regarding mortgage of property to the bank based on a case which came up before the Hon`ble High Court of Judicature at Bombay. The Hon`ble Court observed that the bank granting finance to housing/ development projects should insist on disclosure of the charge/ or any other liability on the plot, in the brochure, pamphlets etc. The Court also added that this obviously would be part of the terms and conditions on which the loan may be sanctioned by the bank. While granting finance to specific housing / development projects, banks are advised to stipulate as a part of the terms and conditions that i. The builder/ developer/ company would disclose in the Pamphlets/ Brochures etc., the name(s) of the bank(s) to which the property is mortgaged. ii. The builder/ developer/ company would append the information relating to mortgage while publishing advertisement of a particular scheme in newspapers/ magazines etc. iii. The builder/ developer/ company would indicate in their pamphlets/ brochures, that they would provide No Objection Certificate (NOC)/ permission of the mortgage bank for sale of flats/ property, if required. Banks are also advised to ensure compliance of the above terms and conditions and funds should not be released unless the builder/developer/company fulfils the above requirements.

4149

UNSTARRED

03.05.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

*ANGANWADI CENTRES IN UTTAR PRADESH BIHAR AND UTTARAKHAND
.

4149. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of Anganwadi Centres sanctioned and opened in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand till date, State-wise and district-wise;

(b) whether basic amenities like drinking water and toilets are not available at 72 percent and 78 percent of Anganwadi Centres respectively in the country;

(c) if so, the details of the centres in Uttra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand where drinking water facility and toilet facility are not available, district-wise; and

(d) the steps taken to address the issue of basic facilities in the States ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a)to(d): The number of sanctioned and operational Anganwadi Centres(AWCs)in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarkhand as on 31.3.2010 are as under:

Name of State Sanctioned Operational
Uttar Pradesh 187517 I50986
Bihar 91968 80211
Uttarakhand 23159 10666

As per the information available, drinking water and toilet facilities are available in 52.31 percent and 42.22 per cent of Anganwadi centres respectively in the country. The details of drinking water and toilet facilities available at AWCs are as under:

Name of State % AWCs having drinking water % AWCshaving toilet facilities
Uttar Pradesh 87.18% 80.71%
Bihar 6.02% 6.02%
Uttarakhand 46.47% 47.54%

District- wise information is not maintained by the Ministry as this is primarily the concern of the State Governments. Ministry of WCD has reviewed the implementation of ICDS Scheme with States/ UTs and have requested the States/ UTs to provide basic facilities, including drinking water and toilet facilities in the AWCs, in convergence, particularly with Total Sanitation Campaign and Rajeev Gandhi Drinking Water Mission.

4091

UNSTARRED

03.05.2010

MINORITY AFFAIRS

LAND AND OFFICE SPACE PURCHASED BY NMDFC .

4091. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the land and office space purchased by NMDFC for office purposes since the inception of his Ministry, State-wise with particular reference to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi along with the amount paid therefor;

(b) whether NMDFC has purchased office space in SCOPE building, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi;

(c) if so, the details of amount paid and the procedure adopted for purchase of the same along with the present status thereof and the maintenance charges being paid by NMDFC; and

(d) the details of rent being paid by NMDFC for the present office?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

(SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) to (c) : Since inception of the Ministry, no land has been purchased by National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) till date. However, in Delhi, NMDFC has purchased space for its office in SCOPE Minar, Laxmi Nagar. An amount of Rs. 6.30 crore was paid to M/s Paradeep Phosphates Ltd. as per the rates fixed by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), with the approval of the Board of Directors of NMDFC and the Administrative Ministry. An amount of Rs. 7, 87, 500 was also paid as transfer charges to SCOPE. At present, the purchased space is being furnished by Central Public Works Department. NMDFC is paying maintenance charges as applicable.

(d) NMDFC is paying a monthly rent of Rs.1,76, 211 for its present office.

4056

UNSTARRED

03.05.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

EIA REPORT ON SOLID WASTE PLANT .

4056. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) whether Government would get EIA report for environmental clearance for Solid Waste Management Plant at Dundahera, Ghaziabad vetted by an expert committee as it is based on misleading and incorrect data;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Central Government would protect fundamental right to life of people who are living or intend to move into the integrated township (Crossings Republic) that is coming up right next to the proposed site as the funds for this project have been provided from central exchequer; and

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

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b) The Municipal Solid Waste project at Dundahera, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh is category ‘B’ project as per Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, to be appraised by the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). During appraisal the SEAC is required to ascertain the facts and correctness of data.

(c) & (d) The public consultation is a part of Environmental Impact Assessment process. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board had organised public consultation/public hearing on 20-04-2010 to seek the views of various stake-holders on the project.

4052

UNSTARRED

03.05.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

*PROMOTION OF ECO FLEX .

4052. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is contemplating to ban PVC flex and to promote eco-flex;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether all leading countries and organizations have abandoned PVC flex and are using eco-flex;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the measures proposed to be adopted to promote eco-flex and ban PVC toxic flex; and (g) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (g): Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flex is a synthetic polymer made from PVC compound, additives, colours, plasticizers etc. Eco-flex is considered to be bio-degradable and compostable plastic and reported to be used internationally for trash bags, disposable food packagings etc. The Government is not considering a ban on use of flex material.

3965

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

RAILWAYS

*SPENDING ON ADVERTISEMENTS .

3965. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of money spent by her Ministry on advertisements during last three years, year-wise and zone-wise;

(b) the details of money spent on advertisement approved by Eastern Railway specifying the route of luxury train Maharaja Express;

(d) the details of the route shown in advertisement for Maharaja Express?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the Sabha.

3950

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF GOVERNMENT LAND BY SCHOOLS .

3950. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) whether Government is aware that some of the private schools recognized by his Ministry have illegally occupied Government land and constructed school buildings particularly in UP;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether he is also aware of the fact that Sunbeam School, Lahartara, Varanasi recognized by CBSE has also illegally occupied the land of Central Government and constructed its school building on encroached land;

(d) whether an enquiry would be initiated and faulty schools recognized by CBSE would be derecognized; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) : Central Board of Secondary Education is not aware of such illegal occupation.

(b)

(d) & (e) : Do not arise.

3922

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

*PRIMARY AND UPPER PRIMARY EDUCATION IN UTTAR PRADESH AND
BIHAR .

3922. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether as per the recent report of National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE) the scenario of primary and upper primary education is very grim in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

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

(e) the details of the action Government proposes to take to achieve the target of 100 per cent literacy in the country and to ensure right to education as per the RTE Act?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) According to the Educational Development Index

(EDI) for elementary education for 2008-09, Bihar is ranked at 34th position, while Uttar Pradesh is ranked at 23rd position.

(c) to (e) The position in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in respect of schools, teachers and drop-out rates is as under:- Bihar Uttar Pradesh Number of new schools opened under Serva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) upto 31.12.2009 36,857 44,244 Target 31,253 43,056 Achievement Number of teachers recruited under Serva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) upto 31.12.2009 2,60,841 2,76,217 Target 1,60,145 2,49,481 Achievement Drop out Rate for classes I to VIII 70.69 28.64

(2007-08)
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009, which has come into force from 1st April, 2010, inter-alia provides that (a) every child of the age of six to fourteen years has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till completion of elementary education; (b) the appropriate Government and local authority shall ensure admission, attendance and completion of elementary education; (c) un-enrolled and drop-out children have to be admitted in age appropriate class and provided special training; (d) the appropriate Government and local authority shall establish neighbourhood schools within such areas or limits as it may specify, within a period of three years; and (e) every school shall maintain the Pupil-Teacher ratio in accordance with the norms specified in the Schedule to the Act.

3886

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

*PRICE RISE OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

3886. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that food inflation has risen to 16.35 per cent during the week ending on 20 March, 2010 as against 16.22 per cent during preceding week;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the fresh steps Government contemplate to contain the price rise of essential commodities and provide relief to poor from unprecedented 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) & (b): Yes Sir. The WPI Inflation rate of commodities such as Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Potato, Onion and milk that are monitored by the Government for the week ending 13th March, 2010 and 20th March, 2010 is given in Annexure I.

(c) & (d): Rise in domestic prices of rice, pulses (except gram), sugar, potato and onion was owing to the combined effect of factors such as shortfall in domestic supplies relative to demand, increase in MSP, hardening of international prices, changes in consumption pattern, adverse weather and climate change, improvement in income and living standards. Market expectations and sentiments also play a major role in price rise. Delayed monsoon as well as floods triggered an expectation of lower production which also contributed to pushing up the price level of food articles.

However, due to the remedial measures taken by the Government to soften the impact of price rise, the retail prices of most of the commodities are showing a declining trend over the past 3 months.

(e) : The Government has taken a number of steps to contain the price rise of essential commodities and to soften the impact of price rise on consumers. The list of Government measures taken till date are given in Annexure II.

3852

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

AGRICULTURE

MISERABLE CONDITION OF FARMERS IN U.P.

3852. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that condition of farmers in Bundelkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh is very miserable;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Government is aware that marginal and even farmers having holdings of 10 acres are unable to maintain their families due to non-profitable agriculture in the regions;

(d) whether a survey will be conducted to assess the correct situation;

(e) whether a financial package will be announced for farmers of Bundelkhand and Eastern UP and whether Government will review its agricultural policy to make it farmer friendly; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
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) to (f): The State Government has reported that while the condition of farmers in Bundelkhand and Eastern U.P. is not very miserable, but during time of drought in Bundelkhand and of floods in Eastern U.P., farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers, suffer extreme hardships.

In order to assess the condition of farmers in Bundelkhand Region, the Government of India had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Team (IMT) which visited the region in February, 2008 to advise on the measures to be taken for Integrated Development of the Region. Based on the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Team (IMT), a Comprehensive Package for Integrated Development of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has been approved for implementation of various interventions at an estimated cost of Rs.7266.00 crore in a time-bound manner out of which Rs. 3506 crore has been earmarked for Uttar Pradesh. Besides this, during times of drought and flood, a quick assessment of the damage is made with a view to extend relief admissible from Calamity Relief Fund and National Calamity Contingency Fund(NCCF).

Various Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission(NFSM) and National Horticulture Mission(NHM) etc. are already under operation in these regions. 2 Schemes have been introduced for implementation through Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from the current financial year, namely
(i) Extending Green Revolution to the Eastern Region of the country, covering Eastern Uttar Pradesh with an allocation of Rs. 57.27 crore during 2010-11.
(ii) Special Initiative for Pulses and Oilseeds in Dry Land Areas by organizing 60,000 Pulses and Oilseeds Villages in Rainfed Area during 2010-11 with an allocation of Rs. 27 crore for Uttar Pradesh during the current year.

In Uttar Pradesh, out of 71 districts, 45 districts have been covered under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) which includes all the 7 districts of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and most of the districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Under National Food Security Mission(NFSM) – Rice, 14 districts, under NFSM – Wheat, 26 districts and under NFSM – Pulses, 6 districts have been covered in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Six districts of Bundelkhand have also been covered under various components of NFSM.

3822

UNSTARRED

29.04.20102

WATER RESOURCES

LEVEL OF ARSENIC IN GROUND WATER .

3822. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that level of arsenic in ground water in Uttar Pradesh is 50 times more than the permissible limit prescribed by WHO;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Ballia, Varanasi, Allahabad, Ghazipur, Kanpur, JP Nagar etc. are badly arsenic affected districts;

(e) whether his Ministry is contemplating to improve the quality of water in Uttar Pradesh with Ministry of Rural Development; and

(f) if so, the details thereof, district-wise?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) & (b) As per information received from the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Jal Nigam testing for arsenic contamination was undertaken in drinking water sources in 51 districts of the State. The study reveals that the level of arsenic in drinking water sources of 28 districts is exceeding the guideline value of 10 parts per billion (ppb) prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). The arsenic level above 50 ppb have been reported at some locations in Belhari block, district Ballia. The list of the affected districts is enclosed at Annexure-I.

(c) Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) provided an amount of Rs. 19062.40 lakhs as central assistance and Rs. 15974.1 lakh was contributed as state’s share, during 2009-10, to tackle the problems of water quality in the State. During 2010-11, an amount of Rs. 17982.40 lakh and Rs. 11700.00 lakhs have been allocated as central and state shares respectively.

(d) As per information made available by the UP Jal Nigam, Ballia and Ghazipur are among the affected districts, where arsenic concentrations above 50 ppb have been reported. A few sources in district Kanpur Nagar have also been found to be affected by arsenic contamination. In J.P. Nagar and Varanasi districts, drinking water sources have been found to be free from arsenic contamination.

(e) & (f)

(i) The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) carries out exploratory drilling for delineation of arsenic free aquifer zones. Successful exploratory wells are handed over to the concerned state agency for their gainful utilization. 23 exploratory tubewells (Annexure-II) have been drilled in arsenic affected areas of Uttar Pradesh by CGWB.

(ii) Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) provides technical and financial assistance to the states under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) to supplement the efforts of the states to provide potable water to the rural populations.

3756

UNSTARRED

29.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

NS FROM HUDCO TO ASSOTECH SUPERTECH JV

3756. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 342 given in the Rajya Sabha on 25th February, 2010 and state:

(a) the rate of interest and the original time period for which HUDCO had sanctioned the loans to ASSOTECH-SUPERTECH(JV);

(b) whether HUDCO requested Supertech Infra Ltd. to prepay the loan of 100 crores;

(c) whether HUDCO has conveyed to ASSOTECH-SUPERTECH (JV) to prepay their loan in view of the misleading information submitted to obtain loans; and

(d) if not, reasons therefor as the loan is likely to become NPA due to gross violations of constructions in green areas by the JV by frequently changing the sanctioned plan to construct more towers in areas meant originally for parks?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a): Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) has sanctioned a loan of Rs.100.00 crores to M/s Assotech-Supertech JV for residential project at Pant Nagar, Distt. Rudrapur (Scheme No. 19409). The details are as follows:
Original Time Schedule for Construction(Moratorium) 2.5 year
Original Time Schedule for Repayment 2.5 year
Total repayment period(including moratorium/ Construction period) 5 year
Original rate of interest (floating) on first disbursement 11.75 %
HUDCO’S rate of interest on various disbursements varied from 11.75% p.a. (floating) to 15.00% p.a (floating).

(b): No Sir. HUDCO has not requested M/s Supertech Infra Ltd. to prepay the loan of Rs. 100.00 crores sanctioned by HUDCO for its project at Haridwar (Scheme No. 19226). However, M/s Supertech Infra Ltd has prepaid the entire released loan to HUDCO through consortium of UCO bank & PNB in the month of January 2010 on its own.

(c): No, Sir. HUDCO has not asked M/s Assotech Supertech JV to prepay their loan of Rs. 100.00 crores for their project at Pant Nagar Distt. Rudrapur (Scheme No. 19409). HUDCO is reportedly not aware of any misleading information furnished by M/s Assotech – Supertech JV.

(d): Since the borrower (M/s Supertech Infra Ltd) has prepaid the entire loan alongwith interest in respect of Scheme No. 19226, HUDCO loan is not an NPA.
In respect of Scheme No. 19409 of M/s Assotech Supertech JV, the project is still in progress and repayment of HUDCO’s loan has not yet commenced as per agreed schedule. Hence, the question of the loan becoming NPA at this stage, does not arise.
In both the projects (Scheme No. 19226 & 19409), HUDCO has sanctioned / disbursed the loan, based on layout & building designs duly approved by the statutory planning authority viz. State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA).

3701

UNSTARRED

29.04.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

*QUALITY OF MOBILE SIGNAL .

3701. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether quality of mobile signal of BSNL and MTNL is unsatisfactory and there is frequent breakdown in mobile communication system in the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether signal failure and call drop are now a common feature among the mobile service providers and they charge customers even when they are not able to convey any message;

(d) the details of complaints received during last three years in this regard, State-wise; and

(e) the concrete corrective steps taken/will be taken to address the issue so that consumers don’t suffer?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) & (b) Sir, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) monitors the performance of the service providers against the Quality of Service benchmarks laid down by TRAI, through the quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports (PMRs) and monthly congestion reports submitted by the service providers. As per the Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) for the quarter ending December 2009, BSNL/MTNL Cellular Mobile Telephone services are generally meeting the benchmarks for network related parameters in Uttar Pradesh (East & West) and Delhi Service areas as given below:-
Parameters Met by BSNL/MTNL Service Areas UP (East), UP (West) & Delhi BTS Accumulated downtime [Benchmark < 2%] Met Call Set-up Success Rate [Benchmark - < 95%] Met Stand-alone Dedicated Control Channel(SDCCH) Met Congestion [Benchmark - < 1%] Traffic Channel (TCH) Congestion[Benchmark - < 2%] Met Call Drop Rate [Benchmark - < 3%] Met Worst affected cells having more than 3% TCH drop (call Met drop) rate [Benchmark - < 5%] Connection with good voice quality [Benchmark- > 95% Met Parameters Not Met By BSNL/MTNL Worst affected BTSs due to downtime [Benchmark < 2%] BSNL –UP-E (2.62%) Point of Interconnection (POI) Congestion (No. of POIs not BSNL-UP-W (1) meeting the benchmark) [Benchmark < 0.5%] Worst affected BTSs due to downtime [Benchmark < 2%] MTNL-Delhi (7.8%) Point of Interconnection (POI) Congestion (No. of POIs not MTNL-Delhi (4) meeting the benchmark) [Benchmark < 0.5%] (c) to (e) Call drop is primarily caused due to inadequate coverage and interference etc. Call drop can happen at any point of time after the call is established. In cases where the call has dropped call charges are levied to customers upto the duration of the call and rounded to the pulse rate as per his tariff plan. Some of the telecom service providers have certain tariff plans with per second pulse. In the case of per second plan the charges are levied for the actual duration of the call in seconds. In the Standards of Quality of Service of Basic Telephone Service (Wireline) and Cellular Mobile Telephone Service Regulations, 2009 dated 20th March 2009, the benchmark for call drop rate has been made more stringent which is <2% as against 3% earlier. There are pockets/localities where call drop could be a problem due to insufficient coverage interference etc. To address this issue, TRAI has specified in these new regulations a parameter called “% of worst affected cells having more than 3% TCH drop (Call drop)” enabling the monitoring of the network at cell level by the service providers. TRAI has been monitoring the performance of service providers against the benchmark for various quality of service parameters through quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports (PMRs) submitted by service providers. TRAI also undertakes objective assessment of the Quality of Service of Cellular Mobile Services through an independent agency. A customer satisfaction survey is also conducted quarterly through this agency. The results of these audit and survey were widely published for public/Stakeholders knowledge. TRAI has been following up with the Service Providers for addressing deficiencies in meeting the Quality of Service benchmarks.

3631

UNSTARRED

28.04.2010

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

*REPORT ON WAGE BOARD FOR JOURNALISTS .

3631. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Wage Board constituted by his Ministry was likely to submit its report by May, 2010;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the reasons for delay; and

(e) by when it is likely to be submitted and implemented in view of continuous price rise and financial stress on poor journalists?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) to (e): The Wage Boards have been given three years to submit their reports i.e. by 23rd May, 2010 vide Notifications dated 3rd July, 2007 and the Wage Boards are presently functioning from their Headquarters at Dwarka, New Delhi. In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 12 and 13 D, the Central Government accepts the recommendations and notifies the same in the Gazette of India for implementation.

3612

UNSTARRED

28.04.2010

HOME AFFAIRS SECURITY

ARRANGEMENT OF DELHI METRO .

3612. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether in view of recent bomb blasts in Moscow Metro, Government has assessed the security arrangements of Delhi Metro;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Government is aware that security arrangements in Delhi Metro are not satisfactory; and

(e) if so, the details of steps Government proposes to ensure safety of passengers?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) to (e): Strengthening of security of the Delhi Metro is a continuous process. The Government regularly assesses and reviews the security of the Delhi Metro vis-à-vis the prevailing security situation and takes action accordingly. The steps taken to ensure safety of passengers of Delhi Metro include frisking, checking of baggage, patrolling mock drill, etc.

3608

UNSTARRED

28.04.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

ATTACHMENT OF BATTALION TO FORCE HQ OF THE SSB .

3608. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) the policy/guidelines being followed for attachment of a Battalion with force Headquarter of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB);

(b) the details of the battalion attached so far since 2000;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) the details of expenditure incurred by the incumbent battalion for medicine, renovation of bungalows of officers and social welfare works etc. during each of the last three years;

(f) whether any irregularities were noticed for all these expenditures; and

(g) if so, the action taken thereon?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) & (b): No battalion is attached with Force Headquarter of SSB. Neither is there any policy nor any proposal to attach any battalion with SSB Force Headquarter.

3555

UNSTARRED

28.04.2010

DEFENCE

*AJAY VIKRAM SINGH COMMITTEE S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
RESTRUCTURING OF OFFICERS CADRE .

3555. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Ajay Vikram Singh Committee in its report has recommended for common basis of restructuring of officers’ cadre in the three defence services with the aim of reducing age profile, suppression levels and to improve vertical mobility;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether in Army an officer after being commissioned is promoted to Colonel after 15 and half years while in Navy after 19 years; and

(f) if so, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF DEFENCE

(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (f): A Statement is attached.

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (f) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3555 FOR 28.4.2010 REGARDING AJAY VIKRAM SINGH COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESTRUCTURING OF OFFICERS CADRE.

The Ajay Vikram Singh Committee made recommendations encompassing a wide spectrum of service related issues to address the twin aspects of reducing the high age profile and improving cadre mobility of officers. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, a number of measures have been implemented for the three Services with some variations to meet service specific requirements. These include time based promotion upto the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; introduction of Colonel (Time Scale) rank; upgradation of 750 posts of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel; upgradation of 1896 posts in the ranks of Colonel, Brigadier, Major General and Lieutenant General and their equivalents in Navy and Air Force.

Government letter has been issued for reducing the minimum qualifying service for substantive promotion to the rank of Colonel and their equivalents in the other two Services to 15 years of reckonable commissioned service. The service specific requirements of the Navy are at variance with the other two Services, with respect to period of service for promotion to Captain. This is in keeping with the operational and functional requirements.

3483

UNSTARRED

27.04.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

*UTILIZATION OF FUNDS SANCTIONED UNDER NRHM .

3483. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the funds sanctioned under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) during last three years, year-wise and State-wise;

(b) the details of funds utilized during last three years, year-wise;

(c) the details of the health facilities upgraded in rural areas particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh during last three years;

(d) whether Government is aware that rural health facilities are very poor and in a pathetic condition in Uttar Pradesh;

(e) if so, the details thereof and reasons for such unsatisfactory rural health facilities; and

(f) the steps Government proposes to ameliorate rural health facilities?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) & (b) A statement showing the funds released and utilized under National Rural Health Mission for the Financial Years 2007-08 to 2009-10 is annexed.

(c) As per latest reports received from States, out of total 167 functional Community Health Centres in Andhra Pradesh, 92 have been selected for upgradation to Indian Public Health Standards. Out of this, upgradation work is in progress in 56 Community Health Centres. In the case of Uttar Pradesh, out of a total 515 functional Community Health Centres, 100 were selected for upgradation to Indian Public Health Standards and upgradation of 50 Community Health Centres has been completed as on 31.01.2010.

(d) to (f) As per the records of this Ministry, the number of Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres functioning as on March, 2008 in Andhra Pradesh are 12522, 1570 and 167 respectively. In the case of Uttar Pradesh, the figures are 20521, 3690 and 515 respectively. These Health Centres are set up by the State Governments based on population norms, case/work load and accessibility. Government of India launched the National Rural Health Mission [NRHM] in 2005 to support State Governments to rejuvenate the public health system to provide quality and affordable health care to rural population. Under the Mission, funds are provided to the States/UTs to strengthen their rural health infrastructure by establishing, upgrading and improving the availability of human resources and service delivery in the health centres.

Human Resource includes multi-skilling of Doctors and para-medics, provision of incentives to serve in rural areas like blended payments, difficult areas allowance, P.G. allowance, case based payments, accommodation arrangements, provision of AYUSH Doctors in rural areas, block pooling of Doctors in under-served areas, provisioning of untied and flexible funds etc. ‘Health’ being the State subject, the implementation of the Mission is the responsibility of the concerned State/UT Governments.

3441

UNSTARRED

27.04.2010

FINANCE

FINANCING OF PROJECTS ON WAKF LANDS .

3441. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that there are over three lakh registered wakf properties in India , most of them have been mortgaged and sold through bank finance ;

(b) whether wakf No. 704 Ghaziabad has been sold by Noida Authority to Unitech and several leading banks have financed the project ;

(c) what concrete steps Government proposes to ensure that banks don’t finance such projects to avoid litigation and bad debts ;

(d) if so, the details of the banks which have financed the Unitech Project on wakf No.704 ; and

(e) what steps Government will take to prevent lending from banks to such projects ?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) In terms of the 7th schedule to the Constitution of India, managing of Wakf properties is a state subject and therefore, information is not available centrally.

(b) : As per the information made available by the major banks including Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, IDBI Bank Ltd and Bank of India they have not financed to Unitech towards wakf No. 704 Ghaziabad. However, Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) has informed that they have sanctioned a loan under consortium arrangement with Axis Bank as the Lead to one company, viz: International Re-creation Parks Pvt. Ltd. (IRPPL) where promoters of Unitech Group have 40% shareholding. Axis Bank has informed OBC that IRPPL has set up a Recreation Park Project on the land measuring 147.78 acres duly allotted to the company by the Noida Authority and the company is the legitimate owners of the said land.

( c) to (e): RBI vide its Master Circular dated 1st July, 2009 has advised all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) , that they may extend credit to Private Builders on commercial terms by way of loans linked to each specific project. However, the banks are not permitted to extend fund-based or non –fund based facilities to private builders for acquisition of land even as a part of a housing project. The period of credit for loans extended by banks to private builders may be decided by the banks themselves based on their commercial judgement subject to usual safeguards and after obtaining such security, as banks may deem appropriate. Such credit may be extended to builders of repute, employing professionally qualified personnel. It should be ensured, through close monitoring, that no part of such funds is used for any speculation in land. Banks should also ensure that the borrowers should have obtained prior permission from Government/local governments/other statutory bodies for the project wherever required. While the proposals could be sanctioned in normal course, the disbursements should be made only after the borrower has obtained requisite clearances from government authorities.

3435

UNSTARRED

27.04.2010

FINANCE

*VIOLATION OF RBI GUIDELINES BY BUILDERS .

3435. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 42 given in the Rajya Sabha on 23 February, 2010 and state: –

(a) whether several banks have been lending to builders who have been violating the RBI guidelines by not publishing the name of the banks to which the property has been mortgaged and have been selling properties without getting NOC from the banks;

(b) whether maximum violations have been committed by Supertech and Assotech Group Companies;

(d) the steps being taken to ensure strict action against these companies for failure to adhere to RBI guidelines?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a) to (d): Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a circular dated August 27, 2009 to all Scheduled Commercial Banks, regarding finance for Housing Projects – Incorporating clause in the terms and conditions to disclose in Pamphlets/ Brochures/ advertisements information regarding mortgage of property to the bank based on a case which came up before the Hon`ble High Court of Judicature at Bombay. The Hon`ble Court observed that the bank granting finance to housing/ development projects should insist on disclosure of the charge/ or any other liability on the plot, in the brochure, pamphlets etc. The Court also added that this obviously would be part of the terms and conditions on which the loan may be sanctioned by the bank.
The total exposure of the banking industry to commercial real estate sector is as under:-
(Rs. in Crore)
Mar 2009 Dec 2009
Foreign Banks 25,814 24,613
Nationalised Banks 1,29,966 1,21,244
New Private Sector Banks 54,333 51,666
Old Private Sector Banks 9,700 9,271
SBI Group 28,717 44,670
Total SCBs 2,48,530 2,51,484
Source: Off-site returns

Real Estate Sector excluding Retail Housing Loan While granting finance to specific housing / development projects, banks are advised to stipulate as a part of the terms and conditions that: i. The builder/ developer/ company would disclose in the Pamphlets/ Brochures etc., the name(s) of the bank(s) to which the property is mortgaged. ii. The builder/ developer/ company would append the information relating to mortgage while publishing advertisement of a particular scheme in newspapers/ magazines etc. iii. The builder/ developer/ company would indicate in their pamphlets/ brochures, that they would provide No Objection Certificate (NOC)/ permission of the mortgage bank for sale of flats/ property, if required. Banks are also advised to ensure compliance of the above terms and conditions and funds should not be released unless the builder/developer/company fulfils the above requirements.

3401

UNSTARRED

27.04.2010

FINANCE

BPTP IPO

3401. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether several dubious real estate companies have sought permission from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through IPOs;

(b) whether SEBI has conducted due diligence before clearing such proposals;

(d) whether BPTP has duped thousands of people by booking independent floors in Faridabad despite not having adequate land and delayed development of the project by several years;

(e) what steps Government proposes to take to ensure that investors are not cheated by investing in the forthcoming BPTP IPO; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a): Issuer company is not required to take permission from SEBI for raising funds through IPOs. However, they are required to file draft offer document through a Merchant Banker, on which SEBI gives its observations.

(b): As per extant SEBI regulations, Lead Merchant Bankers to the issue are responsible for carrying out due diligence in respect of draft offer documents submitted by them. SEBI does not clear or approve any issue. SEBI issues its observations on the draft offer document regarding the disclosures made therein. SEBI had received 143 offer documents during financial year 2009-10 out of which 18 companies were in the real estate sector.

(c): The draft offer document of BPTP Ltd is under consideration in SEBI.

(d): SEBI had received complaints with respect to draft offer document of BPTP Ltd relating to delay in allotment of flats and non disclosures of certain litigations.

(e): The Merchant Bankers has been advised by SEBI to make necessary disclosures in the offer document. The complaints received by SEBI were forwarded to the Merchant Bankers to the issue advising them to reply to the complainants on each point mentioned in the complaint. The disclosures will help investors to make an informed choice.

(f): Does not arise in view of reply to (e) above.

3267

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

*INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE AS MAIN SOURCE OF POLLUTION .

3267. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that the industrial discharge is the main source of pollution in major rivers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details of the industries polluting holy Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, district-wise; and

(e) the details of the action his Ministry has taken against these industries during the last one year, case-wise?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (e) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) monitor the compliance of discharge standards for effluents notified for industries by the Ministry. As per information provided by CPCB, 1393 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs), discharging BOD load of 100 kg per day or more have been identified polluting the major rivers including river Ganga. Out of these, 948 units are complying with the prescribed discharge standards and 269 units are closed. 176 units are defaulting and are facing legal action. In the Ganga basin, 591 GPIs have been identified discharging about 286 million litres per day of treated/ untreated industrial effluent into Ganga river. Out of 591 GPIs, 398 units are complying with the standards, 121 units are closed and 72 units are defaulting and facing legal action. CPCB, based on its environment surveillance, has issued directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act 1986 for closure to 16 industries in Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand. Further, it has issued directions under Section 18(1) (b) of Water (Pollution and Control) Act, 1974 to the SPCBs of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand for taking appropriate action against 21 defaulting industries.

3266

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

DAMAGE TO ENVIRONMENT BY FLEX

3266. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI NAND KISHORE YADAV BRIJ BHUSHAN TIWARI BHAGWATI SINGH
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) billboard flex has toxic constitution and causing ecological and environmental damage at a large scale;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the details of volume of PVC flex consumed every year in the country;

(e) the details of industries manufacturing this harmful PVC flex; and

(f) the action proposed to ban it to save environment and ecology and if not, the reasons for compromising with health and ecology of the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (f) Flex is a polymeric material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC flex hoardings are used in the advertising sectors and as such are not polluting in nature. Used flex sheets are also recycled to provide resource for manufacturing alternate products of use. Used flex sheets could be recycled in an environment friendly manner into granules and co-processed in cement kilns.

The Government is not considering a ban on use of flex material in hoardings since the material is recyclable and has not been observed to cause environmental pollution.

3238

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

CORPORATE AFFAIRS

*FUND RAISING BY REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

3238. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether a large number of real estate companies have violated RBI guidelines and have raised capital from innocent public through glossy and misleading advertisements;

(b) whether despite strong protests by the land owners companies like Supertech have raised huge funds through misleading advertisements like roti, kapda and eco village and falsely stating Greater Noida as Noida extension;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) & (b): There is no such verified information available with RBI as well as with this Ministry.

3236

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

CORPORATE AFFAIRS

FUDGING OF ACCOUNTS BY REAL ESTATE COMPANIES .

3236. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
MANGALA KISAN NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 1838 given in the Rajya Sabha on the 15th March, 2010 and state:

(a) whether several real estate companies are involved in fudging of accounts including diversion of funds from one project to another;

(b) whether Supertech Constructions Pvt. Ltd., Doon Valley Technopolis Pvt. Ltd., Supertech Ltd. Supertech infra Ltd., Assotech Contracts India Ltd., Assotech – Supertech (JV) have been involved in massive diversion of bank loans with sole intent of promoting a real estate bubble;

(c) whether Government is taking steps to ensure that the Registrar of Companies (ROC) takes action against these companies before they vanish with public funds;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and:

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) & (b): There is no such verified information with this Ministry.

(c) to (e): As and when any instance of wrong doing come to the notice, action is taken as per provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. In addition, the Ministry has devised Early Warning System (EWS) based on the information available in MCA-21 System. Based on identified risk parameters, this system generates alerts in respect of unusual tendencies in financial statements. Based on these alerts, respective Registrars of Companies examine the concerned cases to find out irregularities, if any, and take action accordingly to law.

3190

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

RAILWAYS

*ENTITLEMENT OF EMPLOYEES FOR 2ND CLASS A.C.

3190. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that Central Government employees in the Grade Pay of Rs. 4200 are entitled for 2nd AC while traveling on duty or LTC as per the recommendations of 6th CPC;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Government would entitle employees of Railways in Grade Pay of Rs. 4200, 2nd AC privilege passes and duty passes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons for discrimination with its own officials ?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (e) : As per recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission as accepted by the Government, the Central Government employees drawing Grade Pay of Rs.4200 are entitled to travel by 2nd AC by train while on official tour. So far as LTC is concerned, the entitlements are the same as for tour.

However, Railway employees are not governed by Central Government LTC provisions as far as travel entitlements are concerned. They are governed by Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 which entitle them to train journeys on duty/leave. Revision of entitlements for travel including travel in 2nd AC as per revised scales of pay/grade pay arising out of implementation of recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission are under examination.

3133

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

ENROLMENT OF CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS .

3133. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) The details of present drop out rate at primary and upper primary school levels;

(b) whether JRM (Joint Review Mission) of SSA has questioned the veracity of Government estimate of 2.8 million out of school children in its report;

(c) the target set by Government to achieve to enroll children between 6 – 14 years of age and to check drop out rate during 2010-11 under Right to Education (RTE) Act; and

(d) how Government will ensure that all children between 6 – 14 years will get enrolled and how 25 per cent seats in private schools will be ensured to economically weaker children in view of part

(b) and

(c)?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) As per School Education Statistics (SES) 2007-08, the national drop out rate for all categories of children at primary level is 25.55, and at elementary level it is 43.03.

(b) The 10th Joint Review Mission (JRM) in July 2009 had used the household survey based data for the number of out of school children. However, the 11th JRM in January 2010 has taken into account the estimates available from the Social and Rural Research Institute-International Marketing Research Bureau (SRI-IMRB) study on out of school children, and has noted that since the outset of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the number of out of school children in the country has come down significantly – from 13.4 million in December, 2005, and to 8.1 million (4.3%) in 2009. The SRI-IMRB’s study findings are corroborated by Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) (ASER), 2009, which estimates 4% children out of school.

(c) SSA programme shall be the main vehicle for implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Interventions under SSA programme will need to be implemented by the States in accordance with the time frames mandated under the RTE Act to ensure universal access and retention. These include – a) provision of neighborhood schools, b) maintenance of pupil teacher ratio, c) ensuring that norms and standards for schools are adhered to, and d) that teachers acquire professional qualifications.

(d) Section 12 of the RTE Act provides that Unaided schools shall admit in class I to the extent of at least 25 per cent of the strength of that class, children belonging to the weaker sections and disadvantaged groups in the neighborhood school and provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion.

3110

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

PROPOSALS UNDER FOOD SECURITY BILL

3110. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Empowered Group of Ministers has cleared the proposed Food Security Bill recently to provide 25 kg of rice and wheat only to poor people;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether number of BPL families differ as per the estimates of Central and State Governments;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether Hon`ble Supreme Court has already proposed to ensure 35 kg of ration to BPL families; and (g) if so, the details thereof and the reasons why Government restrict it to only 25 kg of rice and wheat?
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) to (g): Government is committed to the enactment of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) which, inter-alia, envisages entitling every Below Poverty Line (BPL) family to a certain quantity of foodgrains each month at subsidized prices. An Empowered Group of Ministers is examining various issues relating to the proposed Act.

As regards the criteria for identification of BPL families and estimates of the number of BPL families, it may be stated that the Planning Commission is the nodal agency of the Government of India for estimating poverty at national and State levels. The guidelines and methodology for identification of BPL families in the rural areas are issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, while the actual survey of BPL families is carried out by the State Governments.

At present, Government makes allocations under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to the States for 6.52 crore BPL families, including 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. This number is based on the March, 1993 poverty estimates of the Planning Commission and the population estimates of the Registrar-General of India as on 01.03.2000. As reported by the State Governments by 31.03.2010, the number of BPL ration cards (including AAY ration cards) issued by the States stood at 11.08 crore.

The present scale of issue of foodgrains under TPDS to BPL and AAY families is 35 kg per family per month. The Supreme Court, in an interim order in a Public Interest Litigation (WP(C) No.196 of 2001) pending before it, has modified its earlier interim order dated 28.11.2001 “to the extent that the allotment shall be 35KG in view of the increase, subsequent to the order.” A decision on the scale of issue of foodgrains, as also other issues under the proposed NFSA, is yet to be taken.

3109

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

*HOARDING OF FOODGRAINS .

3109. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of raids conducted against hoarders in the country during 2009 and 2010 till date, State-wise;

(b) the number of persons arrested, cases registered and other actions taken against those hoarders during the said period, State-wise; and

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

(Prof. K.V. Thomas)

(a) & (b): Powers have been vested with State Governments for taking action under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. The details of the raids conducted, persons arrested and value of goods confiscated for violation of rules under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, during the year 2009 and 2010 ( updated upto 07.04.2010) as reported by State Governments/UT Administrations are at Annexure I & II.
In order to check hoarding and blackmarketing of essential commodities the Government of India has taken the following steps:-

(i) The State Governments/UT Administrations are empowered to detain such persons under the Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, whose activities are found to be prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community. Details of detention orders issued under the said Act and as reported to the Central Government by the State Governments/UT Administrations during the year 2009 and 2010 (updated upto 31.03.2010) are 147 and 42 respectively.

(ii) To enable the State Governments/UT Administrations to take effective action for undertaking de-hoarding operations under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, it was decided to enable State Governments to impose stockholding limits by keeping in abeyance some provisions of the Central Order dated 15.02.2002 in respect of pulses, edible oils, edible oilseeds, rice and paddy for the period upto 30.09.2010.

(iii) Further, in respect of sugar, the Central Government have also issued Orders providing for stock-holding/turnover limits which are as follows:
Stockholding:
(i) in Kolkata and extended area –

(a) recognized dealers who import sugar from outside West Bengal- 10,000 quintals;

(b) other recognized dealers -2000 quintals;
(ii) in other places – 2000 quintals.
Turnover: No dealer can hold the stock of sugar for a period exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt by him of such stock.

(iv) The State Government/Union Territory Administrations have fixed the stock limits as per their requirement. As per information furnished by the State Government/UT Administrations 26 State Governments/UTs have either issued stock limits for all the six items or for individual items or have issued only licensing requirements/stock declaration (of these 26, 21 States/UTs have actually issued stock limit Orders; 5 States/UTs have issued licensing requirements/stock declarations).

(v) The State Governments/UT Administrations have been repeatedly advised to strictly enforce both the Acts and also monitor such enforcements.

2975

UNSTARRED

22.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

LOAN SANCTIONED BY HUDCO

2975. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
to answer to Unstarred Question 342 given in the Rajya Sabha on 25th February, 2010 and state:

(a) the original time schedule along with the interest rates and repayment period of the loan sanctioned by HUDCO to M/s Supertech Infra Ltd;

(b) the reasons cited by the company for the pre-payment;

(d) the complete details of the interest rates along with terms and conditions of the loan obtained from Corporation Bank;

(e) whether HUDCO has sanctioned loans to Assotech-Supertech (JV) on the basis of false documentation; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): A loan of Rs. 100.00 crores was sanctioned by HUDCO to M/s Doon Valley Technopolis Pvt. (subsequently changed to M/s Supertech Infra Ltd.) for acquisition of land & construction of commercial Hub at Integrated Industrial Estate, SIDCUL,
Cont’d….2/ -2-
Haridwar. The land was acquired by the borrower from SIDCUL through the auction process. The original time schedule alongwith interest rates of repayment period of the loan sanctioned are as under:-
Original Time Schedule for construction (Moratorium)- 2 years. Original Time Schedule for repayment – 8 years Total repayment period including Moratorium / construction period. – 10 years Original rate of interest (floating) – 12.75 %
Out of the sanctioned loan, HUDCO released Rs. 59.42 crores in different installments at various interest rates varying from 13.75% to 16.00% (floating) p.a. Since the prepayment was made by the borrower in different installments, HUDCO’s rate of interest at the time of prepayment was 13.5% (floating) during the period 26.12.2009 to 31.12.2009 and 13.25% (floating) during the period 01.01.2010 to 05.01.2010.

(b): HUDCO has reported that the reasons intimated by the company for prepayment are i) Higher rate of interest of HUDCO compared commercial banks; and ii) Additional requirement of funds for the project.

(c): No, Sir. The prepayment was not done through loan from Corporation Bank but through a consortium of UCO Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB). The borrower got the sanction of Rs. 125.00 crores from the consortium of UCO Bank and Punjab National Bank and made prepayment of HUDCO loan in January 2010.

(d): HUDCO has reported that they have been informed by M/s Supertech Infra Ltd. that the loan was availed by them at an interest rate of 13.25% with an option to avail term loan denominated in US dollars which may further reduce the rate of interest to 12.50%

(e) & (f): No, Sir. HUDCO has reported that they sanctioned & disbursed loan to M/s Assotech-Supertech JV for a residential project at Pantnagar on the security of equitable mortgage which was accepted after obtaining the title investigation report and due diligence.
The release of loan was made only on receipt of original title documents and creation of other stipulated securities.

2974

UNSTARRED

22.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

ROLE OF HUDCO IN PROMOTING A REAL ESTATE BUBBLE

2974. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the role of HUDCO in promoting a real estate bubble;

(b) whether HUDCO gave loan to M/s Assotech-Supertech joint venture for acquisition of land and construction of residential flats at Pantnagar on the basis of exaggerated sizes and costs and then the reason for the denial;

(d) whether Government would order a CBI enquiry into the role of local level HUDCO officials into this huge scam?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): No, Sir. Being a small player in financing of real estate projects, Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) is not in a position to promote real estate bubble.

(b): No, Sir.

(c): No, Sir. HUDCO has reported that loan was sanctioned & disbursed for construction only and not for land acquisition.

(d): No enquiry has been made by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in the matter so far.

2973

UNSTARRED

22.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

*TERM LOAN TO M/s. ASSOTECH SUPERTECH

2973. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) the reasons behind HUDCO sanctioning a term loan of Rs. 100 crores to M/s Assotech-Supertech joint venture for acquisition of land and construction of residential flats at Pantnagar, Rudrapur on the basis of exaggerated flat sizes;

(b) whether allottees were made to sign papers of having taken possession of exaggerated sizes to ensure that the paper requirement of HUDCO is met;

(c) whether pre-payment of HUDCO loan by Supertech Infra Ltd. was done by taking another loan from Corporation bank at higher interest rates; and

(d) whether the HUDCO loan to Assotech-Supertech (JV) still remains to be settled?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) has reported that the loan was not sanctioned on the basis of exaggerated flat sizes.
HUDCO loan of Rs. 100.00 crores to M/s Assotech-Supertech JV has been reportedly extended on the basis of building plans & layout duly approved by the statutory planning authority viz. State Industrial Development Authority (A Govt. of Uttrakhand Agency) and due appraisal from technical, financial & legal angles.

(b) & (c): No, Sir.

(d): The project sanctioned to M/s Assotech-Supertech JV is under construction and they are making regular payment of interest to HUDCO. The outstanding loan amount as on 31.03.2010 is Rs. 31.12 crores. The repayment of principal loan is yet to commence.

2923

UNSTARRED

22.04.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

*G SPECTRUM TO PRIVATE PLAYERS .

2923. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has invited tender to allocate 3G spectrum to private players recently;

(b) if so, the details of companies which participated in tender;

(d) the rate at which 2G spectrum was allocated to various companies, company-wise; and

(e) the revenue generated by allocation of 2G spectrum?
Answer

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

(a) Government has issued the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for auction of 3G spectrum on 25/2/2010 which contains details of 3G spectrum proposed for auction, time line of auction, reserve price, eligibility criteria etc.
As per the NIA, the eligibility criteria for a company to participate in the 3G auction are: Any entity:
(i) that holds a UAS/ Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (“CMTS”) licence; or
(ii) that: (a) has previous experience of running 3G telecom services either directly or through a majority-owned subsidiary; and (b) gives an undertaking to obtain a UAS licence through a New Entrant Nominee UAS Licensee as per the DOT guidelines before starting telecom operations, can bid for 3G Spectrum.
The Pan-India reserve price of one block of 3G spectrum is Rs. 3500 crores as per the NIA.

(b) List of pre-qualified bidders for 3G auction is given in Annexure-I

(c) The minimum estimated revenue from 3G auction is around Rs. 14,330 crores based on reserve price. This is based on auction of 3 block of 3G spectrum in 17 service areas and 4 blocks in 5 service areas in addition to one block assigned to MTNL/BSNL.

(d) There are no upfront fees for the allocation of 2G spectrum. The 2G spectrum has been allocated as per the respective Universal Access Service License (UASL) conditions.
The annual spectrum usage charge at which 2G spectrum allocated for the period upto 31/3/2010 is given in Annexure-II and for the period after 31/3/2010 is given in Annexure-III.
The company wise spectrum detail for GSM operators is given in Annexure-IV and the company wise spectrum for CDMA operators is given in Annexure-V.

(e) The revenue generated by allocation of 2G (GSM) spectrum is Rs.12507 croes from 1/4/2002 onwards and the revenue generated by allocation of 2G (CDMA) spectrum is Rs.1789.79 crores from 1/4/2005 onwards.

2922

UNSTARRED

22.04.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

*EMISSSION BY MOBILE PHONE TOWERS .

2922. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of the recent research conducted by Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College, Meerut wherein it has been stated that electromagnetic rays emitted by mobile phone towers have adverse effect on health of human beings and even animals and birds;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

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

(a) No, Sir. However, a committee was setup under the Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to study the effects of radiations from mobile phone towers and related aspects which concluded that “overall there is not enough evidence to show direct health hazards of RF (Radio Frequency) exposures from Mobile Base Stations”. The latest Fact Sheet No. 304 of May, 2006 of World Health Organisation (WHO) states that “Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects”.

(b) & (c) Not applicable in view of (a) above.

2799

UNSTARRED

21.04.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

DEATHS IN NAXALITE ATTACKS .

2799. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the number of common public, police personnel and para military personnel died in naxalite attacks during the last three years since 1st April, 2007 till date, year-wise and State-wise;

(b) the details of the Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel died/injured in recent naxalite attack at Malkangiri in Orissa; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a): The details are given in Annexure.

(b) & (c): There was no attack on SOG at Malkangiri in Orissa During 2010.

2798

UNSTARRED

21.04.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

*CROSS BORDER INFILTRATION ALONG J K .

2798. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the number of Pakistani cross border infiltration reported along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir during last three years, year-wise;

(b) whether it is a fact that in recent years cases of cross border infiltrations have increased;

(d) the details of the preventive steps Government has taken to check the rising cross border infiltrations?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): Attempts at infiltration from across the Border in J&K have shown a marginal increase during 2009 in comparison with 2008. Details of the infiltration attempts during last 3 years are as under:
Year No. of attempts.
2007 535
2008 342
2009 485
Upto March, 2010 112

It is to be inferred that the successful conduct of both Assembly and Parliament election in J&K in 2008-09 and the significant turnout of people in the State voting in these elections and the establishment of popular Government has led to desperation of elements across the border to increase militant activities in the State. It has been reported that the present contingent of the infiltrators are well equipped with heavy woolens, white parka coats, wind cheaters, rubber insulated snow boots, pick axes to make their way, GPSs, Thuraya sets and heavily armed.

(d): The Govt. in tandem with the State Govt., have adopted a multi-pronged approach, to contain cross border infiltration in Jammu & Kashmir, which includes, Inter-alia, strengthening of border management and multi tiered and multi-modal deployment along international border/line of control and infiltration routes, construction, synergizing intelligence flow to check infiltration and pro-active action against the terrorists within the States. The counter infiltration efforts are reviewed periodically at various levels in the State Govt. and in the Central Govt.

2748

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

*PMGSY IN PAURI GARHWAL .

2748. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of villages proposed to be connected by road under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, particularly in Bironkhal and Kaljikhal Blocks;

(b) the details of the villages in above said blocks for which survey work has been completed during last three years and current year but no work has commenced till now;

(c) the details of the funds allocated/spent and work undertaken under PMGSY in village Sukai in Bironkhal Block and Alasu in Kaljikhal Block in particular and said Blocks in general; and

(d) the reasons for delay in completion of work and by when the work is likely to be completed?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a): The State Government has proposed to connect Ameli, Bedpani, Maghgaon, Mehargaon Bada, Mehargaon Chota, Sakni Chota, Sakni Bada, Dangi, Jharkandi, Tangoli, Saknauli, Sainar, Bhetgaon & Bunga villages in Kaljikhal Block and Kanda Malla and Kotta villages in Bironkhal Block of Pauri Garhwal District in Uttrakhand under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

(b): In last three years and current year survey work has been completed following three roads, but no work has commenced on these roads:

(i) Bunga Sakami Khet Motor Road in Kaljikhal Block

(ii) Shemli to Kanda Malla road in Birokhal Block

(iii) Dunao to Kota road in Birokhal Block

(c): Village Sukai is situated on Tehri Muradabaad High-way. Allasu in Kaljikhal Block has population of only 33 persons as per cesnsus of 2001 and as such is not eligible as per PMGSY Guidelines. In Blocks of Kaljikhal and Birokhal Rs. 283.68 lac and Rs. 58.89 lac respectively has been spent under PMGSY.

(d): There had been no delay in completion of the works.

2727

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

*MOVE TO INCREASE PRICES OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

2727. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Planning Commission in its Mid Term Report on Eleventh Plan has suggested his Ministry to increase the prices of kerosene and Liquified Petroleum Gas(LPG);

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

(d) if so, the reasons why Government is imposing additional burden on the poor and starving ‘Tadapata Bharat’?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS

(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b) The Planning Commission has not yet finalized the Mid Term Appraisal of the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

2654

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

FINANCE

*DISBURSAL OF LOAN BY CORPORATION BANK .

2654. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) what were the Non-performing Assets (NPA) levels for Corporation Bank for the last three years;

(b) whether Government is aware that M/s. Assotech and M/s. Supertech India Ltd. Noida has taken huge loans form various branches of Corporation Bank on the basis of fraudulent approvals and papers;

(b) if so, what action Government proposes to taken to reduce the exposure of Corporation Bank to M/s. Supertech; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(Shri Namo Narain Meena)

(a): The Net NPA level of the Corporation Bank for the last three years is as under: As at 31.03.2007: Rs.141.94 crore [0.47% of Net Advances] As at 31.03.2008: Rs.126.93 crore.<[0.32% of Net Advances] As at 31.03.2009: Rs.138.30 crore [0.29% of Net Advances] (b) to (d); The Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have been given sufficient managerial autonomy so that they can lend to any eligible borrower based on their commercial judgment. The Corporation Bank has informed that its Delhi-Industrial Finance Branch has independently as well as through a consortium arrangement with the Punjab National Bank, has extended the following loans: [tj On 08.02.2008: A Term loan of Rs.32 crore sanctioned for Housing Complex viz., `Supertech Livingston` at Dundahera-Gaziabad. [ii] On 07.08.2008: A Term loan of Rs.50 crore sanctioned for construction of Commercial-cum- Residential area viz., `Supertech Czar Suites` at Greater Noida. [iii] On 03.01.2009: A Term loan of Rs.46 crore sanctioned for construction of Commercial project viz., `Supertech Shopprix` at Meerat. [iv] Besides, the company is enjoying working capital fund based limits of Rs.0.30 crore and non-fund based limit of Rs.6.23 crore. While extending the above loans, Corporation Bank has informed that it has duly conducted the Legal Audit of documents and no deficiency has been observed in documentation/ title deeds etc. Further, Bank has ensured compliance by Supertech with regard to obtaining of requisite licence/ permission/ clearances/ approval from statutory / civic authority/ies. Further, Bank has not observed any irregularities in the conduct of above accounts.

2653

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

FINANCE

*INVESTMENT OF HAWALA MONEY IN REAL ESTATE SECTOR

2653. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that several real estate players are involved in investment of Hawala funds into the real estate sector and are also involved in huge tax evasions;

(b) whether Government is aware that M/s Supertech Ltd. and M/s Assotech Contracts India Ltd. are the major investors, as such;

(c) if so, what action Government proposes to take to unearth this Hawala Racket and to also unearth huge unaccounted income;

(d) whether the Enforcement Directorate would lodge an FIR against the Supertech/Assotech Group Companies under the prevention of Money Laundering Act; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI S.S.PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) to (c) : The Directorate of Enforcement takes appropriate action under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999(FEMA) as and when any contravention is noticed, including that of hawala payments. The Income Tax Department conducts investigation under the Income Tax Act into allegations of tax evasion against various categories of assessees including real estate players. On receipt of information about tax evasion, searches have also been conducted from time to time on some real estate players in different States. Search & seizure actions have been conducted in case of M/s Supertech Ltd. and M/s Assotech Ltd. No activity related to Hawala transactions have been noticed by the Department in these two cases up till now. However cash, other valuable assets and incriminating documents have been seized during the course of these searches. The evidences gathered during the course of search proceedings are assessed under the provision of section 153A and 153C of the Income Tax Act to bring to tax the unaccounted income and assets. The assessments become final only after decision in appeals before Commissioner of Income Tax

(Appeals), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, High Courts and Supreme Court.

(d) to (e) : No such case, as of now, has come to the notice of the Directorate of Enforcement.

2631

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

FINANCE

MULTIPLE MORTGAGING OF PROPERTY BY BUILDERS

2631. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that a number of builders in the National Capital Region(NCR) have mortgaged the same property twice and thrice to different banks especially PSU Banks like HUDCO, SBI, Corporation Bank etc. by submitting fraudulent papers in connivance with local bank authorities;

(b) whether maximum number of such economic offences have been reported to be committed by M/s Supertech and M/s Assotech Ltd. in its township at metropolis, Rudrapur and in NCR; and

(c) if so, the details of action Government proposes to influence banks to avoid giving loans on properties being sold by M/s Supertech?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) : HUDCO has reported that they have been sanctioning and disbursing loans to builders on the security of Equitable Mortgage created on the basis of original title documents of the project property and after carrying out the Title Investigation with due diligence report.
SBI has reported that they have no exposure to builders where the same property has been mortgaged to another bank, except in case of consortium /Multiple Banking Arrangement(MBA) financing, where the charge by way of mortgage are shared by all the member banks. Corporation Bank has reported that although the Bank has credit exposures to builders in NCR, the Bank has not come across any frauds mentioned.

(b) SBI has further reported that they do not have exposure on M/s Supertech Assotech Ltd. Corporation Bank has reported that it has independently as well as through consortium with PNB, extended credit to Supertech. The bank has duly conducted the Legal Audit of documents and no deficiency is observed in documentation/title deeds etc. The bank has also ensured compliance of Supertech with regard to obtention of requisite license/permission/clearances/approval from competent authorities and no fraud has been committed in respect of their lendings.
HUDCO has reported that it has sanctioned one project with a loan amount of Rs.100 crores to M/s Assotech Supertech Joint Ventures for construction of residential flats “Metropolis City” at Pantnagar, Rudrapur,Uttarakhand. HUDCO has further reported that it had also sanctioned one project with loan amount of Rs.100 crores to M/s Supertech Ltd. for their housing project “Supertech Emerald Court” at Sector-93A ,Noida and Rs.84.68 crores were disbursed. M/s Supertech Ltd. has prepaid the entire loan along with interest to HUDCO in the month of February, 2010.

(c). RBI has advised the banks vide Circular dated 27.08.2009, that while granting finance to specific housing/development project, to stipulate as a part of terms and conditions that:

(i) the builder/developer would disclose the names of the banks to which the property is mortgaged.

(ii) the builder/developer publish the same in the advertisement of the scheme/project.

(iii) the builder/developer would provide NOC/permission of the mortgagee bank for sale of the property, if required.

2486

UNSTARRED

19.04.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

*SAVING GANGA FROM POLLUTION.

2486. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that saints have demonstrated and protested during Mahakumbh in Haridwar against pollution in Holy Ganga;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of fresh action Government will take to save Ganga from pollution which is the lifeline of north India?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (e) As per information provided by the Government of Uttarakhand, demonstrations and protests by saints, during Mahakumbh in Haridwar, against pollution in river Ganga have not been reported.
Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the Central and State Governments. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments in river conservation through the central plans. River conservation activities such as creation of civic infrastructure for sewage management and disposal are also being implemented 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.
The Central Government has set up the ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority’ (NGRBA) on 20.2.2009 as an empowered planning, financing, monitoring and coordinating authority to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a holistic approach with the river basin as the unit of planning.

2413

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

RAILWAYS

ENCROACHMENT OF RAILWAY LAND

2413. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether large area of railway land has been encroached/illegally occupied by private schools in different railway zones;

(b) if so, the details thereof particularly in Northern and NE Railways;

(c) whether her Ministry is aware that some private schools have illegally encroached and occupied a large tract of railway land in Varanasi, U.P. and have constructed schools building in connivance with railway officials;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps/measures Government would take to free these lands from encroachment by private schools, particularly the land illegally encroached by Sunbeam School, Lahartara, Varanasi?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) & (b): An area of 39.26 acre is under encroachments by private schools. Out of this area, 3.31 acre and 17.07 acre fall in Northern and North Eastern Railways, respectively.

(c) to (e): Land measuring 0.42 acre is under encroachment of a private school at Varanasi. Connivance of railway officials has not been established or reported so far. Moreover, no encroachment on railway land has been made by Sunbeam School at Varanasi. Action under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 is initiated against encroachments.

2369

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

*RECOGNITION OF DEGREES OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES

2369. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that many State Governments are not recognizing the degrees awarded by Open Universities recognized by UGC in their States;

(b) if so, the number of such cases reported to Government;

(d) If so, the details thereof; and

(e) If not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a & b): Some State Governments are not recognizing the degrees awarded by the Open Universities for the purpose of employment/promotion under them.

(c ) to ( e): It is the prerogative of an employer to decide on the matter of eligibility of candidates for employment under it. Central Government as an employer, has made its position clear on this subject vide Gazette Notification No. 44 dated 1.3.1995, which inter-alia states that all the qualifications awarded through distance mode of education by the Universities established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislatures, Institutions Deemed to be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 and Institutions of National Importance declared under an Act of Parliament stand automatically recognized for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the Central Government, provided they have been approved by Distance Education Council, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi and wherever necessary by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.

2368

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

*LEGISLATION FOR ENTRY OF FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES .

2368. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is considering to bring a legislation which will allow foreign universities in higher education of the country ;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether it is a fact that this bill has been opposed by different quarters?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI

(a) to (d) : A legislative proposal for regulating the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions in India has been approved by the Government and it is proposed to introduce a Bill to this effect in Parliament. A large number of foreign educational institutions are reportedly operating in the country. In the absence of any Regulatory framework, the details of such institutes are not known. It has been considered necessary to put in place a legal framework to facilitate the entry of reputed foreign educational institutions, while preventing the entry of those having dubious quality. Such legislation while preventing entry and operation of sub-standard institutions would provide Indian Students access to innovative areas of studies, enhanced research opportunities, increase in enrolment, and attracting foreign investments to achieve the targeted Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. As the Bill is proposed to be introduced, the entire spectrum of views would be examined appropriately.

2342

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

*ILLEGAL DIVERSION OF PDS WHEAT

2342. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KUSUM RAI KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that PDS wheat in various States has been illegally diverted to flour mills;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of such cases detected by his Ministry in various States during last one year and till date, State-wise; and

(d) the details of persons booked, arrested for illegal diversion of PDS wheat and action taken against them during last one year and till date, State-wise?
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) to (d): Information is being collected from all State/UT Governments.

2266

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

*DIVERSION OF FUNDS BY ASSOTECH SUPERTECH

2266. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
MANGALA KISAN KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
to reply to Unstarred Question 342 given in the Rajya Sabha on 25th February, 2010 and state:

(a) whether any discrepancy was found in the sizes of flats actually constructed and the exaggerated sizes submitted to HUDCO for obtaining the term loan on 30th January, 2008;

(b) whether Government is aware that the above company owed huge interest penalties and payments to SIDCUL despite having taken a huge loan from HUDCO for acquisition of land in 2008;

(d) whether this loan was also sanctioned as per guidelines of HUDCO; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a): Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) has reported that no discrepancy in the sizes of flats has been found either by HUDCO or HUDCO appointed agency during site inspection of group housing project-“Metropolis City” at Pant Nagar, Rudrapur, Uttrakhand under the Scheme No. 19409.

(b): As reported by State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd. (SIDCUL), M/s Assotech Supertech owes Rs. 37,30,02,077/- to SIDCUL against land premium and is defaulting in payment of Rs. 14,05,13,133/- and interest of Rs. 2,60,93,588/- as on 31.3.2010.

(c): No enquiry has been made by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in the matter so far.

(d)&(e): HUDCO has reported that it had sanctioned the loan as per its guidelines.

2265

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

*REULATORY GUIDELINES FOR PROJECT FINANCE INSTITUTIONS

2265. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
to reply to Unstarred Question 342 given in the Rajya Sabha on 25th February, 2010 and state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up some regulatory guidelines so that project finance institutions like HUDCO duly check the papers of such companies before lending project finance;

(b) whether Government is aware that the above company owes huge interest penalties and payments to SIDCUL, Uttarakhand despite having taken a huge loan from HUDCO for acquisition of land in 2008;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a): National Housing Bank (NHB) is regulator of Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) in the country and issues guidelines from time to time. As informed by NHB primary lending institutions viz. banks and HFCs like Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) formulate their lending norms including legal documentation, appraisal, guidelines etc. for checking documents or security to be obtained by the lending institutions while sanctioning or granting project finance.

(c): No enquiry has been made by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in the matter so far.

(d): HUDCO has reported that it had sanctioned the loan as per its guidelines.

2264

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

FUNDS FOR URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN DELHI

2264. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the funds allocated to his Ministry for urban infrastructure development in Delhi in view of Commonwealth Games 2010, till date, category-wise, such as slum development, VIP area development, NDMC area development etc.; and

(b) the details of funds utilized so far, category-wise, till-date?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a) : Rs. 827.85 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Urban Development in connection with Commonwealth Games, 2010(CWG-2010) for releasing to Delhi Development Authority(DDA) to develop Games Village, and other Competition and Training Venues. Apart from this, an amount of Rs.73.5 crore has been allocated for Installation of Security System(ISS) in the venues being developed by DDA. No fund has been allocated to this Ministry in connection with CWG-2010 for developing slum area, VIP area & NDMC area etc.

(b) : So far an amount of Rs.724.45 crore has been released to DDA (Rs.652.25 crore for infrastructure development and Rs.72.2 crore for ISS). DDA has informed that an amount of Rs.588.77 crore has been utilized for infrastructure development and Rs.38.36 crore has been released for undertaking the ISS.

2209

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

*RESERVATION OF SEATS FOR CHILDREN OF EWS IN SANSKRITI
SCHOOL .

2209. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of grants and aid given by Central Government to Sanskriti School Delhi during last five years;

(b) the `heads` under which such grants were given to Sanskriti School;

(c) whether there is provision of reservation of seats to children of economically and socially weaker section (EWS) of society for admission in this school;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of seats allocated to students for poor and weaker sections during last five years, year-wise?
Answer
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a): The details of grants-in-aid provided by Central Government to Sanskriti School during the last five years are as under:-

Year Amount (Rs in lakhs)
2005-2006 NIL
2006-2007 50.00
2007-2008 187.11
2008-2009 92.32
2009-2010 NIL

(b) : Grants-in-aid were given to Sanskriti School under the Demand for Grants for the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions for the concerned year under the head Grants-in-aid (Non-Plan)

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The school reserves 15% seats for the wards of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of society for admission.

(e): In Sanskriti School, the number of students of economically weaker sections during last five years at the end of Academic Session are as follows:-

2155

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SECTOR .

2155. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) whether even petty complaints like telephones being dead, having disturbance, etc., are not attended for several days despite repeated reminders to SDO, Telephone Exchange, Sector-62, Noida, U.P.;

(b) whether for discrepancy in telephone bills, broadband plans, etc., consumers, are directed to approach telephone exchange at Sector 37 or Sector 19 and no help is provided at Sector-62 exchange;

(d) the number of connections in Sector-62 at present as compared to the last two years; and

(e) the action Government would take to streamline sector 62 exchange and ensure speedy redressal of grievances?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. All type of complaints like non-working of telephone lines, and broadband connections, delay in shifting, discrepancy in telephone bills are attended to promptly.

(c) & (d) The number of BSNL landline phones in Sector-62, Noida has increased over the last three years. As on 31.3.2010, the number of landline connections in Sector-62 exchange is 5549 as compared to 4818 as on 31.03.2008 and 5193 as on 31.03.2009.

(e) Consumer Service Center is already working at telephone exchange, Sector-62, Noida. The consumer grievances, as and when received, are settled promptly.

1356

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

*SURRENDERING OF MNREGS FUNDS

1356. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR KUSUM RAI
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has allocated Rs. 39100 crores for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) for the year 2009-10 but this amount could not be utilized and the substantial amount has been surrendered;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the details of allocation of fund to various States, during last three years, year-wise and State-wise;

(c) the details of the fund allocated to Uttar Pradesh during last three years, alongwith details of utilized fund, year-wise and district-wise;

(d) whether Government is aware that this scheme has failed totally; and

(e) if so, the details of complaints received from Azamgarh, JP Nagar, Mau, Gonda, Basti, Raebareli and Amethi till date?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN ‘ADITYA’)

(a): MGNREGA is demand based. Central Government releases funds to the States/districts based on the labour demand arising at the field level. For the Financial Year 2009-10, a budget provision of Rs. 39,100 crore has been made by the Government for implementation of the Act. As on 5.3.2010, Rs. 30126.87 crore have been released to the States/districts under MGNREGA. Budget allocations made for MGNREGA for the year 2009-10 can be released to the States/districts up to 31.3.2010. No funds have, therefore, so far been surrendered under MGNREGA.

(b): State-wise funds released by the Centre during the three years is at Annexure-I.

(c): District-wise details of funds released by the Centre and utilized by them for the last three years for Uttar Pradesh are given in Annexure-II.

(d): No, Sir. Under MGNREGA, 90.50 crore persondays of employment was generated during 2006-07 out of which 8.23 crore were in Uttar Pradesh; 143.59 crore persondays generated during 2007-08 out of which 13.63 crore were in UP and 216.32 crore persondays during 2008-09 out of which 22.72.crore were generated in Uttar Pradesh.

(e): Number of complaints received are as under:
S. No. Name of the district No. of complaints received so far

1. Azamgarh 5

2. JP Nagar 2

3. Mau 1

4. Gonda 12

5. Basti 3
6. Raebareli 5

7 Amethi 0

1350

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS .

1350. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) the details of farmers displaced due to various industrial projects in the country, State-wise;

(b) the details of agricultural land acquired and the number of farmers displaced due to such acquisitions in Karnataka, district-wise;

(c) the details of agricultural land acquired in Nelamangala Taluk in Bangalore rural district to provide industrial facility till date;

(d) whether agricultural land of 149 acres, 5.5 guntas was allotted to some industrial groups in Yedehalli Grama, in Bangalore rural district; and

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith measures adopted to rehabilitate thousands of poor farmers of Yedehalli Grama?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI)

(a) to (e) The information is being collected from the State Governments including that of Karnataka and will be laid on the Table of the House on receipt.

1330

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

*EXPENDITURE ON NREGS ADVERTISEMENT.

1330. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the money allocated and spent on advertisements of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) during the last three years, yearwise;

(b) whether Government has decided to increase the allocation for advertisement of NREGS; and

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN ‘ADITYA’)

(a) to (c): The budget allocated under Communication Head of account and funds earmarked for publicity under the different Rural Development schemes are pooled together and accordingly comprehensive publicity campaign, including advertisement on press, TV and Radio is undertaken. One of the programmes for which publicity campaign had been undertaken was Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. Under this head, Rs. 18.00 crore were allocated and utilized during 2006-07, Rs.18.00 crore during 2007-08 and Rs.19.00 crore during 2008-09.
In addition, funds were also earmarked under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA publicity head for publicity of the Act and the same had been utilized. Year-wise details are as under.

(Rs. in crore) S. No. Year Amount allocated Amount utilised

1. 2006-07 2.80 2.80

2. 2007-08 2.00 2.00

3. 2008-09 2.00 2.00

1306

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

*GASOLINE EXPORTING COMPANIES.

1306. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

a) the details of the gasoline exporting companies which are exporting gasoline to different countries alongwith the names of countries to whom they are supplying gasoline;

b) whether the United States of America has raised objection alleging that gasoline supplied by Reliance Industries Ltd from Jamnagar refinery to Iran is being used for suspected nuclear weapons programme;

c) If so, the details thereof and reaction of Government thereon;

d) Whether in January the United States Senate passed a legislation that would allow the United States President to penalize companies that export gasoline to Iran; and

e) If so, the details thereof and action proposed in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS

(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a): The names of the Oil Companies of India which exported gasoline during the period April-December 2009 are as follows :
Public Sector – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd. Private Sector – Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Essar Oil Ltd.(EOL).
During the said period, gasoline was exported by these companies to Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nepal, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Yemen and UAE. Supply of gasoline to Iran was made only by RIL in April and May, 2009.

(b): The US Government has not raised the matter with the Government of India.

(c): Does not arise.

(d) & (e): The United States (US) Senate passed the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions & Divestment Bill (S2799) on 28th January 2010, which authorizes the US President to apply the sanctions under the Iran Sanctions Act 1996 to foreign entities that invest in Iran’s domestic refining sector (above US$ 20 million), sell refined petroleum products to Iran (above US$ 200,000 in a year) or provide supporting services for investment, construction and trade in this sector (including brokering, insurance, underwriting, consulting etc.)
The Bill also authorizes US Federal & State agencies to divest in any company that is engaged in Iran’s energy sector; imposes prohibition on federal procurement from any entity that supplies Iran with hardware and software that enables Iran to monitor, disrupt or restrict free speech on information flow; calls for closer scrutiny for export control of countries through which sensitive technologies of US origin are transshipped or diverted to Iran. The bill also has a Sense of US Congress calling for sanctions against Iran’s Central Bank under existing powers of the President, targeting of IRGC and pursuit of multilateral sanctions.
The Government of India has conveyed to the US Government that sanctions on Iran have proved to be counter-productive and that all differences with Iran should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiation.

1222

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

FINANCE

*COMPLAINTS ABOUT FARMER LOAN

1222. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of amount of loan sanctioned to farmers and industrial houses since March, 2009 till date, bank-wise;

(b) whether Government is aware that banks in public and private sector, are reluctant to sanction loan to farmers;

(c) whether a substantial share of loan is demanded as bribe to sanction loans to poor farmers by corrupt bank officials; and

(d) the details of complaints received in this regard during the last three years and the action taken thereon?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA )

(a) & (b): The ground level credit flow to agriculture by Commercial Banks, Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks during the year 2008-09 and 2009-10 (from April 2009 to 31 December 2009)is furnished below:

(amount in Rs crore)
2008-09 2009-10

Target Achievement Target Achievement

280,000 301,908

325,000 248,510
Source: NABARD.

The Banks have achieved the target fixed by the Government of India for the flow of agricultural credit during the year 2008-09. Details regarding lending to “industrial houses” is not generated.

(c) & (d): No such information has come to the notice of Government. However, for an effective complaint redressal mechanism and for strengthening customer service in banks, Reserve Bank of India has issued instructions to all banks for putting in place a four tier institutional arrangement consisting of
(i) Customer Service Committee of the Board,
(ii) Standing Committee of Executives on Customer Service,
(iii) a nodal department/official for customer service at the Head Office and Controlling Offices and
(iv) a Customer Service Committee at the branch level.

Banks have been advised to ensure that suitable mechanism exists for receiving and addressing complaints from customers/constituents with specific emphasis on resolving such complaints fairly and expeditiously regardless of the source of the complaints.

1202

UNSTARRED

08.03.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

*EXCESSES ON CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS.

1202. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
KAMAL AKHTAR NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether it is a fact that excesses on children in schools are increasing day by day;

(b) : if so, the details thereof and the number of complaints received by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) since its inception in 2007 regarding beating, harassment, humiliation and sexual exploitation in schools, State-wise; and

(c) : the details of the action Government has taken against these excesses alongwith the details of guilty persons/agencies punished?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) : It is reported by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

(NCPCR) that there has been an increase in the number of cases reported to it on excesses on children in schools.

(b) : The details of complaints received by NCPCR since inception regarding beating harassment, humiliation and sexual exploitation in schools are at Annex.

(c) : The complaints relating to excesses on children in schools, as received in NCPCR, have been referred to the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations and Authorities for appropriate action against the culprits under relevant laws.

1102

UNSTARRED

08.03.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

*PROJECT TIGER.

1102. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the amount spent on Project Tiger since its inception;

(b) the number of tigers killed/died due to poaching or illness during last one year from Feburary, 2009 till date, month-wise, sanctuary-wise and park-wise;

(d) the number of tigers in the country as on date, sanctuary-wise and park-wise; and

(e) the details of the action taken/proposed to be taken to address the issue of deaths of tigers?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) The details of amount spent on Project Tiger, since its inception are at Annexure-I.

(b) & (c) The details of mortality of tigers due to poaching and other causes, as reported by States during 2009 and current year are at Annexure-II.

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

(e) The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for strengthening tiger conservation in the country are at Annexure-IV.

1007

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

RAILWAYS

*TRAIN ACCIDENTS NEAR KANPUR.

1007. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of train accidents which took place near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh in the beginning of January this year;

(b) the details of other accidents which occurred in 2010;

(d) whether incidents of train mishaps have increased recently;

(e) if so, whether this is due to negligence or human error or due to some corrupt practices and shortcomings; and

(f) the concrete steps her Ministry will take to check the increasing rail accidents? [[
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (f) : A Statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1007 BY SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI, SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV AND SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 05.03.2010 REGARDING TRAIN ACCIDENTS NEAR KANPUR.

(a): Details of two Consequential train accidents which took place in the beginning of January, 2010 near Kanpur are as under :

(i) On 02.01.2010 at 08.46 hrs., train number 2556 Gorakhdham Express collided in rear of train number 2418 Prayagraj Express on Tundla – Kanpur section resulting in death of 12 persons and injuries to 48 persons. This accident is being inquired into by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, North Eastern Circle and his Final Report is awaited.

(ii) On 02.01.2010 at 08.05 hrs. train number 4006 Lichchavi Express collided in rear of train number 2402 Magadh Express on Tundla – Kanpur section in which one person was injured. This accident is being inquired into by a Departmental Committee.

(b) & (c): During the period from 1st January to 23rd February, 2010 there have been 3 collisions and 1 Manned Lavel Crossing accident. Further, there have been 10 derailments, 1 miscellaneous accident and 10 accidents on Unmanned Level Crossing. The number of passengers killed and injured therein in collisions and in manned level crossing accidents were 14 passengers, 1 staff killed, and 64 passengers and 3 staff injured. Further, in the miscellaneous accidents there were 19 passengers who were injured.

(d): No, Sir. Number of accidents has come down during the current year.

(e): Does not arise.

(f): All possible steps are undertaken on a continuing basis to prevent accidents. These include timely replacement of over-aged assets, adoption of suitable technologies for up-gradation and maintenance of track, rolling stock, signaling and interlocking systems, safety drives, greater emphasis on training of officials and inspections at regular intervals to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. Safety devices introduced to prevent accidents include provision of Train Protection Warning System (TPWS), Anti- Collision Device (ACD), Block Proving Axle Counters (BPAC), Auxiliary Warning System (AWS), LED Signals and Vigilance Control Device (VCD).

970

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

IRREGULARITIES IN CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES.

970. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of complaints/representations against corruption/irregularities in Central Universities received during last three years, University-wise;

(b) whether a representation signed by at least 22 members of Parliament was submitted to Hon’ble President and by public and others, alleging irregularities in functioning of Jamia Millia Islamia University in general and its Vice Chancellor in particular;

(d) if no action has been taken/proposed to be taken, the reasons for protection of corruption and irregularities in Jamia Millia Islamia Islamia and other universities of the country?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a to d): The Central Universities being autonomous bodies established and incorporated under the Acts of Parliament, the Central Government has no control over their day-to-day functioning. However, the President of India, in the capacity as the Visitor of these Universities, has the right to cause an inquiry to be made in respect of any matter connected with the administration or finances of a University. The University Grants Commission (UGC), which is mandated to maintain standards of higher education in the country and to allocate and disburse grants to the Central Universities, may also look into the allegations/complaints against the Central Universities. During the last three years, the Visitor/UGC has constituted Fact Finding Committees to look into the allegations/complaints relating, inter- alia, to financial mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, irregularities in appointments, violation of Statutes and Ordinances, personal charges against Statutory Officers, etc. against the Vice Chancellors and other officials of Nagaland University, Aligarh Muslim University and Visva-Bharati. Besides, the Central Vigilance Commission has instituted a fact finding inquiry into certain complaints against the Indira Gandhi National Open University. The various allegations contained in the representation made to the President, in her capacity as the Visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), by 18 Members of Parliament, were the subject matter of other complaints received in the Ministry – these included the alleged irregularities in the matter of appointment to the various posts, particularly those in AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJKMCRC), statutory violations, award of honorary degrees without obtaining the prior approval of the Visitor, during the tenure of the former Vice Chancellor. All these complaints, together with the then Vice Chancellor’s comments and this Ministry’s observations thereon, were placed before the Visitor. It was felt that the allegations were yet to be proved. Meanwhile, following disagreement between the Selection Committee and the Executive Council in the matter of appointment to the post of Lecturer (Still Photography) in AJKMCRC, this Ministry is in the process of submitting the case to the Visitor for the final orders. As regards the other appointments made in AJKMCRC, further action would be taken only after the report of the Inquiry Committee constituted by the University, duly considered by its Executive Council, becomes available.

969

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

QUALITY AND EXTENT OF EDUCATION IN RURAL AREAS.

969. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
KUSUM RAI NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that quality of education in rural areas of the country is very poor and deteriorating day by day;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures proposed to be taken?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a)to (d): The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986 (as modified in 1992) provides for a National System of Education, which implies that up to a given level, all students, irrespective of caste, creed, location or sex, have access to education of a comparable quality. It also accords priority for improvement of the standard of education at all levels for children living in rural and urban areas.
The NPE recognizes that the rural areas, with poor infrastructure services, will not get the benefit of trained and educated youth, unless rural-urban disparities are reduced and determined measures are taken to promote diversification of employment opportunities. Pursuant to this, a large number of schemes/programmes are under various stages of implementation, which predominantly address the educational needs of rural areas including technical education. The schemes/programmes include Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Mid-day Meal scheme (MDM), Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme, Mahila Samakhya and the scheme of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas have been opened in rural areas specifically in order to provide quality education to rural children. There are other institutions such as Gandhigram Rural Institute and the National Council of Rural Institutes which address issues of reducing disparities in education.
As per an independent study commissioned by Government of India the number of out of school children has decreased from 1.35 crore in 2005 to 81 lakh in 2009. The improvement in gender parity index at elementary level from 0.80 in 2000- 01 to 0.93 in 2006-07, indicates the improvement in participation of girls at elementary education level.
The Saakshar Bharat scheme also focuses on women’s literacy, especially in rural areas. 80% overall literacy is targeted by the end of the 11th Plan period. The States/UT Governments have been informed that under Saakshar Bharat 70 million non-literates are to be made literate, of which 60 million will be women.

937

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

*BOGUS RATION CARDS .

937. SHRIMATI KUSUM RAI
NAND KISHORE YADAV KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that millions of ration cards both BPL and APL are bogus;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise with particular reference to Uttar Pradesh, district-wise; and

(c) the details of action taken in this regard during last years till date, State-wise?
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) to (c): The Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the State/UT Governments to issue ration cards to Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families and to conduct periodical review and checking of ration cards, to weed out ineligible and bogus ration cards and bogus units in the ration cards. A statement showing the number of bogus/ineligible rations cards deleted by 21 State/UT Governments including Uttar Pradesh from July 2006 to January 2010 is at Annex-I. A statement indicating District-wise ration cards deleted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh during 2008-2009 and 2009-10 (up to January 2010) is at Annex-II.

936

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

*PRICE HIKE OF SUGAR .

936. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that price of sugar has increased about one hundred and fifty per cent during 2009;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the prices of sugar during the month of November and December, 2009 and January and February, 2010 till date;

(e) the amount and rate at which sugar was imported and exported during last three years, year-wise and country-wise; and

(f) the steps taken by Government to redress the situation?
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): The retail price of sugar in the four metropolitan cities as on 01.01.2009 and 31.12.2009 along with the details of percentage increase in sugar prices are given as under:
(Rs. per kg.)
Centre On 1st Jan. 09 On 31st Dec, 09 Percentage increase in sugar prices. Delhi 21.00 39.00 85.71% Mumbai 21.50 39.00 81.39%

Kolkata 21.00 38.00 80.95% Chennai 21.00 34.00 61.90%

(c): The shortfall between domestic production and demand of sugar in the last 2008-09 sugar season and the current season 2009-10 is the main reason for rise in sugar prices. Besides, deficit in global supply and demand, increase in international prices of sugar, adverse market sentiments and expectation contributed to rise in prices of sugar in the domestic market.

(d): The month-wise range of prices of sugar (Ex-mill and retail) during the month of November 2009, December 2009, January 2010 and February, 2010 is enclosed at Annexure-I

(e): There has been no export or import of sugar on Government account during the last three sugar years (October-September). It is the sugar mills or Public Sector Undertakings or merchant importers/ exporters who have undertaken export or import of sugar as per their commercial prudence. The international sugar prices of export or import have varied from time to time. Export of sugar was mainly to Bangladesh, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Somalia and Sri Lanka. There was hardly any import of sugar in 2006-07 and 2007-08 sugar seasons. Sugar has mainly been imported in 2009-10 sugar season from Brazil and Thailand. The quantum of export and import of sugar during the last three sugar years was as under:-

Sugar Year Quantity exported (in lac tons) Quantity imported ( in lac tons)

2006-07 24.91 0.005

2007-08 58.22 0.004 2008-09 2.165 10.97
Source: DGCIS, Kolkata

(f): The Central Government has taken a slew of measures to augment domestic stocks of Sugar and to check rise in sugar prices which, inter-alia, include permitting duty-free import of raw and white/refined sugar upto 31.12.2010, imposition of stockholding and turnover limits on sugar dealers, stockholding limit on bulk consumers of sugar, etc. as given in Annexure-II. These measures have helped to contain sugar prices in the country.

764

UNSTARRED

04.03.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BIHAR SHARIF CIRCLE BRANCH POSTMASTERS .

764. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) whether Government is aware that relievers in place of Extra Departmental Branch Post Master (EDBPM) or Postman going on leave, are not being provided by concerned inspectors under Bihar Sharif Circle;

(b) whether Government is also aware that this is causing a lot of resentment and frustration amongst the Branch Postmasters/Postmen;

(d) whether Government propose to take action against the erring inspectors who are indulging in such willful and illegal activities; and

(e) if so, the details in this regard and by when appropriate action would be initiated against them?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) The Gramin Dak Sevaks are expected to provide a substitute on their own responsibility before availing leave to carry on the work on his behalf, who should be a person approved by the authority competent to sanction leave to him. Therefore, relievers are not provided by Inspector. In the case of regular Departmental Postman going on leave, the work of the absentee Postman is managed by ordering double duty or combining the beat with the adjoining beats, or by providing a substitute by the Head of Office.

(b) Does not arise in view of reply at (a) above.

(d) & (e) Do not arise in view of (a) and (c) above.

748

UNSTARRED

04.03.2010

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

*BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICES .

748. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of public and private sector companies which are providing broadband internet services;

(b) the details of definition of speed of broadband internet as per TRAI guidelines and broadband policy of his Ministry;

(c) whether Government is aware that some private internet service providers like Sify, MTS, IDEA, AIRTEL, AIRCEL, Tata Teleservices, etc. are marketing their services as broadband though these are not in conformity with broadband policy and norms;

(d) the details of speed provided by these companies, company-wise; and

(e) the action Government will take against such erring and misleading companies?
Answer

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

(a) As on 31st January 2010, 99 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are providing broadband internet services. The details of public and private sector companies providing broadband internet services are given in Annexure – I.

(b) As per the Broadband Policy 2004, Broadband connectivity has been defined as:
“An ‘always-on’ data connection that is able to support interactive services including Internet access and has the capability of the minimum download speed of 256 kilo bits per second (kbps) to an individual subscriber from the Point Of Presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide Broadband service where multiple such individual Broadband connections are aggregated and the subscriber is able to access these interactive services including the Internet through this POP.”

As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) “Quality of Service of Broadband Services Regulations, 2006”, Broadband has been defined in accordance with the Broadband Policy 2004 issued by the Government.

(c) TRAI’s “Quality of Service of Broadband Service Regulations, 2006” contains various benchmarks for quality of service to be complied by broadband service providers. It has come to the notice of TRAI that some service providers are using the word “upto” in a misleading way and not providing minimum broadband connection speed as mentioned in above mentioned Regulation. TRAI has written to all the service providers providing broadband services not to use the word “upto” in their tariff plans and mention minimum guaranteed speed in each of their tariff plan. Service providers have been asked to prominently indicate on their websites and advertisements, the definition of broadband connection as per the Broadband Policy of the Government. Service providers have confirmed compliance with these instructions.

(d) IDEA, MTS and AIRCEL are not providing broadband services as of now. The details of speeds provided by Sify, AIRTEL and Tata Teleservices are given in Annexure-II.

(e) Action is taken as per the terms and conditions of respective Licence Agreement against the erring and misleading companies for any infringement of the provisions in the Licence Agreement.

734

UNSTARRED

03.03.2010

TEXTILES

IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES FOR WEAVERS.

734. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the schemes which are under implementation for the development of handloom sector and welfare of handloom weavers at present;

(b) the details of the schemes which were started during UPA-I and UPA-II regime;

(d) whether these schemes have succeeded in redressing the plights of poor weavers;

(e) if not, the shortcomings noticed in each scheme; and

(f) the corrective measures taken or proposed to be taken by Government with regard thereto?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): Government of India, for the XI Plan, has been implementing Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme, Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme, Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Mill Gate Price Scheme and Diversified Handloom Development Scheme for the overall development of the handloom sector and welfare of the handloom weavers.

(b): During the X Five Year Plan, 11 schemes were in implementation. In the year 2007 the Government of India has introduced 5 Schemes by modifying the components and amalgamation for implementation during the XI Plan period.

(c): Most of the schemes are implemented through State Governments. Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these schemes in the States is done through the State Level Project Committee (SLPC) which consists of experts from the handloom sector. The Committee is responsible for scrutinising the project proposals, monitoring evaluation etc. and recommend the implementing agency. In addition, the Government of India at its level ensures that the activities taken up under the above schemes are in consonance with the stated objectives of the scheme and are implemented for the overall interest of the growth and development of the handloom sector by obtaining periodic reports from the State Governments.

(d) to (f): Yes Sir, Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme has benefited the weavers in increasing their wages and providing sustained employment. With the introduction of Handloom Mark, sale of genuine handloom products has increased. For the first time, Insurance Schemes introduced in the handloom sector which has helped in coverage of lives of weavers and also providing health care to weavers and their families as well. Supply of different type of yarn has increased manifold under the Mill Gate Price Scheme. Based on the recommendation of the evaluation of the Schemes implemented during 10th Plan, the schemes in the eleventh plan have been suitably modified. .

649

UNSTARRED

03.03.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

*CHECKING FURTHER INCIDENTS OF TERROR.

649. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that intelligence agencies of the country have informed his Ministry that terrorist groups like Indian Mujahiddin and Lashkar-e-Taiba are trying to target some other cities of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) & (b): As per available inputs, Pak-based terrorist outfits including the LeT are making concerted efforts to organize terrorist attacks in various cities in India concerned States authorities have been alerted.

(c): The Government has been, on a continuing basis, reviewing the security arrangements in the light of the emerging challenges, and a number of important decisions and measures have been taken. These measures, inter-alia, include augmenting the strength of Central Para-Military Forces; amendment of the CISF Act to enable deployment of CISF in joint venture and private industrial undertaking; establishment of NSG hubs at Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai; empowerment of DG, NSG to requisition aircraft for movement of NSG personnel in the event of any emergence; strengthening and re-organizing of Multi-Agency Centre to enable it to function on 24×7 basis for real time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence and security agencies; tighter immigration control, and effective border management through border fencing, flood lighting, deployment of surveillance equipment and coastal security. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been amended and notified in 2008 to strengthen the punitive measures to combat terrorism. The National Investigation Agency has been constituted under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 to investigate and prosecute offences under the Acts specified in the Schedule. Suitable steps have been initiated to establish the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre. As a part of steps to counter terrorists’ threats, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is also envisaged. Closer cooperation and easy flow of vital intelligence between various states and central intelligence agencies have also been ensured.

569

UNSTARRED

02.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

*NREGS IN UTTAR PRADESH

569. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of amount allocated, till date, to Uttar Pradesh under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), year-wise;

(b) the total number of jobs created in the State under NREGS;

(c) the details of complaints received so far regarding irregularities in the scheme, in the State, and the action taken thereon; and

(d) the details of complaints which are still pending?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a) & (b): Funds released by Central Government to Uttar Pradesh and persondays of employment generated in the State under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA since its inception are as given below:
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Funds released by the 56914.69 166589.89 393390.13 472687.16 Centre (Rs. in lakh) As on 24.2.10) Persondays of 822.2 1363.05 2272.21 2663.59 employment generated(in (up to January,10) lakhs)

(c) & (d): A total of 390 complaints regarding irregularities in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA in Uttar Pradesh have so far been received in the Ministry. All cases when brought to the notice of the Ministry are sent to the concerned State Government for investigation of the matter and taking action in accordance with the provisions of the Act. In addition, National Level Monitors (NLMs) are also deputed by the Ministry to enquire into the specific complaints.
Action has been completed in 239 complaints and remaining 151 complaints are pending with the State Government.

566

UNSTARRED

02.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL FACILITY .

566. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

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

(a) the details of agricultural lands acquired for providing industrial facility in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh;

(b) the details of land allotted to BPL Group in these States with concessions from these acquired lands, till date;

(c) whether some of industrial groups instead of utilizing land as per guidelines and parameters have opted to sell them at hugely inflated prices;

(d) if so, whether any enquiry into the matter has been proposed to be initiated against those defaulting groups; and

(e) the measures taken to rehabilitate poor farmers who were displaced by such acquisitions?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI)

(a) to (e): The information is being collected from the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh and will be laid on the Table of the House on receipt.

517

UNSTARRED

02.03.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

*CONTRACTS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES .

517. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has given contracts for ambulance and emergency healthcare services to private parties in ten States;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the names of private players which were awarded the contracts;

(c) whether it is a fact that Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with ten States in this regard were entered into without any transparent tender process;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) if not, the details of the tender process?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (e) No, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare only releases funds to State/UT Governments on their request as projected under their Programme Implementation Plan for National Rural Health Mission for ambulance and emergency health care services. The States/UTs are however, expected to follow financial rules. -=

357

UNSTARRED

25.02.2010

OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

*INDIANS ATTACKED IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES .

357. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of Indians attacked in Australia, Britain and other countries during last three months till February, 2010 and the number of persons who died or injured in such incidents, country-wise;

(b) the number of people arrested in this regard and the number of people against whom action has been taken, country-wise;

(d) the substantial arrangement made for the security of the migrants and students studying in Australia?
Answer
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)

(a): There have been reports of 33 incidents of attacks on Indian nationals from Australia from December 2009 to February, 2010. On 31.01.2010, an Indian taxi driver was murdered in Auckland, New Zealand. A Sikh student was also reported to have been brutally assaulted and thrown into a swimming pool in West Texas in USA. There were no other such reports from Britain or any other country.

(b): All cases have been registered by the police authorities and investigations started. In Australia arrests have been made in six cases.

(c): While we continue to receive reports of sporadic attacks on Indians in Australia there does not appear to be any evidence to indicate a persistent rise. There was a spurt in the number of such attacks in January 2010, after a gap of over six months.

(d): Steps taken by the Government of India is attached as Annexure – I.

Annexure – I referred to in reply to part (d) of the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 357 for answer on 25.2.2010

Steps taken by the Government of India

The issue of attack on Indian students in Australia has been taken up at the highest level.

It has been conveyed to the Australian government that such attacks should not be allowed to happen and that it is the responsibility of the Australian authorities to ensure the well-being and security of our students in Australia.

Our High Commissioner and Consuls General in Australia are in constant touch with the Australian authorities both at the federal as well as state level, including the Ministers, senior officers and the police authorities, besides the Australian Foreign Office, the Universities and the students.

The Prime Minister of India conveyed the high priority that Government of India attaches to the safefy, security and well-being of Indian community in Australia to the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Kevin Rudd during his visit to India on 12 November, 2009. Mr. Rudd had reiterated that Australia had a zero tolerance approach to violence and was committed to taking all possible measures to protect the safety and welfare of all international students including Indian students.

Hon. John Brumby, Premier of the State of Victoria visited India from 22 Sept. 2009 to 1st Oct. 2009. During the visit he called on the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Minister for Human Resource Development. An advisory for students going for studies to Australia has been put on the website of Ministries of Overseas Indian Affairs and External Affairs, besides those of Indian Mission/Posts in Australia.

An officer has been designated as the ‘Students’ Welfare Officer’ in the High Commission of India, Canberra as well as our Consulates General in Sydney and Melbourne. As soon as a case of attack comes to the notice, the matter is taken up immediately with local government authorities.

343

UNSTARRED

25.02.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

BILL TO REGULATE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY

343. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government proposes a Bill to regulate the real estate industry in the current Session;

(b) if so , the details thereof and whether formation of a National real estate registry would be a part thereof;

(c) whether Government is aware that builders like Unitech, Supertech, Mahagun, Assotech, Jaypee Associates, etc. are indulging in misrepresentation of built-up area, arbitrarily changing layout and floor plans and sale of flats before obtaining requisite approvals from authorities, etc; and

(d) if so, the action being taken or contemplated against these builders and if not, whether an enquiry would be made into their unethical practices?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a)&(b): In order to promote planned and healthy real estate development of colonies and apartments with a view to protecting consumer interest on the one hand and to facilitate smooth and speedy urban construction on the other, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in consultation with various stakeholders has drafted a draft Model Real Estate (Regulation of Development) Act 200_____. The draft bill has been put on the website of the Ministry (http://mhupa.gov.in). Comments/suggestions on the draft bill were invited from public and other stakeholders including State Governments and Union Territory administrations, business chambers, etc. by 06.11.2009. More than 350 responses have been received.
Further, the Ministry of Urban Development also proposes to introduce a Bill viz. National Capital Territory of Delhi Real Estate Management (Promotion and Regulation) Bill which will be applicable to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

(c)&(d): ‘Land’ and ‘colonisation’ being state subjects, such complaints are to be looked into by the concerned State Governments. However, the proposed draft Model Real Estate (Regulation of Development) Act 200_____ seeks to provide state governments with the means to regulate real estate development activity. It provides that no promoter shall issue or publish an advertisement or prospectus, or offer for sale any plot, building or apartment, or invite persons to make advances or deposits without registering with the Regulatory Authority prescribed under the Model Act, and without first filing a copy of the advertisement or prospectus in the office of the Regulatory Authority. The application form for registration shall include the information relating to the number and size of plots, layout plan, carpet area and plinth area of the flats or apartments and the facilities provided therefor. It further provides that the promoter shall adhere to the approved plans and project specifications and once layout plan of the plots in a colony or the plans and specifications of the building or apartment, as the case may be, are approved and the same are disclosed or furnished to the person who agrees to take the building or apartment, the promoter shall not make any alterations in the structures indicated therein without the previous consent of the person, project architect, project engineer and obtain the required permission of the Regulatory Authority. The draft Model Act further provides that the advertisement or prospectus issued or published after complying with this requirement, shall contain true statement and disclose the details of the registration granted, the extent and situation of the land, the area of the plots, building or apartments offered for sale, nature of title to the land, the cost payable, names of the agents or property dealers or brokers or middlemen known by any other name through whom the property proposed to be marketed and such other matters as may be prescribed.

342

UNSTARRED

25.02.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

ALLEGED ALLOTMENT OF LAND TO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS
THROUGH FRAUDULENT MEANS

342. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that some real estate developers were allotted land in excise free zone at Sidcul Pantnagar, Uttarakhand at concessional rates to build houses for industrial workers;

(b) whether Government is also aware that these builders like M/s Supertech Ltd. and Assotech have taken huge loans from HUDCO on the basis of fraudulent and improper documents;

(c) if so, whether an enquiry would be constituted to investigate this scam and strict action would be taken against the fraudsters; and

(d) if so, by when and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): ‘Land’ and ‘colonisation’ are state subjects and this Ministry has no information in the matter.

(b): Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Ltd. has informed that it has sanctioned a term loan of Rs 100.00 crores on 30.01.2008 to M/s Assotech-Supertech Joint Venture (a 50:50 Joint Venture of M/s Assotech Contracts India Ltd. and M/s Supertech Ltd.) for acquisition of land and construction of residential flats at Pantnagar, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. HUDCO has also sanctioned a term loan of Rs. 100 crore to M/s Supertech Infra Ltd. for a project titled “Acquisition of land & Construction of Commercial Hub” at Integrated Industrial Estate, SIDCUL. M/s Supertech Infra Ltd. has prepaid the entire loan in January, 2010. HUDCO has also informed that the loan was sanctioned as per guidelines of HUDCO.

268

UNSTARRED

24.02.2010

TEXTILES

WORKERS RENDERED JOBLESS DUE TO CLOSURE OF MILLS .

268. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR
NAND KISHORE YADAV
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of workers rendered jobless due to the closure of textile mills during the past five years till February, 2010 in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, district-wise;

(b) the measures taken to rehabilitate them;

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

(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the measures taken to ensure assistance to each and every worker rendered jobless?
Answer

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): As per the available records, there were 3406 workers on roll of 5 closed cotton man made fibre textile mills (Non-SSI) in the state of Uttar Pradesh during the last 5 years till 31.12.2009. No mill is reported as closed during the last 5 years in the state of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The details are given below:-
STATE WISE & DISTRICT WISE CLOSED COTTON MAN-MADE FIBRE TEXTILE MILLS (Non-SSI) DURING LAST FIVE YEARS TILL 31/12/2009 IN THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH, BIHAR & MADHYA PRADESH

Sr. No. STATE DISTRICT NO. OF MILLS WORKERS
1 UTTAR PRADESH ALLAHABAD 1 166 MATHURA 1 339 SAHARANPUR 1 22 SANT RAVIDAS NAGAR (BHADOLI) 1 21 MAU 1 2858
2 BIHAR NIL NIL NIL
3 MADHYA PRADESH NIL NIL NIL Total 5 3406
491 employees of National Textile Corporation (NTC) mills in the State of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were opted for voluntary retirement as per the details given below: – Bihar 348
Madhya Pradesh 76
Uttar Pradesh 67

(b): Government of India under Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS) provides interim relief to the textile workers rendered unemployed as a consequence of permanent closure of any particular portion or entire textile unit in the private sector. Assistance under the Scheme is payable to eligible workers only for the purpose of enabling them to settle in another employment. Any worker is eligible provided he/she is engaged in a closed textile unit on the date of its closure continuously for five years or more and earning a wage equivalent of Rs.2500 per month or less for the mills closed between 6.6.1985 to 1.4.1993 and Rs.3500 or less thereafter. They should be contributing to the Provident Fund maintained by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner of the State concerned.
The employees of NTC mills opted for retirement under the Modified Voluntary Retirement Scheme have been given compensation package on the basis of their service rendered by them and service left for superannuation. Besides Department of Public Enterprises has formulated a Scheme for counseling, retraining and redeployment for employees of Public Sector Companies.

(c) to (e): Since inception of the Scheme, a total of 104476 workers out of 133666 workers on the rolls have been given financial assistance under TWRFS till 31.12.2009 as per the funds available under the Scheme.

(f): Apart from the above measures, constant efforts were/are made by the Government to provide relief to displaced workers of closed textile mills expeditiously by organizing various Grievances Redressal Meetings, which are presided over by the Textile Minister/ Textile Commissioner/ Joint Textile Commissioner etc. Such meetings have representatives from various State /Central Government Departments/ Organisations/Labour Associations and from workers.

187

UNSTARRED

24.02.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

*PERSONS AWARDED PADMA

187. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the criterion adopted for selection for `Padma` awards; and

(b) the details of the persons who were awarded `Padma Shri` this year?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a): In terms of the rules/guidelines regulating Padma awards, ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of a high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field of activity.

(b): A list of the persons whose names have been announced for ‘Padma Shri’ this year is annexed.

177

UNSTARRED

24.02.2010

DEFENCE

CONSTRUCTION OF SOLID WASTE PLANT BY GNN NEAR HINDON
AIRBASE

177. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam (GNN) proposes to build a solid waste plant/dumping ground at Dundahera adjacent to Hindon Airbase;

(b) whether No-objection was given by Hindon Airbase to the civic authority;

(c) if so, the details thereof and whether piling up of such a large quantity of waste near this important Airbase would endanger the lives of pilots flying supersonic aircrafts; and

(d) if not, whether Government would stop the construction of this dumping ground in national interest?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

MINISTER OF DEFENCE

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir.

(c) The proposed site at Dundahera is well away from the airfield zone and is not likely to affect flying at Air Force Station, Hindon.

(d) Does not arise.

UNSTARRED

23.02.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

*PROCUREMENT OF EQUIPMENT FOR TESTING SWINE FLU .

96. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the swine flue testing labs, State-wise along with their locations;

(b) the details of the rate at which these labs are testing the swine flue cases;

(c) the details of the rate at which Masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Viral Transport Medium (VTM) were purchased by Government along with the details of the agencies from which Government procured them;

(d) whether these equipments were procured at higher rates and public money was misused; and

(e) if so, the reasons therefor?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) The details of swine flu testing labs and their locations are at annexure.

(b) The laboratories in Government sector under the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Laboratories under the network of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project are testing the samples free of cost.

(c) N-95 mask were procured at Rs 33.80 + Sales Tax @ 4% from Shakti Medical and Surgical stores, 31/52 Street No 3 Bhikam Singh Colony(Viswas Nagar), New Delhi 32. Personal Protective equipments were procured at unit price of Rs 192.40 +Sales Tax @ 4% from M/s National Meditek, D-4/8 Krishna Nagar, Delhi 110051 and at Rs 192.60 + Sales Tax @ 4% from M/s Sahnisons Manufacturing Company , 3482, Netaji Subhash Marg, New Delhi 110002.

Viral Transport Medium was procured at Rs 3800/- per kg of 50 tubes and 50 swabs from M/s Embee Diagnostic Private Limited 1864/65 Haveli Jugal Kishore, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

(d) The rate contracts for N-95 face masks and PPE kits, were concluded after inviting competitive rates against open advertised tender. The VTM was also procured through open tender.

(e) Question does not arise.

UNSTARRED

23.02.2010

FINANCE

*SEIZURE OF FAKE CURRENCY .

47. SHRI NAND KISHORE YADAV
KAMAL AKHTAR
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the amount of fake currency seized since January 2009 to February 2010 till date, State-wise;

(b) whether it is a fact that during 2009 there was increase in circulation of fake currency in comparison to last year;

(d) the action taken by Government in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (c): As per the information furnished by National Crime Record Bureau, the amount of fake currency seized during 2008 and 2009, State-wise is given in Annexure.

(d): The steps taken by the Government to curb circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in the country include stepping up of vigilance by the Border Security Force and Custom authorities to prevent smuggling of fake notes; dissemination of information on security features through print and electronic media and formation of Forged Note Vigilance Cells in all the Head Offices of the banks. Additional security features have also been incorporated in the bank notes in 2005 to make counterfeiting very difficult. To strengthen the security of bank notes further, incorporation of latest security features is underway. A High Level Committee headed by the Union Home Secretary comprising officials from central agencies and other senior police officials has been constituted to monitor and draw a comprehensive strategy to combat FICN. Similar bodies have also been set up in the States. In addition, Government of India have nominated the Central Bureau of Investigation as the Nodal Agency to monitor investigation of fake currency note cases. The RBI has also strengthened the mechanism for detection of counterfeit notes by the Banks.

UNSTARRED

23.02.2010

FINANCE

ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL REGISTRY .

42. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government is aware that there is no such mechanism to check charges/ encumbrance created by Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Association of Persons or other entities;

(b) if so, whether Government proposes to establish a Central Registry under SARFAESI Act to maintain data relating to charges created on any asset by any person;

(c) whether some builders like Unitech, Supertech, DLF, BPTP, etc., have sold same flats to more than one person and also got these financed from PSU banks in connivance of bank officials; and

(d) if so, the steps taken to check these malpractices and to investigate bank finance to projects of these companies?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b) There is a provision under the Companies Act 1956 for registration of charges/ encumbrances on the assets (Movable/ Immovable properties) of a company with the Registrar of Companies. However, there is no such similar provision for registration of charges on movable properties belonging to non-corporate such as Individuals, Partnership Firms, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) etc., under any law.

Government has since decided for setting up of Central Registry which will initially extend to mortgage by deposit of title deeds created by any person, i.e. corporate and non-corporate. After the establishment of Central Registry, the issue relating to encumbrances / charges on movable properties belonging to Individuals, Partnerships, HUFs etc. will be sorted out by the Government.

(c) & (d) There are some instances of frauds being reported wherein loans have been obtained from multiple Banks on the security of the same flat/ apartment. The Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Bombay observed that the Bank granting finance to housing/ development projects should insist on disclosure of the charge/ or any other liability on the plot. Following the observation of Hon’ble High Court, RBI have advised the Banks to stipulate as a part of the terms and conditions that the builder/ developer would disclose the names to the Banks to which the property is mortgaged and publish the same in the advertisement of the scheme/ project and would provide NOC/ permission of the mortgage Bank before sale of the property, if required. Banks are also advised to ensure compliance of the aforesaid terms and conditions and funds should not be released unless the builder/ developer/ company fulfills the above requirements.

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