opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-21
Subject: Made-ups Manufacturing Sector
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: R. PARTHIPAN

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.922 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.12.2017

## MADE-UPS MANUFACTURING SECTOR

## 922.   SHRI  R. PARTHIPAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has approved any proposal for reforms to boost employment  generation  and  exports  in  the  made-up  manufacturing sector recently and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether there is any proposal to provide production incentive  through enhanced  Technology  Upgradation  Fund  Scheme  (TUFS)    subsidy  of additional 10% for made-ups and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the Government proposes  to simplify the labour laws in textile sector; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER वस्त्र      मंरी (श्री अज      )

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

- (a): Yes  Madam.  In  order  to  increase  India's  competitiveness  in  exports market, the Union Cabinet approved a special package to boost employment generation  and  exports  in  the  made-ups  sector  in  December  2016.    The objectives of the special package are employment generation and promotion of  exports.  The    components  of  the  Special  Package  for  made-ups  sector under implementation are as follows:-
-  Additional  incentives  for  under  Amended  Technology  Upgradation Fund Scheme (A-TUFS)
-  Pradhan Mantri Paridhan Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMPRPY) Scheme under which the Government bears additional 3.67% share of  Employer's  contribution  in  addition  to  8.33%  already  covered under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
-  The Scheme for Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) was announced under the Special Package to rebate the incidence of state levies on export of garments and made-ups to make exports more competitive in the global market
- (b): As a component of the special package, the Government provides an additional  10%  capital  investment  subsidy  (CIS)  for  made-up  units  which have  availed  15%  CIS  benefit  under  ATUFS  based  on  the  achievement  of projected production and employment after a period of three years.
- (c) & (d): Government  has  already  taken  steps  to  simply  labour  laws through introduction of fixed term employment for garmenting sector on 7 October 2016.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 79 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Scarcity of Coal
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.79

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## Scarcity of Coal

## *79 : SHRI R. DHRUVA NARAYANA:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a scarcity of coal in the country, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the production of power in power plants has been affected as a result thereof and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the State of Karnataka has sought more coal for its power plants; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND RAILWAYS (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

A statement is laid on the table of the House.

## Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No.79 for answer on 20.12.2017 asked by Shri R. Dhurva Narayana.

(a) & (b): Primarily due to failure on the part of the power houses to stock adequate coal,  as  per  Central  Electricity  Authority  (CEA) guidelines,  during  the  lean  power generation period and unexpected spurt in demand for thermal power arising out of drop in power generation from other sources, like nuclear, hydro and wind energy during  the  2nd  quarter  of  2017-18  there  was  a  drop  in  the  stock  position  with  the thermal power plants. Abnormally heavy monsoon in mine areas affected production, loading at mines and transportation of coal. With increased coal despatch from Coal India  Limited  (CIL) sources  and  continuous  monitoring,  the  situation  of  coal  stock improved at the  Power  Houses. The despatch from  CIL during  the  period  April  to December,  2017  grew  by  about  9%  as  compared  to  despatch  during  the  same period of 2016-17. This increased coal supply has been mainly responsible for the 4.7% increase in coal based power generation. This increased domestic coal based power  generation  coexists  with  4.59%  reduction  in  power  generation  by  imported coal based power plants of private sector.

( c)  &  (d ) : The  CIL  has pro  rata linkage  of  3.356  MT  and  Singareni  Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has pro rata linkage of 2.078 MT for supply of coal to the Raichur power plant of State of Karnataka. The materialization of the pro rata annual contracted  quantity  from  CIL  and  SCCL  for  2017-18  till  13 th December  2017  is around 77% and 100% respectively. It is set to rise further in the remaining period of this  fiscal.  The  coal  supply  against  bridge  linkage  from  SCCL  is  on  a  best  effort basis.  On  the  request  of  the  State  Government,  the  duration  of  Bridge  Linkage  to Bellary  Thermal  Power  Station  (TPS)  and  Yeramarus  TPS  from  SCCL  has  been extended twice.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 77 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Thalassery-Mysore Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 77 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## THALASSERY-MYSORE RAIL LINE

- *77.  SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Governments of Kerala and Karnataka have entered into  any  understanding/agreement  regarding  Thalassery-Mysore railway line and if so,  the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Railway  Board  has  held  any  discussion  with  the Government  of  Kerala  in  Thiruvananthapuram    recently  in  this regard;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Railway  Board  has  deputed  the  Konkan  Railway Corporation for the feasibility study of this line; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COAL

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  STARRED QUESTION  NO.  77  BY  SHRI  MULLAPPALLY  RAMACHANDRAN  TO  BE

ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  20.12.2017  REGARDING  THALASSERYMYSORE RAIL LINE

- (a):    Government  of  Kerala  and  Karnataka  had  joint  meeting  on 09.11.2017 at Bengaluru wherein following decision was taken:

'Permission to survey would depend upon the type of survey to be conducted and therefore, Government of Kerala should send a proposal to Government of Karnataka. If it entails no disturbance of the wildlife areas, the Forest and Revenue Departments would assist Government of Kerala to give permission and conduct the survey. Once the survey is done and it is seen that the line does not  disturb  the  wildlife  and  is  environmentally  feasible,  then further  action  with  regard  to  formation  of  the  Special  Purpose

Vehicle (SPV) can be taken.'

- (b)  and  (c):  Meeting  of  Chairman,  Railway  Board  with  Hon'ble  Chief Minister,  Government  of  Kerala  was  held  at  Thiruvananthapuram  on 27.10.2017 and the issue regarding development of Thalassery-Mysore new  broad  gauge  line  was  discussed.  It  was  decided  that  Detailed Project  Report  (DPR)  should  be  prepared  and  submitted  to  State Government and Ministry of Railways by 31.12.2017.
- (d)  and  (e):  No  Madam. Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL),  a  Joint  Venture  Company  of  Government  of  Kerala  and Ministry  of  Railways  have  nominated  'Konkan  Railway  Corporation Limited'  to  take  up  the  work  of  preparation  of  feasibility  study  and DPR for this new rail line from Thalassery to Mysore.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 76 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: 4G VoLTE Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: PARAYAMPARANBIL KUTTAPPAN BIJU, GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 76 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH      DECEMBER, 2017

## 4G VoLTE SERVICES

- *76. DR. P.K. BIJU:

DR. GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited  (BSNL)  is  struggling  to  rollout  4G VoLTE services across the country, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether BSNL has requested the Government to allocate more spectrum in the 700 MHz band for the said purpose and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken/  proposed  to  take  any  decision  on  the demand for spectrum by BSNL, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that the delay in rolling out of the said services by BSNL will hamper its growth prospects and give undue advantage to private Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) whether BSNL is setting up 40,000 new base stations for the said services and if so, the details thereof?

## 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) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

Contd………2/-

STATEMENT  TO  BE  LAID  ON  THE  TABLE  OF  LOK  SABHA  IN  RESPECT  OF PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *76  FOR  20 TH DECEMBER,  2017 ON '4G VoLTE SERVICES'.

(a) to (d) At present, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has not rolled out 4G services.  It  has  spectrum  in  800  MHz,  900  MHz,  2100  MHz  and  2500  MHz  bands  in various Licence Service Areas (LSAs). BSNL has liberalized spectrum in 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz which can be deployed for any technology based on standards approved by International Telecommunications Union (ITU). BSNL has requested for allotment of one 5 MHz slot in 700 MHz Band for pan-India (excluding Delhi and Mumbai) through equity fusion route or an allocation for 5 MHz slot in 2100 MHz  band temporarily for  one year on payment. The request of BSNL is under examination.

(e) As part of Phase-VIII.4, BSNL has planned 10000 numbers of 4G E-Node Bs in its service areas.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 73 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Ban on Triple Talaq
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU, Tejpratap Singh,Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK     S A B H A STARRED QUESTION No. 73 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 20 TH  DECEMBER, 2017.

## BAN ON TRIPLE TALAQ

## *73. SHRI B. SRIRAMULU

## SHRI TEJ PRATAP SINGH YADAV

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Supreme Court has 'set aside' the regressive practice of
- instant triple talaq for Muslims and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether in spite of the Supreme Court's order, there have been cases of
- triple talaqs in various parts of the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  bring  a  legislation  on  the issue of triple talaq and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken
- by the Government in this regard; and
- (d) the impact of proposed regulation on the society?

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

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

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 73 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 20/12/2017.

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) Yes,  Madam.    So  far  approximately  66  cases  have  been  reported from various parts of the country after the judgment of the Supreme Court.
- (c) and (d) The Government has decided to bring in a legislation, namely, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, which would, inter alia ,  protect the rights of married Muslim women and children and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing triple talaq by their husbands. The Government is of the view that the issue arises from the  humanitarian  concept  of  gender  justice,  gender  equality  and dignity of women and not arising from faith and religion.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 70 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.70 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## SCO REGIONAL ANTI-TERRORIST STRUCTURE

## *70. SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering to use forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in order to fight the threat of terrorism in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether   any   joint   operation   to the effect has   been undertaken/proposed to be undertaken and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any mechanism exists within the SCO countries to share information on countering terrorism and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)      the further steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)

- (a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA   STARRED   QUESTION   NO.   70   REGARDING   'SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION REGIONAL ANTI-TERRORIST

Madam, India became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on 09 June 2017 with the support of all the SCO Member States.  SCO comprises of two regional   bodies   -   SCO   Secretariat   and   SCO-RATS   (Regional   Anti-Terrorism

SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the SCO and is intended to facilitate coordination   and   interaction   between   competent   authorities   of   the   SCO   Member States in the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism.  The main functions of SCO-RATS are coordination and information sharing. Since becoming a member

STRUCTURE' FOR ANSWER ON 20.12.2017 Structure). India has been participating in the activities of SCO-RATS.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 67 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Rail Ticket Reservation Counters
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNPURIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.67 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## RAIL TICKET RESERVATION COUNTERS

†*67.  SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number of rail ticket reservation counters in the country, State / district- wise;
- (b) whether the Government has prepared any plan to increase the timing of rail ticket reservation counters;
- (c)   if so, the details thereof;
- (d)    whether  any  representation  has  been  received  for  increasing the  timing  of  rail  ticket  reservation  counters  in  Tonk  district  of Rajasthan; and
- (e)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COAL (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF STARRED QUESTION NO.67 BY SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  20.12.2017 REGARDING RAIL TICKET RESERVATION COUNTERS

(a):  At  present,  there  are  10137  Passenger  Reservation  System (PRS)  terminals  at  3442  locations  across  the  country.    These details are maintained Zonal Railway-wise and not District-wise.

(b)  &  (c):  The  timings  of  operation  of  computerised  PRS  counters are  generally  in  two  shifts  i.e.  from  0800  to  1400  hours  and  from 1415  hours  to  2000  hours  on  weekdays  and  only  in  first  shift  on Sundays  and  certain  specified  holidays.    However,  based  on demand  pattern  reservation  counters  are  opened  beyond  2000 hours also. Similarly if demand is less, counters are also opened in one shift or broken spells. The decision on timings of operation of reservation  counters  is  taken  by  Zonal  Railways  keeping  in  view the  workload  and  availability  of  manpower  and  these  timings  are reviewed periodically on the same basis.

At present, about 65 per cent of reserved tickets are booked online  through  the  website  www.irctc.co.in  thereby  reducing  the workload at ticket reservation counters.

(d) &  (e): Yes, Madam.  During  a  meeting with  Members  of Parliament,  a  reference  was  received  from  an  Hon'ble  Member  of Parliament, Lok Sabha for increasing the timings of booking tickets at rail ticket reservation counter in Tonk district of Rajasthan.

An  analysis  of  reservation  related  transactions  handled  at computerised  PRS  counter   at  Tonk  has   revealed  that  only  24

requisition  forms  and  39  passengers  per  shift  are  being  handled there  which  is  much  less  as  compared  to  the  yardstick  of  180 transactions per counter per shift for justifying opening of additional counter.  However, in view of the demand of Hon'ble MP, the timings of the reservation counter at Tonk have been extended from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM as against upto 02:00 PM earlier.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 66 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: DNA Test of Families of Missing Workers
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASHWINI KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.66 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## DNA TEST OF FAMILIES OF MISSING WORKERS

- *66. SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government has initiated and   completed the DNA testing of   the   families   of   39   Indian   workers   who   were   kidnapped   from Mosul, Iraq and missing from there since June, 2014;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the timeline fixed in this regard along with the reasons for delay;
- (c) whether the Government has shared the details of missing workers with the Iraqi authorities;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the plan of action/steps taken to trace the  workers?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)

- (a)  to (e) A statement is laid on the T able of the House.
- *****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA  STARRED   QUESTION   NO.   66   REGARDING   'DNA   TEST   OF FAMILIES OF MISSING WORKERS' TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017 (a) & (b) Yes,   the   Government   has   initiated   the   process   of   collecting   DNA samples from the families of 39 Indian workers missing from Mosul, Iraq since June 2014, for onward transmission to Iraqi authorities. Following liberation of Mosul and Badush during July and August, 2017 by the   Iraqi   armed   forces   from   the   control   of   the   terrorist   organisation   ISIS,   Iraqi authorities informed Government of India about the mass graves found in and around these areas.   The Iraqi Martyrs' Foundation asked for DNA samples of the close relatives   of   the   missing   Indians   for   matching   with   the   mortal   remains   being discovered in the graves. Urgent steps were taken to arrange for DNA samples of the family members of the   missing   Indians   to   assist   the   Iraqi   authorities   in   their   investigations.     DNA samples, as received from our respective State governments, have been forwarded to the Iraqi authorities. (c) to (e) The Government has been making all possible efforts to trace the 39 Indian workers missing in Iraq. Assistance has been sought from Iraq and other countries in the region, in locating their whereabouts. Efforts are currently underway to obtain proof of their being alive or dead. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 65 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Two-front Challenges
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.65

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## TWO-FRONT CHALLENGES

## *65. SHRI  RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  foresees  two-front  challenges  /  war  at  western  and northern borders of the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the major initiatives taken post-Doklam to face Pakistan's proxy war and to thwart muscle flexing by China; and
- (c) the details of preparedness of the Government in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                    (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jherh  fueZyk lhrkje.k )

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

*******

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS   (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.65 FOR ANSWER ON 20.12.2017.

Government  is  fully  seized  of  the  security  needs  of  the  country and  remains  prepared  to  deal  with  and  counter  all  kinds  of  security challenges including at our borders.  Government regularly reviews the threat  perception  to secure our  border  -  both territorial and  maritime and to protect national interest.   Appropriate measures are taken from time to time to maintain/upgrade the country's defence preparedness to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 64 (STARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Dedicated TV Channel for Weather Information
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION No. *64 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017

DEDICATED TV CHANNEL FOR WEATHER INFORMATION

- *64.    SHRI RAJU SHETTY:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) proposes to launch a dedicated TV channel for broadcasting information and news particularly related to weather;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which the said channel is likely to be launched?

## ANSWER

MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (DR.HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a)- (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN REPLY (a) to (c) TO STARRED QUESTION NO. *64 REGARDING 'DEDICATED TV CHANNEL FOR WEATHER INFORMATION' TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017

(a) No Madam.

(b-c)  Does not arise.

*******