opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4805 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Infrastructural Bottlenecks
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

- (d)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4805 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15/12/2016

## Infrastructural Bottlenecks

## 4805.  SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the country is not able to achieve the targeted  production  of coal due to road and rail related infrastructural bottlenecks;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  imports  are  increasing  as  a  result  of  the  infrastructural
- bottlenecks in the country;
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps being taken /proposed to be taken by the Union Government to remove the infrastructural bottlenecks in the country?

## Answer

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR COAL, POWER, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)&(b): With present level of production, rail and road infrastructure for the speedy and timely transportation of coal in various coalfields is adequate. However keeping in view the future programme of  coal production, action has been taken to improve the road related infrastructure like conversion of fair weather road to all weather roads, widening & strengthening of existing road, construction of new roads etc. for speedy and timely transportation of coal.  Further,  Coal  India  Limited  (CIL)  has  taken  up  three  mega  rail infrastructure  projects  in  the  upcoming  coalfields  that  shall  help  develop, produce & evacuate coal from these coalfields.

(c)&(d): On account of increased production in 2015-16, coal imports have fallen  from  217.78  Mte  in  2014-15  to  199.88  Mte  in  2015-16.  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 prices  on  payment  of  applicable  duty.  However,  as gathered  from  secondary  sources,  coal  imports  in  the  country  can  be & hinterland locations of the country apart from limited availability of requisite their contractual attributed primarily to location-based cost economics in coastal quality of indigenous coking coal.

(e):  A  Central  Sector  Scheme  'Development  of  Transport  infrastructure  in Coalfield  Areas'  under  Ministry  of  Coal  is  being  operated  to  improve  road conditions in coal mining areas. Further CIL has taken up three major rail projects viz  Tori-Shivpur-Kathotia  project  in  Jharkhand,  JharsugudaBarpali  project in Odisha and East Rail Corridor & East-West Rail Corridor in Chhattisgarh to evacuate coal from upcoming coalfields.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4804 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Highway Amenities by Oil Marketing Companies
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: M. UDHAYAKUMAR

## GOVERMNENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4804

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## HIGHWAY AMENITIES BY OIL MARKETING COMPANIES

4804. SHRI ADV. M.UDHAYAKUMAR:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  National  Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  has  asked  the  oil  marketing companies to provide proper toilet facilities at petrol pumps along the National Highways;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  a  programme  to  set  up  complexes  to  provide  highways  amenities  will  be launched by the Government; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b)        NHAI has requested Oil Marketing (PSUs) companies vide their letter No NHAI/CM/Wayside Amenities/2005/79439 dated 08 March 2016 to provide proper toilet facilities at their retail outlets.
- (c) Yes,  Madam.  A  programme  to  set  up  complexes  to  provide  highway  amenities  is  under finalization.
- (d)        Such  wayside  amenities  along  National  Highways  will provide facilities for  both car  and  bus passengers  and  Truckers  where  the  drivers  and  other  motorists  can  relax,  revive  and  refresh,  thus helping to reduce driver fatigue, resulting in making road travel safe and comfortable.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4803 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Air India Flight Iincident
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: SUKENDER REDDY GUTHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4803 (To be answered on the 15th December 2016)

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

## AIR INDIA FLIGHT INCIDENT

4803

SHRI GUTHA SUKENDER REDDY

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Haj pilgrims coming from Saudi Arabia by Air India flight on 9th October, 2016 were not served food in the flight even after lunch time; which reached Shamshabad airport in Hyderabad at 3 : 40 pm;
- (b) if s0, the details thereof;
- whether a written complaint to this effect had been given by people to Air India and a copy to Minister also, if s0, the details thereof; sent
- (d) whether the Ministry has enquired into the matter in detail; if the details thereof; and
- (e) whether any action has been initiated against the erring Air India personnel; if s0, the details thereof and the measures taken by the Ministry to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

- (a) (b): The Haj flight o 9th Oct 2016 was departed from Madina (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) around 0745 A.M As per procedures, all flights departing until 0800 A.M: were treated as Breakfast service flights wherein alongwith sumptuous breakfast menu and an additional mini meal was also served: Accordingly, both breakfast and mini meal were served t0 the passengers:
- (c): The feedback was only received through Air India Haj CoordinatorHyderabad: Upon\_receipt of the requirement; breakfast menu was immediately replaced with full Lunch on all Haj flights
- (d) (e): The meal schedule was immediately revised by Air India: Also the meal service is decided as per the departure time of the flight: such complaint is addressed by Air India on priority. There was no complaint regarding meals from any of the other Haj flights of Air India. Any
Lok Sabha Question No. 4802 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Transmission Lines
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: MANOJ RAJORIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4802 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2016

## TRANSMISSION LINES

4802. DR. MANOJ RAJORIA:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) the present capacity of power transmission lines in the country;
- (b) whether the transmission lines are being run on their full capacity;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the power surplus States are unable to supply/divert their surplus power  to  power  deficit  States on account  of  constraints  in inter-regional transmission; and

(e) if  so,  the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government to address the issue?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : At present, a total of about  359,000  of  circuit kilometers  of transmission lines and  701 GVA of transformation capacity of  Substations, (for the 220 kV and above voltage levels) exist in the country.

(b) & (c) : The  transmission  lines  in  the  country  are  operated  in  accordance with the respective Grid Codes i.e. Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission  (CERC) in respect of Inter State Transmission lines  and  in  accordance  with  State  Grid  Codes  of  respective  State  Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) for the intra state transmission lines.

(d) & (e): The interstate transmission lines are planned and implemented as a part  of  the  evacuation  system  from  Inter  State  Generation  Stations  (ISGS)  and also as system strengthening projects. These lines are mainly used for delivery of power  from  these  generating  stations  to  their  beneficiaries  in  various  states. These lines are also used to transfer power from surplus states/regions to deficit states/regions.    Because  of  sufficient  increase  in  the  capacity  in  transmission during the last two years, only 0.1% of volume of electricity could not be cleared because  of  congestion  in  the  market  during  the  current  year  2016-17  (upto August).  Thus, the surplus states are able to supply power to the power deficit states.

The  Government  has  targeted  to  commission  1,07,440  ckm  of transmission lines during 12 th  Plan period.  Out of this 1,01,852 ckm has already been commissioned upto November, 2016.

**************
Lok Sabha Question No. 4799 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Phasing out Old Vehicles
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: SHOBHA KARANDLAJE, OM BIRLA, R. VANAROJA

be pleased to state:

(a) the salient features of the proposed Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme;

(b)  whether  the  Government  is  formulating  a  new  policy  for  giving  financial  assistance  to  those  willing  to discard their old cars, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether it is a fact that Government has advised the people to avoid using multiple cars and adopt vehicle planning, if so, the details thereof;

(d) the benefits and applicability of the programme; and

(e) whether the proposed programme has the potential to reduce vehicular emission and oil consumption, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) Ministry  is  considering  a  programme  to  replace  old  polluting  medium  and  heavy  vehicles  with  fuel efficient vehicles.A concept note on'Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme' was placed on 26 th May, 2016 for  stakeholders comments. In this it was inter-alia proposed that old vehicles would get following financial benefit:-

-  The scrap value of the vehicle.
-  Incentives from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and incentives from government.

It has now been decided to place the matter for consideration of Committee of Secretaries (CoS).

(b) No, Madam.

(c) No, Madam.

(d)  and(e) This programme will ensure phasing out of older polluting vehicles and enable their replacement with fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles. According to a study instituted by MoRTH and carried out  by  M\s  AT  Kearney,  MHCVs  (trucks  and  buses)  account  for  just  2.5%  of  total  fleet  however  they contribute over 60% of pollution. The vehicle emission standards were introduced for the first time in India in 2000.  Over  the  period  these  norms  have  been  tightened.  The  resultant  effect  is  that  the  older  vehicles  emit higher  degree  of  harmful  pollutants  as  compared  to  newer  vehicles.  Older  vehicles  also  have  lower  fuel efficiency as compared to new vehicles, leading to significant loss in energy efficiency (one of the key focus areas currently being pushed through multiple initiatives like Prakash Path, LED program of the government). Committee of Secretaries for  Energy Conservation constituted by the Hon'ble Prime Minister has identified replacement of heavy duty vehicles as a key initiative. In light of above, it is proposed to launch a targeted vehicle modernization program to provide a major thrust to the country's green initiatives.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4799

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## PHASING OUT OLD VEHICLES

## 4799.   KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE:

SHRI OM BIRLA:

SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 4797 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Import of Sand
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: ALOK SANJAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4797 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH DECEMBER, 2016 'IMPORT OF SAND'

## † 4797. SHRI ALOK SANJAR:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the quantum of sand utilized in the country during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
- (b) the role of public and private sector sand mining companies therein;
- (c) whether sand has been imported in the country, if so, the quantity of sand imported during the aforesaid period, country-wise; and
- (d) the details of demand and supply of sand in the country and the measures being taken by the Government for maintaining balance between its demand and supply?

## ANSWER

## THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  POWER,  COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)  to  (d):    Sand  is  a  minor  mineral,  as  defined  under  section  3(e)  of  the  Mines  and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). Section 15 of the MMDR Act empowersstate  governments  to  make  rules  for  regulating  the  grant  of mineral  concessions  in  respect  of  minor  minerals  and  for  purposes  connected therewith.  The  regulation  of  grant  of  mineral  concessions  for  minor  minerals  is, therefore, within the legislative and administrative domain of the state governments. Under the power granted to them by section 15 of the MMDR Act, State Governments have framed their own minor minerals concession rules.

Therefore, details in this regard including, the quantum of sand utilized in the country; roles of public and private sector sand mining companies, demand and supply of sand and sand imported in the country are not maintained centrally.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4796 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Harassment of Cabin Crew
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

4796.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4796

(To be answered on the 15th December 2016)

## HARASSMENT OF CABIN CREW

SHRI V. ELUMALAI

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether a cabin crew member of Air India was allegedly harassed at London's Heathrow airport when he was to operate a flight to India, if the details thereof; SO,
- (b) whether he was taken to police station and hospital for blood test and later he was let off without any charges pressed; if SO, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken up this issue with the concerned authority; and
- (d) if the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard? SO,

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

- (a): A member of Cabin crew while going through security check at Heathrow Airport; a Security Personnel asked him to waik through Metal Detector Body Scanner for Security (Sensor Door) thrice in a derogatory manner. The cabin crew member expressed his embarrassment
- (b): The concerned cabin crew member boarded the aircraft After sometime, two policemen came and took him to the hospital and a blood sample was taken. After two hours of detention; he was let off:
- (c): Madam: No,
- (d): Does not arise in view of (c) above:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4795 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Scrapping of 5/20 Rule
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

(To be answered on the December 2016) 15th

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4795

## SCRAPPING OF 5/20 RULE

## 4795. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the scrapping %f the 5/20 rule and replacing it with 0/20 in the new civil aviation policy has led to more airlines venturing on foreign routes;
- (b) if the details thereof;
- (c) if not; the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) to (d): No madam: At present no new Indian carrier has applied for permission to operate on international routes. However, the change in eligibility requirement from 5/20 to 0/20 in the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 wili give opportunity to new airlines to operate on international sector:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4794 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Marketing of Items under NRLM
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RODMAL NAGAR

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .4794

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.1 2.2016

## MARKETING OF ITEMS UNDER NRLM

## 4794. SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Union  Government  proposes  to  formulate  a  scheme  for  marketing items  manufactured  by  women  Self - Help  Groups  (SHGs)  being  constituted  under National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM);
- (b) ifso, the details thereof and the time frame for launching of the scheme; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a) to (c): No,  Sir.  However,  the  Ministry  of  Rural  Development  provides  centr financial assistance to the states to the tune of Rs 35 lakh for non - metroplitan and Rs 40 lakh for metropolitan cities for organising SARAS Fairs where opportunity is provided t Self - Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase and market their products. The target group under scheme consists mainly of rural poor families.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Maritime Projects
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: VASANTHI M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4793

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2016 MARITIME PROJECTS

## 4793. SHRIMATI VASANTHI M.:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) whether the Government proposes to take up maritime projects overseas;
- (b) if so, the details and the objectives thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has signed MoU with any coastal companies in this regard;

and

- (d) if so, the details thereof, countrywise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)&(b):Yes, Madam.  To fulfill the objective of taking up projects overseas, India Ports Global Pvt. Ltd. has been established in 2015 with equity contribution from Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Kandla Port Trusts.  An agreement was signed by India Ports Global Pvt. Ltd with Aria Banader, Iranian a Private Company in Iran on 23.05.2016 for equipping and operating of Container Terminal and Multipurpose Terminals in Phase I of development plan of Chabahar-Shahid Behesti Port in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- (c) The Government of India has not signed  any MoU with Coastal  companies overseas.

- (d) Does not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4792 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: ATF Prices
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4792

8 (To be answered on the December 2016) 1sth

## ATF PRICES

## 4792. SHRIMATI K MARAGATHAM

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (b) if s0, the details thereof;

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the leading domestic airlines have demanded a roll back of a sudden 12 per cent hike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices;
- whether aviation fuel cost accounts for over 40 per cent of an airline'$ cost of operation and hence could impact air fares, if sO, the details thereof;
- (e) if s0, the details thereof?
- (d) whether a 35 per cent in aviation fuel had helped airlines to offer over 18 per cent lower passenger fares in 2015; and drop

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) and (b): No such demand on roll back has been received in Ministry of Civil Aviation.

(d) & (e): No such analysis has been carried out Government: Air fares are; established by the airlines under the provision of Sub Rule (1) of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules 1937, considering all relevant factors, including the cost of operation, characteristics of service, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff: The airfares so established are required to be displayed under the provisions of Sub Rule (2) of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules 1937. Airline remains compliant to the regulatory provisions of Rule 135 as long as the fare charged by them does not exceed the fare established and displayed on their website. Airfares are not regulated by the Government and airlines are free to fix reasonable charges/fee subject to compliance with rule 135 of Aircraft Rules 1937. The prices are fixed by airlines keeping in mind the market demand, seasonality and other market forces: by

(c): Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) constitutes about 40-50% of Operational cost of an airline in India.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-15
Subject: Tree Plantation under National Green Highway Mission
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: DEVJI MANSINGRAM PATEL, ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated a scheme to convert National Highways (NHs) into green highways by the end of this year;
- (b) if so, the targets set, in terms of total number of kilometres, for plantation, phase-wise;
- (c) the total kilometres of roads linked in the first phase of the scheme, State-wise;
- (d) the total number of establishments with which the Government has entered into agreement under  Public  Private  Partnership  (PPP)  mode  to  make  National  Green  Highways  Mission (NGHM) successful; and
- (e) whether the Government is considering utilising the corpus of CAMPA funds to assist treeplantation alongside highways under the NGHM, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)  to (c) Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  has  launched  the  Green  Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy, 2015 to promote greening of Highway  corridors  with  participation  of  the  community,  farmers,  private  sector,  NGOs  and government institutions. No phasing has been done in this regard.
- (d) In Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects, plantations are generally the responsibility of the concerned  concessionaire  as per the provisions of  the  Concession Agreement.
- (e) At present, no such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry. Management of  Compensatory  Afforestation Fund Management  and  Planning  Authority  (CAMPA) is  under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4788

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## TREE PLANTATION UNDER NATIONAL GREEN HIGHWAY MISSION

4788.   SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री