opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2303 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-09
Subject: Genetically Modified Crops
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: BAIJAYANT "JAY" PANDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2303

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2018

## Genetically Modified Crops

## 2303. SHRI BAIJAYANT JAY PANDA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is reviewing the regulatory framework for Genetically Modified crops and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps being taken on managing the prospects and effects in relation to the cultivation of Genetically Modified Food Crops;
- (c) whether the Government has proposal to set up the framework; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) to  (d)  In  India,  there  is  a  well-established  regulatory  framework  for  approval  of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops as per 'Rules for the Manufacture / Use / Import/ Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells', 1989 established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Review of regulatory framework for the purpose of streamlining processes is an ongoing process and is undertaken from time to time.  Evaluation of each application of GM  crop  is  done  on  a  case-to-case  basis  after  a  thorough  examination  of  health, environment, food and feed safety assessment studies undertaken in a systematic and scientific  manner  as  per  prescribed  guidelines,  manuals  and  standard  operating procedures  stipulated  by  various  regulatory  agencies  from  time  to  time.  The  data generated by the applicants is reviewed at every step in the development process of GM crops by various statutory committees, such as Institutional Biosafety Committee, Review  Committee  on  Genetic  Manipulation  and  Genetic  Engineering  Appraisal Committee.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2302 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-09
Subject: Healthcare Facilities to BPL Students
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: GOPAL CHINAYYA SHETTY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2302 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH MARCH, 2018

## HEALTHC ARE FACILITIES TO BP L STUDENTS

## 2302. SHRI GOPAL SHETTY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any scheme/ proposal under which the students belonging to BPL cat studying in Corporation and Panchayati institutions can be provided health check up fac s twice a year; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a)  &(b) : Under  National  Health  Mission,  the  Government  of  India  is  implementing Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), for screening of children from 0 - 18 years of age for 4 D's i.e. defects, Deficiencies, specific diseases and development delays.

Under this programme children enrolled in Government and Government aided schools from class 1st to class 12th are screened once a year through dedicated mobile teams place various blocks of the country and children in the age group 0 -6 years are screened twice a year. Children identified with these conditions are provided free treatment inc luding surgery under National Health Mission.

………………..
Lok Sabha Question No. 2301 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-09
Subject: Study on Infant Deaths
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: SHER SINGH GHUBAYA, RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY, CHINTAMANI MALVIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RESEARCH

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2301 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH MARCH, 2018

## STUDY ON INFANT DEAT HS

## 2301. SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA: DR. RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY: PROF. CHINTAMANI MALVIYA:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has any proposal to conduct a s through Anganwadi and ASHA workers to find out the exact reason of infa t deaths; and
- (b) if so, the time by which such a proposal is likely to be implemented?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a): No.
- (b): Does not arise.
- ……………….
Lok Sabha Question No. 200 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Sex and Violence in Films
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: GOPAL CHINAYYA SHETTY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 200 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.03.2018

## SEX AND VIOLENCE IN FILMS

## *200: SHRI GOPAL SHETTY

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any necessary corrective measures to check the negative impact of rising depiction of sex and violence in films on the male and female youth in the country;
- (b) if so, the details in this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

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

## STATEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *200  FOR ANSWER ON 08.03.2018

(a)  to  (c):  The  Central  Board  of  Film  Certification  (CBFC)  certifies  films  in accordance  with  the  Cinematograph  Act,  1952,  the  Cinematograph  (Certification) Rules, 1983 and the guidelines issued thereunder.

The Principles for guidance in certifying films as per Section 5B of the Act lay down  that a film shall not be certified for public exhibition if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against, interalia, public order, decency or morality. The guidelines framed under Section 5B (2) of the  Cinematograph  Act  in  1991  already  lays  down  the  following  provisions  for certification of films by CBFC to check the negative impact of depiction of sex and violence in films:-

-  pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, scenes of violence primarily intended to provide entertainment and such scenes as may have the effect of desensitizing or dehumanising people are not shown;
-  human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity;
-  such  dual  meaning  words  that  obviously  cater  to  baser  instincts  are  not allowed;
-  scenes degrading or denigrating women in any manner are not presented;
-  scenes involving sexual violence against women like attempt to rape, rape or any form of molestation or scenes showing sexual perversions or scenes of a similar nature are avoided, and if any such incident is germane to the theme, they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown;
-  scenes  showing  sexual  perversions  shall  be  avoided  and  if  such  matters  are germane to the theme, they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown.

CBFC also conducts workshops for the benefit of the Advisory Panel members and Examining officers which sensitizes them to the guiding principles for certification of films.

- ***
Lok Sabha Question No. 199 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Amendments to Electricity Act, 2003
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.199 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.03.2018

AMENDMENTS TO ELECTRICITY ACT, 2003

*199. SHRI GUTHA SUKENDER REDDY:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  bring  amendments  to  the Electricity Act, 2003, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  move  would  lead  to commercialisation  of  electricity  in  the  country  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;

(c) whether Electricity Employees Federation of India has represented to the Government seeking to stall amendments to the Act; and

(d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  stand  of  the  Government  in  this regard?

A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  R. K. SINGH )

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

*************

STATEMENT

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.199 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 08.03.2018 REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO ELECTRICITY ACT, 2003.

*********

(a) to (d) :   The Government of India has enacted the Electricity Act, 2003 to  consolidate  the  laws  relating  to  generation,  transmission,  distribution, trading and use of electricity and generally for taking measures conducive to  development  of  electricity  industry  and  for  protecting  the  interest  of consumers. Reform is an ongoing process and hence the amendments to Electricity  Act  are  being  carried  out  as  and  when  required  after  due consultation with various Stakeholders. So far, two amendments have been done in the Electricity Act in the year 2003 and 2007.

Though, there have been impressive achievement in the areas of augmentation of generation and transmission capacity, establishment of National Grid, a robust regulatory framework, private sector participation, development  of  electricity  markets  and  exchanges  and  restructuring  of State  Electricity  Boards,  still  there  is  a  need  to  review  the  provisions keeping  in  view  the  overall  objectives  of  the  said  Act  to  bring  in  further competition and efficiency. Accordingly, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was  introduced  before  the  Lok  Sabha  on  19.12.2014.  The  Bill  was  then referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy. The Committee, after detailed examination, has submitted its report on 07.05.2015.  Amendments  to  the  Act  pursuant  to  the  recommendations  of Standing Committee and the need to operate the electricity sector on the basis  of  sound  financial  and  commercial  principles  to  ensure  financial viability of the sector and attract investment and at the same time ensuring availability of electricity to consumers at reasonable and competitive rates are  under  process.  Government  propose  to  have  consultations  with  the State Governments before introducing the amendments

***************
Lok Sabha Question No. 198 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Treatment Drainage of Toilet Sewage
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 198(18 th Position) TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.03.2018

## Treatment Drainage of Toilet Sewage

## *198. SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:

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

- (a) the details of the amount spent and the estimated amount required till 2019 to achieve 100 per cent sanitation coverage under Swachh Bharat Mission;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  action  plan  for  the  drainage  of toilet sewage which is causing pollution in the ponds in rural areas and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  action  plan  for  the  treatment  of sewage as the chemicals used in toilets are polluting pond water, which is used by the cattle for drinking and for the purpose of irrigation;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the action plan chalked out by the Government for the drainage of polluted water which is the major problem of almost every small and big village in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION (SUSHREE UMA BHARATI)

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

## Statement referred to in the reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.198 due for reply on 08.03.2018.

- (a) As per Cabinet approval, Rs. 80632 crore was approved as central share under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Till date, Rs. 34458.4 crore have been spent under SBM(G).
- (b)  to  (d)    Under  Swachh  Bharat  Mission  (Gramin),  twin-leach  pit  toilets  are  being promoted. This technology does not require underground sewerage system and are much cheaper than septic tanks and equally effective.
- (e)  Solid  and  Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) is one of the integral components of SBM(G) and activities like low cost drainage, soakage channels/ pits, waste stabilization ponds system, reuse of waste water etc. can be taken up. Depending upon the amount of waste water generated, the State can choose the type of liquid waste management facility. Funds for Solid and  Liquid  Waste  Management  activities  with  a  cap  of  Rs.  7/12/15/20 lakh  are  available  for  Gram  Panchayats  having  upto  (150/300/500/500  and  more) households.
Lok Sabha Question No. 194 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Disappearance of Saraswati River
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: SONA RAM CHOUDHARY

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO . †*194

ANSWERED ON 08 . 03.2018

## DISAPPEARANCE OF SAR ASWATI RIVER

| †*194.                                                                                                   | COL. SONARAM CHOUDHARY                                                          |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:      |                                                                                 |
| (a) whether Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has conducted any search to trace                          | (a) whether Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has conducted any search to trace |
| THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT REJUVENATION, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS AND SHIPPIN G | AND GANGA                                                                       |
| ( SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GA DKARI )                                                                           | ( SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GA DKARI )                                                  |
| (a)to (e)                                                                                                | A statement is laid on the Table of the House.                                  |

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART S (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. † *194 TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 08.03.2018 REGARDING ' DISAPPEARANCE OF SAR ASWATI RIVER ' ASKED BY COL. SONARAM CHOUDHARY, M.P

(a)The Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR constituted an Expert Committee to review ava information  on  Palaeo -channels.  The  Expert  Committee  based  on  Rem ote  Sensing,  Geological, Hydrogeological and Archaeological evidences has concluded that a large Himalayan born riv through the wide channel of Ghaggar - Hakara- Nara from Himalayas to Rann of Kachh.

(b) to (e) At present, there is no budget provi sion in the Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR fo Saraswati River project.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 190 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Funds under NRDWP
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 190 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.03.2018

## Funds under NRDWP

## *190. SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

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

- a) the quantum of funds allocated to the State Government of Karnataka under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) during each of the last three years and the current year;
- b) the quantum of funds utilised by the State Government for the implementation of NRDWP during the said period;
- c) whether any requests have been received from the State Government of Karnataka for release of more funds under this Programme; and
- d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Union Governmentin this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION (SUSHREE UMA BHARTI)

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

## Statement referred to in the reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 190 due for reply on 08.03.2018

(a)& (b) Under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP),  the quantum of funds allocated to the State Government of Karnataka and funds utilized during each of the last three years and the current year is as under:-

(Rs.in Crores)

| Financial Year             |   Amount Allocated |   Amount released |   Amount utilized |
|----------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| 2014-15                    |             623.2  |            563.91 |            622.37 |
| 2015-16                    |             307.62 |            278.08 |            366.68 |
| 2016-17                    |             359.38 |            343.72 |            341.33 |
| 2017-18 (As on 28.02.2018) |             290.86 |            365.81 |            268.34 |

(c)& (d) No such request has been received from State Government of Karnataka for release of more funds under NRDWP. However, this Ministry has released incentive funds of Rs. 86.13 crores during 2017-18 to Karnataka, being a performing State as per the criteria envisaged in the restructured NRDWP.
Lok Sabha Question No. 188 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Unauthorised fitment of Crash Guards/Bull Bars
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: KAUSHAL KISHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 188

ANSWERED ON 8 TH  MARCH, 2018

## UNAUTHORISED FITMENT OF CRASH GUARDS/BULL BARS

## *188.   SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS lM+d ifjogu vkSj jktekxZ ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that there is an increasing trend of unauthorized use/ fitment of crash guards/bull bars on the motor vehicles;
- (b) if so, the details of such cases reported during the last two years; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to curb this illegal practice?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  188  ANSWERED  ON  08.03.2018  ASKED  BY  SHRI KAUSHAL  KISHORE  REGARDING UNAUTHORISED  FITMENT  OF  CRASH GUARDS/BULL BARS

(a)  & (b) The issue of fitment of Bull Bars/Crash Guards on motor vehicles has been raised in a court case i.e. WP No. 6340 of 2017 filed by Ms. Aarshi R. Kapoor & Anr. Versus Union of India & Ors. before High Court of Delhi on the ground that the life of pedestrians/driver/passengers  of  vehicles  is  presently  endangered  due  to  installation  and fixing of aftermarket heavy steel/ metal bars known and sold as 'CRASH GUARD'/ 'BULL BARS' on front and rear ends of all sorts of vehicles, small, medium or heavy built, by their owners, both private and government.

(c) The  subject  matter  of  fitment  of  Crash  Guards  /  Bull  Bars  was  examined  in  the Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  and  referred  to  Central  Motor  Vehicle  Rule  Technical Standing Committee (here in after referred as CMVR-TSC). The Committee in its 50th meeting held on 5th September 2017, discussed the matter and concluded that 'Fitment of  crash  bars  and  bull  bars  as  aftermarket  fitment  on  vehicles  pose  a  threat  to  pedestrian safety. Therefore it was agreed that such fitment shall not be allowed on vehicles and that provisions  in  CMVR  also  do  not  allow  such  fitment.  It  was  decided  that  Ministry  of  Road Transport and Highways may issue an advisory to the State Authorities'.

Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  has  issued  advisory  vide  letter  RT11021/38/2017-MVL dated 7 th December 2017  to  all  the  States  and  Union  Territories  for taking action against unauthorised fitment of Crash Bars/Bull Bars on the Motor Vehicles. It was brought to the notice of the States and Union Territories that the fitment of Crash Guards /  Bull  Bars  is  in  contravention  of  Section  52  of  the  Motor  Vehicle  Act  1988,  and  attracts penalty under section 190 and section 191.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2300 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Promotion of Solar Energy for Irrigation
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: HARISH CHANDRA MEENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2300

TO BE ANSWERED ON-08.03.2018

## PROMOTION OF SOLAR ENERGY FOR IRRIGATION

2300. SHRI HARISH MEENA

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

- (a) the steps taken by the Government to improve and innovate its support mechanism for the use of solar energy for irrigation purposes;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  interest  subsidy  to  farmers  combined  with reduced capital subsidy to enable large scale deployment of solar pumps;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the other steps being taken by the Government for the promotion of solar energy for irrigation in the country?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Under  the  Off-grid  and  Decentralised  Solar  PV  Applications  Programme,  the  Government provides financial support up to 30% of the benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower for setting up of solar irrigation purposes.
- (b) & (c) No Madam.
- (d)  Government  is  working  on  a  mechanism  to  promote  solarisation  of  the  existing  gridconnected agriculture pumps/tube-wells/lift irrigation projects in addition to irrigation of offgrid solar irrigation pumps.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2299 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-08
Subject: Smuggling through Cargo at Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MNISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIQN NO. : 2299

(To be answered on the gth March 2018)

Smuggling through at Airports Cargo

## 2299 PROF RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

Will the Minister Of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state: -

- (3) wbether the cases %f involvement of airport personnel in foul Suggling in cargo at several airports of the country have play and (b) if s0, the details thereof; and come to light;
2. the number %f such cases reported the last three action taken against the guilty officers involved years and the in these cases? during

## ANSWER

Minister Of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

O Excic): Yes Madan: As per the information provided by the Central Board of Excise and Customs cases 2016-17 at the various airports of the country were #akev in action against those found to be guilty of involvement up by them; and accordance with the applicable rules in this has been taken in regard: