opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Procurement of Synthetic Packing
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 850 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## PROCUREMENT OF SYNTHETIC PACKING

850.    SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways had, in the past, procured synthetic packing from  abroad  against  contract  No.  G-437  dated  23.07.2010  in accordance with the laid down specifications and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  during  the  course  of  its  load  trials,  the synthetic  packing  could  not  be  found  suitable  and  the  rationale behind  its  procurement  remained  defunct  and    if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Railways  has  taken  a  decision  to  use  the  obsolete material  with  Hydraulic  Rescue  Equipment  and  is  so,  the  details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has constituted an inquest into the whole issue which caused a severe dent to its exchequer; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and whether any action has been taken by the  Government  against  the  officers  who  were  instrumental  in procuring these faulty material and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a): Yes, Madam. Central Organisation For Modernization Of Workshops

……2/-

(COFMOW)  had  placed  a  Developmental  Order  of ₹ 33.78  lacs  on  M/s Resqtec  Zumro,  Netherland  for  procurement  of  280  nos. (216+64) Synthetic Packing for 140T Diesel Hydraulic Breakdown Crane.

(b): Yes, Madam. The material was supplied after inspection by Railway Advisor  (RA),  Berlin/Germany.  The  material  failed  in  field  trial  to  be carried out as per contract and was accordingly rejected by the ultimate consignee being not found as per contract specifications.

(c):  Yes,  Madam. Decision was taken to usefully utilize the material in Hydraulic  Rescue  Equipment as balance amount of ₹ 15.78  lacs  could not  be  recovered  from  firm  and  order  being  developmental  in  nature involving developmental cost only.

(d):  No,  Madam.  The  order  value  on  M/s  Resqtec,  Zumro  was ₹ 33.78 lacs. The payment of ₹ 18.13 lacs was made to the firm. The PBG of ₹ 2.35 lacs was encashed besides not releasing balance 20% payment. An amount of ₹ 15.78 ( ₹ 18.13-2.35) lacs could not be recovered.

This order was developmental in nature. The order being developmental in nature, the cost involved is considered as developmental  cost  as  there  is  always  risk  involved  for  failure  of product. Thus, the loss is only notional.

(e):  No,  Madam.  Not  warranted  as  being  developmental  order  and balance amount of ₹ 15.78 lacs is considered as developmental cost as there  is  always  risk  involved  for  failure  of  newly  under-developmental product. Besides, a decision was taken to usefully utilize the material in Hydraulic Rescue Equipment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: SAFAR
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: DUSHYANT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 849

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2018

## SAFAR

849.          SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plans to expand the system of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) in cities with high level of pollution other than Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  introduce  a  street-level weather and pollution forecasting system to ensure effective response to pollution throughout the nation; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)

- (a) and (b) No Madam. MoES has already expanded the SAFAR system in 3 more cities  viz.  Pune,  Mumbai  and  Ahmedabad. MoES  does  not  have  any plan  for  extension  to  other  cities.  MoES  is  extending  the  work  to upgrade the existing system in research mode to study the air quality and to improve the forecasting skill of air quality.
- (c) No Madam.
- (d) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 848 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Indo-Myanmar Border Dispute
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: THOKCHOM MEINYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.848

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## INDO-MYANMAR BORDER DISPUTE

848. DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that there has always been boundary disputes in the Indo (Manipur)-Myanmar border;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the role of Border Security Forces in safeguarding the Indo-Myanmar borders?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) There   is   no   border   dispute   between   India   and   Myanmar. Boundary demarcation work remains to be completed in some sectors of India-Myanmar   boundary,   including   in   the   Manipur   sector.   Regular dialogue is held between India and Myanmar on all issues related to boundary demarcation and border management through institutionalized mechanisms such as Foreign Office Consultations, National Level Meetings (NLM), Joint  Boundary Working Group (JBWG), Sectoral Level Meetings (SLM) and Heads of Survey Department meetings.

The designated border guarding force along India Myanmar border is Assam Rifles. The Border Security Force (BSF) is not deployed along the Myanmar border.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 846 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Fishermen Arrested by Pakistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.846

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## FISHERMEN ARRESTED BY PAKISTAN

846. SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether apprehending of Indian fishermen fishing in Indian waters by Pakistan keeps on surfacing and such incidents have happened this November as well in Gujarat;
- (b) if   so,   the   details   thereof   and   the   number   of   Indian   fishermen apprehended and imprisoned in Pakistani jails till date; and
- (c) the steps being taken to get such Indian fishermen released who are lodged in Pakistani prisons and the number of fishermen who got released during the last two years?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) As per available information, presently 341 Indian fishermen are   believed   to   be   in   Pakistan's   custody,   including   those   reportedly apprehended   in   November   2017.   However,   Pakistan   has   only
- acknowledged the custody of 253 Indian fishermen, so far. (c) Government attaches high importance to the issue of fishermen and consistently takes up the issue of their early release and repatriation, including through diplomatic channels. With sustained diplomatic efforts Government has secured release of 410 and 508 Indian fishermen from Pakistan in the years 2016 and 2017 respectively. Recently, 146 Indian fishermen were released and repatriated on 8 January 2018. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 845 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Telecom Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: OM PRAKASH YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 845 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## TELECOM POLICY

- †845.  SHRI OM PRAKASH YADAV:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  bring  new  telecom  policy  for  electronics  and information technology; and
- (b) if not, the reasons therefor and the details of the reforms made by the Government in the telecom policy so far?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) & (b) Yes Madam, the Department of Telecommunications has already initiated the  process  to  formulate  new  National  Telecom  Policy  in  view  of  rapid  technological advancement in the sector. The work on formulation of National Telecom Policy-2018 is in advanced stage and is likely to be finalised soon.
- ****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Visa Free Access
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.844

TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## VISA FREE ACCESS

844. DR. GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether according to the 2018 Henley Passport Index, India is at its lowest ranking with regard to the visa-free access to more countries and China has surpassed India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the measures taken by the Government to improve its passport rankings in providing visa-free access to more countries on the globe?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) As per information available on the website www.henleyglobal.com, the Henley Passport Index ranks all the passports of the world according to the number of countries their holders can travel to visa free.  The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association and lists the countries that can be accessed visa-free, with an electronic visa (e-Visa), with a visa on arrival, or with a normal visa.

According   to   the   Henley   Passport   Index   available   on   this   website ( Annexure-I ), India is ranked at 86 with 49 countries providing visa free access. China is ranked 75 with 60 countries providing visa-free access.

(c) The Government has recently liberalised the visa policy with the objective of promoting investments and tourism into India from other countries. The eVisa scheme has been liberalised to allow business visits and medical treatment in India. The number of entries and validity of e-Visas has been increased and the scheme has been expanded to include 163 countries and territories till date. These initiatives are expected to encourage other countries to reciprocate and facilitate travel of Indian passport holders to their countries.

*****

## ANNEXURE-I

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*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 842 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Make in India
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RANJEET RANJAN, RAJESH RANJAN  (PAPPU  YADAV)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.842

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## MAKE IN INDIA

## 842. SHRIMATI RANJEET RANJAN: SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:

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

- (a) whether many projects including manufacturing of submarines and foreign fighter aircraft are pending due to lack of strategic partnership under 'Make in India' initiative;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  therefor  along  with  the  time  by  which a decision is likely to be taken on the strategic partnership mode;
- (c) the number of projects being undertaken under 'Make in India' initiative and the investment made thereon so far;
- (d) whether the committee constituted under the chairmanship of Shri V.K. Aatre has given some suggestions for private companies and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the suggestions have been implemented and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (e): A Statement is attached.

******

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 842 FOR ANSWER ON 7.2.2018

Inter-alia, the Aatre Task Force  recommendations  on  selection criteria  of  an  Indian  company  as  Strategic  Partner  were  examined  in  the Ministry and the Strategic Partnership (SP) policy has been promulgated on 31.05.2017 as Chapter VII of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 titled as 'Revitalising Defence Industrial Ecosystem through Strategic Partnership'  with  an  aim  to  institutionalise  a  transparent,  objective  and functional  mechanism  to  encourage  broader  participation  of  the  private sector,  in  manufacturing  of  major  Defence  platforms.    It  will  serve  to enhance  competition,  increase  efficiencies,  facilitate  faster  and  more significant absorption of technology, create a tiered industrial ecosystem, trigger innovation, promote participation in global value chains as well as exports  leading  to  reduction  in  dependence  on  imports  and  gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies essential to meet national security objectives.  The chapter is available at Ministry of Defence Website:  https://www.mod.nic.in.

2.       Four  segments have been identified i.e. Fighter aircraft, Submarines, Helicopter and  Armoured fighting Vehicles and till date three Request for Informations  (RFIs)  have  been  issued  under  the  Strategic  Partnership Model for  Submarines,  Naval  Utility  Helicopter  and  Future  ready  Combat Vehicle (FRCV).

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 841 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Leasing Railway Land
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.841 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## LEASING RAILWAY LAND

†841. SHRI RAJU SHETTY:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any criteria/policy for giving railway land to the private companies and persons on lease;
- (b) if so, whether the Railways has made available railway land to the private companies on lease for developmental works and modernization of railway stations in the country during the last five years and the current year;
- (c) if so, the details thereof State-wise; and
- (d)  the names of the private companies and persons who have taken railway land on lease?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  841  BY  SHRI  RAJU  SHETTY  TO  BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  07.02.2018  REGARDING  LEASING RAILWAY LAND.

(a)  to  (d):    The  vacant  Railway  land,  which  is  not  required  by Railways for  its  immediate  future  operational  needs,    is  leased  to private  companies  and  persons  who  are  required  to  register  a company before entering into Development Agreement, for commercial development through open, transparent and competitive  bidding  process.  The  State-wise  details  of  private companies/persons  to  whom  land  has  been  given  on  lease  for commercial  development/modernisation  of  Railway  stations  in  the country during the last five years and the current year are as under:-

|   S.No | State and Place                                              | Company & Persons                             |
|--------|--------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
|      1 | Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam                               | M/s Venkaeswara Educational Society           |
|      2 | Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada                                  | M/s Trivarga Food & Beverages                 |
|      3 | Bihar - Raxual                                               | Mr Shamim Akhtar*                             |
|      4 | Maharashtra - Bandra(East)-II                                | Mr Kahilil Ahmed Khan*                        |
|      5 | Himachal Pradesh - Shimla                                    | Mr. Gaurav Singh Rathore*                     |
|      6 | Madhya Pradesh - Modernisation of Habibganj Railway Station. | M/s Bansal Pathways Habibganj Private Limited |

*Required  to  register  a  company  before  entering into Development Agreement.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 840 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: ROBs in Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KURUPPASSERY VARKEY THOMAS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 840 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## ROBs IN KERALA

840.   PROF. K.V. THOMAS:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state the details of new ROBs that are going to be constructed in Kerala during the next five years?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

At  present, there are 64 ongoing projects for construction of Road Over  Bridges  (ROBs)  in  the  State  of  Kerala.    So  far  as  period  of construction is concerned, Railways undertake construction of ROBs in Railway Bridge portion whereas approaches are being constructed by State Government. Completion of ROB depends on various factors like  removal  of  encroachment,  land  acquisition,  availability  of  funds and other regional priorities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 839 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Sikhs in Israel
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.839 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## SIKHS IN ISRAEL

839. PROF. PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any study has been made to update the number of Sikhs living in Israel and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) if not, whether the Government intends to make any such study in the near future;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether such study has also included the socio-economic condition of Sikhs living in Israel and if so, the details thereof?

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## ANSWER (SHRI M. J. AKBAR)

(a) to (d) Government is not aware of such a study. The Government has established mechanisms to ensure the welfare of all overseas Indians. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 838 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: CAG Report on Bio-Toilets
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: GAURAV GOGOI, JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 838 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## CAG REPORT ON BIO-TOILETS

838.  SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its report,  has  found  operational  deficiencies  in  the  majority  of  the  biotoilets installed by Railways leading to choking and foul smell;
- (b)  if  so,  the  reaction  of  the  Railways  on  such  remarks/deficiencies made by CAG in its report;
- (c) whether the Railways has conducted any awareness campaign for passengers about the use of bio-toilets in trains;
- (d) if so, the details in this regard; and
- (e) the steps Railways has taken or proposes to take to ensure proper and smooth functioning of bio-toilets in all the trains?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)  & (b) Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report has  mentioned  instances  of  defects/problems  such  as  choking,  foul smell, non-availability of dust bins/mugs etc.  Generally, the problem of

choking is due to use of toilet pan as garbage bins.   Provision  of  dust bins  in  coach  lavatories  has  been  made  mandatory  to  enable  the passengers to use them rather dumping the inorganic waste in toilet pans. Improved flushing system is being provided in coach lavatories with  bio-toilets.  Ventilation  in  coach  toilets  is  being  improved  to ensure circulation of fresh air and removal of foul smell. Availability of mugs in coach lavatories is also being ensured.

- (c) & (d) Zonal Railways are organizing passenger awareness campaign at stations by regular announcement, display of short films etc. Stickers regarding proper use of bio-toilets have been provided in coach  lavatories.    Further,  a  short  film  has  also  been  uploaded  on social media highlighting correct usage of bio-toilets. Extensive public awareness  campaign  about  appropriate  usage  of  bio-toilets  through different  media  is  being  conducted.  Passengers  are  being  informed through models etc. at some of the railway stations.
- (e)  Indian  Railways  are  taking  all  the  necessary  steps  like  ensuring availability of dust bins/mugs, improvement in flushing system, provision  of  ventilation  system,  training  of  staff  involved  in  coach cleaning, design improvements, augmentation of required infrastructure  etc.  to  ensure  proper  and  smooth  functioning  of  biotoilets in all the trains.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Hydraulic Plant in Arunachal Pradesh
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY

## Government of India Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA

Unstarred Question No. 836

To be answered on Wednesday, February 07, 2018/Magha 18, 1939 (Saka)

## QUESTION Hydraulic Plant in Arunachal Pradesh

836. SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state: (a) whether his Ministry is working closely with the Ministries of External Affairs, New and Renewable Energy and Defence to hash out a diplomatic solution with China in the Arunachal  Pradesh  border  to  construct  a  hydraulic  plant  when  the  Siang  river  enters India; (b) if so, the progress made in this regard; and

- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Dr. Jitendra Singh]

(a)  to  (c)    No,  Madam.  Development  of  infrastructure  including,  the  power  and  water sector, in the North Eastern Region including Arunachal Pradesh is not a subject matter of discussion with China. However, a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Vice  Chairman,  NITI  Aayog  has  been  constituted  for  optimally  harnessing  the  water resources for accelerating development in the North Eastern Region.

- *****