opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3358 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Proposals Received for Rural Development Works
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Dayakar Pasunoori

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3358

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## PROPOSALS RECEIVED FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS

## 3358. SHRI PASUNOORI DAYAKAR:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  proposals  received  by  the  Government  for  rural  development  works during the last four years from the Government of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and the amount involved therein along with the action taken thereon, scheme-wise;
- (b) whether any proposals received from the said State Governments are still pending and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any time limit has been fixed for disposal of such pending proposals;
- (d) whether the delays in approval of proposals hamper the development works; and
- (e) the manner in which the cost overruns are being adjusted?

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

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Rural Development, inter alia, is implementing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin  (PMAY-G),  Pradhan  Mantri  Gram  Sadak  Yojana  (PMGSY)  and  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in rural areas of the country including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, to bring about overall improvement in the quality of life of the people in rural areas through employment generation, skilling of youths, provision of social assistance and other basic  amenities.  Proposals  received  from  the  State  Governments/UT  Administrations  are sanctioned as soon as satisfactory compliances are received as per the scheme guidelines.

(c) to (e):  Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3357 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Declaration of Kaleshwaram Project as National Project
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY, SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA

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

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 3357

ANSWERED ON 15.0 3.201 8

## DECLARATION OF KALES HWARAM PROJECT AS NA TIONAL PROJECT

## 3357. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA SHRI GUTHA SUKENDER REDDY

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the regional conference of Southern States has taken place at Hyderabad recen so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Telangana has once again raised the issue of granting national status to Kaleshw irrigation project and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any action has been taken in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the stand of the Government on the issue?

## ANSWER

## THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  WATER  RESOURCES, RIVER  DEVELOPMENT  AND GANGA REJUVENATION & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## ( SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHW AL )

(a)  Yes,  Madam .  The  Regional  Conference  of  Southern  States  on  Water  Resources  was  held at Hyderabad on 20 th February, 2018 to discuss the water related issues among the Southern State Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation chaired the Conference. Five States namel y Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Union Territory of Puducherry took part in the Conference apar officers from MoWR, RD & GR, CWC, NWDA, GRMB, KRMB, CGWB and Polavaram Project Project Authority (PPA).

(b ) Telangana Government  raised  the  issue  of  declaration  of  Pranhita - Kaleswaram  project  as National Project by including the same in their Agenda item.

(c) &  (d)  Central  Water  Commission  (CWC)  has  sent  comments/  observations  to  the  Proj Authority after appraisal of the DPR of Kaleshwaram Project. A view on declaring it as a Natio Project will be taken as per extant Guidelines for the purpose once it is recommended by Investment Clearance is given by  MoWR, RD & GR.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3355 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: MOHAMMAD SALIM, MD. BADARIDDOZA KHAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3355

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## STARTUP VILLAGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

## 3355.   SHRI MOHD. SALIM: SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to implement the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) to provide non-agricultural livelihood to the artisans and weavers in order to strengthen their livelihood;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any annual target has been fixed to support the entrepreneurs by providing them training under the said programme;
- (d) if so, the details of target fixed along with the achievements made in this regard;
- (e) whether employment opportunities in the rural areas have been increased through the said programme; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## ANSWER (SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

- (a) & (b):  Government is implementing the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship programme(SVEP)  with  the  objective  of  helping  the  rural  poor  including  artisans  and weavers to  setup  enterprises  at  the  village  level  in  non-agricultural  sectors.  SVEP  is  being implemented in 19 states as on 28 th February, 2018.
- (c) & (d): The Detailed Project Report(DPR) is prepared for each identified block under SVEP which provides  the  number  of  enterprises  to  be  supported  annually  over  the  4-year project period. Based on the approved projects, cumulative target for enterprise formation till 31 st March 2018 is 25,392. As on February 28, 2018, 13,772 enterprises have been formed.
- (e) & (f): It is estimated that SVEP has generated employment opportunities for 28,508 persons as on 28 February, 2018.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3349 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Textile Industry
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: PRATIMA MONDAL

## TEXTILE INDUSTRY

## 3349.   SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंरी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the textile industry has been struggling with falling exports, low productivity and rising prices; and
- (b) if so, the details of the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र      मंरी (श्री अज      ) MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES

## (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

- (a)  &  (b) :  Government  has  announced  a  special  package  to  help  textile  industry overcome various challenges and boost exports as well as employment. Under the special package, following benefits are provided by Government:-
-  Rebate on State Levies (RoSL) Scheme provides remission of State taxes/levies on export of apparel and made-ups through the mechanism of rebate.
-  Under  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Paridhan  Rozgar  Protsahan  Yojana  (PMPRPY) Scheme Government provides additional 3.67% of the employers' contribution  towards  EPF  for  new  employees  of  garment  and  made-ups sectors for first 3 years of their employment. This benefit is over and above the  8.33%  of  employers'  contribution  provided  by  the  Government  under PMRPY.
-  Under Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (A-TUFS) Government provides  an  additional  10%  capital  investment  subsidy  for garment and made-ups units for a period of three years.
-  Drawback at All Industries Rate (AIR) is given for domestic duty paid inputs even when fabrics are imported under Advance Authorization Scheme.

Further following additional steps have been taken to promote exports:

-  Rates under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) have been enhanced from 2% to 4% for apparel and made-ups w.e.f. 1 st  November 2017.
-  IGST  has  been  exempted  to  facilitate  import  of  machinery  under  Export Promotion  Capital  Goods  Scheme  (EPCG)  and  raw  material  under  Advance Authorisation.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3348 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Third Party Verification of SBM (G)
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: BHARATENDRA SINGH

## Government of India

## Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3348 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-03-2018

Third Party Verification of SBM (G)

## 3348. KUNWAR BHARATENDRA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any third-party verification of figures under the Swachh Bharat Mission (G);
- (b) if so, the time by which the report of such verification is likely to be made available to the public;
- (c) whether the Government is on track to achieve their target of 'no open defecation' under the Swachh Bharat Mission, considering that 400 out of the 640 districts in the country are yet to become open defecation free;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  independent  studies  which  have  shown discrepancies between the figures presented by the Government and ground reality under the Swachh Bharat Mission; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for such discrepancies?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

- (a) and (b).    Yes.  The report is being disclosed.
- (c)  Yes.
- (d) & (e)  The independent studies are based on small sample size, which may not reflect ground reality.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3341 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Football Academy
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: BALKA SUMAN, PRASUN BANERJEE

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3341 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## Football Academy

3341. SHRI SUMAN BALKA: SHRI PRASUN BANERJEE:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  a  world  class Football Academy in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to start a football tournament  in  the  name  of  former  Union  Minister  Priyaranjan  Das Munshi; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Four Regional Football Academies under Sports Authority of India are already operational at Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal and  Thiruvananthapuram.  The  academies  have  been  established with world class facilities.
- (c)
- & (d):    No Madam, there is no such proposal at present.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3338 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Disinvestment of Air India
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Sajda Ahmed, CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE, E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER, ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR, ANTO  ANTONY

' `

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3338

(To be answered on the March 2018) 15th

Disinvestment of Air India

3338.

SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHARRE SHRI ET: MOHAMMED BASHEER ADV. NARENDRA KESHA V SAWAIKAR SHRI ANTO ANTONY

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

. . `

be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether the Government has finalised the sale of stake in Air India, if
- (b) the details of profit/loss made by Air India during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;
- the details thereof and the likely fate of its employees;
- (c) the detaiis of debts and liabilities on Air India as on date;
- (e) whether the Government has received any representation/complaint against the disinvestment of Air India and if 80, the details thereof?
- (d) whether huge funds were injected by the Government to bail out the flagship carrier, if s0, the detaiis thereof; and

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a); The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), in its meeting held on 28.06.2017, has given

constituted an Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM) to guide the process on strategic disinvestment from time to time and decide issues which; inter-alia include off of certain assets to a shell company, the quantum of disinvestment and the universe of bidders etc The contours of the bid would be contained in the bid documents as approved by AISAM: hiving

in-principle approval for considering strategic disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries. CCEA

(b): The details of the Profits/Losses of Air India during the last three years

are given here under:

Year

Net Loss (Rs. in crore)

2014-15

5859.91

2015-16

3836.77

2016-17

5765.16

(c): The total outstanding loans o Air India at the end of 3lst March 2017, as per the Audited Accounts of FY 2016-17 are Rs 48447.37 crore, the details of which are given hereunder: .

- Aircraft Loans

Rs 17,359.61 crore

Working Capital Loans

Rs 31,087.76 crore

Total

Rs. 48447.37 crore

- (d): Government had approved Turnaround Plan (TAP) 1 Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) in 2012 for operational and financial turnaround of Air India. The TAPIFRP provides equity infusion of Rs.30231 crore upto 2021 'subject to achievement of certain milestones as laid down in the TAPIFRP. Out of this amount; the Government has released a total Equity Support of Rs 26545.21 crore till 2017.
- (e): Suggestions and views are received from time to time; including the articles published in media, regarding disinvestment of Air India. These would be kept in mind while arriving at the final decision regarding contours of the disinvestment:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3337 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Floods in Amritsar
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: Gurjeet Singh,Aujla

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

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 3337

ANSWERED ON 15.0 3.201 8

## FLOODS IN AMRITSAR

## 3337.SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that every year during monsoon the swollen Ravi river the areas of Ajnala Raja Sahansi of Amritsar and if so, t he details thereof;
- (b) the new measures proposed and the steps being taken by the Government to address th along with the time -frame fixed in this regard; and
- (c) the details of loss of life, property and crops, if any, incurred due to non - completion  of  the aforesaid measures?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  WATER  RESOURCES, RIVER  DEVELOPMENT  AND GANGA REJUVENATION & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

( SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHW AL )

(a)to(c) Yes , Madam.The Government is aware that monsoon br ings floods in River Ravi which results in floods in the areas of Ajnala Raja Sahansi of Amritsar.

The subject of flood management being under the purview of the States, the schem flood control are formulated and implemented by concerned States as per their priority. Government supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical guidance and promotional financial assistance for management of floods in critical areas.

A project namely 'Flood protection works to be executed along the Indo - Pakistan border on River Ravi and its tributary Ujh - Phase I' benefitting the areas of Ajnala and Rajasansi of Amritsar District has been taken up by Govt. of Punjab with approved cost of Rs.29.89 crore fo works to be completed by March 2018 under the central sector Plan scheme River Managem Activities and Works related to Borde r Areas (RMBA). As informed by the State Government, no major loss of life, property and agriculture has occurred after 1988 and 1995 floods. F been moderated to a large extent due to construction of Rajnit Sagar Dam.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Grant of Judicial Powers to PCI
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3333 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## GRANT OF JUDICIAL POWERS TO PCI

## 3333. SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):    Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory autonomous body has been set up  under  the  Press  Council  Act,  1978  to  maintain  and  improve  the  standards  of newspapers and news agencies in the country and also to inculcate the principles of self-regulation among the press.  In furtherance of its objectives, PCI have formed Norms of Journalistic Conduct under section 13(2)(b) of the Press Council Act, 1978 which  cover  the  principles  and  ethics  regarding  journalism.  The  Council  also monitors  and  takes  cognizance, suo  motu or  on  complaints,  of  contents  in  print media which prima facie , are violative of Norms of Journalistic Conduct. The council may warn, admonish or censure the newspaper, the news agency, the editor or the journalist  or  disapprove  the  conduct  of  the  editor  or  the  journalist.  Therefore,  the existing provisions for bringing strict code  of ethics amongst  journalists are adequate.

However, as regard, incidences of attack on journalists, 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to grant judicial powers to the Press Council of  India  (PCI)  in  light  of  the  growing  incidents  of  attacks  on  journalists  in  the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  also  proposes  to  bring  forth  a  Journalist  Act,  on  the pattern  of  Advocate  Act,  to  bring  in  a  strict  code  of  ethics  and  protection  of journalists;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

Central Government attaches highest importance to prevention of crime. Representations  on  providing  security  received  from  or  on  behalf  of  individuals, including  journalists  are  examined.  Based  on  inputs  received  regarding  threat assessment, required action is taken by the law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the existing laws are adequate for protection of citizens including journalists. Also, the  PCI  takes  appropriate  action  on  receipt  of  specific  complaints  from  affected journalists. An advisory on safety of journalists has been issued by Ministry of Home Affairs  to  States/UTs  on  20 th October  2017,  which  is  available  at  the  Ministry  of Home Affairs' website viz., https://mha.gov.in/sites/upload\_files/mha/files/Advisafety\_20-10-2017\_24102017.pdf

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3331 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Promotion of Traditional Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: SADHU SINGH

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3331

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

Promotion of Traditional Sports

†3331. PROF. SADHU SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the traditional sports like bullock cart race and Jallikattu are still prevalent in rural areas of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any steps for promotion of traditional sports like bullock cart race in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS {COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)}

- (a) to (d) The  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  &  Sports  is  implementing  the Khelo India Scheme which inter-alia has a vertical of 'Promotion of rural and  indigenous/tribal games'.  In order to showcase  our  rural and indigenous/tribal games, annual competitions will be held annually under the  Scheme  in  rural  and  indigenous/tribal  games  alternately.  So  far, traditional  sports  like  bullock  cart  race  and  Jallikattu  have  not  been supported  under  this  Scheme,  nor  is  there  any  proposal  to  promote

traditional  games  like  bullock  cart  race  and  Jallikattu at present. Therefore, this Ministry is not maintaining any data regarding prevalence of such games in rural areas of the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Sand Mining
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: UDAY PRATAP SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3327

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018

## SAND MINING

† 3327.  SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  proposed  policy  /  scheme  of  the  Government  to  check  the damage to the environment from illegal mining of sand from the river beds;
- (b)  whether the Government proposes to make the sand mining free in the country to get rid of sand   mafia;
- (c)  if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be done; and
- (d) whether the Government has constituted or proposes to constitute any monitoring committee and enact stringent law for the purpose and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES AND COAL (SHRI HARIBHAI PARTHIBHAI CHAUDHARY) (a)to(d): As per section 23C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,  1957  (MMDR  Act),  State  Governments  are  empowered  to  frame  rules  for prevention  of  illegal  mining,  storage  and  transportation  for  both  major  and  minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith. Therefore, matter relating to regulation and control of illegal mining is completely within the domain of respective State Governments. Sand  is  a  minor  mineral,  as  defined  under  section  3(e)  of  MMDR  Act,  1957. Further, section 15 of the MMDR Act empowers the State Governments for making rules  for  regulation  of  the  grant  of  quarry  leases,  mining  leases  or  other  mineral concessions  in  respect  of  minor  minerals  and  for  purposes  connected  therewith. Therefore,  the  administration  of  mining  of  minor  minerals  is  completely  within  the domain of the respective State Governments.

A  committee  under  the  chairmanship  of  Secretary,  Ministry  of  Mines  along  with senior  officials  from  the  States  of  Assam,  Chhattisgarh,  Karnataka,  Telangana  and Uttar Pradesh, has  been  constituted on 18.05.2017, to suggest sand  mining framework with a view towards ensuring transparency, sustainability, and availability of  adequate  supply  of  sand  at  reasonable  rates.  Draft  report  is  finalised  and  made available in public domain for consultation.

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******