opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 840 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Swarn Project
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shrirang Appa Barne, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, ANANDRAO  ADSUL, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, DHARMENDRA YADAV, CH. MALLA REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 840

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## SWARN PROJECT

† 840. SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE:

SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

SHRI CH. MALLA REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has started 'Swarn Project' for refurbishing the Premium Trains and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  details  of  the  facilities  likely  to  be  provided  under  Swarn Project and the expenditure likely to be incurred on it;
- (c) whether    there  is  any  proposal  to  increase  the  fare  of  these trains after introducing the Swarn Project;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the way money is likely to be raised for the same; and
- (e) whether  there  is  any  proposal  for  modernizing  the  other  trains also and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b): Yes,  Madam.  The  Ministry  of  Railways  has  decided  to launch 'Project Swarn' with the objective of significantly improving

the passenger experience across 9 dimensions which include coach interiors, toilets, onboard cleanliness, staff behavior, catering, linen, punctuality,  security,  on-board  entertainment.  real  time  feedback will  also  be  taken  as  part  of  Project  Swarn.    In  total,  14  Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be covered.  Railways have been allowed 50 lakh per rake for upgradation of trains to Swarn to spend upto Standard. (c) & (d): Evaluation of various alternatives relating to rationalization  of  the  passenger  fare  structures  is  an  ongoing process.  Presently,  there  is  no  proposal  for  reviewing  the  fare structure. (e): (i)  'Project  Swarn'  has  been  launched  with  the  objective  of improving the condition of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. (ii) Some  of  the  coaches  undergoing  mid  life  rehabilitation  at Bhopal  workshop  are  being  upgraded  to  make  model  rakes  for Mahamana Trains. Presently, three such trains viz. from New Delhi to  Varanasi,  from  Bhopal  to  Khajuraho  and    from  Vadodara  to Varanasi are plying.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 839 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: MoU under SPP
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.839

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## MoU  UNDER SPP

839. SHRI  ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:
2. (a) the number of MoUs signed under the Strategic Procurement Policy (SPP);
3. (b) the various defence platforms which will be built under these MoUs thereby;
4. (c) the locations where the respective manufacturing facilities are likely to be set up and the number of people likely to be employed in those facilities; and
5. (d) the steps being taken to include MSMEs also as a part of the SPP therein?

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h

be pleased to state:

## 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) No  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  has  been  signed  under Strategic Procurement Policy (SPP).
- (b) & (c): Not applicable.
- (d) Strategic Partner is expected to play the role of a system integrator and develop an ecosystem of industries by entering into agreements and develop partnerships with other industries including MSMEs.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 838 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Tejas Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 838 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## TEJAS EXPRESS

838.  SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  introduced  first  fully  AC  semi  high speed Tejas express between Mumbai and Goa section recently;
- (b) if so, whether the Government is aware that presently there is no commercial stoppage of Tejas express at Chiplun station in Ratnagiri district  of  Maharashtra  and  public  of  the  area  is  demanding  the commercial stoppage at Chiplun;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has received representation from MPs and public  for  provision  of  commercial  stoppage  of  Tejas  express  at Chiplun; and
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  by  the  Government thereon?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  to  (c):  Yes,  Madam.  The  first  Tejas  Express  viz.  22119/22120 Mumbai CST-Karmali Tejas Express has been introduced w.e.f. 22.05.2017  with commercial  stoppages  at  Dadar,  Thane,  Panvel, Ratnagiri and Kudal.

(d)  &  (e):  Yes,  Madam.  A  representation  from  an  Hon'ble  Member  of Parliament  has  been  received, inter-alia,  requesting  for  provision  of stoppage of 22119/22120  Mumbai  CST-Karmali  Tejas Express at Chiplun.  However,  the  same  is  not  desirable,  at  present,  as  Tejas Express  trains  have  been  introduced  as  semi-high  speed  trains  and provision  of  additional  stoppages  will  decelerate  the  train  and  cause inconvenience to the through passengers due to proximity of stoppages.  Also,  Chiplun  is  being  served  by  19  pairs  of  Mail/Express trains and 2 pairs of Passenger trains which are adequate for current level of traffic.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 837 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Rafale Fighter Aircraft Deal
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB, RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE, KAMLESH  PASWAN, Tejpratap Singh,Yadav, ANJU BALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.837

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## RAFALE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT DEAL

## 837. SHRI  BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE:

SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE:

SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN:

SHRI TEJ PRATAP SINGH YADAV:

SHRIMATI ANJU BALA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the controversy regarding buying of Rafale fighter Aircrafts from France and also about the allegation that Dassault Aviation is being paid for more than the price earlier negotiated and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  adhered  to  the  Defence  Procurement  Procedure (DPP) in signing the agreement of Rafale Fighter Aircraft with the Government of France and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  signed  the  Rafale  deal  as  a  joint  venture  between Dassault  Aviation  and  Reliance  Defence  Limited  in  place  of  Hindustan  Aeronautics Limited;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government has sought expert's advice / views in this regard;
- (f) if so, the details thereof along with the weightage given to such expert's advice / views in the said deal; and
- (g) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  transparent  and  corruption  free defence deals in the country?
- (a) The  allegations  are  motivated  and  baseless.    The  Government  has bought the Rafale aircraft at better terms.

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                           (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jherh  fueZyk lhrkje.k )

<!-- image -->

:  2  :

- Yes,  Madam.    The  provisions  of  Defence  Procurement  Procedure have been followed and an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed on September, 2016 after approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security

(b) 23 rd (CCS). (c) No, Madam. (d) to (g): In view of (c) above, question does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 835 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Heavily Loaded Trains/Wagons
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: BHOLA SINGH

(a):  Yes, Madam.

- (b) & (c):  Based on oscillation trials, BOBSNM1 wagons with axle load of 25 tonne and its report of Research  Designs &  Standards Organisation (RDSO) of December, 2006, the operation of wagons with 25  tonne  axle  load  was  started  on  Bhilai-Dalli  Rajhara  section  of South  East  Central  Railway  (SECR).    Also,  operation  of  BOXNEL wagon  with  25  tonne  axle  load  was  started  on  Banspani-Daitari-

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.835 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## HEAVILY LOADED TRAINS/WAGONS

## 835.  DR. BHOLA SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether on certain routes, experiments have been conducted by the Railways to carry heavy load on the existing tracks;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of the experiment; and
- (c) the further action taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

Paradeep  section  of  East  Coast  Railway  (ECoR)  in  December,  2006 and operation of BOYEL wagon was started on Kirandul-KottavalasaVisakhapatnam section of ECoR.

Based on the experience gained, new sections also have been notified for  operation  of  25  tonne  axle  load  wagons  on  different  Zonal Railways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 834 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Non-Tribals Working in Railways Department
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 834 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## NON-TRIBALS WORKING IN RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT

834. PROF. A.S.R. NAIK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether non-tribals are working on Scheduled Tribes posts in the Railways Department;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether  there  is  any  fast  track  mechanism  to  identify  false certificates in Railways and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

( SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN )

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

* * *

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  834  BY  PROF.  A.S.R.  NAIK  TO  BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  20.12.2017  REGARDING  NONTRIBALS WORKING IN RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT

(a) & (b) No, Madam.  A few complaints have been received in the Railways regarding false Scheduled Tribe certificates.  These are  examined  by  the  State  Level  Scrutiny  Committee/District Level Vigilance Committee upon reference by Railways.

(c) Standing instructions were issued on 01.10.1982 circulating therewith a copy of Ministry of Home  Affairs letter dated 29.06.1982  regarding  verification  of  caste  certificates  produced by the candidates wherein it has been laid down that each officer who  has  been  assigned  the  responsibility  of  recruitment  or maintenance  of  the  Service  Records  of  the  employees  should ensure that Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe certificates issued by the civil authorities are properly checked.  If any discrepancy is noticed in such certificates, it should be immediately brought to the notice of the civil authorities for necessary action.  The above instructions have been reiterated from time to time and latest on 23.06.2016 circulating therewith a copy of Ministry of Personnel, Public  Grievances  and  Pensions,  Department  of  Personnel  and Training's  O.M.  dated  08.10.2015  in  the  matter  to  all  the  Zonal Railways/Production Units etc., to follow the extant instructions.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 833 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Fee for Digital Payments
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: RITI PATHAK, SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 833

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20-12-2017

## FEE  FOR  DIGITAL  PAYMENTS

## 833 SHRIMATI  RITI  PATHAK: SHRI GUTHA SUKENDER REDDY:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  formulate  any  policy  regarding  the  fee  for digital payments;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether risk factor is also likely to be covered in the proposed policy regarding digital payments; and
- (d)  if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/being taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ALPHONS KANNANTHANAM)

- (a) and  (b):  At  present,  RBI  regulates  fee  levied  by  different  stakeholders  on  some platforms of digital payments. Within the overall directions of RBI and the ceiling for the charges  prescribed  by  RBI,  individual  banks  &  non  banking  entities  fix  charges  for  various types  of  services  provided  through  their  respective  channels.  Also,  the  digital  payments through UPI (Unified Payment Interface) and AePS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System) are finalized by NPCI after the approval of the respective steering Committees.

Therefore with a view to promote digital payments, it has been decided that with effect from 1.1.2018,  MDR  (  Merchant  Discount  Rate)    applicable  on  transactions  made  by  Debit Cards/BHIM UPI/ AePS up to a value of Rs 2000/- will be borne by the Government.

- (c)  and (d):   In view of above, this  question do not arise.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 830 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Harassment of Women on Social Media
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINSTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 830

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## HARASSMENT OF WOMEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

## 830      DR. UDIT  RAJ:

Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the number of cases regarding harassment of women on social media sites are increasing and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the  steps  taken  /  being  taken  by  the  government  to  put  an  end  to  such  harassment  of women and trolling on social media sites?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ALPHONS KANNANTHANAM)

- (a): Government does not maintain any data specific to harassment of women on social media sites.
- (b): There are legal and other provisions to act as deterrent for putting objectionable content on social media including  harassment of women on social media sites:
- (i) The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 provides for punishment for publishing or transmitting objectionable contents.  The Act provides for punishment through following provisions:
-  Section 66E:  Punishment for violation of privacy
-  Section  67:  Punishment  for  publishing  or  transmitting  obscene  material  in electronic form.
-  Section  67A:  Punishment  for  publishing  or  transmitting  of  material  containing sexually explicit act, etc., in electronic form
-  Section  67B:  Punishment  for  publishing  or  transmitting  of  material  depicting children in sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form.

(ii)  Further,  the  Information  Technology    (Intermediary  Guidelines)  Rules  2011  notified under section 79 of the IT Act requires that the Intermediaries shall observe due diligence while discharging their duties and shall inform the users of computer resources not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, update or share any information that is harmful, objectionable, affect minors and unlawful in any way.

(iii)    In  addition,  Indian  Penal Code 1860 provides punishment for 354D: Stalking (section 354D) and voyeurism (Section 354C).

(iv)  MHA is working on Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme  with  an  outlay  of  Rs.195.83  Crores.  The  Scheme  will  be  financed  from  the NirbhayaFund.

(v) An Anti-Trolling Helpline is working in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This  provides  a  platform  for  women  and  children  to  file  complaints  of  abusive  behaviour, harassment  and  hateful  conduct  on  social  media.  Complaints  are  received  on  complaintmwcd@gov.in  or  posted  on  social  media  with  hashtag  #HelpMeWCD.  Since  inception  in July 2016, 165 complaints have been received.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 829 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Hotel Facilities at Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VINOD CHAVDA

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.829 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## HOTEL FACILITIES AT STATIONS

829.  SHRI VINOD LAKHAMASHI CHAVDA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Railways  is  going  to  start  hotel facilities at all major railway stations in the country; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 825 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Indo-China Relations
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.825

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## INDO-CHINA RELATIONS

- † 825. SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether tension in strategic relations between India and China is further increasing;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
- (c) the efforts made to ameliorate differences in matters related to nuclear responsibilities and bilateral relations; and
- (d) the other steps taken by the Government to strengthen relations with China in future?

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

(a) to (d) India's   engagement   with   China   is   multifaceted.   In   areas where we have commonality of views, engagement has expanded and upgraded in recent years. Issues where there are differences are being handled   through   dialogue   to   seek  a   fair,   reasonable   and   mutually acceptable solution based on mutual respect and due sensitivity to each other's interests, concerns and aspirations. Both sides share the view that India-China bilateral relationship has an important role to play in the 21st Century in Asia and in the world,   and   that   it   serves   the   shared   interest   of   the   two   sides   to strengthen their Closer Developmental Partnership. In view of the significance of the bilateral relationship, both sides are working towards utilizing their bilateral dialogue mechanisms to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding. Both sides agree that progress in bilateral relations should be guided by the consensus reached between their leaders, that at a time of global uncertainty, India-China relations are a factor of stability and India and China, in their relationship, must not allow differences to become disputes.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 823 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Indicators for Sustainable Development Goals
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: GAURAV GOGOI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 823

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 20 th  DECEMBER, 2017

INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

823. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

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

- a) the  indicators  developed  for    compliance  with  the  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- b) the guidelines developed by the Government to record information on the indicators for the SDGs; and
- c) whether any committee(s) have been established to look at the compliance with the SDGs or with specific goals and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION  AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS [SHRI VIJAY GOEL]

(a),  (b)  &  (c):  This  Ministry  has  prepared  the  National  Indicator Framework following a public and inter-ministerial consultation. NITI  Aayog  has  constituted  a  Task  Force  to  follow  up  on  the implementation  of  Sustainable  Development  Goals(SDGs)  in  the country. Representatives of NITI Aayog, Central Ministries, State governments  and  think  tanks  are  members  of  the  Task  Force. The Task Force is to take stock of progress on all SDGs at state and  national  level,  and  provide  recommendations  on  improving effectiveness  of  implementation  and  monitoring  of  SDGs.  The

Task Force will:

(i) Analyze and review the progress of implementation of SDGs by State Governments, Union Territories and other institutions, and provide feedback and inputs; (ii) Generate  inputs  and  recommendations  to  be  provided  to  State Governments and UTs on progress of implementation; (iii) Relate  with  relevant  institutions  and/or  networks  in  order  to access  information  on  various  aspects  of  implementation  of SDGs; and

- (iv) Contribute  to  conceptualization,  designing  and  organization  of various awareness development initiatives on SDGs.

*******