opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 111 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Lease of Forest Lands
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 111

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2017

## Lease of Forest Lands

## 111.  Shri J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

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

- (a) whether the Government  proposes to lease forest lands/corridors to  NonGovernmental     Organisations  (NGOs)/  conservationists  and  other  private  players for better conservation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether the Government has experimented with the above proposal in any of the regions  and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether the private players would manage and conserve more effectively than the Government machinery and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No, Government has not proposed to lease forest lands/corridors to NonGovernmental   Organisations (NGOs)/ conservationists and other private players for better conservation.
- (b) & (c) : Does not arise.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 108 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Dealing Digital Transaction
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: KAUSHAL KISHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 108

TO BE ANSWERED ON [5th DECEMBER 2017 (FRIDA YYAGRAHAYANA 24, 1939 (SAKA)

## Dealing Digital Transaction

## 108.  SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be   pleased t0 state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that   small   shopkeepers and traders in big markets are dealing in cash only instead of transacting through digital mode Paytm, Credit Debit using
- if so, the details thereof;
- the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- d) the number of such incidents reported from all big cities including Delhi till date?

## Answer The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

## (SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

(a) to (d) While transacting through digital modes is being promoted, transaction through cash is also legally permitted. No such information is, therefore, centrally maintained.
Lok Sabha Question No. 107 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Scrutiny of Company Accounts by AI
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: M. I. SHANAVAS, P. KARUNAKARAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 107 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2017 [AGRAHAYANA 24, 1939 (SAKA)]

## SCRUTINY OF COMPNAY ACCOUNTS BY AI

## QUESTION

107. SHRI M. I. SHANAVAS: SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the total number of companies registered and closed in the years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 in the country, year-wise;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  been  able  to  weed  out  inactive  and  noncompliant companies off the list of Registrar of Companies (RoC) and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has been able to physically scrutinize the accounts of registered firms and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  plans  to  implement  new  technology  in  its system, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scrutinise the accounts of active companies registered with the RoC and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE             (SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY) AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

- (a): During  the  Financial  Year  2014-15,  2015-16  and  2016-17,  the  no.  of companies registered and closed on account of various reasons are  tabulated as under:-
- (b): In addition to no. of companies closed, the Registrars of Companies (RoCs) have struck off 2,24,733 companies from the register of companies till 30.11.2017 after following the due process under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- (c): Does not arise as registered firms are not administered under the Companies Act, 2013.

| Financial Year   | No. of Companies Registered   | No. of companies closed   |
|------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------|
| 2014-15          | 64,395                        | 22,669                    |
| 2015-16          | 84,481                        | 18,194                    |
| 2016-17          | 97,840                        | 16,060                    |
| Total            | 2,46,716                      | 56,923                    |

(d): Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) of this Ministry is in the process of developing 'Early Warning System' (EWS) to generate alerts as well as to strengthen its  capability  for  taking  stringent  action  against  corporate  misconduct.  For  this purpose,  services  of  a  consulting  agency  have  been  engaged  to  develop  the conceptual framework.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 106 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Economic Reforms
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: SHARAD TRIPATHI

- (a) whether the lack of proper economic reform policy has not benefited the economy;
- (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to constitute any committee to review the progress of economic reforms and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the benefits of economic reforms have been confined to specific classes only and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a)  to  (e)  Undertaking  reform measures to promote the economic situation is high on the agenda  of  the  Government.  The  implementation  of  economic  reform  measures  is  an ongoing process. Government initiated several reform measures during last two-three years across  different  sectors  including  manufacturing,  infrastructure,  energy  and  social  sector after assessing the economic situation to support different sectors of the economy.  There has been liberalisation  of Foreign  Direct  Investment  in many  of  these  sectors.      A  major push  has  been  given  to  digital  economy  along  with  expansion  of  financial  inclusion, expenditure  rationalisation,  and  progressive  elimination  of  leakages  in  public  delivery through stress on targeting and direct benefit transfer.  There has been a crusade against black money and also implementation of bankruptcy code.  The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has provided a significant opportunity to improve growth momentum by removing barriers to trade and business activities.

The Government laid considerable emphasis on promoting inclusiveness in growth through  measures  that, inter  alia ,  include:  the  landmark  initiative  of  the  Government  for financial inclusion - Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), implementation of various wage and self-employment programmes, and multi-pronged skill development programmes.

As a result of these measures India's economic growth has remained impressive and one of the best in the world during the last three years.  India recorded an average growth of  7.5  per  cent  during  2014-15  to  2016-17,  significantly  higher  compared  to  previous  two years.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Mahila Shakti Kendras
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: JANARDAN MISHRA, R. GOPALAKRISHNAN, VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI, RODMAL NAGAR, OM PRAKASH YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 103

TO BE ANSWERED ON : 15.12.2017

## MAHILA SHAKTI KENDRAS

- 103: SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA: SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN: SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR: SHRI NAGAR RODMAL: SHRI OM PRAKASH YADAV:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

- (a) whether the Government has announced setting up of Mahila Shakti Kendra at village level and if so, the details and objective thereof;
- (b) the States in which such Kendras have been set up or proposed to be set up under pilot project;
- (c) the allocation made and released/utilised for the said purpose so far; and
- (d) the reaction of the Government in regard to setting up of such kendras throughout the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVLOPMENT (DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

- (a) Government  of  India  has  recently  approved  a  new  scheme  'Mahila  Shakti  Kendra'  meant  for empowering rural women through community participation. Community engagement through Student Volunteers is envisioned in 115 most backward districts as part of Mahila Shakti Kendra block level initiative.  Student volunteers will play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government schemes/ programmes as well as social issues. Under Mahila Shakti Kendra new District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has also been envisaged for 640 districts (to be covered in a phased manner) for facilitating women centric schemes of the government and for giving a foothold to BBBP scheme.
- (b) During  the  current  FY  ie.  2017-18,  Block  Level  initiatives  under  Mahila  Shakti  Kendra  to  be implemented in 50 most backward districts covering five states namely Assam (07 districts), Bihar (13 districts), Chhattisgarh (10 districts), Jharkhand (19 districts) and Manipur (01 district).
- (c) As per the Budget announcement for the year 2017-18 an allocation of Rs. 500.00 crore was made for Mahila  Shakti  Kendra  Scheme,  However,  no  expenditure  has  been  incurred  under  Mahila  Shakti Kendra Scheme.
- (d) Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme will provide an interface for rural women to approach the government for availing their entitlements and for empowering them through training and capacity building. The student Volunteers engaged under the scheme will serve 'agents of change' and have a lasting impact on their communities and the nation.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 100 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Crypto-Currencies
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR, A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN, KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 100 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH DECEMBER, 2017/ 24 TH AGRAHAYANA, 1939 (SAKA) CRYPTO CURRENCIES

## QUESTION

100. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR; SHRI A. A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN; DR. KIRIT P. SOLANKI Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state : (a) whether the crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin are being used increasingly during the past few years and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  complaints  regarding  the  use  or misuse of such crypto-currencies and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has estimated the total transactions emananting out of India  through  crypto-currency  usage  especially  Bitcoin  and  services  for  which crypto-currencies are being used; (d) whether the Government has set up an inter-disciplinary committee to recommend an action plan for dealing with such currencies; and

- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the other steps taken in this regard ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI Pon. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) to (e) :  The Government doesn't maintain data related to trading of Virtual Currencies/ Bitcoins.    The  Department  of  Economic  Affairs  had  constituted  an  Inter-disciplinary committee  to  take  stock  of  the  present  status  of  Virtual  Currencies  both  in  India  and globally;  examine  the  existing  global  regulatory  and  legal  structures  governing  Virtual Currencies; suggest the frame work for regulation of Virtual Currencies if among others etc. The committee has submitted its report.  The Reserve Bank of India has also cautioned from time to time, vide their Press Releases dated December 24, 2013 and February 1, 2017, the users, holders and traders of Virtual Currencies about the potential financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks.

## **************
Lok Sabha Question No. 96 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Withdrawal of Bank Cheque Book Facility
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: BALKA SUMAN, SURESH KODIKUNNIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 96 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017/AGRAHAYANA 24, 1939 (SAKA) WITHDRAWAL OF BANK CHEQUE BOOK FACILITY

## 96. SHRI SUMAN BALKA: SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to withdraw bank cheque book facility in the country to encourage digital transactions;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  issued  a  clarification  to  allay  the  concerns  of  the general public in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

- (a) and (b): There is no such proposal under consideration of the Government.

(c) and (d): In  response to reports in a section of the media that there is a possibility that the Central Government may withdraw bank cheque book facility in the near future, with an intent to encourage digital transactions, Government had, vide press note dated 23.11.2017, denied that there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to withdraw  bank  cheque  book  facility.  It  was  further  mentioned  in  the  Press  Note  that while  the  Government is committed to transform India into a less cash economy and promote  digital  and  electronic  transactions  through  multi-pronged  initiatives,  cheques are an integral part of the payments landscape, and form the backbone of trade and commerce,  by  being  negotiable  instruments,  which  often  serve  as  the  security  for underlying trade transactions.
Lok Sabha Question No. 95 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Indecent representation of Women in Advertisements
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.95

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2017

## INDECENT REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN ADVERTISEMENTS

## 95. SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  has  been  a  proliferation  in  advertisements  depicting  women  in  an  indecent manner in recent times;
- (b) if so, whether the National Commission for Women (NCW) has recommended modifications in  the  Indecent  Representation  of  Women  (Prohibition)  Act,  1986  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c) the reaction of the Government in regard to modification/ amendment in the Act; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to curb violations of the provisions of the said Act?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

- (a):      No Madam.
- (b):     As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data which is available upto 2016, a total of 47, 40 and 38 cases were reported in the country under Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 during last three year i.e. 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, which show a decreasing trend.
- (c) & (d): On the basis of recommendation made by the National Commission for Women, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2012 containing certain amendments including broadening the scope of law to cover audio visual media and material in electronic form and strengthening penalty provisions was introduced in Rajya Sabha and Rajya Sabha referred the Bill to Parliamentary Standing Committee. The Parliament Standing Committee submitted its report on 24 th September, 2013.

After  taking  into  account  the  recent  technological  advancement  in  the  field  of communications  such  as  social  media  platforms,  etc,  the  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child Development  has  taken  a  considered  view  to  withdraw  the  Indecent  Representation  of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2012 in the present form.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 93 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Aadhaar Insurance Policy Linkage
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: OM PRAKASH YADAV, RODMAL NAGAR, JANARDAN MISHRA

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Financial Services Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. +93

December 15, 2017/Agrahayana 24, 1939 (Saka) Friday,

## Aadhaar Insurance Policy Linkage

+93. SHRI OM PRAKASH YADAV: SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:\_ SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Aadhaar has not been made compulsory for buying insurance;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
- c) the details of type of insurance policies for which Aadhaar is not compulsory?

## Answer

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla)

(a) to (c): Government of India notified the Prevention of   Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017 (PML Rules") making Aadhaar Number and Permanent Account Number/Form 60 mandatory for availing financial services. These rules are applicable to all   reporting entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act; 2002. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) vide circular dated 08.11.2017 clarified that the PML Rules have to be implemented by the Life and General Insurers (including Standalone Health Insurers). IRDAI has further informed that there is no exemption under PML Rules for any type of insurance policies.
Lok Sabha Question No. 85 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Value Capture Financing
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, SANTOSH AHLAWAT

## DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 85

To be answered on Friday, December 15, 2017/Agrahayana 24, 1939 (Saka)

Value Capture Financing

85. SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI:

SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  decided  to  make  Value  Capture Financing  an  integral  part  of  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  of  all projects of the Central Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the projects which were sanctioned earlier will be get additional fund as part of Value Capture Financing;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI P. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)  to  (e):  Yes,  Government  has  decided  to  include  Value  Capture Financing to be an integral part of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of all projects of the Central Government.  For  this purpose, all Ministries  and  Departments  have  been  advised  by  Department  of Expenditure vide its OM dated 7 th  March, 2017 to include the option of  Value  Capture  Financing  in  the  proposal  to  be  submitted  for appraisal before the competent authority. Ministry of Urban Development has issued detailed Policy Framework to guide States / ULBs to optimize potential revenue from a range of VCF tools.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 84 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Arbitrary Attitude of Doctors
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: UDAY PRATAP SINGH

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 84 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH DECEMBER, 2017

## ARBITRARY ATTITUDE O F DOCTORS

## 84. SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH:

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

- (a) whether complaints cases of arbitrary attitude/mismanagement/ malpractices by doctors have been reported during the last two years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State/ UT - wise alo ng with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any corrective steps in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a)to (d): No data on complaints of arbitrary attitude / mismanagement / malpractices by doctorsis  maintained  centrally.  However,  Medical  Council  of  India  (MCI)  with  the  pr approval of the Central Government has notified I ndian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 . The professional conduct of the doctors is regulated by the said Regulations.

MCI or the appropriate State Medical Councils have been empowered to take disciplin act ion against a doctor for violation of the provisions of the af resaid Regulations. As and when complaints are received against the violation of code of ethics for doctors, such compl referred  by  MCI  to  the  concerned  State  Medical  Councils  where  the  doctors/medic practitioners  are  registered. MCI  has  referred  202 cases  /  complaints  to  the  concerned  State Medical councils in the last two years. The person aggrieved by the decision of the State Medical Council on any complaint against a delinquent medical practitioners ,may file an appeal to the MCI .The MCI is an A ppellate Authority.
Lok Sabha Question No. 83 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-15
Subject: Independent Women Directors
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 83 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2017/ AGRAHAYANA 24, 1939 (SAKA)

## INDEPENDENT WOMEN DIRECTORS

## QUESTION

## 83.  SHRI RAJENDRA AGARWAL:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री

- (a)  whether it is a fact that about forty per cent of the listed National Stock Exchange (NSE) companies do not have an independent women director;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether it is a fact that a Government panel has recommended the appointment of one independent women director in the listed companies; and
- (d)  if so, the details thereof and whether the Government has taken any decision in this regard?

## ANSWER

(SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)

श्री पी . पी . चौधरी )

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS (

विवध और न्याय एिं कारपोरेट कायय मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री

- (a)  &  (b):-  Section  149  of  Companies  Act,  2013  read  with  the  corresponding  rules requires  every  listed  company  to  have  a  women  director.  Securities  and  Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also mandated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 for appointment of at least one woman director on the boards of listed companies. It is not, however, mandated that the woman director has to be an independent director. As per the details received from SEBI, 1608 of the 1668 active  listed  companies,  required  to  appoint  a  women  director,  have  appointed  a woman director.
- (c) & (d):-  SEBI had appointed a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri Uday Kotak in June 2017 to make recommendations pertaining to corporate governance in listed entities  in  India.  The  Committee  submitted  its  report  on  Oct  5,  2017.  One  of  the recommendations in  the  report  is  that  every  listed  entity  should  have  at  least  one independent woman director on its board of directors.   So far, Ministry of Corporate Affairs has not received any proposal from SEBI in this regard.
- *******