opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Dual Degree Courses
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK, MANSHANKAR NINAMA, BHARAT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 565 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  FEBRUARY, 2017

## Dual Degree Courses

†565. DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL "NISHANK": SHRI MANSHANKAR NINAMA: SHRI BHARAT SINGH: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT  be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  has  permitted  foreign  universities  to  offer  dual  degree courses in the country in agreement with higher education Institutes; (b) if so, the names of such foreign universities along with the details of courses offered by these universities; (c)  whether  the  Government  has  also  permitted  the  foreign  universities  to  award degrees under distance learning in different courses in the country and if so, the details thereof; (d)  whether  the  Government  is  formulating  a  policy  to  grant  permission  to  foreign universities for setting up universities in the country; (e) whether the Government has allowed foreign universities to offer degrees in different disciplines through distance education in the country; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY) (a) to (f): No, Madam. At present there is no law which allows the entry and operation of foreign educational providers to set up their campuses and offer dual degree in India.

However, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the UGC (Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations 2016, which spell out the modalities regarding the eligibility  criteria  and  the  conditions  for  the  collaboration  of  a  foreign  educational institution  with  an  Indian  educational  institution.   The  regulations  stipulates  that  the degree  of  the  student  graduating  from  Indian  Educational  Institution,  in  collaborative arrangement with Foreign Educational Institution, shall be awarded only by the Indian Educational Institution and not by Foreign Educational Institution whatsoever and  Joint degrees are not permitted. The degree may incorporate a para that 'this degree is being awarded in collaboration with the Foreign Educational Institution' to make it amply clear that the primacy and the award of the degree is by the Indian Educational Institution and that the degree awarded is not to be construed as a Joint Degree.

AICTE has also issued Regulations for Entry and Operation of Foreign Universities/Institutions imparting Technical Education in India to facilitate collaboration and  partnerships  between  Indian  and  Foreign  Universities/Institutions  in  the  field  of technical education, research and training.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 562 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Productivity of Steel Industry
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.562

FOR ANSWER ON 06/02/2017

## PRODUCTIVITY OF STEEL INDUSTRY

562. SHRI ARVIND SAWANT:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several indigenous iron and steel companies are finding it difficult to safeguard their existence in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether  the  annual  per  capital  labour  productivity  of  steel  in  the  country  is amongst the lowest in the world;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the  corrective  measures  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to increase the productivity of steel industry?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL

(SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a)&(b): Due to adverse global prices and predatory dumping of steel, the iron and steel  companies  were  under  financial  pressure  in  2015-16  as  borne  out  by  the financial performance of some major companies as shown under.

|                | Profit After Taxes in Rs. Crore   | Profit After Taxes in Rs. Crore   | Profit After Taxes in Rs. Crore   |
|----------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
|                | 2013-14                           | 2014-15                           | 2015-16                           |
| Bhushan Steel  | 61.9602                           | -1253.83                          | -2839.37                          |
| Tata Steel     | 6412.19                           | 6439.12                           | 4,900.95                          |
| SAIL           | 2616.48                           | 2092.68                           | -4137.26                          |
| JSW            | 1334.51                           | 2166.48                           | -3498.28                          |
| JSPL           | 1291.95                           | -310.68                           | -1018.88                          |
| Total of Above | 11717.09                          | 9133.77                           | -6592.84                          |

The Government is aware of the above and has been taking some steps:

- i) Imposition of Minimum  Import  Price(MIP),  anti  dumping  and  safeguard measures,
2. ii) Streamlining  of  raw  material  availability  and  credit  flow  as  well  as  easing logistic & raw material movement to domestic steel sector.

(c)to(e):  The  labour  productivity  varies  from  plant  to  plant  depending  upon  the technology, level of integration, efficiency, extent of outsourcing etc. and, therefore, inter-plant and inter-country comparisons may not necessarily reflect the efficiency in use of human resources only.  However, India is amongst the lowest cost producer of steel other than CIS countries.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 559 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Capital Grants/Viability Gap Funding for GIGL and GITL
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: DEVUSINH JESINGBHAI CHAUHAN

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 559

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 6.2.2017

## CAPITAL GRANTS/VIABILITY GAP FUNDING FOR GIGL AND GITL

## 559.    SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN:

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

## isVªksfy;e vkSj izkd`frd xSl ea=h

(a) whether the Government of Gujarat has requested for providing capital grants/viability gap funding  for  GSPL  India  Gasnet  Limited  (GIGL)  and  GSPL  India  Transco  Limited  (GITL) along with grant of license for development of City Gas Distribution networks on nomination basis on the lines of support provided to GAIL Jagdishpur-Haldia project; and

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government thereon?

## ANSWER पेट्रोलियम और प्राक ृ लिक गैस मंत्रािय में राज् य मंत्ररी (स् विंत्र प्राार ( श्ररी धमेन्द र प्रधान

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) & (b): The Government of Gujarat had approached the Ministry of Finance for financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to GSPL India Transco Limited (GITL) for execution of Mallavaram-Bhopal-Bhilwara via Vijaipur Pipeline (MBBVPL)  project. Keeping in view the importance of this pipeline project, MoP&NG has conveyed its support to the request of Government of Gujarat for financial assistance from ADB to the Ministry of Finance in this regard.

The  Government  of  Gujarat  in  the  month  of  October,  2016  has  requested  the  Ministry  of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG), to consider a capital grant of 40% to GSPL India Gas Net  Limited  (GIGL)  and  GITL  for  the  development  of  Mehsana-Bhatinda-Jammu-Srinagar Pipeline (MBJSPL) and MBBVPL projects and also grant of authorization for development of City  Gas  Distribution  networks.  Under  the  Petroleum  &  Natural  Gas  Regulatory  Board (PNGRB) Act, 2006, PNGRB is the statutory authority to grant licenses for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network which includes PNG/CNG network.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 558 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Rebate in Luxury and Service Tax
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: NEELAM SONKER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†558 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

## REBATE IN LUXURY AND SERVICE TAX

†558. SHRIMATI NEELAM SONKER:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  fiscal  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote tourism during each of the last three years; (b) whether the Government has taken note that the Federation of Indian  Chambers  of  Commerce  and  Industries  (FICCI)  has mooted a proposal to bring down the luxury and service tax to promote tourism; and the
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a): The Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India has taken several initiatives to promote tourism through its various schemes for  development  of  infrastructure,  publicity,  overseas  marketing, HRD initiatives etc. However, no specific fiscal measures have been extended to the tourism industry.

(b): No, Madam. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and  Industries  (FICCI)  has  informed  that,  no  proposal  has  been mooted  to  bring  down  the  luxury  and  service  tax  to  promote tourism.

- (c): Does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Weather Forecast for Tourists
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.557 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

## WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOURISTS

## 557.  SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Ministry, in coordination with Indian Meteorological Department and State Governments, contemplated  providing  accurate  real-time  weather  forecast, as  against  daily  forecast,  to  tourists  visiting  famous  tourist places in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)
- if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (c): Indian  Meteorological  Department  (IMD)  has  informed that  it    provides  information  on  its  website  comprising  observed maximum temperature, minimum temperature, their departure from normal, 24-hour rainfall, sky condition and sunset/sunrise, moonset/moonrise  timings  alongwith  7-day  weather  forecasts  of temperature, rainfall and warnings of 325 cities across the country.

Information on extreme weather events in the month alongwith  all-time  records,  climatological  data  about  mean  daily maximum,  minimum  temperature,  total  rainfall,  number  of  rainy days  and  mean  number  of  days  with  hail,  thunder,  fog  and  squall etc. is also provided.  These cities include 106 tourist destinations across the country for which 7-day forecast is being issued twice a day.  The information is posted on IMD website.

In  addition,  to  expand  the  dissemination  of  the  weather forecasts to tourists, the information regarding the prevailing weather and the forecast of various cities, is also provided on toll free  number  1800  180  1717  through  Interactive  Voice  Response System (IVRS).  IMD has also developed a mobile App called 'Indian Weather' by which initially, current weather and 4-days forecast for 300 cities is being provided. IMD  has  also  commenced  'nowcast'  for  extreme  weather events  like  thunderstorm  (3-hours  validity)  for  147  stations  in  the country.  IMD also issue special forecasts for pilgrims of Char-Dham yatra,  Kailash-Mansarovar  Yatra,  Sri  Amarnathji  Yatra  and  Kumbh Mela.    IMD  has  recently  started  weather  information  for  Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine comprising of (i) Yatra Route Weather Advisory, (ii) current observations, (iii) 6-hourly low level wind and temperature  forecasts  for helicopter operation; and  (iv) 3-day forecasts  &  warnings  for  Jammu  Division.    Similar  service  is  also being expanded to various other pilgrim/tourist destinations across the country with a focussed effort for Himalayan region and Severe Weather Warnings through various schemes. Recently,  highway  forecasts  have  also  been  introduced  by India Meteorological Department in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar

Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Pudducherry.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 553 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Dumping of Rubber
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: SHOBHA KARANDLAJE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 553 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  FEBRUARY, 2017

## DUMPING OF RUBBER

## 553. KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  polybutadiene  rubber  is  being  dumped  by  China,  Iran,  Russia,  South Africa, South Korea and Singapore in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by Government to protect the interests of domestic industry against such cheap imports?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) to (d): Directorate General of Anti-dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD) conducts anti-dumping investigations on the basis of a duly substantiated  petition filed by the domestic industry (DI) alleging dumping of goods into the country causing injury to the DI. The basic intent of the  anti-dumping  measures  is  to  eliminate  injury  caused  to  the  DI  by  the  unfair  trade practices of dumping from exports from other countries and to create a level playing field for the DI.

Based  on  a  petition  filed  by  the  domestic  industry  alleging  dumping  of  polybutadiene rubber,  DGAD  has  initiated  anti-dumping  investigations  on  imports  of  'Polybutadiene Rubber    or  PBR'  originating  in  or  exported  from  Korea  PR,  Russia,  South  Africa,  Iran  and Singapore  vide  notification  No.  14/40/2016-DGAD  dated  16.09.2016.  The  investigation  is under progress in DGAD.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 552 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Bilateral Trade through North-East Corridor
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 552

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  FEBRUARY, 2017

## BILATERAL TRADE THROUGH NORTH-EAST CORRIDOR

## 552. SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the  progress  achieved  in  bilateral  trade  through  north-east  corridor  with  Asian countries under the Look East Policy;
- (b) the  estimated  trade  happened  during  the  last  three  years  through  North-Eastern border;
- (c) whether the Government is considering to increase the trade volumes and trading partners through this corridor; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

## (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) to (d): The objectives of Act East Policy includes  deepening  of  economic cooperation  and  expanding  trade  with  countries  in  the  Asia-Pacific  Region.  The process facilitates bilateral trade from North-East also.

Total estimated trade (as provided by Department of Revenue) between India and  Myanmar  through  the  North-East  has  grown  from  Rs.  7752.72  lakhs  to  Rs. 14452.26 lakhs between 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Some  of  the  steps  taken  for  promoting  trade  from  the  North-East  region, particularly to Myanmar are as follows:

- i. Shifting  from  barter  trade  to  normal  trade;  expansion  to  all  tradeable commodities
- ii. Increasing trade through sea  route  by  harnessing  the  proposed Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Facility
- iii. Better land connectivity through India-Myanmar-Thailand  Trilateral Highway
- iv. Improving the land connectivity on Indian side through widening of the Imphal - Moreh road.
- v. Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North-East
- vi. Initiation of better banking facility.
- vii. Expansion of rail network in the region
- viii. Land Customs Stations (LCS) at Moreh, Zokhawthar and Champhai
- ix. Establishment of borderhaats
- x. Integrated Check Post at Moreh

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 551 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: National Policy on Safety
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: GAURAV GOGOI

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 551 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

## NATIONAL POLICY ON SAFETY

551. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will  the  Minister  of  LABOUR  AND  EMPLOYMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)the salient features and objectives of the National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Work Place;
- (b)the  funds  allocated,  released  and  utilised  under  the  said  policy during each of the last three years; and
- (c)the  other  initiatives  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  for developing  national  preventive  safety  and  health  culture  in  the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

- (a): The salient features of the National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace are as below:
- (i) It recognizes safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental human right.
- (ii) It  aims  at  enhancing  the  well-being  of  the  employees  and the  society  at  large  by  eliminating  work  related  injuries, diseases, etc.
- (iii) It  enumerates  the  goals  to  be  achieved  and  brings  into focus the   objective of continuous reduction in the incidence of work related injuries and diseases.

The policy seeks to bring the national objectives into focus as a step  towards  improvement  in  safety,  health  and  environment  at workplace. The objectives are to achieve:-

Continuous  reduction  in  the  incidence  of  work  related  injuries, fatalities,  diseases,  disasters  and  loss  of  national  assets.    Improved coverage of work related injuries, fatalities and diseases and provide for a more comprehensive data base for facilitating better performance and monitoring.  Continuous enhancement of community awareness  regarding  safety,  health  and  environment  at  workplace related  areas.      Continually  increasing  community  expectation  of workplace health and safety standards.   Improving safety, health and environment at workplace by creation of 'green jobs' contributing to sustainable enterprise development.

(b): No  specific  funds  have  been  allocated  by  Ministry  of  Labour  & Employment under the said policy.

(c): For developing a national preventive safety and health culture in the country, awareness generation campaign, publishing of posters on the  various  aspects  of  Safety  and  health  at  work  place  have  been organized.  Various  national  seminars/  workshops  have  also  been organized  to  generate  awareness  among  various  stakeholders  to improve  safety,  health  and  environment  of  workplace  from  time  to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 549 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Autonomy based on Performance
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 549 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

## Autonomy based on Performance

549. SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

## Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering linking the autonomy of higher education institutions  to  their  performance  as  measured  by  the  National  Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is considering to divide universities into three categories on the basis of their NRF ranking, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the first would be most autonomous while the last would require more regulations; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

- (a) :  At  present,  only  such  higher  educational  institutions  which  are  accredited  by NAAC/NBA are considered for  autonomy  by the  University  Grant  Commission (UGC).
- (b) to (d) No Madam.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 548 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Funds for new Kendriya Vidyalayas
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 548 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017

## FUNDS FOR NEW KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS

- † 548.  SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:
- Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details of the amount of funds released by the Government for establishing the newly sanctioned Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in various States/UTs including Bihar; (b) whether any deadline has been set by the Government to start the said schools at the earliest; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a) to (c):  Grants-in-Aid of Rs.3278.47 crore during the year 2015-16 and Rs.3987.25 crore in the year 2016-17 were allocated by the Government to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan  (KVS).  While  releasing  funds  to  the  KVS,  no  specific  amount  was earmarked  by  Govt.  of  India  for  establishing  newly  sanctioned  Kendriya  Vidyalayas (KVs) including Bihar.  However, the funds required for establishing newly sanctioned KVs is met out of the Budget provided to the KVS. Sanction  of  the  Government  was  conveyed    for  opening  of  54  new  Kendriya

Vidyalayas (KVs) all over the country on 4.3.2014, on fulfilling the norms for opening of new KVs, which also included two schools in the State of Bihar namely at Sasaram, Distt. Rohtas and Jhajha, District Jamui. So far 46 schools including both the schools in Bihar have been made functional on fulfilment of KVS norms and order for making 1 school functional from 1.4.2017 at Roopnagar, Punjab has been issued.

*****