No. of questions found: 24
|
12 |
STARRED |
23.02.2010 |
DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN |
REGION NLCPR FUNDS |
12 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
RANEE NARAH
Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any assessment has been made regarding the implementation status of various development projects in the North-Eastern States under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any guidelines have been issued regarding the implementation and monitoring of the projects under NLCPR;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which the same are enforced by the Union Government; and
(e) the remedial steps taken/proposed to be taken for speedy completion and effective monitoring of the projects under NLCPR?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI BIJOY KRISHNA HANDIQUE)
(a) to (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.12 RAISED BY SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL, M.P. AND SHRIMATI RANEE NARAH, M.P. FOR 23RD FEBRUARY, 2010, REGARDING ‘NLCPR FUNDS’
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): Assessment of the implementation status of various developmental projects implemented under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) in the North Eastern Region is built in the NLCPR guidelines. According to this, the second and subsequent installments of funds in the sanctioned projects are released only after the Utilization Certificate (UC) of 80% funds of the previous release is submitted by the State Government and commensurate physical progress is achieved in the project. For which State Government have to submit the UC along with latest Quarterly Progress Report (QPR), Photographs of the work completed, Inspection Report of the Nodal Officer of the Project and Work Plan for the funds required. Also, the status of the projects sanctioned is reviewed at various levels both within the State Governments and in the Ministry of DoNER from time to time. The project-wise status is available on the Ministry’s website www.modoner.gov.in.
(c)&(d): The guidelines for implementation and monitoring of NLCPR projects are in existence since November 2001 which were subsequently revised on November 2002, July 2004 and amended on 26.02.2007 and 19.08.2008. The guidelines were further revised in August 2009. The latest Guidelines (dated 06.08.2009) are available on the Ministry’s website www.mdoner.gov.in. The guidelines of NLCPR are enforced by Union Government through Ministry of DoNER.
(e): Provisions are there in the guidelines for speedy completion and effective monitoring of the projects under NLCPR which were further refined from time to time to make them more effective and simplified. In the recent revision of NLCPR guidelines on 06.08.2009, to speed up the implementation of the projects the timelines have been prescribed for submission of priority list, retention of projects, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and examination of DPRs & sanction of projects. The fund release in the sanctioned projects have been restricted to three installments of 40%, 40% and 20%, time for utilization of funds by the State Governments have been increased from nine to twelve months and provision has been made for transfer of funds to implementing agencies by the State Governments within 15 days of its release.
|
236 |
STARRED |
12.03.2010 |
HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY |
HOUSING SCHEMES |
236 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has made any assessment of the requirement/shortage and actual availability of housing units in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) the details of the housing schemes implemented in the country and funds allocated and released thereunder alongwith the number of houses constructed during each of the last three years and the current year, scheme-wise and State-wise;
(d) whether the housing schemes run by the Government have been able to meet the housing needs of the people;
(e) if so, the details and the success achieved in this regard alongwith the details of the utilisation of funds allocated thereunder by the State Governments during the aforesaid period, scheme-wise and State-wise; and
(f) the measures taken by the Government to solve the problem of housing and to achieve the targets fixed for the purpose alongwith the requirements of funds in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) to (f) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 236 FOR 12.3.2010 REGARDING HOUSING SCHEMES
(a)&(b): A Technical Group constituted by the Ministry in 2006 to assess the urban housing shortage has estimated that at the end of the 10th Five Year Plan (2007-08), the total housing shortage in the country was 24.71 million. The State-wise distribution of housing shortage projected by the Technical Group is given at Annexure I.
(c),(d)&(e): The Central Government has launched several schemes in the recent years to encourage the State Governments to participate in social housing in urban areas. In 2005, the Government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), to make provision, inter-alia, of housing and basic services for the urban poor by a holistic and integrated development of slums in specified cities under the Sub Mission Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and in other cities and towns under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). A total of 468 projects under BSUP and 862 projects under IHSDP for construction/upgradation of 10,09,791 and 4,69,757 houses respectively have been approved so far all over the country. The Year-wise and State-wise details of projects and dwelling units are given at Annexure II. Statewise and yearwise details of releases made are annexed as Annexure III. Details of State-wise and Year-wise Central Share Utilization are given at Annexure IV.
In December 2008, another new scheme – Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing for the Urban Poor (ISHUP) was announced for providing interest subsidy to make housing loans affordable and within the repayment capacity of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)/ Low Income Group (LIG). The scheme makes available loans upto Rs.1 lakh through Commercial Banks/Housing Finance Companies for the purposes of construction/acquisition of houses with an interest subsidy of 5% through the two central Nodal agencies, namely National Housing Bank (NHB) and Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd.(HUDCO). A subsidy of Rs. 36,82,887/- has so far been released to NHB for onward release to 531 beneficiaries through the sanctioning bank i.e. State Bank of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The scheme is a beneficiary driven demand-based scheme and so far, proposal from no other state/union territory has been received from the central nodal agencies.
(f): An investment of Rs. 361318.10 crore is estimated to be required for meeting the housing requirement of 26.53 Million dwelling units during the 11th Plan Period.
The Union Government has formulated the first urban area focused ‘National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy, 2007 (NUHHP:2007)’ to promote sustainable development of habitat in the country with a view to ensuring equitable supply of land, shelter and services at affordable prices to all sections of society. The Policy gives aim, direction and urgency to the efforts at every level to redress the causes behind the shortfall and reach out for “Affordable Housing For All” with special emphasis on vulnerable sections of society such as Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Minorities and the urban poor. Financial and other support is provided to the States towards this target through the schemes detailed above.
|
279 |
STARRED |
16.03.2010 |
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC |
PROCUREMENT OF FOODGRAINS |
279 . Shri TATHAGATA SATPATHY
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-
(a) the total procurement of foodgrains during the current year alongwith the increase/decrease over the previous year, grain-wise, State-wise and agency-wise;
(b) whether the Government has engaged agencies apart from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for procurement of foodgrains for the Central pool;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the target fixed for procurement of foodgrains by the said agencies was achieved during the current year;
(e) if so, the details thereof, indicating the targets fixed and achieved and if not, the reasons therefor, State-wise and agency-wise; and
(f) the steps taken for opening additional procurement centres during the ensuing season?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a),(b),(c),(d)&(f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO.279 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 16.03.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA.
(a): State-wise, agency-wise statement showing procurement of wheat and paddy/rice in 2008-09 and 2009-10 are at Annexure I,II, III and IV respectively.
(b) & (c): Procurement is undertaken by Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Governments for the Central Pool. State Governments can engage Government Agencies and Cooperatives for procurement of rice and wheat for Central Pool.
(d) and (e) : Procurement of paddy/rice and wheat under Minimum Support Price (MSP) is open-ended. Any quantity brought by farmers to procurement centres conforming to specifications is procured at MSP. Targets of procurement are not fixed by the Government.
(f): State Governments have been requested to make necessary arrangements to ensure opening and effective functioning of adequate number of procurement centres so that farmers can get the benefit of MSP.
|
589 |
STARRED |
06.05.2010 |
MINORITY AFFAIRS |
EMPOWERMENT OF WAKF BOARDS |
589 . Shri SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a number of commercial and residential properties belonging to the Wakf Boards have been encroached upon in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the corrective action taken thereof by the authorities concerned;
(d) whether reports have been received from various quarters regarding illegal sale of prime Wakf properties in the country including Mumbai;
(e) if so, the details thereof for the last five years; and
(f) the steps being taken to make the Wakf Boards more effective in dealing with the aforesaid matters including initiating amendments to the Wakf Act, 1995?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SALMAN KHURSHID)
(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. 589 BY SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH AND SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL DUE FOR ANSWER ON 6/5/2010
(a) to (d): As per Section 13 of the Wakf Act, 1995, the Board of Wakfs are established by the concerned State Governments by notification in the official gazette. As per Section 32 of the Act, the general superintendence of all auqaf in a State vests in the Board established or the State and it is the duty of the Board to exercise its powers under this Act to ensure that the auqaf under its superintendence are properly maintained, controlled and administered and the income thereof is duly applied to the objects and for the purposes for which such auqaf were created or intended. Therefore, it is the duty of the concerned State Government and the State Waqf Board to manage the waqf properties properly and take corrective action. There have been reports from time to time regarding encroachment of waqf properties in various parts of the country. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Wakf and the Sachar Committee, in their reports, have also adversely commented upon encroachments on waqf properties in various parts of the country. There have also been reports of illegal sale of waqf properties in the country, including Mumbai. In the Mumbai case, Government of Maharashtra had reported back that they have directed the State Waqf Board to initiate proceedings of restoration of the said property under section 52 of the Wakf Act,1995. As the matter pertains to the domain of a State Government and the remedial action is also to be taken by the concerned State Government or the State Waqf Board, the Central Government relies upon the concerned State Government for appropriate corrective action.
(e): An extract from the Ninth Report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Wakf, detailing the list of encroachments, is enclosed as Annex I.
(f): A Bill for amending the Wakf Act, 1995, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 27th April, 2010. The proposed amendments in the existing Wakf Act, 1995 proposes to make the State Waqf Boards more effective in dealing with the problems of encroachments on and sale of waqf properties. The Central Government has also launched a scheme of computerization of records of State Waqf Boards in December, 2009 to make the administration and management of Waqf properties more transparent, effective and efficient. A scheme of grants-in-aid to the Central Waqf Council(CWC) for administrative expenditure has also been launched to strengthen CWC in order to improve its institutional capacity to deal with the matters relating to the management of waqf properties.
|
745 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HOME AFFAIRS |
AMENDMENT IN CITIZENSHIP RULES,2003 |
745 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has issued a notification to amend the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the special provisions made for the State of Assam regarding the National Register of Indian Citizens;
(c) whether special provisions which are not applicable to the citizens of the rest of the country have been made applicable for the State of Assam;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has also made special provisions for inclusion of original inhabitants of the State of Assam if citizenship of such persons is ascertained by the registering authority;
(f) if so, whether the Government or the appropriate authority has defined any criteria for deciding original inhabitants of Assam; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (g): The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National identity Cards) Rules, 2003 has been amended vide notification dated 09-11-2009 providing special provisions as to manner of preparation of National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) in the state of Assam based in relevant records. These rules has been framed keeping in view the Citizenship Act, and enables the preparation of NRIC in the State of Assam by inviting applications from all the residents, for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual, residing in a local area in the state including the citizenship status based on the National Register of Citizens 1951 and relevant records. A copy of the rules was laid on the Table of the House on 26-11-2009.
|
1889 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN |
REGION NLCPR FUNDS |
1889 . Smt. RANEE NARAH
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:-
(a) the total amount earmarked under the Non Lapsable Pool of Resources (NLCPR) for North East Region during 2009-10 and 2010-11, State-wise; and
(b) the total amount spent and lying unspent under the NLCPR during 2009-10, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER, MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION(SHRI BIJOY KRISHNA HANDIQUE)
(a)to (b) : The details are as follows:-
For the year 2009-10, Rs. 700.00 crore has been earmarked for the North Eastern States including Sikkim under NLCPR Scheme. The amount is earmarked for all the North Eastern States including Sikkim under NLCPR Scheme of the Ministry. These funds are released to the North Eastern States including Sikkim in instalments in the sanctioned projects on first cum first served basis. Since the annual budget for 2010-11 is yet to be approved by Parliament, the Ministry does not have information regarding earmarked funds for the year 2010-11.
As on 28.02.2010, Rs. 39630.29 lacs have been released for all the North Eastern States including Sikkim, thus, Rs. 30369.71 lacs are lying unspent under NLCPR Scheme. The State-wise detail of funds released is as under:
Releases made under NLCPR during 2009-10(As on 28.2.2010)
Sl.No. State Amount (Rs. in lacs)
1. Arunachal Pradesh 7940.60
2. Assam 7900.26
3. Manipur 4007.02
4. Meghalaya 5098.96
5. Mizoram 1217.32
6. Nagaland 4717.65
7. Sikkim 1653.73
8. Tripura 7094.75
Total 39630.29
|
1927 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
INVESTMENT IN RKVY |
1927 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of investments made and employment generated through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), State-wise;
(b) whether any study has been conducted on the impact of the scheme; and
(c) the extent to which the scheme has been successful in improving the income realisation of the farmers?
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): A statement of allocations made and funds released to the States is enclosed. No assessment of employment generated under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been made.
(b) & (c): The RKVY scheme was introduced only in the month of August, 2007. No study has been conducted on the impact of the scheme.
|
2197 |
UNSTARRED |
10.03.2010 |
WATER RESOURCES |
BRAHMAPUTRA BOARD |
2197 . Shri KACHHADIA NARANBHAI
PABAN SINGH GHATOWAR
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to restructure the Brahmaputra Board;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of flood control management and river training programmes conducted by the Board;
(d) whether North-Eastern States have represented for conducting such training programmes in other States outside North- East; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated and spent thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) Government proposes to restructure the Brahmaputra Board by way of brining an amendment in the existing Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980. The proposed Board shall consist of the following members, namely:
(i) a Chairman, three Chief Engineers, one Director, North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI), Secretary of the Board and the Financial Advisor to the Board.
(ii) a member each to represent respectively the Governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal and member from North-Eastern Council.
(iii) a member each to represent the Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, Shipping, Finance, Power, Road Transport & Highways, Development of North Eastern Region.
(c) Brahmaputra Board has not conducted any training programme on flood control management and river training.
(d) No, Madam.
(e) Does not arise.
|
2357 |
UNSTARRED |
11.03.2010 |
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
PRODUCTION OF OIL IN ASSAM |
2357 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) The total investment and production Of Oil India Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Assam Oil fields during the last three years; and
(b) the details of allotment of new blocks in the North Eastern Region to these companies during the last three years?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) The investment by ONGC and OIL in Assam during last three years is as under: However, the details of ONGC’s and OIL’s actual crude oil and natural gas production during the last three years from Assam is as under:
Year Amount (Rs. in crore)
2006-2007 1665.77
2007-2008 2213.90
2008-2009 2429.03
Year Oil Production (MMT) Gas Production (MMSCM)
2006-07 4.438 2509.18
2007-08 4.391 2575.55
2008-09 4.691 2513.62
(b) During last three years three blocks have been awarded to OIL and one Block has been awarded to ONGC in the North Eastern Region.
|
3050 |
UNSTARRED |
16.03.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION IN NORTH |
3050 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
PREM DAS RAI
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the production of foodgrains had declined in North Eastern Region considerably;
(b) if so, the average rate of production recorded during each of the last three years, grain-wise and State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has identified the reasons for the downward trend in the production rate;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith action taken by the Government to enhance the production of foodgrains; and
(e) the details of fallow land in the North- Eastern Region, State-wise?
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): No, Madam. Production of foodgrains in the North Eastern Region namely; Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura has, in fact, increased during the last three years.
(b) to (d): Does not arise.
(e): As per the latest available information, the State-wise details of fallow land in the North-Eastern Region during 2007-08 are given in the table below:
State Fallow Land (‘000 Hectare)
Arunachal Pradesh 110
Assam 186
Manipur Negligible
Meghalaya 227
Mizoram 211
Nagaland 186
Sikkim 35
Tripura 2
|
3260 |
UNSTARRED |
15.04.2010 |
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
MODERNISATION OF PETROL PUMPS |
3260 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) the names of cities and towns in Assam where extensive pollution control measures like introduction of CNG and distribution of purified petroleum products are ensured alongwith modernisation of petrol pumps;
(b) whether any specific action plan has been contemplated for Guwahati and some other towns of the State in this regard;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number of petrol pumps in the State which have already been modernised, company-wise; and
(e) the target set for modernisation of remaining petrol pumps in Assam?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (c): Due to unavailability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) pipeline grid in Assam, the facility of CNG at Retail Outlets (ROs) has not been introduced. Auto Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility has been provided at 4 ROs in three (3) cities i.e. Guwahati, Jorhat and Tinsukia. Premium Fuels i.e. Branded Petrol and Diesel are also being sold at some ROs in addition to normal petrol and diesel.
(d) & (e): 62 ROs of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), 7 ROs of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and 23 ROs of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have been modernised in the State of Assam. 54 ROs of IOCL, 5 ROs of BPCL and 4 ROs of HPCL are planned for modernisation in Financial Year (FY) 2010-11. The modernisation of petrol pumps will be taken up in a phased manner depending on market conditions, sales potential, availability of space and subject to receipt of statutory approvals.
|
4032 |
UNSTARRED |
20.04.2010 |
AGRICULTURE |
SEEDS BILL |
4032 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether a Bill for bringing the State Seed Certification Agencies under one umbrella is under consideration of the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the objectives behind the move and the progress made for clearance of the Bill; and
(d) the response of various State Governments alongwith the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE THE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION PROF. K.V. THOMAS
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c)&(d): The objective of the Seeds Bill is to regulate the quality of seeds for sale, import and export and to facilitate production and supply of seeds of quality and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
On the recommendation of Seed Policy Review Group and in –consultation with the other stake holder including State Governments, a draft Seeds Bill, 2004 has been prepared and introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 9th Dec, 2004 and the same was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, which gave its report in 2006. The recommendations of the Committee have been processed and notice has been given to Rajya Sabha to move official amendments for consideration and passing the Bill.
|
4169 |
UNSTARRED |
21.04.2010 |
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT INGOS |
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR |
4169 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs) are providing funds to the Indian NGOs, different State education departments and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) authorities for improvement of quality of education;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith NGO-wise amount of funds disbursed for education during the last three years and the current year;
(c) whether any mechanism exists to check the duplication of efforts;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether INGOs have signed any Memorandum of Understanding in this regard;and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (f): Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is not being financed by International Non-Government Organisation (INGOs), but by three Development Partners (DPs) namely the World Bank, Department for International Development of UK (DFID) & European Commission since 2004. In Phase I covering the period 2004-07 following assistance had been provided by these DPs:
Funding Received
World Bank DFID EC
SSA Phase–I (2004-07) US$488.71 £189.307 EURO 168.565
million million million
(Rs.2233.18 (Rs.1554.75 (Rs.942.94
crore) crore) crore)
The details of financing committed by these DPs for Phase –II of SSA programme covering the period 2007-10 are as under:
Funding Committed
World Bank DFID EC
SSA Phase–II (2007-10) US$ 600 £ 150 EURO 70
million million million
The data on funding provided by INGOs to Indian NGOs and State Governments is not maintained centrally.
|
4209 |
UNSTARRED |
21.04.2010 |
ATOMIC ENERGY |
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS |
4209 . HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL
YASHODHARA RAJE SCINDIA
KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO
MOHINDER SINGH KAYPEE
RAVNEET SINGH
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has received several proposals from the State Governments during the last six months for setting up of new nuclear power plants in their States;
(b) if so, the details thereof; State-wise;
(c) the decision taken by the Union Government on these proposals;
(d) the locations identified in these States alongwith cost of the projects; and
(e) the time by which these plants will become operational alongwith their capacity?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS. (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a) & (b) Consequent to the in principle approval of sites in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and West Bengal in October 2009. Governments of Rajasthan, Karnataka and Bihar have reiterated their requests for setting up new nuclear power plants in future. The sites under consideration are Mahi-Banswara (Rajasthan), Kaiga & Mannur (Karnataka) and Rajauli (Bihar).
(c) to (e) The evaluation of sites by the Standing Site Selection Committee (SSSC) of the Government is an on going activity. The ‘in principle’ approval of the sites by the Government is the first step in the process of setting up nuclear power plants. The details of the projects are finalized subsequently.
|
4374 |
UNSTARRED |
22.04.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
RAIL CUM ROAD BRIDGE OVER |
4374 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Railways have conducted any survey for construction of second Rail-cum-road bridge over Brahmaputra and Sariaghat;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the time by which the survey is likely to be carried out and completed?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (c): A survey for second rail bridge adjacent to existing Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge was completed in 2008-09. As per the survey, the cost of the proposal was worked out as Rs.300.67 crore.
|
4491 |
UNSTARRED |
22.04.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
NATIONAL RAILWAY PROJECTS |
4491 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the present status of Rangiya-Murkongselek gauge conversion, Azra-Byrnihat and Dimarpur-Kohima new railway line project which were declared as national projects;
(b) the amount allocated and spent on these projects during the last three years; and
(c) the time by which the said projects are likely to be completed?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (c): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4491 BY SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 22-04-2010 REGARDING NATIONAL RAILWAY PROJECTS
(a) to (c): Status of the projects alongwith expenditure incurred in last three years and target of completion are as under:-
(Rs. in crore)
S. NO. NAME OF PROJECT Approx. Expenditure STATUS AND TARGET
incurred in last
3 years
1. Rangia-Murkongselek 208.37 Land acquisition, earthwork,
with linked fingers bridge works etc. taken up.
Gauge Conversion The project is targeted for
completion by March, 2013.
2. Azra-Byrnihat New Line 0.54 Survey work suspended in Assam
portion due to obstruction by
local people. State Government
desired for change of alignment.
Accordingly, survey has been taken
up for alternate alignment from
Tetelia to Byrnihat. The project
is targeted for completion by
March, 2014.
3. Dimapur-Zubza 2.39 Final location survey completed for
(Kohima) New Line 40 km length. However, State
Government has asked for change in
alignment in first 18 km length.
The modified alignment has been
examined and found feasible. It is
with State Government for approval.
The project is targeted for
completion by March, 2015.
|
4555 |
UNSTARRED |
22.04.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
RAIL LINE BETWEEN |
4555 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Guwahati-Jogihappa rail line remain underutilized since its inception;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Railways for utilization of the said railway line;
(c) whether the Railways are aware of a large scale transport of smuggled timber between Rangia-Rangapara rail section; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) & (d): Only 2 incidents of smuggling of Timber were reported between Rangiya-Rangapara section of NF Railway in 2009. The details are given as under:
i) On 02-01-2009, 877 pieces swan timber like sal, sagon, dhuna etc. valued at Rs. 4,03,656/- were recovered from Train No. Dn. empty stock. The case was jointly detected by RPF, GRP and 172 Field Regiment of Army and 05 persons were arrested. A case vide no. 3 of 3/09 dated 02-01-2009 U/s 140, 141 & 149 of Assam Forest Regulation Act 1891 has been registered.
ii) On 03-10-2009, 14 pieces of unclaimed timber wood were recovered by a joint team of RPF and GRP of Rangiya Division from Train no. 0770 Inter City Express. The recovered property has been handed over to Forest department.
|
4999 |
UNSTARRED |
26.04.2010 |
COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION |
IMPROVEMENT IN TELECOM SERVICES |
4999 . Dr. BALI RAM
SANJAY SINGH
SURESH CHANABASAPPA ANGADI
VIKRAMBHAI ARJANBHAI MAADAM
P. KARUNAKARAN
AWALE JAYWANT GANGARAM
ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
S. ALAGIRI
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any study has been conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or any other agency regarding mobile services provided by various service providers;
(b) if so, the details of the findings thereof;
(c) whether the quality of mobile/telephone services provided by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is deficient as compared to the services provided by private telecom companies; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve the services of MTNL/BSNL in the country ?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) to (d) Yes, Madam. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has commissioned Independent Agencies to conduct Quality of Service (QoS) Audit and Customer Satisfaction survey for Cellular and Basic Services on Zonal basis. (North, South, West and East Zones).
TRAI has been monitoring quality of service provided by Cellular Mobile Service Providers against the notified quality of service standards from time to time, through quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports (PMRs). As per the performance monitoring report submitted by the service providers for the quarter ending December 2009, it is seen that the Quality of Service of the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service and Basic Telephone Service (Wireline) provided by MTNL and BSNL is comparable to the quality of service provided by the private telecom companies.
MTNL and BSNL are generally meeting the benchmarks for most of the quality of service parameters for Cellular Mobile Telephone Services in all the service areas. Non-Compliance with the benchmark, in some of the service areas, is observed in respect of the following parameters:
i. Worst affected BTSs due to downtime, SDCCH/Paging Channel Congestion.
ii. Call drop rate.
iii. Worst affected cells having more than 3% TCH drop (call drop) rate.
iv. Point of Interconnection (PoI) Congestion.
v. Metering and Billing and Response time to the customer for assistance.
In respect of Basic Telephone Service (Wireline), MTNL and BSNL have not met the benchmarks of the following parameters in some of the service area:
(i) Fault incidences per 100 subscribers per month
(ii) Fault repaired by next working day
(iii) Percentage of fault repaired within 3 days
(iv) Percentage of fault repaired within 5 days
(v) Mean Time to Repair
(vi) Call completion Rate
(vii) Point of Interconnection (PoI) Congestion
(viii) Metering and Billing and
(ix) Response time to the customer for assistance.
TRAI has been taking various steps to ensure quality of service by cellular mobile service providers. Some of these steps are given below:-
1. TRAI monitors the performance of Cellular Mobile Service against the benchmark given for the various parameters laid in Quality of Service Regulations through Quarterly and Monthly Performance Monitoring Reports. In addition, POI congestion is also being monitored on monthly basis.
2. TRAI also undertakes objective assessment of the Quality of Service of Cellular Mobile Services through an independent agency. A customer satisfaction survey is also conducted quarterly through this agency. The results of these audit and survey are widely published for public/Stakeholders knowledge.
3. TRAI takes up with the Service Providers to address the issues in meeting the Quality of Service benchmarks.
|
5085 |
UNSTARRED |
27.04.2010 |
ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS |
RAIL CUM ROAD BRIDGE |
5085 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government of Assam has requested for converting the proposed road bridge at Sariaghat under NHDP to a rail-cum-road bridge; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Government of Assam had sent a request in December, 2006 for conversion of bridge at Saraighat from road bridge to rail cum road bridge, while the work of construction of a road bridge at Saraighat had already been awarded in May 2006, for an amount of Rs. 238 Crore to M/s Gammon India Ltd. Any change, therefore, was not possible as this might have resulted in contractual claims and litigation apart from delaying the completion of East-West Corridor considerably. Accordingly, the request of Government of Assam was not acceded to.
|
5328 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
ENTRY OF CORPORATE SECTOR IN |
5328 . Shri PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI
SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN
HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR
GANESH SINGH
GORAKH PRASAD JAISWAL
ADAGUR H VISHWANATH
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
ARJUN ROY
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is considering a proposal to allow corporate sector to set up educational institutions;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has constituted any Committee to study the feasibility of such a proposal;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether due to privatisation of education, the needy and the brilliant poor students of SC/ST/OBC categories are unable to proceed for higher education;
(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(g) the steps being taken by the Government to effectively monitor the private educational institutes in the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) to (g): Government favours the active support and involvement of the not-for profit private participation for funding and management of educational institutions subject to reasonable surplus earned being ploughed back into the development of institutions. The 11th Plan document as approved by the National Development Council, also mentions the need to explore private sector initiatives and various forms of public-private-partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector.There is a phenomenal growth in higher education with active participation by private peers.
Government had recently convened a Round Table on Higher Education on 21st October,2009 to advise on important areas of growth in the education sector including the finances to meet the demands of expansion and quality of higher education. During discussion, it was felt that in the matter of skill development and vocational education, a different model needs to be evolved which grants a greater role to the private sector and where the structural requirements of setting up institutions are far more flexible than that for other higher educational institutions.It was decided that alternative models that provide structural flexibility and financial freedom need to be evolved
The Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which has become effective from 1.4.2010, provides for Free & Compulsory Education at elementary level.
|
5386 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
TECHNIQUE FOR RECLAMATION OF CRUDE |
5386 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Regional Research Laboratory,Jorhat has developed a technique for reclamation of crude oil contaminated soil by biological means with Oil Development Board (OIDB) funding;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken to ensure extensive use of this technique for productive purposes?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) &(b) Yes Madam. The technology developed involves introduction of vegetation, induced by innovative bio and phyto remediation means, as a solution to reclaim the soil rapidly and restore the environment. The technology has been tested successfully at ONGC sites namely, Amguri, Borholla and Geleky. The results of the findings were found to be highly satisfactory by the Oil Industries Development Board (OIDB).
(c) The technology was disseminated amongst various oil sector companies. As a result, ONGC with the help of the Institute has applied the technology in six of their contaminated sites.
|
5449 |
UNSTARRED |
28.04.2010 |
ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS |
E-WASTE |
5449 . Shri RANJAN PRASAD YADAV
RATNA SINGH
SANJAY SINGH
NEERAJ SHEKHAR
R.K. SINGH PATEL
IJYARAJ SINGH
RUDRAMADHAB RAY
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
K. SUGUMAR
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether hazardous and e-waste are posing a great threat to public health and environment;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the quantum of hazardous/e-waste generated annually;
(c) whether e-waste so generated is recycled or re-used by the agencies/units authorised by the Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether a UN report has also pointed out that developing countries are the worst affected;
(f) if so, the salient features of the report and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(g) the mechanism in place to monitor the units which generate hazardous wastes; and
(h) the remedial action taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) to (h): The Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes including e-waste. As per information provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there are 36,165 hazardous waste generating industries in the country, generating about 6.2 million MT hazardous waste every year, of which Landfillable waste is 2.7 million MT, Incinerable million 0.41 MT and Recyclable Hazardous Waste million 3.08 MT. Based on a survey carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it is estimated that 1.47 lakh MT of e-waste was generated in the country in the year 2005, which is expected to increase to about 8.00 lakh MT by 2012.
The UNEP report of July 2009 titled “Recycling- From E-waste to Resources” has analysed issues related to e-waste including market potential of recycling of e-waste and transfer of innovative technologies for selected 11 countries, including India.
As per these Rules, units handling hazardous wastes including e-waste are required to register with CPCB. The segregated waste is required to be sent or sold to a registered or authorized recycler or re-processor or re-user having environmentally sound facilities for recovery of metals, plastics, etc. Industries involved in recycling or reprocessing the hazardous waste are required to obtain Consent to Operate as per the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and an authorization under the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 from the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Pollution Control Committee (PCC). The compliance status for conditions laid down in the authorization is monitored by the respective SPCB/PCC.
|
5644 |
UNSTARRED |
29.04.2010 |
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS |
RURAL LPG DISTRIBUTORSHIP SCHEME |
5644 . Shri BHOLA SINGH
BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has started the rural LPG distributorship scheme in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the places where this scheme has been started, State-wise and area-wise; and
(d) the details of the basis for allocation of LPG distributorship and the norms thereof ?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) to (d): Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak Yojana” (RGGLVY) scheme which primarily aims at providing LPG to the rural house-holds, including BPL families has been launched on 16-10-2009. Salient features of the scheme are:-
(i) The LPG agencies under the RGGLVY will be of small size requiring lesser finance/ infrastructure.
(ii) The distributor himself will manage the agency with the help of his/her family member and one or two employees.
(iii) Age limit for the distributor to be between 21 and 45 years.
(iv) Distributor under the scheme will have to be a permanent resident of the village(s) covered by particular location.
(v) All agencies under this scheme to be in the joint name of husband and wife. In case of applicants who are single the ‘spouse’ will automatically become a partner after the marriage
(vi) Reservation for SC/ST categories has also been provided for.
(vii) The selection of the distributor would be by draw of lots from amongst all candidates who have secured more than 80% marks on the criteria of financial capability and education qualifications.
Advertisements inviting applications for distributors under the scheme have been released in 13 States, as per details given below:
Name of States Number of locations
Andhra Pradesh 331
Bihar 251
Chhatisgarh 39
Jharkhand 80
Karnataka 48
Madhya Pradesh 97
Maharashtra 253
Odisha 101
Puducherry 1
Rajasthan 192
Tamil Nadu 130
Uttar Pradesh 331
West Bengal 175
The setting up of LPG distributors under this scheme will now be a continuous process till all parts of the country deficient in LPG were covered by LPG network.
|
6448 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
UNREGISTERED RECRUITING AGENCIES |
6448 . Shri BADRUDDIN AJMAL
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether unregistered recruiting agencies which are in the business in connivance with the registered recruiting agencies for sending citizens of this country abroad are on the rise;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to check these agencies who cheat the innocent citizens of the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): Complaints against unregistered agencies involved in overseas recruitment business and registered recruitment agents are received from time to time.
Position relating to complaints received against unregistered as well as registered recruitment agencies and action taken against them is given in Annexure.
(c): Following remedial measures have been taken in regard to workers:
(i) All demands for 500 or more workers are verified for the genuineness of the demand as well as the foreign employer.
(ii) Labour Agreements/MoUs have been signed with Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia for bilateral cooperation for protection and welfare of emigrants.
(iii) Special measures being taken for better protection and welfare of vulnerable sections of emigrants including women emigrants are:
(a): Age restriction of 30 years for all women emigrating to ECR countries for overseas employment.
(b): A 24X7 helpline viz. Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) has been set up to enable emigrants /prospective emigrants to seek information and file complaints against recruiting agents/foreign employers. A Migrant Resource Centre has been opened at Kochi for similar assistance.
(iv) A vigorous campaign in the print and electronic media is regularly undertaken to create awareness about hazards of illegal migration.