opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2525 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Agricultural Reforms by NITI Aayog
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA, YERRAM VENKATA SUBBAREDDY, ANANT KUMAR DATTATREYA HEGDE, R. GOPALAKRISHNAN, BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2525 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## AGRICULTURAL REFORMS BY NITI AAYOG

2525. PROF. PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA SHRI Y.V.SUBBA REDDY:SHRI ANANTKUMAR HEGDE SHRI R.GOPALAKRISHNAN SHRI.B.SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether the Government/ NITI Aayog has issued ranking of States on the basis of agricultural reforms;
- (b)    if so, the details of the 10 States in the said list and the purpose of said ranking;
- (c)    whether the States in Northern India are lagging behind in the ranking;
- (d)     if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (e)    whether the Government has issued or proposes to issue any guidelines to States to speed up the reform process; and
- (f)     if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND                                    MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

( a) to (d ) Yes Madam, NITI Aayog has launched an Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index (AMFFRI) on 31 st October, 2016. The top ten ranking States are 1) Maharashtra 2) Gujarat 3) Rajasthan 4) Madhya Pradesh 5) Haryana 6) Himachal Pradesh 7) Andhra Pradesh 8) Karnataka 9) Telangana 10) Goa. The other States got lower ranking due to slow pace of implementation of agricultural reforms. Besides, some of the States and UTs either did not adopt Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) Act or revoked it. They include Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They were not included in the ranking. The purpose of the AMFFRI is to sensitise the states to focus on agricultural reforms related to agricultural marketing, land leasing and agro-forestry on private lands.

(e) & (f) The status paper on agricultural reforms and the AMFFRI prepared by NITI Aayog in consultation of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have been shared with the States. The Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of all the States have been requested to expedite the implementation of the pending agricultural reforms.

----------
Lok Sabha Question No. 2524 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: CHHEDI PASWAN, ANANT KUMAR DATTATREYA HEGDE, RANJANBEN BHATT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2524 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## ATTACKS ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH

† 2524. SHRI CHHEDI PASWAN: SHRI ANANTKUMAR HEGDE:

SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the incidents of setting ablaze the houses of Hindus and vandalising of temples in Bangladesh have come to the notice of the Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the losses suffered by Hindus in Bangladesh;
- (c) the details of such attacks on the Hindus and their worshipping sites  in  Bangladesh  in  the  last  three  years  and  whether  such incidents  and  issues  regarding  taking  actions  against  such miscreants have been raised before the Government of Bangladesh; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) Sporadic  incidents  of  violence  against  members  of  the minority community  including on their properties and places of worship,  have  been  reported  in  Bangladesh.  These  include  recent attacks  in  which  several  houses  and  a  few  Hindu  temples  were vandalized.

The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government  of  Bangladesh.  India's  concerns  and  sensitivities  with regard  to  such  incidents  have  been  conveyed  to  the  Bangladesh Government,  including  at  the  highest  political  levels.  Government  of Bangladesh has made it clear that it takes these attacks very seriously and that stern action would be taken against perpetrators.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2521 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Modernisation of Courts
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: SANTOSH AHLAWAT, BHARATENDRA SINGH, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD, RAJENDRA AGRAWAL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2521 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE30 TH  NOVEMBER, 2016

## Modernisation of Courts

## 2521.  SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT KUNWAR BHARATENDRA DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN

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

- a) the  present  status  of  modernisation  and  digitisation  of  courts  undertaken  by  the Government;
- b) whether the Government has issued or proposes to issue unique identification number to judges of district and subordinate courts across the country;
- c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- d) whether digital signatures have also been provided to most judges in the district and subordinate judiciary and if so, the details thereof; and
- e) the other steps taken by the Government to bring more transparency in the judicial system of the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Shri  P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a)  The  eCourts  Mission  Mode  Project  broadly  coverscomputerisation  of  district  and subordinate courts in the country. The national e-Courts portal (http://www.ecourts.gov.in) has been made operational. It provides online services such as case registration, cause lists, case  status,  daily  orders  and  final  judgements.    As  per  the  information  available  on  the National Judicial Data Grid, there are 16,901 computerised courts in the country as on 24 th Nov, 2016. Currently litigants can access case status information in respect of over 7 crore pending  and  decided  cases  and  more  than  3  crore  orders/judgements  pertaining  to  these computerised district and subordinate courts.

(b) and (c)        Yes, Sir. Under the eCourts Mission Mode Project, unique identification codes  have  been  allotted  to  Judicial  Officers  of  the  country.  This  is  assisting  the  High Courts in maintaining an accurate record of all judicial officers.

(d)                Yes,  Sir.  The  Government  has  issued  Digital  Signatures  to  Judicial  Officers  in Phase-I  of  the  eCourts  Mission  Mode  Project.  This  enables  them  to  issue  certified  edocuments to lawyers and litigants.

(e)The Government has been using technology extensively in making the justice delivery system across the country more transparent, accessible and affordable.  Availability of case data online imparts transparency to the functioning of courts and facilitates easy access of such data to lawyers and litigants. Thus, ICT enablement of courts increases efficiency of justice  delivery  system  through  organised  and  easy  access  to  case  information,  and transparency is the eventual outcome.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2520 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Bio-Technology
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, BHARATENDRA SINGH, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2520 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## BIOTECHNOLOGY

2520: J. JAYAVARDHAN, SHRI KUNWAR BHARATENDRA AND DR: HEENA

VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

## Will thc Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased t0 state:

- b. to   translate   developmental biology rescarch  into innovation in  nitrogen use by Indian farmers by connecting  developmental   research; crop breeding; agri-technology and extension work?
2. whether thc Department of Biotcchnology has funded & project to develop new varieties of cereals which use nitrogen more elliciently and is of beller production and if s0, thc dctails thercof; and capable

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

## (SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)

& b. Yes; Madam\_ The Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with Biotechnology Council (BBSRC): UK   under thc Newton Bhabha programme has funded four Virtual Joint Centres in Agricultural Nitrogen with an aim of optimizing usage of Agricultural  Nitrogen  and thus   contributing to   sustainable and Ccofriendly agricultural  practices   Optimized of Nitrogen   will  contribute in   enhancing the income of farmers by reducing cost inputs of fertilizers: The Virtual Joint Centre on Agricultural Nitrogen will address agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, biological nitrogcn use efficiency and biological  nitrogen  fixation: The target cereal crops are rice; wheat, sorghum and millets (foxtail, millet). Efficient Nitrogen   utilizing   varieties   will be   identified  and requirement of Nitrogen quantified and standardized for each variety: optimal pearl

Under the programme, soil microbcs bioavailability of Nitrogen to plants as well as with increased Nitrogen fixing in soil for use as bio-fertilizers. explored arc also being tested and

Information on Nitrogen efficient varicties, bio-fertilizcrs and Nitrogen will be passed to farmers through extension networks which will lead to lower requirements and higher farm output in form of productivitylyield and will help in fertilizer/farm   inputs increased incomc of farmers. optimal
Lok Sabha Question No. 2519 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Repatriation of NRIs from Gulf Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: MANSHANKAR NINAMA, BHARAT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2519 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## REPATRIATION OF NRIS FROM GULF COUNTRIES

† 2519. SHRI MANSHANKAR NINAMA: SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)     whether the number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) returning to  India  from  the  Gulf  countries  has  increased  to  a  great extent during the last three years;
- (b)     if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Indians living  and  working  in  the  Gulf  countries are facing several new problems/issues;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to address these problems; and
- (e)     the  various  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  helping  the NRIs returning to India?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No.
- (b)    Does not arise.
- (c) & (d) The  ongoing  economic  downturn  in  the  Gulf  countries due to fall in crude oil prices has affected expatriate workers. There are  some  reports  of  Indian  workers  being  asked  to  leave  before completion of their existing contracts. Instances of unpaid salaries for  last  few  months  have  also  been  reported.  The  Government  is monitoring the  situation  and  is  working  in  close  coordination  with the  governments  in  Gulf  States  towards  extending  all  possible

assistance to Indian nationals abroad. Presently, a section of Indian workers  facing  difficulties  in  two  major  Saudi  companies  namely, Saudi  Oger  and  the  Saad  Group  are  returning  back  to  India.  The Saudi  authorities  are  extending  necessary  support  to  the  affected Indian workers  of these companies including  in waiver of fines on Iqama (resident permit) related violations, providing exit visas and one way return tickets to India as well as transfer of sponsorship, wherever possible, on gratis basis.

(e)    The  responsibility  of  resettlement  of  returnees  primarily  rests with the State governments. It is important that the returning NRIs are  informed  on  arrival  about  the  resettlement  programmes  and financial support schemes of the Central and State government. The government stands ready to extend necessary cooperation to State governments in this regard.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2517 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: ROBs/RUBs in Karnataka
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: B.N. CHANDRAPPA, PARVATAGOUDA CHANDANAGOUDA GADDIGOUDAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2517 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## ROBs/RUBs IN KARNATAKA

2517. SHRI B.N. CHANDRAPPA:

SHRI P.C. GADDIGOUDAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) The  number  of  proposals  received  by  the  Railways  from Karnataka  for  construction  of  Railway  Over  Bridges  (ROBs) and Railway Under Bridges(RUBs);
- (b) the  number  of  ROBs  and  RUBs  constructed  in  Karnataka during the last three years;
- (c) the amount spent on construction of the said ROBs and RUBs;
- (d) the  number  of  proposals  for  ROBs  and  RUBs  of  Karnataka pending as on date;  and
- (e) the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  to  complete  all  the ROBs and RUBs in Karnataka?

## ANSWER

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

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2517 BY SHRI B.N. CHANDRAPPA AND SHRI  P.C.  GADDIGOUDAR  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON 30.11.2016 REGARDING ROBs/RUBs IN KARNATAKA

(a):  As on 01.04.2016, sanctions of   63 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and  83  Road  Under  Bridges  (RUBs)/Subways  are  available  in  the State of Karnataka.

(b):  During  the  last  three  years  (2013-14,  2014-15,  2015-16)  and current year (upto October 2016), 60 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and 344  Road  Under  Bridges  (RUBs)/Subways  have  been  completed  in the State of Karnataka.

(c): State wise expenditure of ROBs/RUBs is not being maintained. However,  Year-wise  amount  spent  on  construction  of  ROBs/RUBs over Indian Railways during the last three years and in the current year is as under:-

(in ₹ Crores)

| Year                        |   Expenditure incurred for construction of ROBs/RUBs/Subways |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2013-14                     |                                                         1482 |
| 2014-15                     |                                                         1782 |
| 2015-16                     |                                                         2218 |
| 2016-17 (upto October 2016) |                                                         1146 |

(d) & (e): Funds for Road Safety Works (ROBs/RUBs/Subways/ Level Crossings) come from Central Road Funds (CRF) as a percentage of cess  collected  on  Diesel  and  Petrol  by  Ministry  of  Finance.  The progress of works is commensurate with the availability of funds.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2516 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Speedy Implementation of Railway Projects
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: B. S. YEDDYURAPPA, PARVATAGOUDA CHANDANAGOUDA GADDIGOUDAR, B.V. NAYAK, SHOBHA KARANDLAJE, PRATHAP SIMHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2516 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION OF RAILWAY PROJECTS

2516.    SHRI B.S. YEDIYURAPPA:

SHRI P.C. GADDIGOUDAR:

SHRI B.V. NAIK:

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE:

SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has explored any option for mobilising resources for speedy implementation of Railway projects and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any Railway projects have been stalled / not completed due to lack of funds and delay in land acquisition and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  allowed  the  Railways  to  form joint  venture  companies  with  State  Governments  to  speed  up railway projects and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has signed MoUs with any State in this regard till date; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) Yes,  Madam.  Apart  from  obtaining  higher  budgetary  support from the General Exchequer, Railways are mobilizing Extra-

Budgetary  Resources  like  institutional  finance  sourced  by  Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) from Life Insurance Corporation  of  India,    investment  by  strategic  /  private  investors under  Public  -  Private  Partnership  policy,  equity  participation  by State Governments and Public Sector entities in joint ventures with Railways  and funding from multilateral lending agencies like the World Bank. (b) Due to a large shelf of ongoing projects with limited overall availability of funds, there had  been  delay  in completion  of projects. Clearances from different land owning agencies, lengthy process of acquisition of land and shifting of services/ utilities also take some time. (c) Yes,  Madam.    Ministry  of  Railways  has  been  authorized  to form Joint  Venture  companies to undertake project development, resource  mobilization  and  monitoring  of  mutually  identified  rail infrastructure  projects  on  cost  sharing  basis.  The  Joint  Venture company can form project specific subsidiaries or Special Purpose Vehicles  (Project  SPVs)  which  may  have  equity  participation  by other stakeholders like Banks, Public Sector Undertakings, Ports, Mining Companies etc. for project implementation. (d) & (e): Railways have entered into Memorandum of Understanding / Joint Venture Agreement with State Governments of  Andhra  Pradesh,  Chhattisgarh,  Gujarat,  Haryana,  Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2515 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Approval for Projects
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shrirang Appa Barne, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2515

TO BE ANSWERED ON NOVEMBER 30, 2016

## APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS

No. 2515

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE: DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE: SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  hassle  free  time bound approval of construction projects;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  time  by  which  the  Government  is  likely  to  come  out  with necessary notifications for streamlining approvals for construction of projects in urban areas; and
- (d)  the  manner  and  extent  to  which  the  process  is  likely  to  be simplified  for  the  developers  and  is  likely  to  be  beneficial  to  the general public?

## THE MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

## ANSWER (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)

- (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Ministry of Urban Development has released the Model  Building  Bye  Laws  (MBBL),  2016  in  March,  2016  which  is  an advisory document for the State Governments. A chapter on 'Ease of Doing Business' has been incorporated in MBBL, 2016 which advocates  streamlining  the  building  plan  approval  system  in  a  time bond manner using online tools.

Contd…2/-

Urban Development is a state subject. State Governments  are competent to revise their respective Building Bye Laws by taking into consideration the advisory issued in the form of MBBL, 2016.

(c): Urban  Development  is  a state subject. Ministry of  Urban Development,  Government  of  India  has  an  advisory  role.  Ministry provides  technical  &  advisory  support  to  State  Governments  for implementing online approvals for construction projects.

(d):  The  main  features  of  Model  Building  Bye  laws  with  respect  to construction permits include:

-  Integrated Clearance
-  Time bond approvals
-  Common application form
-  e-payments
-  Digital Signature
-  Risk base classification
-  Integration of Environmental Concerns

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Driverless Trains
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, BHARATENDRA SINGH, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, T.G. VENKATESH BABU, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2511 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 th  NOVEMBER, 2016 DRIVERLESS TRAINS

No. 2511.  SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI KUNWAR BHARATENDRA:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  URBAN  DEVELOPMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) proposes to introduce unattended train operations system during
- their phase III operation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether these trains are partially imported with 90% of them manufactured in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether an accident of driverless train has been reported recently and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  initiated  an  inquiry  in  the
- matter and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the corrective steps taken/being taken by the Government to
- ensure safety/security of the passengers in driverless trains?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a):    Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) has informed that initially driverless trains will be introduced in service along with drivers.  After extensive trials, these trains will be gradually made fit for operation without driver.

(b): DMRC has informed that about 87% of total rolling stock for Phase III of Delhi Metro Rail Project shall be manufactured in India.

(c): No, Madam.

(d)&(e): Do not arise.

********