opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1115 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Sainik School in A&N Islands
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: BISHNU PADA RAY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1115.

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22 ND  NOVEMBER, 2016/ AGRAHAYANA 1, 1938 (SAKA)

SAINIK SCHOOL IN A&N ISLANDS

1115.    SHRI BISHNU PADA RAY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  comprehensive  proposal from the Andaman & Nicobar administration for grant of additional fund for establishment of Sainik School in A&N Islands as per Defence Minister letter DO letter No. 16 dated 18.05.2016;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the present status of the proposal;

(c) whether five to six months have passed and "Ease of Governance" is practiced by the Union Government; and

(d) if so, the time by which funds are likely to be provided in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) : A proposal was received from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to  consider  providing  additional  fund  to  bear  the  initial  capital  cost  for setting up of Sainik School in A&N Islands.

(b)  to  (d):  The  proposal  was  examined  and  the  Andaman  &  Nicobar Administration  has  been  asked  to  assess  the  suitability  of  land  in consultation with Ministry of Defence and to furnish other related details. Further action on the proposal and decision on allocation of funds can be taken  only  on  receipt  of  requisite  details  from  the  Andaman  &  Nicobar Administration.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1113 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Categorisation of Scheduled Castes
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: NANDI YELLAIAH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1113 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.11.2016

## CATEGORISATION OF SCHEDULED CASTES

## 1113. SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  representations  for  subcategorisation  of  Sc Castes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Justice Usha Mehra Commission has submitted a report in this regard during 2008 and decision is still pending;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government would take immediate steps to introduce a bill in the Parli categorisation of Scheduled Castes and take al l necessary action to enact a legislation in regard; and
- (e) if so, the details of action proposed to be taken thereon and if not, the reasons t

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FO R SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)

- (a):Representations  have  been  received  from  various  quarters  for  sub - categorisation  of Scheduled Castes.
- (b)  &  (c):  A  National  Commission  to  examine  the  issue  of  sub - categorisation  of  Scheduled Castes  in  Andhara  Pradesh  (NCSCSC)  had  been  set  up  in  the  year  200 6- 07  under  the Chairmanship of Justice Usha Mehra (Retd). The NCSCSC in its report submitted on 01.05. had  recommended  amendment  of  Article  341  of  the  Constitution  to  provide  for -categorisation and de - sub- categorisation of Scheduled Castes.
- (d) & ( e): No decision has been taken in the matter as the Government has decided to el of the major stake holders viz. the State Governments and Union Territory Administra s on the recommendation of the NCSCSC.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1112 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Hill Transport Subsidy for Arunachal Pradesh
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: NINONG ERING

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1112

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22 ND  November, 2016

## HILL TRANSPORT SUBSIDY FOR ARUNACHAL PRADESH

## 1112. SHRI NINONG ERING:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  FCI  is  planning  to  make  payments  for  Hill  Transport Subsidies (HTS) in the State of Arunachal Pradesh and has also been asked by Supreme Court to make the aforesaid payments; and
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

A N S W E R MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a)& (b):  There is  no  restriction on  FCI  on  making  HTS payments to State Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, subject to the submission of bills by State in accordance to the laid down guidelines/instructions of Govt. of India.

In  the  SLP  ©  No.  32034-35/2011  -  State  of  Arunachal  Pradesh  Vs  FCI  & others, Hon'ble Supreme Court has dismissed all the Special Leave Petitions filed by the State of Arunachal Pradesh

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1109 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Functioning of Security Agencies
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA, BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1109.

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22 ND  NOVEMBER, 2016/ AGRAHAYANA 1, 1938 (SAKA)

FUNCTIONING OF SECURITY AGENCIES

†1109.    SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA: SHRIMATI BHAVANA PUNDALIKRAO GAWALI PATIL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of security agencies functioning in the country, Statewise including Maharashtra;

(b) whether the Government is aware that guards of such agencies do not act like professionals during emergency;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has any proposal to issue new guidelines for private security guards;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the time by which the said guidelines are likely to be issued?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a):    As  per  the  Private  Security  Agencies  (Regulation)  Act,  2005  (PSAR

Act), the responsibility of regulation and licensing of private security

..2/

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1109 FOR 22.11.2016

Agencies lies with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.  A  web  portal  has  been  developed  to  enable  the  State Governments/Controlling Authorities to maintain a database for effective monitoring of the relevant provisions of PSAR Act.

(b) & (c):  Improvement in professionalism of personnel of Private Security Agencies  is  a  continuous  process.  To  take  care  of  imparting  and improvement  of  professionalism  among  the  guards  of  these  agencies, PSAR Act has provisions regarding licensing and antecedent verification of applicant private security agencies as well as stipulations as regards character & antecedent verification and training requirement of employees  of  licensed  agencies.    The  private  security  agencies  are regulated by the respective Controlling Authorities under State Governments/UTs  and  have  responsibility  of  imparting  and  improving professionalism among private security guards.

(d)  to  (f)  Presently,  there is no proposal  with the central Government to issue any guidelines for private security guards. However, the Government issues guidelines as and when required on various matters relating to PSAR Act .

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1108 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Losses to Onion Farmers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE, GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1108

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  22 ND  NOVEMBER, 2016

## LOSSES TO ONION FARMERS

1108.  SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE: SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

एवं  कसान

- (a) whether the farmers producing onion, tomato and other agricultural products in the country have not been able to recover their cost of production;
- (b) if so, the response of the Government in this regard;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that these farmers are at least able to recover the cost of production and the outcome thereof; and
- (d) whether export of onion was not allowed at the time when the price for onion was on decline, if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã  ½ãñâ  Àã·¾ã  ½ãâ¨ããè (SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) to (c): Government  announces  Minimum  support  Price  (MSP)  for  22  crops namely  Paddy,  Jowar,  Bajra,  Maize,  Ragi,  Arhar,  Moong,  Urad,  Cotton,  Groundnut, Sunflower,  Soyabean,  Sesamum,  Nigerseed,  Wheat,  Barley,  Gram,  Lentil  (Masur), Rapeseed and Mustard, Safflower, Copra, Jute and Fair Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugarcane  based  on  the  recommendation  of  Commission  for  Agricultural  Costs  and Prices (CACP) and consultation with the States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments. Government offers to procure their produce at MSP. However, farmers are free to sell it to Government agencies at MSP or in the open market as is advantageous to them.

For  crops  like  onion,  tomato,  etc.  which  are  not  covered  under  MSP,  Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is implemented to protect the growers from making distress sale.  The  scheme  is  implemented  when  there  is  glut  in  the  market  and  the  prices  of crops  tend  to  fall  below  economic  level/cost  of  production.  It  is  implemented  on  the specific request of the concerned State/UT Government, which has to bear 50% of the loss (25% in case of North-Eastern States), if any, incurred on its implementation.

- (d): At present export of onion is allowed without any quantitative restriction. There were  some  instances  in  the  past,  when  Government  had  imposed  Minimum  Export Price on onion to control rising prices to augment its availability in domestic market.
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Lok Sabha Question No. 1106 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Tiger Reserves/Projects in the Country
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: TAMRADHWAJ SAHU, HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1106 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.11.2016

## Tiger Reserves/Projects in the Country

## 1106.  SHRI TAMRADHWAJ SAHU: SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of forest areas identified for tiger reserves in the country, State/UT-wise;
- (b) whether the  Government  has received any proposal from Chhattisgarh for including Achanakmar Forest under tiger reserve;
- (c) if so, the details and present status thereof; and
- (d) the number of villages likely to be relocated and number of people likely to be displaced in this regard along with the compensation worked out and the time by which it is likely to be paid to the displaced families?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) In-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of new tiger reserves at Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha) and Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh).  Further, the State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring tiger reserves at (i) Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh),  (ii)  Mhadei  Wildlife  Sanctuary  (Goa),  (iii)  Srivilliputhur  Grizzled  Giant Squirrel  /  Megamalai  Wildlife  Sanctuaries  /  Varushanadu  Valley  (Tamil  Nadu),  (iv) Dibang  Wildlife  Sanctuary  (Arunachal  Pradesh),  (v)  Cauveri-MM  Hills  Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka) and (vi) Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand).
- (b) & (c) Achanakmar  has  already  been  notified  as  tiger  reserve  on  6 th March,  2009.    It  has 626.195  sq.km.  area  under  core/critical  tiger  habitat  and  287.822  sq.km.  area  under buffer.
- (d) Village relocation from core/critical area of tiger reserve is a voluntary activity which is  funded  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of  Project  Tiger  and  is  based  on proposal  received  from  tiger  range  state  and  subject  to  fulfillment  of  stipulated formalities and due diligence.  There are 19 villages in core/critical tiger habitat area of Achanakmar  Tiger  Reserve.    Exact  number  of  villages  to  be  relocated  cannot  be predicted as village relocation is a voluntary process.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Centre of Excellence on Food Security
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: K. GOPAL

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1103

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22 ND  November, 2016

## CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE ON FOOD SECURITY

1103. DR. K. GOPAL:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  set  up  a  Centre  of Excellence on food security on similar lines of Brazil in collaboration with the UN agency, World Food Programme;
- (b) the details of the main objectives of the centre;
- (c) whether the Government is seeking help of BRICS countries for the supply of pulses and edible oils, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government along with the BRICS countries to ensure supply of pulses and oilseeds?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  &  (b):  A  Letter  of  Intent  to  for  preparing  a  proposal  for  establishing  a Centre  of  Excellence  for  Food  &  Nutritional  Security  (CENEX)  was  signed between Hon'ble Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Ms.  Ertharin  Cousin,  Executive  Director,  World  Food  Programme  (WFP)  in January 2016.

It  is envisaged that the Centre will function as an inter-mainisterial forum and  an  advisory  arm  to  the  Government  of  India  in  order  to  address  the challenges and facilitate solutions relating to the food security value chain in coordination with concerned stake holders and foster South South fooperation in the field of food security.

- (c): No, Madam.

- (d): Question does not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1100 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Setting up of ICAR Centre
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1100

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22/11/2016

## SETTING UP OF ICAR CENTRE

## 1100. SHRI GUTHA SUKENDER REDDY:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any request from the State Government of Telangana seeking establishment of an Indian Council for Agricultural Research Regional Centre in the State;

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the details of funds earmarked and released by the Government so far in this regard?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) The Government has not received any request from the State Government of Telangana  seeking  establishment  of  an  Indian  Council  for  Agricultural  Research Regional Centre in the State.

- (b) Not Applicable.

- (c) Not Applicable.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1099 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Hoarding of Pulses
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: MD. BADARIDDOZA KHAN

## Government of India Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1099

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.11.2016

## HOARDING OF PULSES

## 1099.  SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN:

## Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the quantum of pulses seized from illegal hoarders across the country and the rate at which these commodities were imported by traders;
- (b) the States that have not implemented the stock limit on storage of pulses since 2012; and
- (c) whether  any  action  is  being  taken  by  the  Government  against  the  State  Governments which have not implemented the said stock limit, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  : Since 19.10.2015, a total of 140247.2 MT of pulses has been seized by the States. No information on rate at which these commodities were imported by the traders is available.
- (b)  : State Govt. of Uttarakhand, Kerala, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim have not imposed stock limits on storage of pulses and the State of Madhya Pradesh has not imposed limits on chana; and
- (c)  : The Central Government vide Gazette Notification G.S.R 800(E) dated 09.06.1978, had delegated powers provided under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to States. It is for  the  States  to  decide  on  whether  control  on  storage  of  an  essential  commodities  is  to  be imposed or not and to notify the decision after concurrence of the Central Government as and when felt necessary.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1096 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Overcrowded Jails
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: BHEEMRAO BASWANTHRAO PATIL, JITENDRA CHAUDHURY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1096

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22 ND   NOVEMBER, 2016/ AGRAHAYANA 1, 1938 (SAKA)

OVERCROWDED JAILS

1096.    SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL: SHRI JITENDRA CHAUDHURY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether prisons in the country are overcrowded by 150 per cent and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government to address this situation;

(b)  whether cramming of cells beyond the permissible limit breaches the fundamental and human rights of the prisoners under trials and if so, the details thereof along with the other corrective measures taken to tackle the same;

(c) whether in spite of directions by the court, the prison authorities have not been able to take effective steps for reducing overcrowding and if so, the action taken in this regard; and

(d) whether the Government has formulated a viable plan of action to decongest the jails, if so, the details and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a)  to  (d)  :  As  per  data  collected  from  States/UTs  by  the  National  Crime

Records Bureau, a total of 4,19,623 inmates were lodged in 1,401 different

..2

categories  of  jails  out  of  sanctioned  capacity  of  3,66,781,  indicating  an occupancy rate of 114.4% at the end of 2015.

Prisons  is  a  State  subject  under  Entry  4  of  List  II  of  the  Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, the Government of India has taken various administrative and legislatives measures for reducing the number of  undertrials  in  the  prisons  with  a  view  to  addressing  the  issue  of overcrowding in prisons. Some of the measures taken are: (a) Establishment  of  Fast  Track  Courts  (FTCs),  (b)  Creation  of  additional capacity  of  prisons  through  the  Scheme  of  Modernisation  of  Prisons,  (c) Launch  of  National  Mission  for  Justice  Delivery  and  Legal  Reforms,  (d) Insertion of a new section viz. 436A in the Criminal Procedure Code etc.

Hon'ble Supreme Court has also passed directions from time to time in respect of undertrial prisoners and their living conditions in jails. Since 'Prisons' is a State subject and management of prisons is the responsibility  of  State  Governments,  the  States/UTs  have  been  asked through  various  advisories  issued  by  Govt.  of  India  to  take  necessary action on the directions issued by the Supreme Court.  These advisories are available at http://mha1.nic.in/PrisonReforms/advisiory.html.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1095 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Procurement of Lentils
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

## Government of India Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1095

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.11.2016

## PROCUREMENT OF LENTILS

## 1095.  SHRI V. ELUMALAI:

## Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the harvesting of many agricultural produce has begun in many parts of the country  and  that  the  Government  is  gearing  up  to  procure  lentils  at  the  minimum support price to avoid distress sale by farmers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the country has been witnessing a situation wherein the farmers have to sell their produce at a throw away price to recover the cost due to delay in procurement by the Government agencies; and
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to prevent recurrences of such distress sales?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a)  & (b) : Harvesting  of  the  kharif  crops  has  started.  Lentil  is  a  Rabi  crop  which  is harvested during the months of February to April. Government would procure lentils under Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) Scheme towards building the approved buffer stock of 20 lakh tonnes of pulses.

(c) & (d) : The Government is implementing Price Stabilisation Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation  Fund  (PSF)  Scheme  to  purchase  specific  agricultural  commodities  through designated Central agencies. In case of PSS, procurement is being undertaken at the Minimum Support  Price  (MSP)  declared  by  the  Government  of  India  for  the  season  whereas  in  PSF, procurement is being made at prevailing market rates with MSP as the floor rate. In addition, Market  Intervention  Scheme  (MIS)  may  also  be  implemented  on  the  request  of  State Government  for  procurement  of  perishable  and  horticultural  commodities  to  support  their prices in the event of fall in market prices.

*****