opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5034 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Use of GM Animals in Biomedical Research
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: CH. MALLA REDDY, MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVNTHI)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RESEARCH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5034 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH DECEMBER , 2016

## USE OF GM ANIMALS IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

## 5034. SHRI CH. MALLA REDDY: SHRI MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI):

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the use of Genetically Modified (GM) animals in biomedical research is increasing;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons refor;

- (c)  whether  new  gene -editing  tools  are much  easier  and  cheaper  to  create  such animals  with altered characters, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government to  discourage  scientists  from  using  GM animals  in biomedical research?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

(a) & (b): As  informed  by  Department  of  Bio - Technology,  Genetically  Modified  (GM) animals  or  transgenic  animals  are  routinely  used  in  the  laborator y  as  models  in  biomedical research. These animals are important tools for research on genetics and metabolism of diseases for drug discovery through specific responses to therapeutic interventions. Tr mice are also used for producing drugs su ch as therapeutic proteins and antibodies. Most of the antibodies used for treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, arthritis and others ski are  produced  in  transgenic  mice.  Transgenic  farm  animals  are  also  used  at  R&D  stage producing large amount of advanced drugs.

(c): New  gene- editing  technologies  involve  simpler  form  of  genetic  engineering  whic employ special enzymes called 'nucleases' to insert, delete or modify genes of interest in the living  organisms.  The  technique  is  still  undergo ing  several  developments  to  ensure  more precisions and less side effects.

(d): Transgenic animal research and commercial use requires elaborate and step - by- step food and environmental safety assessment under regulatory frameworks as per the relevant law in many  countries  of  the  world.  In  India  all  activities  involving  genetically  engineered including gene editing are regulated under Rules 1989 of EPA 1986.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Guidelines for Women Employees
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAGHAV LAKHANPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5033 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 16TH DECEMBER, 2016 [AGRAHAYANA 25, 1938 (SAKA)]

## GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN EMPLOYEES

## QUESTION

5033. SHRI RAGHAV LAKHANPAL:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognizance  that  the  companies located  in  the  National  Capital  Region  particularly  in  Noida,  Ghaziabad  and Gurgaon are violating the guidelines by keeping female employees in office after permissible time and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has also taken note that female employees are kept in office beyond duty hours even in the absence of any female supervisors in accordance with the Government guidelines; and
- (c) if so, the action taken against such errant companies during the last two years?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY          (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Labour & Employment has informed that the working conditions are governed by Shops and Establishment Act of respective State Government and suitable action is taken by the respective State Government for any violation of the provisions of their respective Act.

The Government of India have circulated to all States the 'Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016 for adopting the same as it is or modifying their existing State Shops and Establishment Act as per their requirement.

Under the Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, no woman shall be required or allowed to work in  a  shop  or  establishment  except  between  the  hours  of  6  a.m.  to  9  p.m. Provided that where the State Government or any person, authorized by it in this behalf, is satisfied that the provision of shelter, rest room, night creche, ladies toilet, adequate protection of their dignity, honour and safety, protection from sexual harassment, and their transportation from the shop or establishment  to  the  door  step  of  their  residence  exists  in  such  shop  or establishment, it may, by notification, after obtaining consent of the women worker, allow her to work between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Billionaires in India
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: RATTAN LAL KATARIA

- (a) the number of billionaires in the world belonging to Europe, Asia and America;
- (b) the number of billionaires in India;
- (c)  whether  the  gap  between  rich  and  the  poor  is  widening  as  a  result  of  growing number of billionaires in the world and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the demonetization policy is likely to strengthen economic inclusiveness and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a)  &  (b):  Government  does  not  maintain  information  on  the  wealth  of  individual  tax payers, and hence, any credible information on the number of billionaires in India or any other country is not available with the Government.
- (c):  The  World  Bank  Report  titled  'Poverty  and  Shared  Prosperity  2016;  Taking  on Inequality' mentions that between 2008 and 2013, the number of countries experiencing declining  inequality  was  twice  the  number  exhibiting  widening  inequality,  and  that, despite the progress, stark inequalities persist.

(d) & (e): The Government has laid considerable emphasis on promoting inclusiveness in  growth  through  measures  that, inter-alia ,  include:  the  landmark  initiative  of  the Government  for  financial  inclusion--Pradhan  Mantri  Jan  Dhan  Yojana,  initiatives  to improve  public  delivery  through  plugging  leakages  in  subsidies  and  other  welfare programmes, implementation of various wage and self-employment programmes, multipronged skill  development  programmes and entrepreneurial opportunities through the Stand  Up  India  programme.  The  increasing  formalization  of  the  economy  and  the impact on curbing unaccounted incomes that cancellation of legal tender character of old  Rs.  500  and  Rs.  1000  notes  can  bring  about,  is  expected  to  release  significant resources  for  the  Government  to  further  pursue  its  inclusive  policies  and  create opportunities  for  the  poor  in  the  medium-term.    Further,  digital  transactions  will  gain greater currency leading to greater financial inclusion.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5031 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Modern Arms and Equipment
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAVNEET SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5031

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## MODERN ARMS AND EQUIPMENT

5031.  SHRI  RAVNEET SINGH:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Armed forces have to depend on foreign countries for getting modern arms and equipment, despite the claims of self sufficiency in every field in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the country has not achieved the desired success in the field of defence research and innovation as per the circumstances and the needs; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

( डा . सुभाष भामरे )

- (a) & (b): Procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic  as well as foreign vendors, based  on  threat perceptions, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in           a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.

During the last two financial years, 73 contracts involving a value of Rs.  72,303.34  crore  were  signed  with  Indian  vendors  and  35  contracts involving     a value of Rs. 40,433.47 crore were signed with foreign vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment.

- (c) & (d): Defence  Research  and  Development  Organisation  (DRDO)  is primarily  involved  in  design  and  development  of  strategic,  complex  and security sensitive systems in the fields of armaments, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars, electronic warfare systems, sonars, combat vehicles,  combat  aircraft,  sensor  etc  for  the  Armed  Forces  as  per  their specific  Qualitative  Requirements.    DRDO  also  interacts  with  public  and private companies in technology development projects.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5030 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Bank Loans
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: AJAY NISHAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†5030

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 th  December, 2016/ Agrahayana 25, 1938 (SAKA)

## Bank Loans QUESTION

## †5030.  SHRI AJAY NISHAD:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the guidelines issued by the Government to banks for providing loan to various sectors along with the interest rate imposed thereunder; and
- (b) the steps taken by the Government for easy availability of loan to such sectors?

## ANSWER

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b):  Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a Master Circular on Priority Sector Lending -Targets and Classification on dated July 1, 2015. The targets / sub-targets set  under  priority  sector  lending  for  all  Scheduled  Commercial  Banks  are  furnished below:

| Categories                  | Domestic SCBs with 20 branches and above                                                                                              |
|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Total Priority Sector       | 40 percent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher.         |
| Agriculture                 | 18 percent of ANBC or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher.                                    |
| Micro Enterprises           | 7.5 percent of ANBC or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher to be achieved in a phased manner. |
| Advances to Weaker Sections | 10 percent of ANBC or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher.                                    |

RBI vide its guidelines on Interest Rate on Advances dated 17 th  December 2015 followed by Master Direction dated 29 th  March 2016 on Interest Rate on Advances, have  directed  all  Scheduled  Commercial  Banks  to  calculate  Base  Rates  using  the Marginal Cost of Funds. The Government and RBI do not interfere in fixing the interest rate on loans. Presently, each bank fix the Marginal Cost Lending Rate (MCLR) based on RBI guidelines and varies from bank to bank.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5029 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Corporate Data Management Scheme
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: SRINIVAS KESINENI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5029 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2016 [AGRAHAYANA 25, 1938 (SAKA)]

## CORPORATE DATA MANAGEMENT SCHEME

## QUESTION

5029. SHRI KESINENI NANI:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of expenditure incurred under the Corporate Data Management Scheme during the last three years; and
- (b) whether research studies and surveys have been produced and published during the above period and if so, the details thereof and outcome thereon?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS      (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्रालर् में राज्र् मंत्री ( श्री अर्जयन राम मेघवाल )

- (a) Corporate  Data  Management  (CDM)  is  a  new  Central  Sector Plan  Scheme initiated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in the Financial Year 2015-16. Out of Rs. 5 crore allocated for the FY 2015-16, an amount of Rs. 4.55 crore was spent.
- (b)
- No, Madam.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5028 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: ATM Slip in Regional Languages
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: DIPSINH SHANKARSINH RATHOD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16th DECEMBER, 2016 (FRIDAYJAGRAHAYANA 25, 1938 (SAKA)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION 5028

5028. SHRI D.S. RATHOD:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has issued any instructions to Sector Banks (PSBs) to provide ATM transaction slips in regional languages; and
- b) if the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard? SO,

## Answer

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) and (b) RBI has not issued any instructions to Public   Sector Banks (PSBs) to provide ATM transaction slips in regional languages
Lok Sabha Question No. 5026 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Demonetisation without Adequate Preparation
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 5026 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH DECEMBER 2016/25 TH AGRAHAYANA SAKA, 1938 DEMONETISATION WITHOUT ADEQUATE PREPARATION

## 5026. PROF. PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA:

## QUESTION

## Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the All India Bank Officers' Association said that the decision to implement demonetisation by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) was taken without adequate preparation is unjustified;
- (c) the point on which careful consideration were given by the Government before implementation of demonetisation?
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reactions of the Government thereto; and

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

*****

- (a) No such information is available with the Government.
- (b) Doesn't arise.
- (c) The primary objectives of the cancellation of legal tender character of old high denomination banknotes is to curb terror-financing and to eliminate black money and Fake Indian Currency Notes.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5025 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Foreign Loan to Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: JAYADEV GALLA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC  AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5025 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16TH DECEMBER,  2016

## FOREIGN LOAN TO ANDHRA PRAOESH

## 5025.  SHRI JAYADEV GALLA:

Will the Minister  of FINANCE  be pleased  to state:

- (a) whether  the Government is aware that Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned loans for various instrtutions/developmental projects including construction of new capital in Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) lf so, the details  thereof  , and
- (c)  the details  of the funds sanctioned  for the purpose along with the number of instalments  and the time period  by which the said amount is Iikely to be released?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE IN THE MINISTRY  OF FINANCE (SHRI  ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) The Board of Asian Development Banf  lnDd)  has approved a project named "Visakhapatnam-  Chennai  lndustrial Corridor  Development Program" (VCICDP)  in September 2016 to be implemented  in the State of Andhra Pradesh.  The VCICDP  compnses  a multitranche financing  facility (MFF),  a grant,  a  policy-based  loan (PBL), and a technical assistance. No loan has been sanctioned by the ADB for construction  of the new capital in Andhra Pradesh.
- (b) The details of the project refened to at (a) above are as follows:
- 1) $500 million  two-tranche MFF to build key infrastructure,
- 2) $125 million two{ranche  pBL  to support poricy  reforms and institutionar development in the state.
- 3) $5 miilion grant  from the murti-donor  Urban crimate  change Rersilience Trust Fund that is managed by ADB to build climate  change resilient infrastructure in Visakhapatnam,
- 4) $1 mlllion technrcar  assistance  to herp the Andhra  pradesh rocar government  implement policy reforms,
- 5) Government  of Andhra  pradesh  to provide  a counterpart fund of 9215 million  for the project,
- 6) Project  1 of the MFF comprises a roan for  g245  milion and a grant  for $5 million. The completion date is June, 2023
- (c) The project  is currenfly under the stage of preparation.  Disbursement  of roan and implementation  of the project would  stad after signing  of the legal agreement.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5024 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Jaguar Darin III Aircraft
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5024

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## JAGUAR DARIN  III  AIRCRAFT

5024.  SHRI  J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

j{kk ea=h

- (a) whether  the  upgraded  Jaguar  Darin  III  twin  seat  aircraft  has  received  Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) recently;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the  upgraded  aircraft  incorporates new  state-of-the  art avionics  system; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

A    N    S    W    E    R MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE र  ा रा य मं ी ( डा . सुभाष भामरे )

(a) & (b): Flight trials of upgraded  Jaguar  Darin  III  aircraft  towards attaining Initial Operational Clearance have been successfully completed.

(c) & (d): The upgraded aircraft incorporates new state-of-the art avionics system such as Architecture Mission Computer, Engine and Flight Instrument  System  (EFIS),  Smart  Multi-Functional  Display  glass  cockpit, Advanced Radio Altimeter and Multi Mission Radar.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5023 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Health Facilities in Government Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: MANOJ RAJORIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5023 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH DECEMBER , 2016

## HEALTH FACILITIES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

## 5023. DR. MANOJ RAJORIA:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is shortage of life saving medical equipments/diagnostic machines and drugs in the  medical  colleges/ hospitals  including  All  India  Institute  of Medical  Sciences  and other hospitals run by the Central Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, hospitalwise and the r asons therefor and the remedial measures taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes to  confer  more  administrative  and financial powers on these hospitals; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) to (d): In so far as AIIMS, New Delhi and three Central Government Hospitals in Delh viz. Safdarjang Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical Colleg & Associated Hospitals are concerned, there is no shortage of life saving med equip ments/diagnostic machines and drugs.

However, Procurement of life saving medical equipments/diagnostic machines and drugs an ongoing process and procurement is done as per requirement under extant rules/instructi
Lok Sabha Question No. 5021 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: New Guidelines for KYC
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5021 TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 16, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 25, 1938 (SAKA) NEW GUIDELINES FOR KYC

## 5021. KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has issued new guidelines for Know Your Customer (KYC) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has noticed that some private sector banks including ICICI bank branches in South Delhi have not yet registered KYC details submitted by the customers  in  June  2013  resulting  in  lot  of  inconvenience  to  customers  as  cash transactions cannot take place without KYC;
- (c) if so, the details thereof, bank-wise;
- (d) whether  the  Government  issued  any  direction  to  such  banks  to  extend  full cooperation to senior citizens whose co joint holders are presently abroad; and
- (e) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a)  to  (e): Reserve  Bank  of  India  (RBI)  has  issued  guidelines  regarding  Know  Your Customer (KYC). It has been updated from time to time and the last amendment has been done on 08.12.2016 covering One Time PIN based e-KYC and indicating timelines for  uploading  data  with  Central  KYC  Registry.  ICICI  Bank  has  advised  that  as  a process, accounts are opened by Banks post-submission of KYC and periodic updation of KYC is also conducted as per directions of RBI.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 5020 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-16
Subject: Incentives to Industry Post Demonetisation
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 5020 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH DECEMBER 2016/25 TH AGRAHAYANA SAKA, 1938 INCENTIVES TO INDUSTRY POST DEMONETISATION

## 5020. SHRI B. SRIRAMULU:

## QUESTION

## Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received suggestion/feedback from business councils and forums for measures to facilitate various industries during the transition period of the demonetisation exercise;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to cut excise duty to reduce prices in order in increase demand, encourage cost cutting measures and provide interest subsidies to retain the competitiveness of the industrial sector and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has indicated  that  demonetisation  could  lead  to  a  contraction  of  economic activity; and
- (e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with steps being taken to boost-up industry sector during the demonetisation exercise?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) & (b): On  the  basis  of  feedback/suggestions  received  from  various quarters, various steps have been/are being taken by Government from time to time, the information regarding which is available at finmin.nic.in. The situation after the cancellation of legal tender character of old denomination banknotes is being regularly monitored in the Government.
- (c): At present, there is no such proposal for reduction in excise duty.
- (d): As per information obtained from NIPFP, they have not indicated any official opinion on this matter.
- (e): Does not arise.

******