No. of questions found: 102
|
22 |
STARRED |
24.02.2010 |
HUMAN |
SARVA |
22 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
A.T. NANA PATIL
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has conducted any evaluation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) since its inception;
(b) if so, the outcome thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether SSA has failed to achieve its targets during 2009-10;
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and the reasons therefor;
(e) the funds allocated and spent on SSA during the last three years and the current year, year-wise, State-wise; and
(f) the steps taken or being taken by the Government for effective implementation of SSA?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) to (f) : A statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.22 FOR 24TH FEBRUARY, 2010 ASKED BY SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI AND SHRI A. T. NANA PATIL REGARDING SARVA SHIKSHA ABHIYAN
(a) to (d): The various components of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) are periodically evaluated through independent studies. The independent studies conducted under SSA include, inter-alia, (i) Sample Survey of Out-of-School Children; (ii) National Evaluation of Civil Works, (iii) Study on Para Teachers, (iv) Evaluation of Academic Support Structures, (v) Study on Teacher Attendance (vi) Evaluation of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), (vii) Learning Achievement Survey for classes III, V and VII/VIII. The studies and evaluations provide valuable information on the quality of interventions under SSA. SSA also has a monitoring system through the District Information System for Education (DISE), which generates an Education Development Index (EDI) for States based on access, infrastructure, teacher and outcome indicators.
(e) A statement on cumulative progress under SSA under key parameters of opening new schools, construction of school buildings, construction of additional classrooms and recruitment of teachers for each State is given in Annexure- I. The budget estimate for SSA for the year 2009-10 is Rs 13,100 crore, against which Rs 12,067 crore has been released till 16.2.2010. A statement on the Central funding released to States/UTs in the last three years and the current year (as on 16.2.2010) is given in Annexure II.
(f) For effective implementation of SSA, a rigorous monitoring system has been put in place, which includes inter-alia, submission of monthly/ quarterly progress reports and periodic review meetings by States, field level monitoring through reputed institutes of social sciences and university departments of education, as also independent review missions on programme progress. In addition, statutory and independent annual financial audits and concurrent financial reviews are conducted under SSA.
|
149 |
STARRED |
08.03.2010 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
TELE |
149 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Telecom Policy 1999 envisages provision of telecom services in all the villages and fixed a target of four per cent tele-density in the rural areas by 2010;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the allocation of funds and the expenditure incurred for the purpose and the break up of tele-density achieved so far in the urban and rural areas in the country, circle-wise
(d) whether some parts of the rural and remote hilly areas do not have access to telephone services; and
(e) if so, the reasons therefor and the steps taken by the Government for giving special emphasis on improving rural tele-density in the country?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI A. RAJA.)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 149 FOR 8TH MARCH, 2010 REGARDING “TELE-DENSITY”.
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) New Telecom Policy 1999 (NTP-99) inter-alia provides for:-
# Make available telephone on demand by the year 2002 and sustain it thereafter so as to achieve a teledensity of 7 by the year 2005 and 15 by the year 2010.
# Increase rural teledensity from the current level of 0.4 to 4 by the year 2010.
# Achieve telecom coverage of all villages in the country and provide reliable media to all exchanges by the year 2002.
(c) A statement indicating the allocation of funds and expenditure incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in rural areas from 2002-03 to December 2009 is given in Annexure-I. In addition, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) is also providing subsidy support to various service providers including BSNL for provision of telecom facilities in rural areas of the country. A statement indicating the allocation of funds and disbursement of subsidy support since 2002-03 is given in Annexure-II.
A statement indicating Circle-wise break-up of teledensity achieved in the urban and rural areas in the country as on 31.12.2009 is given in Annexure-III.
(d) & (e) Some parts of the rural and remote hilly areas do not have access to telephone services for the reasons given below:-
$ Scattered and isolated villages not connected by roads including difficult and hilly terrain.
$ Law and order problem in disturbed and insurgency affected areas.
Out of total 5,93,601 inhabited villages in the country as per Census 2001, Village Public Telephone (VPT) facility has been provided in 5,67,658 villages. The remaining uncovered inhabited villages including those lying in remote and hilly areas will be covered by VPT facility progressively by February, 2011. Further, against the envisaged target of 4% teledensity in rural areas by 2010 under NTP-99, the present teledensity is 21.99% as on 31.12.2009.
Government is taking following steps for improving rural teledensity in the country:-
(i) Subsidy support is being provided by USOF for installation of Individual Rural Direct Exchange Lines (RDELs) in 1,685 Short Distance Charging Areas (SDCAs) in the country, where cost of providing telephones is more than the revenue earned. As on 31.01.2010, about 72.3 lakh RDELs have been provided in the country.
(ii) Subsidy support is also being extended by USOF for setting up of 7,387 Shareable Infrastructure Sites in the country for provision of mobile services in rural and remote areas, where there is no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage. Out of these, 7020 towers in the country have been set up under this scheme as on January, 2010.
(iii) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has planned to add 8.99 million Global System for Mobile (GSM) connections during the year 2010-11 in rural areas. In addition, BSNL has also planned to cover the villages having population more than 1000 with GSM coverage progressively in next 3 years subject to techno commercial viability.
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189 |
STARRED |
10.03.2010 |
PLANNING |
UNSPENT |
189 . Shri RUDRAMADHAB RAY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether some recent reports have revealed that a large sum of budget funds allocated to the key social sector schemes remained unutilised;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the funds allocated to the various sectors and utilised during the last three years and the current year, sector-wise;
(c) the reasons for the amount which remained unspent, year-wise during the said period; and
(d) the measures contemplated to ensure that the planning process is not adversely affected thereby?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTRY AFFAIRS (SHRI V.NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 189 REGARDING “UNSPENT PLANNED FUNDS” RAISED BY SHRI RUDRA MADHAB RAY AND SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI DUE FOR ANSWER ON 10th MARCH 2010.
(a) to (d): Fund allocation under various social sector schemes is made keeping in mind the 11th Plan objective of faster and more inclusive growth. Government has enhanced the allocation for social sector development. The total funds allocated/spent for Social Services including Rural Development for last 3 years and 2009-10 is as under.
Years BE AE/RE AE/RE as % of BE
(Rs in Crore)
2006-07 73,825 64,650 88
2007-08 91,402 80,291 88
2008-09 1,09,002 1,27,841 117
2009-10 1,46,671 1,41,896(RE) 97
(Anticipated Expenditure)
BE = Budget Estimates ; RE = Revised Estimate; AE = Actual Expenditure
Note: The Social Sector includes social services and Rural Development that broadly covers Education, Health, Water Supply, Sanitation, Urban Development, Labour, Social Welfare and Nutrition, Welfare of SC, ST and Backward Classes and Rural Development.
The utilization of budgetary allocations for social services including Rural Development has ranged between 88 to 117% during the last three years. Scheme-wise details of the major social sector programmes are annexed.
The Central Nodal Ministries / Departments have well defined procedures to monitor the physical and financial achievements under different schemes. The State Governments are mandated to submit the utilization certificates for release of funds. In addition, Planning Commission conducts half yearly review of all the sectors. Further, the Mid Term Appraisal of the Eleventh Five Year Plan will provide a clear picture of the utilization of funds vis-à-vis the achievement of targets. Officers of the Planning Commission also visit States for on the spot review of the implementation of the programmes in the States. This monitoring process ensures effective and efficient utilization of resources to achieve the desired outcomes.
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330 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
OVERSEAS |
PRAVASI |
330 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
VILAS BABURAO MUTTEMWAR
SUKHDEV SINGH
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas was recently organized in New Delhi;
(b) if so, the details of the discussions held and the decisions arrived therein;
(c) the rationale behind organizing this event every year;
(d) the details of the investments made by NRIs in the country during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;
(e) whether some trade unions and Non-Government Organisations have opposed the meet;
(f) if so, the reasons therefor: and
(g) the steps taken or discussed to address the grievances made by migrants of Indian origin in different countries?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)
(a): Yes Sir. The 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention was held in New Delhi from 7-9 January, 2010.
(b): The Convention had three Plenary Sessions and six concurrent sessions beside 11 separately individual state sessions. The themes of the three plenary sessions were :
(i) Diaspora: Role and Expectations,
(ii) Diaspora: Interests and Concerns
(iii) Skills Development. The themes for the six concurrent sessions were: (i) Returning to 9% Growth: Diaspora Connect,(ii) Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Global-Ink,(iii) Thousands of Fireflies: Diaspora Philanthropy, (iv) Diaspora Women in Cross-Cultural Environments, (v) Indians and the Gulf and (vi) Future of PBDs and the Road Ahead. These sessions provided a forum for structured deliberations centered around the chosen themes.
(c): The rationale behind organizing this event every year is to provide a common platform for the vast overseas Indian community to meet each other, as also the Indian leadership and deliberate on matters of interest and concern to them.
(d): No separate data of investment made by NRIs is maintained by this Ministry.
(e) to (f): Though there were media reports of protests organized by some trade unions/NGOs, no memorandum/appeal was received from such organizations by the Government of India.
(g): All issues raised by delegates and participants at the various sessions held during the PBD convention were taken note of.
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386 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
OVERSEAS |
VOTING |
386 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
HARISCHANDRA DEORAM CHAVAN
MILIND MURLI DEORA
S. RAMASUBBU
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has proposed to give voting rights to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs);
(b) if so, the details thereof including the number of NRIs likely to get voting rights;
(c) the details of the modalities/strategy being worked out in this regard;
(d) whether these NRIs will be permitted to contest elections;
(e) if so, the details thereof: and
(f) the time by which the NRIs are likely to get voting rights?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)
(a) to (f): The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2006 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on the 27th February, 2006. The Bill seeks to amend section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950) to enable Indian citizens who are absent from their place of ordinary residence in India owing to their employment, education or otherwise outside the country, to get their names registered in the electoral rolls of the constituency of their place of ordinary residence in India to be able to cast their votes in the Parliamentary/State elections. The Bill was referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law & Justice on the 26th March, 2006 for examination and report. The Committee presented its 16th report on the subject to the Rajya Sabha/laid it in the Lok Sabha on the 4th August, 2006 and, while agreeing with the letter and spirit of the amendment, has recommended for bringing a comprehensive Bill on the subject containing all the details regarding the manner of enrolment of the Non-Resident Indians, the mode of voting and the conditions for contesting elections. The Report is with Ministry of Law and Justice for further action.
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408 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
EXTERNAL |
VISIT |
408 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SHARAD YADAV
PRABODH PANDA
KABINDRA PURKAYASTHA
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
BAIJAYANT PANDA
NITYANANDA PRADHAN
SUKHDEV SINGH
SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
S. RAMASUBBU
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the visits by foreign dignitaries to India during the last four months till date;
(b) the issues discussed and bilateral agreements/MoUs signed during their visits;
(c) the details of visits undertaken by the Prime Minister as well as External Affairs Minister abroad during the above period;
(d) the details of discussions held by them and the outcome thereof; and
(e) the benefits likely to accrue as a result of these visits ?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)
(a) The details of the visits by Heads of State/Government, Vice Presidents, Foreign Minister and equivalent level to India during the last four months are at Annexure – I.
(b), (d) & (e) Information is at Annexure-II.
(c) The details of visits undertaken by the Prime Minister as well as External Affairs Minister abroad during the above period is at Annexure-III
|
420 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
HUMAN |
SETTING |
420 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
GOWDAR MALLIKARJUNAPPA SIDDESWARA
BALKRISHNA KHANDERAO BALU SHUKLA SHUKLA
S. SEMMALAI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has cleared the proposal for setting up model colleges in 374 educationally backward districts;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the locations identified for opening of such colleges, State-wise;
(c) the funding pattern between the Centre and the States and the modalities worked out in this regard;
(d) the funds earmarked for the purpose during XI Five Year Plan; and
(e) the time by which these colleges are likely to be made functional in the States?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (e): The Government has since approved the introduction of a new scheme to provide central assistance for setting up of a model degree college in each of the identified 374 educationally backward districts where Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for higher education is less than the national GER. Under the Scheme, the Central Government shall provide assistance to the extent of one third of the capital cost for establishment of each college, limited to Rs.2.67 crore. For special category states, the Central share shall be 50% of the capital cost limited to Rs.4 crore for each college. During the remaining period of the 11th Five Year Plan, provision exists for establishing 200 model colleges in identified districts, with priority being given to special category states and districts having concentration of weaker sections and minorities as well as other districts in Schedule V and Schedule VI areas. Those colleges which have been established on or after 1st January, 2008 in identified districts shall also be eligible to be covered under this Scheme, subject to their satisfying the guidelines of University Grants Commission in respect of model colleges.
A list of the 374 identified higher educationally backward districts is at Annexure. An outlay of Rs.782 crores was made for the scheme in the XI Plan. The State Governments/ UT Administrations either directly or through State Universities are expected to take advantage of the scheme for establishment of new model degree colleges in the identified districts.
|
448 |
STARRED |
27.04.2010 |
MINES |
MINING |
448 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
PRABODH PANDA
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of the existing companies/Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) granted mining lease/engaged in mining of iron ore and other minerals in the country, state, company, PSU and mineral-wise;
(b) whether these companies are following the mining law;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 448 for 27.4.2010 by Shri Asaduddin Owaisi and Shri Prabodh Panda regarding Mining Companies.
(a) A statement showing the number of private companies and Central Public Sector Undertakings engaged in mining of iron ore and other minerals (excluding fuel, atomic minerals and minor minerals) in the country State-wise is given in Annex-I. A statement showing minerals for which mining leases have been given State-wise is at Annex-II.
(b), (c) & (d) The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 is the law governing mining in the country and the Mineral Concession Rules (MCR), 1960 (Chapter IV) and the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 1988 contain the provisions, to be followed by lessees relating to mining activities, in order to properly regulate the activity and to ensure mineral conservation and scientific mining. The leases executed between the lessee and the State Government also incorporate suitable provisions in this regard. The State Government through its Directorate of Mining and Geology enforces the provisions of the MCR and the conditions of the lease agreement, and in case of breach of covenants of the lease, may terminate the lease and forfeit the deposit and impose other penalties. The extent to which individual lessees/ companies follow the mining law is monitored at the State level and the Central Government does not maintain details except where the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has the statutory role.
The Central Government, through the IBM, has a statutory role under the MCDR, 1988 and enforces the conditions in relation to mineral conservation and development. The IBM has the power to inspect mines, call for information and to suspend operation till deviations from approved Mining Plan are corrected. In case of breach, the IBM may launch prosecutions. The action taken by the IBM in this regard during 2009-10 is given in Annex-III.
ANNEX-I
State-wise number of Private companies, Central Public Sector Undertakings and State Public Sector Undertakings in Mining
State Private companies Central PSUs State PSUs
Andhra Pradesh 287 4 2
Assam 2 1 1
Bihar 5 1 –
Chhattisgarh 48 2 1
Goa 52 – –
Gujarat 256 – 2
Haryana – 1 –
Himachal Pradesh18 2 –
Jammu & Kashmir 1 1 1
Jharkhand 80 2 2
Karnataka 162 4 3
Kerala 19 1 1
Madhya Pradesh 114 6 1
Maharashtra 64 2 1
Meghalaya 4 – 1
Orissa 102 5 2
Rajasthan 148 3 2
Sikkim – – 1
Tamil Nadu 56 2 4
Uttar Pradesh 10 1 1
Uttaranchal 27 2 –
West Bengal 7 1 2
Total 1462 41 28
ANNEX-II
Statement showing minerals for which mining leases have been given State-wise
Mineral State
Apatite West Bengal
Ball Clay Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Tamil Nadu
Barytes Andhra Pradesh
Bauxite Chhatisgarh Gujarat Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Orissa
Chromite Karnataka Orissa
Copper Concentrate Jharkhand Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Sikkim
Copper Ore Jharkhand Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Sikkim
Corundum Maharashtra
Crude Mica Jharkhand
Diamond Madhya Pradesh
Diaspore Madhya Pradesh
Dolomite Andhra Pradesh Chhatisgarh Jharkhand Karnataka Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra Orissa Uttaranchal
Dunite Karnataka Tamil Nadu
Felspar Karnataka Tamil Nadu
Fireclay Karnataka West Bengal
Fluorite (Graded) Maharashtra Rajasthan
Fluorite Conc.(A) Gujarat
Fluorite Conc.(M) Gujarat
Garnet Orissa Tamil Nadu
Gold Ore Karnataka
Gold Primary Karnataka
Graphite Jharkhand Tamil Nadu
Gypsum Jammu & Kashmir Rajasthan
Iron Fines Chhatisgarh Jharkhand Karnataka Maharashtra Orissa
Iron Lumps Chhatisgarh Jharkhand Karnataka Maharashtra Orissa
Kyanite Jharkhand Maharashtra
Laterite Andhra Pradesh
Limeshell Kerala
Limestone Andhra Pradesh Assam Chhatisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh
Jammu & Kashmir Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Meghalalya
Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Orissa Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu Uttaranchal
Magnesite Karnataka Tamil Nadu Uttaranchal
Manganese Ore Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Orissa
Natural Kaolin Karnataka Kerala
Phosphorite Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan
Processed Kaolin Karnataka Kerala West Bengal
Pyrophyllite Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra
Quartz Tamil Nadu
Rock Salt Himachal Pradesh
Sand (Others) Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra
Shale Andhra Pradesh
Silica Sand Maharashtra Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh
Sillimanite Kerala Maharashtra Orissa Tamil Nadu
Silver Karnataka
Tin Chhatisgarh
Tin Concentrate Chhatisgarh
Tourmaline Maharashtra
Vermiculite Tamil Nadu
Waste/Scrap Mica Jharkhand
Annex -III
Statement showing action taken by IBM in compliance of provisions of MCDR, 1988.
Year No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of Compo- No. of Fine
mines viol- viol- show viol- prose- prose- unding prose- received
inspe- ations ations cause ations cution cution fees cution
cted poin- rect- notices rect- cases cases rece- cases ted ified issued ified laun- compo- ived deci-
out after ched unded ded
issue
of show
cause
notices
2009-10 2371 1896 790 404 276 42 17 Rs. 17 Rs.71,000
99,000
|
489 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
CIVIL |
DEMERGER |
489 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
KABINDRA PURKAYASTHA
THOKCHOM MEINYA
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether after merger into a single entity the NACIL has registered huge loss;
(b) if so, the profit/loss registered by NACIL during each of the last three years;
(c) whether keeping in view the continuous loss by NACIL Government proposes to demerge both the companies;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) and (b): Losses of Rs. 447.43 crores(erstwhile Air India) & Rs.240.29 crores(erstwhile Indian Airlines), Rs.2226.16 crores and Rs.5548 crores have been incurred by National Aviation Company of India Limited during financial year 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively.
(c): No, Madam.
(d) and (e): Do not arise.
|
530 |
STARRED |
03.05.2010 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
REVIEW |
530 . Shri AWALE JAYWANT GANGARAM
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government or any other agency has reviewed the quality of services rendered by Department of Posts (DoP) in the recent past;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the follow-up action taken thereon;
(d) whether the DoP proposes to modenise the Post Offices and introduce new services including ATMs for the benefit of the public; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 530 FOR 3RD MAY, 2010 REGARDING “REVIEW OF POSTAL SERVICES”
(a) Yes, Madam. The Department of Posts reviews the quality of services rendered by the Posts Offices at various administrative levels viz – Divisional, Regional and Circle levels on regular basis. The reviews are carried out through a number of well established systems such as – periodical inspections, surprise visits of Post Offices and mail offices, live mail surveys, test letter runs, trail cards etc., put in place for the purpose of performance appraisal of various offices. Also continuous operational monitoring is done through various prescribed daily/fortnightly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports and statements. Based on the results of such reviews appropriate steps are taken to improve the functioning of Posts Offices.
The Department had commissioned an external audit of its path breaking initiative “Project Arrow” by TUV India Pvt. Ltd., in respect o the 50 Post Offices where Project Arrow was first implemented on a brief concept basis.
(b) The external audit of post offices covered under Project Arrow was conducted over a period of two months during which reports pertaining to receipt, dispatch and delivery of registered post, ordinary post, money orders and Speed Post letters in the post offices were verified. Customer satisfaction survey was done randomly by selecting 30 customers in larger offices and 15 for smaller offices. The survey included review of availability of forms and stationery in post offices, staff courtesy and diligence, queuing time, availability of customer facilities in the public hall etc. Similarly, a staff satisfaction survey was also conducted for 2027 staff persons. The major findings of the external audit were as follows:-
# Same day delivery of registered letters was 99%.
# Same day delivery of Speed Post articles ranged between 98% to 99%.
# 90% to 92% of the test letters posted during three rounds of audit were received back with same day delivery performance ranging from 94% to 100%.
# Performance of computerized Banking operations (data digitization and signature scanning) increased from 72% to 81% during the course of the audit.
# All 50 post offices were found to be having adequate infrastructure including computer hardware and other facilities.
# Average customer satisfaction score was found to be 9.52 on a scale of 10.
# Employees were found to be motivated and satisfied in general. The score of average staff satisfaction level was observed to be 5.8 on a scale of 6.
(c) Based on the result of the audit as well as the overwhelming response from the customers and the staff of the Project Arrow post offices, the Department decided to extend the initiative to the rest of the post offices in a phased manner. Thus, 450 post offices were covered under Project Arrow in phase-II in 2008-09 and 500 more were covered under phase-III in 2009-10. In 2010-11 also provision has been made for covering another 500 post offices across the country under Project Arrow.
(d) & (e) The Department has undertaken a massive modernisation of its infrastructure and core operations in mail, money remittances, banking and insurance services through IT induction at an unprecedented scale. The aim is to make the neighbourhood post office, the focus for delivery of all communication services, socio-economic initiatives of the Government and most importantly for enhancing financial inclusion of the unbanked rural population so that the infrastructure available can be put to multiple use for reaching the common man across the urban-rural divide. The Department is optimizing the rationalizing its mail grid and setting up Mail Business Centres, automating mail handling in major metro cities to speed up mail transmission, undertaking a concerted drive to increase the insurance cover available to the rural poor under its Rural Postal Life Insurance Policies. The Department also proposes to introduce core banking solutions in post offices in the current five year plan which will enable provision of new generation e-enabled financial services including ATMs for the benefit of public.
|
559 |
STARRED |
04.05.2010 |
HOME |
CUSTODIAL |
559 . Shri ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there have been reports of custodial violence as well as abuse of police power from various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to enact a law on prevention of torture;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the extent to and the manner in which it is likely to help prevent custodial violence in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 559 FOR 4.5.2010 REGARDING “CUSTODIAL VIOLENCE”.
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): A statement indicating the number of cases registered by the National Human Rights Commission during the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 (upto 28.02.2010) is at Annexure.
(c) to (e): A Bill titled “The Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010” was introduced in Lok Sabha on 26/4/2010. The Bill, inter-alia, provides for punishment to those involved in the incident of torture and specifies the time limit for taking cognizance of the offence of torture. The Bill would act as a deterrent for Public Servants from indulging in custodial violence and abuse of power by police authorities.
|
584 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
TRAIN |
584 . Shri GURUDAS DAS GUPTA
RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO
THOKCHOM MEINYA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR
P. VISWANATHAN
P. LINGAM
JOSE K. MANI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of accidents, the number of casualties and the compensation paid during each of the last three years and the current year, zone-wise;
(b) the cause of each of such accidents particularly due to fog in recent times;
(c) whether the shortfall in the number of drivers and fatigue of the drivers due to overworking have been the main reason for majority of such accidents;
(d) if so, the details of shortage of drivers in each zone and steps being taken to appoint sufficient drivers and other staff in Railways;
(e) the details of various inquiry committees set up in this regard alongwith the findings of each of such committees and the reaction of the Railways thereto; and
(f) the details of action taken against the delinquent officials in each of such accidents alongwith measures initiated by the Railways to avert accidents in future?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (f): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the Sabha.
|
645 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
LAW |
SUPREME |
645 . Shri PRADEEP KUMAR MAJHI
SHARAD YADAV
MEKAPATI RAJAMOHAN REDDY
GANESH SINGH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
NAMA NAGESWARA RAO
KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR
R. THAMARAISELVAN
S. R. JEYADURAL
E. T. MUHAMMED BASHEER
Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Law Commission has suggested to set up four benches of the Supreme Court in the metros and a Federal Court in Delhi exclusively for constitutional issues to reduce the huge backlog of cases;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the time by which final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE(DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) and (b) The Law Commission of India, in its 229th Report, has recommended as under:
(1) A Constitution Bench be set up at Delhi to deal with constitutional and other allied issues.
(2) Four Cassation Benches be set up in the Northern region/zone at Delhi, the Southern region/zone at Chennai/Hyderabad, the Eastern region/zone at Kolkata and the Western region/zone at Mumbai to deal with all appellate work arising out of the orders/judgments of the High Courts of the particular region.
(c) The above recommendations are under examination in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Ld. Attorney General for India.
|
707 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HOME |
CREATION |
707 . Shri SHARAD YADAV
MILIND MURLI DEORA
GURUDAS DAS GUPTA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
P. JAYA PRADA NAHATA
PAKAURI LAL
ADAGUR H VISHWANATH
P. BALRAM
S. RAMASUBBU
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to create new States in thecountry including Telengana and Kodagu;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any meeting with all the political parties and State Governments in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the recommendations made by political parties and State Governments and the reaction of the Government thereon;
(e) whether the Government has constituted any Committee/ Commission including new State Reorganisation Commission in this regard;
(f) if so, the composition and terms of reference thereof; and
(g) the time by which such Committee/ Commission are likely to submit its reports?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (d): Government at this point in time is not considering a general reorganization of the States. However, as regards Telangana, the demand gained renewed impetus when Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao, President of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) went on fast- unto-death programme from 29-11-2009. There were wide spread violent agitations in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh leading to loss of life and property. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh held an All-Party meeting on 07-12-2009 in which all political parties(except one) supported the proposal to move and adopt a resolution in the State Assembly for reorganization of the State. Considering the then prevailing situation in the State, and the minutes of the All Party meeting held on 07-12-2009, the Central Government announced in New Delhi on 09-12-2009 its intention to initiate the process of forming the State of Telangana. It was also announced that an `appropriate resolution would be moved in the State Assembly`. However, the situation in Andhra Pradesh got altered after 09-12-2009. In view of this, Central Government made a statement on 23-12-2009 that there is a need to hold wide ranging consultations with all political parties and groups in the State. Government of India held meeting with leaders of all eight recognized political parties in Andhra Pradesh, on 05-1-2010. It was decided that an appropriate body would be set up by the Central Government to hold further consultations in time bound manner and suggest a road map acceptable to all sections of people in Andhra Pradesh
(e) & (f): As of now, no decision regarding setting up of second States Reorganisation Commission has been taken. However, a five member Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Shri B.N. Srikrishna has been constituted on 3rd February, 2010 for consultations on the situation in Andhra Pradesh. The composition of the Committee is as follows:
(i) Shri Justice B.N. Srikrishna, retd. Judge, Supreme Court of India – Chairman;
(ii) Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi Member;
(iii) Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute, Delhi – Member;
(iv) Dr. (Ms.) Ravinder Kaur, Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT, Delhi – Member;
(v) Shri Vinod K Duggal, IAS (Retd.), former Home Secretary – Member Secretary. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as follows:
(1) To examine the situation in the State of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate State of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh.
(2) To review the developments in the State since its formation and their impact on the progress and development of the different regions of the State.
(3) To examine the impact of the recent developments in the State on the different sections of the people such as women, children, students, minorities, other backward classes, scheduled casts and scheduled tribes.
(4) To identify the key issues that must be addressed while considering the matters mentioned in items (1), (2) and (3) above.
(5) To consult all sections of the people, especially the political parties, on the aforesaid matters an elicit their views: to seek from the political parties and other organizations a range of solutions that would resolve the present difficult situation and promote the welfare of all sections of the people; to identify the optimal solutions for this purpose; and to recommend a plan of action and a road map.
(6) To consult other organizations of civil society such as industry, trade, trade unions, farmers` organizations, women`s organizations and students` organizations on the aforesaid matters and elicit their views with` specific reference to the all round development of the different regions of the State.
(7) To make any other suggestion or recommendations that the Committee may deem appropriate.
(g) The Committee for consultation on the situation in Andhra Pradesh has been requested to submit its report by 31-12-2010.
|
708 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
AGRICULTURAL |
708 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any Resolution was adopted at the 53rd meeting of the National Development Council on Agriculture to increase agricultural production and productivity in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether some schemes launched in this regard namely, National Food Security Mission and other, Additional Central Assistance Schemes for additional production of rice, wheat and pulses have been successful in increasing the production and productivity of these crops;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to implement these schemes and to achieve the target conceived therein?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Yes,Madam.The National Development Council (NDC) in its 53rd meeting adopted a resolution to increase agricultural production and productivity in the country. Pursuant to the resolution, two schemes
(i) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to incentivize the States to draw up plans for their agriculture and allied sector more comprehensively to contribute to achieve 4% growth in agriculture during 11th Plan and
(ii) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to enhance the production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10, 8 and 2 million tones respectively by the end of XI Plan, were launched in 2007-08.
(c) to (e): Yes, Madam. The focused and target oriented technological interventions under NFSM have made a significant impact in terms of increase in production.
Production in rice increased from 93.35 million tones to 99.18 million tones in 2008-09. Production of wheat increased from 75.81 million tones to 80.68 million tones in 2008-09. Production of pulses increased from 14.20 million tones in 2006-07 to 14.57 million tones in 2008-09. The State’s allocation for agriculture and allied sector has increased from 5.11% in 2006-07 to 5.84% in 2008-09 (RE) as a result of incentivisation under RKVY. Projects of over Rs.7,500 crore have also been taken up under RKVY since its launch to improve agriculture infrastructure and increase growth of agriculture and allied sector.
|
718 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HOME |
CENTRAL |
718 . Shri BHOLA SINGH
MADHU GOUD YASKHI
EKNATH MAHADEO GAIKWAD
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
KHATGAONKAR PATIL BHASKARRAO BAPURAO
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has constituted Central Police Awards Committee (CPAC);
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the terms of reference of the Committee;
(c) whether the Government has issued any directive to State Governments to provide information of Police officers who were convicted for “moral turptitude” or bringing “disrepute or disrespect” to the service;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the CPAC is presently considering any matter on withdrawing medals from any serving/retired police personnel or reducing the pension also; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) & (b): The Central Police Awards Committee (CPAC) is a permanent Committee under the chairmanship of the Union Home Secretary having 12 DG level officers from CPOs/CPMFs/States as members and Joint Secretary (Police-I), Ministry of Home Affairs as its Member Secretary. This Committee considers thecases regarding President’s Police Medals and Police Medals and makes recommendations in this regard for approval of President of India.
(c) & (d): The State Governments have been requested to examine the cases under concerned Status, Rules, guidelines and forward their recommendations if any, to this Ministry.
(e) & (f): The CPAC has initiated the action regarding withdrawal of Medal from a retired police officer Shri S.P.S. Rathore, IPS, Ex-DGP, Haryana.
For withholding his pension, proceedings are on under the All India Service(Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
|
852 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HOME |
PENDING |
852 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAMSINHBHAI PATALBHAI RATHWA
ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL
BALKRISHNA KHANDERAO BALU SHUKLA SHUKLA
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Union Government has received several Bills from various State Governments for approval;
(b) if so, the names of the Bills received during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise including Gujarat Motor Vehicle Regulation Bill, Gujarat Educational Institution Services Tribal Bills and APSEZ Bill, 2005 from Andhra Pradesh;
(c) the details of the Bills approved and pending with the Government separately during the said period, State-wise; and
(d) the reasons for Pendency and the time by which the pending Bills are likely to be approved?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a): Yes Madam.
(b) & (c): A Statement containing State-wise list of Bills received for approval or assent of the President since January, 2007 giving status of each Bill is attached at Annexure.
The Gujarat Motor Vehicles (Use of Fuel) Regulation Bill, 2005, seeking the approval of the Government of India before its introduction in the State Legislature, was received in this Ministry on 17-02-2005 and the same has been returned to the State Government in view of the decision taken on 02-06-2009 that the Bills which are referred for obtaining the approval of Government of India for their introduction in the State Legislature, need not be processed by this Ministry as they are not obligatory under the Constitution of India. The Bill has been returned to the State Government on 20-07-2009 with a request that the same may be sent to the Government of India if it is reserved by the Hon’ble Governor for consideration of the President after its passage in the State Legislature.
(d) No Bill by the name of Gujarat Educational Institutions Services Tribal Bills has been received in this Ministry from the State Government. However, a Bill namely the Gujarat Educational Institutions Services Tribunal Bill, 2006 has been received in this Ministry in December, 2006, for seeking legal opinion as to whether the Gujarat Educational Institutions Services Tribunal Bill, 2006, requires the assent of the President in view of differences of opinion given by
(i) Justice Shri Y.V. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India;
(e) (ii) Justice Shri A.M. Ahmadi, Former Chief Justice of India and
(iii) an opinion expressed Shri S.N. Shelat, Former Advocate General of Gujarat and
(iv) the opinion of the Advocate General of Gujarat.
The Andhra Pradesh Special Economic Zones Bill, 2005, as passed by the State Legislature and reserved by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh for the consideration of the President under article 200 read with article 254(2) of the Constitution of India has been received in this Ministry in January, 2006. The Bill is being examined in consultation with other concerned Central Ministries / Departments.
(d): The State Legislations are examined from three angles viz. (a) repugnancy with Central Laws, (b) deviation from National or Central Policy and (c) legal and Constitutional validity. Whenever necessary, the State Government are advised to modify/amend provision of such legislations keeping the above in view. With a view to expeditiously arriving at a decision, discussions are also held with State Governments and Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. Hence no time- frame can be fixed in this behalf.
|
906 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
OVERSEAS |
PROTECTION |
906 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the National Commission for Women (NCW) has made certain recommendations in regard to strong law to protect the NRI brides;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether NCW has also recommended certain steps including to give effect to International Law like Hague Convention dealing with issues of overseas marriages; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (d): Yes Sir. The report on “Problems relating to NRI Marriages” was published by NCW after conducting joint regional workshops with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. It contains various recommendations which include Legal Interventions – International i.e feasibility of signing the Hague Conventions and Legal Interventions – Domestic i.e compulsory Registration of Marriages.
To find out the ways and means to assist Indian women who are deserted by their overseas Indian spouses, an Inter-Ministerial sub – committee was constituted in the Ministry to study the “Problems related to marriage of Indian women with Overseas Indians”.
After due consideration of the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial sub-committee, an Inter Ministerial meeting was held on 7th July, 2008 under the chairmanship of Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. The decisions have been circulated to the concerned Ministries, State Governments and other Government agencies for appropriate action.
The Ministry has issued guidelines and launched an awareness/publicity campaign to make people aware of such issues. Besides the publication of a guidance booklet on Marriages to Overseas Indians, distribution of multi -lingual pamphlets, seminars, scrolls on TV etc., a Scheme has been launched to provide legal/counseling services to Indian women deserted by their overseas Indian spouses through Indian Missions abroad.
|
931 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
ATOMIC |
FIRE |
931 . Shri DATTA RAGHOBAJI MEGHE
SATHYANARAYANA SARVEY
MILIND MURLI DEORA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SUKHDEV SINGH
RANJAN PRASAD YADAV
BHOLA SINGH
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a major fire broke out at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai leading to death of two young scientists`;
(b) if so, the main reason of the fire;-
(c) whether the Government has constituted a Committee to look into.the causes of fire;
(d) if so, the outcome of the enquiry; and
(e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to avoid such incidents in future especially in highly protected sensitive security zones?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE FOR PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a) A fire ` incident took place on December 29, 2009 in one of the chemical laboratories in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) resulting in the death of two Ph.D. Students.
(b) Reason for the fire accident as indicated by the report of investigation Committee set up by BARC is low intensity explosive energy released from accidental mixing of small quantities of reactive chemicals stored in the Chemical laboratory.
(c) Yes, Sir. A Committee has been set up by BARC to inquire into the causes of fire. The Police are also conducting forensic and other investigations.
(d) & (e) The BARC Investigation committee has made several recommendations to prevent recurrence of similar incidents. Remedial measures have also been recommended to improve not only safety but also the emergency response to an incident, which can prevent escalation of the incident and can mitigate the consequences. BARC Safety Council is taking further steps for implementation of the recommendations of the Committee to enhance the safety status of all tne `aboratories.
|
1053 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
PLANNING |
ESTIMATION |
1053 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
E.G. SUGAVANAM
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is difference of opinion regarding the estimation of poverty by Tendulkar Committee, figures of the States, Saxena committee and figure given by the Centre as reported in the media;
(b) if so, whether Union Government is not aware about the exact number of poor people in the country; and
(c) if so, the remedial steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (c): Planning Commission is the nodal agency in the Government of India to estimate poverty at the national and State level. The methodology for estimation of poverty is reviewed from time to time. As a part of this process, the Planning Commission constituted an Expert Group in December 2005 under the chairmanship of Prof. Suresh D. Tendulkar to review the methodology for estimation of poverty. The Expert Group submitted its report on the 8th December, 2009 and recommended the need to move away from anchoring the poverty lines to the calorie intake norms which was being followed on the recommendations of the Lakdawala Committee. The Tendulkar Committee has recommended the Mixed Recall Period (MRP) equivalent of urban Poverty Line Basket (PLB) corresponding to 25.7% urban head count ratio as the new reference PLB. On the basis of the above methodology, the all-India poverty head count ratio for 2004-05 is estimated at 37.2% as against 27.5% on the basis of the Lakdawala Committee. However, the poverty estimates worked out by the Tendulkar Committee are not comparable to the poverty estimates of the Planning Commission for the year 2004-05 as they are based on different methodologies.
The Ministry of Rural Development conducts Below Poverty Line Census (BPL Census) to identify the individual households below the poverty line in the rural areas while ensuring that the total number of such household corresponds to the poverty estimates of the Planning Commission. The Ministry of Rural Development constituted an Expert Group under the chairmanship of Dr. N.C. Saxena for recommending a suitable methodology for identification of the BPL households in the rural areas. It recommended to assume the all- India poverty head count ratio as 50%.
|
1086 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
ENVIRONMENT |
ENVIRONMENTAL |
1086 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SUDARSHAN BHAGAT
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether inspite of taking all out efforts, the country is lagging far behind in environmental performance as indicated in 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranking India at 123rd position;
(b) if so, the reasons for poor performance of the country;
(c) whether newly industrialized nations are in much higher position in pollution control;
(d) if so , the factors responsible for higher pollution in India; and
(e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) The report on 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) has been produced by a team of experts from Yale University and Columbia University and was released on 28.1.2010. A total of 163 countries have been ranked as per EPI and India figures at 123rd position.
It has been said that serious data gaps have limited the ability to measure performance on a number of important issues. Notwithstanding the above fact, the relatively lower rank of India appears to be due to its huge population which exerts immense pressure on the environment. Moreover, the analysis of the policy drivers underlying the 2010 ranking suggests that income is a major determinant of environmental success.
(c),(d)&(e) It is not correct to say that the newly industrialised nations are in much higher position as per the EPI.Though some countries like Brazil and Russia are ranked 62 and 69, countries like South Africa,China and Indonesia are ranked 115,121 and 134 respectively.
The factors responsible for pollution in India are the increase in vehicular traffic, high rate of industrial and infrastructural growth, increasing urbanisation and pressure of population.
The Government has taken various steps to control pollution, including the following :
(i) Notification of general and source specific emission and effluent standards.
(ii) Implementation of auto fuel policy including usage of cleaner fuel.
(iii) Introduction of Environmental Impact Assessment Process for industrial and infrastructure projects.
(iv) Implementation of Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection in respect of 17 categories of industries.
(v) Regular monitoring for compliance of environmental standards.
(vi) Preparation and implementation of city specific action plans for improvement of air quality.
|
1115 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
ENVIRONMENT |
CONTAMINATION |
1115 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
MEENA SINGH
DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH
KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether field trials of GM vegetables and crops are contaminating the soil and other traditional crops in the country;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the Hon’ble Supreme Court has also given any direction or sought clarification in this regard;
(e) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto;
(f) whether the Government proposes to ban the field trials and research on GM crops in the country; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (c) All field trials are subject to stringent norms such as maintaining
(i) a crop specific isolation distance from the periphery of the experimental site to other sexually compatible fields as prescribed under the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards;
(ii) biological barrier by planting border rows all around the experimental plot;
(iii) submission of a validated event specific test protocol of 0.01% before undertaking the trials; and
(iv) post harvest restrictions. The prescribed stipulations are adequate to minimize contamination of soil and other traditional crops due to gene flow, if any.
(d) to (e) The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order dated 07.10.2009 had sought clarifications on whether further field trials in respect of genetically modified plants can only be conducted in greenhouses. It was clarified that field trials form an integral part of research and development of GM crops and are necessary to;
(i) evaluate the agronomic potential of novel-plant trait combinations in open environment;
(ii) measure the level of protein expression to assess its efficacy in the open environment and impact on the target and non target organisms consuming the genetically modified plant;
(iii) collect agronomic and ecological data required to complete the environment safety assessment of genetically modified plant; and
(iii) generate sufficient quantities of plant material for food safety assessment
(f) to (g) There is no proposal to ban the field trials and research of GM crops in the country as the prescribed stipulations are adequate to avoid contamination of soil and traditional crops.
|
1183 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
TEXTILES |
INFRASTRUCTURE |
1183 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to restructure its textile policy for infrastructure development to achieve a growth target of 12 per cent in next five years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the efforts made by the Government in the regard;
(c) whether the working group to formulate National Fibre Policy has submitted its report;
(d) if so, the detailed recommendations made by the group;
(e) whether the Government is giving more importance to man-made fibre rather than cotton to boost textile sector; and
(f) if so, the reasons therefor and the time by which a new textile policy is likely to be announced by the Government?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): The National Textile Policy 2000 and various schemes of Government are designed to accelerate the growth of textiles sector.
The Government is committed to provide a conducive environment to enable the Indian textile industry to realise its full potential to achieve better growth. Presently Government is in process of formulating National Fiber Policy.
(c) & (d): National Fiber Policy is still under formulation.
(e): No, Madam.
(f): Does not arise.
|
1277 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
CIVIL |
CASES |
1277 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there has been alarming rise in the cases of passenger misbehaviour reported by female cabin crew members
(b) if so, the present provisions available to tackle such cases;
(c) whether almost all the airlines have requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to enforce strict norms to deter unruly behaviour;
(d) if so, the details thereof and time by which these are likely to be finalised;
(e) whether the Government has approached International Air Transport Association to frame strict rule to tackle such unruly behaviour; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a):- No, Madam. However, some cases have been reported during past few months.
(b):- There is no specific provision in the Aircraft Act/Rules to tackle such cases. However individual cases are dealt under other Acts, namely Indian Penal Code (IPC) etc. as per the gravity of the cases.
(c):- No, Madam.
(d):- Does not arise.
(e):- No, Madam.
(f):- Does not arise.
|
1303 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
CIVIL |
LOCATORS |
1303 . Shri RUDRAMADHAB RAY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether mandatory norms to have Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) in aircraft and choppers are being violated for years without being detected;
(b) if so, whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently conducted one time check of ELTs over 900 aircraft and choppers;
(c) if so, the findings of the report of the DGCA in this regard;
(d) whether the Government has taken any action against the companies which are violating the mandatory norms; and
(e) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government for strict adherence of established norms in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a), (b) and (c):- Yes, Madam. During the check conducted by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it was found that out of 1029 operating aircraft, 907 aircraft are fitted with required Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) with dual frequency (121.5 & 406 MHz) as mandated by DGCA. The remaining 122 aircraft are fitted with ELTs operating on 121.5 MHz only.
(d) and (e):- DGCA has issued guidelines to install ELTs conforming to 406 MHz frequency on all aircraft by 31/03/2010. During the intervening period, the operators have been advised to avoid operations in hilly terrain and inaccessible areas in case their aircraft is fitted with ELT conforming to 121.5 MHz frequency only.
|
1368 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
FINANCE |
NEW |
1368 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
D.B. CHANDRE GOWDA
FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the process of consultation on the draft Direct Tax Code (DTC) has been completed by the Government ;
(b) if so, the views that came forward for and against the new tax code and if not the reasons therefor alongwith the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard ;
(c) whether private schools, colleges, coaching centres and other institutions which have not so far paid income tax or service tax will come into the tax net ;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to include maximum number of people under the tax net ?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE:(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. The process of consultation on the draft Direct Taxes Code (DTC) which was released in August, 2009 has been completed. A number of suggestions have been received from members of the public which are being examined.
(c) & (d) Private schools, colleges, coaching centres and other institutions are currently subject to tax under the Income-tax Act, 1961. They are also proposed to be taxed under the DTC. DTC would not have any impact on levy of service tax.
(e) The Direct Taxes Code proposes to include maximum number of people under the tax net through a strategy of –
(i) moderate tax rates;
(ii) removal of exemptions and deductions; and
(iii) increased voluntary compliance.
|
1398 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
HEALTH |
GIFT |
1398 . Shri RUDRAMADHAB RAY
MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAJIV RANJAN (LALAN) SINGH
RAJAIAH SIRICILLA
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) the steps taken so far to prohibit doctors from accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies in the country;
(b) whether the Medical Council of India (MCI) has sought legislation to regulate the pharmaceutical industry`s practice of giving freebies and gifts to doctors to prescribe and promote their products;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether his Ministry proposes to take up the matter with the Department of Pharmaceutical to bring in a legislation to restrain pharmaceutical companies from such activities and also to disclose payment made by them to doctors; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) to (c) The Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 were amended by Medical Council of India with the prior approval of Government of India by inserting a new Clause 6.8 which states that a medical practitioner shall not endorse any drug or product of the industry publically. Any study conducted on the efficancy or other wise of such products shall be presented to and/or through appropriate scientific bodies or published on appropriate scientific journals in a proper way.
(d)&(e): Although some preliminary observations have been made by the MCI, however,there is no specific proposal to take up the matter with Department of Pharmaceuticals at this stage.
|
1518 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
TOURISM |
INFRASTRUCTURE |
1518 . Shri BABAR GAJANAN DHARMSHI
ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has accorded infrastructure status to the hotel industry;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the grant of infrastructure status would boost the hotel industry;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes to provide tax exemptions to tour operators hit by the global economic slowdown; and
(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM(SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) and (f): In order to give a boost to the hospitality sector,the Government had in the budget 2007-08, announced a 5 year Tax Holiday under the Income Tax Act to new hotels of two, three and four star category hotels and Convention Centres coming up between 1.4.2007 to 31.3.2010 in the NCT of Delhi and some neighbouring districts of the NCR. Subsequently, a 5 year Tax Holiday was also announced for all hotels of 2, 3 and 4 star category located in all UNESCO declared World Heritage sites (except Mumbai and Delhi) which start operating w.e.f. 01.04.2008 to 31.3.2013. Further, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued revised Guidelines on classification of exposures as Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Exposures indicating the principles for treating an exposure as CRE exposure or otherwise. Thus, RBI has classified exposures to hotels outside the CRE Exposure.
|
1558 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
FINANCE |
ISLAMIC |
1558 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
E. T. MUHAMMED BASHEER
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the panel constituted by Government has submitted its report to Government on the prospects of Islamic Banking in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to allow Islamic banking for pitching $ 1 trillion worth of Sharia complaint funds in the infrastructure development;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether any decision was taken in the Indo-Arab Economic summit held in capital from February 3-4, 2010; and
(f) if not, the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken?
ANSWER
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance(Shri Namo Narain Meena)
(a) to (d) & (f): The Government of India has received demands for setting up of Islamic Banks in India from some quarters. The Committee on Financial Sector Reforms, constituted by the Planning Commission, has recommended that measures be taken to permit the delivery of interest-free finance on a larger scale, including through the Banking system. However, in the current statutory and regulatory framework, it is not feasible for banks in India to undertake Islamic banking activities in India or for branches of Indian banks abroad to undertake Islamic banking outside India.
(e): The Indo-Arab Economic summit, held recently in New Delhi, was a Business-Conference. No specific decision on the issue of Islamic banking has been received.
|
1630 |
UNSTARRED |
08.03.2010 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
PRE |
1630 . Dr. SOLANKI KIRITBHAI PREMAJIBHAI
LAL SINGH
MILIND MURLI DEORA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
P. BALRAM
PRADEEP KUMAR MAJHI
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has revoked the ban on pre-paid mobile phone services in Jammu and Kashmir;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has issued any fresh verification guidelines in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) to (d) The Government has issued revised guidelines on 20.01.2010 for issuance of new mobile phone connection (Pre-paid & post paid) and allow facility of recharge after re-verification of existing Pre-paid mobile subscribers in Jammu and Kashmir Service Area. The details of revised guidelines are given in the Annexure.
With these revised guidelines the suspension of sale of Pre-paid mobile connection and renewal of existing Pre-paid SIM cards with effect from 01.11.2009 vide instructions dated 30.10.2009, has been withdrawn from 20.01.2010 in Jammu and Kashmir Service Area.
|
1746 |
UNSTARRED |
08.03.2010 |
RURAL |
IDENTIFICATION |
1746 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
VINAY KUMAR ALIAS VINNU
HEMANAND BISWAL
PRASANTA KUMAR MAJUMDAR
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Union Government is unable to determine the exact number of poor in the country despite findings by different Committees like Saxena and Tendulkar Committees;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor alongwith the number of families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) in the country as on date, State-wise;
(c) whether there have been differences of opinion about the poverty figures by these committees and the estimates made by the States and the Centre;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government is working out any plan for reducing poverty in the country; and
(f) if so, the efforts made by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) to (d) Expert Groups headed by Dr. N.C. Saxena and Prof. S.D. Tendulkar were set up with different objectives. The Expert Group set up by the Planning Commission under the Chairmanship of Prof. Suresh D Tendulkar to review the methodology for estimation of poverty has submitted its report on 08-12-2009 which has redefined the poverty line, according to which, the poverty ratio in the country was 37.2 percent in 2004-05 as against the poverty ratio of 27.5 percent of the Planning Commission. Whereas the Expert Group under the chairmanship of Dr. N. C. Saxena was set up to advise the Ministry of Rural Development on the methodology for conducting the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Census for identification of Below Poverty Line (BPL) for the 11th Five Year Plan.
The Planning Commission estimates the percentage and number of persons living Below the Poverty Line (BPL) at national and state level, separately in rural and urban areas from the large sample survey on household consumer expenditure conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) at an interval of approximately five years. The state-wise poverty is estimated by the Planning Commission from the state-specific poverty lines and State Specific Consumer Expenditure Distribution obtained these sample surveys.
The latest estimates of poverty are available for the year 2004-05 which were release by the Planning Commission. According to these, the number of people living below the poverty line for the country as a whole is estimated 27.5% of the total population in 2004-05. The state-wise estimated the number of people living below the poverty line in the country for 2004-05 is at annexure-I.
(e) to (f) The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the schemes of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) for eradication of rural poverty.
Annexure-I referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.1746 to be answered on 08.03.2010.
Number of persons living Below Poverty Line by States/UTs as per poverty estimates for 2004-05
(Based on URP-Consumption)
SI. No. States/UTs No. of Persons (Lakhs)
1 Andhra Pradesh 126.10
2 Arunachal Pradesh 2.03
3 Assam 55.77
4 Bihar 369.15
5 Chhattisgarh 90.96
6 Delhi 22.93
7 Goa 2.01
8 Gujarat 90.69
9 Haryana 32.10
10 Himachal Pradesh 6.36
11 Jammu & Kashmir 5.85
12 Jharkhand 116.39
13 Karnataka 138.89
14 Kerala 49.60
15 Madhya Pradesh 249.68
16 Maharashtra 317.38
17 Manipur 3.95
18 Meghalaya 4.52
19 Mizoram 1.18
20 Nagaland 3.99
21 Orissa 178.49
22 Punjab 21.63
23 Rajasthan 134.89
24 Sikkim 1.14
25 Tamil Nadu 145.62
26 Tripura 6.38
27 Uttar Pradesh 590.03
28 Uttarakhand 35.96
29 West Bengal 208.36
30 A & N Islands 0.92
31 Chandigarh 0.74
32 Dadra&N. Haveli 0.84
33 Daman & Diu 0.21
34 Lakshadweep 0.11
35 Puducherry 2.37
All-India 3017.20
Source:-Planning Commission
URP consumption = Uniform Recall Period consumption in which the consumer expenditure data for all the items are collected from 30-day recall period.
Notes:
1. Poverty Ratio of Assam is used for Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura.
2. Poverty Line of Maharashtra and expenditure distribution of Goa is used to estimate poverty ratio of Goa.
3. Poverty Ratio of Tamil Nadu is used for Puducherry and A & N Island.
4. Urban Poverty Ratio of Punjab used for both rural and urban poverty of Chandigarh.
5. Poverty Line of Maharashtra and expenditure distribution of Dadra & Nagar Haveli is used to estimate poverty ratio of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
6. Poverty Ratio of Goa is used for Daman & Diu.
7. Poverty Ratio of Kerala is used for Lakshadweep.
|
1836 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
HOME |
PANEL |
1836 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Union Government has set up a panel to look into various issues relating to autonomy status for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the said panel has submitted its report to the Union Government; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of the recommendations made by the said panel alongwith the reaction of the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) & (b): The Working Group–V was set up to deliberate on strengthening relations between the State and the Centre.
(c): Yes, Madam.
(d): The report has been submitted during December 2009. The summary of recommendations is annexed. The State Government has been requested to give its recommendations on the Working Group’s report.
|
1849 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
ROAD |
ENACTMENT |
1849 . DEEPA DASHMUNSI
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SHIVARAMAGOUDA SHIVANAGOUDA
CHANDULAL CHANDU BHAIYA SAHU
S. RAMASUBBU
M. K. RAGHAVAN
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is considering to review the existing Motor Vehicles Act;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether an expert committee has been constituted by the Government in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof and terms of reference of the said committee;
(e) whether the Government proposes to define maximum speed limit on highways, cancel driving licence of the persons accused of road accident, increase terms of imprisonment and put an upper age limit for obtaining driving licence in the country;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the time by which recommendations of the expert committee are likely to be submitted and implemented?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)
(a)to(d): In order to review the Motor Vehicles Act,1988 in a comprehensive manner, the Government has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri S.Sunder, Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) and former Secretary, Ministry of Surface Transport. The Committee has been mandated to look into various aspects of administration and regulation of vehicular traffic in the country, which inter-alia includes review of the system of grant of driving licence.
(e) & (f): Maximum speed limit for motor vehicles as well as driving norms have already been prescribed by the Government. There is no proposal to cancel the driving licence of the person accused of road accidents, to increase, to increase terms of imprisonment and fix upper age limit for getting a driving licence/driving a motor vehicle.
(g): Since the Act is to be reviewed in a comprehensive manner, no definite time frame for submission/implementation of the report can be envisaged at this stage.
|
1914 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
LOSS |
1914 . Smt. SUMITRA MAHAJAN
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether various State Governments including Madhya Pradesh have submitted their assessments regarding loss of kharif crops in their respective States due to drought/deficient rainfall in the country;
(b) if so, the reaction and steps taken by the Government thereon;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to tackle the drought/ deficient rainfall situation and to increase the production of kharif crops; and
(d) the total fund utilised from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to meet the challenges of low agricultural production?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (d): In view of deficit rainfall during South-West Monsoon 2009 (June-September), 14 States, namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh declared 337 districts as facing drought/scarcity/drought-like situation, which included 37 districts by Madhya Pradesh. All these States submitted Memoranda for assistance from National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) for drought relief which, inter-alia, included assistance towards input subsidy for crop loss. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) have visited 13 of these States (except Jammu & Kashmir) for assessment of the drought situation and requirement of Central Assistance. An IMCT has been constituted to visit Jammu & Kashmir shortly for assessement of the drought situation. In addition to release of entire Central share of Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) for 2009-10 to the admissible States in accordance with the guidelines, the Government of India approved assistance from NCCF for drought relief, taking into account the recommendations of IMCTs and keeping in view the items and norms of expenditure for assistance from CRF/NCCF. In addition, the Government initiated various measures to mitigate the impact of drought/deficit rainfall, which included scheme of “Diesel Subsidy” to save the standing crops, additional allocation of power from Central pool, issue of appropriate agricultural advisories, ensuring availability of agricultural inputs, relaxation of age for seed varieties, allowing use of Truthfully Labelled (TL) seeds, distribution of minikits under various Government programmes and subsidy to use certified seeds to take up diversified crop plan in unsown/germination failed areas during Kharif 2009 as well as for early Rabi 2009-10. Assistance from NCCF is meant for providing relief to the people affected by natural calamities. Challenges for low agricultural production is met from the ongoing schemes of the State Governments and from the relevant Centrally assisted programmes of the Government of India.
|
2012 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
HOME |
TALKS |
2012 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
PRADEEP KUMAR MAJHI
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a): whether the Government has initiated dialogue process with terrorist and naxal organizations active in the country;
(b): if so, the details thereof and;
(c): the time by which the said process is likely to commence?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a)to (c): Government is committed to dialogue with 5 terrorist groups and naxal organizations that abjure violence.
In the North Eastern States, the Government has entered into Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement with United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Kuki National Organization and United People Front and its constituents in Manipur and Achik National Volunteer Council(ANVC) in Meghalaya.The Government is in dialogue with National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/IM) and Dima Halam Daogah (DHD(J).
|
2179 |
UNSTARRED |
10.03.2010 |
ENVIRONMENT |
BAN |
2179 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether according to ITC (H5) Classification of export and import items (2004-05), red sanders wood in any form, whether raw or processed or under processed, is prohibited and not permitted to be exported;
(b) if so, whether it is a fact that large quantity of red sanders wood has been seized from smugglers and is available for disposal in various divisions of Andhra Pradesh;
(c) if so, whether Andhra Pradesh Handicraft Development Corporation has proposed to utilize the opportunity by producing items of domestic needs only;
(d) if so, whether Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested to allow to utilize the red sanders wood items for the domestic purposes; and
(e) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Union Government on the request of Andhra Pradesh?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) Yes,Sir.However, value added products made from Red Sanders wood procured from legal sources such as Extracts, Dyes, Musical Instruments and parts of Musical Instruments, made from Red Sanders wood, procured from legal source are permitted for export under certain conditions.
(b) Yes,Sir.
(c) Andhra Pradesh Handicraft Development Corporation Limited has requested the Government of Andhra Pradesh to allot red sanders wood.
(d) No permission is required for utilizing the red sanders wood for domestic purpose.
(e) The Government of Andhra Pradesh has sent a proposal to dispose of the accumulated stocks of 6000 MT of red sanders wood for export which has been declined by Ministry of Environment and Forests in terms of provisions of export & import policy of Government of India, provisions of Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulating the international trade and the commitment of the Government of India before the Hon’ble High Court of Tamil Nadu not allowing the export of red sanders wood in log form in terms of Export and Import Policy of India.
However,the State Government of Andhra Pradesh can use red sanders wood locally through State Handicraft Corporation and other Public Sector Units.
|
2336 |
UNSTARRED |
11.03.2010 |
CHEMICALS |
SUPPLY |
2336 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the required quantity of chemical fertilizers are not being supplied to various States of the country;
(b) if so, the total requirement of States pending with the Union Government for supply of chemical fertilizers;
(c) whether there is lack of coordination with other Ministries like Railways and Shipping for timely transportation of fertilizers to States; and
(d) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Union Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) to (b): Urea is the only fertilizer which is under partial movement and distribution control of the Government. All other fertilizers viz. DAP, MOP, SSP and NPK etc. are decontrolled/ de-canalized since 1992. The availability of Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers is decided by the market forces of demand and supply. Union Government monitors availability of fertilisers at State level. State Governments are responsible for distribution of fertilizers within the State.
The State-wise cumulative requirement (demand), availability and sales of major fertilizers like Urea, DAP, MOP and Complex fertilizers during 2009-10 (April`09 to February`10) is annexed. As can be seen, the availability of urea, DAP and MOP has been adequate. There has been a little tightness in availability of complex (NPK) fertilizers because of low level of indigenous production and also as these can not be imported as of now.
(c) to (d): Fertilizers are being dispatched from ports and plants in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways. Ministry of Shipping is providing berthing priority/ousting priority to vessels carrying imported fertilizers, as and when required.
|
2411 |
UNSTARRED |
11.03.2010 |
CHEMICALS |
DEMANDS |
2411 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the demands for petrochemicals (Polymers) was projected to have a potential to reach 12.5 million tonnes by the end of Eleventh Five Year Plan;
(b) if so, the total capacity addition made by the Government for the last three years of Eleventh Five Year Plan to meet the increased requirement;
(c) the target fixed by the Government at the inception of the said plan for the capacity addition and achieved so far;
(d) the further steps taken by the Government for the remaining period of above plan to meet the projected demand and capacity addition; and
(e) the funds invested so far and likely to be invested during the plan period?
ANSWER
THE HON’BLE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) Yes Madam.
(b) to (e) The Petrochemicals Industry is delicensed, liberalized and deregulated. The Government is not making any investment for capacity additions in the Petrochemicals Sector. However Government is providing support to GAIL’S joint venture company i.e. Brahmaputra Cracker And Polymer Limited (Assam Gas Cracker Project) by way of Capital subsidy amounting to Rs. 2138 crores, as part of the project cost of Rs. 5460.61 crores. So far Rs. 453.74 crores towards capital subsidy has been released to BCPL.
The import of polymers is under open general license and can be imported by user industry depending on the demand and competitive prices. The capacity additions are being planned by the Private Sector and Oil Public Sector Undertakings depending on the techno-economic viability. As per Industry Estimates, the total investment made in the upstream Petrochemical Sector during 2007-08 & 2008-09 is around Rs. 13200 crores.
|
2502 |
UNSTARRED |
12.03.2010 |
WOMEN |
GENDER |
2502 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
P. BALRAM
PRABHAKAR PONNAM
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a): whether the gender-based disparities have shown a decline in the country during the last decade;
(b): if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c): the steps being taken by the Government for the removal of gender-disparities completely?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a)& (b) : The Ministry has prepared and brought out a Report on ‘Gendering Human Development Indices: Recasting the Gender Development Index (GDI) and Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) for India. This report is also available on the Ministry’s website: www.wcd.nic.in. GDI & GEM indices, computed for India for the year 1996 and 2006 are:-
GDI is 0.514 for 1996 & 0.590 for 2006. GEM is 0.416 for 1996 & 0.497 for 2006.
This shows a decline over the decade in the gender based disparity.
(c): The Ministry is implementing various Schemes/ Programmes for the development and empowerment of women. Details regarding these Schemes are available in the Annual Report of the Ministry as well as on the website of the Ministry at : www.wcd.nic.in.
|
2576 |
UNSTARRED |
12.03.2010 |
HEALTH |
POST |
2576 . Shri BASUDEB ACHARIA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
PRIYA SUNIL DUTT
YASHODHARA RAJE SCINDIA
PRADEEP KUMAR MAJHI
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
R. THAMARAISELVAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there are a limited number of medical colleges in comparison to the requirement which provide post graduate medical degrees in the country;
(b) if so, the number of such colleges in the country along with the post graduate seats therein, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of such colleges to meet the shortage of specialised doctors in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether proposals have also been received from the State Governments in this regard; and
(f) if so, the details thereof, State/UTwise and the action taken by the Government thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) to (d) At present, 209 medical colleges are offering Post Graduate (PG) degree/diploma courses. As per information provided by the Medical Council of India (MCI), approximately 23,000 MBBS students pass out every year for which approximately 13505 PG degree/ diploma seats are available. Further National Board of Examination also provides 5,000 seats in various DNB courses. Thus, seats for post graduate and post graduate equivalent are available for more than 75% of students passing out MBBS course throughout the country. State/UT-wise details of post graduate seats are at Annexure.
In order to facilitate increase of the number of medical colleges and seats in various medical courses, the Central Government has amended the Regulations rationalizing/relaxing the norms in terms of teaching faculty, land requirements, bed strengths, and other infrastructural facilities prescribed in MCI Regulations. Also the Central Government has permitted the medical colleges to apply for starting of a PG course in pre and para clinical subjects at the time of 4th batch of MBBS students.
(e) & (f): In view of the revised norms for teacher student ratio from 1:1 to 1:2 and information received from various government medical colleges/PG institutes with regard to teaching faculty etc., approximately 2777 PG seats have been increased in 115 government medical colleges across 21 States/UTs.
|
2580 |
UNSTARRED |
12.03.2010 |
HEALTH |
BANNED |
2580 . Shri YASHBANT NARAYAN SINGH LAGURI
ANANTHA VENKATARAMI REDDY
MADHU GOUD YASKHI
EKNATH MAHADEO GAIKWAD
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
GORAKH PRASAD JAISWAL
RAJAIAH SIRICILLA
KHATGAONKAR PATIL BHASKARRAO BAPURAO
PURNMASI RAM
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether many blacklisted or banned drugs are being marketed in the country with new names;
(b) if so, the details of such drugs detected and the action taken by the Government thereon;
(c) whether reports have been received by the Government on the adverse effect of diabetic drug Rosiglitazone/Avandia which is banned in many countries;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to ban the marketing of such drugs in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) & (b): There is no such term – ‘blacklisted’ in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules thereunder. However drugs which are prohibited to manufacture and market under Section 26A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act are not permitted to be marketed in the country under any name. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not received any such information.
(c) to (e): Earlier in 2007, there were reports of increased risk of heart attack with rosiglitazone. In India, the matter was examined by National Pharmacovigilance Advisory Committee (NPAC) in January, 2008 which recommended incorporation of “Box warning” in the package inserted and other promotional literature of formulations containing rosiglitazone. Accordingly all State Drug Controllers were requested to direct manufacturers of rosiglitazone formulation to incorporate the box warning about cardiac risk. In January, 2010 it was reported that one US FDA report concluded that rosiglitazone should be removed from the market.
The safety issues of continued marketing of such drug formulations which have been withdrawn/restricted in some other countries are examined in the conterxt of current knowledge by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), a statutory body under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
|
2583 |
UNSTARRED |
12.03.2010 |
FINANCE |
13TH |
2583 . Dr. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH
K. JAYASURYA PRAKASH REDDY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
P. BALRAM
PRABHAKAR PONNAM
R. DHRUVANARAYANA
SUPRIYA SULE
SANJAY DINA PATIL
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the 13th Finance Commission has submitted its Report;
(b) if so, the main features of the recommendations contained in the said Report and action being taken thereon;
(c) whether the report has suggested new plans for fiscal consolidation for the next five years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a): Yes, sir.
(b): The 13 Finance Commission recommendations broadly cover, inter-alia, Goods and Services Tax, sharing of union tax revenue, revised roadmap for fiscal consolidation, grant to local bodies, disaster relief, debt relief to States and grants-in-aid. The report of the 13 Finance Commission together with an Explanatory Memorandum as to the action taken on the Commission`s recommendations was laid on the table of the House on 25-02-2010.
(c) & (d): The 13th Finance Commission has assessed the finances of the Union and States and specified a combined debt target of 68% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to be achieved by 2014-15. The Commission has worked out a roadmap for Fiscal Deficit (FD) and Revenue Deficit (RD) for the award period. For the Centre, it has recommended RD to be eliminated and FD to be brought down to 3% of GDP by 2013-14.
For States, the Commission has worked out fiscal roadmap for each state depending on its current deficit and debt levels. The States are required to eliminate RD and achieve FD at 3% of their respective Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during the Commission`s award period in stages, in a manner that all the States would eliminate RD and achieve FD of 3% of GSDP by 2014-15. The Commission has also recommended that the borrowing limits of the States should be fixed by the Centre in line with these targets.
The Government has accepted these recommendations in principle.
|
2724 |
UNSTARRED |
12.03.2010 |
FINANCE |
AGRICULTURAL |
2724 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a): the details of targets set and achievement made by Government in agricultural credit during each of 2008-09 and 2009-10 alongwith targets set for 2010-11;
(b): the reasons for not meeting the targets;
(c): whether an over all assessment of the impact of agricultural credit has been conducted;
(d): if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and
(e): the steps taken or being taken to meet the targets set for agricultural credit in future?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA )
(a) & (b): The details of targets and achievements for the year 2008-09 and 2009-10 (upto December 31, 2009) alongwith target set for 2010-11 is as under:
(Rs. in crore)
Year Target Achievement
2008-09 2,80,000 3,01,908
(107.76)
2009-10 3,25,000 2,48,510
(76.46)
2010-11 3,75,000 –
(figures shown in the bracket shows percentage of achievement against the target)
It may be seen from the above table that the banks have achieved the target during 2008-09.
(c) to (e): The Central Government, the State Governments through the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) mechanism and National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) monitor the flow of credit to the agriculture sector to ensure that the targets are achieved.
|
2733 |
UNSTARRED |
15.03.2010 |
DEFENCE |
PURCHASE |
2733 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
ARJUN CHARAN SETHI
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to procure towed howitzer guns from foreign firms which are already under scrutiny for certain irregularities/ malpractices;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the charges levelled against the firms;
(c) the total number of guns to be procured and the expenditure to be incurred thereon including the alternative sources of procurement;
(d) the number of howitzer guns procured during the last three years alongwith details of price and supplier companies;
(e) the proposals, if any, to indigenously design and develop light howitzer guns; and
(f) the time by which the guns are to be inducted and the manner in which it will boost the capabilities of the Army?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (c): In March, 2008, the Government had issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of towed guns. The name of one of the firms participating in the said procurement case figured among the names of seven firms in the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May, 2009 in respect of various supply orders placed by Ordnance Factory Board. The procurement/acquisition cases in pipeline with any of the firms figuring in the said FIR were put on hold until further orders. Later, it was decided that multi-vendor procurement cases, presently held up at various stages of technical evaluation/trials, may be progressed further as per Defence Procurement Procedure-2008. However, no tender will be awarded to the companies mentioned in the FIR unless CBI investigation clears them totally.
(d) to (f): No towed guns/howitzers have been procured during the last three years. The proposal presently being processed includes production of towed guns by Ordnance Factory Board under transfer of technology from the selected vendor.The procurement proceeds as per the provisions of the Defence Procurement Procedure 2008.The induction of the equipment, as and when it takes places, will enhance the firepower of the Indian Artillery.
|
2764 |
UNSTARRED |
15.03.2010 |
DEFENCE |
WAR |
2764 . Dr. M. JAGANNATH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government sanctions death-cum-retirement gratuity (DCRG) distinctly to commissioned officers and Short Service Commission officers due to war injury;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor indicating the criteria for fixing war injury pension;
(c) whether the Armed Forces Tribunal has strongly recommended for equal DCRG to both on similar grounds and in similar circumstances; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE(SHRI M.M. PALLAM RAJU)
(a) Presently, no such distinction is made.
(b) to (d): Does not arise in view of (a) above.
|
2766 |
UNSTARRED |
15.03.2010 |
DEFENCE |
CORRUPTION |
2766 . Shri RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
NAVEEN JINDAL
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SHRUTI CHOUDHRY
SANJAY SINGH CHAUHAN
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) the total number of cases of irregularities, corruption, transfer of land and other land scams including the land scam in Ranikhet in the armed forces during the last three years and the current year;
(b) the number of senior officers and other personnel found guilty in each of the cases after investigation;
(c) the details of the personnel punished and acquitted in each of the cases; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to check recurrence of such cases in the armed forces?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
|
2833 |
UNSTARRED |
15.03.2010 |
LABOUR |
RASHTRIYA |
2833 . Shri PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI
BHAKTA CHARAN DAS
GANESH SINGH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
LAL JI TANDON
RAJAN SUSHANT
NAMA NAGESWARA RAO
ARJUN MUNDA
GOVIND PRASAD MISHRA
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) launched for providing cashless health insurance cover to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the unorganized sector;
(b) the number of smart cards issued alongwith the number of workers/families which got medical assistance under the RSBY since its inception, State-wise and year-wise;
(c) the funds allocated, released and utilised under RSBY since its inception, State-wise and year-wise;
(d) whether the Government has been able to achieve the objectives/targets of RSBY;
(e) if not, the reasons therefor alongwith the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard;
(f) whether a presentation about the RSBY was made at the World Bank Forum;
(g) if so, the interest evinced by the World Bank and other countries regarding RSBY; and (h) the strategy, if any, chalked out by the Government for inclusion of more and more poor people under RSBY?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): The ‘Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana’ was launched on 01.10.2007 to provide smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs. 30,000 per annum on a family floater basis to BPL families (a unit of five) in the unorganized sector. The scheme became operational w.e.f. 01.04.2008. The scheme is presently being implemented in 22 States/ Union Territories. The Government of Rajasthan has, however, stopped implementation of the scheme. More than 1.30 crore smart cards have since been issued under the scheme. A Statement showing the State-wise and Year-wise number of smart cards issued and number of workers /families got medical assistance under RSBY is annexed.
(c): During the year 2008-09, an amount of Rs. 250 crore was allocated for implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY). Out of this, Rs. 101.65 crore was utilized. State-wise allocation is not made. Funds are released to State Governments as and when proposal are received from them.
(d) & (e): It was estimated to cover 1.2 crore BPL families by the end of current financial year. However, more than 1.2 crore BPL families have since been covered and smart card issued. It is estimated to cover about 1.8 crore BPL families by the end of the next financial year and all BPL families in the next four years.
(f) & (g): Yes, Madam. The World Bank has congratulated the Government on the growing success of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and has stated that the scheme is being seen as model of good design and implementation with important lessons for other programs. The World Bank has also stated that a number of countries have shown interest in the RSBY. However, no formal request has as yet been received from any other country by the Government.
(h) All BPL families would be covered under the scheme in a phased manner.
|
2881 |
UNSTARRED |
15.03.2010 |
DEFENCE |
ANOMALIES |
2881 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there are anomalies in pay scales and grade pay of defence personnel particularly in Navy and Coastguard?
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the remedial steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (c): Some issues regarding pay scales and grade pay of defence personnel have been received from Services.These issues are examined by the Government on case to case basis.
|
2955 |
UNSTARRED |
16.03.2010 |
HOME |
FAKE |
2955 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Hon`ble Supreme Court has issued any directive to various State Governments with regard to fair/Proper/ impartial investigation into fake encounters including Gujarat;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the State Governments in this regard including Gujarat; and
(c) the total number of cases of fake encounters handed over to CBI by the Hon`ble Supreme Court for investigation Sohrabuddin case and the time by which the CBI is likey to submit its report, State-wise, including Gujarat?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a)to (c): Information is being collected from all State Governments/SCI/ CBI/NHRC and will be laid on the Table of the House.
|
3061 |
UNSTARRED |
16.03.2010 |
MICRO, |
SCHEMES |
3030 . SAROJ PANDEY
VILAS BABURAO MUTTEMWAR
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
NARAHARI MAHATO
NISHIKANT DUBEY
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies have conducted any survey for exploration of precious metals / mineral reserves in the country;
(b) if so, the outcome of such surveys during each of the last three years and the current year, mineral / precious metal-wise, State-wise and location-wise;
(c) the quantum of such minerals / precious metal reserves / deposits alongwith its estimated values State-wise and mineral / precious metal-wise;
(d) the details of the new areas identified by GSI for conducting fresh surveys; and
(e) the time by which extraction / exploitation of such mineral / precious metals is likely to commence?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)
(a), (b) & (c ): Geological Survey of India ( GSI ) carries out regional exploration for precious metals / mineral like gold and Platinoid group of elements(PGE) as well as for diamond etc.
The details of such surveys during the last three years and the current year State-wise and mineral-wise is as below:-
Mineral Year State / district
Diamond 2006-07 Kimberlite in Pebberu block in Mahaboobnagar district,
Andhra Pradesh.
2007-08 Kimberlite in Chagapuram sub block, Mahaboobnagar district,
Andhra Pradesh.
2009-2010 Buthpur and Achampet Blocks in Mahaboobnagar district,
Andhra Pradesh. (2008-2010)
Kalwakurthy Charakunda block in Mahaboobnagar and Nalgonda
districts, Andhra Pradesh. (2008-2010).
Raichur district, Karnataka. (2009-2011).
Gold Ore 2006-07 Ajjanahalli central sector and Ajjanahalli East block
(North sector), Tumkur district, Karnataka.
Delwara West Block, Delwara block and Khankariya Gara block,
Bhukia gold belt, Banswara district, Rajasthan.
Dugocha Main (Central) block and Dugocha North block, Udaipur
district, Rajasthan.
2007-08 Delwara West block, Bhukia area, Rajasthan.
Baghmara block, Sonakhan area, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh.
2008-09 Delwara West block, Bhukia area, Banswara district, Rajasthan.
Soanapahari area, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
Sonadehi gold prospect in Chhattisgarh.
2009-2010 Munger – Rajgir Group of rocks in Nalanda district, Bihar
(2008-2010) (silver mineralization)
Sindauri East Block, Ranchi district, Jharkhand (2008-2010)
Tilaitanr-Sobhapur area of Archaean Greenstone Belt, East and
West Singhbhum districts, Jharkhand (2009-2011)
(Nickle, PGE and Chromite).
North of Krishna river, Gadwal schist belt, Mahaboobnagar and
Kurnool districts, Andhra Pradesh (2008-2010) (other
associated elements)
East of Kanganapalle, northern part of Ramagiri-Penakacherla
schist belt, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh (2008-2010)
(Mineralisation).
Ajjanahalli Block-D, Tumkur district, Karnataka (2009-2011)
Northern part of Mangalur schist belt, Gulbarga district,
Karnataka (2008-2010) (tin and other mineralization)
Delwara West block, Bhukia Gold Belt, Banswara district,
Rajasthan. (2005-2010) (copper mineralization)
Gundelpara NW Block, Banswara district, Rajasthan. (2009-2010)
(associated copper mineralization)
Martoli-Milam area and Niti area, Pithoragarh and Chamoli
districts, Uttarakhand (2009-2010) (and associated mineralization)
Belaghatta block, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. (2008-2010).
Auriferous polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphides in
Danva Block, Sirohi district, Rajasthan. (2008-2010)
PGE 2006-07 Hanumalapura(Block A&B), Karnataka.
2009-2010 Tasampalaiyam block in Sittampundi layered mafic – ultramafic
complex of Tamil Nadu. (2009-2010)
Sathyamangalam group in Tamil Nadu. (2009-2010)
Solavanur and Karappadi blocks and detailed mapping in
Mallanayakanpalaiyam block, Mettuppalaiyam mafic – ultramafic
complex, Tamil Nadu. (2009-2010)
Sulthan Bathery-Mananthavadi area of Wayanad district, Kerala
(2009-2010) (mineralization)
Gondpipri area, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. (2007-2009)
(nickel and cobalt).
Ultramific and mafic rocks in Betul belt Madhya Pradesh.
(2009-2011).
GSI estimates resources of minerals by regional scale surveys and the survey reports are published. Reserves are estimated in respect of specific areas taken up for prospecting by other Central and State Government agencies or by private sector. The estimates of mineral reserves is published annually by the Indian Bureau of Mines in the Indian Mineral Year Book a copy of which is available in Parliament Library.
(d): The geological domain potential for search of precious metals / minerals ore are:
Diamond:
i. Granite-greenstone terrain and Cuddapah basin of Andhra Pradesh
ii. Granite-greenstone terrain in Gulbarga-Raichur-Bellary, Bijapur, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka.
iii. Bastar, Raigarh and Raipur districts in Bastar Craton, Chhattisgarh.
iv. Upper reaches of Ong and Jira rivers in parts of Bargarh and Sonepur districts, Orissa.
v. Terrain exposing Vindhyan Supergroup, Bundelkhand Granite, Bijawars and Gwalior Group of rocks of Madhya Pradesh.
vi. Amgaon Gneiss, Bhandara district, Maharashtra.
Gold:
i. Archaean granite-greenstone belts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and some minor ones in Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
ii. Vocanogenic massive sulphide type of deposits in Sonakhan, Sakoli, Mahakoshal, Kotri and Raigarh belts of Central India; continuation of Mahakoshal belt in Northern India; Aravalli belt of Western India and Singhbhum belt of Eastern India.
iii. The high grade granulitic rocks of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
PGE:
i. North Kanara, Sandur and Nuggihalli schist belt, Karnataka.
ii. Kushalnagar area, Coorg district, Karnataka and Usgaon area, Goa.
iii. Sittampundi Layered Complex and Mettupalem-Velliankadu area, Tamil Nadu.
iv. Ultramafic rocks in Attapadi and Nilambur valley, Kerala.
v. Chimalpad-Chimakurthi-Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh.
vi. West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand.
(e): GSI’s exploration is of a regional level and areas of enhanced mineralization usually need further investigation. Based on the regional level work of GSI or otherwise, applicants can apply for mineral concessions for detailed exploration and in case such exploration reveals exploitable deposits, an applicant can seek a mining concession. As such there is no specific time frame for the purpose.
|
3100 |
UNSTARRED |
16.03.2010 |
CONSUMER |
GRAIN |
3100 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) the targets fixed and achieved for setting up Grain Banks during the 11th Five Year Plan;
(b) whether some of the States have failed to set up the number of Grain Banks sanctioned by the Union Government;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government proposes to revise the guidelines for setting up of such banks; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
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): During the 11th Five Year Plan, a target to establish 12,823 Village Grain Banks (VGBs) has been fixed. VGBs are sanctioned based on the proposals received from State/Union Territory Governments. During the 1st three years of 11th Plan i.e. 2007-08 to 2009-10, 7,219 VGBs have been sanctioned to 12 States. Out of above, the States have set up 858 VGBs uptil now. Some of the State Governments have informed that they could not set up VGBs in their States due to lack of interest shown by the people of the States to the scheme.
(d) & (e): The Government has at present no proposal to revise the guidelines.
|
3309 |
UNSTARRED |
15.04.2010 |
CIVIL |
FDI |
3309 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has suggested that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in aviation sector should be cleared by Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) instead of going through automatic approval route;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether these steps have been suggested due to security concerns;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the extent to which FDI in aviation sector is likely to be affected; and
(e) the further steps taken or being taken by the Government to ensure that development of infrastructure in aviation sector is not affected by this new step of the Government?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) to (e):- Government has put in place a liberal and transparent policy for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including investements from Non-Resident Indian (NRIs), wherein most of the sectors are open to FDI under the automatic route. The policy on FDI is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Government has not taken any decision so far to bring certain sectors which are on automatic route, to the approval route on account of secruity reasons.
|
3428 |
UNSTARRED |
16.04.2010 |
TOURISM |
PROMOTION |
3428 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from the State Government to allow 104 restricted Himalayan peaks for trekking in order to give boost to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir including Leh and Ladakh region;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which this step of the Union Government is likely to help the border State to promote tourism and their economy?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) to (c): The Government of India has given security clearance for opening of 104 additional peaks in Jammu and Kashmir (Leh area) subject to stipulations and clearances from State Government authorities, Ministry of Home Affairs, and other agencies concerned as per prescribed procedure. The opening of additional peaks will help in positioning the State as adventure tourism destination.
|
3504 |
UNSTARRED |
16.04.2010 |
HEALTH |
ELECTRONIC |
3504 . Shri SHARAD YADAV
ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
DHARMENDRA YADAV
BABAR GAJANAN DHARMSHI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised bjections to the manner in which contracts of Health and Family Welfare have been awarded for the electronic transfer of funds upto the District and Panchayat to Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank;
(b) if so, the details in this regard alongwith the reasons for not consulting the State Governments before awarding contract; and
(c) the remedial measures taken to check reoccurrence of such incidents in future?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) No.
(b) Does not arise.However, the States were allowed to continue with the existing public sector banks if ICICI Bank was not suitable to them.
(c) As suggested in the CAG audit observations, the Ministry has already set up a Banking Coordination Committee to look into all aspects of this issue and suggest a pragmatic and workable solution for transfer of funds and e-banking solutions for improving reporting of expenditure.
|
3614 |
UNSTARRED |
16.04.2010 |
TOURISM |
TAX |
3614 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-
(a) whether in an effort to spur growth in the hospitality sector, the Government is going to extend tax holiday from March 31 to July, 2010;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any achievements have so far been made in the hospitality sector after giving the tax holiday;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the category of hotels where the tax holiday is available; and
(e) the other steps taken or being taken by the Government for the development of hospitality sector in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e): Yes, Sir. With a view to encourage the growth of new budget category hotels, on the request of Ministry of Tourism, the Finance Minister had in the Budget 2007-08, announced a Five Year Tax Holiday under Section 80-ID to new hotels of 2, 3 and 4 Star category and Convention Centers which would be functional between 01.04.2007 to 31.03.2010 in the NCT of Delhi and the districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautam Buddh Nagar (NOIDA) and Ghaziabad. Subsequently, in the Budget speech for the year 2010-11, the Finance Minister has proposed extension of the date of deadline from 31.03.2010 to 31.07.2010.
Further, a Five Year Tax Holiday was also announced in the Budget of 2008-09 for two, three and four star hotels that are established in specified districts which have UNESCO-declared ‘World Heritage Sites’. The hotel should be constructed and start functioning during the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2013.
On the request of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Finance has also relaxed External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms to resolve the liquidity crunch being faced by the hotel industry for setting up new hotel projects. Further, the Reserve Bank of India has classified exposures to hotels outside the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Exposure.
|
3652 |
UNSTARRED |
19.04.2010 |
DEFENCE |
DEFENCE |
3652 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has opted to resume defence deals with the companies blacklisted in connection with corruption cases;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the firms allowed for trials of equipment;
(c) the reasons for continuing with deals from such firms; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure scrupulous deals?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (c): In the light of the names of certain firms figuring in a FIR filed by the CBI on 17th May, 2009, it had been decided that all procurement cases in the pipeline with any of these firms may be put on hold till further orders. Subsequently, the matter was reviewed and it was decided that multi-vendor procurement cases, held up at various stages of technical evaluation/trials, may be progressed further as per the Defence Procurement Procedure, 2008. Accordingly, trials are being progressed in respect of such procurement cases relating to M/s ST Kinetics, Singapore and M/s IMI, Israel. However, no tender will be awarded to the companies mentioned in the FIR, unless the CBI investigation clears them totally.
(d): The Defence Procurement Procedure contains stringent provisions aimed at ensuring the highest degree of probity, public accountability and transparency. The Procedure provides for the mechanism of Pre-Contract Integrity Pact, in procurement cases of the estimated value exceeding Rs.100 crore as well as provisions prohibiting engagement of agents or use of undue influence.
|
3805 |
UNSTARRED |
19.04.2010 |
DEFENCE |
PROCUREMENT |
3805 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Army has floated a global Request For Information (RFI) for procurement of heavy machine guns;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the offers received from the firms;
(c) whether the present heavy machine guns have outlived their lives; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the other steps taken or being taken by the Government to meet the requirement of the Army?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (d): A Request for Information for procurement of Heavy Machine Gun was issued by the Army on 16th March, 2010. Based on the responses received to the Request for Information, the procurement action will follow as per the extant Defence Procurement Procedure. The Government constantly reviews the security environment and takes necessary steps for induction of appropriate equipment required by the Armed Forces.
|
3855 |
UNSTARRED |
19.04.2010 |
COMMERCE |
IMPACT |
3855 . Shri MUNDE GOPINATHRAO PANDURANG
SATHYANARAYANA SARVEY
GURUDAS DAS GUPTA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
BIBHU PRASAD TARAI
K. C. VENUGOPAL
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of volume and value of trade with ASEAN countries during each of the last three years and the current year;
(b) the areas/sectors likely to gain additional market access with the signing of ASEAN Agreement;
(c) whether the Government has sponsored/conducted any study to assess the impact of implementation of ASEAN Agreement especially on farmers from coastal states of the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;
(e) whether a recent study conducted by Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) states that Indo-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) may cause damage to key sectors of Indian economy and domestic plantation farmers; and
(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the consultations held with State Governments and the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): India’s Trade with ASEAN countries during 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 was to the tune of US $ 30715.91 million, US $ 39088.33 million and US $ 45343.59 million respectively. The figure for the current year (April – September, 2009) is US $ 20187.69.
(b): With the signing of the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, additional market access is likely for India’s export of several products including Machinery & Machine Parts, Steel & Steel Products, Oilcake, Wheat, Buffalo Meat, Automobiles & Auto Components, Chemicals, Synthetic Textiles, etc.
(c): No, Madam.
(d): Does not arise.
(e) & (f): The Associated Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ASSOCHAM) has released a publication titled ‘India – ASEAN FTA: A Major Breakthrough’ in February 2010. Comprehensive protection of the plantation and other sensitive sectors has been ensured under the India – ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. Hence, inferences made in ASSOCHAM’s publication regarding adverse consequences on the Indian economy are not valid.
|
3980 |
UNSTARRED |
20.04.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
RABI |
3980 . Smt. RAMA DEVI
PRABODH PANDA
K. JAYASURYA PRAKASH REDDY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
NAMA NAGESWARA RAO
JAGDISH SHARMA
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has made any estimate on Rabi crop production including the drought affected areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof including pulses, crop-wise and State-wise;
(c) whether the total production so estimated is sufficient to meet the domestic requirements;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the estimated production is expected to make good the shortfall recently noticed due to drought conditions in the country;
(f) if so, the details thereof;
(g) the steps taken to overcome the overall shortage of foodgrains and pulses;
(h) the outcome of the initiatives taken to increase the foodgrain production alongwith their impact on the present price of food items; and
(i) the allocation made under various schemes/programmes to increase the agricultural production for each crop, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. The crop-wise and State-wise details of rabi production including the drought affected areas during 2009-10 (2nd advance estimates) is given in the Annexure-I.
(c) and (d): As per the projections made by the Working Group of Planning Commission for the 11th Five Year Plan and taking into account the initiatives taken by Ministry of Agriculture, during the last two years, i.e., 2007-08 and 2008-09, the production of foodgrains except pulses has been in excess of the projected demand. However, due to deficit rainfall and drought conditions in various parts of the country, the estimated production of pulses and foodgrains during 2009-10 is falling short as compared to projected demand as per the table below:
(Million Tonnes)
Crop 2009-10
Estimated Projected
Production # Demand
Pulses 14.74 18.29
Foodgrains 216.85 224.04
# 2nd Advance Estimates
(e) & (f): Details of estimated excess/shortfall in production of foodgrains and pulses during kharif and rabi seasons of 2009-10 as compared to 2008-09 are given below:
Production (Million Tonnes)
Crop 2009-10 2008-09 Difference
Kharif Rabi Total Kharif Rabi Total Kharif Rabi Total
Pulses 4.2 10.5 14.7 4.7 9.9 14.6 -0.5 0.6 0.2
Food- grains 99.9 117.0 216.9 118.1 116.3 234.5 -18.3 0.7 -17.6
(g): Despite decline in production of foodgrains, the position of stocks of rice and wheat in the Central Pool is comfortable. In Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2008-09 and 2009-10, there has been record procurement of 226.89 lakh tonnes and 253.82 lakh tonnes of wheat in the country. Similarly, there has also been record procurement of 287.36 lakh tonnes and 336.84 lakh tonnes of rice during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2007- 08 and 2008-09 respectively. With considerably higher procurement of wheat and rice during the last two years and estimated procurement of about 260 lakh tonnes of rice in the current year i.e. 2009-10, the stocks of rice and wheat in the Central Pool are sufficient to meet the requirement of TPDS and other welfare schemes. There is shortage of production of pulses in the country as compared to their demand. The gap between demand and supply of pulses is therefore met by import of pulses from different countries depending upon their availability.
(h): As a result of various measures taken by the Government to increase the production of foodgrains and reduce the impact of price rise, the retail prices of rice, wheat, groundnut oil, vanaspati had either remained stable or declined while the prices of Sugar, pulses such as Gram dal, Turdal , Urad dal, edible oil such as Mustard oil, Potato, Onion had declined in 4 Metros viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai over the last 3 months.
(i): State-wise allocation of funds under various schemes of the Department during 2009-10 is given in the Annexure-II.
|
4008 |
UNSTARRED |
20.04.2010 |
HOME |
SUICIDE |
4008 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
MAHESH JOSHI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there have been several cases of committing of suicides and firing on colleagues in various Central Para Military Forces (CPF) including Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Border Security Force (BSF);
(b) if so, the number of such cases reported during each of the last three years and the current year, year and force-wise;
(c) whether any investigation was conducted to find out the causes/ circumstances for such incidents;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective steps taken by the Government including easing of job related stress and improving the working conditions and mental health of the jawans of CPF?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a): Yes Madam, there have been some cases of suicides and firing on colleagues in various Central Para Military Forces including Sashastra Seema Bal and Border Security Force.
(b): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
(c) & (d): Yes Madam, a Court of Inquiry is conducted into every such incident to ascertain its causes and circumstances. The causative factors in most of the cases were found to be generally personal and domestic problems and were not related with the Forces.
(e): The corrective steps taken by the Government are such as regulating duty hours to ensure adequate rest and relief, grant of entitled leave to the needy personnel, provision of recreational facilities, team sports and games, training in Yoga and meditation, organizing talks by Doctors and other Specialists, regular interaction with personnel by senior officers, etc.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4008 FOR 20-04-2010
List of suicide and Fratricide cases in Central Paramilitary Forces during the last three years including the current year, year and Force-wise:
Year/Name Number of suicide/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
of CPF Fratricide
BSF Suicide 35 29 26 6 96
Fratricide 1 4 1 – 6
CRPF Suicide 46 46 28 3 123
Fratricide 4 4 5 – 13
SSB Suicide 3 5 11 – 19
Fratricide – 3 1 – 4
CISF Suicide 11 12 16 6 45
Fratricide – – 2 – 2
ITBP Suicide 4 4 6 1 15
Fratricide – – 1 – 1
NSG Suicide – – – – –
Fratricide – – – – –
Assam Rifles Suicide 13 11 9 1 34
Fratricide – 1 6 – 7
Total Suicide 112 107 96 17 332
Fratricide 5 12 16 0 33
Court of Inquiry conducted into every such incident revealed that the causative factors in most of the cases are generally personal/domestic problems like unsuccessful love affairs, marriage, etc., marital discord, personal enmity, mental illness, depression, etc.
|
4082 |
UNSTARRED |
20.04.2010 |
CONSUMER |
WADHWA |
4082 . Shri NIKHIL KUMAR CHOUDHARY
RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
DHARMENDRA YADAV
BABAR GAJANAN DHARMSHI
MUNDE GOPINATHRAO PANDURANG
IJYARAJ SINGH
VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
R. THAMARAISELVAN
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Wadhwa Committee, constituted to study the Public Distribution System (PDS) and suggest measures for its improvement has since submitted its report;
(b) if so, the facts thereof and salient features of the recommendations made in the report;
(c) whether the said Committee has also pointed out rampant corruption in PDS, diversion of foodgrains, faulty identification of beneficiaries as the reasons for failure of PDS;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective steps taken by the Government in the light of the said report?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)to(e): Central Vigilance Committee (CVC), constituted by Hon’ble Supreme Court to study functioning of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), has submitted its reports to the Hon’ble Supreme Court in respect of 12 States/UTs, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan, Kerala and Uttarakhand as well as a report on Computerisation of PDS Operations. A gist of recommendations contained in the Committee’s reports, which are common to most of the States/Union Territories as well as report on Computersation of PDS Operations, is at Annex-I.
The reports of the Committee relating to States/UTs have been sent to concerned State/UT Governments to examine and send comments along with their action taken report.
Government has issued directions to State Governments to streamline functioning of TPDS by enforcing provisions of PDS (Control) Order, 2001 and to implement Nine-Point action plan which includes, inter -alia, use of information technology, display of fair price shop-wise and district wise allocations of PDS commodities on web-sites for public scrutiny, creating awareness among public about PDS operations and training Vigilance Committees on intricacies of PDS operations.
ANNEX-I
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE UNSTARRED QUESTION No.4082 FOR ANSWER ON 20.04.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA
CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON TPDS IN STATES/UTs (RECOMMENDATIONS COMMON TO MOST STATES/UTs) AND REPORT ON COMPUTERSATION OF PDS OPERATIONS
1. Income criterion for poverty be revisited. This should not be less than minimum wage for agricultural labour.
2. Poverty in urban areas to be based upon minimum wage payable to an unskilled workman in the area.
3. Above Poverty Line (APL) as a category be abolished. Alternatively, the APL category be restricted to households having annual income of Rs. 1 lakh.
4. Global Positioning System (GPS) be installed on vehicles transporting TPDS foodgrains for tracking their movement.
5. Reconstitute and activate Vigilance Committees, which should meet at regular intervals.
6. Fair Price Shop (FPS) be allotted to persons or groups having kirana/ grocery stores. Sale of non-PDS rice and wheat not to be allowed from such FPS.
7. Fresh licenses to be granted in transparent manner.
8. Door step delivery of foodgrains to FPSs.
9. There is a need for rationalizing the number of beneficiaries attached to each FPS to make the shops financially viable.
10. Complaint redressal mechanism with 24 hour helpline for lodging complaints by beneficiaries and follow up action.
11. Supply of TPDS foodgrains in small packages of 5-10 kg in HDPE bags.
12. Facility of mobile FPS especially in remote/ tribal areas to be encouraged.
13. Zero tolerance towards corruption. Strict penal action/departmental action be taken against offenders. Strengthening of enforcement and anti-hoarding machinery.
14. Independent agency to monitor working of TPDS – Ombudsman/Regulator be set up.
15. Political influence in operation of TPDS should be done away with.
16. Introduction of computersation of the entire distribution chain, right from the procurement process and ending with retail distribution by the FPS dealers.
|
4118 |
UNSTARRED |
21.04.2010 |
HUMAN |
MAULANA |
4118 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Maulana Azad National Urdu University is running without any Vice Chancellor, Controller of Examination and other higher officials affecting the future of the students;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to fill up the vacancies at the earliest possible?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b) The post of Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad became vacant on 28.2.2009 upon the relinquishment of charge by Prof. A.M. Pathan on his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Central University of Karnataka. Thereafter, Prof. K.R. Iqbal Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor is officiating as In-charge Vice-Chancellor as per the provisions of the Maulana Azad National Urdu University Act. The post of Controller of Examination became vacant upon the repatriation of the incumbent Dr. S. Jeelani to his parent department. Prof. S.A. Wahab is officiating as In-charge Controller of Examination. The academic and administrative activities of the University are running smoothly.
(c) The Search and Selection Committee for filling up the post of Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad has already met in March, 2010 and its recommendations have been sent to the Hon’ble President of India in her capacity as Visitor of the University.
|
4226 |
UNSTARRED |
21.04.2010 |
HUMAN |
VACANT |
4226 . Shri M. TAMBIDURAL
SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN
MAGUNTA SRINIVASULU REDDY
VIKRAMBHAI ARJANBHAI MAADAM
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there are a large number of vacancies in different streams of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and Premier Professional Institutions;
(b) if so, the details of the vacancies during the last three years in these institutions IITs and IIMs-wise and the reasons therefore;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to start a special drive to fill up the vacancies in these Institutions;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): The details of the vacancies in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) during last three years are as under:
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
Name of the 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Institution
IIT, Delhi 160 153 78
IIT, Bombay 136 116 222
IIT, Madras 150 101 138
IIT, Kanpur 74 91 69
IIT, Kharagpur 228 202 299
IIT, Guwahati 13 16 65
IIT, Roorkee 210 198 194
IIT, Gandhinagar 33
IIT, Ropar 48
IIT, Rajasthan 45
IIT, Bhubaneshwar 36
IIT, Hyderabad 45
IIT, Patna 29
IIT, Mandi 30
IIT, Indore. 14
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Name of the 2009-10
Institution
IIM, Ahmedabad 29
IIM, Bangalore 35
IIM, Calcutta 9
IIM, Lucknow 6
IIM, Kozhikode 10
IIM, Indore 6
RGIIM, Shillong 0
Information for the year 2007-08 and 2008-09 for IIMs is being collected and will be laid on the Table of House.
(c) to (e): Recruitment of faculty is a continuous process and all out efforts are made by the Institutes to fill up the vacant posts. Institutions have been employing suitable strategies to attract and retain quality faculty which include attractive pay structure, provision of good residential accommodation, medical facilities, initial research grants, financial support for participation in National/International conferences, suitable scheme for sharing of consultancy charges, etc.
|
4305 |
UNSTARRED |
21.04.2010 |
HUMAN |
PROMOTION |
4305 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of States where the Urdu is being taught in schools as second language;
(b) whether inspite of various steps taken by the Government for promotion of Urdu language, the State Governments are not paying enough attention on the directives issued by the Union Government to States for promotion of Urdu language;
(c) the total amount sanctioned by the Government for promotion of Urdu language in the country during the last three years; and
(d) the further steps taken or being taken by the Government to promote Urdu in schools?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) Information regarding States where Urdu is being taught in schools as second language is not maintained by this Ministry.
(b) to (d) Education being a concurrent subject, the Central Government cannot issue any mandatory directives to State Governments.
The details of grants sanctioned by Government of India for Promotion of Urdu Language during the last three years in respect of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and Scheme of financial assistance for appointment of Language Teachers (Urdu) is as under:
(Rs. in Lakhs)
Year NCPUL MANUU Urdu Teacher Total
2007-08 1740.00 1671.82 306.00 3717.82
2008-09 1735.00 3485.83 – 5220.83
2009- 10 1900.00 4217.94 10.38 6128.32
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhayalaya (KGBV) norms provide flexibility to States to engage Urdu teachers in Muslim concentrated blocks.
Recognized Madarsas/Maktabs are eligible for additional teachers as per norms under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Scheme.
|
4428 |
UNSTARRED |
22.04.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
RAIL |
4428 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the proposals pending with the Railways for construction of Rail Over Bridges during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh;
(b) the number of requests received from various State Governments for construction of ROBs, State-wise during the said period; and
(c) the steps taken or being taken by Railways for early execution of pending ROBs?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the Sabha.
|
4508 |
UNSTARRED |
22.04.2010 |
PETROLEUM |
IMPORT |
4508 . Chaudhary LAL SINGH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Qatar has agreed to supply four million tone more LNG to India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any agreement has been reached between the two countries in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the rate at which the Qatar has agreed to supply the gas;
(f) whether Qatar has asked for higher prices;
(g) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(h) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) & (b): Petronet LNG Ltd.(PLL) and GAIL (India) Ltd. have been pursuing import of LNG from Qatar. During the recent visit of Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Industry of Qatar, the Qatari side has indicated availability of additional volumes of LNG at mutually agreed commercial terms & conditions. The matter is being followed up by PLL & GAIL.
(c): No Madam. Agreement on volume, price and other terms & conditions is yet to be reached.
(d) to (g): Does not arise in view of (c) above.
(h): As Import of LNG involves huge financial implications, agreement on such deals is preceded by protracted discussions, as all aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of parties involved. As such, no definite time frame can be indicated at this stage.
|
4768 |
UNSTARRED |
23.04.2010 |
HEALTH |
CAG |
4768 . Dr. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH
SHARAD YADAV
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
NEERAJ SHEKHAR
FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its latest audit report has found several loopholes relating to funds management and health facilities under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and has recommended to establish essential infrastructure, equipment and manpower in Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres to ensure improvement in equality of healthcare in rural areas at an affordable cost;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any review of the implementation of the NRHM in various States/UTs;
(d) if so, the details of the findings thereof, State-wise; and
(e) the corrective measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to plug these loopholes and to check doctors/pharmaceutical companies nexus to make the health services more effective under the NRHM?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b) The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in their report on the Performance Audit of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has made some recommendations to rationalize fund flow arrangements for speedy transfer of funds from Government of India to States, States to Districts and below, to minimize unspent balances, streamlining accounting procedures and proper maintenance of accounts. Further, it has also recommended establishment of new infrastructure i.e. health centres and strengthening and capacity building of existing ones. NRHM gives special focus to 18 States including eight NE States, which have weak public health indicators and/or weak infrastructure. Besides, 140 backward districts based on ranking on 13 DLHS III indicators, districts having considerable population of SC/ST and 33 highly left wing affected districts as prepared by Ministry of Home Affairs were selected for high focus planning. The State/UT Governments were asked to take up activities for such districts on priority and incorporate the same in their annual Programme Implementation Plans [PIPs] for the financial year 2010-11. Funds are released to all States/UTs with the approval of the National Programme Coordination Committee [NPCC].
(c) & (d) Yes. Health is a state subject and the Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments. The Third Common Review Mission of NRHM (November, 2009), which covered 14 States and 3 Union Territories, looked at various aspects including the position with regard to diagnostics and logistics and supply chain management. The Report of the Common Review Mission was shared with all the States/UTs in a dissemination workshop. The follow up to the comments made are being monitored through the process of preparation of the Programme Implementation Plans. Promotion of rational drug use, finalization of essential drug lists in States, uninterrupted and adequate supply of drugs through a good logistics and supply chain management and improved diagnostics are all priorities of the NRHM.
(e) As regards the recommendations on financial management, this Ministry has put in place a monthly concurrent audit in addition to annual statutory audit, periodic financial reviews and reviews are also undertaken by Common Review Missions and Joint Review Missions.Regarding doctors/pharmaceutical companies nexus, the Indian Medical Council[Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics] Regulations,2002 were amended by Medical Council of India with the prior approval of Government of India providing that a medical practitioner shall not endorse any drug or product of the industry publically.
|
4773 |
UNSTARRED |
23.04.2010 |
HEALTH |
MERGING |
4773 . Shri BHOLA SINGH
J.M. AARON RASHID
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
PATIL PADAMSINHA BAJIRAO
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
P. VISWANATHAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to launch a new unified health care programme across the country by merging the existing National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), which is under consideration;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue thereby;
(c) the funding pattern and the total expenditure to be incurred thereon; and
(d) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d) No separate proposal regarding a new unified health care is under consideration. Government has already launched National Rural Health Mission in the year 2005 with an objective to provide accessible, affordable and accountable health care services to rural population. However, NRHM covers urban poor as well by strengthening district and block level hospitals.Programmes for TB, Malaria, Family Welfare, immunization, Janani Suraksha Yojana cover urban areas as well.
|
4848 |
UNSTARRED |
26.04.2010 |
COMMERCE |
DECLINE |
4848 . Shri N CHELUVARAYA SWAMY @ SWAMYGOWDA
SUMITRA MAHAJAN
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAJAIAH SIRICILLA
P. BALRAM
PRABHAKAR PONNAM
SANJAY BRIJKISHORILAL NIRUPAM
SOLANKI KIRITBHAI PREMAJIBHAI
SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
R. THAMARAISELVAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether India`s exports in the current year have surged indicating revival of the economy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has decided to provide special incentives to certain items for their exports to new markets as recommended in the economic survey;
(d) if so, the details thereof, sector-wise;
(e) the details regarding export target set for the year 2010-11;
(f) the details regarding response of the Government to protectionist measures being taken by the leading economies like-US; and
g) the details regarding closure of export oriented industries and job loss in export sector due to global meltdown?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (e): India’s month-wise merchandise export figures in dollar terms, for the period April, 2009 to February, 2010 and the corresponding period in previous year are given in Annexure. The decline in exports which started in October, 2008 continued till September, 2009 and from October, 2009 onwards, monthly exports have moved to positive trajectory, which means that there are signs of recovery in our exports. However, the cumulative exports in dollar terms during the period April 2009 to February, 2010 still show a decline of 9.55%, as compared to the same period in 2008-09.
In the wake of the global economic slowdown, particularly in our traditional markets, and its impact on our exports, significant support was provided in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2009-14, announced on 27.08.09, for market diversification and for enhancing export competitiveness of Indian products. Additional support measures were announced in January/March, 2010. Complete details of the products and countries / markets for which incentives have been announced are in public domain and is available in the website http://dgft.gov.in. Further, need based measures would be taken, as may be required from to time, keeping in view the financial and overall economic implications.
Government has set a merchandise export target of US$ 200 billion for the financial year 2010-11.
(f): Indian Government is constantly monitoring the protectionist measures being taken by the leading economies on Indian exports and has been taking up all such issues during the Trade Policy Forum meetings from time to time. For the protectionist measures and Restricted Trade Practices of the US, Indian Government has taken up with the US side during bilateral meetings and meetings of India-US Trade Policy Forum.
(g): Global economic meltdown contributed to decline in India’s merchandise exports, and some attendant job losses. As per the Quarterly Employment Surveys conducted by the Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, after an overall decline in employment in the exporting units to the extent of 1.67 lakh during April to June, 2009 over January to March, 2009, the exporting units have shown recovery by registering an increase in employment to the extent of 2.04 lakhs during July to September, 2009 over April to June, 2009 and 5.80 lakhs during October to December, 2009 over July to September, 2009.
|
5109 |
UNSTARRED |
27.04.2010 |
HOME |
INVOLVEMENT |
5109 . Shri MANICKA TAGORE
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
AWALE JAYWANT GANGARAM
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has received any complaints about the abduction of children by sadhus in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received any complaints with regard to involvement of sadhus in various crimes including sex rackets, underworld business and illegal activities in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against them;
(e) whether the Government proposes to make special laws in consultation with State Governments to tackle such activities in the country; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (d): The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles State/UT-wise data on crime in the country under different crime-heads under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL) on the basis of reports sent to it by various State Governments/UT Administrations. The NCRB has no information on involvement of sadhus in such specific types of crime like, abduction of children etc. However, the Delhi Police has reported a recent case regarding a sex racket run by an accused Shiv Murat Dwivedi @ Shiva @ IchaDhari @ Swami Bhimanand @ Rajeev @ Swamiji S/o Bacha Lal Dwivedi of New Delhi. The said accused alongwith co-accused Praveen Kumar S/o Ram Narain of New Delhi and six call girls have been arrested vide FIR No. 47/10 dated 26-02-2010 u/s 4/5/8 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 registered at P.S. Saket, Delhi and a separate case vide FIR No. 54/10 dated 06-03-2010 u/s 3 Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 has also been registered against him. Further, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and therefore, the State Governments are primarily responsible for prevention, detection, registration and investigation of crime and for prosecuting the criminals through the machinery of their law enforcement agencies under the extant and appropriate law(s), as also for protecting the life and property of the citizens.
(e): There is no such proposal under the consideration of the Union Government.
(f): Does not arise.
|
5128 |
UNSTARRED |
27.04.2010 |
YOUTH |
FUNDS |
5128 . Shri C. SIVASAMI
VILAS BABURAO MUTTEMWAR
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL
GHANSYAM ANURAGI
P. BALRAM
PRABHAKAR PONNAM
SAROJ PANDEY
SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
P. K. BIJU
Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government of NCT of Delhi/Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games has requested to provide more/additional funds to meet the expenditure for holding the Commonwealth Games;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, alongwith the action taken thereon;
(c) the funds/additional funds allocated/sanctioned/released and expenditure incurred for each project so far separately, project-wise and headwise;
(d) the extent to which the total expenditure is likely to be increased for the purpose; and
(e) the estimation of foreign exchange likely to be earned alongwith the monitoring mechanism set up for judicious use of the released funds?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The budget of the Organizing Committee(OC) for organizing the Commonwealth Games has been revised from Rs. 767 crore to Rs. 1620 crore. The reasons include factors such as i) inclusion of new items essential for the conduct of the Games i.e. Accreditation, City Operations, Sponsorship & T.V. Rights, Ticketing, Insurance etc. ii) change in the scope of work and cost escalation iii) increase in the number of volunteers and number of days of Queen’s Baton Relay(QBR). Government of NCT of Delhi had also requested the Government of India for enhancement of the Additional Central Assistance for Commonwealth Games from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 1000 crore in view of more requirement of funds for completion of projects related to the Commonwealth Games, 2010.
(c) The required details are as under :
(Rs. in Crores)
Sl. Implementing Name of Amount Amount Amount
No. Agency Stadium/ sanctioed released
1 Sports SAI Stadia 2460.00 2222.18 1485.53
Authority of
India/Central
Public Works
Department
2. University of Competition/ 306.41 306.41 205.00
Delhi Training
venues
3. Jamia Millia Training 42.57 42.57 30.00
Islamia Venues
University
4. D.P.S., R. K. Training 1.73 1.73 0.50
Puram, New Venue
Delhi.
5 All India R.K. Khanna 65.65 65.35 30.70
Tennis Stadium
Association
6. Central Kadarpur 28.50 28.50 20.65
Reserve Shooting
Police Range,
Force/CPWD Gurgaon
7. Delhi Games 827.85 – 555.59
Development Village/
Authority Competition
and Training
venues
8. New Delhi Competition 330.00 140.00 140.00
Municipal and Training
Committee venues
(d) There is no proposal to further increase the budget estimates of these agencies.
(e) An amount of Rs. 300 crore has been estimated to be generated as foreign exchange. To ensure judicious utilization of released funds, all the concerned agencies are following their norms of financial propriety. Finance and Audit Committees have also been set up to monitor expenditure and utilization of funds.
|
5211 |
UNSTARRED |
27.04.2010 |
MICRO, |
PROMOTION |
5211 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has implemented the Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging (PRODIP) scheme for promoting the sales of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) products;
(b) if so, the details alongwith the extent to which it is likely to be helpful in increasing the marketability of such products;
(c) the total turnover reported by KVIC during the last three years; and
(d) the measures taken/being taken by KVIC for quality products to increase its sale?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a) & (b): The Government (in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) has been implementing the Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging (PRODIP) through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) since 2002-03 to help khadi and village industry (KVI) institutions to diversify and develop KVI products and also to improve their design and packaging. Studies show that the scheme has been very effective in bringing about product improvement at the institution level and the beneficiary institutions have successfully utilized the PRODIP assistance to develop new designs, generate additional sales as well as liquidate stocks.
(c): The details of value of sales of the KVI sector during each of the last three years are given below:
2006-07 663.19 18888.21 19551.40
2007-08 724.39 20819.09 21543.48
2008-09 799.61 21948.59 29948.20
(d): The Government in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has initiated several steps through Khadi and village Industries Commission (KVIC) for improvement of khadi and khadi products and better marketability, which include:
(i) Tie-up with the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi for design inputs;
(ii) Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Textiles Committee, to make available their laboratory infrastructure for checking quality of khadi cloth. Interfaces were also established with reputed Research and Development (R&D) institutes to extend results of their R&D efforts to KVI units.
(iii) Devising and publishing the technical manual, specifications and norms for test quality parameters of Khadi in a booklet form with the assistance of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. The technical manual prescribes the procedure to be adopted while checking samples of raw material, sliver, yarn, fabric etc. used in the production of Khadi, which is expected to ensure the quality of Khadi products.
(iv) Technical collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, to improve the quality and appearance of khadi products.
(v) Setting up of 6 sliver plants by KVIC in different parts of the country to ensure supply of quality sliver to the khadi institutions.
(vi) Establishment of Rural Industries Service Centres (RISCs) by the KVIC for setting up common facility centres (CFCs).
(vii) Providing financial assistance under Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging (PRODIP) Scheme for improved designs and packaging of khadi products, as mentioned above;
(viii) Providing credit at the concessional rate of interest under the Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme.
(ix) Launching of the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) for developing khadi clusters throughout the country over five years beginning 2005-06.
(x) launching of the Khadi Reforms and Development Programme with financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB) amounting to US$ 150 million to revitalize the khadi sector, to be incurred between 2009-10 and 2012-13 with provision for setting up of a marketing organization through private participation, including market development like market survey, design inputs, brand building, khadi mark, promotion, etc., opening of 20 new sales outlets in metropolitan cities and State Capitals and renovation and modernization of around 1200 sales outlets.
(xi) Introducing Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme based on production of khadi and polyvastra for implementation during 2010-11 and 2011-12.
|
5264 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
ENVIRONMENT |
CARBON |
5264 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the power sector accounts nearly 60% of carbon emission as nearly 2/3rd of electricity is generated by coal burning plants in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) The Power sector approximately accounts for 60% of the total carbon dioxide emissions generated in the country.
(b) Thermal power generation accounts for approximately 64% of the total power generation in the country. Further coal, gas and diesel based power generation contributes approximately 82%, 17% and 1% of thermal generation respectively.
(c) The Government has taken a number of steps for efficient use of coal in thermal power stations that include, inter alia, use of super critical boiler technologies, coal washing, coal blending and setting up of electricity regulators to enforce optimum generation and transmission of electricity. Besides, Renovation and modernization of old thermal power stations is undertaken to enhance their efficiencies. Hydro power policy has also been revised recently to encourage investment in this sector.
|
5332 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
HUMAN |
SETTING |
5332 . Shri P. K. BIJU
SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN
DINESH CHANDRA YADAV
RAKESH SINGH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SAROJ PANDEY
BABAR GAJANAN DHARMSHI
MUNDE GOPINATHRAO PANDURANG
SANJAY DINA PATIL
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to allow foreign universities to set up campus in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard;
(d) whether the Indian students are likely to be benefited and foreign exchange likely to be saved by the Government in the education field;
(e) if so, the details thereof;
(f) whether the indigenous infrastructure in education is likely to be affected after allowing foreign universities to set up campus in the country; and
(g) if so, the details of terms and conditions laid down by the Government for setting up campus in the country?
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 approved by the Government and a notice thereof has been sent to Parliament. Possible benefits arising out of regulating foreign educational institutions in India include among others, facilitating the participation of globally renowned and quality academic institutions in our higher education sector, and for bringing in foreign education providers for vocational training and skill development to narrow the gap between demand and supply, access to Indian students in innovative areas of studies, enhanced research opportunities, increase in investment and to some extent in the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
Provisions of the Bill can take effect only subject to approval by Parliament.
|
5434 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
HUMAN |
ENGLISH |
5434 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether India enjoys any advantage over China in English proficiency;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Supreme Court has raised any scare about China being poised to overtake India in English proficiency;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(e) whether it is a fact that only 43.8 per cent of class-I kids in the country could read alphabets as compared to China;
(f) if so, the details thereof including the performance of States in this regard; and
(g) the steps taken or being taken by Government to address the issue?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (g): Yes,Sir.The Hon’ble Supreme Court has made certain observations while hearing a petition relating to vacancies of teachers in the schools of the National Capital. As regards the teaching of English language till recently, English was introduced at class-IV, V or VI level. However, in recent years, English has been introduced from class I in 24 States/UTs viz. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal. In six States viz. Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, English is introduced at class-III level and in three States/UTs viz. Daman, Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (DDH), Gujarat and Karnataka, English is introduced at class-V level. Testing of English has not been included in the Achievement Surveys conducted by NCERT. However, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 2009 brought out by a NGO Pratham has reported that 43.8% children can read English letters.
|
5622 |
UNSTARRED |
29.04.2010 |
CIVIL |
SECURITY |
5622 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether none of the Indian aircraft that take off and land in visibility below 150 metres till now are equipped with vital assistive aid for pilots;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has set up a working group to examine the entire gamut of flight operations in low visibility;
(d) if so, the details of the report of the working group;and
(e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government for foolproof security for flight operation in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) & (b): No Madam. All of the Indian aircraft that take off and land in visibility below 150 metres are equipped with proper instrumentation.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. A working group has been set up to examine the flight operations in low visibility and the report is awaited.
(e): Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued circulars to conduct Secondary Ladder Point Checks of the passenger before boarding the flight. 100% frisking and checking of passenger and hand baggage / registered baggage is done with the help of X-Ray Baggage Inspection System (X-BIS), Hand Held Metal Detector (HHMD) and Door Frame / Walk through Metal Detector (DFMD) during high alert and even in normal period. Bomb Detection Dog Squad (BDDS) team of BCAS carries out additional random checks and detailed anti sabotage checks of flight randomly as well as at the airports. As a in-flight security measures, maximum number of Indian Air Carrier are covered with deployment of Sky Marshals on random basis in order to prevent any unlawful interference on board an aircraft.
|
5655 |
UNSTARRED |
29.04.2010 |
CIVIL |
AIRPORT |
5655 . Shri SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
P. BALRAM
PRABHAKAR PONNAM
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the private airport developers have suggested to determine base airport tariff on the basis of aeronautical revenues only;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
(c) the time by which the same is likely to be implemented;
(d) whether the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has framed new regulations in regard to tariff;
(e) if so, whether the views of all stake holders have been received by AERA in regard to single till and double till tariffs; and
(f) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) & (b):Different private operators have proposed varying approaches for determining aeronautical tariff.
(c),(d),(e) & (f):The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA)have received suggestions from various stakeholders and sought the guidance/advice of Government of India (GoI) in the matter. The matter is under examination of AERA. Based on inputs received from various stakeholders including advice/guidance of GoI/AERA is likely to finalise its economic regulations.
|
5922 |
UNSTARRED |
03.05.2010 |
SHIPPING |
GROWTH |
5922 . SUPRIYA SULE
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of increase/decrease in growth of traffic handling at major ports during 2010 as compared to 2009; port-wise;
(b) the reasons for decrease of such growth; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that increase growth tempo at major ports is continued?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a): The details of increase/decrease in growth of traffic handling at major ports during 2010 is enclosed at Annexure – A.
(b): There is decrease in growth at Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) and Ennore Port Ltd. only. At HDC, decrease in traffic growth is due to decrease in POL (Crude) consequent on commissioning of Paradip-Haldia Crude Pipeline and decline in average parcel load of vessels owing to draft restrictions in the navigational channel. The decrease in traffic at NMPT is attributed to the short fall in the traffic of iron ore fines due to restriction imposed by the district administration. At Ennore Port Ltd., the decrease of traffic is mainly due to reduced coal import by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) at their dedicated berths.
(c): Infrastructure facilities i.e. deepening of channels/ construction/reconstruction of berths, the improvement of rail/road connectivity and other logistic improvements are being carried out for faster turnaround of vessels and cargo.
Annexure-A
In Million Tonnes
Traffic Traffic Growth rate %
Port 2008-09 2009-10
Kolkata 12.43 13.05 4.99
Haldia 41.79 33.25 -20.44
Paradip 46.41 57.01 22.84
Vizag 63.91 65.50 2.49
Ennore 11.50 10.70 -6.96
Chhenai 57.49 61.06 6.21
Tuticorin 22.01 23.79 8.09
Cochin 15.23 17.43 14.45
New Manalore 36.69 35.53 -3.16
Mormugao 41.68 48.85 17.20
Mumbai 51.88 54.54 5.13
JNPT# 57.29 60.75 6.04
Kandla 72.23 79.52 10.09
530.54 560.98 5.74
#JNPT: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
|
5984 |
UNSTARRED |
03.05.2010 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
OFC |
5984 . Shri R. DHRUVANARAYANA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
HAMDULLA A. B. SAYEED
M. B. RAJESH
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the the Government proposes to set up Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Network in all the Gram Panchayats of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to involve Public Private Partnership (PPP) in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the time by which it is likely to be implemented;
(f) whether the Government has also any proposal to link Lakshadweep Islands and the main land through Optical Fibre Cable to provide broadband services; and
(g) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) to (e) An Inter-Ministerial Committee was set up to prepare concept paper on “Broadband for all – an integrated approach for rural areas”. The Committee has, inter-alia, recommended that Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) should be provided to all the 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats to ensure availability of high speed broadband to all of them. The recommendations of the Committee are under consideration.
The Government does not proposes to involve Public Private Partnership (PPP) in this regard.
(f) & (g) At present, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) does not have any proposal to link Lakshadweep Island and the main land through OFC to provide broadband services. The present connectivity is through satellite media.
|
6049 |
UNSTARRED |
03.05.2010 |
COMMERCE |
TRADE |
6049 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a strong business delegation under the Chairman of Federation of Korean Industries visited India recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the areas identified for trade and cooperation; and
(c) the details regarding trade between the two countries and steps taken or being taken for increasing trade?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a)&(b) Yes Madam. A business delegation led by Mr. Cho Suck-Rai, Chairman Federation of Korean Industries visited India during the visit of South Korean President to India in January,2010. The following areas were indentified for trade and cooperation between the two countries:-
(i) IT and Electronics/Telecom
(ii) Energy
(iii) Textiles/Leather
(iv) R&D and Science and Technology
(v) Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals/Healthcare
(vi) Tourism
(vii) Infrastructure and Transportation
(viii) Wage goods light Industries
(ix) Agriculture
(c) Details of the Trade between India and Republic of Korea during 2008-09 and 2009-10(April-December) is given below:-
Value in USD million
Year 2008-09 2009-10 April-December
Export from India 3952.29 2432.95
Import from Republic of Korea 8676.78 6127.91
For increasing trade, Govt. of India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Republic of Korea in August,2009.This Agreement has come into force from 1st Jaunuary,2010.
|
6263 |
UNSTARRED |
04.05.2010 |
HOME |
INTER-STATE |
6263 . Shri RAJEN GOHAIN
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
C. SIVASAMI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether several States in the country are embroiled in inter-State border disputes;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor indicating the names of such States, including Assam and Meghalaya;
(c) the number of demonstrations and agitations held in this regard during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
(d) the role of the Union Government in resolving the inter-State border disputes in the country;
(e) whether the Government has constituted any committee or task force to resolve such disputes; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the committee or task force are likely to submit their report?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (f): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No 6263 REGARDING “INTER-STATE BORDER DISPUTES” FOR ANSWER ON 04.05.2010.
(a) & (b): Assam- Meghalaya
The Central Government has advised both the State Governments to settle the dispute amicably. Meetings have been held at the level of Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the States.
Assam- Nagaland
The Government of Assam had filed an Original Suit in the Supreme Court of India under Article 131 of the Constitution for demarcation of its boundaries on the ground. The Supreme Court in its Judgment dated 25.9.2006 has appointed a Local Commission for identification of boundaries of the States of Assam – Nagaland. The Local Commission is continuing its hearings.
Assam- Arunachal Pradesh
The Government of Assam has filed an Original Suit in the Supreme Court of India under Article 131 of the Constitution for demarcation of its boundaries on the ground. The Supreme Court in its Judgment dated 25.9.2006 has appointed a Local Commission for identification of the boundaries of Assam – Arunachal Pradesh. The Local Commission is continuing its hearings.
Assam- Mizoram
The Government of Mizoram has requested the Central Government to constitute a separate Boundary Commission to resolve the Assam-Mizoram boundary dispute. The Central Government has sought comments of State Government of Assam in this regard. The Government of Assam has been taking the position that inter-State border dispute between Assam and Mizoram should be settled by enforcing the Constitutional boundaries of the State and at present, it does not favour the constitution of a separate boundary Commission to determine the Assam-Mizoram inter-State boundary. Setting up of such a Commission is likely to entail hearings over a prolonged period. The Government of Assam will take a final view of the matter after the local Commission constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to settle the boundary dispute in respect of Assam–Arunachal Pradesh and Assam-Nagaland submit its report.
Maharashtra – Karnataka – Kerala;
The boundary dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra relates to the claim of Karnataka for the transfer of contiguous Kannada-speaking areas in Maharashtra to Karnataka and the claim of Maharashtra for transfer of Marathi-speaking areas in Karnataka to Maharashtra.Karnataka has also claimed the Taluka of Kasargod in Kerala. The dispute is persisting from 1956. Kerala had not accepted the claim of Karnataka. The Governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka have taken opposite stands on the recommendations of the Mahajan Commission, which has been constituted by the Union Government with a view to settle the boundary dispute.
Punjab – Haryana
The dispute between Punjab and Haryana from 1966 pertains to the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and part of Fazilka Tehsil of Punjab to Haryana.
Andhra Pradesh- Orissa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
As per available information, the State of Andhra Pradesh has boundary disputes with Orissa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. None of these State Governments have approached the Central Government to resolve their boundary disputes.
Orissa- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal
The State of Orissa, as per available information, has boundary disputes with Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. None of these State Governments have approached the Central Government to resolve their boundary disputes.
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
As per available information, there are boundary disputes between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. However neither of the State Governments has approached the Central Government to resolve their boundary disputes.
(c): Data of this nature is not maintained Centrally.
(d) to (f): The approach of the Central Government has consistently been that inter State boundary disputes can be resolved only with the willing cooperation of the State Governments concerned and that the Central Government works only as a facilitator for amicable settlement of the dispute in a spirit of mutual accommodation and understanding. The Central Government had constituted the Mahajan Commission in October 1966 to resolve the Maharashtra-Karnataka-Kerala boundary dispute. Three Commissions have so far been appointed to determine the areas of Punjab that should go to Haryana in lieu of Chandigarh. Government of India has made efforts in the past to resolve the boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland, but these efforts were in vain.
|
6306 |
UNSTARRED |
04.05.2010 |
INFORMATION |
SETTING |
6306 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to set up 24 hours control room to act as crisis centre to collect and disseminate information in the event of any crisis; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which such control room is likely to be set up / made functional?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M. JATUA)
(a) & (b). Yes Sir. Ministry has decided to set up a 24×7 Control Room for media facilitation in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting which will be operational throughout the year. The Control Room would be operated by Press Information Bureau. The logistics of its operation are being worked out.
|
6387 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
WATER |
WORLD |
6387 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has sought Rs. 4444 crore World Bank Loan for Nagarjun Sagar Project;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the present status of the proposal alongwith the funds sanctioned/likely to be sanctioned for the project by the World Bank; and
(d) the manner in which the Union Government proposes to assist the State Government to meet the remaining expenditure?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (d) In March 2006, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh submitted a proposal for seeking World Bank assistance of Rs. 2250 crore for Nagarjun Sagar Project, out of which their share was proposed at Rs. 225 crore. In December, 2007, the Government of Andhra Pradesh sent a proposal for enhancement of the project cost from Rs. 2250 crore to Rs. 4444.41 crore and had specifically mentioned that the World Bank share would be the same as originally proposed and the remaining cost of the project would be met from State Plan over a period of 4 years. In October, 2009, the Government of Andhra Pradesh requested for enhancing the World Bank assistance from Rs. 2025 to Rs. 4000 crore. The matter was examined by Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, which clarified to the Government of Andhra Pradesh that it would be difficult to enhance the amount of assistance from the World Bank as they had very crowded pipelines for World Bank assisted project.
|
6522 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
HUMAN |
VAISAKHA |
6522 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have pointed out irregularities in Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) in the matter of appointments of consultants and lawyers;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken or being taken by his Ministry on the findings of CVC and CBI?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c): Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked the Ministry to fix responsibility for the irregularities in making payments by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) to private legal counsels at rates higher than those prescribed for Government Counsels. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reported engagement of Consultants by ICHR in violation of the guidelines of the Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T), Government of India.
With regard to the rates for payment in respect of legal counsels by autonomous bodies like ICHR, the matter is under examination, in consultation with Ministry of Law and Justice. However, as regards the other irregularities including engagement of Consultants, a Fact Finding Enquiry to identify specific lapses, if any, on the part of the officials of ICHR is presently underway in the Ministry.
|
6541 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
HUMAN |
VAISAKHA |
6541 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAJAGOPAL LAGADAPATI
NEERAJ SHEKHAR
ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
R. DHRUVANARAYANA
SANJAY BRIJKISHORILAL NIRUPAM
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether as per data revealed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), a large number of colleges across the country have not renewed their ratings;
(b) if so, the details of such colleges, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has now made accreditation as a mandatory for all colleges in the country; and
(d) if so, its likely impact on colleges which have not renewed their ratings?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) and (b) According to the information furnished by National Assessment and Accreditation Council, out of 4094 colleges so far assessed and accredited by it, the validity period of 5 years is over in respect of 2028 colleges. The State-wise number of such colleges is at Annexure.
|
6615 |
UNSTARRED |
06.05.2010 |
CIVIL |
AIR |
6615 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) the names of the major areas of various States/Union Territories which have not been connected by air link so far;
(b) the main reasons therefor;
(c) the number of airports closed down due to non-viability in States and Union Territory-wise;
(d) whether the Government has chalked out any plan to air link these States/Union Territories;and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) and (b):- At present, no air services are available in the States of Haryana, Sikkim and Puducherry. However, Haryana is connected through Chandigarh, which is a State capital and Union Territory. Presently Sikkim is connected through Bagdogra. A Greenfield airport at Pakyong in Sikkim is scheduled to come up in the next two years. Airports of Arunachal Pradesh viz Along, Daparizo, Tezu, Passighat, Ziro have connectivity by helicopter services operated by Pawan Hans. Though, Puducherry has an airport, no scheduled air services is currently being operated.
(c):- Airports Authority of India has not closed down any of its airports due to non-viability in States and Union Territories.
(d) and (e):- The Government has laid down Route Dispersal Guidelines with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country including North-East region. The airlines provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability while complying with Route Dispersal Guidelines.
|
6696 |
UNSTARRED |
06.05.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
PUBLIC |
6696 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is an acute shortage of passenger amenities at Nampally Railway Station in Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Railways thereto;
(c) the total expenditure incurred by the Railways on passenger amenities on this station during the last three years;
(d) whether the Railways have chalked out any plan to make this station a model station; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if no, the steps taken or being taken by the Railways for providing better passenger amenities at this railway station?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (e): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6696 BY SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 06.05.2010 REGARDING PUBLIC AMENITIES AT NAMPALLY RAILWAY STATION.
(a) & (b): There is no station by the name Nampally on Indian Railways. However, Hyderabad railway station exists in Nampally area. All passenger amenities have been provided at this station as per norms.
(c): Total expenditure incurred on augmentation of passenger amenities at this station during last three years is Rs. 5.3 crore.
(d) & (e): Augmentation of passenger amenities at railway station is a continuous exercise and works in this regards are undertaken depending upon need and increase in passenger traffic. Hyderabad railway station has already been developed as Model station. Various other developmental works viz. extension of platforms, improvement to air-conditioned waiting hall & VIP rooms, provision of mechanized cleaning system for cleaning of coach toilets have also been taken up at this station and planned for completion by December, 2010.
|
6768 |
UNSTARRED |
06.05.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
RAILWAY |
6768 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Railways conceived a project to connect Kashmir Valley with rail link eight years ago;
(b) if so, the total expenditure incurred by Railways on this project so far;
(c) whether terrorists recently attacked rail track on this line;
(d) if so, whether Railways have carried out detailed feasibility, viability and security of the project in view of the recent attack by terrorists on rail tracks; and
(e) if so, the future strategy chalked out by the Railways for security of this project?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a): The work of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla new line was included in Budget 1994-95.
(b): An expenditure of Rs. 6217.80 crore has been incurred by Railways on the project till 31.03.2010.
(c): A blast took place on 01.04.2010 at about 21.30 hrs. on the railway track in Qazigund-Baramulla section.
(d) & (e): Policing on Railways` is a State subject and prevention of crime, registration of cases,their investigation and maintenance of law and order in Railway premises as well as on running trains are, therefore the statutory responsibility of the State Police, which they discharge through the Government Railway Police (GRP) of the State concerned. In this context, a high Level Co-ordination meeting of the concerned Security Agencies was held at Srinagar on 03.04.2010. The security of railway track, stations etc. and trains has been suitably enhanced. A comprehensive security plan has been chalked out.
|
6789 |
UNSTARRED |
06.05.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
REFRIGERATED |
6789 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Railways have started refrigerated vans attached with various trains for transportation of perishable commodities;
(b) if so, the number of such vans at present being operated by railways;
(c) whether operation of such vans have shown any encouraging results;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the railways to make these vans viable?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) to (e) Indian Railways have 10 such refrigerated parcel vans at present. Earning from such refrigerated vans has been increasing, showing encouraging results. The earning has gone up from Rs. 1.32 crores in 2007 -08 to Rs. 1.96 crores in 2009-10. It is a viable service.
|
6853 |
UNSTARRED |
07.05.2010 |
POWER |
SUPPLY |
6853 . Shri S. R. JEYADURAL
VILAS BABURAO MUTTEMWAR
JAINARAYAN PRASAD NISHAD
SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
RAMESH RATHOD
K. SUDHAKARAN
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has signed an agreement with the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the supply of gas to its power projects;
(b) if so, whether gas is being supplied to the NTPC`s power projects as per the agreement signed;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the remedial measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER(SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)
(a) to (d) : NTPC has signed Gas Sale Purchase Agreements with M/s. RIL / M/s. NIKO for the period upto 31.03.2014 for supply of 1.81 MMSCMD KG D6 gas for existing National Capital Region (NCR) stations at Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM`s) approved price, without prejudice to NTPC vs. RIL court case in Bombay High Court pertaining to gas supplies for Kawas and Gandhar expansion projects. In line with the agreements, the gas supplies are being made by M/s. RIL / M/s. NIKO to NTPC`s existing NCR stations.
As regards contract for supply of gas to NTPC`s Kawas and Gandhar expansion projects, for which RIL had acknowledged LOI but did not sign GSPA, NTPC filed a suit in the High Court of Bombay in December, 2005 against RIL for specific performance of the said contract and the matter is presently sub-judice.
|
6893 |
UNSTARRED |
07.05.2010 |
HEALTH |
TAXES |
6893 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether tobacco related illness and deaths cost the Government around Rs. 30,000 crore;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether cigarette taxes currently account for less than 40 per cent of the retail price of package which is far below the World Health Organisation`s (WHO`s) recommended level of 65 per cent to 80 per cent;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes to increase the taxes on tobacco related products to discourage their consumption in the country; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)
(a) & (b) As per the report, Tobacco Control in India, 2004, about 8-9 lakh persons die annually due to diseases attributable to tobacco use. The health cost of only three tobacco attributable diseases, viz. cancers, lung disorder and cardio vascular ailment was estimated in that expenditure at Rs. 30,833 Cr. (2002-03).
(c) & (d) Currently, the incidence of Central Excise duty on major brands of cigarettes calculated on the MRP of the product ranges from 28% to 69%. The incidence would be even higher when calculated on factory gate prices. In addition, cigarettes bear state taxes such as VAT, Octroi etc.
(e) & (f) In the 2010-11 budget, the Government has increased the basic excise duty on all tobacco products, except beedis, by around 20%. Chewing tobacco, unmanufactured tobacco and Jarda scented tobacco have been brought under the purview of compounded levy scheme wherein the excise duty is paid based on the number of machines installed in the factory of production. Gutkha is already under the compounded levy scheme since July 2008.
In addition, some States also levy VAT on tobacco products.
|
6928 |
UNSTARRED |
07.05.2010 |
HEALTH |
VACANT |
6928 . CHANDRESH KUMARI
RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH
HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR
MAGUNTA SRINIVASULU REDDY
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
BHISMA SHANKAR ALIAS KUSHAL TIWARI
RAMKISHUN
SANJAY DINA PATIL
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
KACHHADIA NARANBHAI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is acute shortage of doctors including lady doctors and specialist doctors and para-medical staff sanctioned under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in the country including Bihar;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor, State-wise and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to meet this shortage;
(c) the number of sanctioned posts of doctors/specialist doctors/lady doctors lying vacant in the country under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in Rural Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres;
(d) the time by which the vacant posts are likely to be filled up;
(e) whether the Government has any plan to provide full induction training to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to get their total services in the health centres all over the country; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c) There is indeed shortage of critical human resources in the public health delivery system in some states in the country especially in rural areas. Under NRHM states have undertaken steps to remove these shortages. Human resources engagement is a major thrust area under NRHM and is a priority being pursued with the States/UTs. This include multi skilling of doctors and para-medics, provision of initiatives, to serve in rural areas like blended payments case based payments, difficult area allowances, improved accommodation arrangements, provision of AYUSH doctors and paramedics in PHCs and CHCs as additional doctors in rural areas, block pooling of doctors in underserved areas, engaging with the non government sector for underserved areas, provisioning of untied and flexible funds etc. The Human Resources are hired on contractual basis under NRHM. The vacant posts of Specialist at CHCs, Statewise as per Bulletin on Rural Health Statistics in India updated up to March 2008 is annexed.
(d) Government of India is making all possible steps to speed up the provision of quality health services in rural areas through National Rural Health Mission by involving RMPs in public health system. The vacant posts are tried to be filled up by the respective States/UTs Governments either by recruiting permanent staff or hiring contractual staff.
(e)&(f) Govt. of India is already providing various training modules to ASHA and refreshing her skills by providing crash training courses. So far, Selection of 7,49,440 ASHAs have been done in the entire country, out of which 7,05,475 have been trained up to 1st Module and 5,65,561 have been trained up to 4th Module. 5.20 lakh ASHAs have been provided with drug kit as well.
|
53 |
UNSTARRED |
23.02.2010 |
HOME |
KIDNAPPING |
53 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether cases of kidnapping are on the rise in the country;
(b) if so, the total number of such cases reported/registered and victims traced/ untraced during each of the last three years;
(c) the total number of accused arrested and the action taken against them during the said period, State-wise;
(d) whether the Hon`ble Supreme Court has given any directive in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) & (b): As per information compiled by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 23991, 27561 and 30261 cases of kidnapping & abduction were registered in the country during 2006 to 2008 respectively, thereby showing an increasing trend. NCRB does not maintain information on victims of kidnapping & abduction, traced or untraced.
(c): As per information compiled by NCRB, the State/UT-wise details of cases registered, cases chargesheeted, cases convicted, persons arrested, persons chargesheeted and persons convicted under kidnapping & abduction during 2006 to 2008 are enclosed at Annexure-I.
(d): Government of India is not aware of any such directive.
(e): Does not arise.
|
160 |
UNSTARRED |
23.02.2010 |
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC |
PRICE RISE |
160 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has any mechanism to monitor the demand, supply and likely prices of essential commodities and food articles including milk and foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details thereof:
(c) whether the Government had recently announced the shortage of foodgrains and milk in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the basis on which such announcements were made regarding demand and supply of milk and foodgrains in the country;
(e) whether such announcements proved to be premature and resulted in artificial price rise and hoarding of the same;
(f) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(g) whether the issue was taken up during the recent conference on price rise; and
(h) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a) to (d): The projections on the demand for the food grains are done by the Planning Commission.
The Directorate of Economic and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, releases estimates of area, production and yield in respect of principal crops of food grains, oil seeds, sugarcane, fibers and important commercial and horticulture crops. The estimates of crop production are obtained by multiplication of area and yield rates by corresponding yield estimates. The demand and supply of milk is estimated by the Department of Animal Husbandry. Whole sale and retail prices received from the State Food and Civil Supplies Departments are monitored by the Price Monitoring Cell (PMC) under Department of Consumer Affairs. Information on Retail Prices is received on daily basis from 27 centres; on Wholesale Prices from 37 centres of the country on weekly basis of 17 essential commodities in the country viz., rice, wheat, atta, gram dal, tur/arhar dal, moong dal, urad dal, masoor dal, tea, milk, sugar, vanaspati, mustard oil, groundnut oil, potato, onion and salt.
Availability of essential commodities is analyzed in the context of price rise. There has been no specific announcement of shortage of any commodity.
(e) & (f): Does not arise
(g) & (h): In the conference of the Chief Ministers held on 06-02-2010 the agenda papers covered the issues of price rise and measures to contain it. After the conference it was decided to constitute a Standing Core Group of State Chief Ministers and concerned Central Ministers. This Core Group will deliberate on and recommend measures to
(i) Increase agricultural production and productivity(including long term policies for sustained agricultural rowth);
(ii) Reduce the gap between farm gate prices and retail prices;
(iii) Better implementation of and amendment to E.C. Act;
(iv) Ensure better and effective delivery of essential commodities to the vulnerable sections of society;
(v) Augmentation of warehousing and storage capacity (including cold chains);
(vi) Issues relating to inputs viz. seeds/fertilizers etc.
|
434 |
STARRED |
26.04.2010 |
DEFENCE |
DELIVERY |
434 . Shri MANISH TEWARI
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is a delay in the delivery of the Scorpene submarines to be supplied by a French Company;
(b) if so, the causes of the delay and the fresh delivery schedule;
(c) whether the delay in the delivery is likely to lead to an escalation of the project cost, and if so, the anticipated revised project cost and the agencies/authorities liable to pay the enhanced revised cost;
(d) the impact of the slippage in the delivery schedule on the indigenous component of the project i.e. six submarines to be manufactured by Mazagon Docks; and
(e) the manner in which this gap in submarine capacity would effect on our defence preparedness especially in comparison to Pakistan and China?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 434 FOR ANSWER ON 26.4.2010
A programme for construction of six Scorpene class submarines is currently underway at M/s. Mazagon Docks Limited under transfer of technology from a French company. As per the contract, the 1st submarine was scheduled to be delivered in December 2012 and thereafter one each every year till December 2017. There has been delay due to initial teething problems, absorption of technology, augmentation of MDL infrastructure and procurement of MDL Purchased Material (MPM). The 1st submarine is now expected to be delivered in the second half of 2015.
The Government has recently accorded approval for revision in the cost of the Scorpene submarines project on account of increase in the cost of MPM items, related subheads and additional MDL infrastructure.
A significant indigenous competence in submarine construction, especially in the field of hull fabrication, outfitting, system integration etc. would be achieved by end of the programme.
Delay in scheduled delivery of submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged force level. However, the gap in submarine capacity has been addressed by modernization/upgradation with the state-of-the-art weapon and sensor fit on the existing submarines which have significantly enhanced their combat worthiness against any eventuality.
|
570 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
LAW |
SETTING |
570 . SUPRIYA SULE
PRABODH PANDA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to setup a large number of courts across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total funds allocated for this purpose during the last three years; and
(d) the cost ratio likely to be shared by the Union Government and State Governments for setting up of new courts?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) to (d): The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 has been enacted to enable the State Governments to establish one or more Gram Nyayalayas for every Panchayat at the intermediate level to cater to specified Civil and Criminal cases in rural areas. Under the scheme, over 5000 Gram Nyayalayas are likely to be set up across the country.
The Central Government has decided to provide financial assistance to the States for establishing the Gram Nyayalayas. The Government would bear the non-recurring cost of establishment of Gram Nyayalayas subject to a ceiling of Rs. 18.00 lakhs per Gram Nyayalaya. The Government would also bear 50% of Rs. 6.40 lakhs per annum as recurring cost of one Gram Nyayalaya for the first three years.
The State Governments have been requested to set up Gram Nyayalayas in their respective States. For this purpose, a provision of Rs. 11.00 crore has been made in the budget for the year 2009 -10. Out of this, a grant of Rs. 10.79 Crore has been released to the States.
|
572 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
PETROLEUM |
INDO-IRAN |
572 . Dr. SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Pakistan has expressed some reservations over supply of gas through Indo-iran Gas pipeline project;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to resolve the matter; and
(c) the status of the project?
ANSWER
MINISTER SN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI MURLI DEORA)
(a): No Madam.
(b): Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c): india is pursuing the import of natural gas from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Various important issues, viz., pricing of gas, delivery point of gas, project structure, security of supplies, payment of transportation tariff and transit fees for passage of natural gas through Pakistan, etc., are under discussion amongst the participating countnes.
Such multilateral projects involve protracted discussions, as all the aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of the participating countries to protect each country`s interests and to avoid any problems in the future in the successful operation of the project.
|
1417 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
HEALTH |
SPURIOUS |
1417 . Shri SAJJAN SINGH VERMA
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
HARISH CHOUDHARY
ARJUN ROY
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) the total number of drug testing laboratories in the country, State/UTwise;
(b) whether the Government is implementing Whistle Blower Policy to encourage public participation in the detection of spurious drugs across the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number of such informations received, action initiated thereupon and the informers rewarded so far for providing concrete informations in this regard;and
(e) the provisions made for the protection of such whistle Blowers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a): A statement containing information about the Central Government drugs testing laboratories and those received from the States/Union Territories is annexed.
(b) to (d): Yes. Government has started a scheme of rewards for whistle blowers to combat the manufacture/ movement of spurious drugs in the country. Under the scheme, cash rewards will be given to the informers providing concrete information,, leading fa unearthing of racket of spurious drugs. A reward of maximum up to 20% of the total cost of consignment seized will payable to the informer not exceeding Rs.25 lakhs in each case. A total of 20 cases have been received in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). One case was found to be ficitious and one case was resolved as the information was not found corrct on investigation. No informer has been rewarded so far.
(e): Names and address of the Whistle Blowers/informers are to be kept secret.
|
2467 |
UNSTARRED |
11.03.2010 |
LAW |
VACAST |
2467 . SUPRIYA SULE
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
NEERAJ SHEKHAR
ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
LAL CHAND KATARIA
Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has received any proposal for raising the number of posts of judges for the lower courts;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expenditure incurred on judiciary;
(d) whether the Government proposed to raise the expenditure on judiciary so as to put in place a speedier justice delivery system; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) & (b): No. Madam. Under article 235 of the Constitution of India, the administrative control over the members of subordinate judiciary in the States vests with the concerned High Court. Thus,as regards the judges` strength in the District and subordinate courts is concerned, the responsibility for taking necessary action vests with the respective High Courts.
(c): No assessment has been made, so far, about percentage of GDP expenditure incurred on judiciary.
|
4914 |
UNSTARRED |
26.04.2010 |
DEFENCE |
PHASING |
4914 . Shri NAVEEN JINDAL
SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO
ASADUDDIN OWAISI
ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT
ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
N CHELUVARAYA SWAMY @ SWAMYGOWDA
M. ANANDAN
S. RAMASUBBU
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the MIG series aircraft constitute bulk of the combat fleet of Air Force;
(b) if so, the number of various variants of MIG series aircraft including MIG-21 and MIG-27 crashed during the last three years;
(c) the details of losses including the number of pilots and civilians killed/injured in the crashes during the said period;
(d) the details of maintenance of the MIG Fleet quality control of its spare parts and state of training of the pilots;
(e) whether the Government proposes to phase out some variants of MIG aircraft;
(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be completed; and
(g) the action initiated to replace these aircraft and the total funds required for the purpose?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): MiG series aircraft constitute bulk of the combat fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). A total number of 21 MiG series aircraft have crashed during the last three years.
(c) Besides the loss of aircraft, four pilots were killed in these accidents. No civilian was killed/injured in these accidents.
(d) Maintenance of MiG series fleet is based on the maintenance philosophy prescribed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer as given in the Maintenance Manuals and evolved with practical experience of flying in IAF over years. The spare parts of MiG series aircraft are procured through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and indigenous vendors as per policies in vogue ensuring adequate quality control. The trainees are undergoing full stipulated duration / training in their flying courses.
(e) to (g): Phasing out of a particular aircraft and its replacement is decided based on operational requirements of IAF which is reviewed from time to time. Adequate funds are budgetted for the same.
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4983 |
UNSTARRED |
26.04.2010 |
DEFENCE |
CONSTRUCTION |
4983 . Shri ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Hon’ble Supreme Court has given clearance of Army’s long pending proposal to construct a strategic road near tri-junction of Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Court has put certain conditions including payment of five per cent of the estimated project cost to the Sikkim Government for compensatory afforesation; and
(d) if so, the total cost involved in this project and time by which the work is likely to start?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been entrusted with the construction of two strategic roads namely Track junction-Bheem Base-Dokala for a length of 13.48 Km and Flag Hill-Dokala for a length of 33.80 Km near tri-junction of Tibet-Bhutan and Sikkim.
(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) Cost of work on Track Junction-Bheem Base-Dokala road is approximately Rs.15.12 crore. Work has commenced and probable date of completion (PDC) is 2012. Cost of work on Flag Hill-Dokala is approximately Rs.81.81 Crore. Hon’ble Supreme Court has cleared the alignment in March 2010. The work on this road will start after getting clearance of National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) and Forest clearance. Completion of work will take five years after commencement of work.