opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: CRF Proposal from Jharkhand and Bihar
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: JANAK RAM, HARI MANJHI, VISHNU DAYAL RAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3417

ANSWERED ON  15 TH   MARCH, 2018

## CRF PROPOSAL FROM JHARKHAND AND BIHAR

3417. SHRI JANAK RAM: SHRI HARI MANJHI: SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government had returned the proposals recommended by Jharkhand and Bihar Governments seeking funds from the Central Road Fund for the year 2016-17 and 2017-18;
- (b) if so, the details in this regard along with the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  received  the  revised  proposals  till  date  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (d) the present status of the said proposals as on date?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  to  (d)  Ministry  releases  funds  under  Central  Road  Fund  (CRF)  to  the  State  Governments based on the Utilisation Certificates submitted by them. For the Jharkhand State the accrual for the year 2016 - 17 and 2017-18 are Rs. 164.63 Crore and Rs. 153.23 Crore and funds released so far  are  Rs.  110.55  Crore  and  Rs.  71.63  Crore  respectively  based  on  the  demand  of  State Government. For the Bihar State the accrual for the year 2016 - 17 and 2017-18 are Rs. 200.46 Crore and Rs. 190.11 Crore and funds released so far are Rs. 169.70 Crore and Rs. 25.20 Crore respectively based on the demand of State Government. Further revised demands for release of funds have not been received.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3414 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: National Sports Federations
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL, (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE, ANURAG SINGH THAKUR, THOKCHOM MEINYA

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3414 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15/03/2018

National Sports Federations

## 3414.  SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

ADV. JOICE GEORGE:

SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA:

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

- (a) Whether the Government proposes to introduce a ranking system for  National Sports Federations (NSFs) in the country and if  so, the details and the objectives thereof;
- (b) the methodology being adopted for ascertaining the said ranking system;
- (c) whether the Government  has considered the feasibility to introduce  such  a  ranking  system  amongst  the  NSFs  where facilities, funding and infrastructure are unequal and incomparable and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  such  a  ranking  system  is  likely  to  be  a  part  of  the National Sports Development Code of India and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether  there  are  provisions  to  link  release  of  funds  to  NSFs with their rankings and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the extent to which the said ranking system is likely to help the NSFs to improve their internal systems of management, governance and talent promotion?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (f)    Madam, a proposal has been mooted to introduce a ranking

system for National Sports Federations (NSFs).  However, the details of  methodology  for  such  ranking,  etc.  are  still  under  consideration. The  idea,  if  feasible,  is  to  have  an  objective  method  of  marking  & improving  governance  and  bring  it  closer  to  International  Olympic Committee Charter.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3412 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Delay in NH Projects
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: K. C. VENUGOPAL, ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3412

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  MARCH, 2018

## DELAY IN NH PROJECTS

3412. SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL: SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government with the aim to minimize the cost overrun and delays in  completion  of  highway  projects  proposes  to  amend  the  process  of  project preparation, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has asked the consultant preparing Detailed Project Report  (DPR)  to  get  statutory  environmental  clearance,  if  so,  the  details thereof ;

(c) whether  the  payment  of  consultancy  fee  for  DPR  has  been  linked  with clearance and progress of work; and

(d) if so, the extent to which this step of the Government is likely to impact the completion  of  project  in  time  along  with  the  number  of  projects  have  been delayed in various States including Kerala?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) Yes Madam. Government is laying emphasis on preparation of good Detailed Project Report with the aim to minimize the cost overrun and delays in completion of highway projects.

(b) No,  Madam.   Securing  statutory  environmental  clearances  is  the  responsibility  of project  proponents.   However,  the  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  consultants  are required  to  assist  project  proponents  in  preparing  relevant  records  and  presenting data as per the contract conditions.

(c) Yes, Madam.

- (d) This step helps in avoiding delays in project implementation.  Delay in projects cannot be  ascribed  to  linking  of  payment  of  consultancy  fee  for  DPR  with  clearance  and progress of work.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: KUSUM Scheme for Promotion of Solar Farming
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY, R. PARTHIPAN, MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVNTHI)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3409

TO BE ANSWERED ON-15.03.2018

## KUSUM SCHEME FOR PROMOTION OF SOLAR FARMING

## 3409. SHRI PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY

SHRI R. PARTHIPAN

SHRI MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI)

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  recently  announced    Kisan  Urja  Suraksha  evam  Utthan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme for promoting solar farming  across the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the solar plants installed on barren lands provides off-grid agricultural solar pumps which is very helpful  for farmers and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether this will provide extra income to farmers by giving them an option to sell additional power to  grid  through  solar  power  projects  set  up  on  their  barren  lands  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) the details of funds earmarked with the mode of fund disbursal  to various States including Andhra Pradesh. State-wise, and
- (e) the results achieved under this scheme so far; State-wise?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (I/C) (SHRI R.K. SINGH)

- (a)  to  (e)  The  Government  of  India  is  in  the  process  of    formulating  a  Scheme  'Kisan  Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)' which, inter alia, provides for:
- (i) installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas;
- (ii) installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfill irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid;
- (iii) solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also enable them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income; and
- (iv) solarization of tube-wells and lift irrigation projects of Government sector.

The details on funds and mode of implementation will be decided on approval of the Scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Appointment of Serving IAS Officer on Prasar Bharati
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: KALYAN BANERJEE, SAUGATA ROY, JOSE K. MANI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3408 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018)

## APPOINTMENT OF SERVING IAS OFFICER ON PRASAR BHARATI

3408.  SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE: PROF. SAUGATA ROY: SHRI JOSE K. MANI:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether his Ministry has proposed the appointment of a serving officer  of  the  Indian  Administrative  Services  as  a  full-time  member personnel  on  Prasar  Bharati  Board  in  violation  of  the  Prasar  Bharati Act and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  terminate  the  services  of  all the  contractual  employees  of  Prasar  Bharati  and  if  so,  the  reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Journalists are the worst sufferers of this attempt and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  also  proposes  to  replace  contractual employees against hiring of a very limited persons with payment of 10 times  higher  than  the  present  package  charges  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]

(a): As per Prasar Bharati (BCI) Act, 1990, Member (Personnel) shall be a person having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of personnel  management  and  administration.  The  Act  does  not  bar officers  of  Indian  Administrative  Service  (IAS)  for  appointment  as Member (Personnel) on the Prasar Bharati Board. In the past, officers of the  IAS  have  been  appointed  as  Member  (Personnel).  Appointment  of any member on the Prasar Bharati Board is made by Hon'ble President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of: (i) VicePresident of India,  (ii) Chairman of the Press Council of India and (iii) One nominee of the President of India.

(b):  There  is  no  such  proposal  by  the  Government.  However,  after receiving  a  complaint  alleging  engagement  of  consultants  in  Prasar Bharati  without  assessment  of  need,  formal  approval  or  selection  by transparent manner with reference to a set of qualification, skills and experience, this Ministry on 5.2.2018, suggested Prasar Bharati to stop such engagements as also not to grant extension/renewal to consultants, as it contravenes the order of Department of Expenditure and to discontinue contracts of other consultants.

(c): Journalists are not directly affected by the suggestions.

(d): No, Madam.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3405 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: MGNREGS
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: HARISH CHANDRA MEENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3405

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## MGNREGS

## 3405.   SHRI HARISH MEENA:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the promised 100 days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment  Guarantee  Scheme  (MGNREGS)  is  not  fulfilled  and  work  is  being provided for less number of days and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the reasons for not providing 100 days of  employment  as  promised  by  the Government;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that the constant under-funding of the employment guarantee scheme is leading to low employment generation; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

(a) to (d): The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 provides for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural  areas  of  the  country  by  providing  at  least  one  hundred  days  of  guaranteed  wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The demand for work itself is influenced by various factors such as rain-fall  pattern,  availability  of  alternative  and  remunerative  employment  opportunities outside MGNREGA  and prevailing unskilled wage rates. The fund release for implementation of  MGNREGA  to  States/UTs is a continuous process and Central Government is making funds available keeping in view the demand. In the Financial Year 2017-18, Labour Budget has been increased to 230.44 crore persondays against 220.92 crore in the last Financial Year 2016-17.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Access to Electricity in A&N Islands
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: BISHNU PADA RAY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3402 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY IN A&N ISLANDS

## 3402. SHRI BISHNU PADA RAY:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that about 4311 families (Post 78 encroachers) are residing in the forest encroachment area in A&N Islands without access to electricity;
- (b) whether  the  Union  Territory  Administration  has  prepared  any  plan for providing Solar Home Light system to all the households in forest area under  PM  Sahaj  Bigili  Har  Ghar  Yojana  (PMSBHGY)  launched  by  the Government as it has been done under SBM toilets in reserve forest; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the UT Admn. and the proposed plan of action thereof and the expected date for implementation of the scheme?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  R. K. SINGH )

(a) : As informed by Andaman & Nicobar Administration, there are about  3538  Post-1978  forest  encroachers  spread  over  in  the  Forest Divisions  of  Diglipur,  Mayabunder,  Middle  Andaman,  Baratang,  South Andaman and Little Andaman without access to electricity.

- (b) & (c) : Installation  of  Solar  Home  Lighting  System  to  Post  1978 Forest encroachers, who are under orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court for eviction from forest land, would require prior approval from the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

So far, Administration of  Andaman  & Nicobar has not submitted  any  proposal  for  providing  Solar  Home  Light  System  under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana-Saubhagya.

*************
Lok Sabha Question No. 3401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Behavioural Change for Use of Sanitation Infrastructure
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: PREM DAS RAI

## Government of India

## Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3401 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-03-2018

## Behavioural Change for Use of Sanitation Infrastructure

## 3401. SHRI PREM DAS RAI:

Will the Minister of DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has ensured behavioural change required for the use of sanitation infrastructure by the people; and
- (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to encourage the use of toilets and bring about such a change in the mindset of the people of the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

(a) to (b) Sanitation is mainly a behavioral issue. It involves change of mindset of people to stop  open  defecation  and  to  adopt  safe  sanitation  practices.  Under  Swachh  Bharat  Mission (Gramin), upto 5%  of  total resources can be spent on Information, Education  and Communication(IEC)  for  State  and  District  level.  3%  of  the  resources  can  be  used  at  the Central level for the same purpose. Massive media campaigns have been started at National level  using  Audio  Visual  (TV)  and  Audio  (Radio).  States  are  also  carrying  out  IEC campaigns that use  interpersonal Communication (IPC) techniques.  Cleanliness campaigns are held at regular intervals to create social awareness.  In order to educate the people, the programme  lays  emphasis  on  community  involvement.  Many  States  are  focusing  on community approaches, wherein the people are directly triggered and made aware about the importance of sanitation and hygiene using interactive individual/ community-based triggering tools. Besides, conventional IEC tools are also used to educate the people. Swachh Bharat Whatsapp group has been created involving officials of GoI and all the States. Similar groups for individual States have been formed. A Facebook page for SBM(G) has also been created. Celebrities have been roped in as brand ambassadors for promoting Swacch Bharat Mission.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3396 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Doom of Handloom Sector
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER

## DOOM OF HANDLOOM SECTOR

## 3396. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

## Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंरी

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government noticed any doom in handloom sector;
- (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to address this issue;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the conflict between powerloom and handloom sectors; and
- (d) if so, the remedial action taken by the Government in this regard?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंरी ( श्री अज )

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

(a) to (d): Handloom weaving is a traditional and hereditary profession. Recognizing the need for protecting cultural heritage in the traditional skills of handloom weaving and for protecting the sector from competition from the powerloom and mill made textiles, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has taken the following steps:-

-  Weavers Service Centers are providing training to the weavers by disseminating improved techniques and  new  designs,  arranging  exhibitions,  seminars,  and  workshops.  They  are  also  providing  market support by arranging interface between the designers, producers and buyers.
-  Looms and accessories are provided to the weavers to produce quality niche products to enhance their productivity thereby improving their earnings.
-  Quality yarn is provided at mill gate price to the handloom weavers. Additionally, in order to facilitate handloom sector/weavers to compete with Powerloom and Mill Sector, 10% price subsidy is provided on cotton, domestic Silk and Woollen hank yarn with quantity restrictions.
-  Bank loan is  provided  under  Weaver  MUDRA  Scheme  at  concessional  interest  rate  of  6%.  Margin money up to Rs.10,000/- and credit guarantee is also provided.
-  National/Special Handloom Expos, District Level Events are organized to provide marketing platforms to the weavers. Weavers are also facilitated to participate in various crafts melas held in the different parts of the country to sell the handloom products. E-commerce platforms have been engaged as new marketing initiatives to boost the handloom sector.
-  India Handloom Brand has been launched for branding of high quality handloom products.
-  Memoranda  of  Understanding  (MoUs)  have  been  signed  with  reputed  designers  for  working  in  the handloom clusters and design fashionable garments using the local woven fabrics.
-  Initiative with various leading brands has been undertaken to bring out a separate range of handloom garments in their brand. BIBA, Peter England and ONAYA have launched separate range of handloom garments.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Performance Review of Major Ports
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: GAURAV GOGOI, JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3393 TO BE ANSWERED ON 1sth MARCH' 20{8

## PERFORMANCE  REVIEW OF MAJOR PORTS

3393. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: SHRI JYOTIRADITYA  M. SCINDIA:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased  to state:

## qrdqfu{radi

- (a) whether the Government  has reviewed  the performance of the Major Ports in the country in the light of their traffic  handling  capacity;
- (b) if so, the details  and the outcome thereof;
- (c) whether the Government  proposes for developmenuexpansion  of the Major Ports in view of the increased volume of traffic being handled by these  ports; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof  along with the steps  taken/being taken by the Government  in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)&(b):The  performance of Major Ports in the.Country  is being reviewed regularly ai'rari6us levels both in the Ports as well as in the Ministry. The Port Authorities "rpfoi" in"  po.sibility of generating new cargos  so that the gap between  the traffic "ni "rpu"itv is reducedlMajor  ports  also organize trade meets to attract traffic from  greir  hinterland/region.  While the installed  capacity  of the Majol Ports has ;;;";;i'o* sos.ao1ripn in 2015\_16 to 13seMTpA  (re-rated)  in 2016-17.,  the iraffic  nanOfeO by the Major Ports has gone up from 60647MT  in 2015-16 to 648.40MT in 2016-17.

(c)&(d):lnfrastructuraldevelopmentandcapacityaugmentationofMajorPo.rtsisa iortinrorr  process:  the process inter-alia  includes mechanization of Ports by way of use of laiest version  of crane  and other equipments for  quicker turnaround  of ca,go. tmptementation  of some of the new initiatives suggested  by the Beicnmart<ing consultant  also had a positive impact with regard to the efficiency ""J pr"Jriti",ty  of the  ports.  As a resutt the instaled  capacity  oj-thg f{ajo1 Ports ;;;  ;";; up tiom 871.52MTPA  in 2014^15 to 1359MTpA in 2016-17  which is adeq-uate  to handle the existing level  of cargo at the ports'