opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4063 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Amendment in AFSPA
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: CH. MALLA REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4063

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA)

AMENDMENT IN AFSPA

4063. SHRI CH. MALLA REDDY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  amend  the  Armed  Forces Special Powers Act particularly sections 4 and 7 in Jammu and Kashmir and other places in view of certain Supreme Court orders against the use of 'excessive force' under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government would consider the withdrawal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): There is no proposal to amend the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir)  Special Powers Act, 1990.

There is no proposal under consideration of Government of India to withdraw  the  Armed  Forces  (Jammu  and  Kashmir)  Special  Powers  Act, 1990 from Jammu and Kashmir.

However, a proposal is  under  consideration  to  make  Armed  Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 more operationally effective and humane.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4059 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Infiltration of Terrorists from Coastal Areas
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4059

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA)

INFILTRATION OF TERRORISTS FROM COASTAL AREAS

4059. SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE: SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  incidents  of  infiltration  of  terrorists  by  breach  of  coastline have  been  reported  during  each  of  the  last  three  years  and  the  current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of persons killed/injured by these terrorists in coastal areas of the country during the said period, State-wise;

(c)  whether  the  coastal  areas  of  the  country  have  been  adequately safeguarded against infiltration of terrorists;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the mechanism adopted for review and monitoring of the entire coastal security apparatus in the country;

(e)  whether  the  coastal  States  have  been  equipped  with  adequate infrastructure and machinery to foil all kinds of infiltration bids; and

(f) if so, the details thereof ?

ANSWER

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

No Madam.  There has been no case of infiltration of terrorists

(a) & (b): by breach of coastline during last three years.

(c) to (f): Coastal  areas  of  the  country  are  safeguarded  by  the  police forces  of  the  respective coastal States/UTs, which have jurisdiction of up

to 12 nautical miles from the coast and by the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy, who have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles, including the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters.   Thus, there is adequate three-tier security for the coastal areas of the country.

Coastal  security  is  reviewed  periodically  with  relevant  stakeholders  by National  Committee  for  Strengthening  Maritime  and  Coastal  Security (NCSMCS) against threats from the Sea.

Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing a comprehensive and integrated Coastal  Security  Scheme  (CSS)  to  strengthen  security  infrastructure  of Police  of  Coastal  States/UTs.    Under  the  scheme,  194  Coastal  Police Stations (CPS) are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204  boats,  25  jetties,  284  four-wheelers,  554  two-wheelers,  97  check posts, 58 out posts and 30 barracks. The Coastal Police Stations are also equipped with navigation/communication equipment, card readers, equipment  enhancing  night  operation  capabilities  of  boats,  computer systems, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4054 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: RAF Battalions
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: DUSHYANT SINGH, RANJANBEN BHATT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4054

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA)

RAF BATTALIONS

4054. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH: SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  raise  more  battalions  of  Rapid Action Force (RAF) and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(b)  the  details  of  establishment  of  R.A.F.  Battalions  of  Central  Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in various States in the country;

(c) the details of the proposals sent by the State Government of Rajasthan for establishment of RAF Battalion of CRPF in the State;

(d) whether the Government has taken any action on the aforementioned proposal; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Government  has  approved  raising  5  more  Rapid  Action  Force

(RAF)  Battalions,  including  one  battalion  in  Rajasthan.    The  locations  of other  4  battalions  are  one  each  in  Bihar,  Uttar  Pradesh,  Haryana  and

Karnataka. The existing 10 RAF Battalions are located in Jharkhand, Uttar

Pradesh,  Madhya  Pradesh,  Gujarat,  Maharashtra,  Telangana,  Tamil  Nadu and Delhi.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4053 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Aids to Non-Governmental Organisations in FPI
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: BHARAT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4053 ANSWERED ON 20 TH  MARCH, 2018

## AIDS TO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN FPI

## †4053. SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

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

- (a) whether  Government  is  running  schemes  for  granting/expending  aids  to  non-governmental organisations working in the food processing sector in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the cosumption of processed food products is expected to rise from current 24 lakh crore rupees to 65 lakh crore rupees by 2025 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps contemplated by the Government to encourage food processing industry in the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b): Government  is  implementing  the  Central  Sector  Scheme  PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA  YOJANA  (PMKSY) for  promotion  and  development  of  food  processing  sector  in  the country.  Non-Governmental  Organisations  (NGOs)  working  in  food  processing  sector  and  meeting  the eligibility criteria under the following schemes of PMKSY can also avail grant-in-aid:

- (i) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure;
- (ii) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities;
- (iii) Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters; and
- (iv) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.
- (c): No such estimate of consumption of processed food products has been made by this Ministry.

(d): The PMKSY is a comprehensive package to give renewed thrust to the food processing sector in the country.    The  new  schemes  under  it  aim  at  development  of  modern  infrastructure  to  encourage entrepreneurs to set up food processing units based on cluster approach, provide effective and seamless backward  and  forward  integration  for  processed  food  industry  by  plugging  gaps  in  supply  chain  and creation  of  processing  and  preservation  capacities  and  modernization  /expansion  of  existing  food processing units.  Besides, the Government has taken a number of policy initiatives like permitting 100% FDI  through  automatic  route  in  manufacturing  of  food  products  and  100%  FDI  under  Government approval  route  for  trading,  including  through  e-commerce,  in  respect  of  food  products  produced  and/or manufactured in India; Creation of special fund of Rs. 2000 Crore in National Bank for Agriculture and Rural  Development  (NABARD)  to  provide  affordable  credit;  Classification  of  food  &  agro-based processing units and Cold Chain as agriculture activity for Priority Sector Lending (PSL); lower Goods & Services Tax (GST) rates for majority of food products, 100% exemption of Income Tax on profit for new food processing units, etc.,  to encourage food processing industry in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4046 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Fertilizer Production
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: RAJIV PRATAP RUDY

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  4046 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2018

## Fertilizer Production

## 4046.  SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any specific plan for starting new urea and other fertilizer  plants  in  the  country  and  Bihar  in  particular  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  steps  to  reduce  the  dependency  on import of fertilizers and subsequently increase the production of fertilizers  in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the mechanism adopted by the Government to make the country self-reliant in fertilizer supply?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  THE  MINISTRY  OF PLANNING;  AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  & FERTILIZERS

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a): Government of India is reviving 5 closed fertilizer plants of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. (HFCL) namely Talcher, Ramagundam, Gorakhpur  and Sindri  plants  of  FCIL  and  Barauni  plant  of  HFCL  by setting up new Ammonia Urea plants of 12.7 Lakh metric tonne per annum capacity each using state of the art technology, in the following States:-

|   Sl No. | Name of Fertilizer plant                | Name of location &State where plant is located   |
|----------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Talcher Fertilizers Ltd.                | Talcher, Odisha                                  |
|        2 | Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. | Ramagundam, Telangana                            |
|        3 | Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL) | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh                         |
|        4 | Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL) | Sindri, Jharkhand                                |
|        5 | Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL) | Barauni, Bihar                                   |

The production capacity of each of above 5 plants is 12.7 Lakh metric tonne per annum. In addition to above, Cabinet on 21.05.2015 approved the setting up of a new  Ammonia-  Urea  complex  of  8.646  LMTPA  capacity  at  Namrup  within  the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).

- (b) & (c):    The aforesaid proposal upon implementation/ operation will bridge the gap between demand and supply of urea in the country, and will rejuvenate the fertilizer sector. Subsequent to commissioning/ start of the above plants, the indigenous urea production  will  be  enhanced  by  72.146  lakh  metric  tonne  per  year  leading  to  huge reduction in import of urea.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4045 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Youth Joining Terrorism
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: SURESH KODIKUNNIL, POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM, HARIOM SINGH RATHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4045

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA) YOUTH JOINING TERRORISM

4045.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH: SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM: SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether a large number of youths are showing inclination/joining various terrorist  groups  in  the  country  including  Lashkar-E-Taiba  (LeT),  Jaish-eMohammed and IS/ISIS for the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (c)  the  manner  in  which  suspected  social  media  platforms  run  by  IS sympathizers are identified and analyzed for potentially dangerous content;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  supporting  community  outreach  programmes as a part of the strategy to deal with the threat of youth in India joining the Islamic State or other outfits; and
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  other  measures  being  taken  to deter youths from being influenced by the ideology of the said outfits?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to  (e):  Terrorist  Organisations  are  using  various  methods,  including  the use of internet based social media platforms, to propagate their ideology and to influence the youth to join them.  However, few individuals from India have reportedly joined the terrorist outfits.  The Central and State Law Enforcement Agencies keep a close watch on the cyber space and suitable action is taken on  any  reported  violation  of  law.    Various  programmes  are  also  being undertaken to counter the influence of radical outfits.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4044 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Tunnel along Borders
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4044

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA)

TUNNEL ALONG BORDERS

4044.

SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  are  repeated  discoveries  of  tunnels  along  the  Indo-Pakistan border,  triggering  concerns  about  the  efficacy  of  the  existing  border  security system;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in enhancing technologies concerning border management and plugging such loopholes;
- (c) whether there have been delays in releasing the Expression of Interest for a Comprehensive  Integrated  Border  Management  System  and  analyzing  reports concerning  border  security  and  technology  applications  factoring  as force multipliers by the Home Ministry; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b): BSF has detected tunnels along the Indo-Pakistan border.  The details of  tunnel  detected  during  last  three  years  along  Indo-Pakistan  Border  are  as under:

(In Nos.)

| State           | Year   |      |      |                            |
|-----------------|--------|------|------|----------------------------|
|                 | 2015   | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 (upto February, 2018) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | -      | 02   | 02   | -                          |
| Punjab          | -      | -    | -    | -                          |
| Rajasthan       | -      | -    | -    | -                          |
| Gujarat         | -      | -    | -    | -                          |
| Total           | -      | 02   | 02   | -                          |

*****

## LS.US.Q.No.4044 FOR 20.03.2018

## BSF  has  taken  following  measures  to  enhance  security  along  Indo-Pakistan Border:

- (i) Effective  domination  of  the  borders  by  carrying  out  round  the  clock surveillance of the border viz. patrolling, laying nakas, establishing of observation posts all along the India-Pakistan Border and undertaking intelligence based operations.
- (ii) Vulnerability mapping of BOPs is carried out from time to time in  view of  cross  border  crimes.    These  borders  are  further  strengthened  by deploying additional manpower, Special Surveillance Equipment, vehicles and other infrastructural support.
- (iii) All dead zones between fence and International Border (IB) as well as across IB are identified and closely monitored.
- (iv) Anti-tunneling exercise is being conducted on regular basis in vulnerable areas.
- (v) Periodical aerial observation of border by conducting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle missions.
- (vi) Clearing of wild growth upto 100 meters on home side.
- (c): No Madam.
- (d): Does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4039 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Regional Languages
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4039

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 29, 1939 (SAKA) REGIONAL LANGUAGES

4039. SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether a number of regional languages have been given recognition by the Union Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of regional languages given recognition in the country, Statewise including Madhya Pradesh;

(d)  whether  demand  for  recognition  of  regional  languages  is  rising  in  the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard, State-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): At present, there are 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. These are as under:

(1) Assamese, (2) Bengali, (3) Gujarati, (4) Hindi, (5) Kannada, (6) Kashmiri, (7)

Konkani, (8) Malayalam, (9) Manipuri, (10) Marathi, (11) Nepali, (12) Odia, (13)

Punjabi, (14) Sanskrit, (15) Sindhi, (16) Tamil, (17) Telugu, (18) Urdu (19) Bodo,

(20) Santhali, (21) Maithili and (22) Dogri.

Several of these languages are spoken in several States, and their use is not restricted by State boundaries.

(d) & (e): At present requests have been received for inclusion of following 38 more languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution:-

(1)  Angika,  (2)  Banjara,  (3)  Bazika,  (4)  Bhojpuri,  (5)  Bhoti,  (6)  Bhotia,  (7) Bundelkhandi, (8) Chhattisgarhi, (9) Dhatki, (10) English, (11) Garhwali (Pahari), (12) Gondi, (13) Gujjar/Gujjari (14) Ho, (15) Kachachhi, (16) Kamtapuri, (17) Karbi, (18) Khasi, (19) Kodava (Coorg), (20) Kok Barak, (21) Kumaoni (Pahari), (22) Kurak, (23) Kurmali, (24) Lepcha, (25) Limbu, (26) Mizo (Lushai), (27) Magahi, (28) Mundari, (29) Nagpuri, (30) Nicobarese, (31) Pahari (Himachali), (32) Pali, (33) Rajasthani, (34) Sambalpuri/Kosali, (35) Shaurseni (Prakrit), (36) Siraiki, (37) Tenyidi and (38) Tulu.

As the evolution of dialects and languages is dynamic, influenced by socioeco-political  developments,  it  is  difficult  to  fix  any  criterion  for  languages, whether  to  distinguish  them  from  dialects,  or  for  inclusion  in  the  Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Thus, both the earlier attempts, through the Pahwa (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra (2003) Committees to evolve such fixed criteria have not borne fruit.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4037 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4037 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2018

## Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

4037. SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aiming to have only Electric Vehicles (EVs) sold in the country by the year 2030;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  such  vehicles  need  a  robust  charging  infrastructure across the country; and
- (c)  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government to  ensure that such  a charging network is set up across the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to  (c):    At  present,  Department  of  Heavy  Industry  does  not  have  any  proposal  for  only Electric Vehicles (EVs) to be sold in the country by the year 2030

However,  it  is  observed  that  a  robust  charging  infrastructure  would    be    needed    for successful  adoption  of  electric  vehicle technology in the  country.

To  develop  charging  infrastructure, specific projects received under  different  focus areas    namely    Pilot  Project,  Technology  Development  and  Charging    Infrastructure  were considered  for  funding  under  Phase-1 of  the  FAME   India   scheme [ Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric  Vehicles  in   India].

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4036 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-20
Subject: Electric Vehicle Technology
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4036 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2018

## Electric Vehicle Technology

## 4036. SHRI PONGULETI  SRINIVASA REDDY:

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

- (a) whether the Government is pushing for electric vehicle technology very aggresively, but carmakers are expressing concern that it will be challenging and very difficult to make electric cars affordable for Indian market;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to invent alternative material through R&D for electric car batteries instead of lithium-ion?

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

(a) & (b): In order to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure  sustainable  growth  of  the  same,    Department  of  Heavy  Industry  formulated  a  scheme namely  FAME India [Faster  Adoption  and  Manufacturing  of  (Hybrid  &)  Electric  Vehicles  in India]  for  the  initial  period  of  2  years  commencing  from  1 st April  2015  (Phase-I),  which  was subsequently extended upto 31 st March 2018. The scheme has four (4) components i.e. Demand Creation, Technology Platform/ R&D, Charging Infrastructure and Pilot Project.

The  cost  of  electric  vehicles  is  substantially  higher  than  the  conventional  Internal Combustion Engine vehicles due to high cost of battery. However, in order to make it affordable, the demand incentives are being extended for electric/hybrid vehicles under FAME scheme, as detailed  in  Annexure  13  of  the  Gazette  Notification  of  the  scheme,  which  is  available  in  the Department of Heavy Industry's website (www.dhi.nic.in).

Further,  to  enable  acceptance/promotion  of  this  new  technology,  specific  projects received under Pilot Project, R&D/Technology Development and Public Charging Infrastructure were also funded under the scheme.

- (c): Department of Science & Technology informed that four (4) research groups (ISRO, CSIR, ARCI & IIT Bombay) are researching Lithium ion Battery technology. They will be encouraged to collaborate for lower cost lithium ion battery and alternative batteries.

**********