Questions asked by Mr J.M. Aaroon Rasheed during Lok Sabha Budget session 2010

May 27, 2010

No. of questions found: 64

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UNSTARRED

23.02.2010

AGRICULTURE

SHARE OF INDIA IN FLORICULTURE MARKET

92 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India`s share in the world`s floriculture market is low despite huge potential for growth of the floriculture sector in the country;

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

(c) whether small and marginal farmers in the country are unable to grow the latest varieties of flowers due to high royalty; and

(d) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to boost the export of flowers and make available the latest varieties of flowers to the small farmers in the country and to address the concerns of high royalty rates?
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.India’s share in World Floriculture Market is 0.43%. The reasons for India’s low share in world trade are as under:

i) The global recession has drastically reduced the export of flowers.
ii) The prices of flowers are not lucrative for exports.According to the industry sources, the prices of roses in domestic as well as international market are as under:

Flowers Domestic Market International Market

Roses(Bangalore) Rs.6.00 per stem Rs.4.00 per stem

Roses(Pune) Rs.4.00–5.00 per stem Rs.3.25 per stem

(c) & (d): The Government has implemented a number of schemes to promote floriculture in the country which are as follows:

(i) The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture is implementing two Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely (a)Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh (TMNE) and (b) National Horticulture Mission (NHM) for the remaining states for the overall development of horticultural crops including flowers in the country.

(ii) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set up Special Floriculture Rehabilitation Fund (SFF) in the XIth Plan with an outlay of Rs. 26.59 crore to provide financial assistance to sick floriculture units so as to nurse them back to health thereby enabling them to produce exportable quality produce. Besides, the following projects have also been implemented:
(a) For processing and mechanized handling of bulbous material, using latest equipments with Dutch technology and expertise at Chhaffi, Nainital (Uttarakhand). The capacity of the project, set up with assistance from ASIDE scheme of the Department of Commerce, is 30 million flower bulbs per annum and the product range is Lilium, Tulip, Gladiolus, Iris, Zanthedeschia.
(b) For production of Cymbidium Orchids, projects are being setup at a cost of Rs. 1.22 crore and a pack house for anthurium at a cost of Rs. 3.09 crore at Rango and Melli in Sikkim with assistance from ASIDE scheme.

(iii) Six agri-export zones have been set-up to promote the floriculture industry in key producing regions in various parts of the country namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

(iv) New floriculture units are now coming up in these AEZs and new products are also being introduced. Besides fresh cut flowers, there are investment also taking place in the production of bulbs, potted plants and other new products for the international markets.

(v) APEDA has setup cold storage and cargo handling facilities at the key airports of New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum and Kolkatta.

(vi) To develop a market locally (a supply base for exports), APEDA has also setup Flower Auction cum Market Facilitation Centre (FAMFC) at Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Noida, etc.

153

STARRED

08.03.2010

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

PRODUCTION AND IMPORT OF NATURAL RUBBER

153 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the production of natural rubber is continuously falling short of consumption in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Indian rubber industry is adversely affected due to the steep hike in natural rubber price in the country during the last one year;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the imported Chinese rubber products available at cheaper rates are also adversely affecting the domestic rubber industry; and

(f) if so, the corrective steps being taken in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

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. 153 FOR ANSWER ON 8TH MARCH 2010 REGARDING “PRODUCTION AND IMPORT OF NATURAL RUBBER”

(a)& (b): While the production of Natural Rubber (NR) was more than its consumption during the 2006-07, it fell short of consumption during 2007-08 and 2008-09. Production of NR had declined on account of adverse weather conditions, intense harvesting and growing of old stock of rubber plantations. Loss of mandays due to the widespread incidence of viral fever ‘chikungunya’ in 2007-08 also contributed to its decline. Details of production and domestic consumption of NR during the last three years are given below:

Year Production Consumption
(Tonnes) (Tonnes)

2006-07 852,895 820,305

2007-08 825,345 861,455

2008-09 864,500 871,720

(c) & (d): There was no steep hike in the price of NR. The average price of RSS 4 grade of rubber for the period April 2009 to January 2010 was Rs. 109.33 per kg, as compared to Rs. 106.86 per kg during the corresponding period of previous fiscal year, thereby indicating a marginal increase of Rs. 2.47 per kg.

(e) & (f): The imported Chinese rubber products, especially tyres, has affected the domestic industry adversely. In order to curb the surge in imports from China, anti-dumping duty has been imposed on the imports of Bus & Truck Radial Tyres.

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23.02.2010

MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

PROBLEM FACED BY MSMES

189 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the medium and small industries in the State of Tamil Nadu are facing hardships in getting long term finance;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) to (c): As per the data furnished by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the outstanding credit to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) from the public sector banks in the State of Tamil Nadu has increased from Rs.12, 528 crore as at the end of March, 2007 to Rs.20, 610 crore as at the end of March, 2009 (latest available).

The Government is implementing various credit-related schemes like Credit Guarantee Scheme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme, etc. across the country (including the State of Tamil Nadu) to facilitate adequate credit flow to the MSE sector. In addition, the Government announced a ‘Policy Package for Stepping up Credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’ in August 2005 which envisages public sector banks to fix their own targets for funding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in order to achieve a minimum 20 per cent year-on-year growth in credit to the MSME sector. The Government also announced in February 2007 a ‘Package for Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises’ with an objective to provide support in areas of credit, technology upgradation, marketing, infrastructure, etc. Further, keeping in view the impact of global economic slowdown on MSMEs, various measures were taken by the Government, the RBI and the Public Sector Banks to augment the flow of credit to the sector.

STARRED

11.03.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

EXPLORATION OF OIL RESERVES

207 . Shri C. L. RUALA
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the exploration work undertaken by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and other public and private sector companies in the the country particularly in Mizoram and Tamil Nadu;

(b) the details of the surveys completed by the above companies in this regard;

(d) the quantum of share of profit for the concerned States ensured by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI MURLI DEORA)

(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.207 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2010 REGARDING EXPLORATION OF OIL RESERVES ASKED BY SHRI C.L. RUALA AND SHRI J.M. AARON RASHID

(a) to (c):- The details are given in Annexure.

(d): The Twelfth Finance Commission recommended the sharing of the non-tax revenue of ‘Profit Petroleum’ arising out of contractual provisions under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) with the States from where the mineral oil and natural gas are produced in the ratio of 50:50.

The Government has accepted the above recommendation subject to the condition that this should be within the overall ceiling of the transfers recommended by the Finance Commission (38 % of the gross revenues).

Apart from this non-tax revenue of profit petroleum, the State Governments receive Royalty on crude oil and natural gas produced from onland blocks, Mining Lease Fee and other applicable statutory levies. Presently, applicable royalty rates on crude oil from Nomination blocks of ONGC are 20% of wellhead price of crude oil and from Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime, is 12.5%. The applicable royalty on natural gas is @10%.

ANNEXURE

236

STARRED

12.03.2010

HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

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.

ANNEXURE

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24.02.2010

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

COUNTER TERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE SHARING WITH RUSSIA

255 . Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether the issue of strengthening counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing mechanism was discussed with Russia’s Security Council Secretary; and

(b) If so, the complete details of the discussions held between India and Russia on terror-related issues?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) & (b) Yes. Following the signing of a protocol between the Security Council Secretariats of India and the Russian Federation in April 2000, our National Security Advisor and the Secretary of Russian Security Council have been meeting regularly. Secretary of the Russian Security Council Mr. Nikolai Patrushev and the National Security Advisor Shri Shivshankar Menon met in New Delhi on 1st February 2010. They reviewed the progress in bilateral relations in the strategic sphere such as defence and nuclear energy cooperation. In addition, they also discussed mechanisms for strengthening cooperation so that terror attacks can be thwarted more effectively.

402

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24.02.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

GLOBAL WARMING

402 . Shri K. C. VENUGOPAL
N.S.V. CHITTHAN
J.M. AARON RASHID
K.C. SINGH BABA
G. VIVEKANAND
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to conduct fresh studies to assess the impact of climate change/global warming on land, water and air;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has sought international co-operation in tackling issue of rising sea level in coastal areas of the country;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the cities, towns and islands affected by the rising sea level; and

g) the steps taken/propose to be taken by the Govt. to reduced the carbon-di-oxide emission in the country?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Government of India has launched eight Missions as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in specific areas i.e. Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change which include assessment of the impact of climate change and actions needed to address climate change.

(d) & (e) It is proposed, with the assistance of the World Bank to implement the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan Project which includes the mapping of a hazard line along the coastal areas of the country taking into account the sea level rise due to climate change and other parameters such as, shoreline change, tides and wave.

(f) A survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) in 2007 ‘Ranking Port Cities with High Exposure and Vulnerability to Climate Extremes’ identifies Kolkata and Mumbai as “amongst the most vulnerable cities” to the rising sea level and storm surges due to climate change.

(g) Although India does not have legally binding reduction commitments, a range of policies and programmes taken to respond to reducing emissions, inter-alia, include:

(i) Setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and encouraging energy conservation and introduction of energy efficiency labelling.

(ii) promoting use of renewable energy

(iii) power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme

(iv) use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport

(v) fuel switching to cleaner energy

(vi) afforestation and conservation of forests

(vii) promotion of clean coal technologies

(viii) reduction of gas flaring

(ix) encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems

(x) environmental quality management for all sectors

541

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25.02.2010

CIVIL AVIATION

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR VVIP FLIGHT MOVEMENT

541 . Shri AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has come up with a proposal of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) forVVIP flight movement;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) and (b):- Yes, Madam. With a view to collate all the instructions and lay down Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conduct/operation of VVIP/VIP flights, a Joint Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Airports Authority of India and Indian Air Force has been finalised and approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. As per the SOP VVIP term means and include the President, the Vice -President, the Prime Minister of India and foreign Heads of States/Government.

(c):- During the last two years four incidents involving VVIP flights were reported. During the said period no accident was reported to VVIP flights.

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02.03.2010

AGRICULTURE

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT

713 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of watershed management projects taken up in Tamil Nadu during the last three years; and

(b) the amout of financial assistance provided to the State in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a): An area of 3.04 lakh ha. has been selected in the State of Tamil Nadu during last three years under various Watershed Development Programmes namely; Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP), Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), River Valley Projects & Flood Prone River (RVP & FPR) and National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA).

(b): An assistance of Rs.280.10 crore has been provided to the State for implementing the above programmes.

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02.03.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

CRIME AGAINST CHILDREN

811 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether instances of sexual abuse and rape of children are on the rise in the country;

(b) if so, the total number of such cases reported and registered during each of the last three years and the current year, Statewise;

(c) the total number of such cases solved/unsolved and steps taken to solve all the cases during the said period, Statewise;

(d) the total number of accused arrested and action taken against them during the said period, State-wise; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to curb such cases in future?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (d): As per information maintained by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 4721, 5045 and 5446 cases of rape of children have been reported in the country during 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. No data is maintained by NCRB separately under the heading ‘sexual abuse’. State/UT-wise details of cases registered, cases chargesheeted, persons arrested, and person convicted under rape of children (section 376-IPC) during 2006-2008 are at Annexure-I.

(e): As per seventh Schedule, to the Constitution of India, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ being State subjects, as such the primary responsibility of prevention detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes against children, lies with the State Governments/UTs.

However, Government of India is deeply concerned with the welfare of children and through various schemes and advisories to State Governments, augments the efforts of law enforcement agencies and welfare departments of States/UTs responsible for ensuring protection and well being of the children.

In this regard, Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) has launched a Centrally Sponsored comprehensive ‘Integrated Child Protection Scheme’ (ICPS) which aims at providing safe and secure environment for the children of the country. The scheme is to be implemented during the 11th Five Year Plan period, by MWCD through the State/UT Governments.

ANNEXURE

932

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03.03.2010

WATER RESOURCES

SHORTAGE OF WATER

932 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether global water consumption will increase from the present 4,5000 billion cubic metre (bcm) to 69000 bcm as per the conclusion of a study on the global water scenario by International Consultancy in collaboration with the World Bank during the next two decades;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether demand of water in the country will grow annually by 2.8% to reach a whopping 15000 bcm while supply is projected at only about 744 bcm as per the said report;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the effective measures being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) to (e) The 2030 Water Resources Group has brought out a report out a report titled “Charting Our Water Future: Economic frameworks to inform decision-making”. The report has been sponsored by the International Finance Corporation, a part of the World Bank Group and the fact base for the Report has been developed by Mckinsey & Co. In the report, it has been indicated that the total global water requirement would increase from 4,500 billion cubic meter (BCM) to about 6,900 BCM by the year 2030. It has further been mentioned in the report that the water requirement for India will be about 1,498 BCM in year 2030. The report further mentions that the water supply is approximately 740 BCM. However, full details about the assessment particularly for India have not been included in the report.

In this regard, it is stated that the total water requirement has been assessed by Standing Sub-committee for Assessment of Availability and Requirement of Water for Diverse Uses in the Country to be about 1,447 BCM by the year 2050. However, the National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development has assessed that with achievement of the desired level of efficiency, the water requirement by the year 2050 will be about 1,180 BCM in high demand scenario. The average annual precipitation in India has been estimated to be about 4,000 BCM and the overall water availability has been assessed to be about 1,869 BCM with estimated utilizable water of about 1,123 BCM.

Considerable emphasis has been laid on the efficiency in water utilization for all purposes by Government of India. The National Water Policy states that efficiency of utilization in all diverse uses of water should be optimized. Further, “Increasing water use efficiency by 20%” has been identified as one of the important goals in the Mission Document drafted for National Water Mission, one of the eight Missions envisaged under National Action Plan on Climate Change.

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03.03.2010

ATOMIC ENERGY

ATOMIC PLANTS WITH US COOPERATION

936 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
ARJUN MUNDA
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has identified locations for setting up of atomic power plants with the cooperation of United States of America;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the funds allocated, plant-wise;

(d) the time by which the plants are likely to be made operational?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MIISTRY OF PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):

(a) Yes; Sir

(b) Two sites, one at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh and another at Chhayamithi Virdi in Gujarat have been approved `in principle`for setting up nuclear power plants based, on cooperation with USA. The requirement of funds for the projects has not been finalized yet. However, a provision of Rs.850 crore for each of the sites has been proposed in the Mid Term Appraisal of the XI Plan (2007-12).

(c) The land acquisition process has just started. The consultation with the states, appointment of nodal agencies and survey to arrive at the plot plan are in progress.

(d) Presently discussions in this regard are taking place with US companies.

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03.03.2010

ATOMIC ENERGY

AGREEMENT FOR REPROCESSING OF BURNT FUEL

1026 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India and United States of America have arrived at an agreement over right of re-processing the burnt fuel for Nuclear Power Plants;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

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) to (c) Article 6(iii) of the India-US agreement for Cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America . concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy signed on 10 October 2008, inter-alia, states that India will establish a new national reprocessing facility dedicated to reprocessing safeguarded nuclear material under IAEA safeguards. Article 6
(iii) of the Agreement calls for consultations on arrangements and procedures within six months of a request by either party and will be concluded within one year.

In March 2009 the US responded to India`s request invoking Article 6
(iii) of the Indo-US Agreement on arrangements and reprocessing confirming that the first round of formal consultations, would commence no later than 3 August 2009 and that final agreement on arrangements and procedures is to be reached no later than 3 August, 2010. The first round of negotiations between India and the United States had taken place on 21-22 July 2009 in Vienna. The process of negotiations is a continuous process aimed at arriving at an acceptable agreement within the stipulated time frame.

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03.03.2010

PLANNING

NON-UTILIZATION OF FUNDS

1038 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the central grants for various projects lie unutilized when States do not bea r their side of the fiscal burden resulting in hindrance in their developmental pace;

(b) if so, the States that have failed to utilize central grants for various projects sanctioned for the upliftment of poor and down trodden categories of the society;

(c) whether the Government has devised any mechanism to ensure that inability to share fiscal burden of the projects by States do not deprive the poor and downtrodden people of the benefits of economic growth of the country; and

(d) if so, the details of mechanism 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 (d): The Central Government gives assistance to states for various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) implemented in the states. Some of the schemes are fully funded and some are shared by the states in varying proportions depending on status of the state (e.g. special category) region (e.g. drought prone) and the components. The State Governments are generally consulted in the design of the programme. Periodic reviews of the programmes with the states also look into the financing issues.

The Planning Commission releases central assistance to states in the form of Normal Central Assistance (NCA), Special Plan Assistance (SPA) and Additional Central Assistance (ACA). The grants under NCA are released to the “Special Category States” and “Non-Special Category States” in 9:7 proportion. “Special Category States” get assistance under the Externally Aided Projects and One Time ACA projects as 90% grant. For other ACA schemes, there are different proportions of State Share.

Finance Commission duly constituted by Union of India under the Constitution makes recommendations on share of central taxes, revenue deficit and other grants to supplement resources of the states.

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03.03.2010

OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

NRI INVESTING IN INDIA

1084 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of NRI`s who have shown interest in setting up projects in health, higher education (including medical and engineering education), power (including solar energy, wind energy) in the country during the recently held conference of the NRI`s in New Delhi;

(b) whether the Union Government or any State Government has clinched any deal with the NRI`s in these sectors;

(d) the measures being taken by the Union Government for getting these projects cleared expeditiously?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a): As part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 2010, the Overseas Indian facilitation center (OIFC) had organized a market place to facilitate overseas Indian investments & Business-to-Business Partnerships for prospective investors. Twenty-three meetings including three relating to the health sector, two relating to the education sector and five relating to the power sector were held and investment opportunities discussed.

(b) to (d): The actual investments made are monitored by the Department of Industrial policy and promotion (DIPP). Proposals under the automatic route do not require prior approval. Prior approval cases are considered and approved by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

1194

UNSTARRED

04.03.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

ALLOTMENT OF RETAIL FUEL OUTLETS

1194 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
SHARIEF UD DIN SHARIQ
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has any proposal for opening more LPG dealerships and diesel and petrol outlets in the country including Jammu and Kashmir and tribal dominated areas of Tamil Nadu ;

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) the details of such dealerships given and outlets opened in Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu during the last one year and the current year ;

(d) the details of such dealerships and outlets proposed to be opened during the current financial year and the next year ; and

(e) the steps being taken to ensure adequate supply of gas, petrol and diesel in rural and tribal areas of the country ?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (d): Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) namely, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have freedom to set up LPG distributors/RO dealerships as per their commercial consideration based on feasibility and economic viability of the locations as per their own guidelines, which are available on the websites of the concerned OMCs as well as at their Regional/State Offices.

During the year 2008-09 and between April 2009 and January 2010, OMCs have commissioned 3 and 40 LPG distributors and 24 and 173 ROs in the States of Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu respectively.

OMCs have proposed to open 7 and 53 LPG distributors and 16 and 210 ROs in the States of Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu respectively during the current financial year (2009-10).

OMCs have reported that they have planned to set up 8 and 20 LPG distributors (except BPCL) and 4 and 105 ROs (except HPCL) in the States of Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu respectively during the year 2010-11.

(e): As per the “Vision 2015” adopted for LPG sector, a target has been given to the OMCs to raise the over-all LPG population coverage to 75% in the country by releasing 5.5 crore new LPG connections by 2015 especially in rural areas and uncovered areas and also examine the possibility of providing more Retail Outlet/Kisan Seva Kendra (KSK).

In order to increase rural penetration and to cover remote as well as low potential areas, a new scheme namely, “Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak Yojana” (RGGLVY) for establishing small size LPG distribution agencies for locations having potential of 600 or more refill sales per month has been formulated.

The scheme has been launched on 16.10.2009 and subsequently advertisement inviting applications for distributors under the scheme have been released by OMCs in 8 States where the reach of LPG is very low namely, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal covering 1266 locations.

The scheme has so far not been implemented in other States/UTs including Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu. The setting up of LPG distributors under this scheme will now be a continuous process till all parts of the country deficient in LPG including in the States of Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu were covered by LPG network.

1285

UNSTARRED

04.03.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

DEVELOPMENT OF OIL RESERVES IN IRAQ

1285 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
VILAS BABURAO MUTTEMWAR
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any decision regarding bidding for oil and gas fields in Iraq on the basis of the discussions held with the oil companies has since been taken;

(b) if so, whether the Oil India Limited has also decided to participate in the exploration and production of oil and gas in Iraq;

(d) the number of projects undertaken by the Public Sector Oil companies and Private Oil Companies of India to develop the vast oil reserves in Iraq during the last three years;

(e) the number of projects likely to be undertaken by the Public Sector and private sector oil companies in Iraq during the year 2010-2011; and

(f) the net revenue earned by these companies from these projects during the years 2005 to 2009?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c): ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) submitted one bid in the First Petroleum Licensing Round held in Iraq in June 2009. In the 2nd Iraqi International Bidding Round held in December, 2009 OVL had bid for Halfaya Field in partnership with Oil India Limited (OIL) & Turkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortakligi (TAPO) and for Garraf Field in partnership with TAPO. However, the bids of OVL & OIL were not successful.

(d): Public Sector Oil companies (PSUs) are not having any projects in Iraq. In so far as private companies are concerned, Ministry does not compile information in this regard.

(e): Block 8 project, Iraq is being pursued by OVL for participation.

(f): Does not arise in view of (d) and (e) above.

1337

UNSTARRED

04.03.2010

RAILWAYS

STOPPAGE AT RAIWALA RAILWAY STATION

1337 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Railways are contemplating to provide stoppage at Raiwala railway station for trains running between Haridwar and Rishikesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a): No, Madam.

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

1441

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT MEASURES

1441 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether adequate earthquake resistant measures are taken in construction of houses by the Civic Agencies and builders/developers of the State Governments/Union Government in the earthquake prone metropolitan cities of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a): The structural safety of buildings including safety from earthquakes is a matter dealt with by the building bye-laws which is a state subject. The authorities examine these while passing building plans to see that the buildings conform to the provisions of the building bye-laws for safety from earthquakes. The Central Government has also circulated model building bye-laws which has provision for safety from earthquakes.

(b): The relevant provision of the model building bye-laws circulated by the Union Government is as under:

“The structural design of foundation, masonry, timber, plain concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete and structural steel shall be carried out in accordance with Part –VI structural design; section -1 loads; section-2 foundation; section-3 wood; section-4 masonry; section-5 concrete and section-6 steel of National Building Code of India taking into consideration all relevant Indian Standards prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards including the Indian Standard given in IS-Code 1893-1984, 13920-1993, 4326-1993, 13828-1993, 13827-1993 and 13935-1993 for structural safety”.

(c): Does not arise.

1543

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME

1543 . Shri PURNMASI RAM
MANEKA GANDHI
J.M. AARON RASHID
ARJUN MUNDA
PATEL JAYSHREEBEN KANUBHAI
NRIPENDRA NATH ROY
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a): whether only fifty percent targeted children under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) are getting supplementary nutrition;

(b): if so, the reasons therefor;

(c): the number of children targeted under ICDS and the number of children out of them being provided supplementary nutrition in the rural/tribal/urban/backward areas during each of the last three years and the current year; and

(d): the steps taken by the Government to cover the remaining children under the said scheme?
ANSWER

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

(a)to (d) : In order to universalize the ICDS Scheme, Government of India has approved a cumulative number of 14 lakhs anganwadi centres (AWCs) to cover all the habitations. As on 31.12.2009, 13.56 lakhs AWCs/ mini-AWCs have been sanctioned and about 11.04 lakhs AWCs/ mini-AWCs have become operational which is about 79% of the coverage of habitation.

As per Anganwadi survey register, these operational AWCs cover population of 11.85 crore children (0-6 years). Out of these, 7.18 crore children (6 months to 6 years) are provided supplementary nutrition under ICDS Scheme as on 31.12.2009 which constitutes a coverage of 60.61%.

Although the ICDS Scheme is universal, the Scheme for targeted beneficiaries (0-6 years children) is self selecting.

The number of children provided supplementary nutrition during 2006-07 to 2009- 10 (as on 31.12.2009) are as under:

Year No. of Children (6 months to 6 years)
received supplementary nutrition

2006-07 5,81,85,339

2007-08 6,96,44,097

2008-09 7,21,96,568

2009-10(as on 31.12.09) 7,18,45,264

States have been requested to operationalise all the pending AWCs/ mini-AWC. Population norms for opening of an AWC/ mini-AWC have been revised for better coverage. Nutritional and financial norms of supplementary nutrition have also been improved.

1557

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

FINANCE

LOANS TO MINORITIES

1557 . Shri SURESH KODIKUNNIL
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is giving priority to minority communities in giving loans to micro, small and medium enterprises;

(b) if so, the details thereof for the last three years, State-wise including Kerala;

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the loan availability to minorities ?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised the Scheduled Commercial Banks, vide Master Circular dated July 1, 2009 to improve loan availability to all the identified Minority Communities throughout the country. The circular, inter-alia, advises the banks to create a special cell and appoint nodal officers in each Bank. It also indicates how Banks should monitor credit flow to Minority Communities, etc. The detailed circular is available on website of RBI at www.rbi.org.in.

Further in October 2007, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) were advised by the Government to step up their lending to Minority Communities to 15% of their Priority Sector Lending over the next three years, i.e. by the end of 2009- 2010. As per progress reported by PSBs, the achievement, as at the end of December, 2009 stood at Rs, 102570.80 crore, which is 78.62% of the target set by the PSBs.

(b) & (c): RBI has reported that it does not collate data separately for the loans given to the Minority Communities under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise. However, total loans (outstanding) of Scheduled Commercial Banks to Minority Communities State-wise, including Kerala, for the last three years, is given in the Annexure.

(d): As reported by RBI, the following are the broad guidelines issued to the Banks for improving loan availability to Minority Communities throughout the country:

# That the field level functionaries should ensure that there is no inordinate gap/ delay between the sanction of applications and disbursement of loans, which cause unnecessary hardship to the eligible beneficiaries;

# Branch Manager should be vested with adequate discretionary powers to sanction proposals under the various welfare schemes. The exercise of these powers should not require reference to any higher authority;

# Banks should adopt simple and transparent procedure eliminating middlemen operating between beneficiaries and the banks, and expedite disposal of applications in a timely manner;

# Banks should not insist for deposit amount or documents, guarantees, etc. not envisaged in the scheme; Proper record of receipt and disposal of applications to be maintained.

ANNEXURE

1576

UNSTARRED

05.03.2010

FINANCE

FAKE CURRENCY

1576 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the total amount of counterfeit money in circulation in India as on date;

(b) whether Government has asked or proposes to ask the European Union (Supplier of currency note paper) to keep vigil in importers of currency related printing paper and ink, based in Pakistan;

(d) the other steps being taken by the Government to counter this menace including reducing the external dependence on security paper by increasing indigenous production and sharing of intelligence?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a): No estimates are available of fake currency notes in circulation. However, as per the information furnished by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), the details of total number of fake notes seized/recovered and its value for the last three years are as under:

Year Total (no. Of pieces) Total Value (in rupees)

2007 3,87,569 10,54,23,325

2008 6,61,759 25,81,41,492

2009 5,90,675 22,39,47,152

The figures are provisional.

(b) & (c): The European Union does not supply bank note paper to India.

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

For increasing indigenous production of bank note paper, projects for setting up three new production lines with annual capacity of 16000 metric tones have already been sanctioned.

1606

UNSTARRED

08.03.2010

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

UNSOLICITED CALL FROM FOREIGN COUNTRY

1606 . Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether several mobile subscribers are receiving unsolicited calls in the country from some foreign countries including Pakistan;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

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

(a) & (b) As per information provided by Telecom Service Providers, some of the mobile subscribers have received missed calls from Pakistan. Accordingly, concerned Telecom Service Providers have issued advisories to their subscribers to not to call back such calls and not to divulge any personal details to the unknown callers.

(c) Government has also issued instructions to Telecom Service Providers to block certain telephone numbers of Pakistan from making calls to India.

1748

UNSTARRED

08.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

EXPENDITURE OF MATERIAL UNDER MGNREGS

1748 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the total amount spent by each State on purchasing materials for the works to be carried out under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the country during each of the last four years and the current year;

(b) the total amount spent on wages of the workers under MGNREGS during the said period, State-wise;

(d) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a) & (b): In accordance with para 9 of Schedule-I of MGNREGA, the cost of material component of the projects taken up under the Act shall not exceed 40% of the total cost. Cost of material component includes wages paid to semi-skilled and skilled workers also.State-wise details of expenditure on wages paid to unskilled workers and expenditure towards material component for the years 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10(up to Jan., 2010) is given in the Annexure-I.

(c) & (d): A total of 330 complaints regarding misappropriation of MGNREGS funds have so far been received in the Ministry. State-wise details are given in Annexure-II As implementation of MGNREGA is done by the State Governments, all complaints received by the Ministry are sent to the concerned State Governments for enquiry and taking action in accordance with the provisions of the Act. In some specific complaints, the Ministry also deputes National Level Monitors for investigations.

ANNEXURE

1946

UNSTARRED

09.03.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

ALCOHOLISM RELATED VIOLENCE

1946 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there are reports of spurt in crimes like fracas, felony, road accident, incidents of street violence and domestic violence in the country by alcoholics;

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

(c) whether the Union Government proposes to issue any advisory to the State Governments to check the rise in crime by alcoholics in the country?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a)& (b): NCRB maintains data on crimes head-wise under the IPC and the SLLs. However it does not maintain the specific information regarding crimes by alcoholics separately.

(c): ‘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 as also for protecting the life and property of the citizens. The Union Government, however, attaches highest importance to the matter of prevention of crime and therefore, has continued to urge to the State Governments/UT Administrations to give more focused attention to improving the administration of criminal justice system and take such measures as are necessary for prevention and control of crime.

2093

UNSTARRED

10.03.2010

OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

JOB LOSS DUE TO DOWNFALL OF WORLD DUBAI

2093 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of Indian workers working in real estate sector in Dubai;

(b) the number of workers rendered jobless or likely to be rendered jobless after the downfall of the firm `World Dubai`; and

(c) the measures taken or proposes to be taken by the Government to ensure their safe and speedy repatriation to India, including measures taken to ensure that their hard earned remuneration is paid to them by the concerned Company of the Dubai?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a): Consulate General of India in Dubai has estimated number of Indians in Dubai under its jurisdiction as 1.45 million. Of these approximately 50% are in blue collar jobs, majority of whom are in the construction sector.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai does not have data on the occupational break up of Indian workers.

(b): Nil.

(c): Does not arise.

2123

UNSTARRED

10.03.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

SETTING UP OF NHEFC

2123 . Shri AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
E.G. SUGAVANAM
SUPRIYA SULE
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a National Higher Education Funding Corporation (NHEFC);

(b) if so, the aims and objectives of the said Corporation; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (c) : Yes, sir, there is a proposal for establishment of National Education Finance Corporation (NEFC) for providing loans for infrastructure development and expansion of educational institutions, as well as refinance facility for educational loans. However, there is no formal decision in this regard and therefore it is difficult to prescribe a time limit at this stage.

2248

UNSTARRED

10.03.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

SKILL ORIENTED TRAINING

2248 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government with a view to impart quality education in the country will consider to change school level syllabus drastically;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government propose to provide skill oriented training after standard 5 so that students can find a vocation and do not drop out of school; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) and (b) Based on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)-2005 for school education, National Council of Educational Research and Training has already prepared new syllabi for all subjects for Classes I to XII and has also prepared new textbooks. 16 States are using these textbooks with or without adaptation at various stages of school education.

(c) and (d) Elementary education encompasses the first eight years of schooling, which provides for comprehensive and all-inclusive education. Separate vocational stream is available at the higher secondary stage, but not at the elementary stage of education. However, National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2005) for school education advocates work- centred education at both elementary and secondary levels. Thirty two vocational packages are being offered at higher secondary levels in schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education to provide skill oriented education.

2397

UNSTARRED

11.03.2010

RAILWAYS

DEHRADUN KALSI RAIL LINE

2397 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Railways propose to make budgetary provision for Dehradun-Kalsi rail line in Railway Budget 2010-11; and

(b) if so, the estimated budget for laying this rail line along with the time by which this work is likely to be completed?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) & (b): Updating survey for Dehradun-Kalso new line has been included in Railway Budget 2010-11. Further decision on the project can be taken once the survey is completed and examined in the Ministry.

2459

UNSTARRED

11.03.2010

CORPORATE AFFAIRS

COMPLAINTS AGAINST ADAG

2459 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government has received complaints against Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group of Companies (ADAG) for fudging of accounts and other violations of Companies Act;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Special Fraud Investigation Organization (SFIO) and Registrar of Companies (ROC) have also received similar complaints; and

(d) if so, the details of complaints received so far against ADAG and action taken by the Government on these complaints?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS(SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)

(a) to (c) Yes, Sir. The complaints pertain to following issues:-

(i) Irregularities in the Reliance Mutual Fund Investment;

(ii) Violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act;

(iii) Violation regarding transfer of certain undertaking of Reliance Energy Ltd. to Reliance Power Ltd.;

(iv) Violation relating to Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account;

(v) Violation of Securities and Exchange Board of India Rules & Guidelines;

(vi) Merger of Reliance Public Utility Pvt. Ltd. into Reliance Power Ltd. etc.

(d) : These complaints have been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Department of Telecommunication and Department of Financial Services for matters related to them. The allegations pertaining to Company Law violations, are being looked into by Registrar of Companies.

2591

UNSTARRED

12.03.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

CASES OF DIABETES

2591 . Shri SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA
MANEKA GANDHI
J.M. AARON RASHID
P. KARUNAKARAN
LAL JI TANDON
NISHIKANT DUBEY
E. T. MUHAMMED BASHEER
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has conducted any study/survey regarding prevalence of diabetes in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the corrective measures taken and assistance provided to the State Governments to check the disease in the country and the achievements made as a result thereof;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to launch an awareness campaign to educate the people particularly in the rural areas about the hazards of diabetes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b) No recent study has been undertaken by Government of India to find out the number of diabetics’ in the country.

(c) The Planning Commission has earmarked Rs.1660.50 crore in the 11th Five Year Plan for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardio-Vascular Diseases and Stroke (NPDCS and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formulated the National Programme (NPDCS), which has been considered by the Expenditure Finance Committee. NPDCS has been initiated in 10 districts in 10 states on pilot basis.

(d) & (e) One of the major objectives of NPDCS is prevention and control of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including Diabetes through behaviour and lifestyle changes using mass media, interpersonal communication and community based activities.

2646

UNSTARRED

12.03.2010

FINANCE

INVESTIGATION INTO MAJOR MONEY LAUNDERING

2646 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of complaints received alongwith action taken thereon by each investigating wing of the Ministry during the last one year;

(b) whether cases of money laundering, evasion of tax, violation of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)/Foreign Currency Convertible Bond (FCCB) guidelines, etc. against companies have come up before the authorities;

(d) the action thereon?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANiCKAM)

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

2733

UNSTARRED

15.03.2010

DEFENCE

PURCHASE OF HOWITZER GUNS

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.

2810

UNSTARRED

15.03.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

MISSION MODE TO MGNREGS

2810 . Shri AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
SUPRIYA SULE
SANJEEV GANESH NAIK
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is considering to implement and put the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGS) in a Mission mode;

(b) if so, the details thereof and observations of the Planning Commission in this regard, if any;

(d) if so, the details and extent thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a) to (d): At present there is no such issue under consideration of the Government.

2866

UNSTARRED

15.03.2010

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

WIRELESS BROADBAND PROJECT .

2866 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB
MADHU GOUD YASKHI
EKNATH MAHADEO GAIKWAD
SANJAY BHOI
KHATGAONKAR PATIL BHASKARRAO BAPURAO
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has invited bids for WiMAX Rural Tender Project-II, a wireless broadband project in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the names of the bidders;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether one of the bidders came under the scanner of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI); and

(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Madam, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has invited bids for WiMAX Rural Tender Project-II in June, 2009. The list of bidders are as follows:

1. M/s Gemini Communications, Chennai.
2. M/s ZTE Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon
3. M/s Icomm Tele Limited, Hyderabad
4. M/s Vipula, MCL, Secundrabad
5. M/s SPANCO, Gurgaon
6. M/s TCIL, New Delhi
7. M/s Huawei Telecommunications (I) Co. Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon
8. M/s Aster Communications (Run-Com)

(c) & (d) Yes, Madam. BSNL has finalized the decision for issue of Advance Purchase Order(APO) to top 3 bidders namely M/s Gemini Communications, M/s ZTE Pvt. Ltd. and M/s ICOMM Tele.

(e) & (f) Yes, Madam. It has come to notice that L-4 bidder i.e. M/s Vuppalamritha Magnetic Components Ltd. (M/s VMCL) has been served a DRI notice, therefore, M/s VMCL has not been issued APO due to this reason.

2947

UNSTARRED

15.03.2010

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

SHELTER FOR HELPLESS PERSONS

2947 . J. SHANTHA
J.M. AARON RASHID
SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL
E.G. SUGAVANAM
NEERAJ SHEKHAR
P. VISWANATHAN
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Supreme Court of India has recently passed any directions to the Union Government regarding the provisions of shelter/food to the homeless poor people in the country particularly in the metro-cities; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (D. NAPOLEON)

(a) As per available information, no such directions have been passed by the Supreme Court in the recent past to the Union Government.

(b)Does not arise.

3007

UNSTARRED

16.03.2010

YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

DISTORTED MAP ON CWG FEDERATION WEBSITE

3007 . Shri RANJAN PRASAD YADAV
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
RADHA MOHAN SINGH
J.M. AARON RASHID
MEENA SINGH
SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
P. KUMAR
Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there are reports of the depiction of a distorted map of the country on the website of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken for the rectification of the erroneous depiction of the map of the country on the CGF website and success achieved?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The website of Commonwealth Games Federation had reportedly shown some parts of India as part of another country.

(c) & (d) :Commonwealth Games Federation(CGF) has apologized for the incorrect depiction of some areas of India in another country on its website. CGF has informed that it was an error that has since been rectified.

3151

UNSTARRED

16.03.2010

ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN NAXAL AFFECTED AREAS

3151 . SUPRIYA SULE
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
MEKAPATI RAJAMOHAN REDDY
ANANT KUMAR HEGDE
RAMA DEVI
J.M. AARON RASHID
BAIJAYANT PANDA
NITYANANDA PRADHAN
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether the Government has any scheme for construction of National Highway network in the naxal affected areas of the country;

(b) if so, the details alongwith the status of construction of NHs in such area, State-wise;

(d) if so, the details of suggestions received from the State Governments and the action taken thereon;

(e) whether some road projects were delayed and/or brought to a halt due to naxal activities; and

(f) if so, the details thereof including the remedial measures taken for fast track road development in the naxal affected areas of the country?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): The Government has approved scheme for development of 1202 km of National Highways and 4363 km of State Roads in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas of 33 Districts in eight States at an estimated cost of 7300 crore for implementation in phased manner during next three years. State wise details of the identified length and estimates sanctioned for National Highways are indicated below:

Sl. No. State Length identified Estimates sanctioned
(in km)
Length in km Cost in Rs. crore
1 Andhra Pradesh 119.95 52.65 95.16

2 Bihar 75.50 11.50 11.53

3 Chhattisgarh 410.00 46.00 63.94

4 Jharkhand 534.16 0.00 0.00

5 Uttar Pradesh 62.83 0.00 0.00

Total 1202.44 110.15 170.63

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The stretches for improvement have been identified in consultation with the State Governments. Implementation of the projects on identified NHs has been taken up as per priority of the State Governments for the construction of these roads depending upon their ability to provide security during construction period.

(e): No, Sir.

(f): Does not arise.

3194

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

FIXATION OF PRICES OF NATURAL GAS

3194 . Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Supreme Court observed that gas prices charged by ONGC were based on ‘proper and relevant criteria’ in its judgment dated 04-05-1990 in the ONGC vs. Association of Natural Gas Consuming Industries of Gujarat case;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the ONGC gas price in terms of $/MMBTU on the basis of the above pricing mechanism at current average price for imported fuel oils; and

(e) the difference between existing APM gas price and fuel oil parity-based gas price?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b): Prior to 30-01-1987, gas prices were not administered by the Government and ONGC used to determine gas prices based on thermal equivalence of alternate fuels used by consumers. The prices charged by ONGC during the period 01-04-1979 to 29-01-1987 were disputed by 19 consumers in Gujarat, who formed ‘Association of Natural Gas consuming Industries of Gujarat’. The said Association filed a Writ Petition before Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat in 1979, which on 30-07-1983 accepted the petition and set aside the price determined by ONGC. ONGC filed Civil Appeal against the order of the Hon’ble High Court in the Hon’ble Supreme Court in September 1983. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 04-05-1990 set aside the order of the Hon’ble High Court and upheld the pricing basis adopted by ONGC for the period prior to 30-01-1987.

(c): Keeping in view enhanced gas availability from Western Offshore fields of ONGC and in order to promote the utilization of natural gas and protect investments by various players along the gas chain, Government decided to administer gas price with effect from 30-01-1987. In the 1987 pricing order, ONGC gas price was fixed at Rs.1400 mscm (thousand standard cubic metres) on cost plus basis.

(d): Based on the average refinery transfer price of Fuel Oil at Mumbai in 2008-09 and the thermal equivalence of Fuel Oil & natural gas, price of ONGC’s natural gas on the basis of the above pricing mechanism would have been US $ 12.94/mmbtu. This is considering energy content of Fuel Oil & natural gas at 10,000 kcal/kg & 10,000 kcal/scm respectively and exchange rate of Rs. 45/US $.

(e): As against the above, price of APM gas is Rs.3200/ thousand standard cubic metres(mscm) (US $ 1.79/mmbtu) for power & fertilizers customers and Rs. 3840/mscm (US $ 2.15/mmbtu) for small scale customers and city gas entities.

3244

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

RAILWAYS

HIGH SPEED RAIL LINE CONNECTING CHINA

3244 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Railways have received any proposal for developing a high speed rail line for connecting Kunming city of China with New Delhi; and

(b) if so, the response of the Railways thereto and the time by which it is likely to be developed?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

3354

UNSTARRED

15.04.2010

STEEL

PRICE OF STEEL

3354 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has make any study to find out the reasons for not reducing the prices of Steel by the respective industries despite several stimulus packages given to them by the Government;

(b) if so, the outcome of the study;

(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP)

(a)&(b): Ministry of Steel has not carried out any study to examine the impact of various stimulus packages on the retail market price of steel in the country. The price of steel is deregulated and depends upon the various interrelated factors such as cost of input materials, supply-demand gap and movement of international steel prices.

(c)&(d): There is no proposal in the Ministry of Steel to form a regulatory authority for fixing the prices of steel.

3493

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

UPLIFTMENT OF WOMEN

3493 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether a vast majority of women continued to be engaged in the agricultural operations and the proportion of the women in agricultural operations has grown in the last few years; and

(b) : if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER

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

(a) and (b) : Yes, Madam. The number of women engaged in agricultural operations increased from 7.58 Crores in 1991 Census to 9.66 Crores in 2001 Census, whereas the participation of men in agricultural operation remained stagnant at 14.15 Crores and 14.93 Crores respectively during the same period.

Increase of women in agricultural operations can be attributed to improved netting of data on working women, inclusion of persons engaged in cultivation and growing of crops for domestic consumption, persons engaged in rearing of animal for production of milk for their own use in the category of workers, men preferring to seek alternate employment in household industries and non-farm activities and migration of men to urban areas in search of remunerative employment.

3524

UNSTARRED

16.04.2010

FINANCE

INVESTIGATION INTO MAJOR MONEY LAUNDERING

3524 . Shri GAJENDRA SINGH RAJUKHEDI
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
J.M. AARON RASHID
GADHVI MUKESHKUMAR BHEIRAVDANJI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have requested Enforcement Directorate (ED) to launch investigation against some companies relating to financial irregularities/economic offences;

(b) if so, the details thereof and outcome therefrom;

(d) if so, the details thereof and action taken or proposed to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) to (d) : The Directorate of Enforcement receives references from time to time from different agencies on issues relating to contravention of FEMA, 1999 and enquiries under PMLA, 2002. These references are investigated and appropriate action taken under the law.

3836

UNSTARRED

19.04.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

WATER CONSERVATION SCHEMES

3836 . Shri JADHAV PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO
RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
J.M. AARON RASHID
ARJUN MUNDA
SONAWANE PRATAP NARAYANRAO
VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of existing water conservation schemes being implemented by the Government alongwith the districts covered/to be covered thereunder in each State of country;

(b) whether the Government is considering any new scheme for digging of ponds in villages to promote water conservation;

(d) the funds allocated/released/utilized and achievements made under each such scheme during the last three years, State-wise and year-wise;

(e) the details of funds, if any, provided to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for this purpose during the said period and the amount utilized by them so far state-wise and year-wise;

(f) whether the Government has issued any fresh directions/guidelines on water conservation in villages recently; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and the response of the States thereto?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI)

(a) Water conservation is one of the activities of watershed development schemes. The Department of Land Resources has been implementing three watershed schemes namely Desert Development Programme (DDP), Drought Prone Areas programme (DPAP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP). Since 26.02.2009, the above three schemes have been consolidated into a single programme called as Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).The coverage of IWMP extends to all the districts of all the States. The details of the districts covered under these schemes in each state of the country are given at Annexure I.

(b) &(c) No Sir.However,construction of water bodies including ponds is part of soil & water conservation measures under IWMP.

(d) & (e) The watershed schemes are implemented by releasing the funds by the Central Government to District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs)/Zilla Panchayats (ZPs)/State Level Nodal Agencies (SLNA).Since watershed schemes are demand driven schemes, no budget allocation has been made. However, State-wise central assistance released under watershed schemes during each of the last three years are given at Annexure-II.

(f) & (g) No Sir.

ANNEXURE

3986

UNSTARRED

20.04.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION FOR CRIMINALS

3986 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether biometric identification facility for criminals has been introduced in some of the States in the country;

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

(d) the steps being taken to introduce such facility in all the States?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a): Yes, Madam. Automated Finger Print Identification Systems (AFIS) for the purpose of identification of criminals has been introduced in 22 States and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

(b): The 22 States where AFIS, has been introduced for identification of criminals are:

1. Andhra Pradesh 13. Maharashtra

2. Arunachal Pradesh 14. Meghalaya

3. Assam 15. Mizoram

4. Chhattisgarh 16. Nagaland

5. Delhi 17. Orissa

6. Goa 18. Punjab

7 Gujarat 19. Rajasthan

8. Haryana 20. Tamil Nadu

9. Jammu & Kashmir 21. Uttarakhand

10. Karnataka 22. West Bengal

11. Kerala 23. UT of Puducherry

12. Madhya pradesh

(c) & (d): Under Crime & Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) Project which is a Mission mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan, every police station in the country is proposed to be provided with Finger Print Reader for which Rs. 15,000/- per police station has been earmarked. Further, in select police stations Finger print Enrolment Facility is envisaged for which Rs. 174.40 Crore has been earmarked.

4175

UNSTARRED

21.04.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

CONTAMINATION OF WATER

4175 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether a possible link between hydraulic fracturing and pollution of groundwater of the regions where gas production is common, has been studied by the Government;

(b) if so, whether hazards like methane contamination of drinking water has been detected in these areas; and

(c) if so, the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent contamination of water meant for drinking and agricultural use in these regions?
ANSWER

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

(a)to(c) : As reported by Central Ground Water Board, a study has not been conducted on the linkage between hydraulic fracturing and pollution of groundwater of the regions where gas production is common.

Further, as informed by Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, no State/UnionTerritory has reported contamination of methane in drinking water sources in the rural areas of the country.

4321

UNSTARRED

21.04.2010

EARTH SCIENCES

DESALINATION PLANTS IN CHENNAI

4321 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
THALIKKOTTAI RAJUTHEVAR BAALU
Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a string of desalination plants in Chennai and coastal South Tamil Nadu considering the serious water shortage faced by people of the area;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the financial assistance provided to the State for the said purpose;

(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a – d) Yes Madam. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is working on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) technology. It has till date set up one LTTD plant at Northern Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS), Chennai in March 2009. MoES does not provide any financial assistance to States for setting up Desalination Plants. The capacity of LTTD plant set up at NCTPS is 1 lakh liter per day of potable water. In addition, several desalination plants based on Reverse Osmosis (RO) are being set up in various parts of the country including in Chennai, by other Ministries and Departments.

4730

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

WOMEN KILLED ON CHARGES OF WITCHCRAFT

4730 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether scores of women are regularly killed on charges of witchcraft across the country;

(b) : if so, whether the Government proposes to bring a legislation in this regard;

(d) : the other measures taken or proposed by the Government for prevention of such activities in the country?
ANSWER

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

(a)to(c): As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data a total of 186, 177 and 175 cases of murder and a total of 2, 2 and 1 cases of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, were registered in 2006, 2007and 2008 respectively in which the motive was ‘witchcraft’. There is no proposal to bring a legislation for it.

(d) : National Commission for Women (NCW) has sponsored and conducted Seminars/Conferences in Assam, Rajasthan and Jharkhand for creating awareness on the issue and to discourage this practice.

4773

UNSTARRED

23.04.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

MERGING OF NRHM AND NUHM

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;

(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.

4835

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

GROUP INSURANCE SCHEME

4835 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of persons belonging to the weaker and vulnerable sections of the country covered through Insurance Schemes under the Social Security Fund during each of the last three years, State-wise and category-wise;

(b) the total amount disbursed to the eligible persons under such scheme during the said period, State-wise, year-wise and category-wise;

(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

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

4991

UNSTARRED

26.04.2010

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

JOB CARDS TO MINORITIES UNDER MGNREGS

4991 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
the number of job cards issued to the people belonging to minority communities in the country and the amount of wages disbursed to them under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) during each of the last three years, State-wise?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is under implementation in all rural areas of the country. The Act uniformly applies to all rural households irrespective of the community they belong to. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is demand based. Job cards are issued to the households who register themselves for issue of the same. Ministry maintains data in respect of the total job cards issued and job cards issued to households belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Separate data for job cards issued to people belonging to minority communities is not maintained.

5166

UNSTARRED

27.04.2010

MINES

ANOMALY IN ROYALTY RATES

5166 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the State Government get 10% royalty, from production of iron ore and 20% from production on land oil blocks in their areas;

(b) if so, the reasons for anomaly between royalty rates; and

THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B. K. HANDIQUE)

(a) to (c) : Rates of royalty vary for different minerals on the basis of factors like cost of production, profitability and feasibility of mining, dynamics of market and availability of minerals etc. Therefore, the royalty rates are not comparable with each other. The Government has revised royalty rates in respect of minerals (other than minor mineral, coal & lignite, sand for stowing and uranium) and dead rent on 13.8.2009, based on the recommendations of the Hoda Committee and the Report of a Study Group constituted for the purpose, which included all stakeholders from mineral sector.

5567

UNSTARRED

29.04.2010

CIVIL AVIATION

FACILITIES TO OFFICIALS

5567 . Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has decided to give its former Ministers, Secretaries and their family members life-long upgrades to first class air ticket on Air India;

(b) if so, the reasons for such laigesse at a time when Air India is aling and showing losses;

(d) the estimated loss Air India would incur on these upgrades/facilites?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. Such facilities are not going to increase any burden on Air India or other agencies as they will be extended only if vacant seats are available.

(c): The other facilities extended are airport entry pass, VIP car parking label and facilitation at airports.

(d): Upgradation of facility is only subject to availability of seats, hence Air India on this account would not incur any loss.

5741

UNSTARRED

30.04.2010

POWER

SETTING UP OF POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

5741 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Public Sector Undertakings of the power sector with various States for setting up of Government Polytechnic colleges to ensure availability of quality trained industrial manpower to match the power industry requirements during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) the number of MoU under consideration of these undertakings for setting up of such polytechnic colleges; and

(c) the number of MoU proposed to be signed by these companies with the State of Tamil Nadu for setting up of the State Polytechnics during the year 2010-11?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER(SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)

(a) : NTPC Ltd. has signed an MoU with the Government of Uttarakhand for setting up a Polytechnic college at Kaladungi, District Nainital, Uttarakhand on 16.11.2009.

(b) : The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. Board has agreed in principle for setting up a State Institute of Engineering & Technology at Pragati Nagar, Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

NTPC Ltd. has one MoU under consideration for setting up a Women Polytechnic in Joshimath area (Uttarakhand) for which Government of Uttarakhand is yet to allocate land.

(c) : No MoU proposed to be signed by the Public Sector Undertakings of the Ministry of Power with the State of Tamil Nadu for setting up of the State Polytechnics during the year 2010-11.

6031

UNSTARRED

03.05.2010

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

RETRENCHMENT OF JOURNALISTS

6031 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of journalists and non-journalists staff retrenched by the various electronic and print media companies/corporates during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(b) the reasons for retrenchment of such persons cited by these companies/ corporates; and

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

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

6198

UNSTARRED

04.05.2010

AGRICULTURE

INCREASING SUGARCANE PRODUCTIVITY

6198 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the International Crops Research Institutes for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is involved in research on rain dependent crops;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the funds allocated to the said institute for its research activities during each of the last three years and the current year;

(e) whether the said institute and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have envisaged that by adopting sustainable sugarcane initiative, farmers would be able to increase yield by 20 per cent and reduce consumption of water;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) the number of farmers trained under this initiative; and

(h) the steps taken by the Government to promote and assist this initiative?
ANSWER

THE 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) Yes, Madam.

(b) The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is conducting research under four themes viz (i) Agro-ecosystems development (ii) harnessing biotechnology (iii) crop improvement & management and (iv) institutions, markets, policy and impacts. Their mandate crops are chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, pearlmillet, sorghum and small millets.

(c) For cultivar development, ICRISAT is working on five crops, viz. sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut.

(d) The source of funding to ICRISAT is from different bilateral projects/programmes and from different countries including India.

India is a donor member to CGIAR and contributes 0.75 US million dollars to CG institutes as unrestricted funding every year out of which ICRISAT received US$ 170500 in last three years and current year. In addition, the details of contribution of Govt. of India to ICRISAT under restricted funding in the last three years are given below:-

Year Contribution (US$ million)

2007-08 0.60
2008-09 0.40
2009-10 0.40

(e) & (f): Yes, Madam. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have established a collaborative project to improve the water productivity of major crops. This includes sugarcane also under the name Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI). By adopting SSI principles it is envisaged to improve the yield of sugarcane by 20%, and reduce water consumption.

(g) & (h): Training has been imparted to about 200 farmers under this initiative. The Initiative is at initial stage and further promotion will depend on the outcome of this initiative.

6330

UNSTARRED

04.05.2010

HOME AFFAIRS

FOREIGN BASED NGOS

6330 . Shri RAMSINHBHAI PATALBHAI RATHWA
TARACHAND BHAGORA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
GAJENDRA SINGH RAJUKHEDI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of foreign based Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the country, State-wise;

(b) whether the Amnesty International in a recent report on the mining sector has made certain secessionist and separatist remarks;

(d) whether the Government proposes to take any action against the Amnesty International for its uncalled for remarks;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the rules/guidelines framed by the Government for regulating/monitoring the activities of foreign-based NGOs in the country?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

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

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6330 RAISED BY SHRI RAMSINH RATHWA: SHRI TARACHAND BHAGORA: SHRI GAJENDER SINGH RAJUKEDI: DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT: SHRI J.M. AARON RASHID, TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.05.2010 REGARDING “FOREIGN BASED NGOs”

(a): Ministry of Home Affairs, is concerned with grant of Registration/ Prior Permission under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 to Associations registered under Societies Act/ Section 25 of Companies Act/ Indian Trust Act. This Ministry has no details of foreign based NGOs operating in India.

(b) to (e): According to the Executive Summary of the report titled “Don’t mine us out of Existence-Bauxite Mine and Refinery Devastate Lives in India”, the recommendation does not contain a clause for a separate territory for tribals and indigenous people of India.

(f): Foreign based NGOs come under the preview of FEMA and being controlled by the RBI for opening liaison or branch or project office in India.

6494

UNSTARRED

05.05.2010

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO STUDENTS

6494 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to add a period of six months in all undergraduate courses of all disciplines, requiring the students to help in achieving Millennium Development Goals depending on their area of study and training;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government also proposes to consider to provide special incentives to those students who opt to work under the added period of six months;

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

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a): No, Sir. The areas of intervention in respect of the education sector in the Millennium Development Goals do not mention any goal in the area of higher education. There is no such proposal to add a period of six months in all undergraduate courses in higher education of all disciplines.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No, Sir.

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

6561

UNSTARRED

05.05.2010

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE NORMS

6561 . Shri A. GANESHAMURTHI
MADAN LAL SHARMA
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of cases involving violation of the terms and conditions of environmental clearances by private developers and Government agencies in executing various projects that have come to the notice of the Government;

(b) the action taken against the violators; and

(c) the remedial steps taken by the Government to strictly regulate the terms and conditions of environmental clearances?
ANSWER

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

(a) The Regional offices of Ministry of Environment and Forests, based on the monitoring carried out by them during 2009-10 have reported 202 cases of non compliance of the stipulated environmental clearance conditions.

(b) The projects in respect of which significant non compliance was observed, were issued show cause notices and asked to give time bound action plan to install mitigative measures and to comply with the conditions stipulated in the environment clearance issued under EIA Notification 2006, whereas for minor violations they were asked to explain the reason of non compliance and ensure compliance.

(c) The Ministry has initiated several remedial measures to ensure strict compliance with terms and conditions of environmental clearance which inter alia include joint monitoring of such projects by the officers of the Regional office of Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Pollution Control Board and putting the compliance status in the public domain.

6638

UNSTARRED

06.05.2010

CIVIL AVIATION

CONSTITUTION OF BOARD OF NACIL

6638 . Dr. CHARAN DAS MAHANT
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
TARACHAND BHAGORA
RAMSINHBHAI PATALBHAI RATHWA
SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE
J.M. AARON RASHID
GADHVI MUKESHKUMAR BHEIRAVDANJI
GAJENDRA SINGH RAJUKHEDI
S. SEMMALAI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has appointed industrialists/ independent directors on the Board of Air India;

(b) if so, the complete details thereof including the criteria adopted for selection;

(c) whether a high power committee have strongly recommended that Board of Air India may be allowed to function in a professional way and that Air India should be run by professionals and not by generalists;

(d) if so, the reasons for ignoring the recommendations of high power committee;

(e) whether one of the directors appointed is also a director of private company;and

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. Government has appointed 4 persons of eminence as part-time non-official Directors on the Board of NACIL.

(e) and (f): Yes, Madam. However, there is no clash of interest in their appointment on the Board of NACIL.

6727

UNSTARRED

06.05.2010

CIVIL AVIATION

Appointment OF CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

6727 . Shri SANJAY BRIJKISHORILAL NIRUPAM
GANGASANDRA SIDDAPPA BASAVARAJ
TARACHAND BHAGORA
CHARAN DAS MAHANT
J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Air India has engaged a Chief Operating Officer (COO);

(b) if so, the details of the terms and conditions of appointment, emoluments and perks etc.;

(c) whether the emoluments of the new COO are more than ten times that of the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India under whom he is required to work;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether All India Cabin Crew Association of India have lodged a protest on the appointment of Foreign National as COO of Air India at exorbitant salary;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) to (d): No, Madam. Selection of a COO was considered by the Air India Board in its last meeting.

(e), (f) and (g): Yes, Madam. The concerns expressed by the Association would be taken into considertion, and due care would be taken while taking decisions.

6817

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT

6817 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether the work of monitoring of Right to Education Act (RTE) has been entrusted to the National Commission for protection of Child Rights (NCPCR);

(b) : if so, whether the NCPCR has adequate infrastructure for monitoring the Right to Education Act; and

(c) : if not, the steps proposes to be taken by the Central Government for Providing adequate infrastructure to NCPCR?
ANSWER

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

(a): Yes, madam.

(b)& (c): NCPCR has submitted a proposal to the Government to build necessary infrastructure for discharging its responsibility of monitoring the RTE Act.

6897

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

FREE TREATMENT TO POOR PATIENTS

6897 . Shri PREMCHANDRA GUDDU
GANESH SINGH
J.M. AARON RASHID
SANJAY JAISWAL
GOVIND PRASAD MISHRA
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is providing financial assistance to the poor for treatment;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the number of applications received for the said assistance during the last three years alongwith the number of applicants to whom grant was actually sanctioned;

(e) whether the Government also proposes to launch a new scheme for providing assistance to poor patients requiring specialised treatment; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): The Government of India is providing financial assistance to the poor patients under the following schemes:
(i) Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi(RAN)
(ii) Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG).

Under RAN, financial assistance is provided to the patients living below poverty line, who are suffering from major life threatening diseases to receive medical treatment at Govt. hospitals. The financial assistance to such patients is released in the form of ‘one time grant’ to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital in which the treatment is being received. Under the scheme of RAN, the Central Govt. also provides Grant-in-Aid to the States/Union Territories with legislature for the State Illness Assistance Funds set up by them to the extent of 50 % of their contribution to the State Funds.

The Illness Assistance Fund at the State/UT level releases financial assistance to patients living in their respective States/UTs upto Rs. 1.5 lakh in an individual case and forward all such cases to RAN, where the quantum of financial assistance is likely to exceed Rs. 1.5 lakh.

Under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) set up within RAN, the criteria are as under:

(i) Financial assistance is provided to patients, below poverty line suffering from Cancer and undergoing treatment in Government hospitals and any of the 27 Regional Cancer Centres.

(ii) The financial assistance to the cancer patient up to Rs.1.00 lakh is processed by the concerned Institutes /Hospitals through the revolving fund placed at their disposal. The cases of financial assistance above this limit are to be referred by them for assistance from Central Funds.

The criteria for assistance to poor patients under Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG) are as under:

(i) Poor patients with family income less than Rs.75,000/- annually and suffering from major illness and requiring one time treatment in government hospitals/institutions are eligible for financial assistance under HMDG.

(ii) Financial assistance limits are as: (a) Rs.20,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is up to Rs. 50,000/- . (b) Rs. 40,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs. 50,000/- & up to Rs. 1,00,000/- .(c) Rs.50,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs.1,00,000/-.

(c)& (d): There is no proposal for modifying the existing procedure. All eligible patients have been provided financial assistance under RAN and HMDG. Number of applications received and no. of patients to whom grants have been provided under the above schemes during the last three years are follows:

Year RAN HMDG

No. of No of patients No. of No of patients
applications provided with applications provided with
received grants received grants

2007-08 643 212 864 210

2008-09 642 259 765 143

2009-10 699 216 746 167

(e) No.

(f) Does not arise.

6976

UNSTARRED

07.05.2010

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

CHILDREN OF MINE WORKERS

6976 . Shri J.M. AARON RASHID
Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) : whether the Government proposes to fix certain preconditions in the interest of children of mine workers before mining leases are granted; and

(b) : if so the details thereof?
ANSWER

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

a) & b) The information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.

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