opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 237 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Abolition of Manual Scavenging
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 237 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## ABOLITION OF MANUAL SCAVENGING

## 237. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether manual scavenging has been entirely abolished in all the States and UTs across the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Supreme Court has directed payment of compensation to the next of kin of the manual scavengers who died while engaged in manual  scavenging in so far as the State of Tamil Nadu is concerned; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a): Manual scavenging is prohibited under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act; 2013 (MS in all the States and Union Territories except the State of Jammu & Kashmir with effect from 06.12.2013 No person; local authority or any agency shall, from the above date engage or employ, either directly or indirectly, a SO engaged or employed shall stand discharged immediately from any obligation, express or implied, to do manual scavenging: Whoever contravene the above provision shall, for the first contravention be punishable with imprisonment for & term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees Or with both, and for any subsequent contravention with imprisonment which may comes to the notice of the Ministry, the same is referred to the concerned State Government   for   verification and  inclusion in and rehabilitation. Act,
- (6) & (c): The  Supreme Court in its judgment  dated 27.03.2014 in CWP No. 583 of 2003, Safai Kararchari Andolan Vs Union of India and Others has directed all the State Governments and Union Territories to:
- Identify the families f all persons who have died in sewerage work (manholes; tanks) since 1993 and award compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs for each such death to the family members depending on them. septic

No. 9 of 2016 further directed that the purport and effect of the directions contained in its order dated 27.03.2014 would apply to all victims irrespective of the place of work:

The directions of the Supreme Court mentioned above have been communicated to all the States and Union Territories including Tamil Nadu   for  compliance. The State   Government of Tamil Nadu  has informed that 144 cases of sewer/septic tank related deaths have been identified of which compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs each has been in respect of 141 cases. Compensation could not be in the remaining 3 cases as no legal heir has been found in 2 cases and in 1 case the owner of the house himself was the victim. paid paid
Lok Sabha Question No. 235 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Petro-Chemical Complex
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE, FAIZAL P.P. MOHAMMED, GOWDAR MALLIKARJUNAPPA SIDDESHWARA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 235 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## PETRO-CHEMICAL COMPLEX

235. ADV. JOICE GEORGE: MOHAMMED FAIZAL: SHRI G.M: SIDDESHWARA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Kerala to build Petro-Chemical Complex at Kochi using the idle land owned by FACT;
- (b) if the details thereof and the current status of the proposal; SO,
- (c) whether the Government has any   proposal to set up petro-chemical complexes/hubs around refineries across the country and if s0, the details thereof; and
- (d) the estimated investment that would be attracted along with generation of job opportunities consequent upon setting up of petro-chemical hubs in the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS, SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a)&(b) A proposal was received from State Government of Kerala for setting up a Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) at Ambalamugal in Ernakulum district of Kerala. Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals examined the proposal in 2012 and deficiencies regarding

minimum area requirement of 250 absence of Preliminary Environment Impact Assessment; Preliminary Master Plan, assessment of infrastructure requirement were conveyed to Government of Kerala. Further considering the huge requirement of land area, the Government of Kerala dropped the proposal. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has informed that Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited   (BPCL) is   implementing a propylene based petrochemical plant at Kochi Refinery in Kerala:

- (c) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has informed that  setting up of petrochemical complexes hubs around refineries is a techno commercial decision to be taken by Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals notified Petroleum; Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) Policy in 2007 . Under this Policy four PCPIRs at Dahej in Gujarat, Vishakhapatnam-Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, Paradeep in Nadu with a refinery or cracker as Anchor Tenant have been approved by Government of India. These PCPIRs are at different stages of implementation.
- (d) The four PCPIRs are expected to attract investment of Rs: 7.63 lakh crore and generate direct and indirect employment for around 33.96 lakh persons upon complete implementation of these complexes. The estimated investment on the petrochemical plant at Kochi Refinery of BPCL in Kerala is Rs. 4588 crore. The direct employment from this petrochemical project is approximately 150 and indirect employment is approximately 2000.
Lok Sabha Question No. 234 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: YERRAM VENKATA SUBBAREDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 234 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## RASHTRIYA  GOKUL MISSION

## 234. SHRI Y.V. SUBBA REDDY:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ षि और क ृ िक कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the aims and objectives of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission;
- (b) whether it is a fact that one of the objectives is to protect indigenous cattle breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Nellore Bull has not been included in the category to protect indigenous cattle breed and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to include Nellore cattle which is on the verge of extinction under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

( a) & b) Yes Madam, 'Rashtriya Goukul Mission', has been launched in December 2014 with the aim to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds in a focused and scientific manner. The Rashtriya  Gokul  Mission  is  being  implemented  with  the  objectives  of:  a)  development  and conservation of all  indigenous  breeds; b) breed  improvement programme for all indigenous cattle breeds to improve their genetic makeup and increase the stock; c) enhancement of milk production and  productivity;  d)  upgradation  of  nondescript  cattle  using  elite  indigenous  breeds  and  e) distribution of disease free high genetic merit bulls of all indigenous breeds.

Elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharp arkar, Nellore, Red Sindhi are included for development and conservation, as well as breed improvement programmes.

(c) to (e) No Madam,  Nellore  (Ongole)  breed  of  cattle  including  Nellore  bull  has  been  included under Rashtriya Gokul Mission and assistance has been released to the State of Andhra Pradesh for development and conservation of Nellore breed of cattle.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 232 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Labour Issues in FCI
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: HARISHCHANDRA DEORAM CHAVAN

## ORIGINAL IN HINDI

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 232 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## LABOUR ISSUES IN FCI

## 232.  SHRI HARISHCHANDRA CHAVAN:

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 any investigation has been done in regard to handing over permanent light duty to handling labourer in a godown of Food Corporation of India at Manmad;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the outcome of the said investigation so far?

A N S W E R MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a): Yes,  Madam.  Investigation  for  allotment  of  permanent  light  duty  to handling labourers at Food Corporation of India, District office, Manmad was conducted.
- (b)&(c):  On  investigation,  13  genuine  cases  verified  by  the  Civil  Surgeon, Nasik were recommended for allocation of permanent light duty.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 231 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Impact of Pollution on Taj Mahal
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.231

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## Impact of Pollution on Taj Mahal

## 231. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

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

- (a) whether a recent IIT, Kanpur study has revealed that carbon pollution around the Taj Mahal is turning its white marble yellow;
- (b) if so, whether the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority has passed orders to convert vehicles plying near Taj to CNG;
- (c) whether the said orders are likely to be applied only to vehicles operating within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) or for other vehicles viz. trucks and other heavy vehicles also and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the status of compliance of the said orders?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a)  A  number  of  studies  have  been  carried  out  by  various  research  teams  regarding discolouring of Taj Mahal. According to one such study, carbon pollution around the Taj is causing the white marble to turn yellow.
- (b)&  (c)  Yes,  The  Taj  Trapezium  Zone  (TTZ)  Authority  has  banned  plying  of  petrol  and diesel  vehicles  within  500  meter  distance  from  Taj  Mahal.  The  TTZ  Authority  has  passed orders for conversion of light petrol and diesel operated vehicles operating around Taj into CNG.

(d)  Every  effort  is  being  made  by  the  concerned  authorities  to  ensure  compliance  and numbers of vehicles have been challaned for violation of directions in this regard.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 19 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-17
Subject: Products on GeM
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 19 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 th  JULY, 2017

## PRODUCTS ON GeM

## *19.   SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

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

- (a) the details of Government e-Market place (GeM) portal recently launched and functional for the last six  months in consultation with the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D);
- (b) whether the Government has received any memorandum demanding some relaxation for items to be marketed through GeM like Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Distribution Boards (DBs);
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the last Rate contract (R/C) for these items has expired in August, 2016 and till date indenters  have  not  been  able  to  place  purchase  Order  and  purchase  these  items  after August, 2016 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has undertaken any remedial steps to reinstate the old practice of R/C for MCBs & DBs and save small manufacturers and 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 e):  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 19   FOR ANSWER ON 17 TH  JULY, 2017 REGARDING 'PRODUCTS ON GeM'.

- (a)  to (e): DGS&D  with  the  technical  support  of  NeGD  under  Ministry  of Electronics & Information Technology has hosted Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The GeM portal is an online end to end procurement portal. It was launched on 9 th August 2016. The procurement through GeM is governed by rule No.149 of GFR, 2017 and as per GFR, the procurement of Goods or Services  by  the  Ministries  or  Departments  will  be  mandatory  for  Goods  or Services  available  on  GeM.  As  on  6 th July,  2017,    4517  Government Organizations have registered on GeM for procurement through it. There are 724 product categories in which 38618 products have been offered by 14074 sellers. Besides, 2732 service providers have offered their services in service category.

Yes,  the  last  Rate  Contract  for  Miniature  Circuit  Breakers  (MCBs)  and Distribution Boards (DBs) has expired in August, 2016. However, the indentors can  procure  these  items  at  competitive  rates  through  GeM  in  which  both  of these items are available. GeM supports small manufacturers who can register online without any hassle and can supply to Government organizations. GeM encourages entrepreneurship and enterprise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 18 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-17
Subject: Moderation Policy
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.18 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2017

## Moderation Policy

*18. SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK: SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

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

(a) whether the Government proposes to curb the practice of spiking of marks and to do away with moderation policy with regard to awarding marks and implement a scientific policy in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  the  Government  has  set  up  an  Inter-Board  Working  Group  for  the purpose  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  response  received  from  the State Boards in the matter;

(c)  the  manner  in  which  it  is  likely  to  improve  the  quality  of  education  in  the country; and

(d)  the  other  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  bring  about  uniformity  in evaluation and to improve the quality of education in the country?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR )

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE PARTS (a) to (d) OF LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  18  FOR  17.07.2017  ASKED  BY SHRIDHANANJAY MAHADIK AND SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVARAJIRAO HON'BLE MP REGARDING 'MODERATION POLICY'

(a) to (d): A meeting to review the Policy of Moderation of marks to avoid spiking of marks was  conveyed  by  the  Secretary  (School  Education  and  Literacy),  in  Ministry  of  Human Resource Development, on 24 th  April, 2017 with State Education Secretaries and Chairman of  State  Education  Boards  and  Central  Board  of  Secondary  Education  (CBSE).  All  State Boards decided to constitute Inter Board Working Group (IBWG) comprising of Chairman, Board of Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Telengana, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, ICSE with Chairman, CBSE as the Convener of the IBWG. The following decisions in regard to moderation of marks for upward revision/spiking of marks have been taken unanimously: (i)  All  State  Boards  decided  to  stop  awarding  moderation  of  marks  for  upward  revision /spiking of marks from the current year except Kerala Board and subject to amendment in the  State  regulations,  if  required.  However,  Kerala  Board  conveyed  to  do  away  with moderation from the next year. (ii)  All  State  Boards  decided  to  continue  with  the  policy  of  Grace  Marks  for  lower  level performance to  improve  the  pass  percentage  but  the  policy  should  be  placed  on  Board's website for transparency. It was also decided to show grace marks distinctly in the Marks Sheet. All State Boards placed on record the appreciation for efforts of Government of India and  State  Governments  to  initiate  this  process  of  consultation  to  bring  uniformity  in evaluation and improve quality of education in the country.

## *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 12 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-17
Subject: Admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 12 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2017

## ADMISSIONS IN KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS

## *12. DR. UDIT RAJ:

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

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal to discontinue the coupon system for admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto; and
- (c) the time by which the said system is likely to be discontinued?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (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.  12  RAISED  BY  DR. UDIT RAJ, HON'BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TO BE ANSWERED  ON  17 TH   JULY,  2017  REGARDING  ADMISSION  IN KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS.

(a) Government has not received any such proposal. (b) & (c): Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 10 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-17
Subject: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: POONAM  MAHAJAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 10 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2017

## MATERNITY BENEFIT (AMENDMENT) ACT

- *10. SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  LABOUR  AND  EMPLOYMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)whether the Government has issued guidelines for implementation of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017;
- (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether  the  Government  is  anticipating  decline  in  rate  of  labour force  participation  of  female  population  in  the  country  as  the employers  might  adopt  discriminatory  hiring  practices  in  order  to prevent maternity benefits under the said Act of 2017; and
- (d)if  so,  the  action  plan  adopted/proposed  to  be  adopted  by  the Government to prevent discriminatory hiring practices?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

- (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.10  FOR  17.07.2017  BY  SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN REGARDING MATERNITY BENEFIT (AMENDMENT)

ACT.

(a) & (b): Section 28 of the Maternity Benefit Act,1961 empowers the appropriate Government to frame Rules for effective implementation of the  Act.  The  Maternity  Benefit  (Mines  and  Circus)  Rules,1963  are already  in  place  to  guide  implementation  of  the  said  Act.  Under  the Maternity  Benefit  (Amendment)  Act,  2017,  and  with  regard  to  newly inserted  provisions  relating  to  crèche  facility,  the  Ministry  of  Labour and Employment has issued an intention Notification on 18 th  May, 2017 calling  for  suggestions/  objections  from  stakeholders  on  the  said Rules.

(c) & (d): No,  Madam.  The  Government  is  of  opinion  that  with enforcement  of  the  Maternity  Benefit  (Amendment)  Act,  2017,  more and  more  women  workers  would  be  inclined  to  seek  employment which will lead to increase in women labour participation rate. There are stringent provisions under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 as well as in the Equal Remuneration Act, 1974 for prevention of discriminatory practices against women work force.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5 (STARRED), answered on 2017-07-17
Subject: Withdrawal of EPFO Fund for Housing
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 5

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2017

## WITHDRAWAL OF EPFO FUND FOR HOUSING

- *5. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will  the  Minister  of  LABOUR  AND  EMPLOYMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)whether the  Government proposes to amend  the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) scheme to enable around 4 crore members of Employees'  Provident  Fund  Organisation  (EPFO)  to  withdraw  upto 90 per cent of their funds for buying houses and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the said amendment would also allow the EPFO subscribers to use their EPF for paying monthly instalments of home loans and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)whether  under  the  proposed  provision  in  the  EPF  scheme,  the subscribers would have to form a co-operative society with at least 10 members to avail the facility and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

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

*                                                          ******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 5 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2017 BY DR. P. VENUGOPAL REGARDING WITHDRAWAL OF EPFO FUND FOR HOUSING.

(a) to (c) The Government vide Notification No. G.S.R.351 (E) dated 12 th April, 2017 has inserted a paragraph 68BD in Employees' Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952 for withdrawal from the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) for purchasing dwelling house or flat or construction of a dwelling house.

The withdrawal amount from the Provident Fund shall not exceed ninety per cent of the employer's share of contribution and interest thereon and employee's share of contribution and interest thereon.

The  Scheme  envisages  that  a  member  can  authorise  monthly  installment  for  the repayment, wholly or partly, of any outstanding principal or interest of a loan obtained in the name of the member or spouse of the member or jointly by the member and the spouse.

The payment can be made on behalf of the member to a housing agency or primary lending agency or bank concerned, etc.

The subscriber should be a member of a cooperative society or a society registered for housing purpose under any law for the time being in force and such society has at least ten members of the Fund.

******