opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1812 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Role of NDRF in Disaster Management
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: SUDHEER GUPTA, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, ANWHAR RAAJHAA, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, NARANBHAI KACHHADIA, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1812

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 06 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 15, 1939 (SAKA)

## ROLE OF NDRF IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1812.

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

SHRI A. ANWHAR RAAJHAA:

SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR:

KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH:

SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR:

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  celebrated  the  National  Disaster  Response Force (NDRF) 13th Raising Day recently;
- (b) if so, the extent to which the objectives of observing the said day has been achieved;
- (c) the number of disaster operations in which NDRF participated and the number  of  programmes  organized  along  with  the  number  of  people sensitized by the NDRF during the year, 2017;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to enhance the strength of NDRF in view of huge work load; and
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken  to  provide  high  level training  and  hi-tech  equipment  to  NDRF  team  for  providing  relief  in disasters?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Yes, Madam. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its

13 th   Raising  Day  on  19 th   January,  2018  at  Vigyan  Bhawan,  New  Delhi.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1812 FOR 06.03.2018

(b): Raising Day was celebrated as per practice in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to showcase the special achievements and instill a sense of pride and motivation in the force.

(c): Total 451 operations were conducted during the year 2017 in which 4130 persons were rescued; 97214 persons were evacuated; and 570 dead bodies  were  retrieved.  NDRF  had  also  conducted  248  familiarization exercises  (FAMEx);  508  Mock  Exercise  in  which  195130  persons  were benefited, 1166 Community Awareness Programmes (CAPs) were conducted in which 475199 persons were benefited; and 876 School Safety Programmes  (SSPs)  were  conducted  in  which  380577  persons  were benefited.

(d) and (e):      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.

NDRF Academy imparts high level training to NDRF personnel as well as SDRF and other Stakeholders. Up-gradation of NDRF Teams with high-tech equipments for providing relief in disasters is a continuous process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1806 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Setting up of Agricultural Reseach Centre
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: VISHNU DAYAL RAM

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1806 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/03/2018

## SETTING UP OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE

1806.  SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

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

- (a) whether there is an Agriculture Research Centre in Daltonganj region of Palamu District of Jharkhand, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Union  Government  proposes  to  set  up  an  Agricultural  College  in Daltonganj region of Jharkhand; and
- (c) if so, the time by which the agricultural college is likely to be set up?

## 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) There  is  no  Agriculture  research  Centre  of  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Daltonganj region of Palamu district of Jharkhand.
- (b) Agriculture including agriculture education is a state subject. Opening  of agricultural college is the responsibility of the respective State Government.  However, financial  supports  may  be  provided  by  the  Government  of  India,  Department  of Agricultural  Research  &  Education  to  State  Agriculture  Universities  to  improve  the quality of research and for attaining excellence in specific strategic areas in education.

- (c) Question does not arise.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1804 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: E-national Agriculture Market
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SRINIVAS KESINENI

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1804

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  6 TH  MARCH, 2018

## E-NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MARKET

1804.  SHRI KESINENI NANI:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  total  value  of  merchandise  auctioned  through  the  e-National Agriculture Market platform since it was launched;
- (b) whether a base line survey was done by the Government to check the quantum of agricultural produce traded through major markets in the country, if so, the details of the baseline numbers for top 5 goods;
- (c) the details of the model mandi selected for Andhra Pradesh and the details of the funds likely to be allocated by the Government for the said purpose; and
- (d) the details of the remaining 185 mandis which are to be covered by 31 st March, 2018 as per NAM timeline?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) & (b): The total value of trade of agriculture merchandise recorded through the E-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform since its launch is Rs. 39,062 Cr. No base  line  survey  was  done  by  the  Government  to  check  the  quantum  of  agricultural produce  traded  through  major  markets  in  the  country  for  launching  the  scheme  of National Agriculture Market.
- (c): The  implementation  of  e-NAM  in  the  regulated  mandis  depends  on  State Governments.  The  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh  has  selected  Guntur  mandi  for development  as  model  e-NAM  mandi.  One  time  grant  of  Rs.  30.00  lakh/mandi  has already been provided to the State by Central Government.
- (d): The Government has so far approved 585 mandis for integration with e-NAM out of which 498 mandis are already integrated so far with e-NAM. Remaining 87 mandis are targeted to be integrated by 31st March 2018. Since the actual implementation of eNAM is done by the States, speed of integration depends on the progress made by the States.

The Government is continuously following up with the States and is confident that remaining 87 mandis will also be integrated by 31st march with e-NAM.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1803 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Death due to Attack
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: JITENDRA CHAUDHURY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1803

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 06 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 15, 1939 (SAKA) DEATH DUE TO ATTACK

1803. SHRI JITENDRA CHAUDHURY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of people belonging to Communist Party dying due to attack from people belonging to some other political parties in the country during the last two years, State-wise; and

(b) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

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

(a): National  Crime  Records  Bureau  has  reported  that  no  such  data  is maintained by them.

(b): 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects as per the provisions of  the  Constitution  of  India.    The  responsibilities  of  maintaining  law  and order, including investigation, registration/prosecution of crimes, conviction  of  accused,  protection  of  life  and  property  etc.  rest  primarily with the respective State Government.  The Central Government keeps a constant watch on the internal security scenario of the country through its security agencies. Alerts and advisories are issued to the law enforcement agencies whenever any threat to internal security is perceived including providing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to the State Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1802 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: DRM Workers
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: BISHNU PADA RAY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1802

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 06 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 15, 1939 (SAKA)

DRM WORKERS

1802. SHRI BISHNU PADA RAY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  every  Department  in  the  Union  Territory  of  Andaman  and Nicobar  Administration  has  implemented  the  Order  No.  289  dated  22nd September, 2017 for grant of 1/30th Pay + DA to the Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRM) working in the various Departments w.e.f. 01.09.2017;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of employees covered under the said order, Department-wise; and

(c)  the  number of employees not covered under the order along with the reasons therefor Department-wise?

ANSWER

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

(a): No Madam.

(b): Does not arise in view of (a) above.

(c): Department has not finalized  seniority  list  and  therefore  number  of employees not covered Department-wise could not be ascertained.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1800 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: New Market Support System
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO JADHAV

O.I.H.

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1800

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  6 TH  MARCH, 2018

## NEW MARKET SUPPORT SYSTEM

1800.  SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  formulating  any  scheme  to  introduce  new  Market Support System (MSS) with the assistance of State Governments for the farmers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the crops likely to be covered under the system;
- (c) whether the  proposed  MSS  is  likely  to  ensure  that  farmers  could  get  MSP  for their crops despite a fall in the prices of crops in the whole sale market;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if  not, the reasons therefor and the time by which proposed MSS is likely to be introduced in the country?

## 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) to (e): Concept  notes  on  decentralized  procurement  mechanisms  involving  the State  Government  for  ensuring  Minimum  Support  Price  (MSP)  to  farmers  for  Pulses, Oilseeds & Nutri Cereals have been circulated to all the State Governments/UTs.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1799 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Infrastructure Status to Housing Projects
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: BALKA SUMAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1799

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 06, 2018

## INFRASTRUCTURE STATUS TO HOUSING PROJECTS

No. 1799 SHRI SUMAN BALKA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has granted Infrastructure status to affordable  housing  projects  to  ensure  lower  borrowing  rates, tax concessions & increased flow of Foreign & Private Capital; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) & (b):   Ministry  of  Finance  has  issued  a  Notification  dated  30 March,  2017  including  'affordable  housing'  under  the harmonized list  of  infrastructure  sub-sector  by  insertion of  a  new  item  in  category  of  'Social  and  Commercial Infrastructure'.

This  will  facilitate  access  to  low  cost  and  long  term funds  for  the  sector,  which  will  reduce  the  cost  of affordable  housing  to  the  consumer.  This  will  augment resource  allocation  for  the  sector  which,  in  turn,  will boost housing supply.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1797 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Disability Certificates
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL, MAHEISH GIRRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Divyangian) MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1797 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.03.2018

## Disability Certificates

## 1797. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL: SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the difficulties faced by differently abled people in obtaining disability certificates in the country; being
- (b) ifso, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government has simplified/proposes to simplify the procedure for issuing disability certificates in States/UTs; and
- (d) if s0, the details thereof and ifnot; the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)

- (a) Yes; Sir.
- (b) to (d) The State Governments are responsible for grant of disability certificates Mostly the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities relate to multiple number of visits to medical authorities and in issuance of certificate of disability due to lack of adequate medical Up issuance of disability certificates to the persons with disabilities on campaign mode. The matter is also reviewed the annual meetings with State Ministers/Secretaries being delay during

to   implement   Unique Disability Identity Card project to facilitate hassle free identification and certification of every person with disability. Disability Identity Card Project is a web-based software project which envisages to create a National data base for persons with disabilities, issue Unique ID card and disability certificate for persons with disabilities. The   project   envisages   adequate publicity at the district/block level for its effective implementation, and also timely issuance of disability certificate by making medical professionals available for the purpose; Unique
Lok Sabha Question No. 1796 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Foreign Funds to PHFI
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ANANDRAO  ADSUL, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, DHARMENDRA YADAV, Shrirang Appa Barne, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1796

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 06 TH  MARCH, 2018/ PHALGUNA 15, 1939 (SAKA)

## FOREIGN FUNDS TO PHFI

1796.

SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has permitted the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to receive the foreign contributions once again and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  had  earlier  banned  the  PHFI  to  receive  the foreign contributions and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  imposed  rider  for  receiving  foreign contributions and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  the  steps  taken  or  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  stop misutilisation of foreign contributions?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Yes, Madam.  The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) shall have to obtain prior permission under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 before acceptance of each foreign contribution.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1796 FOR 06.03.2018

(b): The renewal of registration of the PHFI was rendered non-est ab-initio after  receiving  information  of  alleged  violations  of  the  provisions  of  the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010.

(c) & (d): The  PHFI  shall  provide  detailed  information  to  the  Ministry  of Health & Family welfare regarding utilisation of the foreign contribution at the  end  of  every  quarter.    A  Committee  constituted  by  the  Ministry  of Health & Family Welfare is to review the foreign contribution received and spent by the PHFI on quarterly basis.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1795 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: MSP for Fruits and Vegetables
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: MD. BADARIDDOZA KHAN, A.T. (NANA) PATIL

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1795

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  6 TH  MARCH, 2018

## MSP FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

1795.  SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN: SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  fix  the  Minimum  Support  Prices (MSPs) for fruits and vegetables;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to provide remunerative prices to the fruit and vegetable growing farmers in order to improve their condition?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to (c): Government fixes minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 major agricultural crops viz. paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, arhar, moong, urad, groundnutin-shell, soyabean, sunflower, sesamum, nigerseed, cotton, wheat, barley, gram, masur (Lentil),  rapeseed/mustard,  safflower,  jute  and  copra  and  fair  &  remunerative  price (FRP)  for  sugarcane  on  the  basis  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Commission  for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), after obtaining the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments concerned and other relevant factors. In addition, MSP for toria and de-husked coconut is also fixed on the basis of MSPs of rapeseed/mustard and copra respectively.

Government implements Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of agricultural and horticultural crops including fruits and vegetables which are not covered under the MSP on the request of State/UT Governments. The MIS is implemented in order  to  protect  the  growers  of  these  commodities  from  making  distress  sale  in  the event  of  bumper  crop  when  the  prices  tend  to  fall  below  the  economic  level/cost  of production. Losses, if any, incurred by the procuring agencies are shared by the Central Government  and  the  concerned  State  Government  on  50:50  basis  (75:25  in  case  of North-Eastern States).

In addition, Government under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture  (MIDH)  scheme  is  supporting  farmers  producer  organization  and  post production  activities  including  pack  houses,  cold  storages,  marketing  infrastructure  to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1792 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: FCI Procurement Centres
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1792 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH  MARCH, 2018

## FCI PROCUREMENT CENTRES

1792.   SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY:

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  State  of  Bihar  has  adequate  number  of  FCI  centres  to procure paddy or wheat;
- (b) whether the Government has any plan to increase the number of FCI centres in Bihar in future; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

(a),  (b)  &  (c):  State  Govt.  of  Bihar  has  adopted  De-Centralised  System  of Procurement (DCP) for Wheat and Paddy, w.e.f KMS 2013-14 onwards and all procurement  activities  are  being  carried  out  by  State  Govt./its  agencies through  Vyapar  Mandal  and  Primary  Agriculture  Co-operative  societies (PACS).  In  a  DCP  State,  the  State  procures,  stores  and  distributes  the foodgrains.  Only  the  shortfall  in  requirement  to  meet  NFSA  allocation  is taken from FCI or excess over NFSA requirement is handed over to FCI. FCI inducts  foodgrain  from  surplus  procuring  States  to  meet  the  shortfall  and move out the excess taken from State to consuming States.

FCI is not involved in the procurement of paddy & wheat in the State.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1791 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-06
Subject: Intrest Burden on Urea
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1791 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 06.03.2018

## Interest Burden on Urea

## 1791+  SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY:

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

- (a) Whether the Government is aware of the heavy burden of interest on urea manufacturers;
- (b) If so, the details of the accumulated amount of interest during the last three years, PSU-wise and cooperative sector wise;
- (c) Whether urea manufacturers are compelled to borrow loan from the banks due  to  delay  in  payment  of  subsidy  and  the  burden  of  subsidy  is  carried forward every year;
- (d) Whether the Government is aware of the problems being faced by the urea manufacturers;
- (e) If so, the details thereof; and
- (f) Whether  the  Ministry  has  approached  the  Ministry  of  Finance  to  provide relief to the urea manufacturers by providing special banking facilities in the current financial year and if so, the details and the present status thereof?

## 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) & (b): Yes, Madam. However, no such data is maintained by the Department of Fertilizers.

(c), to (e): The  Government  has  decided  to  introduce  Direct  Benefit  Transfer (DBT)  system  for  fertilizer  subsidy  payments.  Under  the  proposed  fertilizer  DBT system, 100% subsidy on various fertilizer grades shall be released to the fertilizer companies on weekly basis on the basis of actual sales made by the retailers to the beneficiaries.  Sale  of  all  subsidized  fertilizers  to  farmers/buyers  will  be  made through Point of Sale (PoS) devices installed at each retailer shop.

(f): Yes Madam. Ministry of Finance has been approached for Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for fertilizers during the current financial. However, the SBA is not being utilized for payment of Urea subsidy.

*********