opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2711 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Promotion of Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: CHARANJEET SINGH RORI, DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2711 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2018

Promotion of Sports

2711. SHRI CHARANJEET SINGH RORI: SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether there is any shortage of sports instructors, coaches and stadia for various sports in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to establish district-wise sports stadium  with  adequate  number  of  coaches  to  develop  and  promote various sports activities in the country;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Government to provide adequate number of coaches to improve the level of sports in the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS {COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)}

- (a)  &  (b):        At  present,  sufficient  coaches  are  posted  in  Sports Promotional Schemes being run by SAI across the country.

SAI  deploys  coaches  for  various  Sports  Promotional  schemes across the country as per requirement. The deployment is made based on the number  of  trainees and  demand.  If there is an urgent requirement, coaches are engaged on contract basis also.

(c)   There is no such proposal to establish district-wise sports stadium and appointment of coaches in the stadiums.

(d)   Does not arise in view of (c) above.

(e)      SAI  takes  necessary  steps  to  make  coaches  available  for  its Sports Promotional Schemes. Coaches are also engaged on contract basis as and when required.

Under Khelo India Scheme, the vertical 'Community Coach Develoment'  aims  to  build  a  cascading  model  for  development  of community  coaches  across  the  country.  Master  Trainers  will  be trained under the Scheme to further train Physical Education Teachers (PETs) or subject teachers.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2710 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: DISCOM Losses
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: MEENAKASHI LEKHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2710 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2018

## DISCOM LOSSES

## 2710.  SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any permissible limit  for factoring in   DISCOM losses in the tariff policy;
- (b) if so, the detail thereof; and
- (c) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  remove  human  interface  in billing, metering and collections?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI  R. K. SINGH )

(a) & (b) : Discom  losses  are  the  Aggregate  Technical  &  Commercial  (AT&C) losses which consist of the transmission and distribution losses (T&D losses) and billing & collection efficiency of Distribution Companies. As per Para 8.2.1 of the Tariff  Policy  2016,  need  for  reduction in AT&C loses has been emphasized. The draft  amendments  to  tariff  policy,  circulated  for  stakeholders  comments  on 30.5.2018, stipulates that the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions and Joint Electricity  Regulatory  Commissions  shall  not  consider  AT&C  losses  exceeding 15% for determination of tariff after 31.03.2019.

- (c) : The  Central  Government  has  taken  various  steps  to  reduce  the human  interface  in  billing,  metering  and  collections  in  respect  of  supply  of electricity. Under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) support has been provided to Discoms for development or strengthening of IT systems which enable Discoms to generate automated bills by the use of billing software. Under IPDS, projects of smart meters with an outlay of Rs 834.41 Crore have been sanctioned to  12  states.  Discoms  are  also  offering  various  options  to  the  consumer  for payment of their dues by means of online payment, use of e-payment wallets, use of  payment  Applications  etc.Further,  states  have  been  requested  to  draw  up  a road map for shifting over to smart/prepaid meters within next three years. Smart meter would help eliminate the human interference in billing and metering.  The use  of  smart  meters  in  the  pre-paid  mode  will  do  away  with  all  the  problems associated  with  meter  reading,  billing,  collection  and  disconnection  in  case  of non-payment.

**************
Lok Sabha Question No. 2709 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Handloom Sector in Assam
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: RAMEN DEKA

## 2709. SHRI RAMEN DEKA:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Assam is traditionally rich in handloom sector;
- (b) if  so,  the  steps  taken/being  taken  to  boost  handloom  sector  in  the  State  in  general  and  amongst different tribes which are rich in this sector in particular; and
- (c) whether the Government has any new proposal to boost this sector in the State and if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER वस्त्र राज्य मंत्री ( श्री अजय टम्टा )

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a) & (b): Yes,  Madam.  The  Government  of  India,  Ministry  of  Textiles  is  implementing  following schemes for development of handlooms and welfare of weavers across the country, including Assam:-

1. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
2. Handloom Weavers' Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS)
3. Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS)
4. Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for mega handloom clusters

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided for raw materials, purchase of looms and accessories,  design  innovation,  product  diversification,  infrastructure,  skill  upgradation,  marketing  of handloom products, loan at concessional rates etc.

(c): The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles has taken up Sivasagar as mega handloom cluster. In the said cluster, one Silk Spinning unit, four Common Facility Centres with end to end activities and five block  level  clusters  have  been  sanctioned.  Besides,  52  block  level  clusters  have  also  been  sanctioned  in Assam  since  2015-16,  providing  financial  assistance  for  skill  upgradation,  design/product  development, purchase of looms/accessories and lighting units, construction of workshed etc. In order to promote sales of handloom products, 92 marketing events have been sanctioned in last three years and a sum of Rs. 9.04 crore has been released.

During  7-17 th October  2017  and  19-24 th February  2018,  8  and  7  Hastkala  Sahyog  Shivirs  were organised  in  various  handloom  clusters  in  the  State  of  Assam  to  facilitate  the  handloom  weavers  for obtaining MUDRA loan, Yarn Passbooks, looms & accessories, enrol for NIOS and IGNOU courses etc.

Under  Weavers'  MUDRA  scheme,  503  MUDRA  loans  have  been  sanctioned  since  2016-17, involving sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 219.44 lakh.  Of which, Rs. 219.44 lakh has been disbursed.

During the celebration of 7 th August 2015 as National Handloom Day, 'India Handloom' Brand was launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister for production of niche handloom products with high quality, authentic traditional designs with zero defect and zero effect on environment.  So far 13 agencies from Assam have been registered for IHB products and sale of Rs. 60.88 lakh has been generated for IHB products.

********

## HANDLOOM SECTOR IN ASSAM
Lok Sabha Question No. 2708 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Conversion of State Highway into National Highway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has taken/ propose to take any steps to convert and develop NagpurNagbhid-BrahmpuriGadchiroli  State  Highway  into  National  Highway  No.  7,  GadchiroliChamorshiAllapalli-Sironcha highway into National Highway No. 16, GondiaGoregaonKohmara highway into National Highway No. 6 and Gadchiroli-Mool-Chandrapur highway into National Highway in the Gadchiroli- Chimur tribal Parliamentary Constituency of Maharashtra;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has taken or proposed to take any steps for the development of National Highways in the naxal affected areas particularly in Gadchiroli-Chimur Parliamentary  Constituency  and  to  overcome  the  problems  being  faced  in  connectivity between Gadchiroli to Nagpur, Jabalpur, Rajnandgaon, Hyderabad and Chanderpuri; and

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

## ANSWER

## THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ROAD  TRANSPORT  AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) & (b) Yes madam. The road from Nagpur- Nagbhir - Brahmapuri - Armori has been declared  as  National  Highway  No.  353D,  from    Gadchiroli  -  Chamorshi  -  Allapalli  Sironcha  has  been  declared  as  National  Highway  No.  353C,  from  Gondia  -  Goregaon  Kohmara  has  been  declared  as  National  Highway    No.  753  &  from  Gadchiroli  -  Mul  Chandrapur has been declared as National Highway 930.
- (c) Does not arise.

(d)  &  (e)  Umrer  -  Chimur  -  Warora  State  road  has  been  upgraded  and  declared  as  N.H. 353E. work for Two laning of Umrer to Chimur Section and  Chimur to Warora Section has been awarded.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2708

ANSWERED ON  2 ND  AUGUST, 2018

## CONVERSION OF STATE HIGHWAY INTO NATIONAL HIGHWAY

## 2708.   SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 2707 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: SAATHI Initiative
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2707 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02/08/2018

## SAATHI INITIATIVE

## 2707.  SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the salient features and objectives of the Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help small Industries initiative (SAATHI);
- (b) whether  the  scheme  is  purported  to  be  helping  to  ease  the  financial  costs incurred by the small and medium powerlooms and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has identified any existing textile clusters to commence implementation of the project and if so, the details of clusters selected thereof;
- (d) whether  the  scheme  is  likely  to  result  in  energy  and  cost  savings  for  the entrepreneurs; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्य मंत्री ( श्री अजय टम्टा) MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES

## (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a) to (e): Ministry  of  Textiles  and  Ministry  of  Power  have  joined  hands under the new initiative SAATHI( Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help small Industries) with a view to sustain and accelerate the adoption  of  energy  efficient  textile  technologies  in  powerloom  sector  and  the  cost savings  due  to  the  use  of  such  technology. Energy  Efficiency  Services  Limited (EESL), a Public Sector entity  under the administrative control of Ministry of  Power,  will  replace  old inefficient  electric motors  with  energy  efficient  IE3 motors which is likely to result in energy and cost saving to the tune of 1015% in the first phase. In the second phase it will replace energy efficient powerlooms and rapier kits in bulk and provide them to small and medium powerloom  units.  The  use  of  these  efficient  equipments  would  result  in energy  savings  and  cost  savings  to  the  unit  owners  at  no  upfront  cost. Powerloom clusters at Ichalkaranji, Bhiwandi, Erode, Surat, Bhilwara and Panipat have been identified for pilot study.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2705 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: UMPP Projects in Odisha
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: RITA TARAI, BALABHADRA MAJHI, Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh, LADU KISHORE SWAIN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2705 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2018

## UMPP PROJECTS IN ODISHA

2705.  SHRIMATI RITA TARAI: SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI: SHRIMATI PRATYUSHA RAJESHWARI SINGH: SHRI LADU KISHORE SWAIN:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether his Ministry is aware that till date about Rs. 350 crore has been contributed  by  the  State  of  Odisha  for  the  UMPP  project  at  Bedabahal  and  the State  Government  has  submitted  its  views/  feedback  on  the  Standard  Bidding Document (SBD) if so, the details thereof and the progress made therein;
- (b) the  time  by  which  his  Ministry  will  finalize  the  bidding  documents  and initiate the bidding process of Bedabahal UMPP project without any further delay; and
- (c) whether the delay in this regard  would  create  difficulties  for  taking  over physical  possession  of  the  land  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action proposed to be taken thereon?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI  R. K. SINGH )

(a) : As  on  date,  Government  of  Odisha  has  contributed  about  Rs.351 Crore towards the Commitment Advance, Cost of land, Charges for keeping safe custody of land and Miscellaneous expenses. Further, Government of Odisha has submitted its views/feedback on Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs).

- (b) : Ministry of Power had constituted an Expert Committee for revising the  Guidelines  and  SBDs  for  UMPPs.  The  views  /  feedback  on  SBDs  by  Odisha Govt. as considered appropriate were incorporated in the draft SBDs prepared by the Expert Committee.  The Expert Committee has submitted the Draft Guidelines &  SBDs  to  the  Government.      The  combined  guidelines  for  UMPPs  based  on Domestic coal, Imported coal and Linkage coal is under finalization. The bidding process  for  Odisha  UMPP  can  be  initiated  after  finalization  of  Guidelines  and SBDs.
- (c) : The  land  for  the  project  is  being  acquired  by  Odisha  Industrial Infrastructure  Development  Corporation  (IDCO)  on  behalf  of  Orissa  Integrated Power  Limited,  the  Special  Purpose  Vehicle  (SPV)  for  this  project.  IDCO  would provide encumbrance free possession of land at the time of signing of lease.

***************
Lok Sabha Question No. 2701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Safety Norms for Construction of NHs
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: PRABHAS KUMAR SINGH

be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  safety  norms  taken  into  consideration  for  the  planning,  designing  and construction of National Highways along with the penalty fixed for their non-compliance;
- (b) whether in the Road Safety Bill it is proposed to reduce the penalty for faulty road design leading to accidents; and
- (c) if so, the reasons therefor including the average annual rate of accidental deaths due to faulty road design?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THEMINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (c) National Highways are designed and constructed as per Standards /Guidelines issued by Indian Roads Congress (IRC) / Ministry. Provision such as Foot Over Bridges (FOB), underpass/ overpass, road signages,  road  markings,  delineators,  crash  barrier  etc.  are  made  as  an  integral  part  of  the  highway development projects depending upon the site requirement, land availability etc..

In  the  Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, passed by Lok Sabha on 10 th April,  2017  and presently  in  Rajya  Sabha  for  consideration  and  passing,  inter-alia  contains  a  provision  of  penalty    for failure  to  comply  with  standards  for  road  design,  construction  and  maintenance  by  any  designated authority, contractor, consultant or concessionaire responsible for the design or construction or maintenance of the safety standards of the road.

Number of persons reportedly killed due to Engineering/Designing fault during the calendar year 2016 on all roads in India is 589.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2701

ANSWERED ON 02 ND   AUGUST, 2018

## SAFETY NORMS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NHs

## 2701.  DR. PRABHAS KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 2700 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Increase in Budget for Maintenance of Air India Flights
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY @F CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

(To be answered on the 2nd

2700 August 2018)

## INCREASE IN BUDGET FOR MAINTENANCE OF AIR INDIA FLIGHTS

.

be pleased to state:-

SHRI P. NAGARAJAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) whether the Union Government has decided to increase the\_annual budget for maintenance %f Air\_India Boeing flight used for VVIPs i.e President; Vice-President and Prime Minister;
- (c) the reasons to increase the annual budget for above purpose;
- (e) whether the Union Government would take necessary steps to improve
- () the total number of aircrafts being utilised for the use of VVIPs at present;
- the function/operations of the loss making Air India; and
- (f) if s0, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

- (a) (b): The Government has decided to revise the compensation towards maintenance costs on VVIP flight (SESF - Special Extra Section Flights) to Rs.534.38 Crore + applicable taxes for FY 2016-17 with an annual escalation of 10% to compensate for inflation for maintenance of B747-400 aircraft:
- (c): The B747-400 aircraft are maintained Air India exclusively for the The Government reimburses the maintenance cost 0f 3 B-747-400 aircraft to Air India. However, the maintenance cost operations has been constant since 2011-12 There has been a substantial increase in expenditure incurred by Air India on the maintenance of this aircraft during this time by

These aircraft are now due for higher maintenance checks. Furthermore, escalation in cost is also due to expenses on spares, as procurement is in dollar terms. There has also been overall cost increase due to rise in cost of spares services and cost related to wages of crew and overheads

Therefore; it was necessary for the Government to review the reimbursement provided to Air India:

- (d) Air India has 4 B747-400 aircraft available for SESF. Only one of them is configured for VVIP and oe aircraft is kept as standby
- (e) & (f): In order to help Air India in mitigating its continuing losses and to take it back on the path of profitability, the Government has already approved and implemented a Turn Around Plan (TAP) and Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) of Air India in 2012 in terms of which, all Government Guaranteed loans and interests thereon are being by the Government by way of equity infusion into Air India:  Similarly; & Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) has also been implemented by means of which, high cost working capital loans have been converted into long term debt carrying lesser rates of interest so as to reduce the financial burden on Air India: paid

The TAPIFRP includes budgetary support amounting to Rs.30231 crore spread over 10 years ie. upto FY 2020-21 and also equity support for the payment of principallinterest of the Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) Air india has received an equity infusion of Rs.27195.21 crore till date:

.

.

.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2698 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: NRI Fund for Ganga and Yamuna Rivers
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: HEMAMALINI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. † 2698

ANSWERED ON 02.0 8.201 8

## NRI FUND FOR GANGA A ND YAMUNA RIVERS

## †2698. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  any  Non - Resident  Indian  (NRI)  fund  has  been  constituted  for  the  rejuvenatio Ganga river and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the NR Is have been contributing into this fund as per expectations and if so, t thereof;
- (c) whether there is any proposal to constitute any fund for Yamuna river also; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  WATER  RESOURCES, RIVER  DEVELOPMENT  AND GANGA REJUVENATION & HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

( DR. SATYA PAL SINGH )

- (a)Yes, Madam. To harness the enthusiasm of Non - Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origins  (PIOs)  to  contribute  towards  the  conservation  of  the  river  Ganga,  the  Hon'ble  Finance Minister announced, in his budget speech for FY 2014 -15, setting up a NRI fund to enable them to contribute towards the conservati on efforts of the River Ganga. Establishment of Clean Gang Fund (CGF) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 September 2014 and it was establishe 21 January, 2015 as a Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
- (b)NRIs / PIOs have contributed over R s.18.92 lacs to the Clean Ganga Fund till date.
- (c) & (d) No such proposal is under consideration to constitute any separate fund for Yamun

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2697 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Conversion of State Highway-29 into National Highway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: MUKESH RAJPUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2697

ANSWERED ON 2 ND  AUGUST, 2018

## CONVERSION OF STATE HIGHWAY-29 INTO NATIONAL HIGHWAY

2697. SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  State  Highway-29  in  the  State  of  Uttar  Pradesh  has  been  converted  into National Highway;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the international Buddhist Pilgrimage Site Sankisa is proposed to be included in Buddhist Circuit; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a)  &  (b)  The  stretches  of  State  Highway  -  29  has  been  declared  as  following  National Highways (NH):
- (i) NH-731K starting from NH-731 near Shahjahanpur connecting Bisalpur, Barkheda and  terminating  at  its  junction  with  NH-30  near  Pilibhit,  in  the  state  of  Uttar Pradesh.
- (ii) NH-730C starting from its junction with NH-730B near Bisalpur, Miranpur Katra, Fatehgarh and terminating at its junction with NH- 34 near Bewar in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
- (c) & (d) Buddhist circuit is one of the fifteen thematic circuits identified by Ministry of Tourism  for  development  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme.  All  the  sites  in  the  country associated with the Buddhism are covered under the circuit.

*****