opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2475 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Upgradation of Government Flats
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

- (a):
- Yes, Madam.
- (b): The  details  of  number  of  quarters,  category  wise,  upgraded  in
- Delhi during last six months are at Annexure 'A'.
- (c): Under  upgradation  of  Type  III  quarters  in  Lodhi  Colony,  toilets and  bathrooms  are  renovated  with  new  wall  and  floor  tiles alongwith  sanitary  fixtures.    Kitchen  is  upgraded  with  green marble  on  kitchen platform; floor and  wall tiles alongwith sanitary  fixtures  and  cabinets  are  provided  below  the  platform. Damaged windows are replaced with steel windows.  The funds spent are approximately Rs. 1.30 Lakhs for each quarter.

******

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2475

TO BE ANSWERED ON JANUARY 02, 2018.

## UPGRADATION OF GOVERNMENT FLATS

NO. 2475     SHRI R. DHRUVA NARAYANA :

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether  the  work  of  upgradation  is  in  progress  in  the  houses
- allotted to the Central Government Employees;
- (b) if so, the number of quarters upgraded so far during the last six months, category-wise; and
- (c) the  details  of  upgradation  work  of  Type-III  quarters  of  Lodhi Colony under T-3 along with the total amount of funds spent by the Government?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

## Annexure 'A'

Number of quarters, Category wise, upgraded in Delhi

| Type of Quarter   |   Number of quarter upgraded |
|-------------------|------------------------------|
| I                 |                          394 |
| II                |                          738 |
| III               |                          330 |
| IV                |                          267 |
| V                 |                            2 |
| V-A               |                           21 |
| V-B               |                           30 |
| VI-A              |                            2 |
| VI-B              |                            2 |
| Hostel SB         |                           28 |
| Hostel DB         |                            1 |
| Suites            |                           35 |
| Total             |                         1850 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2474 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Pharma Companies
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2474

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 nd  January, 2018

## Pharma Companies

†2474. SHRI KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE:

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

- (a) the details of antibiotic and pharmaceutical companies in the country;
- (b) the number  of pharmaceutical companies  and  the  status of antibiotic  and pharmaceutical companies in Maharashtra;
- (c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  has  given  assurance  for  Rs.  100  crores bailout plan for revival of said companies; and
- (d) if so, the status thereof and the time by which this amount will be released?

## 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): No such details are maintained by the Department.
- (b):  No  such  details  are  maintained  by  the  Department.  However,  the  following  Public Sector  Undertakings  viz.,  Hindustan  Antibiotics  Limited  (HAL),  along  with  its  subsidiary Maharashtra Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (MAPL) and Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (BCPL) have their plants in Maharashtra.
- (c)  &  (d):  As  per  the  Cabinet  decision  dated  21.12.2016,  a  loan  of  Rs.  100  crores  was released on 17.03.2017 to M/s Hindustan Antibiotics Limited for payment of Salaries, wages and other critical expenses.

xxxxx
Lok Sabha Question No. 2471 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Use of Cow Urine for Organic Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: A.T. (NANA) PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2471 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02/01/2018

## USE OF COW URINE FOR ORGANIC FARMING

## 2471.  SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL:

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

- (a) whether the Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) has conducted any study regarding use of cow urine for organic farming;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  fresh  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  boost  organic  farming  using  natural resources in the country?

## A N S W E R

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

## (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) & (b): Yes,  Madam.    ICAR  under  Network  Project  on  Organic  Farming  has evaluated  cow  urine  in  different  cropping  systems.    Cow  urine  @10%  spray  was observed to be effective in supplementing nutrient requirement and management of insect pests and diseases under organic production systems.
- (c) The  Government  is  promoting  organic  farming  in  the  country  through  cluster approach through dedicated  schemes  namely Paramparagat  Krishi Vikas  Yojana (PKVY)  and  Mission  Organic  Value  Chain  Development  for  North  Eastern  Region (MOVCDNER)  under  National  Mission  for  Sustainable  Agriculture  (NMSA)  and  are being implemented.  ICAR has developed organic farming package of practices for 45 crops/cropping systems and providing technical backstopping to the above schemes.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2467 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Internal Security Apparatus in States
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2467

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  JANUARY, 2018/ PAUSHA 12, 1939 (SAKA)

INTERNAL SECURITY APPARATUS IN STATES

2467. SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  approved  25  thousand  crore  outlay  for upgrading the internal security apparatus in the States;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along  with  the  basic  activities to  be undertaken there under;
- (c)  whether  the  State  forces  have  ample  equipment  for  their  daily operation;
- (d) whether the Government aims to provide weapons and ammunition to the state forces under the scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): Yes Madam, Government has given its approval for implementation of umbrella scheme of 'Modernisation of Police Forces(MPF)'  for  years  2017-18  to  2019-20  with  financial  outlay  of  Rs. 25,061 crore, out of which the Central Government share will be Rs. 18,636 crore.  Special  provisions  have  been  made  under  the  Scheme  for  internal security, law and order, women's security, availability of modern weapons,

## L.S.US.Q.NO.2467 FOR 02.01.2018

mobility of police forces, logistics support, upgradation of police wireless, CCTNS  project  etc.  Further,  assistance  will  also  be  provided  for  the component of  'Construction of Police infrastructure including housing' in specific  theatres  viz.  J&K,  insurgency  affected  areas  of  North  Eastern Region  and  Left  Wing  Extremism  affected  areas.  Additionally,  a  sub scheme  of    'Assistance  to  States  for  Special  Projects  /programmes  for upgrading  Police  infrastructure  [Forensic  Laboratories  &  Institutes  and equipment]'  with an outlay of Rs. 587 cr has been approved under which projects of police modernisation will be given central assistance.

(c) to (e): Since, 'Police' and 'Public Order' are state subjects as per the Constitution,  responsibility  of  equipping  the  state  police  forces  with appropriate  equipment  and  gadgets  lies  with  the  State  Governments. However, Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments  by  providing  grants-in-aid  towards  purchase  of  vehicles, security/surveillance/communication/forensic  equipments  etc.  under  the Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) scheme  to strengthen police infrastructure. Moreover, under the MPF Scheme weaponry is also supplied through Ordnance Factory Board to the States as per their Annual Plans & Strategic priorities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2466 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Safe City Plan
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA, SUSHMITA DEV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2466

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  JANUARY, 2018/ PAUSHA 12, 1939 (SAKA) SAFE CITY PLAN

2466. SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA: KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has recently started the process of formulating  comprehensive  safe-city  plans  for  women  in  some  selected cities in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  any  authenticated  information  about cities in the country where women feel unsafe;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the time by which a comprehensive safe-city plan would be formulated in all the cities in the country?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Government  has  sought  comprehensive  safe  city  plans  for women  initially  in  eight  selected  cities  namely,  Delhi,  Kolkata,  Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Lucknow with a view to provide safety to women with funding from Nirbhaya Fund. The Municipal Commissioners  and  the  Police  Commissioners  of  these  cities  have  been asked to submit their detailed proposals through the State Governments at an early date.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2465 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Criminal Activities
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: JAY PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2465

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  JANUARY, 2018/ PAUSHA 12, 1939 (SAKA)

CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

†2465. SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  instances  of  sexual  harassment,  prostitution,  murder  and illegal possesion of arms in spiritual religious institutions and places have come to light during the last few years;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the total number of such cases reported during the last three years;

(c) whether it is a fact that State Government administrations and Central agencies  are  oblivious  of  these  illegal  activities  happening  in  spiritual religious institutions;

(d)  whether  these  illegal  activities  are  posing  threat  to  the  internal security of the country; and

(e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  to  stop  such  cases  in future?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Specific data regarding instances of sexual harassment, prostitution,  murder  and  illegal  possession  of  arms  in  spiritual  religious institutions  and  places  is  not  maintained  separately  by  National  Crime Records  Bureau (NCRB). The Union Government,  however, attaches highest importance to curb such illegal activities and crime.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.2465 FOR 02.01.2018

Ministry of Home Affairs has issued various advisories from time to time to the State Governments and UT Administrations, to handle crime cases; on prevention, registration, investigation & prosecution of crime; advisory on no  discrimination on  compulsory  registration  of FIRs;  crime  against women,  crime  against  children  and  crime  against  Scheduled  Castes/ Scheduled  Tribes  etc.  These  advisories  are  available  on  the  website  of Ministry of Home Affairs viz. http://www.mha.nic.in.

'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection  of  life  and  property  of  the  citizens  rest  primarily  with  the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2464 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Law and Order in Concurrent List
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: KULAMANI SAMAL, RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2464

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  JANUARY, 2018/ PAUSHA 12, 1939 (SAKA)

LAW AND ORDER IN CONCURRENT LIST

2464. DR. KULAMANI SAMAL: SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether the Government has any proposal to include the provision of Law  and  order  in  the  Concurrent  List  of  the  Constitution  in  order  to strengthen the legal action against criminals involved in crime cases;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received any recommendation from NITI Ayog to move police and public order to the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution;

(d) if so the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government has taken any decision in this regard and if so the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): No such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2463 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Wastage of Food in Ceremonies
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: CHHEDI PASWAN

## Government of India

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2463 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2018

## WASTAGE OF FOOD IN CEREMONIES

2463. SHRI CHHEDI PASWAN: (OIH)

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 proposes to take any measures to stop wastage of food in ceremonies like a festival, celebration, marriage etc.; and
- (b)
- 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)  & (b) : Government carries out publicity campaign through print and electronic media  to  sensitize  people  against  Food  Wastage  from  time  to  time.  In  addition, States/UTs were advised by Central Government to include chapter on prevention of food  wastage  in  the  school  syllabi  to  inculcate  awareness  among  young  students sensitize them against food wastage at the growing age itself.

*****

## ORIGINAL IN HINDI
Lok Sabha Question No. 2461 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Manual for Companies
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2461+ TO BE ANSWERED ON: 02.01.2018

## Manual for Companies

## 2461+  SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

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

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any manual/ guideline for fertilizers manufacturing  companies  regarding  precautions  to  be  taken  while  using fertilizers and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the responsible persons/ agencies for making the farmers aware about the precautions to be taken while using the fertilizers?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  THE  MINISTRY  OF PLANING  AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  & FERILIZERS

(RAO  INDERJIT  SINGH)

- (a)  &  (b):    No,  Sir.  The Government has not formulated any specific manual/ guidelines for fertilizer manufacturing companies regarding precautions to be taken while using fertilizers. However, Fertilizer manufacturing companies organize various farmers awareness programmes time to time.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2459 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Surgical Equipment Manufacturing Park
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: HARI OM PANDEY, SANTOSH KUMAR, (SMT.) RATNA DE(NAG)

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2459 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 nd  January, 2018

## Surgical Equipment Manufacturing Park

2459.  SHRI HARI OM PANDAY: SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR: DR. RATNA DE (NAG):

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  Surgical  Equipments  Manufacturing Parks in the country with foreign technological support;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  the  details  regarding  organizational  set  up,  funding  mechanism,  project  cost  and time line for the proposed project?

## 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) : No, Madam.

- (b) & (C) : Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2458 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Functional NDRF Battalions
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2458

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  JANUARY, 2018/ PAUSHA 12, 1939 (SAKA)

FUNCTIONAL NDRF BATTALIONS

†2458. SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number of battalions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) functioning at present;

(b) whether the NDRF proposes to include two more battalions to add to its manpower;

(c)  whether the amount incurred for upgradation of equipments procured for and used in disaster response has increased year by year and if so, the details thereof;

(d)  whether  any  review  regarding  preparedness of  NDRF keeping in view the occurrence of unforeseen disaster in the country has been carried out; and

(e) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a): At present, there are twelve battalions of National Disaster Response

Force (NDRF) functioning in the Country.

(b): Any  increase  in  the  number  of  Battalions  is  determined  keeping  in mind  various  factors  such  as  requirement,  availability  of  funds  and manpower, training capacity, battalion infrastructure, etc.

(c): Upgradation of equipment in NDRF is a continuous process.   NDRF have  procured  equipments  worth  Rs.  14.47  crore  in  2014-15,  Rs.  31.86 crore in 2015-16, Rs. 26.80 crore in 2016-17 & Rs. 17.90 crore in 2017-18 (till 27.12.2017)

(d) & (e): Operational preparedness and training of all the NDRF Battalions are regularly monitored, and include:

(i) Capacity  Building  programmes  of  various  stakeholders  including school safety programmes;

(ii) Mock Drills with various stakeholders such as Indian Railways, State Disaster  Management  Authority  (SDMA),  National  Disaster  Management Authority (NDMA), Multi Accidental Hazardous  Industries  (MAH) and schools;

(iii) Response  time  measurement  of  actual  deployment  during  disaster; and

(iv) Training  to  State  Disaster  Response  Force  (SDRF)  and  other  state personnel.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2453 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: CPSE Appointment Rules
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: (SMT.) RATNA DE(NAG), SANTOSH KUMAR, HARI OM PANDEY, MANOJ KUMAR TIWARI

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

*****

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2453 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 nd  January, 2018

## CPSE Appointment Rules

2453. DR. RATNA DE (NAG): SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR: SHRI HARI OM PANDAY: SHRI MANOJ TIWARI:

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

- (a) whether the Ministry proposes to amend the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) Appointment Rules;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d)  the  details  of  the  key  amendments  procedural  constraints  and  likely  impact  of  the aforesaid amendments, PSU-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) : There is no proposal in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises to amend the rules for appointment to posts in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Appointment to below Board level posts is made by the concerned CPSEs themselves. Appointment  to  full  time  Board  level  posts  in  CPSEs  is  made  by  the  concerned administrative Ministries on the basis of recommendations of Public Enterprises Selection Board after following the due procedure and obtaining approval of the competent authority.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2452 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-02
Subject: Illegal Sale of GM Cotton Seeds
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2452

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 ND  JANUARY, 2018

## ILLEGAL SALE OF GM COTTON SEEDS

2452.     SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

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

- (a) whether  the  farmers  in  Maharashtra  have  reported  the  illegal  sale  of  seeds  and cultivation of genetically modified cotton variant not yet approved for use in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to contain the use of unapproved GM cotton in the country?

## 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) & (b): No, Madam.  However, Media has reported on illegal sale of Herbicide Tolerant (HT)  containing  BT  cotton  seeds.    State  Department  of  Agriculture,  Maharashtra  has  drawn Seeds & Vegetative samples and submitted to accredited laboratories including laboratory of Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, which reported positive occurrence of HT genes in the samples.
- (c): State Department of Agriculture Maharashtra has initiated punitive action and lodged 3 FIR against the culprits.

********