opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3195 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Pollution due to Sugarcane Industries
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: HUKUM SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3195

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2017

## Pollution due to Sugarcane Industries

## 3195. SHRI HUKUM SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the NGT has ordered for inspection of 'Kolhus' used for crushing sugarcane in Uttar  Pradesh  and  several  other  States  following  the allegations  that  these  unregulated units were major contributors to air and water pollution and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b) whether there is any scientific study or any report with regard to working of these units and the adverse impact on the environment and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the guidelines of CPCB in this regard along with the violations that took place and the action taken thereon, Statewise?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) vide its order dated 19.01.2017  has directed the  Central  Pollution  Control  Board  (CPCB)  and  the  Uttar  Pradesh  Pollution  Control Board (UPPCB) to conduct independent studies on various environmental issues relating to Kolhus and  suggest  remedial  measures,  as  may  be necessary.  In  compliance of  NGT order,  CPCB  team  has  inspected Kolhus in  Western  Uttar  Pradesh . However,  emission monitoring  could  not  be  conducted  in  absence  of  adequate  stack  height  and  necessary monitoring facilities like port holes, monitoring  platforms,  etc.
- (b) As reported by CPCB, no scientific Study or Report is available with regard to adverse impact on environment due to functioning of Kolhus.
- (c) Environmental  standards  have  been  notified  for  sugar  industries  under  the  Environment (Protection)  Act,  1986  which  are  enforced  by  the  respective  State  Pollution  Control Boards. However, guidelines on operation of Kolhus have not been brought out by CPCB, so far.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3193 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Price Stabilization Fund
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: DUSHYANT SINGH

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3193

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2017

## PRICE STABILIZATION FUND

## 3193.   SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

## 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  details  of  the  crops  for  which  a  price  stabilization  fund  is  established  by  the Government;
- (b) whether the Government has a proposal to extend the scheme of a price stabilization fund to other farm produce beyond these crops; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE

## CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  : The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) is set up to tackle price volatility of important agrihorticultural commodities, like onion, potatoes and pulses, to protect the interests of consumers .
- (b) : No, Madam. There is no such proposal.
- (c) : Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3191 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Protection of Lakes/Ponds
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: BANSHILAL MAHTO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3191

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2017

## Protection of Lakes/Ponds

3191. DR. BANSHILAL MAHATO:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to enact any law to protect lakes/ponds in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the efforts made so far for protection of ponds and lakes in the country;
- (d) whether the Government has issued directions to the State Governments to take concrete steps to protect the ponds and lakes and to construct boundary walls around such water bodies; and
- (e)     if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b)  The  Central  Government  has  notified  the  Wetlands  (Conservation  and Management) Rules, 2010 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate various activities within the notified wetlands, including  lakes  and  ponds.  The provisions  under  the  Wetlands  Rules  include  certain  prohibited  activities  as  well  as those activities  which cannot be undertaken without prior approval of the concerned State  Government  /Union  Territory,  process  for  identification  of  wetlands  under different categories, criteria for notifying the wetlands for regulation, etc.

(c) to (e) The Ministry is providing financial assistance to the States under the scheme of  'National  Plan  for  Conservation  of  Aquatic  Eco-systems'  (NPCA)  for  holistic conservation  and  management  of  identified  wetlands  and  lakes  in  the  country  for achieving the desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and  ecosystem  through  an  integrated  and  multidisciplinary  approach  as  well  as  a

O.I.H.

common  regulatory  framework.  So  far,  an  amount  of  Rs.  151.94  crores  has  been released to the States and other organizations for conservation and management of 82 identified wetlands in the country under the NPCA. Also, projects for conservation of 63 lakes in 14 States at a total cost of Rs. 1096.09 crores have been sanctioned and  an  amount  of  Rs.  687.588  crores  has  so  far  been  released  for  the  sanctioned projects.

In order to conserve wetlands and  lakes  in an integrated manner, all the States/ Union Territories  have been advised for giving high priority for constitution of State wetland/  lake  authorities,  identification  and  notification  of  priority  wetlands  including delineation of their boundaries,  development  of  integrated  management  plans, securing resources for implementation of management  plans, monitoring and evaluation,  strengthening research-management interface, etc.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3190 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Limited
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: ANTO  ANTONY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.   3190

TO BE ANSWERED

ON: 21.03.2017

## Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Limited

## 3190   SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps for revival of Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) in Kerala;
- (b) if so, the details of the assistance given to the FACT during each of the last three years and the current year; and
- (c) whether the FACT is now a profit making fertilizer manufacturing unit in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. A plan loan amounting Rs. 1000 Cr to FACT has been granted on 21.03.2016 to FACT to meet its immediate financial crisis. Further, a proposal  for  the  Financial  restructuring  of  FACT  is  also  under  consideration. Proposal inter-alia envisages for the waiver of GoI loan and interest thereon.

- (c) : No, Madam.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3189 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Pharma-cum-Medtech Zone
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3189 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21st March, 2017

Pharma-cum-Medtech Zone

3189. SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

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

- (a) the details of Medtech zones set up in the country so far, Statewise;
- (b) whether the Government plans to set up a pharma-cum-medtech zone in the country;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the locations identified for the purpose?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, ROAD TRANSPORT  &  HIGHWAYS  AND  SHIPPING  (SHRI  MANSUKH  L. MANDAVIYA)

(a): Government of Andhra Pradesh has established a Medical Device Park at Vishakhapatnam  named  Andhra  Pradesh  Medtech  Zone  Ltd.  (AMTZ)  for boosting manufacturing of Medical Devices in the country.

(b): No Madam.

- (c) & (d): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3188 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Foodgrain Sale/Purchase Centre
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3188

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  21 ST  MARCH, 2017

## FOODGRAIN SALE/PURCHASE CENTRE

3188.  SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up foodgrain sale/purchase counters at block or panchayat level for providing remunerative prices to the farmers; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã  ½ãñâ  Àã·¾ã  ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) & (b): Agricultural  marketing  is  a  state  subject.  However,  in  order  to  improve farmer-market  linkages,  Government  is  promoting  direct  purchase  from  farmers  by processors,  exporters,  bulk  retailers  at  farm  gate  with  or  without  setting  up  purchase centres at block level or panchayat level, linking them to the retail outlets in the cities and towns so as to reduce the intermediation and provide remunerative prices to the farmers. So far 22 States have made this provision in their marketing laws. In States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan,  Madhya  Pradesh,  Karnataka,  number  of  such licenses have already been issued.

Procurement  centres  for  wheat  and  rice  are  opened  by  respective  State  Govt. Agencies/  FCI taking into account the production, marketable surplus, convenience of farmers  and availability of other logistics / infrastructure such  as storage and transportation  etc.  Large  number  of  temporary  purchase  centres  in  addition  to  the existing  Mandis  and  depots/godowns  are  also  established  at  key  points  for  the convenience of the farmers to avoid distress sale and to ensure the minimum support price  for  the  farmers.  As  far  as  setting  up  of  additional  procurement  centres  is concerned, Government always opens purchase centres for expansion of reach of MSP to remote and tribal areas.

One of the designated agencies for procuring pulses viz. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is procuring pulses towards building the buffer stock upto  20  lakh  tones  under PSF through its  network of  Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Diversion of Drug Consignments
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: CH. MALLA REDDY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3187

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21 ST  MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 30, 1938 (SAKA)

DIVERSION OF DRUG CONSIGNMENTS

3187. SHRI CH. MALLA REDDY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether there are reports that the medicines sent to the gulf countries are reaching terror groups;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c)  the  steps  the  Government  is  taking  to  check  such  deviation  of  drug consignment?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (c): There is no credible report to indicate that medicines sent to the

Gulf countries are reaching terror groups.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3186 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Processing of Onion and Potatoes
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3186 ANSWERED ON 21 ST  MARCH, 2017

## PROCESSING OF ONION AND POTATOES

## 3186. SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to promote processing of onions and potatoes after taking cognizance of the extreme price fluctuations of these two vegetables and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  aside  a  corpus  fund  to  incentivize  farmers  to convert the vegetables into flake, paste and powder forms and if so, the details thereof: and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a): Currently,  there  is  no  such  scheme  in  the  Ministry  of  Food  Processing  Industries. However,  for  overall  promotion  and  processing  of agricultural and  horticultural  produce including processing of onion and potatoes, Ministry of Food Processing Industries implemented the  Scheme  for  Technology  Upgradation/Establishment/Modernization  of  Food  Processing Industries during 11 th Plan.  Under this scheme, financial assistance has been provided in the form of Grant-in-aid to eligible entrepreneurs in the country for setting up of new food processing units as  well  as  technological  upgradation  and  expansion  of  existing  food  processing  units,  which include onion and potato processing units considered under Fruits and Vegetable sector.

This  scheme  was  subsequently  subsumed  in  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  (CSS)National  Mission  on  Food  Processing  (NMFP)  with  effect  from  01.04.2012  till  31.03.2015. Thereafter, the said scheme got delinked from Government of India's assistance and it was left to the  State  Governments  to  decide  on  its  continuance  from  their  increased  resources  as  per recommendations  of  14 th Financial  Commission.    The  committed/spillover  liabilities  of  cases received upto end of 11 th Plan are being considered by Ministry of Food Processing Industries for sanction of Grant-in-aid during the 12 th Plan under the said scheme as per availability of funds and merits of proposals.

(b) & (c): There is no such specific scheme for this at present.  However, a special fund of Rs.2000 Crore, has been set up in NABARD to make available affordable credit to designated food parks and agro-processing units in the designated food parks.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3184 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Forests Guards
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MAMTAZ SANGHAMITA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3184

TO BE ANSWERED ON  21.03.2017

## Forests Guards

## 3184.  DR. MAMTAZ SANGHAMITA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that combating poaching is a serious threat for the life of forest workers namely forest guards and even rangers;
- (b) whether the Government is likely to allow the use of arms by forest officers at the time of encounter with poachers; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a), (b) & (c) while combating  poachers  cannot  be

Threat to the life  of  forest  workers  namely  forest  guards  and  rangers ruled  out.  Management  of Protected Areas and its administrative matter is the responsibility of the concerned State/Union Territory Governments. The State Governments use  various  provisions  of  law  including  use  of  arms  to  combat poaching.  The  use  of  fire  arms  is  however,  regulated  by  the  Indian Arms Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3178 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Norms for Power Plants
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3178

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2017

## Norms for Power Plants

## 3178. SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  notified  a  revised  set  of  norms  for  power  plants  under construction in the country in view of the rising environmental pollution;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  power  plants  in  operation  in  the  country  have  been  given  an  extended period to adapt to the new norms; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) &(b) The  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  has  notified revised  Standards  for  Thermal  Power  Plants  (TPPs) including  plants  under construction vide S.O.3305  (E)  dated  07/12/2015.  The  standard  in  respect  of  Particulate  Matter  has been  made  more  stringent  and  standards  with  respect  to  SOx  and  NOx  have  been incorporated in the notified standards.
- (c) &(d) The power plants in operation in the country have been given a period of two years to adapt to the new norms from the date of publication of said notification i.e. upto 31 st December, 2017.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3177 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Assessment of Loss due to Vardah Cyclone
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: M. UDHAYAKUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3177

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21 ST  MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 30, 1938 (SAKA)

ASSESSMENT OF LOSS DUE TO VARDAH CYCLONE

3177. ADV. M. UDHAYAKUMAR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  a  central  team  visited  the  Vardah  cyclone  affected  areas  in Chennai and neighbouring areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is true that the total loss assessed by the central team is not matching with  the  assessment  made  by  the  affected  State  and  if  so,  the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is considering to release the assistance on the basis of the assessment made by the State Government; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Yes Madam. In the instant case, upon receipt of the memorandum from the State Government of Tamil Nadu, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited the affected areas of the State from 27 th  to 30 th December 2016 for an on-the-spot assessment of damages caused by the cyclonic  storm  'Vardha'  of  2016.  The  report  of  the  IMCT  is  being  placed before the High Level Committee (HLC) for consideration in its meeting to be held shortly.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3176 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Grahak Suvidha Kendras
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: KIRRON KHER

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Government of India Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3176 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2017

## GRAHAK SUVIDHA KENDRAS

## 3176.  SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER:

## 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  success  of  the  Grahak  Suvidha  Kendras,  which  was  established  as  a  pilot project, has been reviewed;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there are plans to expand the project by setting more Grahak Suvidha Kendras;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the number of Grahak Suvidha Kendras already established in the country?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

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

(a)  to (e) : Yes  Madam,  Grahak  Sividha  Kendras  (GSKs)  were  setup  in  Jaipur,  Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Patna and Kolkata on pilot basis to serve as 'one stop' facilitation centre for a variety of services  to  consumers  including  information  dissemination,  consumer  awareness  &  education, training, counseling, mediation, grievance redress and assistance in approaching consumer courts. After  a  midterm  review,  the  Department  of  Consumer  Affairs  has  decided  not  to  continue  grant beyond 31 st December, 2016 to the five GSKs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3175 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-21
Subject: Maoist Threat
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: HARI MANJHI, Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3175

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21 ST  MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 30, 1938 (SAKA)

## MAOIST THREAT

†3175. SHRI HARI MANJHI: SHRIMATI PRATYUSHA RAJESHWARI SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  nature of Maoist threat in the country particularly in the States of Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Odisha;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  air  support  to  security personnel in the said affected States and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  included  the  districts  of  Sonepur,  Boudh and Angul of Odisha under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the other measures being taken to curb naxalism in the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a):  The Maoists aim to capture political power through an armed struggle manifests in the form of ambushes/IED attacks on Security Forces, killing of civilians  on  the  pretext  of  being  police  informers,  attacks  on  economic targets like roads, bridges, mobile towers etc and extortion, including the States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar.

(b): 13 helicopters have been deployed in support of anti-LWE operations. These are available for  use  in  all  LWE  affected  States  as  per  operational requirement.

(c) & (d): The inclusion/exclusion of districts under Security Related Expenditure scheme is a dynamic process.

(e) The Central Government has been pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to  deal  with  Left  Wing  Extremism,  centered  around  security  related measures, developmental interventions and ensuring rights & entitlements of local communities etc. Security related measures include assistance to LWE affected States by providing CAPF Bns, training, funds for modernization  of  State  Police  Forces,  arms  &  equipment,  sharing  of intelligence etc. On the development side, apart from flagship schemes of the Central Government in infrastructure, education, health, skill development, agriculture etc several initiatives have been taken specifically for development of Left Wing Extremism affected areas. These include  focused  schemes  for  development  of  roads,  installation  of  mobile towers,  skill  development,  improving  network  of  banks  and  post  offices, health  and  education  facilities, particularly in  the  35  worst  affected districts.

*****