No. of questions found: 29
|
4678 |
UNSTARRED |
07.05.2010 |
HUMAN |
COMMON |
4678. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) has submitted any proposal for creation of National Commission to lay down common standard to bring about qualitative changes in school education; and
(b) if so, the details in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) : No, Sir.
(b) : Does not arise.
|
4455 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
TEXTILES |
BUDGETARY SUPPORT NEEDED FOR FULL CAPACITY FUNCTIONING OF |
4455. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether in view of seeing revival in the textile industry, National Textiles Corporation would be put on strong footing;
(b) if so, by when all NTC mills would start functioning to their full capacity; and
(c) how much additional budgetary support would be needed for the purpose?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): Yes, Sir. All possible efforts are in progress for putting National textile Corporation (NTC) on strong footing.
(b): The revival scheme approved by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) envisages modernization of 24 mills by NTC itself at an estimated cost of Rs. 1155 crores. Out of these 24 mills, 18 mills have already been modernized. Till now NTC has spent an amount of Rs.850.86 crores on modernization. Depending upon availability of funds, all the 24 mills can start functioning by March, 2011.
(c): The revival scheme of NTC is self-financing, and funds for modernization of mills are generated through sale of surplus land and assets. No additional Government budgetary support is envisaged for the scheme.
|
4454 |
UNSTARRED |
05.05.2010 |
TEXTILES |
TEXTILE INDUSTRY ON THE ROAD OF REVIVAL |
4454. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that textile industry in the country has come out of recession and is on the road of revival;
(b) if so, what is the current position; and
(c) how much growth of textile exports is expected in the financial year 2010-11?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): The Textiles & Clothing (T&C) industry in India has been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown and recession but is on the path of recovery.
(b): The export data of the Textiles and Clothing industry for the preceding two financial years and the current financial year (upto December, 2009) is at Annexure-I.
(c): In the financial year 2010-11, the textile industry exports are projected to grow by 10%.
India`s textiles exports at a glance (Principal Commodities) Prepared on 12.04.2010 Item 2007-08 2008-09 Variation Apr-Dec` 2008-09 Apr-Dec` 2009-10 (P) Variation Rs. Crore US$ Mn Rs. Crore US$ Mn Rupee US$ Rs. Crore US$ Mn Rs. Crore US$ Mn Rupee US$ Readymade Garment 36497.79 9069.80 47110.00 10242.80 29.08% 12.93% 32337.81 7308.81 33191.91 6932.18 2.64% -5.15% RMG of cotton including accessories 30335.79 7538.53 38521.06 8375.36 26.98% 11.10% 26219.59 5926.00 26174.80 5466.65 -0.17% -7.75% RMG of Man-made fibre 3912.26 972.21 4720.31 1026.30 20.65% 5.56% 3436.05 776.60 4242.55 886.06 23.47% 14.10% RMG of other textile material 2249.74 559.07 3868.63 841.13 71.96% 50.45% 2682.17 606.21 2774.56 579.47 3.44% -4.41% Cotton Textiles 27599.81 6858.63 21808.20 4741.60 -20.98% -30.87% 16936.13 3827.81 16081.45 3358.64 -5.05% -12.26% Cotton raw including waste 8865.39 2203.07 2865.86 623.10 -67.67% -71.72% 2119.67 479.08 4197.78 876.71 98.04% 83.00% Cotton yarn, fabrics & madeups 18734.42 4655.56 18942.34 4118.50 1.11% -11.54% 14816.46 3348.73 11883.67 2481.92 -19.79% -25.88% Man-made textiles 12785.02 3177.11 15088.11 3280.50 18.01% 3.25% 11768.11 2659.76 13415.25 2801.80 14.00% 5.34% Manmade staple fibres 1121.72 278.75 1172.01 254.82 4.48% -8.58% 948.63 214.40 1176.39 245.69 24.01% 14.59% Manmade yarn, fabrics & madeups 11663.30 2898.36 13916.10 3025.68 19.32% 4.39% 10819.48 2445.36 12238.86 2556.10 13.12% 4.53% Wool & Woolen textiles 1783.13 443.11 2199.50 478.22 23.35% 7.92% 1709.94 386.47 1768.95 369.45 3.45% -4.40% RMG of Wool 1409.55 350.28 1742.98 378.96 23.66% 8.19% 1359.39 307.24 1460.16 304.96 7.41% -0.74% Woollen yarn, fabrics & madeups 373.58 92.84 456.52 99.26 22.20% 6.92% 350.55 79.23 308.79 64.49 -11.91% -18.60% Silk 2646.75 657.72 3106.98 675.53 17.39% 2.71% 2351.28 531.42 2091.23 436.76 -11.06% -17.81% RMG of Silk 1093.67 271.78 1437.72 312.59 31.46% 15.02% 1058.59 239.26 1026.72 214.43 -3.01% -10.38% Natural silk yarn, fabrics & madeups 1540.93 382.93 1664.03 361.80 7.99% -5.52% 1287.60 291.02 1048.56 218.99 -18.56% -24.75% Silk waste 12.15 3.02 5.23 1.14 -56.95% -62.34% 5.09 1.15 15.95 3.33 213.36% 189.56% Handloom Products 0.00 845.86 176.66 N.A. N.A. Total Textiles 81312.50 20206.38 89312.79 19418.65 9.84% -3.90% 65103.27 14714.27 67394.65 14075.48 3.52% -4.34% Handicrafts 5844.12 1452.28 4939.56 1073.97 -15.48% -26.05% 3963.29 895.76 3274.21 683.82 -17.39% -23.66% Handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets) 2046.21 508.49 1375.48 299.06 -32.78% -41.19% 1143.44 258.43 712.99 148.91 -37.65% -42.38% Carpets (excluding silk) handmade 3725.80 925.87 3505.37 762.15 -5.92% -17.68% 2787.38 629.99 2528.59 528.10 -9.28% -16.17% Silk carpets 72.11 17.92 58.71 12.76 -18.58% -28.77% 32.47 7.34 32.63 6.81 0.49% -7.14% Coir & Coir Manufacturers 644.87 160.25 680.89 148.04 5.59% -7.62% 494.83 111.84 574.29 119.94 16.06% 7.25% Coir & Coir Manufacturers 644.87 160.25 680.89 148.04 5.59% -7.62% 494.83 111.84 574.29 119.94 16.06% 7.25% Jute 1319.36 327.86 1375.80 299.13 4.28% -8.76% 1100.08 248.63 793.16 165.65 -27.90% -33.37% Floor covering of jute 317.56 78.91 251.58 54.70 -20.78% -30.69% 196.98 44.52 213.24 44.54 8.25% 0.03% Other jute manufactures 322.22 80.07 491.71 106.91 52.60% 33.52% 400.45 90.51 232.74 48.61 -41.88% -46.29% Jute yarn 215.14 53.46 216.92 47.16 0.83% -11.78% 170.67 38.57 101.41 21.18 -40.58% -45.09% Jute hessian 464.44 115.41 415.59 90.36 -10.52% -21.71% 331.98 75.03 245.77 51.33 -25.97% -31.59% Total Textiles Exports 89120.85 22146.78 96309.04 20939.80 8.07% -5.45% 70661.47 15970.50 72036.31 15044.89 1.95% -5.80% % Textile Exports 13.59% 13.59% 11.47% 11.47% 10.82% 10.82% 12.05% 12.05% India`s exports of all commodities 655863.52 162983.90 839977.96 182630.50 28.07% 12.05% 652919.56 147569.12 597974.11 124887.82 -8.42% -15.37% Source : Foreign Trade Statistics of India( Principal Commodities & Countries), DGCI&S for export figures in Rupee and Department of Commerce(Intranet) -Exchange rate Handloom Products has been included as commodities first time in 2009-10 Exchange rate (Source:DOC intranet) Apr-Dec` 2008-09 44.2450 Apr-Dec` 2009-10 47.8809
|
4241 |
UNSTARRED |
04.05.2010 |
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
OPENING OF NEW NURSING COLLEGES |
4241. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government proposes to open new nursing colleges in the country; and
(b) if so, the details in this regard?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)
(a)&(b): The Government has decided to open 6 colleges of nursing in the country at the sites of All India Institute of Medical Sciences like institutions one each in the states of Rajasthan, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Uttarakhand.
|
4094 |
UNSTARRED |
03.05.2010 |
MINORITY AFFAIRS |
REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF SECRETARIES ON ISLAMIC BANKING |
4094. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
he details of the report submitted by the Committee of Secretaries to the Prime Minister on Islamic Banking?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SALMAN KHURSHID)
The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
|
1351 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
JOB CARDS UNDER NREGS |
1351. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the number of job cards prepared and issued to the NREGS beneficiaries in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa;
(b) whether all the beneficiaries under the scheme were paid dues for 100 days in the preceding year; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN ‘ADITYA’)
(a): Cumulative number of job cards issued up to January, 2010 in Bihar is 12248026; in Uttar Pradesh is 11506207; in Madhya Pradesh is 11308268 and in Orissa is 5447476.
(b) & (c): Mahatama Gandhi NREGA is demand based. The Act provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment in a Financial Year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Number of days of employment provided to a household depends on the number of days of employment demanded by the household. Further, workers are paid wages for the number of days for which th
|
1216 |
UNSTARRED |
09.03.2010 |
CIVIL AVIATION |
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR PILOTS |
1216. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether `Zero Tolerance Policy` has been introduced for all pilots operating International flights as per the Indian safety laws; and
(b) if so, the mechanism evolved to ensure strict compliance of the safety laws?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a):- Yes, Sir.
(b):-The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has developed a system of surveillance to ensure continuing organizational as well as individual professional competency of license/rating/certificate/approval holders; continuing capability to maintain safe and regular operations by Air Operators and service providers; continuing capacity to properly maintain aviation related Aircraft Maintenance Organizations and other areas such as, Dangerous goods, Aerodromes and Air Navigation Services. On completion of surveillance the deficiencies observed by the DGCA officers are listed and discussed in a debriefing meeting. For every deficiency observed, the operator/organization is required to set the target date for making good the deficiency and submit the same to DGCA office for acceptance. An Enforcement Manual has been prepared and published by DGCA to standardize the Enforcement action. For serious violations, necessary punitive action is also provided in the rules. DGCA has also laid down the procedure to be followed for Pre Flight Medical Checks and Breath Analyzer Test for Alcohol consumption. DGCA carries out Surveillance Checks on Pre-flight Medical Checks.
|
175 |
STARRED |
09.03.2010 |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
MONITORING OF NREGS WORKS IN BIHAR . |
175. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committees to monitor the construction of roads/approach roads and other works under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) have been constituted in every district of Bihar;
(b) whether these Committees have ever met to consider the ongoing projects;
(c) if so, the number of such meetings held;
(d) whether any deficiency in the execution of the works has been noticed by these Committees; and
(e) if so, the details thereof
Answer
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. C. P. JOSHI)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement as referred to in reply to parts (a) to (e) of Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 175 for answer on 9.3.2010.
(a): District level Vigilance and Monitoring Committees (V&MC) are set up to monitor the implementation of all Rural Development programmes, including Mahatama Gandhi NREGA. As reported by the State Government of Bihar, District level V&MC have been set up for all the 38 districts of Bihar.
(b) & (c): As per the guidelines for constitution of V&MC, meetings of the Committees are to be held every quarter. As per reports received from the State Government of Bihar, 40 meetings of the District level V&MC were held during 2008-09 and 38 meetings have been held during 2009-10 so far.
(d) & (e): The information is being collected from the State Government of Bihar.
|
1146 |
UNSTARRED |
08.03.2010 |
LAW & JUSTICE |
RIGHT TO RECALL . |
1146. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government contemplates conferring Right to Recall to the public, so as to improve functioning of democratic institution in the country;
(b) if so, the details in this regard and if not the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): This proposal was considered by the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution and the same was not found acceptable on the grounds of being either impracticable or unnecessary.
|
1031 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
RAILWAYS |
QUALITY OF FOOD SERVED IN TRAINS . |
1031. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-
(a) the new changes brought into improve the quality of food served in the trains;
(b) whether any new policy to improve the efficiency of service providers in the Railways is under consideration; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI E. AHAMED )
(a) to (c): Ministry of Railways is reviewing the present Catering Policy. The new policy will inter-alia address issues of quality, supervision, contract management, introduce passenger feed back systems, increase sales of low-cost Janta food and introduce regional cuisines through Jan Ahar outlets.
|
983 |
UNSTARRED |
05.03.2010 |
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT |
ACCREDITATION SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSITIES INSTITUTES |
983. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether accreditation system adopted by Government to allow universities/institutes to compete on the basis of their ratings has failed in its prime objective of healthy competition for quality education; and
(b) if not, the reasons for which the system has not been vigorously enforced?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): Presently accreditation of universities and other institutions of higher learning is voluntary. As a result only those institution or universities which are desirous of obtaining accreditation apply for the same. The accreditation system at present, does not permit inter se comparison of individual institutions having the same accreditation rating.
|
815 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
PLANNING |
MECHANISM TO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES |
815. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Planning Commission has institutionalized a mechanism to monitor implementation of Central schemes to ensure that benefits of these schemes such as NREGA, Rural Electrification, etc. reach `aam admi’;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) to what extent these schemes have benefited `aam admi’ so far; and
(d) by when the desired targets of these schemes could be achieved?
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): A Delivery Monitoring Unit (DMU) has been established in the Prime Minister’s Office to review a select number of flagship programmes / initiatives / iconic projects. The Nodal Ministries concerned have begun publishing DMU Reports on their websites on a quarterly basis, to keep the Nation informed of their progress. The function of the DMU is to act as a mechanism for oversight to improve monitoring, delivery of output and transparency for ensuring effective delivery of select programmes. However, the primary responsibility for implementation, appropriate monitoring and follow up action remains that of the Ministry/States and the Ministries concerned.
|
805 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
*VOTING RIGHTS FOR NRIS |
805. PROF. P.J. KURIAN
RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether there is a proposal under Government’s consideration to allow NRI’s to have voting rights in India before the next general election scheduled in 2014;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) by when a Bill on the subject is expected to be introduced in Parliament?
Answer
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (c): The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2006 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on the 27th February, 2006. The Bill seeks to amend section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950) to enable Indian citizens who are absent from their place of ordinary residence in India owing to their employment, education or otherwise outside the country, to get their names registered in the electoral rolls of the constituency of their place of ordinary residence in India to be able to cast their votes in the Parliamentary/State elections, in case they happen to be in their constituency at the time of polls. The Bill was referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law & Justice on the 26th March, 2006 for examination and report. The Committee presented its 16th report on the subject to the Rajya Sabha/laid it in the Lok Sabha on the 4th August, 2006. In its report, the Committee, while agreeing with the letter and spirit of the proposed bill for amendment, had recommended the bringing of a comprehensive bill on the subject, containing all the details regarding the manner of enrolment of the Non-Resident Indians, the mode of voting and the conditionalities for contesting elections. The Legislative Department in the Ministry of Law and Justice is working on a draft bill, which will be presented to Parliament after approval by the Cabinet.
|
783 |
UNSTARRED |
04.03.2010 |
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
CHINESE OBJECTION ON CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD |
783. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that China has objected to the ongoing construction of border roads in Ladakh area and the works have been stopped for want of support from Government of India and the State Government;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) in what manner Government proposes to tackle the situation?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)
(a) to (c) The civilian road construction project in Ladakh was being implemented under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Such construction in the proximity of the International Boundary (IB) or in the proximity of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) cannot be undertaken without approvals from the Central Government. In the absence of such approvals, work on the NREGA road in Ladakh was halted.
|
117 |
STARRED |
04.03.2010 |
PLANNING |
GDP FACTORS |
117. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-
(a) the factors that constitute Gross Domestic Product (GDP) together with the share of each factor;
(b) whether it is a fact that share of agriculture has dropped to 17 percent of GDP from 25 percent;
(c) if so, the reasons for the drop in share; and
(d) whether it has any impact on the implementation of the ongoing Central schemes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)?
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): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 117 REGARDING “GDP FACTORS” BY SHRI SABIR ALI DUE FOR ANSWER ON 4th MARCH, 2010
(a) to (d): The Gross Domestic Product(GDP) comprises three broad sectors namely; Agriculture, Industry and Services. While the share of agriculture in GDP (at 1999-2000 prices) has declined from 25% in 1999-2000 to 17% in 2008-09, the share of industry has increased from 39.5% to 41.5% and services sector from 35.5% to 41.6 % over the same period. Details of the share of these sectors along with their major sub-sectors are at Annex-I.
The decline in the share of agriculture in GDP over the years has been due to a rapid growth in the services sector and a lower growth rate in agriculture. The growth rate in agriculture has fluctuated between -7.2% to 10% from the period of 1999-2000 to 2008-09, whereas the growth rate in the services sector has been consistently positive and ranged between 6.3% to 11.6% during the same period. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) provides a safety net through a guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households which volunteer to take up manual work. The priorities of works taken up under MGNREGS are drought proofing, flood control, land development etc. The convergence of MGNREGS with agriculture through effective planning of works is aimed at enhancing the productivity of the agricultural sector.
|
683 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
HOME AFFAIRS |
PROCLAIMED OFFENDERS UNTRACEABLE IN DELHI . |
683. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) what is the estimated number of proclaimed offenders who remained untraceable as on 1.1.2010 in Delhi;
(b) whether it is due to apathy or inability or both on the part of Delhi Police; and
(c) what steps Government has taken or proposes to take to apprehend them to save the city from further worsening law and order situation?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (c): The estimated number of proclaimed offenders who remained untraceable as on 1.1.2010 is 13521. The Delhi Police follows a streamlined and fine-tuned mechanism following the directions of the Hon’ble High Court, and all necessary efforts are made to ensure follow-up action and timely arrest of proclaimed Offenders. The measures taken to apprehend the proclaimed Offenders, and make it more effective and result oriented are as follows:-
1. Special teams have been constituted in each district headed by an Inspector for making concerted efforts to apprehend them.
2. Instructions have been issued that the teams should visit the District/State allocated to them for making concerted efforts to apprehend Proclaimed Offenders.
3. Teams visit respective Police Stations at regular intervals to familiarize themselves with the local staff and people in the area to develop rapport and intelligence network.
4. Delhi Police rewards police personnel for apprehending Proclaimed Offenders.
5. Weekly and fortnightly reports on Proclaimed Offenders submitted by the Police Stations are reviewed at the level of Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police.
|
680 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
HOME AFFAIRS |
AMENDMENT IN LAW TO DEAL WITH CASES OF HONOUR KILLINGS |
680. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has taken any decision to amend IPC, Law of Evidence etc. to deal with cases of honour killing and other forms of inhumane treatment meted out to the married couple by village Panchayats in some parts of the country; and
(b) if so, by when the proposed amendments to the laws will be carried out?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b); A proposal to amend the laws including Indian Penal Code,1860 to take care of the situation arising out of honour killings is under consideration of the Government. As the amendment of law involves various stages of consideration and wide consultation with the State Governments and stakeholders, no definite time-frame can be indicated to effect the amendment.
|
643 |
UNSTARRED |
03.03.2010 |
DEFENCE |
TENDER FOR MID AIR REFUELLING AIRCRAFTS |
643. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that in a bid to further boost IAF’s strategic reach capability, Government has decided to refloat the tender for acquiring six new mid air refuelling aircrafts for fighter jets; and
(b) if so, the details in this regard?
Answer
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. It has been decided to refloat the tender for the procurement of six new Mid Air Refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Air Headquarters is presently finalizing a fresh Statement of Case and the proposal will thereafter be progressed as per the Defence Procurement Procedure-2008.
|
529 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
INEFFECTIVE ANTI SNAKE VENOM SERUM |
529. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that anti-snake venom serum produced in Andhra Pradesh and made available in hospitals in Pipra at Supaul has been found ineffective and the vials containing serum have been withdrawn;
(b) whether any inquiry has been instituted to find out the reasons for ineffectiveness of the serum; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) to (c) The Government of Bihar has informed that some samples of Anti Snake Venom Serum manufactured by a Hyderabad based firm have been found ‘not of standard quality’ as per the test reports of the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Necessary action has been taken by the State Government for launching of prosecution in the matter.
|
519 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE |
*VERACITY OF REPORTS ON SWINE FLU PANDEMIC STATUS |
519. SHRI S.S. AHLUWALIA
SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether attention of Government has been drawn to reports in the international and national media around 12 January, 2010 highlighting the accusations made, particularly of Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg, Head of Health in the Council of Europe, that the WHO has been mislead to declare last year the Swine Flu outbreak as pandemic by the makers of flu drugs and vaccines; and
(b) if so, the response of Government thereto indicating the nature of attempts made, if any, to ascertain the veracity of the accusations so made by a responsible health expert like Dr. Wodarg?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) Yes.
(b) 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.
|
483 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
FINANCE |
FOREIGN EXCHANGE DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS BY NATIONALIZED BANK |
483. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that some of the Indian Banks including the State Bank of India (SBI) during 2007 and 2008, entered into foreign exchange derivative contracts with certain companies, importers and exporters in violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) resulting in huge losses;
(b) whether inter-departmental group of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had identified violation of rules and regulation which are not only serious but also international and deliberate; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
(Shri Namo Narain Meena)
(a) to (c) : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as the regulator and supervisor of the banking system, exercises regulatory and supervisory powers under the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Accordingly, the prudential guidelines, including the comprehensive guidelines on derivatives, are formulated and issued to the banks by the RBI. The RBI supervises the banks through Annual Financial Inspections (AFIs), need-based scrutinies, off-site surveillance and periodical meetings with the banks.
RBI has constituted an Internal Departmental Group (IDG) during October, 2008 to review the derivative transactions of certain banks, which are active in derivative business. These banks included a few Indian banks. RBI has concluded that this is not a systemic issue. Some of the important irregularities identified by IDG are as under:
? Offering structures that were in violation of extant regulations; ? Offering leveraged structures; ? Not verifying the underlying / insufficient underlying exposures; ? Booking of contracts under past performance basis beyond 50% of eligible limit without obtaining CA certificate; ? Not ensuring adherence to the eligible limit under the past performance route; ? Not carrying out proper due diligence regarding user appropriateness and suitability of the product offered to the customer; ? Undertaking derivative transactions with / selling structured products to customers not having properly documented risk management policy; ? Not obtaining written acknowledgement from clients for understanding risks disclosed; and ? The periodical review reports and annual audit reports were not obtained by the banks from the concerned users.
|
449 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
CIVIL AVIATION |
TERMINAL IN IGI AIRPORT |
449. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport has been equipped to handle large commercial carriers like Air Bus A-380;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, by when it will be ready to handle large number of passengers in view of Commonwealth Games this year?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Three international contact stands of terminal 3 have been equipped with Triple Arm Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs), two serving the main deck and the third serving the upper deck of Airbus-380 aircraft. The arrival baggage carousels serving Airbus-380 flights have longer claim length. All gate lounges supporting Airbus-380 operations have been sized as per norms applicable with adequate seating capacity. Aircraft Stands and taxing lanes have been dimensioned for Airbus-380 (code F aircraft) with adequate clearances.
(c) Doest not arise.
|
434 |
UNSTARRED |
02.03.2010 |
CIVIL AVIATION |
DEVELOPMENT OF RAXAUL AIRPORT |
434. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has received any representation for developing Raxaul airport either in public sector or as a joint venture to facilitate tourist flow there; and
(b) what are the details in this regard and by when Raxaul is expected to have a full-fledged airport?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Raxaul airport belongs to Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport is not in operation for more than three decades. In order to operationalise the airport, AAI had carried out a study by M/s. RITES and found that there is no potential at present for development of the airport.
|
364 |
UNSTARRED |
25.02.2010 |
OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS |
EFFECTS OF RACIAL ATTACKS |
364. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the estimated number of Indian students who are unlikely to go to Australia on account of racial attacks on them;
(b) whether Government of Australia have taken necessary steps other than doing lip service to protect the Indians; and
(c) if so, the details in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)
(a): No data on number of Indian students who are unlikely to go to Australia on accounts of recent incidents of attacks on Indian nationals including students, is available.
(b) & (c): At the instance of Government of India, the Government of Australia have taken various steps towards ensuring security and safety of Indian nationals and students. Details are given in the statement attached at Annexure-I.
ANNEXURE-I REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (B & C) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 364 FOR ANSWER ON 25.02.2010
STEPS TAKEN BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
? A Task Force headed by the National Security Advisor Duncan Lewis was set up in the office of the Australian Prime Minister in June last year to formulate a ‘whole of government’ approach to the issue and liaise with State Governments the action being taken by them.
? In January 2010, another Standing Consultative Group has been set up involving the federal and Victorian state governments.
? In Melbourne as well as in Sydney, where there are significant populations of Indian students, the police have increased patrolling where incidents have occurred.
? In Melbourne, police presence has been stepped up especially around train stations and high crime neighborhoods ;
? Numbers of police, including in plain clothes, on late night trains taken by students, has been increased;
? The Victoria State Government’s Robbery Task Force has been doubled; the police force is also being increased in a major crack-down on crime, especially at stations; the police have been given wider powers to move unruly people on and to search for weapons without a warrant, which has already led to arrests. CCTV systems have been set up to monitor key crime areas and catch offenders. A mobile CCTV van has also been deployed to monitor main trouble spots.
? Victoria has set up a 24 hotline for students who need advice and help.
? Sentencing laws have been amended to require judges to take into account hatred for, or prejudice against, a particular group as an aggravating factor when sentencing.
? In Melbourne, a 24 hour support and assistance International Student Care Service has been established to provide assistance with counseling, legal assistance and other support services, including in Hindi and Mandarin.
? Over 54 arrests have been made and sentences have been handed down; investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.
? Community reference group involving the police, state government and members of the Indian community and representatives of the High Commission and Consulates have been set up in several states – Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, West Australia and South Australia, to facilitate communication and increase awareness on safety issues
? The Federal and State Governments have taken steps to regulate and reform the universities and institutions, including the appointment of educational agents abroad. Several private colleges have been audited and many closed down; the students so affected have been placed in other colleges offering the same courses.
|
221 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
HOME AFFAIRS |
PENDING DEMAND FOR CREATION OF NEW STATES |
221. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the demands for creation of new States pending for consideration and since when these are pending; and
(b) what steps are being taken in the matter?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a): The Central Government has not received recommendation from any State Government for creation of new States. However, demands and representations have been received from time to time from various individuals and organizations for creation of new states like Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Bhojpur in East Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka, Koshalanchal in Western Orissa, Gorkhaland in West Bengal, Mithilanchal in north Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Purvanchal, Harith Pradesh, Braj Pradesh and Awadh Pradesh comprising various regions of Uttar Pradesh.
(b): Government takes decision on the matter of formation of new States after taking into consideration all relevant factors. Action by the Government would depend on the felt need and general consensus. No definite time-frame can be specified in this regard.
|
167 |
UNSTARRED |
24.02.2010 |
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY |
PROPOSAL TO CHARGE CUSTOM DUTY FROM POWER UNIT OF SEZS |
167. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Special Economic Zones (SEZs) units are exempt from all taxes including custom, excise, service and income tax;
(b) whether Government proposes to charge custom duty from power unit of SEZs for selling power to customers outside SEZs;
(c) if so, the number of power units of SEZs which are likely to be affected by such a decision; and
(d) what would be the revenue margin accruing to Government on this account?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): The fiscal concessions are in built into the SEZ Act, 2005. The Units in the SEZs are allowed duty free goods for setting up SEZ Units, exemption from Service Tax, Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT), Central Sales Tax etc. SEZ Units are allowed 100% Income Tax exemption on export income under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years thereafter and 50% of the ploughed back export profit for next 5 years. Also, sales into Domestic Tariff Area by SEZ Units attract all duties including Countervailing Duties.
(b) to (d): Guidelines for power generation, transmission and distribution in Special Economic Zones have been issued vide communication No. P.6/3/2006-SEZ dated 27th February, 2009.
|
25 |
STARRED |
24.02.2010 |
HOME AFFAIRS |
CREATION OF SEPARATE TELANGANA STATE |
25. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) what were the circumstances which necessitated unilateral decision favouring creation of a separate Telangana State;
(b) whether it is a fact that such a decision has encouraged others to demand creation of separate States;
(c) if so, how the Government proposes to deal with the situation; and
(d) whether Government proposes to constitute a States reorganisation Commission to consider these demands and make recommendation thereon?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 25 FOR 24.2.2010 REGARDING ‘CREATION OF SEPARATE TELANGANA STATE’.
(a): There has been a general demand for more than five decades for the reorganization of State of Andhra Pradesh to create a new State of Telangana. This demand gained renewed impetus when Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao, President of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) went on fast-unto-death programme from 29.11.2009. There were wide spread violent agitations in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh leading to loss of life and property. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh held an All-Party meeting on 7.12.2009 in which all political parties (except one) supported the proposal to move and adopt a resolution in the State Assembly for reorganization of the State. Considering the then prevailing situation in the State, and the minutes of the All Party meeting held on 07.12.2009, the Central Government announced in New Delhi on 09.12.2009 its intention to initiate the process of forming the State of Telangana. It was also announced that an “appropriate resolution would be moved in the State Assembly”.
(b) to (d): Representations have been received from various quarters demanding for creation of new States. Government at this point in time is not considering a general reorganization of the States.
|
48 |
UNSTARRED |
23.02.2010 |
FINANCE |
TAX EXMPTION TO BCCI |
48. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that tax exemption to Board of Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) has been disallowed;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether Government proposes to bring BCCI within the ambit of audit by CAG as the BCCI has become a commercial organization enjoying all tax exemption benefits?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): The exemption was disallowed for the A.Y, 2007-08, during scrutiny proceedings, a~ it was held that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is no longer promoting Cricket as a charitable activity and is now primarily a commercial entity.
(c): No Sir.
|
37 |
UNSTARRED |
23.02.2010 |
FINANCE |
SUBJECT PENALTY ON PRE PAYMENT ON HOUSING LOANS |
37. SHRI SABIR ALI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government is aware that some leading banks and housing finance companies impose penalty on borrowers for pre-payment of home loans misusing their dominant position which is anti-competitive;
(b) whether Government is also aware that such penalty clause prohibits borrowers from foreclosing their housing loans and shifting to other lenders offering lower interest rates; and
(c) if so, what corrective measures Government has taken or proposes to take in the matter?
Answer
The Minister of State in.the Ministry of Finance
(Shri Namo Narain Meena)
(a) to (c): Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported that no specific guidelines on foreclosure or pre-payment charges for loans have been issued to banks. However, in terms of extant RBI instructions, in the context of granting greater functional autonomy to banks, operational freedom has been given to scheduled commercial banks on all matters pertaining to banking transactions, including pre-payment/ foreclosure charges on loans. Pre-payment! foreclosure charges are normally levied by banks as prepayment of loans affects their Asset Liability Management and is reckoned as part of the basic banking services for which banks may levy a reasonable charge. In order to ensure transparency, banks have been advised to display and update on their websites the details of various service charges in a prescribed format. Further, banks have been advised to display on their web sites, the information relating to interest rates and service charges which would enable the customer to obtain the desired information at a quick glance. Banks are required to ~nsure that only latest updated information is placed on their web-sites and ensure that the same is easily accessible from the Home Page of their web-sites.
Banks have also been advised that loan application forms should be comprehensive and should include information about the fees/ charges, if any, payable for processing, the amount of such fees refundable in the case of non-acceptance of applications, pre-payment options and any other matter which affects the interest of the borrower, so that a meaningful comparison with other banks can be made and an informed decision can be taken by the borrower.