opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3998 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Inclusion of Places in Buddha and Gandhi Circuit
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3998 ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017

## INCLUSION OF PLACES IN BUDDHA AND GANDHI CIRCUIT

†3998. SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  proposes to include Rampurva, Lauriya, Chankigarh and Nandgarh in Balmiki, Napar constituency in Buddha and Gandhi circuit;
- if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be
- (b) included; and
- (c) the details of tourist spots connected with Buddha circuit and Gandhi circuit in Bihar?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): For development of tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has launched Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development  of  Theme-Based  Tourist  Circuits  Scheme  in  2014-15. Under the scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified for development namely; North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan  Circuit,  Coastal  Circuit,  Krishna  Circuit,  Desert  Circuit, Tribal  Circuit,  Eco  Circuit,  Wildlife  Circuit,  Rural  Circuit,  Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. All sites associated with Buddhism in the country are covered under Buddhist Circuit.

Ministry  of  Tourism  had  sanctioned  the  project  'Construction of Cultural Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya,  Bihar'  in  2014-15  under  Buddhist  Circuit  theme  with Central Financial Assistance of Rs.33.17 crore.

Development of Gandhi Circuit in Bihar is one of the projects identified  for  development  under  the  Special  Package  for  Bihar announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister in 2015.

Under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme,  projects  for  development are identified in consultation with the  State  Governments/UT Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization certificates, submission of suitable Detailed Project Report (DPR) and adherence  to the  scheme guidelines.

In  addition  to  above,  the  following  projects  have  also  been sanctioned in Bihar:

- (i) Development of Jain Circuit: Vaishali-Arrah-Masad-PatnaRajgir-Pawapuri-Champapuri as Spiritual Circuit  in Bihar under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  with  Central  Financial Assistance of Rs.52.39 crore (2016-17).
- (ii) Integrated Development of Kanwaria Route: Sultanganj Dharmshala-  Deoghar  under  Spiritual  circuit  in  Bihar under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  with  Central  Financial Assistance of Rs.52.35 crore (2016-17).
- (iii) Development  of  basic  facilities  at  Vishnupad  temple, Gaya, Bihar under PRASAD Scheme with Central Financial Assistance of Rs.4.27 crore (2014-15).
- (iv) Development  at  Patna  Sahib  in  Bihar  under  PRASAD Scheme  with  Central  Financial  Assistance  of  Rs.41.54 crore (2015-16).
- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3997 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Online Entrance Examinations
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3997 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017

## Online Entrance Examinations

## 3997. SHRI B. SRIRAMULU :

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  also  planning  to  conduct  entrance  examinations  to various professional and other courses online only;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps being taken by the Government to avoid duplication of various entrance examinations in the country?

## ANSWER

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

## (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a) to (c):  AICTE Council in the meeting held on 14 th March 2017 approved the All India Council for Technical Education Regulations for admissions in technical institutions through National  Entrance  Examination,  2017 prescribing  a  single  national  entrance  exam  for technical institutions in order to maintain good standards of education across the Country, after a detailed consultation with various stakeholders including all the State Governments/UTs.  The  purpose  of  the  exam  is  to  maintain  minimum  standards  of education and to spare the students from being subjected to multiple exams which are not standardised. Proposals are under consideration for the test to be administered from 2018 onwards.    The  test  is  expected  to  keep  in  view  the  diversity  of  the  curriculum  in  the Country.

There is a web-based seat allocation system hosted by the Central Government. All States are free to use this service for filling up the engineering seats in their States, if they choose.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3996 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Expansion of EFP Coverage
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA

- (a):

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3996 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017

## EXPANSION OF EPF COVERAGE

3996. PROF. PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA:

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

- (a)whether the Government  has made  or proposes to make  it mandatory for all the units with more than 10 workers to provide PF cover to ensure social security to workers;
- (b)if so, the details and the salient features thereof;
- (c)the steps being taken for its implementation and the time by which
- it is likely to be implemented; and
- (d)the additional number of employees likely to be therefrom, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER

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

- No decision has been taken in this regard.
- (b) to (d): Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) of the Question above.

******

- benefited
Lok Sabha Question No. 3994 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Setting up of Special Tourism Zones
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3994 ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017

## SETTING UP OF SPECIAL TOURISM ZONES

## 3994. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up Special Tourism Zones in partnership with State Governments;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  locations  identified  for  this purpose, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether  these  special  zones  will  be  anchored  as  Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that will be set up in partnership with the States;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the funds allocated and expenditure incurred in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): For  the  development  and  promotion  of  tourism  in  the country,  in  the  Budget  2017-18  the  Government  has  proposed  the creation  of  Five  Special  Tourism  Zones,  anchored  on  SPVs.  These zones are proposed to be set up in partnership with the States.

Details of the Schemes would be worked out after passage of Budget by the Hon'ble Houses of Parliament.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3993 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Proposal for School Buildings
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3993 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017

## Proposal for School Buildings

## †3993. PROF. RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD:

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

- (a) whether proposals have been received by the Government from the Maharashtra State for constructing school buildings that are sanctioned by the State Government and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the reasons for delay in considering the said proposals and the time by which they are likely to be considered by the Government?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

- (a): The State of Maharashtra has submitted proposal for 4142  Additional Classrooms (ACR) and 2285 classrooms against  dilapidated buildings for reconstruction and 92 school buildings for building less primary schools in Annual Work Plan & Budget (2017-18) Proposal.
- (b):        In  the  beginning  of  every  financial  year,  States  and  Union  Territories  submit  their respective  proposals  for  the  ensuing  financial  year  based  on  gaps  as  per  Unified  District Information System for Education (UDISE) data and State Schedule of Rates for consideration and approval of Project Approval Board (PAB) in Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). These proposals are considered by the PAB based on admissibility and justification.

The proposal for 2017-18 is under examination of the Ministry as per the existing norms of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA); which is a continuous process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3990 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Conservation of Safdarjung Tomb
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3990 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2017 CHAITRA 6, 1939 (SAKA)

## CONSERVATION OF SAFDURJUNG TOMB

## †3990.SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the  Minister  of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the wall adjoining pavilion in the western part of Safdurjung Tomb situated in Delhi is in a dilapidated condition;
- (b) whether the Safdarjung Tomb is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI);
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the efforts being made by the Government to preserve this historical heritage structure; and
- (d) if not, the reasons thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) No Madam.
- (b) Yes Madam.
- (c) The  essential  conservation  work  of  the  Safdurjung  Tomb  including  wall

&

adjoining pavilion  in  the  western  part,  such  as  lime  plastering,  lime

- (d) concreting,  stone  paving,  restoration  of  stone  railing  etc.  has  been  taken up, in addition to regular maintenance of the monument, and it is in a good state of preservation.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3989 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: New Measures to assess Learning Outcomes
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3989 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2017

## New Measures to assess Learning Outcomes

## 3989. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

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

(a) whether it is true that the Government is considering to tweak the Right to Education Act to include  definitions  of  learning    outcomes  for  classes  I  to  VIII  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof including the timeline kept for the same;

(b) whether it is also true that if implemented, this could lead to revision of examination systems followed by different school education boards and if so, the details thereof; and

(c)  whether the Government proposes to allow schools in this regard to ascertain learning skills more accurately and take corrective steps without delay and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a):  The  Central  Advisory  Board  of  Education  (CABE)  in  its  meeting  held  on  25.10.2016  has agreed that Learning Outcomes be codified and made a part of Central Rules of Right of Children to  Free  and  Compulsory  Education  (RTE)  Act,  2009.  Accordingly,  the  Department  of  School Education & Literacy has amended Rule 23(2)(c) of Central RTE Rules, 2010, vide notification dated  20 th February, 2017  to include class-wise, subject-wise  Learning  Outcomes  for  all Elementary  Classes  and  link  achieving  the  defined  Learning  Outcomes  with  Continuous  & Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE).

(b): The Learning Outcomes for each class in Languages (Hindi, English and Urdu), Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science and Social Science up to the elementary stage have, accordingly, been finalized and shared with all States and UTs. These would serve as a guideline for States and UTs to ensure that all children acquire the appropriate learning level. The assessment of learning levels  of  students  will,  accordingly,  be  linked  to  these  Learning  Outcomes  and  may  require  a revision in the examination system, wherever necessary.

(c): The Learning Outcomes are process-based which provide check points to assess the progress of a child as per the expected holistic learning for overall development of a child. It will also help to organize additional instructions for children who have learning gaps and to share the progress of the child with parents or guardians and identify the overall performance of a school with regard to learning and teacher effectiveness.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3987 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Production of Spices
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: KIRTI (JHA) AZAD

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3987(H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th  MARCH, 2017

## PRODUCTION OF SPICES

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

## 3987(H). SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

- (a) the quantum of spices produced every year in the country;
- (b) the  percentage  of  produced  spices  exported  and  the  percentage  of  spices  released separately for domestic consumption during the last three years and the current year;
- (c) whether  the  quantity  of  spices  released  for  domestic  consumption  is  sufficient  to fulfil the requirement of spices for the local consumers;
- (d) if  not,  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  proposes  to  meet  the  demand  of domestic market for consumption of spices for local consumers; and
- (e) the procedure adopted for making balance between the demand in local market for domestic consumption and demand in foreign market?

## 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): The annual production of spices in the country is around 6 million tonne, out of which around 14%  is  exported  while  the  rest  is  available  for  domestic  consumption  which  is  sufficient  to  meet  the domestic  demand.  The  details  of  production,  export  and  domestic  consumption  of  spices  for  the  last  3 years are given below:

(Fig. in MT)

| Year       | Production of spices   | Export of Spices   | Domestic consumption   |
|------------|------------------------|--------------------|------------------------|
| 2013-14    | 58,33,870              | 8,17,250           | 43,74,635              |
|            |                        | (14.01%)           | (85.99%)               |
| 2014-15(*) | 61,69,900              | 8,93,920           | 46,02,490              |
|            |                        | (14.49%)           | (85.51%)               |
| 2015-16(*) | 61,87,590              | 8,43,255           | 46,83,715              |
|            |                        | (13.64%)           | (86.36%)               |
| 2016-17    | NA                     | 4,37,360**         | NA                     |

Government implements several programmes for increasing production and availability of spices such as Cardamom through the Spices Board and other spices through the State Horticulture Missions under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). While on one hand, programmes aimed at  increasing  production  and  ensuring  remunerative  prices  to  farmers  through  pre  and  post  harvest management and support activities are undertaken, on the other hand, the industry is assisted through adoption  of  upgraded  technology  in  spice  processing,  setting  up  of  quality  evaluation  labs,  quality certification and making them available for exports.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: Nursery Schools
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE, ABHISHEK SINGH

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.3986 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2017

## Nursery Schools

## 3986.   SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM: SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH:

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

- (a)   whether the Government has directed the State Governments to start nursery classes in all  the  Government  schools  with  better  facilities  to  meet  the  increased  demand  for nursery admissions and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   the total amount of fund earmarked for the purpose along with the State/UT selected for the purpose;
- (c) the time by which these classes are likely to be started; and
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the lack of human and infrastructure resources required for nursery education in Government schools and if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a) to (d):  No, Madam.  The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, effective from 1st April, 2010, mandates that every child of the age of six to fourteen years shall have the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till the completion of his or her elementary education.  Section 2(f) of the RTE Act defines 'elementary education' as 'the education from first class to eighth class'.

Section 11 of the RTE Act, 2009 mandates that the appropriate Government may make necessary arrangement for providing free pre-school education for children above the age of three years and to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. The State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are the appropriate Government for schools located within their territory.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3985 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-27
Subject: No Detention Policy
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3985 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th  MARCH, 2017

## No Detention Policy

## 3985. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will  the  Minister  of  HUMAN  RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT  be  pleased  to state: (a) whether it is true that the Government has sought the views of the Ministry of Law and Justice with regard to abolition of no detention system in schools and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; (b) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  NCERT  had  suggested  not  to  scrap  the  no  detention system  which  is  giving  effective  results  in  controlling  the  dropping  out  from  school

- education; and
- (c) if so, the stand of the Government in this regard and reaction thereto?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a) : Section 16 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 stipulates  that  'No  child  admitted  in  a  school  shall  be  held  back  in  any  class  or expelled  from  school  till  the  completion  of  elementary  education'.  Thus,  the  policy covers elementary stage of schooling covering classes 1 to 8.

In pursuance of a resolution adopted in the 59 th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) held on 6th June, 2012, a Sub-Committee was constituted for assessment of implementation of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) in  the  context  of  No-Detention  provision  in  the  RTE  Act,  2009.  The  Sub-Committee submitted  its  report  in  August,  2014.    The  report  of  the  Sub-Committee  was  placed before CABE in its meeting held on 19.8.2015, wherein it was decided to constitute a

Sub-Committee  under  the  Chairpersonship  of  Prof.  Vasudev  Devnani,  Minister  of Education,  Government  of  Rajasthan  inter-alia,  to  review  the  feedback  received  from States/UTs on the 'No-Detention' policy. 28 States have shared their views on the No Detention policy out of which 23 States have suggested modification to the No Detention policy.   The recommendations of the Sub-Committee were placed in the CABE meeting on 25.10.2016 wherein it was decided to make suitable amendments to the provision of no-detention  as  laid  down  in  Section  16  of  the  RTE  Act,  2009  in  consultation  with Ministry of Law and Justice. The matter is under active consideration in the Ministry.

(b) & (c): The  National  Council  for  Educational  Research  and  Training  (NCERT) has opined that the No Detention Policy clause was incorporated in the RTE Act with the intention of providing children education in a fear free environment. It has suggested that for  the  success  of  No  Detention  Policy,  there  is  a  need  to  prepare  the  ground  to strengthen  Continuous  and  Comprehensive  Evaluation  (CCE)  empowering  teachers through pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes.

*****