Questions asked by Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi during Lok Sabha session November – December 2009

December 25, 2009

No. of questions found : 42

Q No: 118

Support TwoCircles

Dated:
19/11/2009

Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION

Subject: NORMS FOR AIRLINES TO FLY ABROAD

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

Questions

(a): whether the Government has taken any decision to allow only those Indian carriers to fly abroad that have an experience of flying for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 aircraft.

(b): if so, the reason therefor;

(c): whether the Government has also put same condition for foreign carriers;

(d): if so, the details thereof; and

(e): if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): The Government in 2004 considered that designation of Indian scheduled carriers for operations on international routes may be subject to proven credentials of the airlines in the domestic sector and had approved that only Indian scheduled carriers with a minimum of 5 years continuous operations and having minimum 20 aircraft in their fleet be allowed to operate on international routes.

(c) to (e): The policy which guides international operations by foreign carriers/airlines is the prerogative of the respective foreign country.

Q No: 155

Dated:
30/11/2009

Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Subject: NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the aims and objectives of the National Rural Livelihood Mission Project along with the status of its implementation to address rural poverty/unemployment in the country;

(b) the ratio of funding between the States and the Centre in its implementation;

(d) if so, the details thereof and to role of the Non-Governmental Organisations envisaged in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(DR. C.P. JOSHI)

(a)to (d) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.155 for answer on 30/11/2009.

(a): Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) is being restructured as `National Rural Livelihood Mission` with the objective to make it more effective and need based. National Rural Livelihood Mission will be implemented in a Mission Mode with focus on targets, outcomes and time bound delivery. The core agenda of National Rural Livelihood Mission will be promotion of livelihood security for the rural poor through universal social mobilization and financial inclusion, training and capacity building for self and wage employment and facilitating the rural poor in taking up income generating activity through subsidy and credit.

(b)to(d): A conference of State Ministers of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj was organized at New Delhi on 09.09.2009 to, inter alia, elicit the views of the States on the proposed NRLM. The Cabinet Note for restructuring the Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) as National Rural Livelihood Mission is under finalization.

Q No: 155

Dated:
19/11/2009

Ministry: TEXTILES

Subject: COTTON PRODUCTION

Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is expecting a huge production of cotton this year;

(b) if so, the total procurement made by Government during the current year, State-Wise;

(c) whether due to increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP), cotton prices in India are lower than the international prices;

(d) if so, the total carry over stock of cotton of last year ; and

(e) the extent by which the lower prices and bumper cotton crop is likely to boost textile industry in the country?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): Yes Madam.

(b): The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), nominated Government agency has purchased 1.86 lakh bales of cotton under MSP operations as on 12.11.2009.The State wise details of procurement by CCI under MSP during cotton season 2009-10 are as under:-

State 2009-10

Punjab 86,562

Haryana 21,731

Rajasthan 4,453

Gujarat 162

Maharashtra 449

Andhra Pradesh 71,197

Karnataka 2,279

Total 1,86,833

(c): No Madam.During the cotton season 2009-10, the Minimum Support Prices of cotton has been retained the same as were fixed for cotton season 2008-09. Domestic prices are depending upon the demand & supply situation domestically as also demand for cotton world over. Moreover, with globalization, the domestic cotton prices are fully integrated with the international prices and are moving in tandem with international prices.

(d): Total carry over stock of cotton season 2008-09 as per Cotton Advisory Board is 71.50 lakh bales.

(e): The domestic prices depend on demand and supply situation domestically and internationally. Over the years, the cotton production has been continuously increasing with the improvement in the quality of Indian cotton at par with international standards. At present, domestic textile mills are in a position to get the cotton domestically at rates less than the international prices and with improvement in demand for yarn, fabrics and garments have been doing well.

Q No: 198

Dated:
02/12/2009

Ministry: OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

Subject: ATTACKS ON INDIANS

Will the Minister of OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Prime Minister of the State of the Victoria, Australia visited India recently and had meetings in regard to the alleged racial attacks on Indians;

(b) if so, the details of the discussion held and the outcome thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken or being taken by Australian Government for safety and security of Indians in that country?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Yes, Sir. Hon. John Brumby, Premier of Victoria, Australia visited India from 22 Sept. 2009 to 1st Oct. 2009. Details are placed on the Table on the House, as Annexure.

Annexure referred to in reply to Part (a) to (e) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No.198 for answer on 2nd December 2009

Hon. John Brumby, Premier of Victoria, Australia visited India from 22 Sept. 2009 to 1st Oct.2009. During his visit, he met the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Minister for Human Resource Development, Chief Minister of Delhi and Chief Secretary of Karnataka, to reassure them that Victorian Government, alongwith the Federal Australian Government, is doing its utmost to protect the interests of Indian students in the state of Victoria.

The visiting Australian dignitary was emphatically conveyed Government of India’s deep concern on the recent incidents of attacks on Indians in Australia, particularly the recent attack in Epping, Melbourne and the lack of any information/data on the prosecutions and convictions on incidents of attacks on Indians in the recent past.

The premier of Victoria shared our concerns on such instances of continuing attacks on Indian nationals in Australia and said that such attacks are indeed a matter of great concern to him and his Government. He further said the Indian Community in Australia is well established and in these long years has not faced such assaults. The recent incidents are an aberration and his (state) Government as also the Federal Government (of Australia), are addressing this problem in right earnest. He assured that the well being of the Indian community in Melbourne is their prime concern. With a view to ensure this, his Government has given more powers to the police to deal with crimes, especially those committed with a racial overtone or motivation, and has made the laws more stringent, to enable the judiciary to hand down more severe punishment, whenever a crime is committed out of racial hatred. He also stated that in the recent incident in Epping, the Australian police apprehended four suspects within hours of the incident and interrogated them.

As a result of a series of discussions with visiting high level Australian delegations and demarches made by Indian Mission/Posts in Australia, the Australian Government has taken various steps. They have announced a series of measures, including stricter policing in Victoria and NSW, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals especially in Australia. These steps have been useful and the incidence of attacks has decreased.

Q No: 260

Dated:
20/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: RISE IN CASES OF CANCER

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of deaths caused by cancer during the last two years, State/ UT-wise;

(b) whether as per Indian Council of Medical Research`s (ICMRs) latest report, fresh cases of cancer annually among men may increase to 5.34 lakh and the country witness 87000 additional cases of cancer every year by 2020;

(d) whether around 30% of all cancer cases in the country are caused by smoking or chewing tobacco which leads to lung or mouth cancer;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the remedial steps taken in this regard;

(f) whether the Government has set up a National Cancer Fund to combat the disease; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and further steps proposed to be taken by the Government to eradicate the disease from the country?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a): Health being a state subject, such information is not centrally maintained. However, estimates from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicate that about 4.62 lakh and 4.71 lakh deaths in India were due to cancer in 2008 and 2009 (as on date) respectively.

(b) & (c): According to the latest report of National Cancer Registry Programme, Indian Council of Medical Research on ‘Time trends in Cancer Incidence Rates (1982-2005)’, the estimated number of cancer cases for males and females respectively for the year 2008 are 4.47 lakh and 4.98 lakh. The number is estimated to increase by 0.87 lakh and 1.16 lakh respectively by the year 2020. Accordingly the estimated number of cases during the year 2020 is 5.34 lakh and 6.14 lakh cases for males and females respectively.

(d): According to the recent reports on hospital & population based cancer registries of ICMR (2004-2006), around 30% of all cancer cases in the country are caused by smoking of tobacco. Tobacco associated with causation of cancer including lungs and mouth cancer.

(e to g): Health being a state subject, it is for various State Governments to ensure that adequate facilities for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are made available. The Central Government is also supplementing the efforts of the State Government by providing financial assistance for setting up Radiotherapy Unit in Government Medical colleges/hospitals for providing treatment facilities. In addition, the comprehensive cancer detection and management facilities including testing facilities in respectlive regions/states is provided by 27 Regional Cancer Centres across the country. The treatment of cancer is either free or subsidized in the Government institutions. The Government has set up the “Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (CPF) to provide financial assistance to Below Powerty Line (BPL) cancer patients.

Q No: 271

Dated:
20/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: MEDICINE FOR SWINE FLU

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there is any restriction on buying and sale of Oseltamivir an antiviral medicine for combating the Swine Flu;

(b) if so, the reasons for creating such monopoly in supply of the medicine;

(d) whether the Government proposes to bring down the price of Swine Flu medicine;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to ensure adequate supply of such medicine in the market?
ANSWER

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

(a) Yes. There is a restriction on retail sale of Oseltamivir in this country.

(b) Unrestricted use of Oseltamivir will result in development of resistance against the only oral drug effective against Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu).

(c) Any Company or retail outlets who has the license to sell, stock or distribute drugs specified under Schedule X to the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 may sell Oseltamivir. As per information available at office of Drug Controller General of India, there is about 10500 chemists shops holding Schedule ‘X’ retail/ wholesale license in the country.

(d) & (e) No. Oseltamivir does not fall under First Schedule of Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO) 1995.

(f) Department of Pharmaceuticals is holding meetings with concerned companies regularly to monitor the availability.

Q No: 272

Dated:
20/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: ANNUAL HEALTH SURVEY UNDER NRHM

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has approved launching of annual health survey in the empowered Action Group States identified under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to get a feed back on the impact of the schemes;

(b) if so, the details of the States where such survey is likely to be conducted;

(d) whether the Government proposes to allocate funds to the State Governments for the purpose;

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

(f) the extent to which the survey is likely to help Union Government to plan for future roadmap for 12th Five Year Plan?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Yes. The Government has approved the conduct of an Annual Health Survey by the Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for preparing the District health profile on an annual basis in the States of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The Annual Health Survey is being conducted as a panel survey where the sample is followed over the years. The survey activities including data collection, data validation, data processing, report writing etc. generally takes about a year. This activity is an integral part of National Rural Health Mission which is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and funds will be made available to RGI. Thus there will be no allocation of funds to the States.

(f): The estimates of key indicators like the Crude Birth Rate, Crude Death Rate, Infant Mortality Rate and other programme indicators are useful in effective monitoring of the programmes at the district level. At present, these estimates are available only at the State level.

Q No: 294

Dated:
09/12/2009

Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Subject: LEGAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND
COLLEGES

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there is any proposal to introduce academic legal education in schools and colleges in the country;

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

(c) whether the Government also proposes a major overhaul in the legal education in the country to meet the changing scenario in the economy and technology;

(d) if so,the details thereof; and

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

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.294 FOR 9.12.2009, ASKED BY SHRI SUGUMAR K. AND SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI, HON’BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT,REGARDING LEGAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.

(a) to (e): As legal education serves various purposes besides professional practice, the possibility of imparting mass legal education for raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of rights and legal issues in educational curricula in schools and colleges is being deliberated by a ‘Round Table on Legal Education’ constituted by the Government.

The Round Table would also deliberate on aspects of legal education with a multidisciplinary outlook,such as curriculum design and delivery as well as the examination system,so that graduating students are equipped with knowledge and confidence to fit in a wide range of roles vis-à-vis diverse traditional and emerging opportunities outside professional practice.It would also counsel the Government on the measures required to inculcate a tradition of research in law in higher education.

Q No: 360

Dated:
20/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTED PEOPLE

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether despite increase in treatment and care, more than 5 million of the 25 million HIV infected people needing Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) still have no access to treatment as per WHO recently released report;

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

(c) whether only 16% of pregnant women were treated for HIV and 22% children born to Indian women living with HIV were receiving ART in the country;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken or being taken by Government to cover more HIV+ patients with ART?
ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): As per WHO progress report 2009 on “Towards Universal Access: scaling up priority HIV/AIDS interventions in the Health Sector”, it is stated that “more than 5 million people needing ART still have no access to treatment”. These are global figures. As far as India is concerned, our target of NACP-III is to provide free ART to 340,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) by March 2012. As of Sept. 2009, a total of 2,68,180 PLHA are receiving free ART at 226 ART centres across the country.

(e) The National AIDS Control Organisation is taking following steps to provide ART to all HIV + persons who are technically eligible.

# Expansion of ART diagnostic & treatment services as per prevalence of disease & volume of patients;

# Establishment of Link ART centres (LAC) to provide services nearer to patients residence.

# Establishment of Community Care Centres (CCC) for care & support of PLHAs.

# Ensuring that all person detected HIV positive at Integrated Counseling & Testing Centres (ICTC) are referred to and registered at ART centres.

# Training of different categories of health care providers;

# IEC activities through electronic & print media about availability of ART services;

# Involvement of network of positive people & NGOs in ART programme.

(c) & (d) During the year 2008-09, a total of 21,893 pregnant women were found positive and out of these 10975 (50.3%) women and their new born children received treatment to prevent transmission of HIV to their new born. At present a total of 59,052 children are registered at ART centres and 16,940 eligible children are receiving ART.

Q No: 417

Dated:
20/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: AMENDMENTS IN TRANSPLANTATION OF
HUMAN ORGAN ACT,1994

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the Transplantation of Human Organ Act, 1994;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the number of patients who require organ transplant and the number of organs transplanted during the last three years and the current year;

(e) the total number of patients who die every year due to non-availability of timely transplantation in the country;

(f) whether the Government is planning to launch National Transplantation Programme to regulate organ transplants in the country; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

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

(a): Yes.

(b): The broad areas involving amendments to the Act are:

1. To rename the Act as the “Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act”;
2. To expand the definition of the term ‘near relatives’ to include grandparents and grandchildren;
3. To provide for the enucleation of corneas by a trained technician;
4. To enable a surgeon/physician and an anesthetist/intensivist to be included in the medical board in the event of non availability of a neurosurgeon/ neurologist for certification of brain death;
5. To make it mandatory for the ICU/Treating Medical Staff to request relatives of brain dead patients for organ donation;
6. To provide for Swap Donations of organs;
7. To empower the Central Government to prescribe the composition of Authorisation Committees and to empower Union Territories to set up their own authorization committees;
8. To regulate the transplantation of organs for foreign nationals;

9. To prevent the exploitation of minors;
10. To provide for the establishment of Advisory Committees for Appropriate Authorities;
11. To vest in Appropriate Authorities, the power to summon persons, seek production of documents, issue search warrants etc;
12. To establish a National Organ Retrieval, Banking & Transplantation Network;
13. To provide for the development and maintenance of a national registry of the recipients of organ transplants;
14. To create the position of a ‘Transplant Coordinator’ in all hospitals registered for organ retrieval and or transplantation;
15. To provide for the registration of Non Government Organisations working in the field of organ retrieval and or transplantation in any manner whatsoever;
16. To enhance the penalties under the act; and
17. To expand the rule making powers of the Central Government.

Q No: 587

Dated:
23/11/2009

Ministry: DEFENCE

Subject: SUPPLY OF ALUMINIUM CASKETS AND BODY
BAGS

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) (Engineer) was assigned to develop aluminium caskets and body bags to fit Indian parameters;

(b) if so, whether R&DE delivered casket and body bags less in weight and price as compared to the imported version;

(d) whether these two items have great potential for civilian use; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b): The Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) (Engineers), an establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on its own initiative, developed Aluminium Casket and Body Bag during 2004-2005.The weight of the Casket was 42 Kg and Body Bag was 1.8 Kg.The costs of R&DE(E) developed prototype Casket and Body Bag were Rs.40,000/- and Rs.2,500/-, respectively during 2004-2005.

(d) & (e): Yes,Madam.These two items have potential for civilian use for respectful transportation of the mortal remains. These may have applications in Hospitals, Disaster Management Cells, Police Departments, Paramilitary Organizations, etc.

Q No: 622

Dated:
23/11/2009

Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Subject: INDO- RUSSIAN TRADE

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) the details regarding quantity and value of trade between India and Russia during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether there has been a steady growth in the trade betwen India and Russia since 2005;

(d) whether any targets have been set up to increase trade with Russia;

(e) if so, the details thereof and strategy planned to achieve the target;

(f) whether a meeting of Russia-India Forum on Trade and Investment was held recently; and

(g) if so, the details thereof alongwith the areas identified for further cooperation?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

a to c): The India-Russia bilateral trade since 2004-2005 is as under:-
(in US $ million )
Year Exports Imports Total Trade

2004-2005 631.26 1322.74 1954.00
2005-2006 733.15 2022.19 2755.34
2006-2007 902.17 2407.61 3309.78
2007-2008 940.20 2469.70 3409.90
2008-2009 (provisional) 1078.23 4290.84 5369.07

Source: DGCI & S

Details of the trade between India and Russia, quantity-wise and value-wise are available on Department’s website, www.commerce.gov.in. There is a steady growth in the trade between India and Russia. During the period 2008-2009, bilateral trade between India and Russia increased approximately by 57% as compared to 2007-2008.

d &e): Yes Madam. At the 15th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in Moscow on 21 October 2009, it was decided to achieve a bilateral trade target of US$ 20 billion by 2015. Both sides felt that this trade target could be achieved through diversification of the trade basket; focus on priority sectors such as energy, IT and Pharmaceuticals etc; and through intensification of business-to-business contacts.

f & g): Third Session of India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment was held on 29th September 2009 in Moscow under the co-Chairmanship of Minister of Commerce and Industry from the Indian side and Minister of Economic Development from the Russian side. Inter-alia, the priority sectors that were mutually identified include Pharmaceuticals, Energy (including nuclear energy), IT, High Technology cooperation, agro processing and gems and jewellery.

Q No: 647

Dated:
23/11/2009

Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

Subject: EXTENSION OF RSBY TO NREGA WORKERS

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to extend Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to all National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) workers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is yet to receive the number of families Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line participating in the NREGA;

(d) if so, the reasons for delay; and

(e) the expenditure likely to be incurred for expansion of RSBY to all NREGA workers?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): The proposal is under consideration of the Government.

Q No: 843

Dated:
24/11/2009

Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION

Subject: TRANSIT AND STORAGE LOSSES

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:-

(a) the storage capacity vis-à-vis agriculture production in the country, Statewise;

(b) whether a huge quantity of foodgrains were lost due to poor transit and storage facilities in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof indicating the total quantity and value of foodgrains lost due to transit and poor storage during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(d) the steps taken to check such losses?
ANSWER

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

(a): A Statement showing the State-wise storage capacity with FCI as on 31.10.2009 is at Annexure-I.

A Statement showing the State-wise agriculture production(wheat and rice) for the last five years and current year is at Annexure-II.

(b): No, Madam. However, while carrying out operational activities on a large scale, some storage and transit losses are inevitable.

(c): State-wise Storage & Transit Losses (wheat & rice) for the years 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 (Upto September, 2009) in terms of quantity and value are at Annexure-III.

Further, all-India Storage & Transit Losses for the above years are as under:
Storage Losses
(Qty. in lakh MT/ Value Rupees in Crores)

Year Qty of Loss Value of Loss Qty issued % age of Loss

2006-07# 1.34 155.80 654.89 0.20

2007-08 1.29 160.66 461.45 0.28

2008-09 0.58 101.26 456.84 0.13

2009-10 0.57 95.82 216.09 0.26
(Upto Sep’09)

(#Figures for 2006-07 are audited and for other years these are provisional)

Transit Losses
(Qty. in lakh MT/ Value Rupees in Crores)

Year Qty of Loss Value of Loss Qty. Moved %age of Loss

2006-07# 1.39 133.87 322.58 0.43

2007-08 1.18 139.21 287.01 0.41

2008-09 0.96 132.65 239.26 0.40

2009-10 0.59 88.34 27.49 0.46
(Upto Sep’09)

(#Figures for 2006-07 are audited and for other years these are provisional)

(d): Steps taken to check/reduce Storage & Transit Losses are at Annexure-IV.

Q No: 851

Dated:
24/11/2009

Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

Subject: PERMISSION FOR MAKING FILM

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has recently declined permission to a foreign film producer to make a film based on a book by Alen Von Tunzelmann, Indian Summer: the Secret History of the End of an Empire; and

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

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M. JATUA)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) above.

Q No: 950

Dated:
25/11/2009

Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Subject: GHG MITIGATION PROJECTS

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the percentage of Green House Gases emitted in the country as compared to global green house gas emission;

(b) whether the Government have approved Green House Gas (GHG) mitigation projects in the country;

(d) whether these projects are likely to attract substantial amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country;

(e) the target set by the Government to mitigate the emission of GHGs on yearly basis;

(f) the level of emission likely to be reduced by 2012 as a result thereof; and

(g) the effective steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

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

(a) As per National Communication submitted to UNFCCC, the percentage of Green House Gas (GHG) emitted by India accounts for only 3-4% of the global GHG emissions.

(b)&(c) As on date, the National CDM Authority has accorded Host Country Approval to 1467 projects. Out of these, 469 projects have been registered by the CDM Executive Board.

(d) If all the 1467 projects as mentioned above get registered by the CDM Executive Board, it could attract approximately US$ 6.15 billion dollars into the country by the year 2012 through scale of Certified Emission Reduction (CER) Certificates.

(e) As per Kyoto Protocol, only Annex-I Parties of the UNFCCC have quantified emission limitation reduction targets. Developing countries including India have no such obligation to mitigate emissions and accordingly no target is set.

(f)& (g) As stated in (e) above,India does not have emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol.However, CDM projects as mentioned in (b) above, if registered by the CDM Executive Board, have the potential to reduced 615 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent by year 2012.

Q No: 1031

Dated:
25/11/2009

Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Subject: RESOLUTION ON NPT

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether United Nations has adopted a resolution on Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof including the stand taken by India on the issue;

(e) whether this issue came up for discussion on the sideline of the International Conference on Climate Change held recently;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) the reaction of the various countries including USA on India’s stand on NPT;

(h) the countries which have given up all their nuclear weapons to usher in a nuclear weapons free world;

(i) whether the Government is also participating in negotiations in the Fissile material cut-off treaty; and

(j) if so, the details thereof including the present status of the negotiations?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b) The UN Security Council Summit held on 24 September 2009 in New York adopted resolution 1887 which addressed several non-proliferation and disarmament issues including the NPT, CTBT, FMCT, IAEA safeguards, implementation of UNSC resolutions including 1540, nuclear security, nuclear-weapons free world, etc.

(c) & (d) UN Security Council Resolution 1887 “calls upon all States that are not parties to the NPT to accede to the treaty as non-nuclear weapon states”. In a letter to the President of the Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York stated that there is no question of India joining the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon state.

(e) & (f) Several meetings and discussions take place on the side-lines of international multilateral events, all of which do not form part of official proceedings.

(g) India’s position on the NPT is well known, including to the USA.

(h) There are at present 189 States Parties to the NPT. With the exception of the NPT’s five nuclear weapons states, all other NPT States Parties have undertaken not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

(i) & (j) In its Programme of Work for the 2009 session, the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva established, inter alia, a Working Group to negotiate a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. India supported the consensus in the CD on adoption of its Programme of Work. However, no Working Group was established during the year to undertake these negotiations.

Q No: 1078

Dated:
25.11.2009

Ministry: SPACE

Subject: LAUNCH OF OCEANSAT-O2

Will the Minister of SPACE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether ISRO has recently launched Oceansat-02;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the total cost of the project;

(d) whether the satellite is functioning as per the expectation of the ISRO; and

(e) the extent to which this satellite is likely to monitor sea and cyclone?
ANSWER

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

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Oceansat-02 was launched using India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on September 23, 2009 from Sriharikota. The satellite has 3 instruments on board, namely Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) to monitor chlorophyll in oceans, a Scatterometer to monitor ocean surface wind and a Radio Occultation Sounder for atmosphere. The total cost of the project is Rs.129.15 crores.

(c) The data from Oceansat-02 will facilitate identification of potential fishing zones; deriving ocean surface wind velocity, forecasting ocean state, study of temperature and humidity of atmosphere etc.

(d) Yes, Sir.

(e) This satellite will facilitate monitoring of sea, specifically chlorophyll in sea waters, and fronts and eddies in the ocean. This satellite will also provide additional data for understanding cloud system and cyclone related studies.

Q No: 1072

Dated:
25/11/2009

Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Subject: RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the salient features of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act passed by the Parliament recently;

(b) the funds spent/being spent by the Government for providing education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years, during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;

(c) the extra funds required for implementation of the Act during the next five years, and the manner in which the funds required will be raised;

(d) whether all the States and the private sector have also been asked to share the cost of fullfilling the commitment under the Act;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the State Governments/private sector in this regard;

(f) whether the Government plans to bring Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA) under the Act;

(g) if so, the details thereof; and

(h) the steps taken or being taken by the Union Government to implement the Act?
ANSWER

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

(a): The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 inter alia provides for the:

i) Responsibility of the Central and State Governments and local authorities for free and compulsory elementary education to all children in the age group of six to fourteen years.

ii) Prescribed norms and standards relating to infrastructure, pupil- teacher ratios and other quality parameters.

iii) Minimum qualifications for a person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher.

iv) Curriculum and evaluation procedure conforming to values enshrined in the Constitution.

v) School Management Committees to monitor the working of the school;

vi) Mechanism for the protection of the rights of the child under the Act

(b): Government of India releases under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) & District Primary Education Project (DPEP) during the last three years and the current year for each State is given in Annexure I and II.

(c) to (e): The National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) has, at the instance of the Government, prepared estimates for additional requirement of funds for a 5-year period from 2010-11 to 2014-15 for the implementation of the provisions of the RTE Act, which works out to Rs 1,71,484 crore. The RTE Act provides that the Central Government and the State Governments shall have concurrent responsibility for providing funds for implementation of the Act. Under the Act unaided schools are required to admit at least 25 per cent children belonging to disadvantaged groups and weaker sections from the neighbourhood in Class I and provide them free elementary education. The expenditure so incurred will be reimbursed to the extent of the per-child expenditure incurred by the State, or the actual amount charged from the child, whichever is less.

(f) & (g): A Committee on Harmonization of SSA with the RTE Act has been set up to examine the overall approach and implementation strategies under SSA and align the SSA vision, strategies and norms with the RTE mandate. The Committee has held five meetings and met with representatives of almost all the States during the course of its deliberations. The Report of the Committee is awaited.

(h): The Government has initiated several steps for implementation of the RTE Act, including preparation of financial estimates, consultations with State Governments and Civil Society Organisations, and preparation of ‘Model’ Rules under the Act.

Q No: 1122

Dated:
25/11/2009

Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Subject: MEETS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the gap between developed and developing countries including India has widened on the issue related to climate change which was reflected in G-20, finance minister meet, G-8 and Head of States meets held recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the stand taken by India and other developing countries at these platforms;

(c) whether India and China alongwith other developing countries are united in their effort to resist the West in their attempts to link trade with climate change;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the effort made by India to put forward its concerns and bring other countries to an amicable agreement?
ANSWER

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

(a)&(b) At the G-8 Leader’s summit held in L’Aquila (Italy) in July 2009 and G20 Finance Minister’s Meeting held in St. Andrews (UK) in November 2009, issues relating to implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action plan, in particular, those relating to enhanced action on Mitigation, Adaptation, Technology Development and Transfer and provision of financial resources to support action on mitigation and adaptation have been discussed. Differences persist in the approach of the developed and developing countries towards mitigation actions, long term goal for emission reduction, and financial resources for addressing climate cgange impacts and vulnerabilities.

(c)&(d) India and China closely coordinate their position with other members of the group of G77 & China on the matters relating to climate change including the adverse impacts of unilateral trade measures proposed by some developed countries to target import of goods & services from developing countries having no emission reduction targets.

(e) India participates actively in the international negotiations conducted by the UNFCCC and other international fora to highlight developing country concerns. Parties are expected to reach an agreed outcome on the relevant issues in the 15th Conference of Parties scheduled in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Q No: 1185

Dated:
26/11/2009

Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

Subject: TAX EXEMPTION TO FPI

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether new food processing units for perishables items have 100 percent tax exemptions;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor and main hurdles being faced by the Industry?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. 100 percent tax exemption for first five assessment years beginning with the initial assessment year is available under section 80-1B(11A) of Income Tax Act,1961 to undertakings deriving profit from the business of processing, preserving and packaging of fruits or vegetables and new units in the business of processing, preservation and packaging of meat or meat products or poultry or marine or dairy products. Under sub-section (11A) of section 80-1B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 a deduction from profits upto specified amounts is allowed in the case of an undertaking deriving profit from the business of processing, preservation and packaging of fruits or vegetables or from the integrated business of handling, storage and transportation of foodgrains subject to specified conditions, if such undertaking begins to operate such business on or after the 1st day of April, 2001. With a view to preserving perishable food items like milk, poultry and meat, the Finance (No.2) Act 2009 has amended sub-section (11A) of section 80-1B with effect from 1.4.2010 to also provide tax holiday in respect of the business of processing, preserving and packaging of meat and meat products and poultry, marine and dairy products for units which begin to operate such business on or after 1st April,2009. The amount of deduction in a case of an undertaking deriving profit from the business of processing, preservation and packaging of fruits or vegetables or meat and meat products or poultry or marine or dairy products or from the integrated business of handling, storage and transportation of food grains,is hundred per cent of the profits and gains derived from such undertaking for five assessment years beginning with the initial assessment year and thereafter, twenty-five per cent (or thirty per cent where the assessee is a company) of the profits and gains derived from the operation of such business in a manner that the total period of deduction does not exceed ten consecutive assessment years and subject to fulfillment of the condition that it begins to operate such business on or after the 1st day of April, 2001.

(c) & (d) There has been substantial increase in rate of growth of the food processing industry from 7% in 2003-04 to 13.14% in 2006-07 and the increase in total investment in food processing sector to 40,000 Crores in 2006-07 which has contributed to reduction of wastages and better value addition.Main hurdles being faced by the industry are certain provisions in Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development & Regulation) Act, lack of adequate post-harvest infrastructure such as cold chain facilities, transportation, proper storage facilities, inadequate R&D etc. The loss due to wastages could be reduced by promoting the development of food processing industries, strengthening of post- harvest infrastructure and filling the gaps in the supply chain, strengthening HRD, Technology Development etc.

Q No: 1252

Dated:
26/11/2009

Ministry: Railways

Subject: RAIL LINK IN SIKKIM

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Railways have any proposal to connect Sevoke, Sikkim with rail link;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the time by which the work on this new line is likely to be started ?
ANSWER

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

(a)&(b) : New line from Sivok to Rangpo has been taken up. Rangpo is a township in Sikkim on the border of West Bengal and Sikkim.

(c)&(d): The length of the line is 52.7 Km with an anticipated cost of Rs.1339 crore. The Final Location Survey has already been taken up. The work has been entrusted for execution to M/s IRCON, a PSU under Ministry of Railways.

Q No: 1491

Dated:
27/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: POLIO CASES

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of polio cases reported in the country during the last three years and the current year, State/Union Territorywise;

(b) whether the Government has reviewed the polio eradication campaign and pulse polio programme in view of surfacing of the new polio cases;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure judicious utilisation of funds and to prevent the recurrence of polio cases in the country?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a): State/Union Territory-wise details of polio cases during the last three years and the current year, is at Annexure – I.

(b) & (c): India Expert Advisory Group (IEAG) on Polio Eradication, a body constituted by the Government of India which comprises of national and international experts in the field of epidemiology, public health and virology meets biannually to review the programme.

The Government of India has been following the recommendations of the IEAG.

Details of the funds sanctioned during the Eleventh Plan period for the eradication of polio is at Annexure – II

(d):
# Polio vaccination rounds are conducted as per the advice of India Expert Advisory Group.

# Two National Immunization Days (NIDs) are conducted every year for which children upto the age of 5 years are vaccinated.

# Sub National Immunization Days (SNIDs) are conducted almost 5 to 7 times in UP, Bihar and other areas to cover high risk / migratory population.

# Mop Up rounds are conducted in and around the area where a polio case is detected.

# To immunize the population on the move, children at bus stands, market places, major congregation points, railway stations and moving trains are vaccinated.

# Newborn tracking is done to vaccinate them during the polio campaigns.

# Special plan has been chalked out to vaccinate children in high risk areas of Kosi Riverine Belt.

Q No: 1505

Dated:
27/11/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: PUBLIC HEALTH SPENDING

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India ranks very low in the world in the matter of public health mspending;

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

(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) Ranking of the countries in the world based on public health spending is not available in the published statistical documents of international organizations like World Health Organization, UNDP, etc. Based on the information available from the World Health Statistics, 2009, the public health spending as percentage of GDP has been estimated to be 0.9% in the year 2006 as compared to average of countries in the South East Asia region of around 1.1% and global average of around 5%.

The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) aims to raise public health spending to at least 2% of GDP during the Plan period. To support the public health system in the States, Government of India had launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005. The Mission has an outlay of Rs. 90,558 crore during the 11th Plan period. The allocation for a number of other programmes has also been enhanced substantially in the first two years of the Plan. As per the ‘National Health Accounts India –2004-05 with provisional estimates from 2005-06 to 2008-09’, the public expenditure on health as share of GDP has increased from 0.98% in 2006-07 to 1.10% in the year 2008-09.

Q No: 1709

Dated:
30/11/2009

Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

Subject: UNREST AMONG LABOURERS

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the labour unrest in the country has increased during the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor indicating the number of such disputes reported during the said period, State-wise and year-wise;

(c) the total loss in production as well as in monetary terms being suffered by the country as a result thereof during the said period, State-wise and year-wise; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government for speedy resolution of such disputes?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): A statement showing number of disputes, State-wise during the last three years and the current year along with total loss in production in monetary terms, as per the statistics compiled by the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment, is Annexed. As is evident, significant increase has not been recorded during the said period. The main reasons for industrial unrest are disputes between the workers and management on issues such as wages & allowances, bonus, personnel matters, retrenchment, leave & hours of work and indiscipline & violence.

(d): The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, provides a framework for maintaining harmonious industrial relations. The Act facilitates intervention, mediation and conciliation by the Industrial Relations machinery of the appropriate Government for resolution of industrial disputes. Central Industrial Relations Machinery (CIRM) of Ministry of Labour & Employment continuously makes efforts to maintain harmonious industrial relations in establishments falling under the central sphere.

Q No: 1758

Dated:
30/11/2009

Ministry: SHIPPING

Subject: CAPACITY OF MAJOR PORTS

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the achievements made regarding capacity increase of major ports are short of the targets fixed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has set up a Committee to review the development of major ports projects in the remaining period of the Eleventh Plan;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to achieve the target in remaining part of the Eleventh Plan?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a) & (b): In the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the total aggregate capacity of major ports is expected to increase from 504.75 Million Tonnes to 1016.55 MTPA. Capacity addition is planned through construction of new berths/terminals, mechanization of existing berths and productivity improvement measures. The capacity addition during the first two years of Eleventh Plan is 70.22 MTPA. As against a target of 512.00 MTPA for Eleventh Five Year Plan in addition to the capacity of 70.22 MTPA already created several projects have been identified for award in the current Five Year Plan which are expected to add more than 400 MTPA to the capacity of the ports.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): Progress of the projects being implemented by ports is being monitored by the Ministry on a regular basis.

Q No: 1780

Dated:
30/11/2009

Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Subject: NEW FOREIGN TRADE POLICY

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce a new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has analysed the likely impact of the proposed Direct Tax Code on the achievement target of the policy;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the corrective steps proposed in this regard; and

(e) the details of targets fixed for exports in the next fiscal alongwith the steps taken/proposed to boost agricultural exports and exports in plantation sector such as natural rubber, coffee, tea, pepper etc.?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) & (b): Government has already announced the new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009-14 on 27.8.2009.

(c) & (d): The proposed Direct Tax Code is under discussion and is yet to be finalized for implementation. It would not be appropriate to speculate about the final provisions of Direct Tax Code and their likely impact on exports.

(e): Government has set a merchandise export target of US$ 200 billion by March 2011. To achieve this target and to boost exports for various sectors, including agricultural and plantation sectors, supportive measures have been announced by the Government / RBI by way of stimulus packages, and also in the FTP, 2009-14. The measures include support for market diversification, deepening of various incentive schemes, technological upgradation and introduction of a single window system to reduce transaction and handling costs of export of perishable agricultural produce. FTP has been laid in Parliament and is also available in public domain, on website http://dgft.gov.in.

Q No: 1910

Dated:
01/12/2009

Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS

Subject: CRIME BY POLICE PERSONNEL

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of cases of fake encounters and involvement of police personnel in various crimes reported in the different parts of the country;

(b) if so, the total number of cases involving police personnel reported during each of the last three years and the current year, crime-wise including fake encounters, rapes and kidnapping etc.;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether several instances of the violation of NHRC guidelines have been reported; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard including punitive action taken against the erring officials during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise?
ANSWER

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

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

Q No: 2005

Dated:
01/12/2009

Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS

Subject: COMMISSION ON POLICE REFORM

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether various Commissions and Committees had been constituted in the past for examining and recommending measures for police reforms in the country;

(b) if so, the names of such Commissions and Committees constituted so far;

(d) whether the Union Government and Supreme Court has issued any directions to all the State Governments to bring about police reforms in their respective States; and

(e) if so, the details alongwith the reaction and response of the State Governments in this regard, State-wise?
ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Police being a State subject in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, it is the State Governments/UT Administrations, which have to implement the various police reforms measures. The Centre can at best persuade the State from time to time to bring the requisite reforms in the Police administration to meet the expectations of the people. To bring about reforms in police administration, the Central Government had set up a number of Commission/Committees in the past to go into various aspects of policing and suggest suitable measures in this regard.

Notable amongst these Committees/Commission are, the National Police Commission (1977), the Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000) on Police Reforms and Malimath Committee (2000) on Criminal Justice system. The Ministry of Home Affairs also constituted a Review Committee on Police Reforms in 2004. The Review Committee submitted its report in March, 2005.

The reports of the National Police Commission were sent to all State Governments/UT Administrations. Among the various recommendations of National Police Commission which the Central Government have implemented, pertain to providing more funds for housing to policemen, strengthening of the police communication system, giving assistance for computerization in the State Police Force, under the Scheme for Modernization of the State Police Force, establishment of the National Crime Record Bureau, organizing management courses at Sardar Vallabhabhai National Police Academy, Hyderabad for the IPS officers, streamlining the set up of Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW) and Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science (LNJN NICFS), issue of guidelines for arrest of persons etc. Similarly among the various recommendations of Padmanabhaiah Committee pertaining to recruitment, training, reservation of posts, involvement of public in crime prevention, recruitment of police personnel, delegation of powers to lower ranks in police, revival of beat system, use of traditional village functionaries, police patrolling on national and State highways, designs of the police stations, posting and transfer of SP and above etc. were sent to the State Governments, for implementation. The main recommendations of Malimath Committee concerning police reforms like strengthening training, infrastructure/ forensic science, improvement in investigation, strengthening of forensic science set up, etc. were also sent to States, for their consideration and implementation. The report of all these Commission/Committees were also examined minutely by the Review Committee and all actionable recommendations culled out and made 49 recommendations to the Government. These recommendations have also been sent to the State Government for their implementation. The implementation of these recommendations in the States were reviewed twice by the Union Home Secretary with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of all the States in September, 2005 and on 06-10-2007 in DGPs/IGPs Conference. Ministry of Home Affairs is also monitoring the implementation of these recommendations through submission of Action Taken Reports by States and it is found that all the States are in favour of police reforms.

Ministry of Home Affairs also setup an Expert Committee to draft a new Model Police Act in September 2005. The committee submitted a Model Police Act on 30-10-2006. A copy of the Model Police Act was sent to States for consideration and appropriate action vide Home Secretary’s D.O. letter dated 31-10-2006. As per available information Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, H.P., Kerala, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttrakhand have either framed New Police Acts or amended the existing Acts.

Also Supreme Court in its judgement dated 22-09-2006 in Writ Petiton (C) No.310/1996- Prakash Singh & Others Vs UOI and others have issued several directions for compliance inter- alia by States till the framing of the appropriate legislations and directed to file the status report within the stipulated time period. The matter was heard successively on different dates by Hon’ble Supreme Court and it was last heard on 16-05-2008 when Supreme Court as regards the implementation of the various directions made in its earlier judgement dated 22-09-2006 directed to set up a Commission under Justice K.T. Thomas, former retired Judge of the Supreme Court with specified terms and conditions which are subject to variation by the Commission. The Commission has so far held 12 meetings and is reporting periodically to Supreme Court on the implementation of the directions by the States. The matter is sub-judice.

To supplement the efforts of the State Governments in modernizing their police forces, the funds are provided under the Scheme of Modernisation of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) to procure modern weaponary, surveillance, communication equipments etc.

Q No: 2013

Dated:
01/12/2009

Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS

Subject: INVESTIGATION INTO SOPHIAN KILLINGS

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the investigation into the Sophian case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been completed;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

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

(a): No, Madam. The investigation into the Sophian case by the Central Bureau of investigation (CBI) has not been completed till date.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): Does not arise.

Q No: 2152

Dated:
02/12/2009

Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Subject: DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND
FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Union Government has decided not to permit diversion of forest land for public purposes without people’s consent;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether more powers have been given or proposed to be given to Gram Sabhas and tribal community for diversion of forest land;

(f) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(g) the steps taken or being taken by the Government for monitoring these guidelines in States?
ANSWER

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

(a) to(f) The Union Government permits diversion of forest land for public purposes under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act,1980 wherein opinions of the local people is ensured as per the guidelines mentioned in section-4 of Chapter-2 of the Hand book of the Ministry. This envisages that wherever any proposal for diversion of forest land is submitted, it should be accompanied by a resolution of the ‘Aam Sabha’ of the Gram Panchayat/ Local Body of the area endorsing the proposal that the project is in the interest of people living in and around the proposed forest land except in cases wherever consent of the local people in one form or another has been obtained by the State or the project proponents and the same is indicated in the proposal explicitly.

Further, the Union Government has also, vide letter no. 11-9/1998-FC (Pt) dated 03-08-2009, requested all the State/UT Governments to submit evidences ensuring compliance of the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, along with the project proposals for diversion of the forest land for non-forest purposes.

There is no pending proposal with the Union Government providing more powers to the Gram Sabhas and tribal community on the issue of diversion of forest land.

(g) The Union Government attaches adequate importance to the diversion projects where there is likelihood that the local people will be adversely impacted. The monitoring of compliance of the conditions is primarily done by the State/UT Governments. The Union Government also undertakes monitoring on sample basis through its six Regional Offices.

Q No: 2208

Dated:
02/12/2009

Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Subject: SETTING UP OF INNOVATION UNIVERSITIES

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up 14 innovation universities aimed to attain world class standard in higher education;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the locations identified for the purpose;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the criteria likely to be adopted for admission in these universities;

(f) whether these universities are likely to be set up with private participation;

(g) if so, the details thereof;

(h) the details of the funding structure for the universities;

(i) the action plan of the Government in this regard; and

(j) the time by which these universities are likely to be set up?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (j): The Eleventh Plan envisages establishment of 14 universities aiming at world class standards.The locations identified for establishment of 14 innovation universities are as under:

Sl.No. Location

1 Amritsar (Punjab)

2 Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh)

3 Jaipur(Rajasthan)

4 Patna(Bihar)

5 Guwahati(Assam)

6 Kolkata(West Bengal)

7 Bhopal(Madhya Pradesh)

8 Kochi(Kerala)

9 Gandhi Nagar(Gujarat)

10 Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

11 Mysore(Karnataka)

12 Pune (Maharashtra)

13 Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

14 Bhubaneswar(Orissa)

A concept note on the innovation universities has been prepared and placed in the public domain for stake holder comments and responses have been received from various quarters, as inputs for finalizing the concept.

Q No: 2230

Dated:
02/12/2009

Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Subject: CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES IN J & K

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has decided to set up two separate Central Universities for the State of Jammu and Kashmir;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the funding pattern of these two Universities; and

(f) the time by which these Universities are likely to be opened?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) and (b): Yes,Sir.The Central Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2009 was promulgated by the President on 20.10.2009 to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009. By way of this amendment, the Central University of Jammu and Kashmir has been renamed as the Central University of Kashmir with territorial jurisdiction limited to the Kashmir Division and a new university by the name of Central University of Jammu having territorial jurisdiction extending to the Jammu Division has been established. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2009 has since been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 24.11.2009 for replacement of the said Ordinance.

(c) and (d): Earlier, the Government had decided to set up one Central University and one Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the State during the current Plan period but in view of the constant demand for a second Central University and severe constraints on the availability of financial resources, it was decided to shelve the establishment of IIM and to establish a second Central University.

(e) The financial requirement of each of these Universities during the 11th Plan period is estimated at Rs.240 crore. This expenditure would be met by the Central Government through the University Grants Commission.

(f) The first Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir has already been appointed with effect from 2.3.2009 and, pending finalization of permanent site, the University has started functioning from a temporary office in Srinagar. The process for appointment of the first Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu has also been set in motion and the University is likely to start functioning soon.

Q No: 2242

Dated:
02/12/2009

Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Subject: ACCREDITATION OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up National authority for Regulation in Accreditation of higher educational institutions in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, including the main functions and objectives of the Authority;

(d) whether the views of all stake holders have also been taken in this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the time by which such Authority is likely to be set up?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (c) & (f): Proposal for mandatory accreditation of all higher education institutions and programmes of study therein and for the purpose to establish a National Regulatory Authority for Accreditation of Higher Educational Institution is under consideration of the Government.

(d) & (e): The draft of the proposal was discussed in the 56th meeting held on 31st August, 2009 of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), the highest policy advisory body to advise the Central Government and State Governments and having representation from various stakeholder groups in education. CABE approved the proposal for mandatory accreditation and assessment in higher education with the rider that the proposed law should take into consideration the concerns expressed by some States with regard to the autonomy of the process of accreditation.

The State Governments of Chattisgarh,Madhya Pradesh,Tamil Nadu,Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat have also separately welcomed the proposal.No adverse comment has been received from any other State Government.

Q No: 2539

Dated:
04/12/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: NEO-NATAL DISEASES

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the neo-natal diseases are responsible for the increased child death rate in India;

(b) the total amount being spent by Government to reduce the child death rate;

(d) the steps taken or being taken by Government in this regard?
ANSWER

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

(a) As per the World Health Bulletin 2007, India Report, the Neonatal deaths account for 45 % of all the under five mortality in India.

(b) & (c) States are provided flexibility under NRHM to utilise the budget allocated as per their need. Provision for child health in the budget is made as per the requirement by the respective State Government.

(d) The Reproductive and Child Health programme (RCH) II under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), comprehensively integrates interventions that improve child health and addresses factors contributing to morbidity and mortality.

The key components of child health care which help reduce child morbidity and mortality are as follows:

(i) Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK),a programme of Basic newborn care and resuscitation

(ii) Integrated m anagement of neonatal and childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) and Pre-Service Integrated management of neonatal and childhood Illnesses (IMNCI)

(iii) Facility Based Integrated management of neonatal and childhood Illnesses (IMNCI).

(iv) Early detection and appropriate management of Diarrhoea disease

(v) Early detection and appropriate management of Acute Respiratory Infections and other infections

(vi) Infant and young child feeding

(vii) Immunization

(viii)Vitamin A supplementation and Iron and Folic Acid supplementation

Q No: 2802

Dated:
07/12/2009

Ministry: SHIPPING

Subject: NHAVA SHEVA INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding irregularities in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project for port development at Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal;

(b) if so, whether the Government/CVC has conducted any inquiry in this regard;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote PPP mode of investment in the shipping industry and to set up a regulatory mechanism to address the problems in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a) to (c): The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mumbai granted contract for construction, operation and maintenance of a new 600m key length container terminal for a period of 30 years on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis to Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT). The Central Vigilance Commission took up the case for direct inquiry and submitted a report with the following key findings:-

(i) NSICT had derived surplus revenue of Rs. 473 cr. during 2000-01 to 2004-05, which was to be set off in the revision of tariff. The revision was delayed till the finalisation of revised guidelines in 2005. Clause 2.13 of the guidelines was invoked to extend undue benefit to NSICT by setting off only 50% of surplus revenue as against 100% which was required to be set off in the revision as per order dated 7/11/2009 of Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP). The revision of tariff fixed in 2000 was prima-facie intentionally delayed by TAMP to extent undue favour to NSICT.

(ii) The TAMP in their Order dated 22/7/2005 allowed entire royalty paid by NSICT to JNPT during 2000-01 to 2004-05 as cost in computation of revised tariff in 2005 and reduced the tariff only by 14%. Thus the entire burden of paying the royalty was transferred to the port users and the NSICT got undue gain. Had TAMP initiated suo-moto revision prior to 2005 guidelines, the tariff would have been reduced by 30% due to setting off of entire amount of Rs. 473 cr. When the Ministry of Shipping objected to the Order of TAMP allowing entire royalty in to cost, TAMP revised its Order dated 22/7/2009 and further reduced the tariff by 12%. However, undue benefit, accrued during 2005-06 due to wrong computation of tariff, was allowed to be retained by the NSICT.

(iii) The operating cost and surplus revenue of NSICT for the period 2000-01 to 2004-05 were calculated on the basis of estimation/approximation and actual data was not taken into consideration by TAMP. Actual surplus revenue appears to be far more than Rs. 473 cr.,which substantiates the allegation that NSICT had received more than 100% return on their equity.

The CVC has recommended to fix responsibility of the TAMP officials for their various acts of omissions and commissions. This Ministry had already directed TAMP to fix responsibility of the TAMP officials as per the recommendations of the CVC. Apart from that this Ministry has ordered a vigilance inquiry to fix responsibility of the Ministry’s officials also.

(d): In tune with its economic liberalization policy, the Government of India has opened up its Major Ports for private sector participation in a big way to attract funds, latest technology, better managerial practices and speed up creation of capacities. Foreign direct investment upto 100% under automatic route is permitted for construction and maintenance of ports and harbours.

(i) The following areas which are indicative in nature have been identified for participation /investment by private sector:-

(a) Leasing out existing assets of the Port.

(b) Construction / Creation of additional assets, such as:

# Construction and operation of container terminals.

# Construction and operation of bulk, break bulk, multipurpose and specialised cargo berths.

# Warehousing, container freight stations, storage facilities and tank farms.

# Cranage/handling equipment.

# Setting up of captive power plants.

# Dry docking and ship repair facilities.

(d) Pilotage.

(e) Captive facilities for port based industries.

Individual ports may expand the scope of activities after prior consultation with the Central Government.

Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) has been set up under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 as an independent statutory authority to fix user tariffs and scale of rates for the facilities and services in the Major Ports.

Q No: 3090

Dated:
08/12/2009

Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

Subject: UNDERUTILISATION OF EQUIPMENT

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:-

(a) whether state-of-the-art equipment and News Automation Systems installed at DD Bhawan, Mandi House are lying idle;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor alongwith the period since when they have not been used;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any action has been taken against the erring officials in this regard;

(f) if, so the details thereof and the nature of action taken thereon;

(g) if not the reasons therefor; and

(h) the details of total loss to the exchequer alongwith the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (DR. S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN)

(a) & (b) Doordarshan News, New Delhi have started recording two Current Affairs programmes in the studio of Tower B, Doordarshan Bhawan with effect from 23rd November, 2009. The recordings are being done for four days in a week from Monday to Thursday.

(e) to (h) Doordarshan News, New Delhi will start conducting dry run on News automation systems at Tower B, DD Bhwan, New Delhi from 7th December 2009. During the exercise, training/ familiarization programme of DD News Staff on New Automation System is being planned. It is expected to continue for a period of at least six to eight weeks. The shifting in phased manner will start thereafter on successful conduct of the dry run.

Q No: 3159

Dated:
09/12/2009

Ministry: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Subject: CMZ NOTIFICATION

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has accepted the recommendations of the M. S. Swaminathan Committee report on the Coastal Management Zone (CMZ);

(b) if so, the main recommendations made by the Committee;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to bring forward a Fishermen Right Bill to protect the fishermen; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken?
ANSWER

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

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The main recommendations of the Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee includes:

(i) stringent implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 and use of space technology-enabled enforcement of the provisions of the Notification

(ii) enhance protection of fishermen communities

(iii) introduce regulations to manage the proliferation of ports along the coasts

(iv) tighter standards for disposal of effluents into coastal waters

(v) new management regimes for Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands

(vi) include the seaward side to ensure protection from current and future threats

(vii) measures to strengthen research and regulatory capacity

(viii) introduce policies keeping in view the future dangers from sea level rise and increased vulnerability of the coasts.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) & (f) Not at the present juncture, Sir.

Q No: 3689

Dated:
11/12/2009

Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Subject: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR NURSING COLLEGES

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Union Government has received proposals from various State Governments including the State Government of Karnataka for providing financial assistance to develop and upgrade existing nursing schools and colleges;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the assistance provided during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) the time by which pending proposals are likely to be approved?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) to (d): The Government has received 29 proposals from the States for providing financial assistance for upgrading existing nursing schools into colleges of nursing. The modified and revised scheme for the purpose has been approved recently by the Cabinet Committee. The financial assistance will be provided after consideration of the proposals by the Screening Committee. One time grant of Rs. 1.50 crores per institution has been provided during the year 2006-07 to 4 institutions, one each in Chandigarh, Bihar and two in Madhya Pradesh.

Q No: 3865

Dated:
14/12/2009

Ministry: DEFENCE

Subject: JOINT DEVELOPMENT OF MISSILES

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of missiles developed in joint venture with Israel;

(b) the total project cost of each of them specifying their appropriate deployment in the three forces;

(d) the extent to which these missiles are cheaper in cost and better in quality as compared to other missiles of the world?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3865 FOR ANSWER ON 14.12.2009

Procurement of defence items including missiles is made from various indigenous as well as foreign sources including Israel in accordance with the well laid down defence procurement procedure. This is a continuous process undertaken for the modernization of the Armed Forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet any eventuality.

Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) has undertaken joint development of missiles, Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) for Indian navy and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) for Indian Air Force with M/s Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Israel. The cost of project for LRSAM is Rs. 2606.02 crore and cost of project for MRSAM is Rs. 10075 crore.

Both the missiles being developed are comparable in performance and cost to missiles available in their class in the world market.

Q No: 3918

Dated:
14/12/2009

Ministry: DEFENCE

Subject: REFUELLING AIRCRAFT FOR AIR FORCE

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to purchase mid-air refuelling aircraft to meet its urgent requirement;

(b) if so, the present status thereof;

(d) if so, the reasons for delay in clearance to purchase these aircraft; and

(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (e): The Indian Air Force (IAF) had proposed the procurement of six Flight Refueller Aircraft to meet the growing Air-To-Air Refueling tasks in the IAF and Indian Navy. The procurement proposal had been progressed in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure-2006 and thereafter referred to the Ministry of Finance who has expressed certain reservations relating to the competitiveness of the bids and the reasonableness of the price. The Defence Procurement Procedure envisages a time line of up to two and a half years from the date of issue of Request for Proposal to signing of the contract in multi-vendor cases. Every effort is made to adhere to these time lines.

Q No: 4306

Dated:
16/12/2009

Ministry: CULTURE

Subject: MUGHAL MONUMENTS AS NATIONAL
MONUMENTS

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of monuments of Mughal Era declared as National Monuments;

(b) the State-wise list of these monuments;

(c) the total amount spent by the Government on the upkeep of these monuments during the last three years and the current year;

(d) whether the Government proposes to give special focus to these monuments in various States/UTs especially keeping in view the Commonwealth Games; and

(e) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a)& (b) There are 652 monuments/sites of Mughal era declared as of national importance. The list of these monuments is at Annexure-I

(c) The expenditure incurred on conservation, preservation and maintenance of these monuments/ sites during the last three years and the current year is at Annexure-II.

(d)& (e) For the Commonwealth Games, 2010, 46 monuments have been identified in Delhi for uplifting which includes providing tourist related amenities like drinking water facilities, toilets, signages, pathways, ramps for physically challenged, interpretation centres, vehicle parking etc. A list of such monuments is at Annexure-III.

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