opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3153 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Uranium Production
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3153

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## URANIUM PRODUCTION

3153.  SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the production of uranium in metric tonne in the country, State/UT-wise along with its annual requirement for the generation of atomic energy, nuclear power plant-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has prepared any scheme to achieve self-sufficiency in the uranium availability;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH) :

- (a) It  is  not  in  the  public  interest  to  disclose  the  quantity  of  production  of uranium.    The approximate requirements of uranium for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are given below:

|   Unit Capacity (MW) |   Annual requirement at 85% Capacity Factor (tons UO 2 ) |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
|                  220 |                                                       45 |
|                  540 |                                                      100 |
|                  700 |                                                      125 |

The approximate requirements of uranium for Light Water Reactors (LWRs) are as given below:

|   Unit Capacity (MW) | Annual requirement at 85% Capacity Factor (tons low enriched uranium)   |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                  160 | 6(at 85% CF)                                                            |
|                 1000 | 25 (at 90% CF)                                                          |

- (b)&(c)  Yes,  Sir.  The  Government  has  taken  measures  to  augment  domestic uranium supply by state-of-the-art, integrated, multi-disciplinary exploration  in  several  prospective  and  potential  geological  domains  in various  parts  of  the  country  and  opening  of  new  mines  and  processing facilities.
- (d)         Does not arise in view of (b) and (c) above.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3152 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Haj Subsidy
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: PRASUN BANERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.3152 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## HAJ SUBSIDY

## 3152.  SHRI PRASUN BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the amount being saved by the Government from abolition of the Haj subsidy; and

- (b) the  manner  in  which  this  money  will  be  allocated  in  the  2018-19  financial  year  for welfare of Muslims?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

- (a) & (b) The amount of Haj subsidy provided by the Government of India reflects in the budget of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), which is the nodal Ministry responsible for making air travel arrangements for Haj pilgrims identified by the Haj Committee of India  (HCoI).  Budgetary  provision  of  Rs.  200  crore  for  the  Haj  subsidy  has  been made in the B.E. 2017-18 and it has been decided to discontinue it from the year 2018-19.

The welfare schemes meant for minorities are implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs from the budget allocated to this Ministry. An additional allocation of Rs.505 Crore has been made for the Ministry of Minority Affairs for the year 2018-19.  It has been decided to allocate bulk of the additional funding for educational empowerment of Minority communities.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3149 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Dialogue with Pakistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: THOKCHOM MEINYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3149

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## DIALOGUE WITH PAKISTAN

3149. DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government of India is ready to re-start the dialogue process with Pakistan as suggested by the political leaderships in the State of Jammu and Kashmir;
- (b) if so, details thereof;
- (c) whether the stoppage of infiltration and ceasefire violation would be the pre-condition before resuming the dialogue; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (d) The Government has clear and consistent position that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan, and  is committed to addressing all outstanding   issues   bilaterally   and   peacefully   in   accordance   with   the   Simla Agreement and the Lahore declaration. However, any meaningful dialogue can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. Till then, India will continue to take firm and decisive steps to respond to cross-border terrorism.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3148 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Construction Around Ordnance Depots
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT, PREM DAS RAI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3148

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2018

## CONSTRUCTION AROUND ORDNANCE DEPOTS

3148.  SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: SHRI PREM DAS RAI:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  a  large  number  of  housing  and  other  construction  activities  are  being carried out by people near defence installations including ordnance depots in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether ordnance depots have any threat from such activities;
- (c) if  so,  the  steps  taken  to  check  the  said  construction  activities  and  the  details  of effective steps taken to get these areas vacated along with the time by which these areas are likely to be vacated; and
- (d) whether the Government also intends to take up the matter with State Governments  /  Urban  local  bodies  to  ensure  denial  of  permission  to  prevent  such constructions in future and if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

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

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3147 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Guest Houses on Vacant Land
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SHER SINGH GHUBAYA, RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3147 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## GUEST HOUSES ON VACANT LAND

† 3147.  SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA: DR. RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  construct  guest  houses  on the vacant land around the railway stations for the convenience of the passengers so that the land can be utilised well and protected from encroachment;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  if not, the reason therefor;
- (d)  whether the Government has any details regarding the vacant land around the railway stations; and
- (e)  if so, the details of such stations near which guest houses are likely to be constructed in the first phase along with the total number of guest houses proposed to be constructed?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  to  (e):  No,  Madam.  There  is  no  scheme  for  construction  of  guest houses on the vacant land around the railway stations.

Railway has about 51648 hectare of vacant land. Most of the land is in narrow strip along the track.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3146 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Lateral Entry in All India Services
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3146

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018)

## LATERAL ENTRY IN ALL INDIA SERVICES

## 3146. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce lateral entry in to the All India Services such as IAS and IFS;
- (b) if so, the criteria evolved for the purpose; and
- (c) the progress made so far in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a):     As of now, there is no such proposal under consideration of the Government.
- (b) & (c):     Does not arise.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3145 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Privatization of PSUs
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3145 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## PRIVATIZATION OF PSUs

## 3145. SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the NITI Aayog has prepared a list of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for privatization ;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether all the PSUs , proposed for privatization, are incurring losses; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the profit/loss of such PSUs during the last three years   and the current year, PSU-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE  MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) to  (d)  The  identification  of  Public  Sector  Undertakings  for  strategic  disinvestment  is currently work-in-progress at NITI Aayog.

-----
Lok Sabha Question No. 3144 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Patients Ferrying Service
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3144 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## PATIENTS FERRYING SERVICE

†3144. SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  any  service  equipped  with  attendant  facilities  in  the Railways for ferrying serious patients in the trains on the lines of services given in ambulance;
- (b) if so, the charges recovered for ferrying patients and the amount of money spent on the same compared to road and air routes;
- (c) whether any train ambulance service is being run or proposed for ferrying patients from Jharkhand and Bihar to the neighbouring States and Delhi;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  to  (e):  No,  Madam.  However,  oxygen  with  its  supporting  stand  with patients  under  medical  certificate  is  permitted  to  be  carried  inside  the compartment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3142 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: New Telecom Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: RAVINDRA KUSHAWAHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3142 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 th  MARCH, 2018

## NEW TELECOM POLICY

†3142. SHRI RAVINDER KUSHAWAHA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  bring  next  generation  technology  like internet of things, skill development and security under New Telecom Policy (NTP);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether under the NTP, Government proposes to open workshops on the new telecom policy at industry and area levels;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has any scheme to increase investment under the new policy to upgrade the network?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to(e) The  Department  of  Telecommunications  has  already  initiated  the  process  to formulate  a  new  National  Telecom  Policy  in  view  of  rapid  technological  advancement  in  the sector.  The  broad  roadmap  and  guiding  principles  of  the  National  Telecom  Policy-2018  have been approved by the Telecom Commission in the meeting held on 29.9.2017. Various Working Groups on themes viz. Digital  India, New Technology, Licensing Framework, Make in  India, Infrastructure,  Spectrum  Management,  Security,    Skill  Development  &  Capacity  Building, Allocation  and  Pricing  of  Resources,  Disaster  Management,  Consumer  Protection,  Legislative Framework  and  Strategic  Financial  Planning  have  been  formed  with  participation  from  all stakeholders. The work on formulation of National Telecom Policy-2018 is in advanced stage and is likely to be completed soon.

Several stakeholders' consultations and workshops in partnership with industry associations  such  as  Cellular  Operators  Association  of  India  (COAI),  Broadband  India  Forum (BIF),  Tower  and  Infrastructure  Providers  Association  (TAIPA)  amongst  several  others  have been held. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has also conducted two open house discussions and wide consultations to prepare its input on the National Telecom Policy - 2018.

*****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 3141 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Investigation of Cases Related to Coal Block Allocation
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3141

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018)

## INVESTIGATION OF CASES RELATED TO COAL BLOCK ALLOCATION

## †3141. SHRI RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also taken the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in its ambit of investigation regarding the cases of coal block allocation;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has fixed the accountability in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (d):   Yes Madam,

In  20  cases  ,  CBI  has  obtained  files  from  PMO pertaining to approval  of allocation of Coal Block by the then Prime Minister who acted in the capacity of Minister of Coal. CBI has examined officers of PMO in this regard who has dealt the files of allocations of coal blocks. However, CBI has not filed any charge sheet against the officers of PMO in the court and also not referred any matter to Govt. for taking action, so far.

As per the provisions of Delhi Special Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1964, the superintendence  over  Central  Bureau  of  Investigation  (CBI)  in  respect  of  investigation  of Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act case vests with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3140 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Track along LoC
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: MIDHUN REDDY, KURUPPASSERY VARKEY THOMAS, KALYAN BANERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3140

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2018

## TRACK  ALONG  LoC

3140.  SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY: PROF. K.V. THOMAS: SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE:

j{kk ea=h

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether China has constructed or attempted to build a track / road on Indian side on LoC in Arunachal Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the Chinese authorities;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether China is pressurizing India by enhancing the strength of the Army force in the border areas; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to prevent Chinese threat?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (c): An Indian  Army patrol observed three civilians  believed to  be Chinese nationals carrying out track construction in Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian side of the LAC.  The three civilians returned to the Chinese side of the LAC on seeing the Indian Army patrol.  As per the agreed modalities, a  Flag  Meeting was arranged to  discuss the intrusion.   The Chinese side admitted that the three civilians had crossed over the LAC and agreed to withdraw their equipment immediately.

Government regularly takes up such matters along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including Border Personnel Meetings, Flag Meetings, meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, as well as through diplomatic channels. (d) & (e): Indian Army is fully seized of the security needs of the country in the border areas.  Necessary steps including construction / upgradation of  roads,  capability  enhancement  and  infrastructure  development  have been undertaken to ensure that the National Security concerns along the Borders are adequately addressed.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3138 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Autonomous Weapons System
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: C. MAHENDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3138

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2018

## AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS SYSTEM

3138.  SHRI  C. MAHENDRAN:

j{kk ea=h

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  Government's  stand  on  the  development,  adoption  and  /  or  integration  of Autonomous Weapons System (AWS) by various nations including USA, Russia, China for enhancing their offensive as well as defensive capabilities; and
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  developed  or  likely  to  develop  any  of  these technologies for its further use or deterrence and if so, the details thereof?

<!-- formula-not-decoded -->

(a) & (b): Weapon systems with varying levels of autonomy are already in use  in  some  countries.    Indian  Armed  Forces  also  have  several  weapon systems which are autonomous with 'fire and forget' capability. DRDO has undertaken  Design  and  Development  of  similar  autonomous  weapon systems.

Recent  advances  in  Artificial Intelligence  (AI)  and  Autonomous Intelligent Systems have the potential, like other dual-use technologies to be leveraged for both offense and defense.  Government keeps all relevant developments  under  review  and  remains  committed  to  taking  necessary steps to uphold national security in accordance with its own assessments.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Safety of Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3136 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## SAFETY OF STATIONS

3136.     SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  initiated  a  plan  of  action  for bringing the entire Railways network under the surveillance system so as to ensure the safety of railway stations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and whether the Government has also planned to set up surveillance control  system  with Railway Protection Force in major railway stations; and
- (c)  if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)  to  (c):  It  proposed  to  install  Close  Circuit  Television  (CCTV) Cameras  to  strengthen  surveillance  mechanism  and  to  ensure safety  and  security  of  passengers  at  railway  stations  and  trains over  entire  network  of  Indian  Railways.  Funding  is  contemplated from Nirbhaya Fund of Government of India. It is further proposed to deploy trained manpower on hiring basis, under overall supervision  of  Railway  Protection  Force,  for  round  the  clock monitoring of CCTV feeds through control rooms to render security related assistance to passengers on real-time basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3133 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Radiation Detection System
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: RAGHAV LAKHANPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3133

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEM

3133.  SHRI RAGHAV LAKHANPAL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of installation of Radiation Detection System in the country;
- (b) the names of the regulatory body in the country which monitor the disposal of scrap or medical waste containing radiation; and
- (c) the  number  of  cases  reported  during  each  of  the  last  three  years  and  the current year regarding violation of the rules and guidelines relating to disposal of  scrap  or  medical  waste  containing  radiation  and  the  action  taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH) :

- (a) Units of Indian Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network (IERMON) have been  installed  to  detect  any  increase  of  radiation  levels.  The  IERMON locations,  spread  over  the  country,  are  selected  based  on  various  factors including population density and vulnerability for potential radiological emergencies.  The  locations  of  IERMON  stations  include  major  cities  and populated towns.
- (b) Atomic Energy Regulatory Board enforces the regulations for the disposal of scrap or medical waste containing radiation.
- (c) Nil.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3128 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Militarization of Space
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE, C. MAHENDRAN, R. PARTHIPAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3128

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

## MILITARIZATION OF SPACE

3128.   SHRI J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

SHRI C. MAHENDRAN:

SHRI R. PARTHIPAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is an increased threat perception from weaponisation or militarization of outer space around the world and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is particularly of great concern with the development  of  anti  satellite  technologies  that  are  being developed  by  a  neighbouring  nation  of  India  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (c) whether  India  has  a  space  command  to  co-ordinate  between different actors in dealing with any contingencies;
- (d) if so, whether it is sufficiently funded and staffed and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether India has a dedicated space programme and if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

## ANSWER (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) There  is  a  general  threat  perception  from  weaponisation  or militarization of outer space for the whole world. It could have an impact on the security of space infrastructure. (b) Development of Anti-satellite technology could pose two dimensional impact, first, the possibility of impacting satellites and second, creation of debris, which is a perennial problem to all operational space systems. (c) Currently India does not have a Space Command. (d) Does not arise. India  has  a  dedicated  space  programme  which  addresses various  developmental  requirements  of  the  country  through
- (e) Satcom, SatNav and Earth Observation related assets.

*****