Questions asked by Prof. S.K. Saidul Haque during Lok Sabha Budget session 2010

    No. of questions found: 16

    61


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    STARRED

    02.03.2010

    CONSUMER
    AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

    IMPORT
    OF RAW SUGAR

    61 . Shri ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether raw sugar was imported during the last one year and the current year;

    (b) if so, the reasons therefor;

    (c) the rate of import and the per kilogram expenditure incurred on processing;

    (d) whether any stipulations were made for sale/distribution of the processed sugar in the domestic market; and

    (e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to check violations made thereon?
    ANSWER

    MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

    (a), (b), (c), (d) & (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

    STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO.61 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 02.03.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA.

    (a)&(b): Production of sugar during the previous 2008-09 sugar season is provisionally estimated at about 147 lac tons as against estimated consumption of about 220 lac tons. Also, production of sugar in the current sugar season 2009-10 is estimated to be low at about 160 lac tons as against the estimated consumption of about 230 lac tons. To bridge the gap between the production and consumption of sugar in the last sugar season 2008-09 (October- September) and also in the current sugar season 2009-10, the Central Government has, inter-alia, permitted duty-free import of raw sugar by sugar mills/refineries and any person other than sugar mills/refineries, on job basis, upto 31.12.2010. There has been no import of sugar on Government account either in the last sugar season 2008-09 or in the current sugar season 2009-10.

    (c): Since it is the sugar mills/ refineries and any person other than sugar mills/refineries who have undertaken import of raw sugar as per their commercial prudence, the rate of import of raw sugar is not available with the Government. The expenditure per kilogram incurred on processing of raw sugar varies from factory to factory undertaking processing of such raw sugar.

    (d): Accelerated releases have been allowed to sugar mills for sale of sugar processed from imported raw sugar and they are required to obtain release orders for its sale on monthly basis.

    (e): No case of willful violation for sale/distribution of the processed sugar in the domestic market has come to the notice of the Department.

    353

    STARRED

    20.04.2010

    HOME
    AFFAIRS

    CENSUS
    2011

    353 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE
    Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether the Government has finalised the parameters for conducting the 2011 Census;

    (b) if so, the details thereof;

    (c) whether the Government proposes to include caste and women`s household work, economic status and disabilities as parameters for collecting and compiling the census data;

    (d) if so, the details thereof; and

    (e) the steps being taken by the Government to exclude illegal migrants in the census process?
    ANSWER

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

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

    STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.353 FOR 20-04-2010

    (a) & (b): Yes Madam, the Government has finalized the parameters for conducting the first Phase of 2011 Census – the Houselisting and Housing Census, which has already commenced from the 01-04-2010 in various States and Union Territories. The questions on following items are being canvassed at this stage of operation.

    1. Building number (Municipal or local authority or census number).
    2. Census House number.
    3. Predominant material of floor, wall and roof of the census house.
    4. Ascertain the use of census house.
    5. Condition of the census house.
    6. Household Number.
    7. Total number of persons normally residing in the household:

    (i) Persons
    (ii) Males
    (iii) Females
    8. Name of the head of the household.
    9. Sex (Head).
    10. If Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Others (Head).
    11. Ownership status of the house.
    12. Number of dwelling rooms exclusively in possession of the household.
    13. Number of married couple(s) living in the household.
    14. Main source of drinking water.
    15. Availability of drinking water source.
    16. Main source of lighting.
    17. Latrine within the premises.
    18. Type of latrine facility.
    19. Waste water outlet.
    20. Bathing facility.
    21. Kitchen.
    22. Fuel used for cooking.
    23. Radio/Transistor.
    24. Television.
    25. Computer/laptop.
    26. Telephone/Mobile phone.
    27. Bicycle.
    28. Scooter/Motor Cycle/Moped.
    29. Car/Jeep/Van.
    30. Availing banking services.

    The above questions have been finalized by the Government and have been notified in the official Gazette of India on 25-02-2010.

    (c) & (d): Questions on socio-economic and other parameters are canvassed during the second Phase of Census Operations – the Population Enumeration stage. This is due to be conducted from 9th February to 28-02-2011. The Government does not, as a matter of policy, collect any information on Caste other than Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe since independence. In Census 2011 also no question on Castes other than Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe is proposed to be included.

    As regards women’s household work, economic status and disabilities, these parameters are proposed to be included in the Population Enumeration stage of Census 2011. The exact questions will be finalised by the Technical Advisory Committee comprising eminent demographers, social scientists, eminent data-users and senior Government officers.

    (e): The Population Census is a total process of collecting, compiling, analyzing or otherwise disseminating demographic, economic and social data pertaining at specific time of all persons in a country or a well defined part of a country. The Census 2011 would enumerate all persons in the country with reference to a specific period i.e. 00 hours of 01-03-2011. Thus all persons found in the country irrespective of the status will be enumerated in the census process.

    573

    STARRED

    05.05.2010

    PLANNING

    ROAD
    MAP FOR LOW CARBON GROWTH

    573 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    BAIJAYANT PANDA
    Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether the Government has prepared a road map from the planning perspective for turning the country on the path of low carbon;

    (b) if so, the details thereof;

    (c) whether the country can sustain its growth by shifting its energy plan and ensure an inclusive growth;

    (d) if so, the details thereof; and

    (e) the action plan formulated by the Government in this regard?
    ANSWER

    MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

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

    STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 573 BY SHRI Sk. SAIDUL HAQUE AND SHRI BAIJAYANT JAY PANDA, ON ROAD MAP FOR LOW CARBON GROWTH, DUE FOR ANSWER ON 05.05.2010

    (a) to (e): The Planning Commission has constituted an Expert Group for drawing up a Low Carbon Strategy for Inclusive Growth on 7th January, 2010. The Expert Group shall, inter alia; review existing studies on low carbon growth/low carbon pathways, conduct further analyses as required, to assess various low carbon options for the Indian economy and present a report outlining the roadmap for the country’s Low Carbon Growth that can feed into the Twelfth Plan process.

    The Expert Group has constituted, 10 Working Groups which includes the Working Group on “Conventional Power and Alternatives” and “Oil & Natural Gas” dealing with Energy. The Expert Group Report shall be based on the Roadmap drafted by the Working Groups which would include an Action Plan comprising critical low carbon and sector- specific initiatives to be undertaken along with suggested timeline and targets starting 2011.

    The Group is expected to present an interim report by mid May, 2010 and a final report by end September, 2010.

    947

    UNSTARRED

    03.03.2010

    COAL

    ILLEGAL
    MINING IN ASANSOL AREA

    947 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    BANSAGOPAL CHOWDHURY
    Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the on-going-large-scale illegal mining in Asansol-Raniganj- Jharia coal belt areas;

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

    (c) whether the Government has taken any preventive steps to stop illegal mining with the help from the State Government;

    (d) if so, the details thereof; and

    (e) if not, the reasons therefor ?
    ANSWER

    MINISTER OF STATE (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINISTER OF STATE (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

    (a)& (b) : Yes, Sir. As per the information received from Coal India Ltd. (CIL), the details of illegal coal mining in Asansol-Raniganj-Jharia coal belt are as under:

    i) The areas of illegal coal mining activities within the leasehold of Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (ECL), but where the surface rights belong to others, are Sripur area, Sodepur area, Salanpur area, Satgram area, Kenda area, Kunustoria area, Bankola area and Kajora area.

    ii) In Jharia coal belt, areas of illegal mining activities are Barora, Govindpur, Katras, Sijua, Kusunda, Kustore, Bastacolla, Lodna, E.J. area, W.J. area and C.V. area.

    The following reasons are attributable to the menace of illegal coal mining:

    a) Socio-Economic–unemployment, poverty;
    b) Administrative–innumerable small pockets spread over vast coalfield area;
    c) Geological – easy access to coal with very low cover;
    d) Economic – demand from end-users, willing to pay good price;
    e) Legal action against offenders-time consuming; and
    f) Landlessness/marginal land holding.

    (c)& (d): Since, law and order is a State subject, primarily it is the responsibility of State/District administration to take necessary deterrent action to stop/curb illegal mining. Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and its subsidiaries are also associated closely with the concerned State and District authorities to deal with this menace. Following measures have been taken by the Government with the help from coal PSUs. to prevent illegal coal mining :-

    (i) Rat holes created by illegal mining are being dozed off and filled up with stone and debris wherever possible.

    (ii) Trenches have been dug to isolate the illegal mining sites.

    (iii) Concrete walls have been erected on the mouth of the abandoned mines to prevent access and illegal activities in these areas.

    (iv) Fencing of illegal mining sites and displaying of sign boards mentioning “Dangerous and Prohibited Place”.

    (v) Dumping of overburden is being done on the outcrop zones.

    (vi) Erection of barbed-wire/wall fencing around pithead depots, static security manning including deployment of armed guards during the night hours.

    (vii) Sealing of illegal mining spots is resorted to.

    (viii) Stringent action is taken against transport vehicles caught in the act of theft or pilferage.

    (ix) Training of existing security personnel, refresher training of CISF personnel and basic training to new recruits in security discipline are arranged for strengthening the security set up.

    (x) Engaging of lady security guard for preventing women and children indulging in theft/pilferage of coal, strengthening of the security discipline by reassessing the requirement of security personnel, horizontal movement of executives with aptitude for security work and inducting qualified security personnel at junior, middle and senior levels.

    (xi) Ministry of Coal has been urging from time to time the Coal Producing States to check illegal mining. The State Governments were also advised to instruct their State law enforcing authorities to take stringent action under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation Act, 1957) curbing illegal activities.

    (xii) The Ministry of Coal wrote to the Chief Secretaries of the coal producing States on 18.12.2001 requesting them to put in place effective mechanism to check illegal mining. The States were also asked to give appropriate direction to the concerned authorities to take effective steps to check such illegal activities at places where large scale illegal mining was believed to be taken place. The State Governments were also advised to consider framing of suitable Rules, if not already done, under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to strengthen the hands of District authorities in curving such illegal activities.

    (xiii) Based on the decisions taken in the meeting held on 17.05.2005 between Secretary (Coal) and Chief Secretary (Jharkhand), Central Coalfields Ltd. (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL) have taken up action to check illegal mining. Joint action for prevention of illegal mining has been initiated by the management of coal companies and Divisional Commissioners, District Administration, Government of Jharkand has constituted State as well as District level Task Forces for this purpose.

    (xiv) Minister of State (I/C) for Coal also had meetings with the Chief Minister, West Bengal on 24.06.2009 and with His Excellency, the Governor of Jharkhand on 26.05.2009 to request the concerned State Government to check/curb the illegal mining activities under their respective States.

    (xv) In September 2009, Ministry of Coal again requested Chief Secretaries of coal bearing States to instruct their State law enforcing authorities to take stringent action under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 to check illegal mining activities.

    (e) : Does not arise in view of reply given to parts (c) &(d) above.

    1394

    UNSTARRED

    05.03.2010

    WOMEN
    AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

    CHILD
    PROTECTION

    1394 . Shri BASUDEB ACHARIA
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) : the percentage of Plan expenditure incurred for child protection during the last three years and the current year, year-wise; and

    (b) : the concrete steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government against the sheer pervasiveness of child abuse in our society?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) : Ministry of Women and Child Development was implementing the following Plan schemes prior to 2009-10 for children who are in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law, in the country.

    i. A Programme for Juvenile Justice,
    ii. An Integrated Programme for Street Children,
    iii. Scheme of Assistance to Homes for Children (Shishu Greh) to Promote In-country Adoption; and
    iv. Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection.

    The following plan schemes are being implemented in the current financial year 2009-2010:
    # Integrated Child Protection Scheme and
    # Scheme for Welfare of Working Children in Need of Care and Protection.

    Percentage of expenditure under above schemes of the Ministry with respect to total Plan expenditure of the Ministry is 0.791 in 2006-07; 0.720 in 2007-08; 0.640 in 2008-09 and approximately 0.598 in current year, 2009-2010.

    (b): The issues relating to child abuse are being addressed by the Government through policies, legislations, plans, schemes and programmes which include National Policy on Children 1974, National Charter for Children 2003, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 and its amendment in 2006, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, National Plan of Action for Children 2005, Integrated Child Protection Scheme, Scheme for Working Children, etc. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, a statutory body set up in March 2007, also inquires into the complaints of violation of child rights.

    1458

    UNSTARRED

    05.03.2010

    HEALTH
    AND FAMILY WELFARE

    DRUG
    FOR INFLUENZA A H1N1

    1458 . Shri RADHA MOHAN SINGH
    BASUDEB ACHARIA
    RAMESH BAIS
    MOHAMMAD ASRARUL HAQUE
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether as per some reports, drug for Influenza A H1N1 was aggressively pushed world over to benefit certain pharmaceutical companies without adequate medical reasons for its widespread prescription;

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

    (c) the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in the wake of such report;

    (d) whether the Government proposes to bring down the price of Influenza H1N1 drug in the country; and

    (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) to (c) International and national media reported in January, 2010 a resolution tabled by the Dr. Wolfgang Wodrag, Chairman of the Health Committee in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that in order to promote their patented drug and vaccines against the Swine flu, pharmaceutical companies influenced scientists and official agencies, responsible for public health standards to alarm governments worldwide and make them squander, scarce health resources.

    The matter was raised by the Government of India in the Executive Board meeting of World Health Organization held at Geneva in January 2010 and asked WHO to clarify to all member countries the factual position so that the credibility of public health programmes does not get eroded by such allegations.

    World Health Organization has thereafter written to all member countries refuting the allegation and confirming that the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1 was indeed a pandemic.

    (d)&(e) Oseltamivir does not fall under First Schedule of Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO) 1995. Prices of such formulation are fixed by the manufacturers themselves keeping in view factors such as cost of production, marketing expenses, R&D expenses, trade commission, product innovation, product quality etc. The Govt. takes corrective measure where the public interest is found to be adversely affected. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) monitors the prices of such formulations. Wherever a price increase beyond 10% per annum is noticed, the manufacturer is asked to bring down the price voluntarily failing which, subject to prescribed conditions, action is initiated under paragraph 10(b) of the DPCO, 1995 for fixing the price of formulations in public interest. This is an ongoing process.

    1693

    UNSTARRED

    08.03.2010

    LABOUR
    AND EMPLOYMENT

    CONTRACT
    WORKERS

    1693 . Shri BASUDEB ACHARIA
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) the number of total contract workers in India vis-a-vis developed and developing countries and their comparative wage structures, Country-wise; and

    (b) the productivity of contract workers in India vis-a-vis said countries, Country-wise?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) & (b): The total number of contract labour in the country during 2005-06 was 2032103 and their average daily earings were Rs.114.88 as per the report of survey conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). At present, the number of workers engaged by the licensed contractors in the Central sphere is 13,77,710. The figures for developed & developing countries are not maintained.

    1806

    UNSTARRED

    08.03.2010

    LABOUR
    AND EMPLOYMENT

    SOLUTION
    OF LABOUR DISPUTES

    1806 . Shri MAHENDRA KUMAR ROY
    BASUDEB ACHARIA
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether the Government proposes to fix time bar to solve the labour disputes by Labour Courts; and

    (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) & (b): No, Madam. A time limit of 3 months is specified for submitting the award in terms of sub-section 2A of Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Proviso to sub section 2A of Section 10 of the said Act further provides for extension of above time limit by the Labour Court, Tribunal or National Tribunal, on the request of parties in a prescribed manner, to an industrial dispute jointly or separately.

    1874

    UNSTARRED

    09.03.2010

    ROAD
    TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

    DEVELOPMENT
    OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

    1874 . Shri SAMEER BHUJBAL
    BASUDEB ACHARIA
    P.C. GADDIGOUDAR
    J. SHANTHA
    AWALE JAYWANT GANGARAM
    SANJAY DINA PATIL
    DEVJI PATEL
    KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR
    MAHENDRA KUMAR ROY
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:-

    (a) the total length of National Highways/road network in kilometres approved for construction, development and widening by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

    (b) the funds sanctioned, released and utilised for the purpose during the said period, State-wise;

    (c) the names of States which have not utilised a substantial amount allocated for the purpose during the above period alongwith the action taken thereon, State-wise;

    (d) the total length of National Highways completed/pending during the said period, State-wise;

    (e) the number and names of the National Highways connected with the Golden Quadrilateral Highways scheme during the said period, State-wise;

    (f) the names of agencies engaged for construction/maintaining road network for the purpose including other than the National Highways; and

    (g) the amount sanctioned, released and utilised by such agencies, State-wise?
    ANSWER

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

    (a): State wise length of National Highways approved for the development during the last three years and the current year are enclosed as Annex-I.

    (b) & (c): Funds are not allocated State wise. The State wise expenditure on projects during the last three years including the current year is enclosed as Annex-II.

    (d): The State wise length of National highways completed during the last three years and the current year is enclosed as Annex-III.

    (e): Eight number of National Highways namely NH-8, NH-4, NH-7, NH-46, NH-5, NH-6, NH-60, and NH-2 are connected with the Golden Quadrilateral.

    (f): The names of agencies engaged for construction and maintenance of National Highways is enclosed as Annex-IV and Annex-V respectively.

    (g): Funds are not allocated agency-wise.

    ANNEXURE

    2069

    UNSTARRED

    10.03.2010

    HUMAN
    RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

    MILLENNIUM
    DEVELOPMENT GOAL

    2069 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) the steps taken for improving India’s ranking on the Millennium Development Goal Index;

    (b) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the fact that upto 70 percent of our educated youth are unemployable and they can not fit into the job requirements even after they have been through our education process;

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

    (d) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) The Government is continuously making efforts to improve country’s position in terms of achieving the education related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through strengthening of existing programmes like ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’, ‘Mid Day Meal Scheme’, the recast of National Literacy Mission under the name ‘Saakshar Bharat’, the quintupling of the mission’s budget during the XIth Five Year Plan, the enactment of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 and other reform measures.

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

    2223

    UNSTARRED

    10.03.2010

    HUMAN
    RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

    GER
    IN HIGHER EDUCATION

    2223 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    GANESH SINGH
    MAHENDRA KUMAR ROY
    R. THAMARAISELVAN
    Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether access to higher education in India measures in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER);

    (b) if so, the details thereof;

    (c) whether India`s GER of about 10 per cent compares poorly with the world average of 23 per cent;

    (d) if so, the reasons therefor;

    (e) whether the Government is considering to enhance the GER to 21 per cent in Twelfth Five Year Plan; and

    (f) if so, the details thereof ?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) & (b): The Gross Enrolment Ration (GER) measures the number of students enrolled for higher studies as a percentage of population in the age cohort group of 18-24 year. The GER for higher education in the country is estimated to be 12.4%.

    (c) & (d): According to the information available from the website of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the GER for the world on average is 26%.

    (e) & (f) : The Eleventh Five Year Plan document targets the achievement of GER of 21% by the terminal year of the Twelfth Plan with an interim target of 15% by the end of the Eleventh Plan. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, establishment of Central Universities in hitherto uncovered States has been envisaged. The strategy for increasing enrolment includes establishment of new institutions of higher learning in the Central sector such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, National Institutes of Technology and Schools of Planning and Architecture, incentivizing States for establishment of new institutions by establishment of model degree colleges in districts where the GER is below the national level and expansion of existing institutions by policy interventions and schemes aimed at increasing access and opportunities for pursuit of higher education.

    3289

    UNSTARRED

    15.04.2010

    RAILWAYS

    MAHARAJA
    EXPRESS

    3289 . Shri RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY
    P. JAYA PRADA NAHATA
    VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether while inauguration of Maharaja Express, the advertisement showed the incorrect details of several important stations of the country;

    (b) if so, whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard;

    (c) if so, whether any erring officers of Railways have been punished therefor; and

    (d) if so, the details thereof ?
    ANSWER

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

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

    STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3289 BY SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY, SHRI VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR, SHRIMATI JAYA PRADA AND SHRI Sk. SAIDUL HAQUE TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.04. 2010 REGARDING MAHARAJA EXPRESS.

    (a): An advertisement was published on 20.03.2010 by the Eastern Railway in leading newspapers on the eve of flagging off Maharaja Express. It was seen that the superimposed route of Maharaja Express vis-à-vis the outline of the map was disproportionate.

    (b) to (d): On immediate investigation, it was found that M/s. Adunique 76, the advertising agency, which had been assigned the job, was at fault. As an urgent measure, due clarifications were given through the media. Action has been taken against the advertising agency by way of lodging an FIR against them at the Hare Street Police Station, Kolkata. The agency has also been debarred from any future business with Eastern Railway and process has been initiated to blacklist this advertising agency. The concerned officials of the Zonal Railway have also been counselled to be more vigilant in such cases.

    3672

    UNSTARRED

    19.04.2010

    LABOUR
    AND EMPLOYMENT

    FUNDS
    WITH EPFO

    3672 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

    (a) the corpus of funds lying with the Employees` Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at present, State-wise;

    (b) the number of employees covered under Employees` Provident Fund (EPF) at present, State-wise; and

    (c) the details of EPF contribution deposited by the employers and employees during each of the last three years and the current year, separately, State-wise?
    ANSWER

    MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

    (a) The status of the corpus lying with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation as on 31.03.2009 is Rs. 2,58,711.00 crores, State-wise details are not maintained by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation since funds are invested centrally.

    (b) The number of employees covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund, State-wise as on 31.12.2009 is 5,68,92,900 (Provisional). The State-wise details are given at Annexure.

    (c) The details of Employees’ Provident Fund contribution deposited by the employers and employees during the last three years i.e. 2006-07 to 2008-09 and the current year i.e. 2009-10 (Upto September, 2009) are given below:

    (Rs. In Crores)

    2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
    (upto September,
    2009)

    14,414.01 18,782.30 23,246.60 12,457.67

    #Unaudited.

    ANNEXURE

    3955

    UNSTARRED

    20.04.2010

    CONSUMER
    AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

    SUGAR
    PRODUCTION

    3955 . Shri BHOLA SINGH
    RAMESH BAIS
    DHANANJAY SINGH
    MUNDE GOPINATHRAO PANDURANG
    NILESH NARAYAN RANE
    KACHHADIA NARANBHAI
    SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

    (a) the total production, availability stock and demand of sugar during each of the last three years;

    (b) whether the present parameters including decline in area under sugarcane indicate lower production of sugar in the country including Maharashtra during the ensuing season;

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

    (d) the steps proposed to be taken to tackle the likely shortage of sugar in the country?
    ANSWER

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

    (a): The total estimated production, availability of stock and demand of sugar during each of the last three sugar seasons (October-September) are given below:
    (Figures in Lac Tons)

    Sl. Particulars Sugar season
    No.

    2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 (P)

    1 Production 282 263 147

    2 Opening Stocks as on 1st October 44 105 100

    3 Total Availability (1+2) 326 368 247

    4 Demand 191 205 220

    (b)&(c): It is too early to estimate sugar production in the country including Maharashtra in the ensuing 2010-11 sugar season. However, the present parameters do not indicate decline in area under sugarcane for ensuing sugar season 2010-11 as compared to current 2009-10 sugar season.

    (d): Due to low production in 2008-09 and 2009-10 sugar seasons, the Central Government has taken several steps to tackle shortage of sugar in the country. Details are at Annexure.

    ANNEXURE

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    HOME
    AFFAIRS

    SUSPECTED
    LASHKAR BASE IN MALDIVES

    5113 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether there are reports of Pakistan based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba trying to encircle India by setting up their bases in neighbouring countries including the Maldives;

    (b) if so, the details thereof;

    (c) whether the said issue was discussed with the Home Minister of Maldives who visited the country recently;

    (d) if so, the details thereof; and

    (e) the steps taken by the Government to thwart the nefarious efforts of the said terrorist outfit at the international level?
    ANSWER

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

    (a) to (e): Available input indicates that Lashkar-e-Taiba endeavours to develop links in India’s neighbouring countries including the Maldives. India and Maldives continue to work closely in strengthening bilateral security cooperation. Our security concerns are conveyed through the bilateral channels/mechanisms, with the concerned countries.

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    EXTERNAL
    AFFAIRS

    SECURITY
    FACILITATION IN INDIAN OCEAN

    5306 . Shri SK. SAIDUL HAQUE
    Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

    (a) whether the Government is contemplating to play the role of a security facilitator in the Indian Ocean region;

    (b) if so, the details thereof;

    (c) whether the Government is considering to base permanently a couple of Sukhoi 30 MK Squadrons in Andaman & Nicobar command; and

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

    THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

    (a) & (b) India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region, including the defence of island territories, offshore resources and assets and maritime trade routes, form an important input in our defence planning.

    (c) & (d) Decisions on deployment of assets are taken by Government on the basis of threat assessments, which is a continuous process.

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