opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2385 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Pending RTI Applications
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: BANSHILAL MAHTO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2385

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018)

## PENDING RTI APPLICATIONS

## †2385. DR. BANSHILAL MAHATO:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether thousands of applications under the Right to Information Act (RTI) are pending across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Chhattisgarh;
- (c) whether the Government has made any assessment of the reasons for delay in the disposal of pending cases;
- (d) if so, the outcome thereof and the remedial measures taken/being taken therefor;
- (e) whether online applications can also be made under the RTI Act; and
- (f) if so, the details of the procedure in this regard and the assistance provided to the States for the purpose?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a)&(b): Central Information Commission (CIC) has informed that 23,978 second appeals/complaints  are  pending  as  on  26-07-2018.    No  data  is  maintained  in  respect  of  State Information Commissions.

(c)&(d):    For  speedy  disposal  of  pending  cases,  the  Government  has  taken  several  steps  like capacity  building  through  training  of  Central  Public  Information  Officers  (CPIOs)/  Public Information  Officers  (PIOs)  and  issue  of  guidelines  for  PIOs  and  First  Appellate  Authorities (FAAs), so as to enable them to supply information/dispose of first appeals effectively, resulting into less number of 'First Appeals' and 'Appeals' to the Information Commission.

(e)&(f):      Online  applications  can  be  made  to  offices  under  Central  Government.  Currently, systems  at  2200  Public  Authorities  have  been  aligned  to  receive,  process  and  reply  to  Online RTIs from the applicants.

Applicants  can  visit  the  portal  www.rtionline.gov.in  and  select  the  desired  Ministry  or Department  under  Central  Government  and  file  an  Online  RTI  Application.  A  detailed  user manual  and  Frequently  Asked  Questions  (FAQs)  are  also  provided  for  help  in  filing  the application through this portal. Applicant can make online payment of the requisite fee through this portal and submit the RTI application.

State Governments have been advised to explore the feasibility of implementing online RTI  Portal  in  their  States.  NIC  has  been  advised  to  provide  technical  support  to  the  States desirous of replicating the web portal of the DOPT for online filing of RTI applications.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2383 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: LTC Facility to Railway Employees
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RANJANBEN BHATT

- (a)  Yes ,
- Madam.

(b) and (c) Pursuant to the recommendation of 7 th Central Pay Commission, in consultation with this Ministry, the Department of Personnel & Training has already taken a decision to allow 'All India LTC' facility to the railway employees, once in a block of four years under the Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules, 1988.  This facility will be optional and also subject to surrender of all sets of Privilege Passes admissible to the Railway employees in the calendar year in which they intend to avail the facility.  If the Railway employee has already availed of a Privilege Pass, then LTC will not be allowed in that calendar year.  If both spouses are Railway  employees  then  both  will  have  to  surrender  Privilege  Passes, admissible  in  the  calendar  year,  in  which  they  opt  for  All  India  LTC. However,  no  'Home  Town  LTC'  will  be admissible to the railway employees. The Railway employees on deputation to any other organization, including Railway PSUs, will also be eligible for this facility in lieu of Privilege Pass entitlement.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2383 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## LTC FACILITY TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

## †2383.  SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  LTC  facility  to  the railway personnel;
- (b) if  so, whether the Government has taken any decision in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
Lok Sabha Question No. 2381 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Complaints through Twitter
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RITI PATHAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2381 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## COMPLAINTS THROUGH TWITTER

†2381. SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether complaints received by the Railways from passengers by way of Twitter are being resolved on urgent basis and the complaints received from other modes are not paid any attention and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether the passengers not using Twitter are not entitled to receive any help from the Railways; and
- (c)  if not, the names of such modes other than Twitter through which one can communicate with the Railways and seek immediate assistance in case of need?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a):  There is a well established mechanism in the Railways to address the issues  regarding  resolving  the  grievances  of  passengers  on  daily  basis. Large numbers of complaints are received through various channels which are  sent  to  concerned  authorities  for  prompt  and  speedy  redressal.  All complaints  received  from  any  mode  are  treated  on  urgent  basis  for resolution.
- (b):  Does not arise.
- (c):  Government  has  set  up  different  channels  of  registering  passengers complaints/grievances  namely,  Complaint  Books    at  the  Stations  and  in trains,  May  I  help  you  booth/Counters    at  Stations,  All  India  Help  line  No. 138, Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), Complaint Management System (COMS).

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2380 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Stoppage of Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Gyan Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2380 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## STOPPAGE OF TRAINS

†2380. SHRI GYAN SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of the  departure/  stoppage of Garib Rath (12535 and 12536), Puri-Valsad (22909 and 22910), Jammu Tawi (18215 and  18216)  and  Shalimar  Bhuj  Superfast  Express  (22829  and 22830) trains running in the country including Madhya Pradesh;
- (b)  whether  these  trains  have  stoppage  in  Umaria  district  of Madhya Pradesh and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  from Madhya Pradesh Government regarding stoppage of these trains in Umaria;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the decision taken on the said proposal by the Government; and
- (e)  the  time  by  which  stoppage  of  above  trains  is  likely  to  be provided at Umaria?

## 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.  2380  BY  SHRI  GYAN  SINGH  TO  BE ANSWERED IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  01.08.2018  REGARDING  STOPPAGE OF TRAINS.

- (a) Details of the departure time and en-route stoppages of 12535/12536 Lucknow-Raipur Garib Rath Express, 22909/22910 PuriValsad Express, 18215/18216 Durg-Jammu Tawi Express & 22829/22830 Bhuj-Shalimar Express are as under:
- (b)  to  (e)  No,  Madam.  The  aforesaid  trains  do  not  have  scheduled stoppage at Umaria. However, representations inter-alia for provision of  stoppage of additional trains at  Umaria have been received. The same has been examined but not found feasible, at present.

|   S.No. | Train No. & Name                        | Originating station   |   Departure Time |   Total No. of stoppage |
|---------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------|-------------------------|
|       1 | 12535 Lucknow-Raipur Garib Rath Express | Lucknow               |            14.1  |                      10 |
|       2 | 12536 Raipur-Lucknow Garib Rath Express | Raipur                |            12.2  |                      10 |
|       3 | 22909 Puri-Valsad Express               | Puri                  |            20.15 |                      22 |
|       4 | 22910 Valsad- Puri Express              | Valsad                |             6.3  |                      22 |
|       5 | 18215 Durg-Jammu Tawi Express           | Durg                  |             9    |                      24 |
|       6 | 18216 Jammu Tawi-Durg Express           | Jammu Tawi            |             5    |                      24 |
|       7 | 22829 Bhuj-Shalimar Express             | Bhuj                  |            14.2  |                      29 |
|       8 | 22830 Shalimar-Bhuj Express             | Shalimar              |            20.22 |                      29 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2376 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Shortage of Officers
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2376

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 1 ST  AUGUST, 2018

## SHORTAGE OF OFFICERS

2376.  DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK':

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

j{kk ea=h

- (a) the details of shortage of officers in different wings of armed forces at present;
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to fulfil the said shortage; and
- (c) the special steps taken by the Government to provide employment opportunity to rural  youth  in  the  States  which  are  providing  maximum  defence  personnels  to  armed forces traditionally?

## 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) to (c): A statement is attached.

******

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2376 FOR ANSWER ON 1.8.2018

- (a) The  details  of strength  of  Officers  in  the  three  Armed  Forces (excluding medical and dental), force-wise are as under:-
- (b) Recruitment  in  the  Armed  Forces  is  a  continuous  process.    The Government  has  taken  a  number  of  measures  to  reduce  the  shortages. These include sustained image projection, participation in career fairs and exhibitions and publicity campaign to create awareness among the youth on  the  advantages  of  taking  up  a  challenging  and  satisfying  career. Further, Government has taken various steps to make armed forces' jobs attractive  including  improvement  in  promotion  prospects  in  the  Armed Forces.
- (c) To attract youth including the rural youth to  join  the  Armed Forces various  steps  are  taken  such  as  giving  wide  publicity  to  recruitment  in Armed  Forces  through  advertisement  in  print & audio-visual media. Recruitment of Personnel Below Officers Ranks (PBORs) in Army is carried out through Open Rally System being conducted regularly throughout the country.  Efforts are made to cover the entire country including remote and tribal areas.  In Navy, regular recruitment drives are undertaken, covering all States / Regions for recruitment of sailors.  Recruitment of Airmen in Air Force is on all India basis through scheduled selection tests.  In addition, recruitment  rallies  are  also  conducted  in  different  parts  of  the  country including tribal areas.

| Service                    |   Authorised Strength |   Held Strength |   Shortage |
|----------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------|------------|
| Army (As on 1.1.2018)      |                 49933 |           42635 |       7298 |
| Navy (As on 1.7.2018)      |                 11352 |            9746 |       1606 |
| Air Force (As on 1.7.2018) |                 12584 |           12392 |        192 |

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2374 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Bullet Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PRASUN BANERJEE, V. SATHYABAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2374

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## BULLET TRAINS

## 2374.  SHRI PRASUN BANERJEE :

## SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the time by when the bullet trains are likely to start running along with the original time scheduled for its running;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  approved  or  is  planning  to  approve any other bullet train project apart from the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  of  that  project,  amount  of  fund  sanctioned, expenditure plan outlay and the time of completion for the said project; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a): In  the  feasibility  report,  the  Mumbai-Ahmedabad  High  Speed  Rail Project  (MAHSR)  completion  was  indicated  as  2023.    However,  efforts are directed towards its completion in 2022.

(b)&(c) : At present, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor is the only High Speed Rail Project sanctioned by the Government. In addition, Government  has  identified  the  following  routes  connecting  four  major metros and growth centers of the country for feasibility studies for high speed rail : (i) Delhi-Mumbai; (ii) Delhi-Kolkata;  (iii) Mumbai-Chennai; (iv)

Delhi-Nagpur  segment  of  Delhi-Chennai;  (v)  Mumbai-Nagpur  segment  of

Mumbai-Kolkata; and (vi) Chennai-Bangaluru-Mysuru. (d):  High  Speed  Projects  are  highly  capital  and  technology  intensive. Therefore, the sanction of High Speed Projects is subject to its technical feasibility, financial viability and availability of resources.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2372 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Shortage of Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAKESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2372 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## SHORTAGE OF COACHES

†2372. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  a  decision  has  been  taken  to  reduce  the  number  of coaches  in  trains  having  a  large  number  of  coaches  in  all  zones including  the  West  Central  Railway  Zone,  Jabalpur  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b) whether difficulties are being faced in introduction of new trains due to shortage of coaches;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the shortage;
- (d) whether reduction in the number of coaches is likely to result in heavy rush of passengers in trains; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) & (b) No, Madam.

- (c) to (e) Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2371 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Illegally Encroached Indian Territories
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KAMLA DEVI PATLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2371

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## ILLEGALLY ENCROACHED INDIAN TERRITORIES

†2371. SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether   the   neighbouring   countries   have   illegally   encroached   upon   the Indian territories;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise and area-wise;
- (c) the measures taken by the Government to regain the Indian territory and the results achieved as a result thereof;
- (d) whether the neighbouring countries are regularly making intrusion/infiltration into Indian territories; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof during the last three years till date, country-wise and area-wise?

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

(a) to (e) Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of approximately 78,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. China has been in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. kms. in Jammu and Kashmir since 1962. In addition, under the so-called China-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' signed between China and Pakistan on 2 March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. kms. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. 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. The fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times and also reiterated to international community on various occasions, including at the highest levels. Government closely monitors all developments having a bearing on India's national security and territorial integrity and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2368 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Defence Corridor
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA, HARIOM SINGH RATHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2368

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 1 ST  AUGUST, 2018

## DEFENCE CORRIDOR

2368.  SHRI  BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA: SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE:

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

- (a) the details of locations identified for setting up of Defence Industrial Production corridors in the country including in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) the details of benefits likely to be accrued to the area from it; and
- (c) the time by which the process of setting up of these corridors is likely to be started and completed?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

<!-- image -->

- (a) Two Defence Production Corridors have been decided to be set up, one  each,  in  Tamil  Nadu  and  Uttar  Pradesh.    Five  nodal  points  in  Tamil Nadu namely Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli and Six nodal points in Uttar Pradesh, namely Aligarh, Agra, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified for these corridors.
- (b) Setting  up of these corridors would catalyse indigenous production of  defence  and  aerospace related items thereby reducing our reliance on imports and will also enable export of these items to other countries.  This will  lead  to  generation  of  employment  opportunities  and  promote  the growth of private domestic manufacturers, MSMEs and start-ups.
- (c) Interactions with all the stake holders are in progress. Five stakeholder consultations have been held covering the five Nodal Points in Tamil  Nadu  and  four  stakeholder  consultations  have  been  held  in  Uttar Pradesh at Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur & Lucknow.  Based on the detailed study of the required policies and financial interventions in each of the locations, the course of action would be finalised.
- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2366 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Navigation Satellites
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: G. HARI

## 2366.   SHRI G. HARI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- whether  ISRO  is  considering  to  launch  navigation  satellite IRNSS1I  which  will  replace  the  faulty  IRNSS1A  whose  three atomic  clocks  had  stopped  working  in  2016  and  if  so,  the
- (a) details thereof;
- (b) whether the subsequent launches would be of Chandrayaan-2 mission, GSLV Mk III and PSLV C42; and
- (c) 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) IRNSS-1I spacecraft was successfully launched aboard PSLV-C41 on 12 th April 2018. The spacecraft was the replacement for IRNSS-1A and is providing intended navigation services. However, IRNSS-1A continues to provide messaging services like disaster alerts and other societal applications.

## (b)

- & (c)

Yes  Madam.  The  subsequent  launches  include  GSLV-MK  III that  is  planned  to  launch  GSAT-29,  PSLV-C42  launch  and

Chandrayaan-2 Mission.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2366

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 01, 2018

## NAVIGATION SATELLITES

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2364 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-01
Subject: Renovation of Old Bridges
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2364 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2018

## RENOVATION OF OLD BRIDGES

## 2364.  SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  has  conducted  any  survey  to  find  out  route worthiness/ strength of old bridges of old railway tracks, if so, the details of such study and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the  survey report  has  also  expressed  concerns  about  the condition of many bridges which need immediate attention; and
- (c) if so, the action taken/ being taken by the Railways in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (c): The age of the bridge does not have any direct relevance on the physical condition of the bridge. There is a well established system of inspection of bridges on Indian Railways.  All the bridges are inspected twice  a  year,  one  before  the  onset  of  monsoon  and  one  detailed inspection  after  the  monsoon.    In  addition,  certain  bridges  are  also inspected  more  frequently  depending  upon  their  condition.  Repair  / strengthening  / rehabilitation / rebuilding of Railway  bridges  is  a continuous process and is undertaken whenever so warranted by their

Contd…2/

physical condition as ascertained during these inspections and not on the basis of age.  If the corrective / remedial measures are expected to take a long  duration  due  to  the  complexity  of  the  site  situation,  etc.,  suitable safety measures like imposing speed restrictions and keeping such bridge under  close  watch  are  taken  till  the  bridge  is  repaired  /  strengthened  / rehabilitated / rebuilt. During last five years (2013-14 to 2017-18), a total of 3758 bridges have been repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt on Indian Railways. As on 01.04.2018, a total of 4027 Railway bridges are sanctioned for repairing/ strengthening/ rehabilitation/ rebuilding.

*****