RAJYA SABHA164.100.47.5/EDAILYQUESTIONS/sessionno/241/25.11.2016 UE.pdf · RAJYA SABHA ————...

260

RAJYA SABHA

————

List of Questions for WRITTEN ANSWERS

to be asked at a sitting of the Rajya Sabha to be held onFriday, November 25, 2016/Agrahayana 4, 1938 (Saka)

————

(Ministries : Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Chemicals and Fertilizers;Communications; Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution;

Electronics and Information Technology; Food ProcessingIndustries; Law and Justice; Parliamentary Affairs;

Railways; Textiles )

Total number of questions — 160

Implementation of GrameenBhandaran Yojana

†1121. SHRI RAM VICHARNETAM: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the salient features of the GrameenBhandaran Yojana;

(b) the details of the amount earmarkedand allocated under this scheme by theGovernment during last three years and theamount utilized by the States, State-wise;and

(c) the details with regard to achievingthe scientific storage capacity in thecountry, State-wise and Union Territory-wise, including Chhattisgarh?

Development of whitefly resistant seeds

1122. SARDAR SUKHDEV SINGHDHINDSA: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi.

(a) the measures Government is takingto eliminate the whitefly attacks, in termsof research and development of whiteflyresistant seeds and pesticides which causeminimal distress to soil fertility;

(b) whether there has been any campaignundertaken to educate farmers abouthealthy farm practices, farm sanitation andcrop-rotation to reduce whitefly attacks, ifso, the details thereof; and

(c) the extent of damage caused to cottoncrop and other crops due to whitefly attacksin last three years, both in terms of yieldand monetary losses?

Implementation of PMFBY

1123. SHRI SANTIUSE KUJUR: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the progress made againstGovernment target of bringing 50 millionfarmers under the Pradhan Mantri FasalBima Yojana (PMFBY) for kharif crops in2016-17;

261


(b) the percentage increase of farmerswho have opted for crop insurance underthe scheme in 2016-17 vs.2015-16;

(c) the total cultivable area underinsurance this year and the percentageincrease or decrease in area under thescheme as compared to 2015; and

(d) the total sum insured this year andthe percentage increase or decrease in thesum insured under the scheme as comparedto 2015?

Implementation of PMFBY

1124. SHRI SANTIUSE KUJUR: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) how many farmers have opted forPradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY) voluntarily, the total value ofcover taken voluntarily vs. involuntarily;

(b) the number of farmers who havecomplained about the involuntarydeduction of premium from their KisanCredit Card account, State-wise;

(c) how many such cases have beenreported this financial year and actionGovernment is planning to take to addressthis situation;

(d) the measures undertaken tomaximise the insurance coverage for SC/ST/women farmers and number of suchfarmers insured this year, State-wise; and

(e) the percentage difference of suchfarmers this year in comparison to 2015?

Insurance cover to farmers’ loans

†1125. SHRI LAL SINH VADODIA:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government

is also considering to insure the loan offarmers;

(b) if so, whether Government has takenany steps in this regard, so far; and

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

Providing financial security tofarmers

†1126. SHRI LAL SINH VADODIA:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmentis considering to incorporate all types ofrisks for providing financial security tofarmers under the new crop insurancescheme;

(b) if so, whether Government has takenany steps in this regard, so far; and


Educating farmers to adopt moderntechniques

1127. SHRI RAM KUMARKASHYAP: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether agriculture is the majorsource of livelihood of rural people;

(b) whether most of the farmers are stillfollowing age old practices of cultivation;

(c) if so, the measures taken to educatefarmers to adopt modern techniques offarming to yield good crops economically;

(d) whether around 15 per cent of ruralfamilies are landless; and

(e) whether there is any proposal todistribute uncultivable land to them to

262

enable them to convert such land cultivableto earn their livelihood?

Absence of marketing and storagefacilities to farmers

1128. SHRI RAM KUMARKASHYAP: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether in the absence of soundmarketing facilities, farmers have to dependupon local traders and middlemen fordisposal of their farm produce;

(b) if so, the steps taken to providesound marketing facilities to farmers;

(c) whether adequate storage facilitiesare also not available to farmers to storetheir farm produce and as such they arecompelled to store their produces in open;

(d) the quantum of farm producesdamaged during the last two years due tonon-availability of storage facilities; and

(e) the measures taken to constructgodowns at Panchayat level to checkwastage of farm produces?

Blue Revolution

†1129. SHRI R.K. SINHA: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry is preparingany scheme namely Blue Revolution so asto enhance income from export of fish andother aquatic creatures from ̀ 33,441 croresto ` one lakh crore in the next five years;and

(b) whether this scheme would notadversely affect aquatic life andenvironment?

Exporting alive bovine and buffaloes

†1130. SHRI R.K. SINHA: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmentis contemplating to increase income byexporting alive bovine and buffaloes; and

(b) if so, whether its adverse effects onrural agriculture have been assessed?

Providing insurance literacy tofarmers

1131. DR. V. MAITREYAN: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has anymeasures to provide insurance literacy tofarmers regarding agriculture related newsand schemes;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the stepstaken so far by Government in this regard;

(c) the total number of farmers providedwith crop insurance, State-wise;

(d) whether Government has any plansto introduce measures to reduce premiumspayable by farmers, particularly the smalland marginal farmers; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the stepstaken by Government in this regard, if not,the reasons therefor?

Use of monocrotophos pesticide

1132. SHRI P. BHATTACHARYA:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact thatmonocrotophos pesticide has beendescribed as of high acute toxicity by the


263

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)and World Health Organisation (WHO);

(b) whether this pesticide is still in use inthe country while it has been banned inseveral countries, if so, the details thereof;and

(c) the reasons for not banning thispesticide in the country?

Providing information of existingmarket to farmers through SMS

†1133. DR. SANJAY SINH: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has anysystem to provide information of theexisting market to farmers through SMS, ifso, the details thereof;

(b) the procedure adopted to providethis information; and

(c) the details of scheme proposed byGovernment to provide information of theexisting market prices to the farmers viaSMS and by when this scheme will beimplemented throughout the country?

Managing capital collected by Multi-State Cooperative Societies

†1134. SHRI NARAYAN LALPANCHARIYA: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state whetherGovernment proposes under Sections 21,39, 54, 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 to delegatepowers to the State's RegistrarCo-operative Societies for managing andcontrolling the capital collected by Multi-State Co-operative Societies in Rajasthan,if so, by when and if not, the reasonstherefor?

Allocation of fund under RKVY andNFSM

1135. SHRIMATI RANEE NARAH:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to statethe budget provision (allocation) under theRashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)and National Food Security Mission(NFSM) during 2015-16 and 2016-17,year-wise?

Remunerative price to farmerscultivating Tur and Urad dal

1136. SHRIMATI THOTASEETHARAMA LAKSHMI: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Tur and Urad dal are widelyused in the country irrespective of economicstatus;

(b) whether festival season triggers risein consumption of these pulses and theirprices;

(c) whether these pulses are notgenerally preferred by farmers forcultivation because of low returns on MSPand poor market conditions; and

(d) if so, the steps Government is takingto pay special attention in the areas ofcultivation and also to ensure a fair returnfor farmers by hiking MSP andprocurement?

Grant of arrears to Kuttanad package

1137. SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to statewhether Government will take urgent stepsto grant arrears to be paid to Kerala for


264

Kuttanad package projects KEL-1, 2, 3 and4 amounting to ` 91.01 crores?

Assistance to NGOs and SHGsassociated with agriculture sector

1138. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether any financial assistance hasbeen provided to Non-GovernmentalOrganisations (NGOs) and Self HelpGroups (SHGs) associated with agriculturesector in the country, including Jharkhandand Gujarat;

(b) if so, the details thereof during thelast three years and the current year, State-wise and NGO-wise;

(c) the details of the work done by theseNGOs; and

(d) whether Government proposes toreview/has reviewed the working of suchNGOs and if so, the details and outcomethereof?

Training to farmers under GrameenBhandaran Yojana

†1139. SHRI AMAR SHANKARSABLE: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any plan to imparttraining to farmers under the GrameenBhandaran Yojana regarding scientificstorage system in rural areas of the countryincluding Maharashtra, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(b) the total number of farmers whohave been imparted training in the countryincluding Maharashtra in the last threeyears?

Scientific utilization of water inMaharashtra

1140. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Maharashtra,including drought prone Marathwada region,has got normal to above normal rainfallduring the monsoon of the current calendaryear, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Central Governmentproposes to issue an advisory to the farmersand others of Marathwada region and otherregions of the State through the Governmentof Maharashtra for the scientific utilizationof available water to avoid droughtconditions; and


Awareness among farmers regardingPMFBY

1141. SHRI PARTAP SINGH BAJWA:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether as part of Pradhan MantriFasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), UnmannedAerial Vehicles (UAV) have been deployedto estimate crop losses, if so, the detailsthereof;

(b) whether Government hasmechanisms to verify the accuracy of theseestimates to ensure that the companies thatprovide crop insurance under the PMFBYdo not take advantage of farmers; and

(c) whether Government plans to launchawareness schemes to educate farmers onthe agri-analytics (Internet of Things (IoT)devices in agriculture) technology so as tokeep them updated?


265

Increasing coverage under PMFBY

1142. SHRI D. RAJA: Will the Ministerof AGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the PradhanMantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) hasstarted on a slow note in 2016 Kharif season;

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

(c) the remedial measures being takento increase the crop insurance penetrationduring the Rabi season?

Implementation of NFSM inJharkhand

1143. SHRI SANJIV KUMAR: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the total amount allocated andreleased by the Central Government infinancial year 2015-16 and in the currentfinancial year under the National FoodSecurity Mission (NFSM) for Jharkhand;

(b) the targets proposed to be achievedin Jharkhand under the scheme duringfinancial year 2015-16 ;

(c) out of the amount released in financialyear 2015-16, how much has been utilizedby Jharkhand; and

(d) the mechanisms put in place in theMinistry to ensure that expenditure is beingincurred for the purposes intended and thatthe objectives of the scheme have indeedbeen met?

Subsidy for production of organicmanure

†1144. SHRI MEGHRAJ JAIN: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has any planto provide subsidy for production oforganic manure to those herdsmen notinvolved in agricultural activities on the linesof subsidy being provided for productionof chemical fertilizers and manures ;

(b) if so, the details of the said plan; and

(c) whether any fund has been allottedfor this plan in the last three years, if so,the State-wise and year-wise details of theamount allocated?

Decline in production of coconut

1145. SHRI ANIL DESAI: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether pests and diseases areaffecting country's coconut production thisyear, if so, the reasons therefor;

(b) the steps the Ministry is taking topopularize Integrated Pest Management(IPM) and Integrated NutrientManagement (INM) to minimize decliningtrend in coconut production/cultivation;and

(c) whether in view of the medicinaland nutritional value of coconut water inmany diseases like dengue and otherabdominal problems, Government is takingmeasures to control its consumer prices,the details thereof?

Involving private sector in growingpulses overseas

1146. SHRI ABDUL WAHAB: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that neither areaunder pulses growth has increased norproductivity has shown any upward trendduring each of the last three years in the


266

country resulting in import of pulses underopen general licenses; and

(b) whether Government is consideringany proposal to approach private sectorto grow pulses overseas with a guaranteedbuy-back arrangement, if so, the detailsthereof?

Suicide by farmers

1147. SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether farmers’ suicide has risenupto 40 per cent in the year 2015 incomparison to that of 2014, if so, the detailsthereof, State-wise;

(b) the number of farmers committedsuicide in 2016 till 31 October, 2016, State-wise;

(c) the reasons for sharp increase infarmers' suicide in the country; and

(d) the details of measures Governmenthas taken in view of the unprecedentedsuicides by farmers?

Long term policy to tackle drought

1148. SHRI SANJAY RAUT: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether many States have facedserious drought condition and acuteshortage of water for farming communityand livelihood during last three years;

(b) if so, the details of observationsmade by the Government on this seriouscrisis in the many parts of the country;

(c) whether Government is consideringany long term policy for making sufficientwater availability for agricultural

production in various parts of the country, ifso, the details thereof; and

(d) whether Government is alsoconsidering to encourage use of latesttechnology for judicious consumption ofwater for agricultural production, if so, thedetails thereof?

Demand for funds to Telangana underNCDC

1149. SHRI DHARMAPURISRINIVAS: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether a delegation of MPs andMinister from the State of Telangana hasmet the Minister recently, if so, the detailsthereof ;

(b) whether the delegation has requestedthe Minister of releasing additional funds of` 600 crores under National CooperativeDevelopment Corporation (NCDC) toTelangana for releasing loans to womensocieties, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether any decision has been takenby the Ministry in this regard, if so, the detailsthereof?

Production of oil-seeds

1150. SHRI K.C. RAMAMURTHY :Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that our countryspent ̀ 66,000 crores last year for importingvegetable oil alone;

(b) if so, the efforts made by the Ministerto encourage production of oilseeds such

267

a peanuts, seasame, mustard, sunflower, etc.in dry land areas to reach self-sufficiency;and

(c) the status of productivity of edibleoils compared with other countries of theworld?

Development of commercialhorticulture

1151. SHRI D. KUPENDRA REDDY:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of funds released by theNational Horticulture Board (NHB) underdevelopment of commercial horticulturethrough production and Post-HarvestManagement Scheme for each of the lastthree years, State/Union Territory-wise; and

(b) whether the Board has taken adecision not to provide financial assistanceduring the current year to the southernStates of the country, if so, the reasonstherefor?

Development of new variety of garlic

1152. SHRIMATI RENUKACHOWDHURY: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Indian Council ofAgricultural Reserach (ICAR) is workingon development of big clove garlic varietieswhich can respond to short winter ofpeninsular India;

(b) if so, the details thereof along withthe present status thereof; and

(c) the time by which newly developedvarieties of garlic are likely to be madeavailable to farmers for cultivation?

Impact of GM mustard on organicfarming

1153. SHRI M.P. VEERENDRAKUMAR: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that if GMmustard is approved for cultivation, itwould have adverse impact of India'simpressively growing organic farmingsector; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Setting up of KVKs

1154. SHRI PALVAI GOVARDHANREDDY:

SHRI DEVENDER GOUD T:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTUREAND FARMERS WELFARE be pleasedto state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmenthas finalized to set up 100 Krishi VigyanKendras (KVKs) in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and howmany KVKs are going to be set up inAndhra Pradesh; and

(c) the performance and status of theexisting KVKs in the country, with aparticular reference to Andhra Pradesh andTelangana?

Suicide by farmers

†1155. SHRI PREM CHAND GUPTA: SHRIMATI MISHA BHARTI:


(a) whether in view of the cases ofsuicide being on the rise Government'sattention has been drawn towards the


268

reasons which are forcing the farmers tocommit suicide day after day;

(b) whether Government is carrying outany study to understand the economicburden of the farmers; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor, since therising incidence of suicides by farmers is anextremely painful and complex issue?

Availability of new variety of ArharPusa-16

1156. SHRI SAMBHAJICHHATRAPATI:

SHRIMATI RENUKACHOWDHURY:


(a) whether it is a fact that new varietyof Arhar Pusa-16 has been developed bythe Indian Agriculture Research Institute(IARI) which will be ready in 4 months inplace of traditional variety which takesalmost 8-10 months to be ready forharvesting, if so, the details thereof alongwith its main features; and

(b) the time Government is likely totake to make available the seeds of the newvariety of Arhar Pusa-16 to farmers in viewof huge gap between the production anddemand of Arhar dal within the country?

Integration of agricultural markets

1157. SHRI DEVENDER GOUD T.:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware thatthere are nearly 150 principal market yardsand about 110 sub-market yards inTelangana;

(b) whether it is a fact that the Ministryis planning to integrate agriculture markets

under the National Agriculture Marketscheme;

(c) if so, how many of the above marketshave been taken up for integration and bywhen all the 260 plus are going to beintegrated; and

(d) the efforts being made to persuadethe other States which have not broughtamendments to their APMC Act?

Price protection to farmers growingKharif crops

1158. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has estimatedthe output of Kharif crops in Maharashtraand rest of the country, if so, the detailsthereof;

(b) whether the bumper crops is likelyto result in nosedive of prices of foodgrains;and

(c) if so, the precautionary measuresGovernment proposes to take to protectthe interests of farmers of Maharashtra andrest of the country?

Increase in production cost of cottoncrops

1159. SHRI PARTAP SINGH BAJWA:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the inputcost per hectare for the cotton growingfarmers have increased in the last five years;

(b) if so, the average contribution of theGenetically Modified (GM) seeds, inpercentage to this input cost; and

(c) the number of cotton growingfarmers’ suicides in the country in the lastfive years, State-wise?

269

Conversion of agricultural land toother uses

1160. SHRI PREM CHANDGUPTA:

SHRIMATI MISHA BHARTI:


(a) whether it is a fact that the area underagriculture in the country has decreased dueto growing urbanization and populationpressure;

(b) if so, the percentage of area underagriculture for last five years, State-wise;and

(c) the Government's action plan tominimize conversion of agricultural land toother land use patterns, the details thereof?

Promoting organic manure

†1161. SHRI MEGHRAJ JAIN: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government providessubsidy to farmers for procurement oforganic manure also, on the lines of subsidygiven by it on chemical fertilizers/manure,if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of amount allocated forthe said purpose in last three years, State-wise and year-wise; and

(c) the details of steps taken byGovernment for promoting organic manure?

Production of saffron in Jammu andKashmir

1162. SHRI MD. NADIMULHAQUE: Will the Minister ofAGRICULTURE AND FARMERSWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether production of saffron has

increased with the implementation ofNational Saffron Mission in Jammu andKashmir;

(b) if so, the details of increase inproduction in the last four years;

(c) if not, the reasons for the poorproduction; and

(d) the steps being taken to revivesaffron production in the State?

Production and demand of pulses

1163. SHRI AJAY SANCHETI: Willthe Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of production of pulsesin the country during the last three years;

(b) whether the domestic production ofpulses is not able to meet the demand;

(c) if so, the gap between demand andsupply, and import of pulses during lastthree years; and

(d) the details of efforts being made toachieve self-sufficiency in meeting thedemand of pulses?

Bumper production of pulses

1164. SHRIMATI WANSUK SYIEM:Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether India's output of pulses islikely to surpass previous records and alsothe Government's earlier estimate at 20-21.5 million tonnes this crop year (July2016-June 2017); and

(b) whether the current Kharif output,estimated to set new bumper level of 8.5-9.5metric tonnes against Government'sestimate of 8.7 metric tonnes will helpcurtail the import of pulses, if so, the detailsthereof?


270


Import of edible oil

1165. SHRI ANIL DESAI: Will theMinister of AGRICULTURE ANDFARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether India has been the largestimporter of edible oil for many years;

(b) if so, whether the import bill lastyear was over ` 65,000 crore;

(c) whether the Solvent Extractors'Association has predicted that India couldimport huge quantities of oil-meals used aslivestock feed; and

(d) if so, the steps Government is takingto step up production of oilseeds and toreduce the import bill?

Setting up of KVKs

1166. SHRI DEREK O’BRIEN:SHRI SANJAY SETH:


(a) whether Government is planning toset up Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) ineach district of the country; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the State-wise number of farmers being assisted insuch Kendras up to October, 2016?

Supply of fake and poor quality seeds

1167. SHRI DARSHAN SINGHYADAV:

SHRIMATI RAJANI PATIL:


(a) whether Government has receivedcomplaints of supply of fake and poorquality seeds to farmers;

(b) if so, the steps Government hastaken to address the issue;

(c) whether Government has taken anysteps to provide relief to farmers affectedby such seeds; and

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

Achievements under Jan AushadhiScheme

†1168. SHRI RAM VICHARNETAM: Will the Minister ofCHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS bepleased to state:

(a) the details of targets set andachievements made in States/UnionTerritories including Chhattisgarh under theJan Aushadhi Scheme during each of thelast three years and the current year;

(b) whether Government is planning/proposing to open these stores in all AIIMS,famous hospitals and medical colleges ofthe country, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Ministry incollaboration with the Health and FamilyWelfare Ministry to open these stores inAIIMS, famous hospitals and medicalcolleges of the country?

Availability of basic fertilizers

1169. DR. KANWAR DEEP SINGH:Will the Minister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the basic fertilizers requiredby farmers for different crops are not readilyavailable, if so, the reasons therefor andwhat Government is doing about this; and

(b) whether the fertilizer subsidies arebeing smoothly transferred to farmers'accounts in all the States?

271

Revival of closed units of HFCL andFCIL

1170. SHRI T.K. RANGARAJAN: Willthe Minister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is fact that Governmenthas decided to revive all closed units ofHindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited(HFCL) and Fertilizer Corporation of IndiaLtd. (FCIL) through Public Sector routeexcept Durgapur and Haldia plants; and

(b) if so, the reasons therefor?

Setting up of Seed Banks

1171. SHRI NARENDRA KUMARSWAIN:

SHRI RANJIB BISWAL:


(a) the total number of Seed Banksestablished in the country by the end ofAugust, 2016 and September, 2016,respectively State-wise;

(b) the proposed target of setting up SeedBanks in the country during the current year;

(c) the number of new Seed Banks tobe opened in Odisha during 2016-17; and

(d) the details of these Seed Banks?

Disinvestment target for public sectorfertilizer companies

1172. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: Will theMinister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has plannedextensive disinvestment target for publicsector fertilizer companies, if so, plant-wisedetails of target for the funds to begenerated with time-line;

(b) whether Government has plans toapproach PSUs/Ratna companies fordisinvestment of such sick units as firstoption, if so, the details thereof, if not, thereasons therefor;

(c) whether many corporates haveshown their interest for the same, if so, thedetails thereof; and

(d) the details of the unrevivable plantsand whether Government has plans to sellthem, if so, the details thereof, if not, thereasons therefor?

Impact assessment of opening of JanAushadhi outlets

1173. DR. VINAY P.SAHASRABUDDHE: Will the Minister ofCHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS bepleased to state:

(a) the number of Jan Aushadhi outletsopened between the period 2014-16 all overthe country, State-wise;

(b) whether Government has set anyregional targets, as also areas of emphasiswhile promoting the opening of suchoutlets, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether Government has conductedor contemplated any study of the impactassessment of this Scheme, if so, themechanism of doing the same, if not, whenand how will the Government conduct suchstudy?

Issues hampering growth of fertilizersector

1174. DR. R. LAKSHMANAN: Willthe Minister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of issues hampering thegrowth of fertilizer sector;

272


(b) whether Government has made anyevaluation and formulated anycomprehensive plan for the growth offertilizer sector in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

Details of medicines supplied throughJan Aushadhi Scheme

†1175. SHRI AMAR SHANKARSABLE: Will the Minister of CHEMICALSAND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government isimplementing Jan Aushadhi Scheme forproviding affordable medicines to people;

(b) if so, the number of districts in thecountry including Maharashtra where it hasbeen implemented and the details of thegeneric medicines provided through thisscheme;

(c) whether Government has decided tooperationalise this scheme in the wholecountry, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by Government inthis regard?

Spreading awareness regarding JanAushadhi Scheme

†1176. SHRI PRABHAT JHA: Willthe Minister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the success achieved so farof the Jan Aushadhi Scheme initiated bythe Central Government has beenencouraging, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the State-wise details of JanAushadhi stores opened so far and the goals

fixed for this scheme for the coming threeyears; and

(c) whether any programme is beingimplemented with a view to spreadawareness regarding Jan Aushadhi Scheme,if so, the details thereof?

New Drugs Policy

1177. SHRIMATI RAJANI PATIL:SHRI P. BHATTACHARYA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALSAND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government proposes tointroduce a new Drugs Policy;

(b) if so, the salient features of the newpolicy; and

(c) how it would be beneficial toconsumers, especially the common man?

New Urea Investment Policy

1178. SHRI PALVAI GOVARDHANREDDY: Will the Minister ofCHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS bepleased to state:

(a) the aims and objectives of the newUrea Investment Policy;

(b) whether it is a fact that only privateplayers are being invited to set up ureaplants under the above policy;

(c) what Government is thinking aboutincreasing the production capacity of ureain central PSUs; and

(d) the demand and supply of urea inthe country in the last five years and thecurrent year, year-wise and State-wise?

273


Definition of life saving drugs

1179. SHRI C.M. RAMESH: Will theMinister of CHEMICALS ANDFERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is nodefinition for life saving drugs, either in theDrugs (Prices Control) Order or in theNational Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy;

(b) if so, the reasons for not definingthe term;

(c) how the price of life saving drugs isfixed in the absence of any definition; and

(d) which medicines are considered aslife saving drugs?

Revenue through 4G auction

1180. SHRI A.U. SINGH DEO: Willthe Minister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) the details of revenue earned byGovernment through the allocation ofspectrum for 4G services and names of thecompanies to which the allocation wasmade, company-wise; and

(b) the number of Wi-Fi hotspotsinstalled to provide 4G and the expansionaimed during the current year?

Discontinuation of roaming charges

1181. SHRI R. VAITHILINGAM: Willthe Minister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) the roaming charges for mobilesubscribers in the country at present,company-wise;

(b) whether Government has anyproposal to discontinue the roamingcharges for mobile subscribers, if so, thedetails thereof;

(c) whether Government proposes todirect the telecom operators not to increaseSTD tariffs and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by Government inthis regard?

Telecom services in backward andrural areas

†1182. SHRI SANJAY SETH: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government has taken anyconcrete steps to provide telecom services,especially to the backward and rural areasof the country, on priority basis; and

(b) the details of telecom servicesprovided, especially to the backward andrural areas of the country, as on date, andby when telecom services are proposed tobe made available across the rural areas ofthe country?

Regulation of call rates and internetcharges by Government

†1183. DR. SANJAY SINH: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) the policy of Government to regulatethe call rates and internet charges of themobile network companies;

(b) the reasons for different companieshaving different call rates and data packs;

(c) whether providing free internetservices till 31 December, 2016 by areputed company is in compliance withthe rules; and

(d) whether Government is consideringto reduce the rates of internet data plans totake internet services to all the villages andhouseholds?

274


Action taken on call drops

1184. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether the Prime Minister and theMinister of Communications have shownconcern over the menace of call drops onvarious occasions, if so, details of actionstaken in this regard and how far the problemhas been resolved till date;

(b) whether Government has takenaction against erring companies for calldrops, the details of penalties imposed andrecovered till date; and

(c) the details of permissible limit ofcall drops and the existing figures of thesame, and the time-line by whichGovernment plans to eradicate thismenace?

Increasing the speed of internet byBSNL

1185. SHRI SHAMSHER SINGHMANHAS: Will the Minister ofCOMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that BSNL isproviding broadband services in thecountry; and

(b) if so, the steps being taken by BSNLto increase the broadband internet speed?

Wi-Fi facility at tourist destinations

1186. SHRI K.R. ARJUNAN: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmenthas decided to provide Wi-Fi facilities athundred tourist destinations across thecountry, if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether Government has identifiedthe places where these services will beprovided, if so, the details thereof?

Submission of report by telecomoperators on call failures

1187. SHRI K.R. ARJUNAN: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether Telecom RegulatoryAuthority of India (TRAI) will ask alltelecom operators to submit reports on thenumber of call failures on their network ona daily basis;

(b) whether TRAI has made it clear thatthe call failures at the point of inter-connectivity should be less than 0.5 percent; and

(c) whether it is a fact that there areallegations that operators were notcooperating amongst themselves to provideadequate number of inter-connect pointsfor calls originating from their respectivenetworks, if so, the details thereof?

BSNL network in Samastipur

†1188. SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR:Will the Minister ofCOMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmenthas formulated several schemes to improvethe communication system and whetherany improvement has been noticed in theservices of BSNL so far, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(b) how Government is planning toimprove the BSNL network in Samastipurdistrict of Bihar, which is often out of order,the details thereof?

275


Delay in implementation ofBharatNet

1189. PROF. M.V. RAJEEV GOWDA:Will the Minister ofCOMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Gram Panchayats thathave been covered under the BharatNet sofar;

(b) whether there has been a delay inthe implementation of BharatNet; and

(c) if so, the reasons therefor, and themeasures taken to overcome the issue?

Improving services of BSNL in Jammuand Kashmir

1190. SHRI NAZIR AHMED LAWAY:Will the Minister ofCOMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the developments made by thepresent Government in improving theservices for subscribers of BSNL landlineconnections in Jammu and Kashmir;

(b) the district-wise details ofdevelopments made so far, particularly inKulgam district; and

(c) the steps being taken to improve theBSNL telecom exchange in Kulgam districtas the subscribers of the area are facing lotof problems on a daily basis?

Certificate of incorporation to IndiaPost Payments Bank

1191. SHRI T. RATHINAVEL: Will theMinister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that India PostPayments Bank has received the certificate

of incorporation, paving the way for thepostal department's bank to beginoperations in 2017, as announced;

(b) whether it is also a fact that this willbe the first Public Sector Undertaking underthe Department of Posts; and

(c) whether it is also a fact that theDepartment is expected to roll out branchesacross the country by September, 2017, ifso, the details thereof?

Appointment of DSAs/MBAs byMTNL

†1192. SHRI PARVEZ HASHMI: Willthe Minister of COMMUNICATIONS bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that MahanagarTelephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) hasappointed Direct Selling Agents/MTNLBusiness Associates (DSAs/MBAs) todeliver their services to consumers, thedetails thereof;

(b) whether the said DSAs/MBAs arebeing provided with commission as perbooking of per connection, the detailsthereof;

(c) whether any proposal to enhancethis commission to DSA/MBA as per theratio of dearness allowance is underconsideration of Government, the detailsthereof; and

(d) whether Government has got DSAs/MBAs insured keeping in view their fieldwork, the details thereof?

Legislative proposal to reform TRAIAct

1193. SHRI RAJEEVCHANDRASEKHAR: Will the Ministerof COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to

276


refer to answer to Unstarred Question 607given in the Rajya Sabha on 22nd July, 2016and state:

(a) whether Government intends toconduct a public consultation to elicit theviews of consumer rights’ groups, civilsociety experts and citizens while examiningthe legislative proposal to reform the TRAIAct, 1997; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Mixing of soil with foodgrains storedfor public distribution

1194. SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA:Will ihe Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there havebeen serious complaints about mixing ofsoil with foodgrains stored for publicdistribution up to the tune of 50 per centby employees of warehousing corporationand food supply department; and

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise,and the action taken by Government in thisregard?

Gap between wholesale and retailprices of vegetables

1195. SHRI K.G. KENYE: Will theMinister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONbe pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that despite goodproduction of vegetables during April-July,their availability was not upto the markand hence resulted in high prices;

(b) whether it is also a fact that tomato,onion, cabbage etc. were got wasted duringthe last three months; and

(c) if so, the action taken by Governmentto ease the gap between retail and wholesaleprices of vegetables and to make sufficientmarket availability thereof?

Procurement of pulses for bufferstock

1196. SHRI DEVENDER GOUD T.:Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that NAFED andother agencies have started procuring 10lakh tonnes of pulses for buffer stock, ifso, the details thereof;

(b) the available existing buffer stock ofvarious pulses in the country; and

(c) the quantity of pulses proposed tobe procured from farmers and proposed tobe imported for the buffer stock?

Claims under LSPEF to RSFCSC Ltd.

†1197. SHRI NARAYAN LALPANCHARIYA: Will the Minister ofCONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD ANDPUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Central Government is yetto settle the Levy Sugar Price EqualizationFund (LSPEF) claims of the Rajasthan StateFood and Civil Supplies Corporation(RSFCSC) Ltd., if so, by when the aboveclaims will be settled; and

(b) whether Government of Rajasthanhas sent any request to the CentralGovernment to ensure timely offtaking offoodgrains, if so, by when the above requestwould be conceded?

277

Leakages in PDS

1198. SHRIMATI RANEE NARAH:Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there areleakages in Public Distribution System(PDS) in many States; and

(b) if so, the initiatives taken byGovernment to plug these leakages in PDS?

Distribution of essential commoditiesat subsidized rates

1199. SHRIMATI JHARNA DASBAIDYA: Will the Minister ofCONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD ANDPUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased tostate:

(a) the details of States who have takensteps to distribute essential commoditiesat subsidized rates through Governmentoutlets; and

(b) the details of the subsidized priceindex of pulses and edible oils, State-wise?

Procurement of wheat and rice

1200. SHRIMATI JHARNA DASBAIDYA: Will the Minister ofCONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD ANDPUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased tostate:

(a) the total production of wheat andrice during the last two years, year-wise;and

(b) the total procurement of wheat andrice during 2014-15 and 2015-16, year-wise?

Damage to foodgrains in FCIgodowns

1201. SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY:Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has taken noteof all those FCI godowns where damage offood stock is a regular affair;

(b) if so, the list of such godowns wherethe loss/damage to food stock has beenoccurring for the last five years ending31 March, 2015;

(c) whether the damage/loss was due tothe negligence of the managers of godownsor because of some other reason; and

(d) the reason for the loss/damage tothe food stock of every godown for theperiod mentioned above, year-wise?

Reforms in DecentralisedProcurement Scheme

1202. DR R. LAKSHMANAN: Willthe Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONbe pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is of the viewthat there is a need for making reforms inDecentralised Procurement Scheme (DCP),if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Government iscontemplating to implement the Schemeon all India basis, which is at present onlyimplemented and followed by a few States;and


278

Policy measures to reduce pendencyof cases

1203. SHRI PRAMOD TIWARI: Willthe Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

(a) the policy measures being taken byGovernment to reduce the huge pendencyof litigation cases in the country;

(b) the steps taken by Government,since 2014, to increase the total number ofJudges in the country and how muchamount has been spent to improve theconcerned infrastructure since then; and

(c) the number of new Judges who havebeen appointed in various High Courts andthe Supreme Court since 2014?

Requirement, demand and supply offoodgrains under PDS

†1204. DR. SATYANARAYANJATIYA: Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) the quantum of foodgrains and otheritems issued presently under PublicDistribution System (PDS) and the numberof outlets thereof, State-wise;

(b) with reference to above, the numberof persons died of hunger due to scarcity offoodgrains in the last three years, State-wise;and

(c) with reference to 'a' and ‘b', thedifference between requirement, demandand supply of foodgrains through PDS ineach of the last three years in the country?

Creation of State Food Commissions

1205. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI: Willthe Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONbe pleased to state:

(a) how many States have created StateFood Commissions, so far, as mandatedby the National Food Security Act, 2013;

(b) the details of the States where theCommission has been created and the Stateswhere it has not been created; and

(c) whether Central Government isproviding any assistance to StateGovernments to establish the State FoodCommissions?

Linking of ration cards with Aadhaar

1206. SHRIMATI SAROJINIHEMBRAM: Will the Minister ofCONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD ANDPUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased tostate:

(a) whether the process of linking ofAadhaar No. with ration cards of thepeople has been completed, if so, the detailsthereof;

(b) whether Government has made itmandatory for all ration card holders to linkit their cards with their Aadhaar No.; and

(c) if so, the details of the achievementmade in this regard, so far?

Claims under LSPEF

1207. SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV:Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Levy SugarPrice Equalization Fund (LSPEF) claimshave not been released to Rajasthan StateFood Civil Supplies Corporation;

(b) if so, the amount of claims that haveto be released and the reasons for notreleasing them; and

(c) whether Government intends to


279

release these funds, if so, by when and ifnot, the reasons therefor?

Review of procurement, distributionetc. of foodgrains

1208. SHRI DARSHAN SINGHYADAV:

SHRI P. BHATTACHARYA:SHRIMATI RAJANI PATIL:

Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has conductedany review of the existing sytem ofprocurement, marketing, storage,preservation and distribution of foodgrains;

(b) if so, the details and the outcomethereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor and thecorrective steps taken in this regard?

Fitting of bio-toilets in trains

1209. DR. V. MAITREYAN: Will theMinister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has plannedto fit bio-toilets on all new and existingtrains to maintain cleanliness and hygiene,both inside the trains and at stations;

(b) the cost to be incurred per unit ofbio-toilet and the total number of bio-toiletunits to be fitted;

(c) whether Government has finalizedthe contracts for supply, installation andfitting of bio-toilets in various existing trains;

(d) if so, the details thereof and theexpenditure to be incurred by Governmentin this regard; and

(e) the steps taken by Government tohave more Green Corridors and the fundsearmarked therefor?

Production and supply of wheat

1210. SHRI RIPUN BORA: Will theMinister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTIONbe pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that despite lowproduction of wheat, the country hasexported over 3.03 million metric tonnesof wheat till August, 2016;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor and thedomestic demand and production thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that to easethe domestic supply, Government plansto import upto 2 million tonnes of wheatduring the next few months; and

(d) if so, the effect thereof on Centralexchequer and the available stock in centralpool thereof?

Gap between wholesale and retailprice of onion

1211. SHRI RANJIB BISWAL:SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR

SWAIN:

Will the Minister of CONSUMERAFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLICDISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the wholesale price ofonions has fallen to ` 2 per kg.during themonth of August and September, if so, thereasons therefor;

(d) the super market sale of onion isstill at ` 15 to ` 20 per kg.;

(c) the reasons for such wide gapbetween the wholesale and retail price ofonion; and

(d) any proposed plan of Governmentto stabilize the price of onion in future, thedetails thereof?

280

Rise in price of wheat and otheritems

1212. SHRI D. RAJA: Will the Ministerof CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD ANDPUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that the price ofwheat in Delhi market has risen since Aprilthis year;

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

(c) whether it is also a fact that majorcompanies in the capital have raised theprices of biscuits, bread etc.; and

(d) if so, the details of the rise in pricesof such items and whether this rise conformswith the rise in prices of wheat in themarket?

United States-India ICT workingGroup

1213. SHRI A.K. SELVARAJ: Will theMinister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the UnitedStates-India Information andCommunication Technology WorkingGroup which was set up in 2005 andrevived in 2014, promotes development ofICT sector in the country;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the saidWorking Group has very recently met inDelhi, where several issues were discussed;and

(c) whether both sides discussed theaccomplishments of the Digital IndiaProgramme in transforming India into adigitally empowered society, if so, thedetails thereof?

Low electronics and IT literacy amongtribal youth

1214. SHRI DILIP KUMAR TIRKEY:Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware of thefact that electronics and IT literacy amongtribal youths is very low compared to restof the population; and

(b) if so, whether Government isconsidering to launch any scheme ofenhancing electronics and IT literacyspecifically targeting tribal population, ifso, the details thereof, if not, the reasonstherefor?

Setting up of National Cyber SecurityCoordination Centre

1215. SHRI AJAY SANCHETI: Willthe Minister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government has initiatedthe process to set up a National CyberSecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC);

(b) if so, the need for such anorganisation;

(c) how the existing police personnelwill be trained to professionally handlecyber crimes and cyber security of thecountry; and

(d) the progress made so far in settingup of the above Centre?

Laws to regulate social media

1216. SHRI SHADI LAL BATRA: Willthe Minister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) the details of the existing laws in

281


place to regulate the social media in thecountry;

(b) whether Government has anyproposal to review these laws in order toregulate the social media effectively; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and thereaction of Government thereto?

Modified Special Incentive PackageScheme

1217. SHRI HUSAIN DALWAI: Willthe Minister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) how many projects have availed ofthe Modified Special Incentive PackageScheme (MSIPS) so far, the year-wise andState-wise details thereof;

(b) how much money has been investedin the projects availing MSIPS so far, theyear-wise and State- wise details thereof;

(c) how many projects have receivedreimbursement of different forms of taxesunder MSIPS and the total amount of taxreimbursed so far, the year-wise and State-wise details thereof; and

(d) how many jobs have been createdby projects availing MSIPS so far, the year-wise and State-wise details thereof ?

Shortage of skilled manpower in ITsector

1218. DR. PRABHAKAR KORE: Willthe Minister of ELECTRONICS ANDINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the countryis facing a severe shortage of skilledmanpower in the Information Technologysector;

(b) if so, the percentage and the reasonsfor shortage of skilled manpower in thesector; and

(c) the details of the steps taken byGovernment to overcome the problem ofshortage of skilled manpower in IT sector?

Increasing the level of food processingin the country

1219. PROF. M.V. RAJEEV GOWDA:Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSINGINDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a) whether, given the current meagrelevel of food processing vis-à-vis Thailand,Malaysia and Vietnam Government hasdeveloped a road map to increase the levelof food processing in the country; and

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

Steps to fast track justice

†1220. DR. SATYANARAYANJATIYA: Will the Minister of LAW ANDJUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of new initiatives andeffective measures being taken to changethe delayed justice into fast track justicesystem in the country; and

(b) the updated status of different typesof cases pending in the Supreme Court andHigh Court of each State of the country?

Filling up vacancies of Judges in HighCourts

1221. SHRIMATI AMBIKA SONI:DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY:

Will the Minister of LAW ANDJUSTICE be pleased to state:

282


(a) the progress made by Governmentin filling up vacancies of Judges in variousHigh Courts;

(b) the expeditious steps taken tocomplete the formalities in view of remarkspassed by the Supreme Court about notfilling of judicial vacancies;

(c) whether Memorandum of Procedure(MoP) is causing delay in the process offilling of vacancies, if so, whetherGovernment proposes to modify theprocedure, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the action being taken to fillup the vacancies?

Criteria for setting up of law colleges/universities

1222. SHRI R. VAITHILINGAM: Willthe Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

(a) the criteria laid down for setting upof law colleges/universities in the country;

(b) the State-wise number of lawcolleges/universities functioning in thecountry at present;

(c) whether Government proposes toset up more law colleges/universities inthe country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the timeby which these are likely to be set up,location-wise; and

(e) the steps taken by Government inthis regard as also to improve the qualityof legal education in the country?

Decision on appointment of Judges

†1223. SHRI MOTILAL VORA: Willthe Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government has received

the names of 77 Judges through Collegiumin the last nine months;

(b) if so, the current status with regardto the appointment of Judges;

(c) the reasons for not appointingJudges by Government during the last ninemonths; and

(d) by when the final decision on thelist received from the Collegium would betaken?

Banning of exit polls during elections

†1224. SHRI SANJAY SETH: Will theMinister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government has taken orproposes to take any steps to makeappropriate laws to ban the exit pollsduring elections; and

(b) if so, the details thereof, as on date,and if not, the reasons therefor?

Vacant posts of Judges

†1225. SHRI MAHENDRA SINGHMAHRA: Will the Minister of LAW ANDJUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is adelay in administration of justice to thepeople due to absence of sufficient numberof Judges in Supreme Court and the HighCourts;

(b) if so, the number of vacant posts ofJudges in Supreme Court and the HighCourts situated in States and since whenthese posts are vacant;

(c) the details of the reasons for notappointing Judges against the vacant posts;and

283


(d) by when Judges will be appointedagainst the vacant posts?

Fast Track Courts in Odisha

1226. SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY:Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICEbe pleased to state:

(a) the number of Fast Track Courts(FTCs) established in Odisha;

(b) whether adequate funds have beenallotted for them to remain operative;

(c) how many of them have stoppedfunctioning and the reasons therefor; and

(d) by when Government proposes tomake FTCs operational once again?

Pending civil and criminal cases inCourts

1227. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI:Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICEbe pleased to state:

(a) the number of vacancies of Judges invarious High Courts of the country, State-wise;

(b) the number of pending cases, bothcriminal and civil, in various High Courtsof the country, State-wise;

(c) the number of new cases, bothcriminal and civil, filed in various HighCourts and the Supreme Court in thecountry on an average, State-wise; and

(d) the number of cases taken on boardin a year and disposed of by deliveringjudgements in a year in various High Courtsand the Supreme Court?

Court cases disposed of during lasttwo years

†1228. SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR:Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICEbe pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Governmenthas devised a new plan to dispose of casespending over the years in the country, if so,the details thereof; and

(b) the number of cases disposed ofduring the last two years, the State-wisedetails thereof?

Strength of Judges in Courts of MadhyaPradesh and Chhattisgarh

1229. SHRI VIVEK K. TANKHA: Willthe Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

(a) the details of High Court andSubordinate Courts' Judges functioning outof their total sanctioned strength in MadhyaPradesh and Chhattisgarh;

(b) the number of cases pending till dateand disposed of, so far, in both the Statesby these Courts in the last three years;

(c) the number of criminal cases decidedin these States with the statistics of thecases resulting in conviction and acquittalin the last three years; and

(d) the steps contemplated to expeditethe process of appointments against thevacant posts in the High Court andSubordinate Courts in these States?

Judicial Performance EvaluationSystem

1230. SHRI DEREK O' BRIEN: Willthe Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE bepleased to state:

284

(a) whether the Ministry is planning toput in place a Judicial PerformanceEvaluation System for Judges of theSupreme Court and High Courts; and

(b) if so, the parameters of suchevaluation?

Central law for compulsoryregistration of marriages

1231. SHRI DILIPBHAI PANDYA:Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICEbe pleased to state:

(a) whether in October, 2007, theSupreme Court had set a fresh three monthsdeadline for States and Union Territoriesto frame necessary rules to make registrationof marriages compulsory irrespective ofreligion, and took exception to some Statesmaking such registration compulsory onlyfor Hindus;

(b) whether Government has urged theStates to comply with the order of theSupreme Court;

(c) the number of States which have sofar introduced such legislation; and

(d) whether in view of the SupremeCourt's judgement, Government isconsidering to have a Central Law forcompulsory registration of marriages?

Medical facilities on running trains

1232. SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state:

(a) whether Government considersmedical facilities on running trains anecessity, which include a GeneralPhysician with medical attendant, essentialdrugs and some basic diagnosticinstruments and an oxygen cylinder; and

(b) if so, whether Government has anyplan to provide essential medical serviceson running trains, if not, the reasonstherefor?

Use of train toilets while trains arestationary

1233. SHRI SAMBHAJICHHATRAPATI: Will the Minister ofRAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware thatuse of toilets in trains cause unhygienicand filthy conditions during the period theyremain stationary at the railway stations;

(b) if so, why no concrete action is beingtaken by Railways despite several studiesgot conducted in the past;

(c) the concrete steps Government hasdecided to take to tackle this menace toimprove the unhygienic condition ofrailway stations; and

(d) whether the Ministry will join handswith the Ministries of Urban Developmentand Tourism to formulate a well conceivedprogramme as part of Swachh Bharatprogramme?

Cabinet approval for laying of newrailway lines

†1234. SHRI MOTILAL VORA: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Cabinet approval has beenaccorded for laying third line from Nagpurto Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur to Jharsuguda inOdisha, Jhansi to Beena, Itarsi to Nagpur,Balharshah in Maharashtra to Kazipet andfrom Gudur to Vijayawada;

(b) the target to complete the laying ofeach of the above railway lines;


285


(c) by when the work of laying of theserailway lines will be started; and

(d) the estimated cost of each of theselines?

Scheme for providing insurance totrain passengers

†1235. SHRI P. L. PUNIA: Will theMinister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) the total premium received byRailways under the scheme for providinginsurance cover to passengers and thequantum of compensation that Railwayshad to shell out after various accidents, thedetails thereof; and

(b) the total compensation provided byRailways with regard to accidents beforeintroduction of the above scheme, the detailsof the last three years?

Profit under flexi fare system

†1236. SHRI P. L. PUNIA: Will theMinister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) the amount of profit earned byRailways after implementing the flexi faresystem in premium trains, including theShatabdi Express, the details thereof; and

(b) the total hike in fares of variousclasses and the increase or decrease in thenumber of passengers after the introductionof flexi fare system, the details thereof?

Gauge conversion between Peralamand Karaikkal

1237. SHRI N. GOKULAKRISHNAN:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS bepleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware thatthe train services between Peralam in TamilNadu and Karaikkal in the Union Territoryof Puducherry were stopped for manyyears due to gauge conversion;

(b) whether there is any proposal inpipeline for gauge conversion betweenPeralam and Karaikkal;

(c) the total distance to be covered undergauge conversion;

(d) the total estimate for undertakingthe gauge conversion work; and

(e) whether Government will initiateimmediate action to start the gaugeconversion work which is pending for manyyears?

Railway line connecting Chennai andPuducherry

1238. SHRI N. GOKULAKRISHNAN:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS bepleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal forconnecting Chennai and Puducherry in thedirect line via Tindivanam-Puducherry oralong the east coast road;

(b) whether Government will fulfill thelong pending demands of the people ofPuducherry by introducing super fast trainservices between Chennai and Puducherryvia Tindivanam; and

(c) whether Government would takeaction to lay new line between Cuddaloreand Puducherry in order to connectKaraikkal directly as there is no direct trainservice from Puducherry to Karaikkal viaCuddalore and there is no railway linebetween Puducherry and Cuddalore?

286

Lack of funds for improving basicamenities

1239. DR. KANWAR DEEP SINGH:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Railways donot have funds required for improving basicamenities and its modernization;

(b) if so, whether Government wouldallow private investment for thesepurposes;

(c) whether such a proposal has beenreceived; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the actionbeing taken thereon?

Employees belonging to OBCcategory in IRCTC

1240. SHRI T. K. RANGARAJAN:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state the number of employees fromOBC category in IRCTC in the year2014-15?

Construction works in Railwaysunder MGNREGA

1241. SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether there is any proposal toundertake construction works in Railwaysunder MGNREGA, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(b) whether any such proposal has beensent by Railways to the Ministry of RuralDevelopment, if so, the response of thatMinistry thereon?

Temporary halts for Rajdhani andShatabdi trains

1242. SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) the number of temporary halts forRajdhani and Shatabdi trains, the State-wisedetails thereof;

(b) whether any new temporary haltwas allowed for Rajdhani and Shatabditrains during the last two years, if so, thedetails thereof; and

(c) whether there is any proposal todiscontinue the stoppage of Rajdhani andShatabdi trains at temporary halts, if so,the details thereof?

New railway lines in Uttarakhand

†1243. SHRI MAHENDRA SINGHMAHRA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether announcement for newrailway lines between Rourkee-PiranKaliyar and Tanakpur-Jauljibi inUttarakhand had been made in rail budgetof previous years;

(b) if so, the present status thereof;

(c) whether these rail routes will see thelight of the day; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

Losses to local train services inMumbai

1244. DR. VINAY P.SAHASRABUDDHE: Will the Ministerof RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that local trainservices in Mumbai metropolitan area have


287

been incurring huge losses for several years,if so, the income and expenditure figuresfor the last three years;

(b) the measures being taken to makethese services break even or make someprofit as well; and

(c) whether Railways have thought ofdeveloping local railway stations inMumbai commercially to add to theincome, if so, the progress made so far inthis regard?

Disabled-friendly railway stations

1245. SHRI VIVEK GUPTA: Will theMinister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that CAG hadrecently pointed out that railway stationswere not disabled- friendly and nosignificant improvements were seen overthe years;

(b) the amount spent on making railwaystations and trains disabled-friendly overthe past five years, region-wise; and

(c) whether there has been an increasedeffort by Government to make Railwaysdisabled-friendly, if so, the details thereof?

Speed limit for high-speed trains

1246. SHRI C. P. NARAYANAN: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Government has decided tointroduce high-speed trains in some of thecrowded routes in the country;

(b) if so, the speed limits under activeconsideration; and

(c) the sectors considered to introducesuch trains and the expenditure expected?

Levy of coal terminal surcharge

1247. DR. PRADEEP KUMARBALMUCHU: : Will the Minister ofRAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has decidedto levy coal terminal surcharge at bothloading and unloading ends for powercompanies, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Ministry has receivedany representations from coal consumersassociation requesting to review thedecision taken by Railways on collectionof terminal surcharge, if so, the detailsthereof;

(c) whether the Ministry has viewedtheir request positively for considerationof reducing the surcharge, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(d) the steps being taken byGovernment to alleviate the problems ofthe coal consumers association?

Electrification of railway tracks

1248. SHRI MD. NADIMULHAQUE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:

(a) the length in kilometers of railwaytrack electrified in the last five years, theyear-wise data from 2011 to 2016; and

(b) how many kilometers of railwaytrack has been electrified in the last fiveyears in the North East Region, year-wisedata from 2011 to 2016?

Rationale behind flexi fare system

1249. SHRIMATI WANSUK SYIEM:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state:

(a) the rationale behind Railways'introduction of flexi fare system for

288


Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trainsin all classes except 1st AC and Executiveclass;

(b) whether experiments with the samesystem, for Premium and Suvidha trainsearlier, have not been on the expected lines;and

(c) whether according to expert analysis,even after flexi fare for elite trains, the totaloperating loss per year to Railways due topassenger operations would be about` 29,500 crore in 2016-17?

Doubling of Alwar-Bandikui railwaydivision

†1250. SHRI OM PRAKASHMATHUR: Will the Minister ofRAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether only the work of doublingof railway line of Alwar-Bandikui railwaydivision of Delhi-Ajmer railway route hasnot started yet, if so, the reasons therefor;

(b) the present status thereof; and

(c) the sector-wise details of the fundsallocated and used till now?

Additional train from Delhi to UttarPradesh and Bihar

†1251. SHRI PRAMOD TIWARI: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Government is planning torun an additional train in view of huge crowdof passengers travelling from Delhi to UttarPradesh and Bihar;

(b) whether it is a fact that Railwaysearn maximum amount of revenue fromthese places; and

(c) if so, whether Government has any

plan to modernize the stations of theseregions?

Benefit of merging Railway Budgetwith General Budget

1252. SHRI SHWAIT MALIK: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether there will be any benefit ofmerging Railway Budget with the GeneralBudget; and

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

Appointment of Station Directors

1253. SHRI V. VIJAYASAI REDDY:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state:

(a) whether Government proposes toappoint Station Directors at all the 75 A-1category railway stations in the country;

(b) in what manner will suchappointments improve the amenities andbenefits for the travelling public;

(c) whether any stations in AndhraPradesh and Telangana have been includedin this A-1 category stations;

(d) whether it is a fact that a specialbudget is being made available for these 75railway stations to upgrade them; and

(e) the details of the merits of this plan?

Merger of Rail Budget with GeneralBudget

†1254. SHRI MAJEED MEMON: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

289

(a) whether Government has taken anyfinal decision regarding doing away withnine decade old practice of presenting aseparate Railway Budget from nextfinancial year;

(b) whether it is a fact that by mergingRailway Budget with General Budget, therewould be huge economic savings to the cash-starved Railways, if so, the quantum ofsavings;

(c) whether Government has receivedreport of the Joint Committee constitutedto work out modalities, for this merger;and

(d) if so, the details of the suggestedmodalities and changes?

Intelligent Video Analytics at majorrailway stations

1255. SHRIMATI VANDANACHAVAN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether Intelligent Video Analyticsare being deployed at major railwaystations for crowd control and management,if so, the details thereof;

(b) the railway stations where thesystem will be deployed, State-wise; and

(c) the criteria used for making a railwaystation eligible for deployment of thesecurity system?

Deplorable condition of eatables andsafety in trains

†1256. SHRI NARESH AGRAWAL:Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleasedto state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the conditionof most of the trains with regard to eatables

and safety is deplorable, if so, the reasonstherefor; and

(b) the efforts made by Government toimprove the quality of eatables and safety?

Replacement of old railway bridges

1257. SHRI K.K. RAGESH: Will theMinister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) how many railway bridges, whichare more than 100 years old are still in usein the country;

(b) the complete list of such bridges;

(c) whether Government has anyconcrete proposals to replace such bridgeswith new ones; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Yatri Mitra Sewa

1258. SHRI SURENDRA SINGHNAGAR: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state whether Railways aremaking rail travel comfortable for eldery,differently-abled and ailing passengers bylaunching Yatri Mitra Sewa at majorrailway stations across the country, if so,the details thereof?

Flexi fare system

1259. DR. K.V.P. RAMACHANDRARAO: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS bepleased to state:

(a) whether Shatabdi and Rajdhani trainsare plying with several vacant seats evenafter the flexi fare in premium trains wasintroduced;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and


290


(c) whether Railways would considerwithdrawing flexi fare in the premiumtrains?

Shortage of reserved train seats

1260. SHRI SHAMSHER SINGHDULLO: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether there is an acute shortage ofreserved seats in various Express and othertrains running through various importantcities of the country especially Punjab, ifso, the details thereof and the reasonstherefor; and

(b) the details of steps taken orproposed to be taken by Railways forensuring availability of berths to passengersby increasing the seats in all Express/otherclasses of trains?

Modernization of railway stations inbackward and rural areas

†1261. SHRIMATI MISHABHARTI:

SHRI PREM CHANDGUPTA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS bepleased to state:

(a) the details of amount allocated formodernization of railway stations situatedespecially in backward and rural areas ofthe country during the last three years andthe current year, the Zone-wise detailsthereof;

(b) the amount that will be spent foreach railway station separately;

(c) the details of the target set formodernization of those railway stationswhere the work is in progress; and

(d) the details of the target set formodernization of such railway stations inthe States of Bihar and Jharkhand?

MoU with Russian Railways forupgradation of speed of passenger trains

1262. SHRIMATI AMBIKA SONI:DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY:


(a) whether Russian Railways joinedhands with Indian Railways overupgradation of speed of passenger trains,if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether an MoU has been signedfor modernization of existing lines, if so,the details thereof; and

(c) the pattern of financing the high-speed project and the schedule ofcompletion of various projects, the detailsthereof?

Trains’ cancellation due to cold waveand fog

†1263. SHRIMATI CHHAYAVERMA:

SHRI VISHAMBHARPRASAD NISHAD:


(a) the number of trains cancelled in thelast two years due to cold waves and fog;

(b) whether it is a fact that trains comingto New Delhi and leaving from New Delhito Bihar and Uttar Pradesh reached theirdestinations too late in the festive seasonof October-November, 2016;

(c) the details of such trains runninglate for more than two hours; and

(d) the steps taken by the Ministry

291


considering the problems being faced bythe passengers due to late arrival anddeparture of trains than their scheduledtime?

Reservation availed by creamy layerOBC applicants

†1264. SHRI VISHAMBHARPRASAD NISHAD:

CH. SUKHRAM SINGHYADAV:

SHRIMATI CHHAYAVERMA:


(a) the number of OBC candidates whowere deprived of the benefits of reservationin selection procedure for various postsduring the last three years as they fell undercreamy layer;

(b) whether it is a fact that cases ofgetting jobs by producing fake certificatesquoting therein that the candidate does notfall under the creamy layer, have come tolight; and

(c) the details thereof?

SPV for Bullet train project

1265. SHRI K.G. KENYE:SHRI RIPUN BORA:


(a) whether it is a fact that Governmenthas formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)for Bullet train project in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and thephase-wise project proposal therein;

(c) the details of financial agreement andarrangement of funds therefor;

(d) whether Government has started thefirst phase of the project; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, includingthe shares of the States therein?

Restructuring of Railway Board

1266. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY:SHRIMATI AMBIKA SONI:


(a) whether Railways have embarkedon major overhaul of departmental,functions by restructuring the RailwayBoard, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the highlights of the Bibek DebroyCommittee on restructuring the Board;

(c) whether any final decision has beentaken in this regard, if so, the details thereof;and

(d) if not, by when a final decisionwould be taken to reorient the Board forworking towards common corporateobjective?

Insurance cover for mobiles andlaptops

1267. SHRI A.K. SELVARAJ:SHRI DHARMAPURI

SRINIVAS:


(a) whether it is a fact that IRCTC isconsidering to provide insurance cover formobiles and laptops of rail passengersagainst theft, accident and/or any othermishaps;

(b) whether it is also a fact that IRCTCheld talks with insurance companies in thisregard; and

292


(c) whether it is also a fact that IRCTCtravel insurance scheme was a big success,if so, the details thereof?

Delhi-Ranchi and Delhi-Patnahigh-speed railway system

1268. SHRIMATI MISHA BHARTI:SHRI PREM CHAND GUPTA:


(a) whether Government has launchedjoint feasibility study on high-speed railwaysystem on Delhi-Ranchi and Delhi-Patnaroute; and

(b) if so, the details thereof, if not, thereasons therefor?

Electrification of railway tracks

1269. SHRI SUKHENDU SEKHARROY: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS bepleased to state:

(a) how many kilometers of railwaytracks have been electrified during 2014-15and 2015-16, the State-wise details thereof;

(b) how many kilometers of tracks arescheduled to be electrified during 2016-17,the State-wise details thereof; and

(c) whether any plan is undercontemplation to electrify the tracksbetween Farakka Junction and Cooch BeharJunction and between Katihar Junction inBihar and Farakka Junction in West Bengal,if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasonstherefor?

Change in railway ticket refund rules

1270. SHRI VIVEK K. TANKHA: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Railway Board has changedthe railway ticket refund rules since 2013;

(b) if so, the details of such changesmade periodically; and

(c) whether the changed rules have beencausing undue hardship to passengers as therefund charges have been increased?

Progress of Delhi-Ahmedabad freightcorridor

†1271. SHRI OM PRAKASHMATHUR: Will the Minister ofRAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the date-wise details of the progressof Delhi-Ahmedabad freight corridor;

(b) the year-wise funds a l l o c a t e dand utilized for it in the last three years;and

(c) by when work on this freightcorridor would be completed and the samewould be operational?

Suvidha and flexi fare trains

1272. SHRI T.G. VENKATESH: Willthe Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Railways have introducedSuvidha and flexi fare premium trainsrecently, if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether Railways are collectingexorbitant money from the customers byway of these trains?

CCTV cameras in coaches

1273. SHRIMATI SASIKALAPUSHPA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has any

293

proposal to install CCTV cameras in thecoaches of trains being operated byRailways to ensure the safety and securityof passengers, particularly women andchildren, if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether Government has held anydetailed discussions with all stakeholdersin this regard, if so, the details thereof, ifnot, the reasons therefor?

Investment in nuclear energyexpansion programme

1274. SHRI CHUNIBHAIKANJIBHAI GOHEL: Will the Ministerof RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Railways have any plan toinvest in the country's nuclear energyexpansion programme, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(b) whether Railways have alsoproposed to the Nuclear PowerCorporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) to floatjoint ventures for setting up of nuclearpower plants across the country, if so, thedetails thereof?

Working condition of handloom andhandicraft workers

1275. SHRI ANAND SHARMA: Willthe Minister of TEXTILES be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Government's attention hasbeen drawn towards the working conditionof handloom and handicraft workers whichis affecting their health and sustenance oftheir dependent families, if so, the detailsthereof; and

(b) the steps taken to upgrade thequality of healthcare systems, insuranceand capital for workers in handloom andpowerloom sectors?

Incentivising export of handicraft,handlooms and silk

1276. SHRI ANAND SHARMA: Willthe Minister of TEXTILES be pleased tostate:

(a) whether steps have been taken byGovernment to incentivise export ofhandicraft, handlooms and silk, if so, thedetails thereof; and

(b) the steps taken by Government toencourage and ensure fair economic returnfor artisans and weavers?

Special package for Textile sector

1277. SHRI T.G. VENKATESH: Willthe Minister of TEXTILES be pleased tostate:

(a) whether Government has announcedspecial package for Textile sector recently,if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Ministry has taken upany projects under this package in AndhraPradesh, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the quantum of funds earmarked andreleased so far for taking up technologyupgradation and providing incentives to theapparel sector, the details thereof?

National Textile Policy

1278. SHRI A.U. SINGH DEO: Willthe Minister of TEXTILES be pleased tostate:

(a) the salient features of the presentNational Textile Policy of the country;

(b) the details of funds allocated andutilised under various schemes/projectsduring each of the last three years, State/UT-wise; and

(c) whether Government is planning/

294

NEW DELHI; SHUMSHER K. SHERIFF,The 19th November, 2016 Secretary-General.

Kartika 28, 1938 (Saka)

considering to review the National TextilePolicy, if so, the details thereof, including thetime that will be taken to review and reviseand begin the implementation of this policyalong with the reasons therefor?

Steps to improve cotton production

1279. SHRI VIVEK GUPTA: Will theMinister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that export ofcotton commodities has fallen by over 30per cent in the last three years, if so, thereasons therefor;

(b) the details of cotton production overthe past three years, State-wise;

(c) the steps taken by Government toimprove the above situation; and

(d) the details of measures taken byGovernment to encourage local cottongrowers, along with the details of fundsallocated and disbursed for the same?

Increase in insurance coverage ofhandloom weavers

1280. DR. PRADEEP KUMARBALMUCHU: Will the Minister ofTEXTILES be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministryhas taken a decision to increase theinsurance coverage to be given to handloomweavers, if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the details of the expected increasein the number of persons to come underthe increased insurance coverage net, thedetails thereof?

I N D E X(Ministry-wise)

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare : 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127,1128, 1129, 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134,1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140, 1141,1142, 1143, 1144, 1145, 1146, 1147, 1148,1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155,1156, 1157, 1158, 1159, 1160, 1161, 1162,1163, 1164, 1165, 1166, 1167, 1171,

Chemicals and Fertilizers : 1168, 1169, 1170, 1172, 1173, 1174, 1175,1176, 1177, 1178, 1179,

Cummunications : 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, 1186,1187, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193,

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public : 1194, 1195, 1196, 1197, 1198, 1199, 1200,Distribution 1201, 1202, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208,

1210, 1211, 1212,

Electronics and Information : 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218,Technology

Food Processing Industries : 1219,

Law and Justice : 1203, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225,1226, 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231,

Parliamentary Affairs : —

Railways : 1209, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1236, 1237,1238, 1239, 1240, 1241, 1242, 1243, 1244,1245, 1246, 1247, 1248, 1249, 1250, 1251,1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1257, 1258,1259, 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1265,1266, 1267, 1268, 1269, 1270, 1271, 1272,1273, 1274,

Textiles : 1275, 1276, 1277, 1278, 1279, 1280.

GMGIPMRND—3118RS(S3)—19-11-2016.

295

RAJYA SABHA164.100.47.5/EDAILYQUESTIONS/sessionno/241/25.11.2016 UE.pdf · RAJYA SABHA ————...

Documents

Transcript of RAJYA SABHA164.100.47.5/EDAILYQUESTIONS/sessionno/241/25.11.2016 UE.pdf · RAJYA SABHA ————...