opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 781 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Handing over BSNL Towers to Private Companies
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 781 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## HANDING OVER BSNL TOWERS TO PRIVATE COMPANIES

781.   SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  hand  over  the  maintenance  of  BSNL towers to private companies;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  BSNL  Employees'  Unions  have  opposed  to  the  said  plan  of  the Government; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) & (b) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has floated a tender for outsourcing  of  Operations  &  Maintenance  (O&M)  activities  of  passive  infra  (non electronic infrastructure at mobile tower sites) along with Sales & Marketing (S&M) work for  26287 BSNL Non-colocated Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites in 21 circles on pan-India basis for operational and financial reasons.
- (c) & (d) BSNL has informed that its  Employee Unions so far have not opposed the aforesaid  outsourcing  arrangement  of  Operations  &  Maintenance  (O&M)  activities  of passive infra along with Sales & Marketing (S&M) work for BSNL Non-colocated BTS sites.

************
Lok Sabha Question No. 779 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Deficient Quality Missile
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.779

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## DEFICIENT QUALITY MISSILE

## 779. SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

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

- (a) whether strategic missile system, a medium range supersonic surface to air missile system to counter aerial threats is of deficient quality and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether over seventy percent of the under vehicle scanners installed at Indian Air Force bases are non-functional;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken / being taken in this regard;
- (d) whether  IL  series  of  aircraft,  which  provides  vital  transport  support  to  the  IAF during  contingencies,  has  not  been  upgraded,  and  continue  to  fly  with  1985  vintage avionics; and
- (e) if  so,  the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with action taken / being taken in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) The  Medium  Range  Supersonic  Surface  to  Air  Missile  System  to counter aerial threats is being developed by Defence Research & Development Organization (Research Centre Imaarat) and IAI, Israel.  The system will be inducted into the IAF.

:  2  :

(b) & (c): Since its procurement in year 2012, the Under Vehicle Scanner System (UVSS) had come across defects in some machines.  All efforts are being  taken  to  rectify  the  defects.    Supplier  was  penalized  for  delays  in rectification in some cases through penal deduction and other measures. However, defects in the  systems did  not  compromise  the access control measures  in  various  Air  Force  bases  as  there  are  alternative  means available to check vehicles and visitors. (d) & (e): IL fleet has undergone provisioning of modern day avionics in last  about  10  years  and  therefore,  it  is  not  correct  to  say  that  IL  fleet continue to fly with 1985 vintage avionics.  Many modern Navigational aids have been procured in the recent years and further upgrade of Avionics of IL fleet has also been initiated.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 777 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Funds for Modernisation of Armed Forces
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.777

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## FUNDS FOR MODERNISATION OF ARMED FORCES

## 777. SHRI  KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  utilised  the  funds  allocated  for  modernisation  of armed forces during the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details of mechanism established for audit of funds allocated for the said purpose; and
- (c) the details of defence procurement agreements signed during the last three years?

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) to (c): Modernisation of Armed  Forces  is a continuous process undertaken  as  per  the  extant  Defence  Procurement  Procedure  (DPP)  to keep the  Forces  in  a  state  of  readiness  to  meet  operational  and  security challenges.

The  capital  Budget  and  Expenditure  for  Armed  Forces  for  the  last three years are given below:

(Rs. in crores)

| Year    |   Revised Estimates |   Expenditure |
|---------|---------------------|---------------|
| 2014-15 |             66151.7 |       65862.4 |
| 2015-16 |             65400   |       62235.5 |
| 2016-17 |             62619.4 |       69280.2 |

:  2  :

During the last three financial years, 154 contracts have been signed

- for capital procurement of defence equipment for Defence Forces. Ministry of Defence is undertaking the following two types of Audit: (i) Internal Audit:  It is conducted by Defence Accounts Department while  performing  function  of  payment  and  accounting  of  all Defence expenditure.  The major findings of the Internal Audit are highlighted in the Internal Audit report issued by CGDA. External Audit:  This is the statutory audit done by Controller and Auditor  General  (C&AG)  as  in  the  case  of  other  Ministries  /

******

- (ii) Departments.
Lok Sabha Question No. 776 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Rafale Jets
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RABINDRA KUMAR JENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.776

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## RAFALE  JETS

## 776. SHRI  RABINDRA KUMAR JENA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Transfer  of  Technology  is  inherent  in  the  deal  finalised  by  the Government to purchase 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether  the  number  of  aircraft  purchases  was  reduced  to  36  from  earlier negotiations for a higher number of 126 aircraft and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether any other options or recourses are being considered to fulfil the remaining demand of the Indian Air Force for fighter jets and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  role of  Hindustan Aeronauticals Limited in the defence deal of acquiring 36 Rafale jets; and
- (e) the time by which the offset commitments of France towards setting up research and development in the country is likely to be realised?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                    (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jherh  fueZyk lhrkje.k )

- (a) The  Inter-Governmental  Agreement  (IGA)  for  supply  of  36  Rafle aircraft  envisages  supply  of  aircraft  in  flyaway  condition  along with associated equipment. The License Manufacturing / Transfer of Technology was  not sought  as  it  would  not  have  been  cost  effective  for a order of this size.
- (b) The Request for Proposal (RFP) for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft  (MMRCA)  was  formally  withdrawn  in  June,  2015  as  the  contract negotiations  had  reached  an  impasse.    To  meet  the  Critical  Operational Necessity of the  Indian  Air  Force  (IAF),  36  Rafale  were  procured through the IGA.

:  2  :

(c) To  meet  the  requirement  of  fighter  aircraft  of  IAF,  induction  of  the balance  of  272  Su-30  MKI  aircraft  from  Hindustan  Aeronautics  Limited (HAL) is under process.  Induction of 40 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) into the  IAF  has  commenced.    Induction  of  Rafale  Aircraft  will  commence  by 2019.  RFP has also been issued for procurement of 83 LCA  MK1A. (d) HAL has no role in the 36 Rafale aircraft deal. (e) The  current  Offsets  policy  of  the  Defence  Procurement  permits  the vendors to provide the details of their Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) either at the time of seeking offset credits, or one year prior to discharge of offset obligations.    The  investments  are  to  be  made  as  per  offset  guidelines  of

- DPP-2013.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Agreement with Israel
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.775

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL

775. DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

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

- (a) whether the  Government has made and then suddenly cancelled a deal with the Government of Israel to purchase spy cannon-fired missile; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) & (b): The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had accorded Acceptance  of  Necessity  (AoN)  on  19.6.2009  for  procurement  of  321 Launchers,  8356  Missiles  and  15  Simulators  of  3 rd Generation  Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system under 'BUY & MAKE' category with Transfer of Technology (ToT) to M/s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).  The Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on 1.4.2010 and the case progressed as per provisions of  the Defence Procurement Procedure.  However, on account of  indigenous  development  of  3 rd Generation  Man-Portable  Anti-Tank Guided  Missile  (MPATGM)  system  by  Defence  Research  &  Development Organization  (DRDO),  it  was,  inter  alia,  decided  that  there  is  no  need  to acquire ToT with the ATGM system.  Accordingly, the RFP was retracted on 20 th December, 2017.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 773 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: IT Investment Region
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 773

TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## IT INVESTMENT REGION

## 773      SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be please to state:

- (a) whether  Government  has  received  any  fresh  representation  from  the    Government  of Telangana requesting for release of necessary funds for the proposed IT investment region in the State;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the delay; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to complete the project at an early date?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF  ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (c):   No, Sir. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of  India  has  not  received  any  representation  from  the Government of Telangana for release of funds  for  the  proposed  IT  investment  region  in  the  state  of  Telangana.  Now,  the  Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) Policy, 2008 has been closed.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 772 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Rail Line between Chatra and Gaya
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 772 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## RAIL LINE BETWEEN CHATRA AND GAYA

†772.  SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state :

- (a) whether any railway line has been proposed between Chatra and Gaya and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any survey has been conducted for land acquisition and construction of platforms and stations on the said line;
- (c)  if  so,  the  time  by  which  the  railway  line  was  proposed and the budget provided till date for the same;
- (d) the current status of the said line; and
- (e)  the  estimated  budget  required  for  the  said  railway  line  to complete it and the targets fixed for its completion?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)  to  (e):  Yes,  Madam. Gaya-Chatra (97 Km) New Line project has been sanctioned in 2008-09 at a cost of ` 416 crore.  Final Location Survey has been completed and the report has been submitted on 14.12.2015. The project could not take off due to abnormal increase in cost of land and limited overall availability of funds for new line projects.  An  expenditure  of ` 31  crore  has  been  made  upto  March 2017 and an outlay of ` 15 crore has been provided in 2017-18. The latest anticipated cost of this project is ` 4543 crore. The target date of completion of this project has not been fixed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 771 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Crimes in Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 771 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## CRIMES IN TRAINS

771.  SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  the  Railway  Protection  Force  (RPF)  has decided to deploy its personnel in plain clothes in select trains to prevent crimes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also true that thefts in running trains have increased in the recent past;
- (c) if so, the total number of theft cases in trains reported during the last three years;
- (d) whether  it  is  also  true  that  the  Railways  is  considering  to enhance  the  strength  of  RPF  personnel  at  both  stations  and trains; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN )

- (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 771 BY SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 07.02.2018 REGARDING CRIMES IN TRAINS

(a):  Policing  on  Railways  being  a  State  subject,  prevention  of  crime, registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law and order in  Railway  premises  as  well  as  on  running  trains  are  the  statutory responsibility  of  the  State  Governments,  which  they  discharge  through Government  Railway  Police  (GRP)/District  Police.    However,  Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of GRP in providing better protection and security of passenger area and passengers and for matters connected therewith. RPF has not decided to deploy its personnel in plain clothes  in  select  trains  to  prevent  crime.  However,  RPF  staff  posted  in Crime  Intelligence Branch  of  RPF  are  deployed  in  plain clothes in vulnerable trains for surveillance on criminals and prevention of crime.

(b) & (c):   Yes, Madam. Policing, including registration of First Information Report (FIR) and its investigation being a State subject, Railways does not maintain  any  data  on  Indian  Penal  Code  (IPC)  crimes.  As  per  the  data received from the Government Railway Police Stations, 16180, 17925 and 31920  cases  of  theft  of  passengers'  belongings  have  been  reported  in trains  over  Indian  Railways  during  the  years  2015,  2016  and  2017 respectively.

(d) & (e):   The deployment of RPF staff is assessed regularly and as per existing strength optimum deployment is made in trains and at stations for prevention  of  crime  in  Railways  in  coordination  with  GRP.    As  regards augmentation of strength of RPF,  the existing  strength  is  reviewed  from time to time keeping in view the operational requirement and the proposal for  creation  of  fresh  posts  are  approved  by  Ministry  of  Railways  and forwarded to Ministry of Finance for sanction.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 769 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Development of DEWs
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: PARVESH SAHIB SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.769

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## DEVELOPMENT OF DEWs

## 769. SHRI  PARVESH SAHIB SINGH:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  developed  its  own  Directed  Energy  Weapons (DEWs);
- (b) if so, the implications of this new development on India's military capabilities;
- (c) whether Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) proposes to collaborate with private players to further develop this technology and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the time by which the stockpile of DEWs is likely to be completely developed?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                   (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jherh  fueZyk lhrkje.k )

(a) to (d): Details  of  development  of  Directed  Energy  Weapons  (DEWs) are sensitive.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 768 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Acquisition of Submarines
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: SURESH KODIKUNNIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.768

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2018

## ACQUISITION OF SUBMARINES

## 768. SHRI  KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to increase the force level of submarines under Indian Navy;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the present strength of submarines under Indian Navy is far lesser than the strength of submarines possessed by China and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (d) whether  the  Indian  submarines  are  based  on  outdated  technology  and  lack armament expansion when compared with submarines under Chinese navy; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (e): The  Government  constantly  reviews  the  prevailing  security scenario and enhances force levels based on operational requirements and threat perceptions, which is a continuous and dynamic process.  State of the  art defence equipment, including submarines for the Indian Navy, are periodically inducted to ensure availability of platforms to meet all national security  requirements.  Long  term  plans  are  under  implementation  to ensure adequate force levels including submarines for the Indian Navy.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 767 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Indo-China Border Dispute
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.767 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2017

## INDO-CHINA BORDER DISPUTE

## † 767.   PROF. RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Indo-China border dispute has been resolved and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of number of times when the Chinese army infiltrated into Indian territory during the last three years; and
- (c) the level at which the efforts have been made/being made by the Government to resolve the Indo-China border dispute?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (c) India and China  have appointed a Special Representative (SR) each to explore the framework for a boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral  relationship.  There   have   been   twenty meetings of SRs so far, the last one being in New Delhi on 22 December 2017. The two sides are committed to seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.  The two sides agree that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

There is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas between India and China. From time to time, on account of differences in the perception of the LAC, situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the LAC.

Government regularly takes up any transgression along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including border personnel meetings, flag meetings, meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, as well as through diplomatic channels.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 766 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: Electrification of Railway Tracks in Bundelkhand
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 766 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAY TRACKS IN BUNDELKHAND

- † 766.  SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  rapid  electrification  of railway lines and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government also proposes electrification of all railway lines in Bundelkhand and if so, the time by which it is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b):    A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  AND  (b)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 766  BY  SHRI  KUNWAR  PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 07.02.2018 REGARDING ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAY TRACKS IN BUNDELKHAND.

(a) & (b)    Yes, Madam.  Indian Railways have prepared an Action Plan  to  electrify  38000  Route  Kilometers  in  five  years  (2017-18  to 2021-22) for 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) rail routes including Railway tracks in Bundelkhand.   Year wise details are as under:-

| Year    |   Route Kilometer planned for commissioning on electric traction. |
|---------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2017-18 |                                                              4000 |
| 2018-19 |                                                              6000 |
| 2019-20 |                                                              7000 |
| 2020-21 |                                                             10500 |
| 2021-22 |                                                             10500 |
| Total   |                                                             38000 |

*****