opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: NGT Directives on Pollution
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Y. S. AVINASH REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4223

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2017

## NGT Directives on Pollution

## 4223.  SHRI Y. S.  AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the National Green Tribunal has issued several notices to the Government  on various issues in the current year and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  NGT  had  to  intervene  frequently  to  ensure  that  the  Government implements laws with regard to air pollution,  water pollution  and  toxic  wastes  and landfills etc.;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the reaction of the Government on the notices/directions of the NGT?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) to (d); The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been established in 2010 for the effective and  expeditious  disposal  of  cases  relating  to  environmental  protection  and  conservation  of forests  and  other  natural  resources  including  enforcement  of  any  legal  rights  relating  to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters  connected  therewith  or  incidental  thereto.  Petitions  can  be  filed  before  the  NGT seeking relief  and  compensation for victims of pollution and other environmental damages arising  under  The  Water  (Prevention  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1974;  The  Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; The Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Besides for the purpose of restitution of property damaged and restitution of the environment for such areas. These Acts are administered by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Therefore, the Ministry is a party in many of the petitions filed before NGT.

NGT has passed a number of orders in matters relating to air pollution, water pollution, toxic waste  and  landfill  sites.  With  respect  to  mitigation  of  air  pollution  in  Delhi  and  National Capital Region, a Centralized Monitoring Committee has been constituted apart from State level Committees headed by Chief Secretaries for implementation of judgements of the NGT. With respect to water pollution, a number of orders have been issued by the NGT particularly with respect to Ganga, Yamuna and industrial effluent. With respect to landfill sites and toxic waste, a number of orders have been issued from time to time for implementation of relevant laws and rules.

The Government takes appropriate action to comply with the directions of the NGT.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4221 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Area Expansion Programme under National Horticulture Mission
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4221

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2017

## AREA EXPANSION PROGRAMME UNDER NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION

4221.      SHRIMATI PRATYUSHA RAJESHWARI SINGH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी

- be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to increase the assistance provided under the Area Expansion Programme taken up under the National Horticulture Mission; (b) if so, the details thereof; and whether  the  subsidy  provided  by  the  Government  on  the  cost  of  cultivation  is  also

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  PARSHOTTAM  RUPALA)

(a) to (c): No such proposal to increase the assistance for area expansion programme and subsidy  on  the  cost  of  cultivation  under  the  National  Horticulture  Mission  (NHM)  is  under consideration at present in this Ministry.

- ********
- (c) increased, if so, the details thereof?
Lok Sabha Question No. 4219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Permission to use Border Roads
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4219

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2017/ CHAITRA 7, 1939 (SAKA)

PERMISSION TO USE BORDER ROADS

4219. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  recently  allowed  border  roads  in  Mizoram and Tripura to be used by Bangladesh in order to construct border outposts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c)  the  details  of  the  border  management  co-operation  between  India  and Bangladesh?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b) The Government of India has approved for providing security and logistic  support  to  Border  Guard  Bangladesh  (BGB)  by  way  of  using  Indian border roads in the States of Tripura and Mizoram for construction of Border Out Posts (BOPs) by BGB in Chittagong Hill Tracts area.

(c) Bilateral meetings at various levels between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) are held regularly including bi-annual DG  Level  meetings  to  enhance  border  management  co-operation  between India and Bangladesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4218 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Sale of Tiger Body Parts
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4218

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2017

## Sale of Tiger Body Parts

## 4218.  SHRI RAJU SHETTY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the findings of the investigation carried out by an international NGO, Environmental Investigation  Agency  (EIA)  has  revealed  that  the  skin  and  other  body  parts  of  Indian  wild tigers and leopards are being sold openly in China and at much higher prices than before, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the reaction of the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any investigation in this regard and if so, the outcome thereof; and
- (d) the effective steps taken/being taken by the Government to address the said issue?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) & (b) No such investigative findings are available with the Government of India.  Further, matters  of  such  nature  are  being  addressed  through  the  CITES  (the  Convention  on International  Trade  in  Endangered  Species  of  Wild  Fauna  and  Flora)  on  a  periodic basis.
- (c) & (d) Several  anti-poaching  /  protection  measures  have  been  taken, inter  alia ,  including creation  of  online  tiger  /  wildlife  crime  tracking  /  reporting  system  in  tiger  reserves. The  Wildlife  Crime  Control  Bureau  coordinates  it's  activities  with  the  INTERPOL, under various international Conventions and protocols for checking trans-border trade of  wildlife  products.    The  National  Tiger  Conservation  Authority  (NTCA)  also coordinates with other tiger range countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Russia  for  sharing  information  on  tiger  skin  seizures,  to  ascertain  their  source  and ensure conviction of criminals.  Further, the NTCA provides assistance to States under the Centrally Sponsored  Scheme  of  Project  Tiger for protection, infrastructure development and intelligence gathering etc.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Patented Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: RABINDRA KUMAR JENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4217

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 th  March, 2017

## Patented Drugs

## 4217. SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Committee on price negotiation of patented drugs had suggested a cap on prices of patented drugs;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon;
- (c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  had  assured  foreign  countries  that Compulsory licenses will not be granted for commercial purposes;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  the  number  of  Compulsory  licenses  provided  to  local  companies  so  far  and  the number of licenses proposed to be granted in the next several years?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS; MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND  FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a): The Inter Ministerial Committee constituted by the Department of Pharmaceuticals has not yet suggested any cap on prices of patented drugs.
- (b): In view of reply to (a) above, does not arise.
- (c): Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion who are the administrative Ministry for Patent Act has informed that no such assurance has been given.
- (d):  In view of reply to (c) above, does not arise.
- (e):  Only  one  compulsory  license  has  been  granted  to  date  in  India  for  the  drug `Nexavar'  to  the  company  M/s  Natco  Pharma  Ltd.  A  decision  regarding  compulsory license under the Patents Act, 1970 is taken on the basis of the facts of each case, and the same cannot be pre-determined.

xxxxx
Lok Sabha Question No. 4216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Agricultural Education
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: HARIOM SINGH RATHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4216 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28/03/2017

## AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

## 4216.  SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that India is an agricultural country but the place of agriculture in education is negligible and agriculture is still deprived of education, employment, industry etc.;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has a proposal to encourage the education in agriculture, agro industry sectors etc.; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) It  is  a  fact  that  India  is  an  agricultural country and Agriculture Education in India has  a  long  history  with  specialized  agricultural  universities  in  the  country.    There  is adequate employment in agriculture sector and established agro-industries.
- (b) There are 73 universities including State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), ICAR-deemed-to-be Universities and Central Universities with Agriculture Faculty imparting education in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.
- (c) Government has  given  adequate  focus  on  Agriculture  Education  related  to  Agroindustrial sector.
- (d) The sectors related to agro-industry such as farm machinery, Cold Storage, AgroProcessing,  Agro-Chemicals,  Value  Addition,  Seed  Production,  Precision  Farming  and Post Harvest Management are adequately addressed in curricula of UG and PG program of Agriculture Education.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Protection of Automobile Industry
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES DEPARTMENT OF HEAVY INDUSTRY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4214 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2017

## Protection of Automobile Industry

## 4214. SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the automobile industry in the country is under stress particularly two-wheelers and trucks due to demonetisation and other factors;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  the  remedial  steps  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  for  giving  protection  to  the automobile industry?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI  BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a) & (b): Department of Heavy Industry has not undertaken any study on the impact of demonetization on Auto Sector.
- (c):   Does not arise.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4211 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Cosmetic Industry
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4211 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2017

## Cosmetic Industry

## 4211: SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Government periodically analyses the chemical composition and the quality of the cosmetic and beauty products since there are reports of harmful chemicals and if so, the details thereof;
- (b ) the current value and the growth rate of cosmetic industry in the country;
- (c)  the  total  value  of  cosmetic  and  beauty  products  imported  during  the  last  three years and the current year;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  Research  and  Development institutes  to  develop  quality  and  innovative  cosmetic  and  beauty  products  in  the country; and;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not  the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI  MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) to (e) This information is not centrally maintained in this Department.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Hate Speech
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MAULANA BADRUDDIN AJMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4210

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2017/ CHAITRA 7, 1939 (SAKA)

HATE SPEECH

4210. SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  a  number  of  hate  speech  cases  has  been registered/reported from various part of the country; and

(b) if so, the preventive steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (b)  'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects as per the provisions of the Constitution of India. The responsibility of registration and prosecution of crimes including those involving hate speech cases, primarily rests with the respective State Governments.  Details in this regard are not maintained centrally.

There  are  adequate  provisions  under  the  Indian  Penal  Code  (IPC)  which empower  State  Governments  to  deal  with  the  offences  relating  to  hate speech cases.

## LS.US.Q.No.4210 FOR 28.03.2017

To  maintain  communal  harmony  in  the  country,  the  Central  Government assists the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations in a variety of  ways  like  sharing  of  information,  sending  alert  messages,  sending advisories,  sending  Central  Armed  Police  Forces  including  the  composite Rapid Action Force created specially to deal  with  communal situations, to the concerned State Governments on specific requests. Central Government also  helps  the  State  Governments/Union  Territory  Administrations  in  the modernisation  of  the  State  Police  Forces.    Revised  Guidelines  to  promote communal harmony have been issued to the States and Union Territories in 2008 which delineate preventive and administrative measures to be taken to maintain communal harmony.  These guidelines are reiterated while sending advisories.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Quarrying in ESZ
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4208

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2017

## Quarrying in ESZ

## 4208.     SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether rampant and illegal use of dynamite in quarrying and stone crushing is said to have  wreaked  havoc  on  the  Eco  Sensitive  Zone  (ESZ)  of  the  Bannerghatta  National Park, thereby degrading its fragile habitat;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Ministry is taking necessary legal action against the perpetrators and, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  check  illegal  quarrying  and  tree  felling  in  the region?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) to (d) As per information received from the State of Karnataka, no quarrying is under operation within 1 (one) km  of  the boundaries of the Bannerghatta  National  Park.  The  State  Government  of  Karnataka  has declared an area of one km around Bannerghatta National Park as safe zone.  The  quarries  with  licence  from  the  Department  of  Mines  and Geology  operate  within  the  default  area  of  10  kms  from  boundary  of Bannerghatta National Park.

No fresh cases are recommended for starting new quarries and also for renewal of the quarries whose licence has lapsed.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4207 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Proposals from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: M. I. SHANAVAS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4207

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2017

## PROPOSALS FROM ANDHRA PRADESH AND KERALA

4207.  SHRI M.I. SHANAVAS:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are facing financial constraint concerning agriculture sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has received any concrete proposals from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala seeking financial assistance/package for increasing the agricultural production in these States during the last three years and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any committee has been constituted to look into the proposals/requests and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  announce  a  financial  package  to  improve  the agriculture sector in these States and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) to (d): Agriculture is a State subject.  However, funds are provided to all the States and UTs for the schemes being implemented through the Central Government on sharing pattern basis as per the Annual Action Plan submitted by the States/UTs  and Utilization Certificates from them.
- (e): No such proposal is under consideration.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Claims of LSPEF Rajasthan
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: ARJUNLAL MEENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4206

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  MARCH, 2017

## CLAIMS OF LSPEF RAJASTHAN

## 4206. SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the  reasons  for  non-payment  of  Levy  Sugar  Price  Equalisation  Fund (LSPEF) claims to the Rajasthan State Food Supply Corporation; and
- (b)
- the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b): The  Levy  Sugar  Price  Equalisation  Fund  (LSPEF)  claims  are submitted  by  Rajasthan  State  Food  Civil  Supplies  Corporation  (RSFCSC) Ltd., to Food Corporation of India (FCI) for payment. FCI has informed that the  RSFCSC  Ltd.,  has  submitted  to  them  14  supplementary  bills  for  the period  2012-13  and  2013-14;  amounting  to  Rs.53,10,592.32.  These  bills have  been  processed  and  found  to  be  eligible  for  Rs.50,34,103.00  and payment has been released to RSFCSC Ltd., by FCI.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4205 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Non-supply of Foodgrain Stock
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4205 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  MARCH, 2017

## NON-SUPPLY OF FOODGRAIN STOCK

## 4205.   SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received complaints in regard to nonsupply of foodgrain stock as per demands of the State Governments; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  resolve these complaints, State-wise?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) & (b):  Government of India enacted National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 on 05.07.2013 to provide subsidized foodgrains to the States/UTs. The Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population i.e nearly 67% population of the country for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering about two-third of the population. The eligible beneficiaries belonging  to  Priority  category  and  the  Antyodaya  Anna  Yojana  (AAY) households, which constitute the poorest of the poor, are entitled to receive 5  Kg  of  foodgrains  per  person  per  month  and    35  Kg  of  foodgrains  per household per month respectively at highly subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg  for  rice/wheat/coarse  grains.  The  coverage  under  the  Act  has  been delinked  from  poverty  estimates  and  is  based  on  the  updated  population figures of Census, 2011.

A  tide  over  allocation  is  also  being  made  to  the  States  to  protect average annual offtake of last three years before the NFSA came into effect. Govt. of India also allocates foodgrains to the States/UTs for any additional requirement at economic cost, subject to availability of stock in central pool.

other drought),

Govt. of India also allocates foodgrains to States/UTs for additional requirements such as natural calamity (including festivals, etc at MSP/MSP Derived Price for wheat and rice respectively.

****