opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1748 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Speed of Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAM KUMAR SHARMA KUSHWAHA, SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH, MOHANBHAI KALYANJIBHAI KUNDARIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1748 TO BE ANSWERED ON  26.07.2017

## SPEED OF TRAINS

+ 1748. SHRI RAM KUMAR SHARMA:

SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI KUNDARIYA MOHAN BHAI KALYANJI BHAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  a  decision  to  increase  the existing speed of trains under the Indian Railways;
- (b)  if  so,  the  outline  of  the  scheme  and  the  total  number  of  routes  on which  the  decision  to  run  comparatively  faster  trains  has  been taken;
- (c)  whether  an  assessment  of  regularity  of  trains  due  to  increase  in speed has also been made;
- (d) if so, the number of trains likely to run on time on regular basis; and
- (e) the total estimated expenditure on the scheme?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a):      Yes,  Madam.  With a view to increasing speed of trains in Indian Railways, 'Mission Raftaar' was announced in the Railway Budget 201617.

The  mission  envisages  a  target  of  doubling  of  average  speed  of freight  trains  and  increasing  the  average  speed  of  all  non-suburban passenger trains by 25 kmph  in the next 5 years.

(b):  Action  Plan  for  improving  mobility  and  increasing  average  speed includes removal of speed restrictions, construction of road over bridges (ROBs) and road under bridges (RUBs), right powering  of trains, introduction of twin-pipe in wagons, replacement of conventional trains by  Main  Line  Electric  Multiple  Unit  (MEMU)  trains  and  Diesel  Electric Multiple  Unit  (DEMU)  trains.    In  addition,  two  projects  for  raising  of speed to 160/200 kmph on existing corridors of New Delhi-Mumbai route (including  Vadodara-Ahmedabad)  covering  1483  route  km    and    New Delhi-Howrah  route  (including  Kanpur-Lucknow)  covering  1525  route kms have been included in the Pink Book of 2017-18. (c)  &  (d):  Improvement  in  speed,  as  and  when  realised  on  a  sustained basis, can improve the running time and its impact on punctual running of  trains  will  be  indirect  through  additional  recovery  time  that  can  be provided. It is not possible to assess/quantify such effects at this stage. (e): Most of the activities in the action plan are ongoing activities. The estimated cost of two projects viz. for raising of speed to 160/200 kmph on  existing  corridors  of  New  Delhi-Mumbai  route  (including  VadodaraAhmedabad) and New Delhi-Howrah route (including Kanpur-Lucknow) is ₹ 18,163 crore.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1745 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Testing of Food Items
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1745 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## TESTING OF FOOD ITEMS

+1745. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the food items served by the caterers to the railway passengers are tested;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  the number of times food items served by private caterers in trains  were  tested  by  the  Railways  authorities  during  the  last three years and the current year; and
- (d) the measures taken by the Railways to address the complaints pertaining to poor quality of food during the above period?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Yes, Madam.
- (b) Regular inspections are done by Food Safety Officers, Designated  Officers  and  Joint  Food  Safety  Commissioners.  Food samples  are  collected  and  sent  for  analysis  in  the  nominated accredited laboratories under Food Safety & Standard Act by Food Safety Officers. Surprise checks and special drives are also being carried out by Joint Food Safety Commissioners.

Last  three  financial  years  (2014-15  to  2016-17)  food  samples checked is 4828 and for current financial year up  to June, 2017 food samples checked is 575.

- (d)    The  samples  are  sent  to  nominated  accredited  laboratories under  Food  Safety  &  Standard  Act  by  Food  Safety  Officers  for testing. Penalty is being imposed in cases of unsatisfactory food samples and prosecutions are being launched as per Food Safety

*****

(c) The details are as under:& Standard Rule 2011.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1744 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Variability of Monsoon
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

- (c)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1744

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017

## VARIABILITY OF MONSOON

## 1744. DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any study regarding the variability of monsoon in South and South-East Asia;
- (b)
- if so, the details and findings thereof; and
- (c) if not, whether such a study is likely to be undertaken with a view to find the causes and effects of such variability in coming years and its possible impact on socio-economical conditions of Indian people?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)

- (a) Madam, the Government has undertaken extensive study on variability of monsoon especially in South Asia.
- (b)     Details and findings of the study are;
-  Monsoon varies on all time  scales  from  daily  to  seasonal,  decadal  and centennial. We have good understanding especially on intra seasonal and seasonal variability
-  The  mechanisms  driving  the  Monsoon  Intraseasonal variability are understood in great detail, which lead to the successful setting up of an extended range prediction system for all the seasons by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This includes both the summer and winter monsoons up to three weeks, heat wave conditions etc.
-  A dynamical Seasonal prediction system for seasonal monsoon prediction is set up through monsoon mission mode initiative by MoES.
-  The  teleconnection  between  El  Nino  Southern  Oscillation  (ENSO)  and monsoon and its time varying relationships are established. As a result most  of  the  current  seasonal  prediction  models  are  currently  able  to capture these teleconnections.
-  Subseasonal variability  of  monsoon  and  its  relationship  with  ENSO  and
- Indian Ocean established.
-  Changing mean state of Indian Ocean and its role on possible weakening of ENSO monsoon teleconnections is understood in great detail.
-  The relationship between South-East Asia rainfall variability with Indian rainfall variability is established.
- Does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1743 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Act East Policy
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: NINONG ERING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1743 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## ACT EAST POLICY

1743. SHRI NINONG ERING:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the measures taken by the Government to realise the objectives of Act East Policy in North-Eastern region;
- (b) whether  any  of  these  measures  will  be  set  up  in  Arunachal Pradesh; and
- (c)
- if so, the details of ongoing and future measures?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) India's Act East Policy (AEP) focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region.  The North East of India has been a priority in  our  AEP.  AEP  provides  an  interface  between  North East  India  including  the  state  of  Arunachal  Pradesh  and  the  ASEAN region. To enhance connectivity among the North Eastern states, Prime Minister  has  recently  inaugurated  the  Bhupen  Hazarika  Setu  which ensures  connectivity  between  upper  Assam  and  Eastern  part  of Arunachal  Pradesh.  Moreover,  various  plans  at  bilateral  and  regional levels include steady efforts to develop and strengthen connectivity of Northeast  with  the  ASEAN  region  through  trade,  culture,  people-topeople contacts and physical infrastructure (road, airport, telecommunication,  power,  etc.). Some  of  the  major  projects to develop physical infrastructure and trade include Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, Rhi-Tiddim Road Project, Border Haats, etc.
- (b) & (c) Presently, there is no such proposal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1742 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Evaluation of Organisations/ Institutions
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: KRISHN PRATAP SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1742 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## EVALUATION OF ORGANISATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

## †1742.   DR. KRISHAN PRATAP.

## Will  the  Minister  of  SKILL  DEVELOPMENT  AND  ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any evaluation regarding the leading role played by non-Governmental organisation, colleges, institutions etc, in providing employment  or  formulated  employment  policy  for  affiliation  with  the  companies concerned with providing training; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)

- (a) & (b) The  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  has  not conducted any evaluation regarding the leading role  played  by Non-Governmental Organisations, colleges, institutions etc, in providing employment.

The  Government  has  formulated  Common  Norms  to  bring  about  uniformity and  standardisation  in  skill  development  schemes  by  different  Central  Ministries/ Departments. The  Common  Norms,  inter  alia,  require  that,  on  an  annual  basis  at least 70% of the certified trainees should be placed in employment (both wage and self) within three months of completion of training.

In  addition,  industries  are  encouraged  to  engage  apprentices  under  the Apprentices  Act,  1961,  to  provide  practical  training  to  the  trainees  with  a  view  to meet the requirement of skilled manpower.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1739 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Aadhaar Card without Proof
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1739

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 26.07.2017

## AADHAAR CARD WITHOUT PROOF

## 1739.    DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

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

- (a)  whether  a  large  number  of  cases  have  been  registered  regarding  issue  of  Aadhaar cards without necessary address and identity proof;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of cases registered as on date, State-wise; and
- (d) the corrective action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  ELECTRONICS AND  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (d):    No,  Sir.  There  are  well  defined  processes  and  guidelines  that  are  followed  for carrying  out  enrolment  for  Aadhaar.  The  same  are  mentioned  in  Chapter  II  (Resident Enrolment  Process)  in  Aadhaar  (Enrolment  and  Update)  Regulations,  2016.  Corrective actions, whenever required, are taken as per relevant provisions of Aadhaar Act, 2016 and Regulations framed there under.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1737 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Bottled Mineral Water
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PINAKI MISRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1737 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## BOTTLED MINERAL WATER

1737. SHRI PINAKI MISRA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that mineral water, claimed safe by the bottling companies for drinking, is actually  not fit  to  drink  at  all  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  it  is  also  a  fact  that  the  bottling  companies,  supplying bottled  mineral  water  by  the  name  'Rail  Neer',  have  been  found  to  be involved in some fraud activity; and
- (c)  if  so,  the  measures  taken  by  the  Railways  to  ensure  that  such companies are shut and booked for cheating the faith of passengers?

## ANSWER

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

(a): 'Rail Neer' is the exclusive brand to be sold at railway premises and in trains to ensure that the Railway user gets quality drinking water.  In instances of non-availability/short supply of Rail Neer Packaged Drinking Water  (PDW),  Zonal  Railways  have  been  delegated  powers  to  shortlist and empanel Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved PDW brands of private companies for sale at railway stations and on trains.  As only Rail Neer or other shortlisted BIS approved PDW brands of   the empanelled private  companies  have  been  permitted for supply/sale on mobile units

Contd..2/-

and at Railway stations through authorised static units, there has hardly been any complaint across Zonal Railways with regard to quality of the BIS approved PDW  supplied to passengers. However, whenever complaints of unauthorised supply/sale of inferior quality non-approved brands  of  PDW  are  received,  suitable  action,  including  imposition  of monetary  fines,  is  taken  as  per  rules  against  the  defaulting  licensees depending on the gravity of the lapse.

(b): No, Madam. (c): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1736 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Establishment of Air Freight Corridor
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KAVITHA KALVAKUNTLA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1736 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## ESTABLISHMENT OF AIR FREIGHT CORRIDOR

## 1736.   SHRIMATI KAVITHA KALVAKUNTLA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  signed  an  agreement  with Afghanistan  for  establishing  an  Air  Freight  Corridor  from Afghanistan;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the significant benefits of such an Air Freight Corridor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) The  establishment  of  an  Air  Freight  Corridor  between India and Afghanistan was discussed during the visits of President Ghani of Afghanistan to India in September and December 2016.

The  first  cargo  flight  from  Kabul  to  Delhi,  establishing  air freight  corridor,  was  received  on  19  June  2017  by  the  External Affairs  Minister  in  the  presence  of  Civil  Aviation  Minister  and Minister of State for External Affairs and the Ambassador of Islamic Republic  of  Afghanistan  to  India.  Subsequently,  cargo  flight  from Kandahar to Delhi arrived on June 24, 2017.

The connectivity established through the Air Freight Corridor will  promote  bilateral  trade;  provide  Afghanistan,  a  landlocked country,  direct  access  to  India;  allow  Afghan  businessmen  to leverage India's economic growth and trade networks for its benefit; and  enable  Afghan  farmers  quick  and  direct  access  to  the  Indian markets for their perishable produce.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1735 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Legal Committee
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: ANWHAR RAAJHAA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

*****

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1735 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## Legal Committee

## 1735. SHRI A. ANWHAR RAAJHAA:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Legal Committee headed by retired Supreme Court Judge B.S. Chauhan  has  submitted  its  report  and  recommendations  to  the  Union Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  purpose  for  which  the  committee  was  formed  and  the  details  of  the recommendations made by the committee to the Government;
- (d) whether the Government has accepted the recommendations made by the committee; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  :  Retired  Supreme  Court  Judge,  Dr.  Justice  B.S.  Chauhan  is  not  heading  any Committee namely 'Legal Committee'.
- (b) to (e) : Do not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1730 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Weather Satellite
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: PR. SENTHILNATHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1730

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017

## WEATHER SATELLITE

1730.   SHRI PR. SENTHIL NATHAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  has launched any satellites to specifically predict accurate weather forecast, rainfall, cyclones, depressions, etc. with a view to help common man, farmers and fishermen;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  launch  satellites, specially to provide all useful information for common people, agriculturists, fishermen and rural industries; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG &

PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a) & (b)

At  present,  India  has  five  operational  satellites  in  the  orbit namely, Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR, Megha-tropiques and Scatsat-1  providing  data  on  various  weather  parameters  viz. clouds, outgoing long-wave radiation, atmospheric motion vector, vertical profiles of temperature & humidity, sea surface temperature,  ocean  surface  winds,  radiation  budget  etc.  The meteorological  data  obtained  from  INSAT-3D  &  3DR  every 15  minutes  and  humidity  profile  data  of  SAPHIR  on-board Megha-tropiques  is being operationally assimilated in the numerical  weather  models  by  India  Meteorology  Department (IMD) for improving weather forecast. The Ocean surface wind vector data from SCATSAT-1 are being also used operationally for  prediction  of  cyclone  track,  its  intensity  &  landfall  with improved accuracy.

## (c) & (d)

There  are  13  satellites  providing  earth  observation  data  and 5 satellites proving weather data. Utilizing these datasets, IMD provides  satellite-enabled  services  to  agriculturists  in  India, which  include  weather  information,  agro-advisory,  agromet services  to  support  farming  operations  in  the  country.  The fishing sector is being supported through advisories on Potential Fishing Zones and the ocean state forecast generated  by  Indian  National  Centre  for  Ocean  Information Services  (INCOIS).  Data  continuity  for  these  services  will  be ensured by launching replacement satellites as and when need arises.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1729 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Subsidy to Pilgrims
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ALOK SANJAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1729 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## SUBSIDY TO PILGRIMS

† 1729. SHRI ALOK SANJAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government provides subsidy to perform pilgrimage to the pilgrim sites located in foreign countries on the lines of 'Haj Yatra';
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c) No, the Government of India does not provide subsidy to perform pilgrimage to other pilgrim sites or religious shrines located in foreign countries on the lines similar to the Haj Pilgrimage.

The Government facilitates visa for Indian pilgrims travelling to Nankana  Sahib  and  other  shrines in Pakistan and  Kailash Manasarovar  in  Tibet  Autonomous  Region,  People's  Republic  of China in coordination with the respective foreign Governments.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1728 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-26
Subject: Revenue through Branding
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DILIP KUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1728 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2017

## REVENUE THROUGH BRANDING

## †1728. SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  is  planning  to  earn  revenue  through sources other than the fare so that the increase in rail fares will not burden passengers and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Railways  is  planning  to  earn  revenue  of  two thousand  crore  from  the  offer  of  branding  packages  of  the entire trains and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether only  the  advertiser's  products  would  be  sold  on  the entire train or the platform and as a result the people on the platform  or  travelling  by  train  will  not  have  the  option  of buying anything else; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

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

*******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1728 BY SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL  GANDHI  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON 26.07.2017 REGARDING REVENUE THROUGH BRANDING

(a)& (b): In order to earn revenue through sources other than fare, Indian Railways has set up a Non-Fare Revenue Directorate in the Railway  Board  to  explore  avenues  for  increasing  earnings.    The Budget Estimate for 2017-18 through advertising has been kept as ₹2000 crore. This will entail revenues from Out of  Home advertising,  Mobile  assets  advertising,  Rail  Display  network,  App based  cabs,      Monetization  of  soft  assets,  ATMs  and  various innovative and unsolicited proposals.

(c)& (d): The produce of any manufacturer/service provider can be sold on the train or platforms after due process and procedures are followed.

*******