opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1538 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Female Researchers
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: HARI MANJHI, PARAYAMPARANBIL KUTTAPPAN BIJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1538 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/12/2017

## FEMALE RESEARCHERS

†1538.  SHRI HARI MANJHI:

DR. P.K. BIJU:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó  Ùðüëðó be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of female researchers in comparison to overall number of researchers in the country;

(b) whether in comparison to other countries, research paper filed per person are less in India;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether in India indigenous and foreign patent files per million population is less than other countries; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SCIENCE  AND  TECHNOLOGY  AND  MINISTER  OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES

## (SHRI Y.S. CHOWDHARY)

òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó +ÉÉè® ÑðöÆãðó òãðìððÐð ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó

(gÉÉÒ ´ÉÉ<Ç. AºÉ. SÉÉèvÉ®ÉÒ)

(a) As  per  the  latest  available  statistics  as  on  1 st April  2015,  there  were  39,389  female  researchers  in comparison to 2.82 lakh overall number of researchers in the country.

(b) & (c): Yes Madam. As per the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) statistics 2016, India registered far fewer research papers (Patents) than other top filing nations. In 2015, India registered  45,658  patents  in  comparison  to  China  (1,101,864),  USA  (589,410),  Japan  (318,721),  Republic  of Korea (213,694), Germany (91,726) and Russia (45,815). The main reason for less number of patent application filing are lack of awareness on patent system, its benefits among individuals, academic institutions and industry apart from low spending on research and development by private sector.

(d) to (e):   Yes Madam. As per the WIPO statistics 2016, the indigenous and foreign patents filed per million population in India is far less than other countries.

During the year 2015, India registered 43.6 patents per million population in comparison to 5576.1 by Republic of Korea, 4049.7 by Japan, 2588.7 by USA and 834.3 by China, etc. To strengthen the IPR system in the country the Government has brought out a new National IPR Policy 2014 and has taken  various steps to encourage patent filing such as generating awareness programmes among stakeholders, encouraging potential applicants and organising knowledge Expo and Design Summit for filing patents in collaboration  with WIPO etc.

- ********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1537 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Regional Benches of Supreme Court
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: JAGDAMBIKA PAL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1537

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 27.12.2017

## Regional Benches of Supreme Court

1537. SHRI. JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government proposes to establish regional benches of the Supreme Court to reduce the cost of litigation;
- b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- c) the steps proposed by the Government to modify the present system to reduce financial burden on litigants; and
- d) the  details  of  regulation,  if  any,  imposed  by  the  Government  on  fees  charged  by  the lawyers in the Supreme Court?

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

(a) to (c) : According to Article 130 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.

Representations have been received at various times from various quarters for establishment  of  Benches  of  Supreme  Court  in  various  parts  of  the  country.  The  Law Commission, in  its  229th  Report  had  also  suggested  that  a  Constitutional  Bench  be  set  up  at Delhi and four Cassation Benches be set up in the Northern region at Delhi, the Southern region at Chennai/ Hyderabad, the Eastern region at Kolkata and the Western region at Mumbai.

However, the idea of a separate Bench of Supreme Court outside Delhi has not found favour with the Supreme Court of India.

The  Supreme  Court  of  India  has  implemented  the  Integrated  Case  Management Information System which provides facilities like online availability of information, digital filing of cases, file tracking, online court fee payment gateway, delivery of services to advocates and litigants etc which will go a long way in mitigating the burden of the litigants.

(d): The Government has not imposed any regulation on fees charged by the lawyers in the Supreme Court.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1536 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: China Encircling India
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: VISHNU DAYAL RAM, CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1536

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## CHINA ENCIRCLING INDIA

† 1536. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM: SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether China has been constantly neglecting the interests of India and has been adopting the policy of covering string of pearls along Indian sealine and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a) & (b) Government   is   aware   of   China's   stated   objective   of becoming   a   'maritime   power'.   As   part   of   this   strategy,   China   is developing   ports   and   other   infrastructure   facilities   in   the   littoral countries in the Indian Ocean region, including in the vicinity of India's maritime boundary.

India and China have, on several occasions, reiterated that, as large   neighbours   following   independent   foreign   policies,   the relationships pursued by India and China with other countries must not become a source of concern for each other. Both countries have agreed to display mutual respect and sensitivity to each other's concerns and aspirations.

Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. India is an active economic partner of its neighbours and is involved in various development projects in these countries. India also   has   extensive   ties   with   neighbouring   countries   in   education, culture,   trade   and   investments   as   well   as   defence   and   security cooperation. India's relations with other countries stand on their own footing and are independent of the relations of those countries with third countries.

Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1533 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: New Stoppages
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: UDAY PRATAP SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1533 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## NEW STOPPAGES

†1533. SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  trains  are  halted  mid-route  and  despite  remaining  time,  new stoppages are not given;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has any policy to use the saved time of trains to generate revenue and provide benefit to passengers;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the steps likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Yes, Madam. The trains are generally halted mid-route on account of  operational  compulsions  such  as  crossing/precedence,  crew  changing, watering of trains etc. Recently, for the convenience of travelling passengers,  240  operational  stoppages  in  96  pairs  of  trains  involving  52 stations  have  been  converted  into  commercial  stoppages  to  facilitate passengers either to board or disembark from these stations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1532 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Establishment of Research Centre
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: ANBUMANI RAMADOSS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1532

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## ESTABLISHMENT  OF  RESEARCH  CENTRE

## 1532.  DR. ANBUMANI  RAMADOSS:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government proposes  to  establish  a  research  centre  in  Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) if so, the details and the location thereof;
- (c) whether the decision for establishing the centre was taken in 2013;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for delay in establishing the centre; and
- (e) whether the  Government proposes to  take  measures  for  early  completion  of  the defence research centre and if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                    (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jherh  fueZyk lhrkje.k )

(a) to (e): Information  cannot  be  divulged  in  the  interest  of  National Security.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Unhygienic Food
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MIDHUN REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1531

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## UNHYGIENIC FOOD

1531. SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several passengers have fallen ill after consuming unhygienic food in trains;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, zone-wise; and
- (c) the precautionary measures taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b):  Two  incidents  were  reported  during  the  period  01.04.2016  to 30.11.2017 where passengers had fallen ill after consuming food.  First incident was reported in Train No. 22120 (Karmali  -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj  Terminus)  Tejas  Express  on  15/10/2017  regarding  suspected food poisoning by some passengers over Konkan  Railway and another complaint was reported regarding poor quality food served by unidentified vendor between Itarsi- Khandwa section  in Train No. 12719 Ajmer-Hyderabad Express on 19/10/2017 over West Central Railways.

(c): Steps being taken to ensure that good quality and hygienic food is served to the passengers inter-alia includes (i) optional catering service has been introduced as a pilot project, on 32 Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains  under  the  management  of IRCTC  w.e.f.  01/08/2017 for an initial

period  of  180  days.  (ii)    Introduction  of  station  based  E-Catering  for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of  their  choice.  (iii)  Pilot  for  introduction  of  precooked  food  ('ready  to eat' meals)  in the range  of options available to passengers.  (iv) Operation  of  centralized  Catering  Service  Monitoring  Cell  (CSMC)  (toll free number 1800-111-321) for prompt redressal of passenger grievances relating to the catering activities and real time assistance to travelling public. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions  regarding  food  and  catering  services  (vi)  A Twitter handle @ IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1530 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Underground Tunnels
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: JOSE K. MANI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1530

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## UNDERGROUND  TUNNELS

1530. SHRI  JOSE  K. MANI:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  construct  underground  tunnels  along  the India-China border;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and its likely benefits; and
- (c) the steps taken / being taken by the Government to ensure timely completion of the project?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): Construction  of  tunnels  has  been  prioritized  to  provide  all weather connectivity in the Border States.

Tunnel at Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh and at Theng in Sikkim are under construction.

The likely benefits are given below:-

- (i) Provide  all  weather  connectivity  which  will  help  in  the  socioeconomic development of these regions.
- (ii) Reduce the travel time.
- (c) The following steps have been taken to ensure timely completion of these projects:-
- (i) Geological investigations is carried out during DPR preparation.
- (ii) Enhanced  delegation  of  powers  has  been  made  to  BRO  for outsourcing of consultancy services including DPR preparation.
- (iii)  In  order to  get  acquaintance  with the  latest technology used by
- various developed  countries  for  tunnel  construction,  officers  of BRO are given training.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1529 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Track Renewal
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1529 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## TRACK RENEWAL

## 1529. SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Railways has taken a decision to complete  all track renewal projects by 2017-18;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  about  4000-4500  km.  of  tracks  will  be  supplied  for  17 zones this year; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  &  (b)  Railway  tracks  are  replaced  through  track  renewal  works which is an ongoing process. Track renewal works are undertaken as and when stretch of track becomes due for renewal on the basis of criteria  laid  down  in  Indian  Railway  Permanent  Way  Manual  on age/condition basis viz. traffic carried in terms of gross million tonnes, incidence  of  rail  fracture/failure,  wear  of  rails,  corrosion  of  rails, maintainability of track as per standards, etc.

Track  Renewal  works  are  planned  in  advance  every  year  and  their execution is prioritized according to the condition of track and overall availability of funds ensuring that track is in a sound condition all the time for safe running of trains. If any stretch of track is not renewed in time  due  to  various  reasons,  suitable  speed  restrictions,  if  required, are  imposed  to  ensure  safe  running  of  trains.  For  the  year  2017-18, 3600 km target has been kept for track renewal.

(c) & (d) For through renewal of rails and track components, including casual  renewal  of  rails  in  2017-18,  it  is  planned  to  supply  about  7.7 lakh  Metric  Tonnes  rails  to  the  17  Zonal  Railways,  which  includes

Through Rail Renewal of 4389 km of track.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1528 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Import of Coal
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: BHARATENDRA SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1528

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## Import of Coal

## 1528. KUNWAR BHARATENDRA:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government plans to import coal to meet the shortfall in domestic supply; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND RAILWAYS

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)&(b): As per the current import policy, coal is kept under Open General License (OGL) and consumers are free to import coal from the source of their choice as per their contractual prices on payment of applicable duty. Coal imports have fallen from 217.78 Mte in 2014-15 to 203.95 Mte. in 2015-16 and further to 190.95 Mte. in 2016-17. The trend of fall in import of coal has continued in 2017-18. During April-September, 2017, the import of coal was 97.66 Mte. as compared to 101.35 Mte. in the corresponding period of 201617 showing a decline of 3.64%.The fall in imports is largely on account of enhanced production by CIL. The vendible stock of CIL has increased from 53.47 Mt. as on 01.04.2015 to 68.42 Mt. as on 01.04.2017. The off-take / dispatch  of  coal  of  CIL  has  also  increased  from  488.86  Mt  in  2014-15  to 543.16  Mt.  in  2016-17.  However,  the  gap  between  demand  and  supply  of coal cannot be bridged completely as there is insufficient domestic availability of coking coal and power plants designed on imported coal will continue to import coal for their production
Lok Sabha Question No. 1527 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Pilferage of Data on Android and iOS Platform
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: DUSHYANT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1527

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 27.12.2017

## PILFERAGE OF DATA ON ANDROID AND iOS PLATFORM

## 1527 SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  devised  any  strategy  to  protect  consumer  privacy such as access to location and other parameters while usage of mobile applications on Android or iOS platforms;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  strengthen  the  Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to avoid such data leaks and data breaches; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ALPHONS KANNANTHANAM)

(a) to (d): Government has set up a Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Shri B N Srikrishna to prepare a data protection framework and work out the  Data  Protection  Bill.  The  Committee  has  prepared  a  White  Paper  on  'Data Protection Framework for India' which has been published on Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) website soliciting public comments by 31.01.2018. The White Paper has sought public response and views on all relevant issues related to protection of personal data.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1525 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Fake Aadhaar Cards
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: DINESH TRIVEDI, Adhikari Dibyendu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  1525

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27-12-2017

## FAKE AADHAAR CARDS

## 1525.   SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI: SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of fake Aadhaar cards being issued in the country;
- (b) if so, the details of complaints received and action taken thereon, state-wise;
- (c)  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  to  clear  documents  with  false  biometrics  and fingerprints; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  identified  the  fake  enrolment  centres  running  across  the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR   ELECTRONICS AND  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ALPHONS KANNANTHANAM)

- (a),  (b)  and  (c):  As  per  sub-section  (3)  of  section  4  of  Aadhaar  Act,  2016,  'an  Aadhaar number, in physical or electronic form subject to authentication and other conditions, as may be  specified  by  regulations,  may  be  accepted  as  proof  of  identity  of  the  Aadhaar  number holder for any purpose.' Hence, question of fake Aadhaar, if used as per above provisions, does not arise.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has provided online authentication facility whereby any Aadhaar can be authenticated anywhere anytime. Further, an online facility has also been provided for verifying an Aadhaar, available at https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaarverification.

- (d):   Aadhaar enrolment can only be done on the software provided by UIDAI and by the certified and on-boarded operators engaged by authorised registrars and enrolment agencies. Hence, there is no question of fake enrolment centre.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1523 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Objectives under New Telecom Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: RAVINDRA KUSHAWAHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1523 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH      DECEMBER, 2017

## OBJECTIVES UNDER NEW TELECOM POLICY

†1523. SHRI RAVINDER KUSHAWAHA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to bring internet of things, nextgen technology, skill development and security aspect under the new telecom policy;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  organise  workshops  at  industry  and regional levels;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (e) whether there is any scheme to increase investment to upgrade network under new policy; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f) The  Department  of  Telecommunications  envisages  to    formulate  a  new National Telecom Policy in view of rapid technological advancement in the sector. The work on formulation of National Telecom Policy-2018 has been initiated and targeted to be finalised by March, 2018. The broad roadmap and guiding principles of the National Telecom Policy-2018 have been approved by the Telecom Commission in the meeting held  on  29.9.2017.  Various  Working  Groups  on  themes  viz.  Digital  India,  New Technology, Licensing Framework, Make in India, Infrastructure, Spectrum Management, Security,  Skill Development & Capacity Building, Allocation and Pricing of Resources, Disaster Management, Consumer Protection, Legislative Framework and Strategic Financial Planning have been formed with participation from all stakeholders. Regular consultations are being held, including workshops, in order to prepare the draft policy. Once the draft of the National Telecom Policy 2018 is ready, it will be put in the public domain.

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