opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 315 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Conservation/Breeding of Chiru Goat
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*315

TO BE ANSWERED ON  16.03.2018

## Conservation/Breeding of Chiru Goat

- *315.  SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government plans to conserve and breed the Chiru goat, a near threatened species, whose underfur is used for making the famous Shahtoosh shawl and to provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a),(b) and (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

***

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO *315 REGARDING 'CONSERVATION/BREEDING  OF  CHIRU  GOAT'  BY  SHRI  B.  VINOD KUMAR  DUE FOR REPLY ON 16.03.2018.

- (a) , (b) and (c)     Tibetan  Antelope  or Chiru ( Pantholops  hodgsonii )  is  listed  in  the Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby according it  the  highest  degree  of  protection  against  hunting.  The  important habitats of Chiru ,  in  India have been notified as Protected Areas, for the  purpose  of  conserving  the  species.  Further,  the  species  is  also listed in Appendix-I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) thereby regulating  the  international  trade  of  the  species  and  its  parts  and products.  The  species  is  conserved  in  the  Protected  Areas  of  Jammu and Kashmir, namely, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and Karakoram Wildlife  Sanctuary.  The  Government  of  India  is  providing  funds  for the  conservation  of  various  species  including  Chiru  in  these  parts through the scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'.

Presently,  the  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change has no plans to breed Chiru, mainly due to the following reasons:

- i. Scientific  assessments  indicate  that  as Chiru inhabits  high altitude Tibetan Plateau and requires large expanse of land for its  movement  and  ranging  patterns  to  fulfill  its  feeding  & breeding requirements, rearing in captivity, therefore, is extremely difficult.
- ii. Any  attempt to do conservation breeding at very high altitude regions  of  Ladakh    would  not  be  economically  viable  and feasible  as    humans  can  not  be  posted  there  continuously  for more than 2-3 months as this would lead to high causalities.
- iii. As the quality of wool depends on the cold and harsh climatic factors  operating  at  high  altitudes  (3800  m  up  to  5500  m), where  the  animal  occurs  in  nature,  it  may  not  serve  the purpose, if kept in captivity below this altitude.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 309 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Cruel Practices against Egg-Laying Hens
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *309

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2018

## Cruel Practices against Egg-Laying Hens

## *309.   SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  bring  stricter  rules  under  the  Prevention  of Cruelty  to  Animals  Act,  1960  to  stop  cruel  practices  against  egg-laying  hens  and broiler chickens;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  said  move  is  aimed  at  addressing  global  concerns  over  unhygienic conditions of poultry farms in India which has been exporting poultry products to many countries; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a), (b), (c) and (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

***

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c) AND (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *309 REGARDING 'CRUEL PRACTICES AGAINST EGG-LAYING HENS' BY SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN FOR REPLY ON 16.03.2018.

- (a) and (b) Government of India has enacted the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and framed rules under it for the purpose of protecting animals from being subjected to unnecessary  pain  or  suffering.  As  per  directions  of  the  Supreme  Court,  the  matter regarding egg laying hens is being discussed with the various stakeholders.
- (c ) and (d) The said move of the Government is aimed at preventing the cruelty inflicted to the egg-laying hens.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 307 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: National Health Protection Scheme
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR, RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 3 07 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH MARCH, 2018 NATIONAL HEALTH PROT ECTION SCHEME

## *307. SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

## SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

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

- (a) whether the Directorate General of Health Services has been asked to dra list  of  procedures/diseases  that  will  be  covered  under  the  National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether many States have opted out of the said scheme and if so, the thereof;
- (c) whether the Government plans to provide any grants to the States whic financially incapab le of providing the funds for NHPS;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the criteria fixed to select the in different States; and
- (e) the details of funds to be allocated by the Government to the States an amount/expenditure to be borne by the States for effective implementation o said scheme?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA )

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

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 307* FOR 16 TH MARCH, 2018

- (a) A Technical Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Director General of Health Services for formulation of packages,  rates  etc.  for  the  implementation  of  the  proposed  National Health  Protection  Scheme  (NHPS).  The  report  of  the  Committee  is awaited.
- (b) This  Ministry  has  not  received  any  reference  from  any  State intimating its decision to opt out of NHPS.
- (c), (d),  & (e) The beneficiary households of the Scheme will be entitled to get benefit under the scheme as per pre-decided deprivation criteria applied  on  SECC  database  in  rural  areas  and  defined  occupational criteria  in  urban  areas. The contours of the Scheme are being worked out.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 303 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Shortage of Currency in Banks
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Y. S. AVINASH REDDY, KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

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

STARRED QUESTION No\_ 303 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 MARCH; 2018 (FRIDAYYPHALGUNA 25, 1939 (SAKA)

## Shortage of Currency in Banks

## SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a shortage of currency in banks which led to insufficient supply in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) causing troubles to the customers and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Union Government is aware that a large number of ATMs show no cash boards in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have requested the Union Government to release sufficient currency to meet the demands of the customers and if SO, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether any assurance has been given by the Union Government regarding supply of currency to the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and if the details thereof along with the remedial measures being taken by the Government to reduce the hardships of the account holders and general public, especially in rural areas? SO,

## Answer FINANCE MINISTER ARUN JAITLEY)

THE (SHRI

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

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No.*303 Position) for 16th March 2018 by Shri Y.S Avinash Reddy and Shri Prabhakar Reddy Kotha, MPs regarding "Shortage of Currency in Banks" (3rd

- (a) to (d) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised that currency supply across the country is monitored regularly and adequate supplies are made available to RBI issuing offices thereby ensuring equitable distribution of currency to various parts of the country. Banks take corrective measures, in consultation with RBI, as and when required, in case of shortage of currency. being

RBI has informed that on receipt of Government of Telangana's request dated 26.11.2016, situation was redressed through supply of cash to the State

RBI has apprised that on receipt of letter dated 14.2.2018 from Government of Andhra Pradesh requesting for Rs. 5,000 crore currency, fresh currency worth Rs 5,000 crore was despatched to Hyderabad office of RBI with instructions to ensure appropriate distribution of the cash amongst currency chests in the circles so that cases of shortage at specific places do not arise\_

As informed by RBI, during November 2016 to March 2017 , Rs. 82,168 crore was supplied to Hyderabad office of RBI which is the highest amongst all the offices of RBI in the country. Similarly, during April 2017 to February 2018, crore was supplied to Hyderabad office of RBI which was the highest amongst all the offices of RBI in the country. again
Lok Sabha Question No. 302 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Blood Donation
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 302 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH MARCH, 2018 BLOOD DONATION

## *302. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

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

- (a) whether the Government has made any policy regarding donation of blood;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of procedure/provision for whom the blood donor can obtain bl from blood banks at present?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA )

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

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 302* FOR 16 TH MARCH, 2018

(a)& (b) Yes. Government has adopted the National Blood Policy in 2002. As per this policy, sale and purchase of blood is prohibited, awareness is g towards promotion of 100% voluntary non - remunerated blood donation and there is no coercion in enrolling replacement blood donors. The policy also lays that practice of replacement donors is gradually phased out and replacement dono encouraged to enrol as regular voluntary blood donors.

- (c) At present, a blood donor cannot obtain blood from blood banks direc Blood  can  only  be  obtained  by  a  registered  medical  p ractitioner  from  licensed blood banks for his/ her patient after submitting a duly signed blood reque along  with  the  patient's  sample  for  cross - match.  In  case  adequate  stocks  are available with the blood bank, as well as during emergencies, blood re quisitioned is  made  available.  Alternately,  the  patient  may  be  asked  to  replace  the obtained from blood bank by encouraging his family or friends to donate bloo replenish the stocks of the blood bank to the extent issued.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 301 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Impact of GST on Corruption and Inflation
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: TARIQ ANWAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

……..

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 301 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 16 TH MARCH, 2018 / PHALGUNA 25, 1939 (SAKA)

## QUESTION

## IMPACT OF GST ON CORRUPTION AND INFLATION

## †*301. SHRI TARIQ ANWAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether corruption is declining inthe system with the introduction of thenew tax regime the Goods and Services Tax(GST) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether inflation has gone up withthe implementation of GST; and
- (c) if so, the details of percentageincrease in the inflation so far, State-wise?

## ANSWER

## FINANCE MINISTER

(SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

- (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

***

## STATEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARA A TO C OF LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO  301  FOR  ANSWER  ON  16 TH MARCH 2018/  PHALGUNA  25,  1939  (SAKA)  REGARDING  IMPACT  OF  GST  ON CORRUPTION AND INFLATION

- (a) Yes Sir. GST, a destination-based consumption tax with a unified input tax credit chain and an inbuilt  self-policing  mechanism, has  been so designed that all the business  processes  like  registration,  return  filing,  tax  payment,  refunds  and intimations  are  automated  with  minimal  interaction  with  the  tax  authorities. However,  no  formal  study  has  been  conducted  in  this  regard  till  now  since  its introduction on 01 st July, 2018.
- (b) & (c) No Sir. The average inflation has declined after the implementation of GST. The  average  inflation  for  eight  months  since  July,  2017  is  lower  than  the corresponding  eight  months  prior  to  its  implementation.  Moreover,  it  has  been observed there was no huge increase in the prices of essential commodities from 01.07.2017to  13.03.2018.However,  the  details  of  the  percentage  increase  in  the inflation so far, State-wise are not maintained centrally.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Pollution of Water Resources
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3676

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2018

## Pollution of Water Resources

3676. ADV. JOICE GEORGE:

Will the Minister ofENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIAMATE CHANGEbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  mulling  to  formulate  a  law  to  punish  people  who pollute/contaminate water resources in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any of the States has such laws/acts and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether such initiatives are reported from other countries across the globe and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a)  &  (b)  The  Environment  (Protection)  Act,  1986  and  Water  (Prevention  and  Control  of Pollution) Act, 1974 have enabling provisions for necessary measures required for abatement of pollution of water resources including power to give directions for closure, prohibition or regulation  of  any  industry,  operation  or  process.  These  acts  also  provide  for  penalty  for contravention of the provision of acts, rules, orders or directions issued there under.

The State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees created under Water (Protection  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1974  are  empowered  to  take  action  against violations under these acts.

- (c) The 'Polluter Pays Principle' finds prominent place in Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The outcome of conference in the form of Agenda 21 has been adopted by most  of  the  countries  worldwide  for  conservation  and  protection  of  nature  and  natural resources. These countries have their own initiatives with respect to legislative and regulatory mechanisms for abatement of pollution of water resources.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3675 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Seats in Medical Colleges
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Y. S. AVINASH REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3675 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH MARCH, 2018

## SEATS IN MEDICAL COL LEGES

## 3675. SHRI Y.S. AVINASH REDDY:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Medical Council of India is considering to increase the seats in the existing medical colleges in the State of Andhra Pradesh following the bifurcation of the State and fulfi l the promise made in the AP Reorganisation Act; and
- (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

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

- (a) & (b): The Central Government with the consultation of  Medical Council of Indi (MCI) has granted permission to  increase 477 Post Graduate seats (Broad & Super Speci Course)  and  50  MBBS  seats  in  the  existing  Medical  Colleges  in    Andhra  Pradesh  fro 2014- 15 onwards.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3672 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Green Skill Development Programme
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI, DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3672

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2018

## Green Skill Development Programme

## 3672.   SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI:

## SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched Green Skill Development Programme with the aim of providing training to people on environment based challenges;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the area of training proposed by the Government;
- (c) the  details  of  skills  and  number  of  people  likely  to  be  trained  under  the  said programme;
- (d) whether the Government has also planned to expand the programme to all States; and
- (e) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  fund  allocation  and  number  of  beneficiaries expected to be trained ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a)  to  (c):  The  Green  Skill  Development  Programme  (GSDP)  is  a  new  initiative  of  the Ministry of Environment, Forest  and Climate Change to skill  youth in  environment, forest and  wildlife  sectors  and  enabling  them  to  be  gainfully  employed  or  self-employed.  It  was launched in June, 2017 on a pilot basis at 10 locations, spread over 9 bio-geographic regions of the country, with a Basic Course and Advanced Course of 3 months' duration each, to skill the  youth  as  Biodiversity  Conservationists  and  Para-taxonomists,  respectively.  94  Trainees have successfully completed the Basic Course qualifying as skilled Biodiversity Conservationists and the Advanced Course with 154 candidates enrolled, is under progress.

(d) & (e): The Government has planned to expand the programme to an all India level with new skilling programmes covering diverse fields, e.g., Pollution Monitoring (Air/Water/Noise/Soil),  Effluent  Treatment  Plant  (ETP)  Operation,  Waste  Management, Forest Management, Water Budgeting & Auditing, Conservation of River Dolphins, Wildlife Management, Marine Taxonomy & Coastal Biodiversity, Mangroves Conservation, Bamboo Management & Livelihood Generation, etc. The new initiatives including GSDP are being funded  under  the  ongoing  Environmental  Information  System  (ENVIS)  Scheme  of  the Ministry, apart from the regular activities under the Scheme. The Budget allocation for the ENVIS Scheme is Rs. 16 crore for 2017-18 and Rs. 24 crore for 2018-19. It is planned to create  a  pool  of  Master  Trainers  at  the  first  stage,  who  would  further  train  an  estimated 80,000 youth across the country under various skilling courses during 2018-19.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3671 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Healthy Lifestyle
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI, RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3671 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH MARCH, 2018

## HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

## 3671. SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI: SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

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

- (a) whether the Government is implementing any scheme to promote healthy lifestyle among people;
- (b) if so, the steps taken for the same;
- (c) whether cycling is being promoted by the Go vernment as a measure for healthy lifestyle among people; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof ?

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

(a) to (d): While  Health  is  a  State  subject,  the  Central  Government  supplements  th efforts  of  the  State  Governments  for  creating  awareness  to  promote  healthy  lifestyl improving healthcare.

Government  is  implementing  National  Programme  for  Prevention  and  Contr ol  of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) under the National Healt Mission.    The NPCDCS  has    focus  on  awareness  generation  for  behaviour  and  life - style changes, screening and early diagnosis of persons with high level of risk fac tors and their treatment and referral (if required) to higher facilities for appropriate managemen t for Non -communicable Diseases (NCD).

For early diagnosis, Population based prevention, control and screening for com NCDs such as diabetes, hypertensi on and common cancer viz. oral, breast & cervical has been initiated by Government of India by utilizing the services of the Frontline - workers and Health - workers under existing Primary Healthcare System.  This process will also gener awareness of risk f actors of common NCDs.

Any  physical  exercise  including  cycling,  walking  etc.  is  regarded  as  a  healthy  li measure.

To encourage sports in the country to allow people to harness the power of sp through its cross - cutting influence, namely holisti c development integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports developm Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is implementing 'Khelo India' Scheme which inter alia includes two verticals, n amely 'Community Coaching Development' and 'Physical Fitness of school going children'.

Under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), assistance given to NSFs for organizing coaching camps, national tournaments, participation of Indian teams in international events held in India and abroad and hiring foreign coaches for sports  disciplines.    Government  has  recognised  Cycling  Federation  of  India  (CFI) promotion of cycling sport in the country.