opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Development of Tourism in Meghalaya
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: VINCENT H PALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2410 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN MEGHALAYA

## 2410. SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  utilise  the  Mekong Ganga Cooperation in supporting the development of  tourism in the North East and in India as a whole;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  develop tourism in Meghalaya and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  in  co-operation  with the  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  to  revamp  the  Shillong  airport anytime soon to increase tourists flow in the State and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (b): The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an initiative by six countries - India and five ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar,  Thailand and Vietnam  for cooperation in tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications.

Activities  for  enhancing  cooperation  under  the  MGC  frame work are guided by an MGC Plan of Action (2016-18). Tourism is one of  the  key  components  of  the  Plan  of  Action  which  includes exploring  and  tapping  the  potential  in tourism, especially the Buddhist Trail, greater connectivity between Buddhist sites, cultural tourism, pilgrimage tourism, medical tourism, eco-tourism, community  based  tourism  and  adventure  tourism.  Private  sector networking  for tour  packaging,  marketing  and  promotion,  and selling destinations in the region as a whole, is also encouraged. As  part  of  the  efforts  in  enhancing  cooperation  in  tourism, MGC  partners  were  invited  as 'Guests  of Honour'  in the 5th International  Buddhist  Conclave  which  was  held  from  2-5  October 2016 in Delhi, Varanasi and Sarnath. 275 persons from 39 countries including  prominent  Buddhist  personalities  from  Cambodia,  Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam participated. (c): For  development  of tourism  infrastructure in  the  country,  the Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  two  schemes  in  2014-15  i.e. Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and PRASAD  Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive. Under Swadesh Darshan scheme the focus is on development of theme  based  tourist circuits. Under  this Scheme,  thirteen thematic  circuits  including  the  North-East  India  Circuit  have  been identified  for  development.  The  Ministry  has  sanctioned  Rs.  99.13 crore for the Development of Umium (Lake View), U Lum Sohpetbneng  Mawdiangdiang  -  Orchid  Lake  Resort,  Meghalaya  in 2016-17 under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. (d): Ministry of Tourism has no specific plan to revamp the Shillong airport in cooperation with Ministry of Civil Aviation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Online Grievance Redressal
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: R. PARTHIPAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2409 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## Online Grievance Redressal

2409. SHRI R. PARTHIPAN:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  introduce  online  complaints  redressal system for engineering colleges;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether joining the system is considered mandatory and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the new system would enable faculty members and other stakeholders to submit their grievances and if so, the details thereof?

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

## (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a)  &  (b):  Yes,  Madam.  The    All  India  Council  for  Technical  Education    Council  for Technical  Education  (AICTE)  vide  letter  no.  1-101/DPG/AICTE/Regulation/2017  dated 20.02.2017  has  issued  instructions  to  all  the  AICTE  approved  institutes  to  establish  a mechanism for online registration as well as disposal of grievances of students/faculty/stakeholders etc. As per these instructions, an online monthly status report regarding number of grievances received, disposed-off and pending as on the last day of the  previous  month  should  be  informed  to  AICTE.  The  performance  of  the  institutions regarding grievance redressal mechanism will also be taken into account at the time of the renewal of the approval each year. (c)  &  (d):  Yes,  Madam.  The  mechanism  for  an  online  registration  as  well  as  disposal  of

- grievances will be made mandatory from the next academic session. The system would enable faculty members and other stakeholders to submit their grievances .

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2407 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Girls Admitted to IITs
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: LAKHAN LAL SAHU

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2407 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## Girls Admitted to IITs

†2407. SHRI LAKHAN LAL SAHU:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  percentage  of  girls  getting admitted in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is very low;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the reasons of low percentage of girls in admission to IITs; and
- (d) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  encourage  girls  for admission in IITs?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a)  to  (d)  :  Out  of  2264  female  candidates  who  were  allotted  seats  in  Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in 2016, 848 joined IITs. In 2017, 1006 girls have been allotted seats in IITs out of a total of 10,988. The reasons for low enrolment are  societal  biases  and  non-availability  of  educational  facilities  in  rural  areas and  smaller  cities.  With  a  view  to  improving  female  enrolment  in  the  B.Tech. Programmes in IITs, a Committee under the chairmanship of Director, IIT-Mandi was  constituted  by  the  Joint  Admission  Board  (JAB)  to  suggest  suitable measures. The recommendations of the Committee were considered by the IIT Council in its 51 st  meeting held on 28.04.2017 and decided to increase female enrolment from the current 8% to 14% in 2018-19, 17% in 2019-20 and 20% in 2020-21 by creating supernumerary seats.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2405 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Common Entrance Test for UG Courses
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2405 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## Common Entrance Test for UG Courses

## 2405.  SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to  introduce  Uniform  Entrance  Test  for admission in Under Graduate (UG) Courses in the universities across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which it would come into force?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

- (a) : No Madam.
- (b) & (c): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Modern Technology for Conservation of Monuments
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: KUNWAR SARVESH  KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. †2404 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017 SHRAVANA 9, 1939 (SAKA)

## Modern Technology for Conservation of Monuments

## †2404 . KUNWAR SARVESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister  of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  is  adopting  outdated/obsolete  means  of conservation of ancient monuments;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  proposal  in  regard  to  evolving  and  implementing  new  means  of conservation based on modern  technology is under consideration with the Government;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) No Madam. Conservation  work  of  ancient  monuments  is  a  specialized  work  for

to which  traditional  materials,  methods  and  techniques  are  always  preferable  to

- (e) maintain originality and authenticity of the monuments. However, for stability and consolidation of the monuments, if use of modern techniques is required, the same are also applied. The training courses are organized regularly to keep abreast the Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  professionals  about  new  developments  in Conservation Science. At present no specific proposal of new means of conservation is under consideration.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Trade Ties with China
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: KIRTI (JHA) AZAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2401 (H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 st JULY, 2017

## TRADE TIES WITH CHINA

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

## 2401(H). SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

- (a) the  current  status  of  trade  between  India  and  China  in  view  of  the  increase  in imports by China;
- (b) whether India has improved its trade ties with China and increased its export; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

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

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

(a) to (c):  Details of trade and trade deficit with China during last two years and the current year upto May 2017 are given below: -

Bilateral Trade between India and China during 2015-16 to 2016-17 and the current year Value in US$ Billion

| Year                   |   Import |   Export |   Total Trade |   Trade Deficit |
|------------------------|----------|----------|---------------|-----------------|
| 2015-16                |    61.7  |     9.01 |         70.71 |           52.69 |
| 2016-17                |    61.28 |    10.19 |         71.47 |           51.09 |
| 2017-18 ((Apr to May)* |    11.83 |     1.73 |         13.56 |           10.1  |

*Provisional                                                                                       (Source; DGCI&S)

From above table, it may be seen that India's trade with China during 2016-17 grew marginally from US$ 70.71 billion to US$ 71.47 billion. During this period ,India's exports to Chinagrewby13% (approximately)from US$ 9.01 billion to US$ 10.19 billion while India's imports from

China dropped marginally by0.7% (approximately) to US$ 61.28 billion from US$ 61.70 billion resulting in a marginal dip in India's trade deficit with China by 3%(approximately).

Seeking greater market access for Indian goods has been an ongoing process with China, on a continuous basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2400 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Development of Tourism in Telangana
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2400 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN TELANGANA

## 2400. SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  Adilabad  is  emerging  as  a  tourist  destination  in Telangana and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  that  Adilabad  is  a suitable  location  for  eco-based  adventure  tourism  and  if  so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  develop  the  region keeping in view the fragility of the environment and interests of the locals; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken/being  taken  to improve the tourism projects in Telangana and A.P.?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Development, improvement, creation of a tourism region/destination  keeping  in  view  the  fragility  of  an  environment and interests of the locals is primarily the responsibility of the State Government and Union Territories.

The Ministry of Tourism extends Central Financial Assistance to the State Governments and Union Territories including the State Government of Telangana for tourism projects identified by them for development, as per existing scheme guidelines.

Accordingly,  the  State  Government  of  Telangana  has  been sanctioned  the  following  projects  under  the  Swadesh  Darshan Scheme as detailed below: -

(Rs. in crore)

|   Sl. No. | Circuit          | Name of Projects                                                                                                                                         |   Amount sanctioned |
|-----------|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|
|         1 | Eco-Circuit      | Integrated Development of Eco- Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagar district.                                                                                |               91.62 |
|         2 | Tribal Circuit   | Integrated Development of Mulugu-Laknavaram- Medavaram- Tadvai- Damaravi- Mallur- Bogatha Waterfalls as Tribal Circuit in Telangana.                     |               84.4  |
|         3 | Heritage Circuit | Development of Heritage Circuit: Qutub Shahi Heritage Park- Paigah Tombs- Hayat Bakshi Mosque- Raymond's Tomb in Telangana under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. |               99.42 |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Captive Iron Ore Mines for Steel Plants
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: K. KAMARAAJ

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2399

FOR ANSWER ON 31/07/2017

## CAPTIVE IRON ORE MINES FOR STEEL PLANTS

2399.  DR. K. KAMARAJ:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether a number of private/public sector steel plants  in  the  country  do  not have their own captive iron ore mines and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the cost of production of steel is higher in these plants as compared to those plants which have captive iron ore mines and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the remedial steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL

(SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Only few private/public sector steel plants in the country have captive iron ore mines. Steel being a de-regulated sector the role of Government is that  of  a  facilitator  only,  which  lays  down  the  policy  guidelines  and  establishes  the institutional mechanism/structure for creating a conducive environment for improving efficiency  and  performance  of  the  domestic  steel  sector.  Having  captive  iron  ore mine, fixation of price for finished steel products etc are, therefore, decided by the individual steel producers based on various market dynamics.  The cost of production of steel is dependent on a cost of other factors such as cost of power, coking coal, labour cost, plant efficiency, logistic cost etc. and not on cost of iron ore alone.

- (c) For  ensuring  adequate  supply  of  iron  ore  to  the  domestic  steel  industries, Government has taken the following steps:-
- (i) Notified Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 which provide auction mechanism for grant of Mining Leases.
- (ii) Imposed export duty @ 30% on Iron Ore Lumps/Fines above 58% Fe content.
- (iii) Notified National Steel Policy 2017 with a view to encourage long term growth of domestic steel sector.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2398 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Restoration of Ancient Temples
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: BHAGWANTH KHUBA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2398 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.7.2017 SHRAVANA 9, 1939 (SAKA)

## RESTORATION OF ANCIENT TEMPLES

## 2398. SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note that there are a number of temples built over centuries ago in the country;
- (b) whether the Government has maintained any data of these temples;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  of  the  important/major  temples  build  over  centuries  ago especially in Karnataka State;
- (d) whether the Government is aware that many of these temples are in dilapidated condition; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  identified  any  such  temples  to  be  taken  up  for restoration work and if so the details thereof and if not, reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a)&(b) Yes, Madam. There are 1076 temples declared as protected monuments in the country under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.
- (c) There are 506 monuments/sites including 242 temples declared as protected monuments  in  Karnataka  under  the  protection  of  Archaeological  Survey  of India.
- (c) The monuments including temples are in a good state of preservation.
- (e) The conservation work of ancient monuments including temples is attended as  per  established  guidelines,  conservation  norms,  conservation  charters, maintaining the original character of the site as well as retaining its authenticity  and  integrity  and  heritage  values  associated  with  the  particular site.  The conservation work within these parameters is attended regularly by the Archaeological Survey of India. The conservation, preservation, maintenance of these centrally protected monuments/sites including temples in the country is a continuous process.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2397 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Promotion of Folk Dance and Songs of Bundelkhand
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2397 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 ST JULY, 2017

## PROMOTION OF FOLK DANCE AND SONGS OF BUNDELKHAND

## † 2397.  SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

## Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is contemplating any scheme to encourage folk dance and folk songs of Bundelkhand;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  details  of  the  amount  spent  to  promote  Bundelkhandi  folk dance and folk songs during the last three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) & (b) No, Madam. However, the Government of India operates a number of  schemes  and  conducts  various  cultural  activities  throughout  the  country including Bundelkhand to encourage folk dance and folk songs.
- (c) The details of the amount spent to promote Bundelkhandi folk dance and folk songs during the last three years are as under:

| Year    | Amount        |
|---------|---------------|
| 2014-15 | ` 16,89,448/- |
| 2015-16 | ` 17,78,119/- |
| 2016-17 | ` 11,43,400/- |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2396 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-31
Subject: Branding Strategy for Export Oriented Indian Products
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2396 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 st JULY, 2017

## BRANDING STRATEGY FOR EXPORT ORIENTED INDIAN PRODUCTS

## 2396. SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  reviewed  the  branding  strategy  for  exportoriented Indian products and services;
- (b) if  so,  the  number  and  details  of  modes  of  branding  campaigns  which  have  been identified and given a try;
- (c) whether any roadmap has been drawn for participation in International Trade Fairs, Expos and Seminars for the next three years; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the expected target of earnings from taking part in these events?

## ANSWER

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

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a)  &  (b):    India's  Foreign  Trade  Policy  Statement  released  in  2015emphasises  the  need  of  a branding strategy. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) established by the Department of Commerce  works  closely  with  stakeholders  across  government  and  industry  to  promote  and create international awareness of the Indian products and services in overseas markets. IBEF has undertaken focused branding activities for sectors namely engineering, pharma, plantations (tea,  coffee  and  spices),  services,  textiles  and  leather.  This  is  done  through  a  360 o branding approach  including  onsite  branding,  advertising  in  media,  digital  marketing  including  social media, PR, knowledge kits and revamping the websites of many export promotion councils. IBEF actively works with Indian missions abroad for its branding activities in overseas events and also supports them with knowledge works and branding collaterals.

(c)  &(d):  Department  of  Commerce  encourages  participation  of  exporters,  export  promotion councils, trade associations etc. in International Trade Fairs, Expos etc. India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) is the trade promotion agency of the Department of Commerce. ITPO has finalized participation in 31 overseas exhibitions for 2017-18. Based on the proposals submitted by the Export Promotion Councils/Trade Promotion Organizations, an annual plan for organizing participation of exporters in various international fairs and expos is drawn and supported under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme by Department of Commerce.255 proposals for export promotion activities/events in India and abroad for 2017-18 have been approved for assistance under MAI scheme. No targets of earning from such events are fixed.

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