Questions asked by Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz during Rajya Sabha session November – December 2009

No. of questions found: 9

1232. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

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

(a) whether the Air India and Indian Airlines are incurring losses for a long time; and

(b) the measures that have been undertaken to correct the ailment?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. NACIL has taken the following initiatives to turnaround the performance of the company and is mainly focused on Cost Reduction (Target of Rs. 1500 crores) and Revenue Enhancement (Target of Rs. 1200 crores). The details of the plan are given below:

(A) Cost Reduction Rationalization of loss making routes both on the domestic and international sector. Rationalization of meal uplifts at domestic and foreign stations. Reduction of contractual employment and outsourcing of work. Rationalization of man power at Indian and Foreign Stations by closure of certain offices. Return of aircraft on lease. Study on fuel efficiency Gap Analysis under which IATA has been appointed to make an in depth study of the Fuel Efficiencies at various levels. The recommendations made by IATA are being considered at the highest level by a Strategic Group and are at various stages of implementation. These measures include reduction of the weight of the aircraft, following a cost index prescribed by IATA both on domestic and international routes, implementation of a computerized Flight Planning & Power Units, optimization of reserve fuel carried on board etc. Rationalization of wage agreements including PLI Scheme.

(B) Revenue Enhancement Increase in Passenger Revenue through improved marketing initiatives. Increase in Cargo Revenue through better utilization of belly space on line flights and cargo freighters. Initiative for on board revenue Increase in excess baggage revenue. Entrusting Engine MRO/Line Maintenance to a separate Strategic Business Unit resulting in better utilization of capacity and optimum utilization of manpower resources. Alternate use of properties Aviation Training Services. The turnaround plan presented to the Committee of Secretaries on 29th August, 2009 has been broadly divided into 0-9 months, 9-18 months & 18-36 months. These are broadly segregated under Operational efficiency, Product Improvement, Organization Building & Financial Restructuring.

852. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:-

(a) whether new spots of tourist attraction in the country are under consideration; and

(b) if so, whether some areas in Kashmir would also be included for development?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(KUMARI SELJA)

(a) and (b): Identification and development of tourist spots are primarily undertaken by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance for tourism projects on the basis of proposals received from them subject to availability of funds and inter- se priority. During the current financial year 106 tourism projects for Rs. 398.33 crore have been sanctioned in the country upto September, 2009. This includes 17 projects for Rs. 34.92 crore in Jammu & Kashmir.

90. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:-

(a) the successfully implemented schemes of the Ministry introduced in the country, State-wise; and

(b) which schemes were introduced in Jammu and Kashmir and with what success?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF TEXTILES

(SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) AND (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 90 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2009

(a): The following is the list of successfully implemented schemes of the Ministry throughout the country:
A VILLAGE & SMALL ENTERPRISES
1 Handloom
(1)Diversified Handloom Development Scheme
(2) Handloom Weaver’s comprehensive Welfare Scheme
(3) Millgate Price Scheme
(4) Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme (CSS)
(5) Integrated Handloom Development Scheme (CSS)
2 Sericulture
(1) R&D, Training, &IT Initiative
(2) Seed Organisation and HRD
(3) Quality Certification System
(4) Catalytic Development Programme (CSS)
3 Handicrafts
(1) Design & Technical Development
(2)Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
(3) Marketing Support & Services
(4) Human Resource Development
(5) Research & Development
(6) Welfare and Other Scheme
4 Powerlooms
(1)Group Insurance Scheme
(2)Group Work Scheme & Integrated Powerloom Cluster Devp.
5 Wool & Woolens
(1)Integrated Wool Improvement & Development Programme
(2) Quality Processing of Wool & Woollen
(3) Social Security Scheme
6 Development of Mega Clusters
B INDUSTRY
7 National Institute of Fashion Technology
8 Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme
9 Scheme for Integrated Textile Park
10 Jute Technology Mission
11 Cotton Technology Mission

The above schemes are being implemented in all the States including Jammu & Kashmir. However, the extent to which a particular State avails the benefits of the various schemes would depend on the parameters of the scheme and its relation to the characteristics of the textiles sector in the State.

(b): Details of the schemes of the Ministry of Textiles being implemented in Jammu & Kashmir are following:

1. HANDLOOMS
Status:
As per 1995-96 Census of Handlooms, some of the vital data pertaining to Handloom Sector in Jammu & Kashmir is as under:-

Number of units 15,954
Number of Looms 18,154
Number of Weavers 20,773
Number of persons engaged in weaving and allied activities 51,847

Schemes:

1. “Integrated Project for Development of Wool and Woollen Design and Development Centre” under the Prime Minister’s Special Package for J&K:

The Project for Development of Wool and Woollen Design and Development Centre for the State of J&K has been approved by the Ministry of Textiles under PM’s Special Package for the State of J&K. The cost of the project is Rs.4.93 crore. Under this project, an amount of Rs. 4.24 crore has already been released to the implementing agency as part payment.
The physical progress of the project is as follows:
1) The project site available with the State Handloom Development Corporation at Rambagh silk factory at Srinagar has been renovated and
2) Wool Design Centre, Textile Testing Laboratory, Computer Aided Design Centre, Weaving shed, Display room and Administrative block has been set up at the Rambagh Silk factory.

2. Integrated Handloom Development Scheme:
Details of funds released to the State of Jammu & Kashmir and beneficiaries covered in Phase-II, III & IV during the year 2008-09, are as follows:
Phase – II
Name of the Cluster Amount released

(Rs. In lakh) Beneficiaries covered
Nadihal, Bandipora 17.93 327
Billawar, Kathua 17.93 478
Total 35.86 805

Phase – III
Name of the Cluster Amount released

(Rs. In lakh) Beneficiaries covered
Inder, Pulwama 18.00 478
Billawar, Distt. Kathua 18.00 300
Inder, Distt. Pulwama 18.00 310
Wagoora, Distt. Budgam 17.50 300
Total 71.50 1388

Phase – IV
Name of the Cluster Amount released

(Rs. In lakh) Beneficiaries covered
Samba 17.78 353
Bugam, Kulgam 17.50 324
Total 35.28 677

3. Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme:
The scheme envisages developing and promoting the marketing channels in domestic as well as exporting markets and bringing about linkages between the two in a holistic and integrated manner. Components of the scheme are:
a. Marketing Promotion
b. Handloom Export Promotion
Under the Marketing Promotion component, funds released to the Government of J&K during the last three years, are as under:
Year No. of proposals received No. of proposals

(events)
sanctioned No. of events
organized Amount released
2005-06 09 03 – –
2006-07 04 04 – 82.48
2007-08 No proposal has been received till date.
2008-09 No proposal has been received till date.

No financial assistance was given to Director of Handloom, Government of J&K during the years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 due to pending utilization certificates of Rs.6.00 lakh towards organizing District level events during 1997-98.

Under the Handloom Export Promotion scheme, only one viable proposal was received from the state during the X Plan. A sum of Rs. 17.10 lakh was provided in three instalments to M/s. Esquire Raffal & Pashmina Handloom Weavers Industrial Cooperative Society, Neelam Chowl, Karan Nagar, J&K for implementation of Part (Product development) and Part-II (Publicity & Marketing) components of the erstwhile Handloom Export Scheme. During the current financial year, no proposal from J&K has been received so far.

4. Mill Gate Price Scheme:
The Scheme aims at providing all type of yarn to the handloom weavers’ organizations at Mill Gate Price Scheme. National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) is the only agency authorized to implement the scheme.
There is a provision for supply of yarn to the individual weavers through the yarn depots approved by the NHDC. The expenditure for operating the yarn depot is to be reimbursed by the NHDC @ 2 ½ % of the value of the yarn. At present, nine yarn depots are being operated in Jammu & Kashmir. The supplies of yarn made by the Corporation during the X Plan and current financial year, is as under:
Year Quantity

(in lakh Kgs.) Value

(in Rs. Lakh)
2005-06 0.091 9.98
2006-07 – –
2007-08 0.108 25.86
2008-09 0.09 43.19
2009-10 (up tp Oct. 09) 0.014 2.07

5. Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme:
During the XI Plan, the Government of India is implementing a Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme with the components of
(i) Health Insurance Scheme and
(ii) Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana.

Under the Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana, 493 weavers have been covered from J&K during the period April, 2007 to March, 2008.

HANDICRAFTS
Scheme-wise Physical and Financial achievement under Handicraft schemes during 11th Five Year Plan in Jammu & Kashmir are as under:

Sl. No. Name of scheme Physical Financial in Rs. Lakh
2007-8 2008-09 2009-10 up to Oct.09 2007-8 2008-09 2009-10 up to Oct. 09.
1 Baba Saheb Hastshilp Vikas Yojana 14 Craft Cluster 1 Cluster 1 RMB (Raw Material Bank) NIL 172.00 254.00 133.18
2 Design & Technical Upgradation 31 Design workshops/projects 4 Design workshops/projects 13 Design workshops/projects 346.40 27.70 145.29
3 Marketing & Support Services 15 Marketing events – – 19.45 19.46 –
4 Research & Development 1 Research study 2 Research studies – 2.75 5.91 –
5 Human Resource Development 28 No. of Prog. 9 No. of Prog. 5 No. of Prog. 63.09 42.26 5.45
6. Welfare

(Health Insurance) 15333 artisan families 16580 artisan families 20454 artisan families
Amount released for various interventions, sanctioned in previous years.
Funds are allocated on all India basis, not State wise.

SERICULTURE

Catalytic Development Programme (CDP):

The Department of Sericulture (DoS), Govt. of J & K has selected 10 schemes/ components under CDP for implementation in the State. During the first three years of the XI Plan i.e.2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 (upto Oct, 2009), based on the proposals received from the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, the Central Silk Board has released/spent its share of Rs.181.85 lakh, Rs.316.07 lakh and Rs.291.83 lakh respectively for Jammu & Kashmir State towards implementation of various components under CDP. The DoS, Govt. of J & K has furnished 100% Utilisation Certificates (UCs) for the releases made for implementation of CDP during 2007-08. For the year, 2008-09, as against the release of Rs.316.07 lakh, UCs have been received to the extent of Rs.291.30 lakh (92.16%). The CDP schemes have been successfully implemented in the State of J&K. Through CDP, necessary infrastructure facilities like Rearing Houses, Chawki Rearing Centers, Rearing appliances have been provided to the state holders of Silk industry. The State has established cocoon markets, Hot Air dryers for stifling the cocoons, women sericulturists and their families have been covered under Health Insurance etc.

WOOL & WOOLLENS
Following schemes/ projects are being implemented during the 11th Five Year Plan:

1 Sheep & Wool Improvement Scheme (SWIS)
2 Pashmina Development scheme:
3 Social Security Scheme for shepherds

The Central Wool Development Board released Rs. 143.00 lakh for implementation of the above schemes. Details of projects are as under:
S.No. Name of Agency Name of Project Grant released in 11th Plan (upto October,2009)
1 M/s Sahyog India, R.S. Pura, Jammu Sheep & Wool Improvement Scheme Rs. 87.00 lakh
2 Chief Executive Officer, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh. (LAHDC) Pashmina Wool Development programme Rs. 56.00 lakh
3
(i) Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. (for Sheep Insurance) and
(ii) Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (for Shepherds insurance) Social Security Scheme for sheep breeders. Govt. of India contribution towards premium amount given directly to OIC & LIC insurance companies.

1 Sheep & Wool Improvement Scheme (SWIS):
The Board is implementing this scheme with the help of one Non-Governmental Organization i.e. M/s Sahyog India, R.S. Pura, Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir to cover 1.50 lakh sheep by benefiting 3,245 sheep breeders of 437 villages of Jammu and Kathua districts. The Board has released total 87.00 lakh in the year 2008-09 under this scheme and the implementing agency has utilized Rs. 62.37 lakh upto October,2009.

2. Pashmina Development scheme:
The Board is implementing this programme for the development of Pashmina wool in Ladakh region of J. & K. State by providing incentives under its various components like- Buck Exchange Programme, Distribution of high quality Pashmina bucks in non-traditional areas to enhance Pashmina production, Establishment of Fodder Bank, Training refreshers to Nomadic Breeders as Paramedics, Health Coverage, Fodder Development, Provision of improved Pashmina Combs for Efficient Harvesting of Pashmina etc.
Implementing Pashmina Wool Development Programme for providing employment opportunity in Ladakh region by encouraging its farming.
During the years 2007-08 and 2008-09, the Board has released Rs. 56 lakh to implement one Pashmina Wool Development project in Leh-Ladakh region to benefit 800 pashmina families by providing incentives under its various components.
Provided training to 150 nomadic breeders as paramedics, organized training camps, established fodder banks in this most remote area of country.

3. Social Security Scheme for Sheep Breeders
In the event of death of sheep, sum assured of Rs. 1,200/- per sheep will become payable to the concerned sheep breeders. In the event of normal death of the sheep breeder, sum assured of Rs. 60,000, in case of partial disability Rs. 75000/- will be payable and in case of accidental death/total disability, Rs. 1,50,000 will become payable, to the nominee/beneficiary, respectively.

Impact of pashmina development project being implemented in Ldakh region

Training to breeders as paramedic: – The main idea of the scheme was to train some breeders and make them work as paramedics in the inaccessible nomadic areas by paying an honorarium. While as the training part was approved, the provisions for payment of honorarium to the paramedics was not approved under the project. The idea, now, is to make progressive breeders aware of diseases causes treatment and control, and also their role as primary savior of the affected animals till the departmental machinery is able to reach the sites with medi-facilities. The training provided earlier has done tremendous good to some of the breeders and the next training, scheduled to the conducted in December 2009, is expected to benefit 200 breeders or even more. This training need to be made more meaningful and beneficial by going to all important nomadic villages and by involving maximum breeders under the ambit of training in first aid, disease control and management of livestock. The gains accrued as a result of the first batch training can not be qualified but the nomads have all the good works about the programme.
Breeding Coverage: – Wool Board has purchased 250 nos. of Pashmina bucks during the year 2009-10 and issued to breeders. The impact will start accruing during neat years. However, the enhancement in Pashmina production happens very gradually and the immediate impacts cannot be quantified.
Health Coverage: – During the year 2009-10, almost 14000 Pashmina goats in Chushul nomadic community was threatened by a disease which was handled effectively with the money provided by the Central Wool Development Board, Jodhpur under Pashmina Development Project. In addition medicines shall be provided as apart of paramedic kit when the training to the paramedic will be held during December 2009.
Training to members of Pashmina Growers Cooperative Societies in Changthang (Ladakh): – There are 20 branches of local level cooperative societies of All Changthang Pashmina Grower’s Marketing Society. All the breeders are members of one of the societies. The people have been given training about the need of Pashmina Cooperative Societies in all the 20 areas and one additional camp was organized at Leh out of the left over funds. The nomads are very seriously following the Cooperative rules these days and the Cooperative has stabilizing the Pashmina Market and also by ensuring equitable price to all the members, eliminating the middle man from the system.

POWERLOOMS

All the schemes of powerlooms are open to all States including Jammu & Kashmir. However, in the absence of any sizable Textile industry in Jammu & Kashmir, benefits of the above schemes have not been availed in the state of Jammu & Kashmir except some powerloom workers covered under Group Insurance Scheme. About 200 powerlooms are existing at Kashmir (Srinagar). The range of powerloom products are Jasmine Shawls, Shirting Suiting`s, tweeds, surge, Angora Suiting.

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION FUND SCHEME IN J&K

The progress of TUFS – All India and J & K is given below:

Progress under TUFS (01.04.1999 to 30.06.2009) (P)

(Rs. in Crore)
State sanctioned Disbursed
No. of applications Project Cost Sanction Amount No. of Applications Amount Disbursed.
All India 25809 179834.48 78294.02 25694 66272.78
Jammu & Kashmir 26 650.77 481.81 26 367.10

Sector Wise progress under TUFS in J&K (01.04.1999 to 30.06.2009) (P)

(Rs. In Crore)
Sr. No. Sector Applications Sanctioned Applications Disbursed
No. Project Cost Amount No. Amount

1 Non SSI 26 650.77 481.81 26 367.10
2 SSI 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 26 650.77 481.81 26 367.10

Segment Wise progress under TUFS in J&K (01.04.1999 to 30.06.2009) (P)

(Rs. in Crore)
Sr. No. Industry Segment Applications Sanctioned Applications Disbursed
No. Project Cost Amount No. Amount

1 Composite Upgradation 1 110.00 86.98 1 12.98
2 Cotton ginning & pressing 3 73.25 56.01 3 56.01
3 Processing of fibres, yarn fabrics, garments and made-ups 4 4.98 2.69 4 2.69
4 Spinning 4 173.70 82.15 4 82.15
5 Synthetic filament yarn texturising, crimping & twisting 4 4.51 1.42 4 1.42
6 Weaving 10 284.33 252.56 10 211.85
Total 26 650.77 481.81 26 367.10

The names of the major units availing of TUFS in J & K are given below

Sr. No. Name of the unit
1 Sutlej Textiles & Industries Limited
2 Vinayika Synthetics
3 Gopal Dyeing Industries
4 Laxmi Enterprises
5 Maral Overseas Limited

SCHEME FOR INTEGRATED TEXTILE PARKS (SITP):
One project under Textile Centre Infrastructure Development Scheme (TCIDS) at Zakura-Srinagar has been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir which is under implementation. The total project cost is Rs. 7.92 crore, the Central share of the project is 6.27 crore and till now Rs. 3.88 crore has been released for the project as central share.

JUTE TECHNOLOGY MISSION:

Scheme for Helping NGOs and Women Self Help Groups (WSHGS) for Development of Jute Diversified Products

The objective of the scheme is to create domestic demand for Jute Diversified Products through mass awareness, to expand the production base for various JDPs by promoting NGOs and WSHGs especially in rural areas to take up the manufacturing of JDPs by imparting skills, training, financial support for procurement of machineries, raw material supply chain support, marketing support so as to ameliorate the economic status of the rural women and bring them to the level of economic independence.
Two Cluster Development Agencies have been appointed by the National Centre for Jute Diversification (NCJD) for the benefit of WSHGS in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

586. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

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

(a) whether he is fully convinced with proper implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, how does it proposes to implement it successfully?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a)to(c) : National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was launched on 2nd February, 2006. The Act has been extended to all the rural areas in the country in a phased manner. Since inception, 13.52 crore households have been provided employment and 632.11 crore persondays generated by spending an amount of Rs.70499.72 crore. More than 50% works were undertaken in water conservation sector. The share of SC/ST was 61% and women 40% in total employment generation in 2006-07. Similarly, in 2007-08, the share of SC/ST was 56% and women 43%, in 2008-09, share of SC/ST was 54% and women 48% and in 2009-10 (October, 2009), share of SC/ST was 51% and women 51%.
The Ministry has given emphasis on awareness generation in the rural population about their legal rights under the Act; strict vigilance and monitoring, people`s participation and transparency & accountability for implementation of NREGA.

451. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

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

(a) whether it is a fact that an Air India flight from Delhi to Dubai was cancelled on 30 October, 2009; and

(b) if so, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a): No, Sir.

(b): Does not arise.

421. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether success rate of implementation of various development programmes undertaken under the MPLADS has been assessed; and

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating achievement thereof made so far?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), MINISTRY OF COAL AND STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a)&(b) The MPLAD Scheme is governed by a set of guidelines. The progress of the Scheme is reviewed at the Central, State/UT and district levels as per the provisions of the guidelines.
Apart from the regular monitoring at the government level, the physical monitoring of works executed under MPLAD Scheme has been entrusted to NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS), an independent agency. The NABCONS have found that the MPLAD Scheme is a unique Scheme, having the characteristic feature of decentralized development and has resulted in creation of good quality of assets, which have had a positive impact on the local economy, social fabric and the physical environment. They have further reported that the Scheme has been welcomed by the people due to its inherent strengths and its positive impact on their economic and social life.
Since inception of the Scheme, as of 31.10.2009, an amount of Rs. 20351.25 crore has been released, out of which Rs. 18600.90 crore has been utilized. The percentage of cumulative utilization over cumulative release is 91.40%. About 12.82 lakh works have been recommended, 11.45 lakh works were sanctioned, and about 10.49 lakh works have been completed. The percentage of cumulative works completed to cumulative works sanctioned, is 91.61%.

314. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the industrialized world does not fell the efficacy of the provision in the framework convention on climate change, that reduction of emissions is common but differentiated responsibility in full measures; and

(b) if so, what steps Government propose to take in this regard?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b) In the International negotiations on climate change, Developed Country Parties have argued that the major developing economies should also take on binding commitments to undertake mitigation actions alongwith the developed countries who have an obligation to reduce emissions in quantified terms. However, India and other developing countries have consistently taken a position that the Parties must take their actions in accordance with the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ of the Convention. Annex I Parties who bear the historic responsibility for climate change must commit themselves to deeper emission reduction commitments, while developing countries will take voluntary mitigation actions to the extent that the developed countries provide support in terms of finance and technology.

275. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any survey has been undertaken to extend railway line in Rajouri-Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir; and

(b) whether other areas like Doda and Kupwara would also be included in the programme?
Answer

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

( SHRI E. AHAMED )

(a): Yes, Sir. Survey for Jammu-Poonch new line was conducted in 2008-09.

(b): Surveys had been done earlier for rail connectivity to Doda and Kupwara. However, the proposals have not yet been sanctioned.

14. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the famous facility of enquiry offered by Telecom Department under No 197 is non-existent in Kashmir valley; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that this service for Kashmir has been shifted to Jammu?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. The directory enquiry service under No. 197 is working at Srinagar for Kashmir valley from 9:00 to 18:00 hours. Beyond 18:00 hours the calls are handled by call centre at Jammu due to security reasons.