opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4227 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Cancellation of Trains due to Shortage of Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4227 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## CANCELLATION OF TRAINS DUE TO SHORTAGE OF COACHES

4227. SHRI B.V. NAIK:

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

- (a)  whether  passenger/express  trains,  originating  from  Karnataka to  distant  destinations  have  often  been  delayed  or  cancelled  in recent  months  due  to  dearth  of  rakes  or  coaches  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  non-availability  of  sufficient  number  of  coaches  and absence of a centre in Kerala for repair of coaches is one of the main  reasons  for  delays  and  cancellations  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Railways  will  make  more  coaches  available  and establish a coach repair yard for the railway divisions in Karnataka to avoid repetition of such lapses; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  No,  Madam.  No  Passengers/Mail  Express  trains  have  been cancelled originating from Karnataka in recent month due to nonavailability of rakes/coaches.

(b)  There  is  no  shortage  of  coaches  for  operation  of  scheduled trains  on  Indian  Railways  including  Sothern  Railway  (Kerala  is served  under  Southern  Railway).  The  requirement  of  coaches  for running of existing trains, replacement against condemnation and coaches for introduction of new trains are regularly met by Railway Board  allotments  and  supplies  from  Production  Units.  In  Kerala maintenance depots are available at Kochuveli, Trivandrum, Ernakulam and Shoranur etc. to cater to the requirement of repair of coaches maintained in that region.

(c) & (d) The prescribed infrastructure for maintenance of coaches is available in the coach maintenance depots of Southern Railway. For the present pattern of trains and additional trains proposed for 2018-19, the existing coaching depots are sufficient.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: New Railway Line to Barpeta Town
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MAULANA BADRUDDIN AJMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4225 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## NEW RAILWAY LINE TO BARPETA TOWN

## 4225. SHRI SIRAJUDDIN AJMAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  lay  a  new  railway  line connecting Barpeta town of Assam; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken  so  far  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b):    Reconnaissance Engineering-cum-Traffic Survey for new Broad  Gauge  line  between  Bongaigaon  and  Agthori  via  Barpeta Town, Hajo, Sarthebari (135.60 km) has been completed and survey report has been received in January, 2018.  As per survey report, 3336.19 crore with Rate of Return cost of the project assessed is ` (-) 8.18%.  The survey report is under examination.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Asia Africa Growth Corridor
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: POONAM  MAHAJAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4223

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## ASIA AFRICA GROWTH CORRIDOR

## 4223. SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether   the   Government   has   launched   Asia   Africa   Growth   Corridor   (AAGC) initiative   in   collaboration   with   the   Government  of   Japan   and   if   so,   the   details thereof including the priority areas identified for development cooperation and the benefits accrued/ likely to accrue to the country;
- (b) whether   AAGC   seeks   synergy   between   India's   Act   East   Policy   and   Japan's Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether AAGC's objectives are aligned with the Government's vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) In the Joint Statement issued during the visit of the Prime Minister of Japan to India in   September   2017,   the   two   Prime   Ministers   welcomed   the   efforts   to   explore   the development of industrial corridors and industrial network for the growth of Asia and Africa, which will benefit various stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region including Africa.
- (b) & (c) In the same Joint Statement, the two Prime Ministers expressed their strong commitment to work together to enhance connectivity in India and with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region including Africa, underlining the importance of all countries ensuring the development and use of connectivity infrastructure in an open, transparent and   non-exclusive   manner   based   on   international   standards   and   responsible   debt financing practices, while  ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule   of   law,   and   the   environment . They also reaffirmed   the   importance   of   "quality infrastructure'   which,   among   others   ensures   alignment   with   local   economic   and development strategies, safety, resilience, social and environmental impacts, and job creation as well as capacity building for the local communities. The two Prime Ministers pledged to reinforce their efforts to align Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India's   Act   East   Policy,   including   through   enhancing   maritime   security   cooperation, improving connectivity in the wider Indo-Pacific region, strengthening cooperation with ASEAN, and promoting discussions between strategists and experts of the two countries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Railway Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MURALI MOHAN MAGANTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4222 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## RAILWAY PROJECTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

4222. SHRI M. MURALI MOHAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  RAILWAYS  be  pleased  to  state  the  funds released  for    construction  of  new  railway  lines,  completion  of ongoing Railway Projects/lines, road overbridges, road underbridges, etc. in Andhra Pradesh during the period from 200914 and 2014-19?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

Fund  released  for  projects  falling  fully/partly  in  the  State  of Andhra Pradesh for new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, road overbridges,  road  underbridges,  other  infrastructure  &  safety related works is as under:-

| Year      |   Fund released per year (₹ in crores) |
|-----------|----------------------------------------|
| 2009-2014 |                                  886.4 |
| 2014-2019 |                                 2830   |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Nationalisation of Property in Myanmar
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kunhalikutty, P.K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4219

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## NATIONALISATION OF PROPERTY IN MYANMAR

4219. SHRI P .K. KUNHALIKUTTY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government of Myanmar had nationalised property of some Indians in Burma;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether compensation for those properties has not been paid yet to the Indians by the Government of Myanmar;
- (d) if so, the details in this regard; and
- (e) the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the solution of the matter?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) Yes, in the 1960s, Government of Myanmar had nationalized the property of all foreigners, including those held by the Indian origin community there. This was done on the basis of the Land Nationalization Act (1948 and 1953) as well as the Enterprise Nationalization Law, 1963. As per the Burma Constitution, 1948 and the Myanmar Constitution, 2008, the Union/State is the ultimate owner of all lands in the country.  It  is understood that in the 1970s, token compensation was offered in certain cases by Government of Myanmar to affected persons who continued to

All cases that are brought to the notice of Government of India in this   regard   are   conveyed   to   Government   of   Myanmar   for   appropriate

- *****

reside in Myanmar. action.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4218 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Railway Development Work
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): A divisional  headquarter at Ranchi is already there to cater to the developmental  works  of  the  area  and  the  present  system  is  working satisfactorily.

* * * * *

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4218 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT WORK

†4218. SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government proposes to set up  a sub-branch office of Hajipur railway zone in Ranchi  since the railway developmental works in Jharkhand are adversely affected;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
Lok Sabha Question No. 4217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Gates at Railway Crossings
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4217 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## GATES AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS

## †4217. SHRI  SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV:

Will the Minister of  RAILWAYS  be  pleased to state:

- (a) whether  hundreds  of  people  die  in  absence  of  gates  at railway crossings in Maharashtra every year;
- (b) if  so,  the  total  number  of  unmanned  railway  crossings  in Maharashtra at present and the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Railways  has  formulated  any  scheme  to decrease  the  number  of  unmanned  railway  crossings  in Maharashtra; and
- (d) if  so,  the  funds  released  for  the  purpose  during  the financial  year  2016-17  and  2017-18  and  the  quantum  of funds  earmarked for this purpose?

## 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. 4217 BY SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  21.03.2018 REGARDING GATES AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS

(a): The statistics of accidents in Indian Railways are maintained Zonal Railway wise. No consequential train accident  has  occurred  on  Unmanned  Level  Crossing  gates during the years 2016-17 and the current year 2017-18 upto 28 th February,2018 on Central Railway, South Central Railway, South East  Central  Railway,  South  Western  Railway  and  Western Railway who have jurisdictions in the State of Maharashtra. Unmanned  Level been

(b): As on 01.04.2017, there were 268 Crossings in Maharashtra. Out of these, 25 have eliminated upto February, 2018.

(c): The Unmanned  Level  Crossings  on Broad Gauge  are targeted for elimination by March, 2020.  It is the endeavor of Railways to eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings in a phased manner by either of the following:-

-  Closure - Closing of Unmanned Level Crossings having NIL/ negligible Train Vehicle Unit (TVU).
-  Merger - Merger of Unmanned Level Crossing gate to nearby Manned/ Unmanned Level Crossing or subway/ Road Under
- Bridge  (RUB)/  Road  Over  Bridge  (ROB)  by  construction  of diversion road.
-  Provision of Subways/RUBs.
-  Manning - Phased  manning of  Unmanned Level Crossings which cannot be eliminated by above means.

(d):  There  are  five  Railway  Zones  in  the  State  of  Maharashtra namely  Central  Railway,  South  Central  Railway,  South  East Central Railway, South Western Railway and Western Railway. The budget allotment for Plan Head 29 and 30 which deals with Level Crossing  and Road Over Bridge/Road Under Bridge works including  elimination  of  Unmanned  Level  Crossings  for  the above mentioned  five Railway Zones, during the financial year 2016-17 and 2017-18  is ` 1086.39 crore  and ` 1250.83 crore respectively.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Corruption in Transportation of Coal and Fertilizers
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: LAXMAN GILUWA, RAMA DEVI

- (a) : No, Madam.
- (b) & (c) : Do not arise.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4216 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## CORRUPTION IN TRANSPORTATION OF COAL AND FERTILIZERS

†4216.   SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA: SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  information  regarding corruption in transportation of coal and fertilizers ;
- (b)   if so, the details in this regard for the last three years, zone-wise; and
- (c)  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  in  this  regard  so  far  and  the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

( SHRI  RAJEN GOHAIN )

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4215 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Progress in Construction of Roads
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: SURESH KODIKUNNIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4215

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21 ST  MARCH, 2018

## PROGRESS IN CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS

## 4215.  SHRI  KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

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

- (a) whether  the  Border  Roads  Organisation  (BRO)  has  shown  sluggish  progress  in completing the construction of seventy three strategic roads along the Sino-India border, which were approved by the Government in the year 2006-07;
- (b) if so, the roads constructed so far from the above approved roads; and
- (c) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  intensify  the  construction  of  the pending strategic roads?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): Government  has  identified  73  roads  as  strategic  Indo-China Border Roads (ICBRs), which were planned to be completed by 2012.

Out  of  the  73  ICBRs,  61  ICBRs  of  length  3417.50  are  entrusted  to Border  Roads  Organization  (BRO)  for  construction  /  improvement.    The present status of 61 ICBRs state-wise is as under:-

| State             | Nos of road   | Length inKm   | Work completed   | Work completed   | Work in progress   | Work in progress   |
|-------------------|---------------|---------------|------------------|------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
|                   |               |               | Nos of roads     | Length inKm      | Nos of roads       | Length inKm        |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 27            | 1791.96       | 16               | 681.13           | 11                 | 1110.83            |
| Himachal Pradesh  | 5             | 115.63        | 4                | 59.63            | 1                  | 56.00              |
| Jammu & Kashmir   | 12            | 1093.14       | 4                | 198.70           | 8                  | 894.44             |
| Uttarakhand       | 14            | 354.80        | 3                | 33.25            | 11                 | 321.55             |
| Sikkim            | 3             | 61.97         | 1                | 8.46             | 2                  | 53.51              |
| Total:            | 61            | 3417.50       | 28               | 981.17           | 33*                | 2436.33            |

.......2/-

:  2  :

- *However,  connectivity  has  been  achieved  in  23  roads  out  of  33 roads. (c) The Government has taken following measures to expedite the construction of border roads:(i) State of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand  have  constituted  the  Empowered  Committee  to resolve the issues pertaining to BRO. (ii) Outsourcing has been allowed to augment the capacity of BRO. Enhanced financial and administrative powers have been given
- (iii) to the executives of BRO.
- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Amendment to Penal Code
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

….

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4214

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## AMENDMENT TO PANEL CODE

## 4214. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of Law & Justice be pleased to state:

- a) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  recommendations  to  amend  the Indian  Penal  Code,  Code  of  Criminal  Procedures  and  the  IT  Act  to  curb  cases  of  online harassment and hate speech;
- b) if so, the salient features of the recommendations;
- c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  decision  on  these  recommendations; and
- d) if so, the details thereof and the status thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISITER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (d): The information is being  collected and will be  laid on the Table of the House.

….
Lok Sabha Question No. 4210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Setting Up of Innovation Fund by CSIR
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA, C.S. PUTTARAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4210 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018)

## SETTING UP OF INNOVATION FUND BY CSIR

## 4210.   SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is in the process of setting up an innovation fund, worth Rs. 400-500 crore to invest in early stage startups and pro-innovations;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether CSIR is grappling with a crisis of trying to generate more revenues from its  portfolio  of  inventions  as  well  as  encouraging  its  staff  scientists  to  become entrepreneurs and start companies of their own;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the time by when the innovation fund is likely to be set up?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a)&(b) Yes, Madam.  Governing Body, CSIR had approved setting up an Innovation Fund with  about  Rs.  400  crore  from  its  external  earnings  to  support  early  stage start-ups.
- (c)&(d)  CSIR  always  endeavours  to  generate  more  revenues  from  its  knowledgebase including its portfolio of innovations and it is a continuing effort.

Union Cabinet has approved a scheme in 2009, permitting the researchers to have an equity stake in scientific enterprises / spin offs while in professional employment  with  their  research  and  academic  organizations  (Universities, academic and research institutions).  CSIR is implementing the scheme.  CSIR is  not  making  any  additional  efforts  to  encourage  its  scientists  to  start companies.

- (e) CSIR had constituted an Expert Committee  to develop the rules and regulations as well as guidelines for expending the funds.  The Committee had recommended to divide the fund into two equal components to support (i) early stage start-ups and (ii) nurturing of early stage ideas.  The committee further recommended to set up separate independent company(ies) to professionally manage  the  fund.  CSIR  is  examining  the  finer  details  of  setting  up  such companies including other alternative mechanisms to utilize the funds.  Based on the final decision, the proposal  shall be processed  for  appropriate approvals. It would take about 6 months to operationalise the funds.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4209 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: UIDAI’s MoU with CSCs
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: JOSE K. MANI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4209

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21-03-2018

## UIDAI's MOU WITH CSCs

## 4209.    SHRI JOSE K. MANI:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  due  to  complaints  of  corruption  and  enrolment  process  violations  against Aadhaar centers, the UIDAI  has decided against renewing its memorandum  of understanding with the Common Service Centres (CSCs), if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the mechanism that will replace the existing CSCs to provide the Aadhaar enrolment and data updation services;

(c) whether in the absence of CSCs, considering the substantial and constant demand for updating personal details of Aadhaar, it will be difficult to service the requests in time; and

(d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  corrective  action  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR   ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI K. J. ALPHONS)

(a):  Government  has  decided  to  shift  Aadhaar  enrolment  centres  to  State  Government premises, banks and Post Offices. Accordingly, after expiry of MoU with CSC e-Gov. in December, 2017, CSC e-Gov. has been asked to process its exit from UIDAI enrolment system in a phased manner. Various instances of process violations and corrupt practices were also reported against CSC e-Gov. operators.

- (b), (c) and (d): Scheduled Commercial Banks have been mandated to setup enrolment & update  centres  at  their  designated  branches  across  the  country.    India  Post  as  UIDAI Registrar  has  also  been  mandated  to  set  up  Aadhaar  enrolment  &  update  centres  at designated post offices across the country.  In addition, State Governments also have setup their Aadhaar Centres. These centres will be able to cater to the demand for enrolment & update.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-21
Subject: Haj Embarkation
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: FAIZAL P.P. MOHAMMED

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.4208 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2018

## HAJ EMBARKATION

## 4208.  MOHAMMED FAIZAL:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plan to restart Haj embarkation centre at Karippur, Calicut in Kerala; and;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

- (a) & (b)  In the wake of removal of subsidy on air travel of Haj pilgrims, the Haj Policy Review  Committee  (HPRC)  recommended  to  reduce  the  number  of  embarkation points  from  the  existing  21  to  9  namely  Delhi,  Lucknow,  Kolkata,  Ahmedabad, Mumbai,  Chennai,  Hyderabad,  Bengaluru  and  Cochin  to  bring  down  the  fares  to reasonable  levels  for  all  pilgrims.  However,  considering  the  demands  raised  from various sectors for retention of the existing embarkation points, it has been decided for  Haj  2018  to  give  choice  to  the  pilgrims  to  choose  either  their  designated embarkation point or the nearest economical embarkation point on the basis of actual airfare  of  previous  year.  On  the  basis  of  HPRC  recommendations  to  retain  the Cochin embarkation point, the same has been continued for Haj pilgrims of Kerala.
- *****