opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Inspection of Pollution
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3644

TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2017

## Inspection of Pollution

## 3644. SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO:

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

- (a) whether there is  a  demand to upgrade the level  of expertise in  making  on site inspections with regard to controlling pollution by the Central Pollution Control Board;
- (b) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  complaints  have  been  received  regarding  low  quality  reports submitted by such inspectors and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if so, whether such reports have also been frequently rejected by the National Green Tribunal and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to improve and bring transparency in this regard including posting of inspection reports and names of the inspectors on the website of the CPCB?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER FOR  ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) to (c) The  Central  Pollution  Control  Board  has  due  expertise  in  making on-site inspections with regard to controlling pollution. The field level on-site inspections are generally carried out by State Pollution Control Boards and other State agencies.  The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) supplements the efforts of State level agencies besides carrying out onsite  inspections  in  case  of  specific  requirements.    The  CPCB  receives  requests  for  on-site inspections in a large number of cases from various statutory bodies and Hon'ble Courts which are required to be carried out with its existing technical  manpower leading to the demand for strengthening.  Various  reports  of  the  CPCB  including  on-site  inspection  reports  pertaining  to control  of  pollution  are  prepared  by  competent  and  trained  experts  in  the  relevant  field  and generally no complaints have been received in this regard. However, the observations pointing out  any  deficiency  in  the  reports  are  noted  and  appropriate  measures  are  taken  to  address  the issues. There are a large number of reports submitted by the CPCB to National Green Tribunal in compliance of various orders. There are very few cases where the Hon'ble Tribunal has pointed out deficiencies, which are duly addressed by CPCB.

(d) CPCB undertakes on-site inspections by deploying the scientific and technical personnel. Several  reports  of  CPCB  are  uploaded  on  the  website  of  the  Board.  However,  the  reports  in respect  of  the  inspections  carried  out  in  compliance  of  the  orders  passed  by  the  Tribunals  or Courts or other authorities are submitted to the respective Tribunal or Court or other authorities for appropriate orders and are generally not uploaded on the website.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3642 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Diversion of Wheat in Madhya Pradesh
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: KAMAL NATH, JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3642 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 th  AUGUST, 2017

## DIVERSION OF WHEAT IN MADHYA PRADESH

3642. SHRI KAMAL NATH: SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Agriculture  Minister  of  Madhya  Pradesh  has  recently stated in  a  closed-door  meeting  that  90  percent  of  the  wheat  procured  for distribution in  the State through the PDS system is diverted illegally and if so, the facts and details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Union  Government  has  taken  note  of  the  statement made  by  the  Agriculture  Minister  of  Madhya  Pradesh  State  Government  in this regard;
- (c) if so, the action taken by the Union Government to plug the leakage in the Public Distribution System in the State; and
- (d) whether  a  central  team  will  be  sent  to  the  State  to  assess  the situation, if so, the details in this regard?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) & (b): No such information has come to the notice of this Department.
- (c): The Government has initiated a Plan Scheme on End-to-end Computerisation of Targeted Public Distribution System [TPDS] operations on cost  sharing  basis  with  States  /  UTs.  The  Scheme  comprises  of  activities namely digitization of ration cards/beneficiaries and other databases, computerisation  of  supply-chain  management,  setting  up  of  transparency portals  and  grievance  redressal  mechanisms  and  installation  of      e-PoS devices  at  Fair  Price  Shops  and  issuance  of  foodgrains  through  biometric authentication.  100%  ration  cards  have  been  digitized  and  100  %  e-PoS devices  are  currently  installed  at  Fair  Price  Shops  in  the  State.  Aadhaar Seeding  with  Ration  Cards  in  the  State  is  approximately  91%.  Online allocation  and  supply-chain  management  is  implemented  in  the  State. Besides,  Transparency  Portal  and  online  Grievance  Redressal  Mechanism  / toll free helpline number has also been set up  in  the State.
- (d): Question does not arise in view of the  reply to part (a) & (b)  of the question.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3639 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Misuse of Insecticides
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3639

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  8 TH  AUGUST, 2017

## MISUSE OF INSECTICIDES

## 3639.  SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE   ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether misuse of insecticides has been reported;
- (b) if  so, the details of the effective measures taken by the Government to check the misuse of insecticides during the last three years; and
- (c) the details of the loss of life due to this misuse during the said period?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã  ½ãñâ  Àã·¾ã  ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI  PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a): The  Ministry  of  Agriculture  and  Farmers  Welfare  is  implementing  'Monitoring  of  Pesticide Residues at National Level' (MPRNL) scheme, under which food commodities and environmental samples are collected and analysed for the presence of pesticide residues. In 2016-17, a total of 22271 samples were analysed out of which 473 (2.12%) were found exceeding Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Maximum Residue Limit (MRL).
- (b): The annual report of the MPRNL are being shared with the States to take corrective action against possible misuse of pesticides.  In addition, the Government is implementing 'Strengthening and  Modernization  of  Pest  Management  Approach  in  India'  through  35  Central  Integrated  Pest Management  Centres  (CIPMCs)  of  Directorate  of  Plant  Protection  Quarantine  and  Storage established across the country with an aim to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. CIPMCs inter alia, produce biological agents for release in the fields, conserve natural bio-control agents, promote bio-pesticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides and advocate judicious and safe use of chemical pesticides as a last resort. These activities are implemented through Farmers Field Schools (FFSs), 2 days and 5 days training programmes and season long training program for State  Agriculture  Extension  officers  and  NGOs  /  Private  Bodies.  In    the  last    three    years,  5854 Million  bio control agents have been released in the agriculture fields. A total of 1991 FFSs have been  organized  imparting  training  to  59730  farmers.  In  addition,  a  total  of  326  two  day  HRD programmes and 50 five day HRD programmes have been conducted imparting training to 13040 and  2000  nos.  of  AEOs,  Pesticide  dealers,  NGOs,  Lead  Farmers,  Private  Entrepreneurs  etc. respectively.  Further  12  nos.  of  Season  Long  Training  Programmes  of  30  days  each  have  been organized which imparted training to 1380 master trainers.
- (c): There  are  no  such  reports  available  with  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  Cooperation  and Farmers Welfare.
- ********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3635 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Gorakhpur Fertilizer Plant
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: SHARAD TRIPATHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3635

TO BE ANSWERED

ON: 08.08.2017

## GORAKHPUR FERTILIZER PLANT

## †3635. SHRI SHARAD TRIPATHI:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALSAND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether there is a project for settingup of fertilizers plant in Gorakhpur;
- (b)  if so, the details and status thereof;and
- (c)  the time by which the fertilizerplant in Gorakhpur is likely to be completedand start its production?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, SHIPPING AND CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Government has decided to revive the closed Gorakhpur fertilizer  unit  of  Fertilizer  Corporation  of  India  Limited  by  setting  up  a  new  Ammonia Urea  Plant  of  1.27  Million  Metric  Ton  Per  Annum  (MMTPA).  Union  Cabinet  in  its meeting held on 13.07.2016 inter alia approved to revive Gorakhpur unit by means of a  Special  Purpose  Vehicle  of  Public  Sector  Units  namely,  National  Thermal  Power Corporation, Coal India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Fertilizer Corporation India Limited, through 'nomination route. In pursuance to the decision of the  Government  of  India,  a  SPV  by  name  Hindustan  Urvarak&Rasayan  Limited (HURL)  has  been  formed  by  a  consortium  of  PSUs  namely  NTPC,  CIL,  IOCL  and FCIL/HFCL. Following activities  have  been  completed,  so far, for  setting  up  of  new urea plant:

## Pre-Project Activities:

- Pre-Feasibility

:    Completed

- Geo Technical Investigation and

:    Completed

- Topographic studies

- Bathymetric and Topographic studies for Chilwa Taal-Gorakhpur

:    Completed

- Hydro-geological and ground water study

:    Completed

- For water availability at Gorakhpur

- •

- Public Hearing/ Public consultation for Environment clearance

:    Completed

- Final EIA/ EMP submission to MoEF

:    Completed

- Environment clearance

:   EAC has granted in principal approval.

## Bids for main Plant LSTK Contract:

- The  bids  have  been  received  from  all  the  three  pre-qualified  bidders  on  the scheduled date of 23 rd June, 2017.

·

## Lease Agreements:

- Inter  Ministerial  Committee  (IMC)  in  its  meeting  held  on  12 th May,  2017  has approved Proposal for allotment of land.
- (c): The fertilizerplant in Gorakhpur is likely to be completedand start its production by August 2020.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3634 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Agreement for Cultivation of Pulses Crop
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: JITENDRA CHAUDHURY, PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3634

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  8 TH  AUGUST, 2017

## AGREEMENT FOR CULTIVATION OF PULSES CROP

3634.  SHRI JITENDRA CHAUDHURY: SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has entered into agreement with foreign Government including Mozambique and Mayanmar to cultivate pulses crop on leased land in foreign countries;
- (b) if  so, the  details  thereof including the total number of agreements made by the Government for acquisition of agricultural lands on lease for the purpose;
- (c) whether the Government has also fixed target of achieving substantial production of pulses crops in those countries and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has paid/proposes to pay a certain price per quintal to the  farmers  of  these  foreign  countries  for  growing  arhar/tur  dal  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the benefits guaranteed to the said farmers as per the agreements amongst the Governments; and
- (e) whether seeds, technology and transportation costs etc. would be borne by the Government in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) & (b): No, Madam. MoUs signed with Myanmar (on 25.04.1998) and Mozambique (on 12.05.2003) by this Ministry for cooperation in the field of agriculture sectors, does not have specific provision relating to pulses.

However, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and public Distribution has signed as MoU with Mozambique on July 7, 2016 wherein both countries undertake to support production  and  promote  consumption  and  trade  of  Pigeon  peas.  The  MoU  also  has provision for promoting production and trade in other varieties of pulses and cooperate in the areas of research and production of seeds.

- (c): No such target has been fixed in the MoU.
- (d) & (e): The agreement fixed the price for support of Pigon peas at the price based on Minimum Support Price declared by the Government of India, for public procurement in  India  with  suitable  adjustments for cost of  procurement, freight. These adjustments would be mutually decided between both countries after examining the relevant data.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3631 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Subsidized Ration under PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: JAY PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV, INNOCENT

3631.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3631 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 th  AUGUST, 2017 SUBSIDIZED RATION UNDER PDS

SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV:

SHRI INNOCENT:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  subsidized  ration  such  as  rice,  wheat,  etc.  are  distributed  to  the poor families under Public Distribution System (PDS), if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any schemes are being implemented by the Government to deposit cash money in the account of the beneficiary in place of giving subsidized ration and if so, the time by which the scheme will be implemented;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to increase the number of beneficiaries  eligible  for  receiving  foodgrains  through  PDS  outlets,  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (d) the estimated quantum of different varieties of rice and wheat required to be procured for providing universal food security to the people in the country; and
- (e) the quantum of rice and wheat currently procured by the Government for distribution through PDS and the manner in which the Government proposes to bridge the gap between procurement and distribution?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a):  The  Government  is  implementing  the  National  Food  Security  Act,  2013 (NFSA),  under  which  75%  of  the  rural  and  50%  of  the  urban  population  is entitled  to  receive  highly  subsidized  foodgrains  at  Rs.1/2/3  per  kg  for  coarse grains/wheat/rice respectively.
- (b): The  Government  is  implementing  Cash  Transfer  of  Food  Subsidy Scheme as per provisions of the 'Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015'. Under this scheme, food subsidy is transferred in cash into the bank account of eligible beneficiaries.  This scheme is being implemented in Union Territories of Chandigarh, Puducherry and urban areas of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
- (c) & (d):
- There is no proposal to revise the coverage under NFSA.
- (e): The quantities of procurement of wheat and rice during Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2016-17 and Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2016-17 were 229.62 lakh tons and 387.26 lakh tons respectively. During RMS 2017-18 the quantity of  wheat  procured,  as  on  20.07.2017,  stood  at  308.24.  Current  level  of procurement  and  stock  of  foodgrians  in  the  Central  Pool  is  sufficient  for distribution requirement under NFSA.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3630 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Fertilizer Raw Material
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: SANJAY JAISWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION

NO: 3630

TO BE ANSWERED ON

: 08.08.2017

## FERTILIZER RAW MATERIAL

## 3630.  DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the country has very little reserves of fertilizer raw material and natural gas; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken  by  Government  to  address  the aforesaid issue?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, SHIPPING AND CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a): Yes,  Madam.  However,  sufficient  reserves  of  gas  are  available  in  India  at present.
- (b): There  is  up  to  90%  dependence  on  imports  for  Phosphatic  fertilizer,  its  raw materials  and  intermediate  products  and  100%  import  dependence  for  Potash.  The Government of India has been encouraging Indian Companies to enter into long term agreement  for  supply  of  fertilizer  raw  materials  and  intermediaries  to  India  and  to participate in JVs in countries like Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3627 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Shortage of Scientists
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: AJAY (TENI) MISRA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3627

TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2017

## Shortage of Scientists

## 3627.  SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI

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

(a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  there  is  a  shortage  of  expert  scientists  in  various  regional offices of the Ministry and projects are not being monitored properly;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether against the forty one sanctioned posts of scientists in the regional offices of the Ministry only fifteen posts are filled; and

(d) if so, the measures being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to improve the  situation,  filling  the  vacant  posts  and  ensure  proper  monitoring  of  environment  related schemes of the Ministry?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR  ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a), (b), (c) and (d): There  are  99  sanctioned  posts  of  Scientists  in  various  grades  in  the Ministry, out of which 82 are filled up at present.  Pre-appointment formalities in respect of 4 posts  have  already  been  initiated.    The  recruitment  process  in  respect  of  the  remaining  13 posts has also started.  These Scientists are deployed in various Divisions/Offices (including Regional Offices) depending upon functional requirements so that the work is not hampered.

Ministry  takes  all  necessary  steps  to  monitor  the  projects  under  the  Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.  As against the target of 1248 projects, a total of 1341 projects were monitored  during  the  year  2016-17  for  follow  up  implementation  of  conditions  and safeguards laid down for projects/activities under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3626 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-08
Subject: Revival of Paper Mills
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shrirang Appa Barne, NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN, DHARMENDRA YADAV, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES DEPARTMENT OF HEAVY INDUSTRY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3626 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2017

## Revival of Paper Mills

3626.   SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: SHRI NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN: SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV: DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE: SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the production in paper mills with 100 percent shareholding of the Government and one lakh metric tonne of installed capacity have been suspended since the year 2015, if so, the details thereof and the main reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether the employees of the said paper mills have not been paid their salaries for a long time and the employees are committing suicide due to it;
- (c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of employees who have committed suicide so far;
- (d) the names of the paper mills which have demanded revival package from the Government;
- (e) whether the Ministry has submitted a revival package of Rs. 1,347 crore to the NITI Aayog;
- (f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the NITI Aayog thereto; and
- (g) the steps taken by the Government to release the salaries of the employees of these sick paper mills?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI  BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a):  Due to shortage of working capital, the production in Cachar Paper Mill (CPM) and Nagaon Paper  Mill  (NPM),  units  of  Hindustan  Paper  Corporation  (HPC)  has  been  suspended  since October 2015 and March 2017 respectively.
- (b):  Salaries of the employees have not been paid for the last 8 months for NPM and 10 months for CPM.  However there is no confirmation regarding committing suicide by employees due to non-payment of salaries.
- (c):  Does not arise.
- (d): HPC has demanded revival package for its mills - Nagaon Paper Mill and Cachar Paper Mill.
- (e) & (f):  A proposal for revival of Hindustan Paper Corporation (HPC) has been received and is under consideration of the Department of Heavy Industry. The proposal also includes budgetary support for payment of salaries of the employees of CPM and NPM.

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