opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1610 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Strategic Partnership Policy
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: KIRIT SOMAIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1610

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## STRATEGIC  PARTNERSHIP  POLICY

1610.  DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has  finalised the Strategic Partnership Policy to boost up Indian Private Sectors in arms production and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the segments that are likely to be opened for private sectors;
- (c) whether it is expected to reduce India's import of military requirement and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the time by which the policy is likely to be implemented?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (d): Government has finalized the policy on Strategic Partnerships in the Defence Sector.  The same has been promulgated on 31.05.2017 as Chapter VII of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 as 'Revitalising Defence Industrial Ecosystem  through  Strategic Partnerships'. The Chapter has been uploaded on Ministry of Defence website: https://www.mod.nic.in.

The  Policy  is  intended  to  encourage  broader  participation  of  the private sector, in addition to DPSUs / OFB, in the manufacture of defence platforms  and  equipment. The  following  four  segments  have  been identified for acquisition under Strategic Partnership route:

- (i) Fighter Aircraft
- (ii) Helicopters
- (iii)  Submarines
- (iv)  Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) / Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

The  Policy  will  serve  to  enhance  competition,  increase  efficiencies, facilitate  faster  and  more  significant  absorption  of  technology,  create a    tiered  industrial  ecosystem,  ensure  development  of  a  wider  skill  base and trigger innovation, leading to reduction in dependence on imports and greater self-reliance in meeting national security objectives.

******

:  2  :
Lok Sabha Question No. 1608 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Minority Commissions
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1608 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27-12-2017

## Minority Commissions

1608.    SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  Minority  Commissions  set  up  in  different  States  and  Union Territories in the last two years;  and
- (b)  the steps being taken in this regard and the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

- (a)&(b)      As  per  information  available    with  National  Commission  for  Minorities (NCM),    18  States  and  UTs  have  so  far  constituted  their  own  State Minority Commissions i.e  the States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh,  NCT  of  Delhi,  Jharkhand,  Karnataka,  Kerala,  Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal have set up State Minority Commissions..  No Minority Commission has been set up in  the  last  two  years  by  any  State/UT.      Setting  up  of  State  Minorities Commissions comes under the purview of the respective State Governments/UT Administrations.  From time to time, NCM takes up the matter  with  the  remaining  State  Governments/UT  Administrations  for setting up Minority Commissions.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1607 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Stainless Steel Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1607 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## STAINLESS STEEL COACHES

## 1607.   SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  concerned  that  80%  of  railway coaches are old, outdated and unsafe;
- (b) if  so,  whether the Government is also planning to produce and introduce  stainless  steel  coaches  for  better  durability  and safety;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and whether the Government has also fixed any time frame for the same; and
- (d) if  so,  the details thereof and the follow up action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) &  (b):  No,  Madam.  There  are  presently  2  types  of  coaches-ICF design and LHB  design being used on Indian Railways. The Government has decided to proliferate Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) type  coaches  which  are  of  modern  design  as  compared  to  the Integral  Coach  Factory  (ICF)  type  coaches  and  have  better  safety features.

LHB  type  coaches  have  superior  crashworthy  and  anti  climbing features. Hitherto these coaches were inducted into premier services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Durantoes but now these are also being inducted into Mail & Express trains as well.

(c) & (d): A policy decision has been taken to manufacture only LHB coaches from April 2018 onwards.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1606 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Rail Bridge Collapse
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1606 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## RAIL BRIDGE COLLAPSE

## †1606.     PROF. RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether accidents due to rail bridge collapse are constantly increasing  and  if  so,  the  zone-wise  total  number  of  such accidents occurred during the last two years and the current year;
- (b) the  number  of  persons  killed/injured  in  these  accidents  and the  amount  of  compensation  given  to  the  relatives  of  the deceased;
- (c) the  number  of  cases  in  which  negligence  of  the  railway employees have been proved; and
- (d) the steps taken to check such accidents?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  :  No,  Madam.  There  has  been  no  case  of  collapse  of  Railway Bridge  which  resulted  into  a  consequential  train  accident  during last two years and in the current year.
- (b) & (c) : Do not arise.
- (d) : All the Railway Bridges are regularly inspected as per the laid down schedule and regularly maintained to ensure safe movement of trains at permitted speed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1604 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Rail Over Bridges
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1604 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## RAIL OVER BRIDGES

1604.   SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the reasons for delay in construction of rail over bridges in the country including those in the eastern railways;
- (b) whether any delay in the release of budgetary allocation is cited  to  be  the  reason  behind  such  delays  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Railways  has  been  in  consultation  with various  State  Governments  in  reconciling  issues  of  land acquisition which is also a reason for the delay in construction of railway development projects; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof including the progress of arbitration with the West Bengal State Government?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1604 BY SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR TO BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  27.12.2017  REGARDING  RAIL  OVER BRIDGES

- (a):  The  main  reasons  for  delay  in  progress  of  Road  Over  Bridges (ROBs) in the country including Eastern Railway are:
- 
- late sanction of corresponding work in the State Budget
- 
- inadequate fund allocation by the State Government,
-  non-availability  of  encumbrance  free  land  for  construction  of approaches,
-  construction  of  Road  Over  Bridges/Road  Under  Bridges(RUBs) requires  speed  restrictions.  It  is  not  possible  to  impose  speed restrictions  at  many  locations  simultaneously  to  carry  out  the construction of ROBs/RUBs.
- (b):    There  is  no  delay  in  the  release  of  budgetary  allocation  by  the Railways.
- (c):    Railways  undertake  construction  of  ROB  in  Railway  portion whereas  State  Government  constructs  the  approaches  which  quite often  involve  land  acquisition.  Hence,  progress  of  ROBs  depends  on the construction of approaches. To resolve the interface issues Zonal Railways  have  been  directed  to  hold  bimonthly  meeting  with  State Governments  and  other  stakeholders.    Land  is  acquired  by  State Government  for  construction  of  approach  portion  of  ROB,  hence, Railway does not have any control of land in State portion.

(d): So far as the delay in construction of ROBs in Eastern Railway is concerned, Zonal Railway have conducted regular coordination meetings with West Bengal Government to resolve the issues.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1601 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Technology for Upgradation of NPP
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1601

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## TECHNOLOGY FOR UPGRADATION OF NPP

## 1601.   SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a need to upgrade the Indian nuclear plants;
- (b) if so, whether the Government is constantly taking initiatives for transferring higher technology at the international level and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is putting emphasis on development of indigenous technology  apart  from  transfer  of  high  technology  for  nuclear  power  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (d) the details of funds allocated and spent on research in the atomic energy  during the last three years?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) The Indian nuclear power plants are maintained at state of the art in terms of safety with  upgradation  taken  as  an  ongoing  programme  based  on  operating  experience feedback.
- (b) No,  Sir.  However,  our  scientists  are  participating  in  the  review  meetings  with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on regular basis.
- (c) Yes,  Sir.  Nuclear  Power  Corporation  of  India  Limited's  (NPCIL's)  Research  and Development (R&D) and Technology Development (TD) efforts are directed mainly at continual improvement in nuclear power plant safety & operational performance and development of equipment & systems for reactors to be set up in the country under Make in India initiative.
- (d) Details  of  funds  allocated  and  spent  on  research  in  DAE  for  last  three  years  are mentioned below:

| Financial Year                 |   2014-15 |   2015-16 |   2016-17 |
|--------------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Funds Allocated ( ` i n Crore) |   1599.95 |   1908.24 |   1618.16 |
| Funds Spent ( ` i n Crore)     |   1570.31 |   1861.99 |   1590.33 |

******.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1599 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Sports Quota in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: REKHA ARUN VERMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1599 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## SPORTS QUOTA IN RAILWAYS

† 1599. SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the criteria/directions for reservation through sports quota for recruitment on various posts in the Railways;
- (b) the  details  of  the  recruitments  made  in  each  category against sports quota in Railways during the last three years;
- (c) whether  the  Railways  proposes  to  increase  the  number  of vacancies against sports quota; and
- (d) if so, the time by when a decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1599 SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA TO BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  27.12.2017  REGARDING  SPORTS QUOTA IN RAILWAYS

- (a)  Annual quota of 1220 posts has been allotted to zonal Railways and Production Units for recruitment of sportspersons. The Recruitment is made  by Open  Advertisement and by Talent Scouting.  The sports wise quota is allotted as per the assessment of requirement in each sports by each Zonal Railway.  The sporting norms are as under:

| Grade Pay ₹. 1900 and above   | i) ii)   | Represented Country in Olympics, World Cup, World Championships, Asian Games, Common Wealth Games. At least 3 rd position in Commonwealth                                                                      |
|-------------------------------|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Grade Pay ₹. 1900 and above   | i)       | South Asian Federation Games, National Games, National Championship, All India Inter University Championship or 1 st position on Federation Cup. Represented Country in Championship, Asian Championship, Asia |
| Grade Pay ₹ .1800             | ii)      | Commonwealth Cup or South Asian Federation Games. At least 3 rd position in Federation Cup                                                                                                                     |
| Grade Pay ₹ .1800             | iii)     | Represented state in National championships except in Marathon/Cross Country.                                                                                                                                  |

| iv) At least 3 rd position in Senior State Championship.   |
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Age: 18-25 years.

- (b)  Recruitment under sports quota is

2014-15   - 269 (Group C), 343 (erstwhile Group D)

2015-16   - 223 (Group C), 271 (erstwhile Group D)

2016-17   - Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

- (c) No, Madam.
- (d) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1598 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Electrification of Rail Routes
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PANKAJ CHOWDHARY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1598 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## ELECTRIFICATION OF RAIL ROUTES

†1598.  SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  has  prepared  a  policy  to  electrify  the    rail routes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the total length of routes in kilometers where diesel engines are being utilized for train operations; and
- (d)    the  total  length  of  rail  routes  targeted  to  be  electrified during the financial year 2017-18 in terms of kilometers     and the extent of work completed so far?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1598 BY SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY                        TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 27.12.2017 REGARDING ELECTRIFICATION OF RAIL ROUTES.

(a) & (b):   Yes, Madam.  Indian Railways have prepared an Action Plan to electrify (commission on electric traction) 38000 Route Kilometers in five years (2017-18 to 2021-22) for 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) rail routes, as given below:-

| Year    |   Route Kilometer planned for commissioning on electric traction. |
|---------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2017-18 |                                                              4000 |
| 2018-19 |                                                              6000 |
| 2019-20 |                                                              7000 |
| 2020-21 |                                                             10500 |
| 2021-22 |                                                             10500 |
| Total   |                                                             38000 |

(c):     As on 01.04.2017, Indian Railways have 67368 Route Kilometers of  network  in  which  utilization  of  diesel  engines  is  not confined to any specific routes but depends upon overall requirement of train operations.

(d):  4000 Route kilometers have been planned for commissioning on electric traction (electrified) during the current financial year 201718 out of which 1648 Route kilometers have been commissioned on electric traction (electrified) till November 2017.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1597 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Safety in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DHARMENDRA YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1597 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## SAFETY IN RAILWAYS

## †1597.     SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that more than thirty per cent safety related issues recommended by the railway officers have not been implemented;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c)   whether the safety related issues are pending for years;
- (d) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (e) the reasons for lapse in security measures for passenger safety putting their lives at risk; and
- (f) the  reasons    for  not  implementing  the  recommendations  of  Kakodkar Committee ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO.  1597  BY  SHRI  DHARMENDRA  YADAV  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN LOK SABHA ON 27.12.2017 REGARDING SAFETY IN RAILWAYS. (a)  & (b): No, Madam. Safety is accorded highest priority by Indian Railways and  as  such  efforts  are  made  to  implement  the  safety  related  issues recommended by Railway Officers expeditiously. (c)  &  (d):  No,  Madam.    All  possible  steps  are  taken  on  continual  basis  to prevent accidents and to enhance safety. This includes constant upgradation of  technology,  replacement  of  over-aged  assets,  inspections  at  regular intervals, provision of required resources and funds etc. A 3-tier organizational structure  at  Ministerial,  Zonal  and  Divisional  level  ensures  monitoring  and implementation of safety related issues within reasonable time frame. (e): Policing on Railways  being a State subject, prevention of crime, registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law and order in Railway premises as well as on running trains and security of railway tracks tunnels and bridges are the statutory responsibility of the State Governments which  they  discharge  through  Government  Railway  Police  (GRP)/District Police.  However, Railway Protection  Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of GRP  in  providing  better  protection  and  security  of  passenger  area  and passengers and also for matters connected therewith. Steps  taken  by  Railways  to  provide  security  to  passengers  include surveillance  through  CCTV  cameras  at  about  394  stations,  provision  of Security Help Line number 182 for security related assistance to passengers in distress, drives against entry of unauthorized persons in trains and railway premises etc. (f):  Most  of  the  accepted/partially  accepted  recommendations  of  the  High Level  Safety  Review  Committee  (Kakodkar  Committee)  have  since  been implemented. Action has also been taken to implement those recommendations  which  are  either  of continuous nature or have  long gestation period.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1593 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Defence Purchase
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: KAMLESH  PASWAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1593

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## DEFENCE  PURCHASE

## 1593.  SHRI  KAMLESH  PASWAN:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Committee  on  Public  Procurement  has  criticized  Defence  Public Undertakings and ordnance factories for their role in inefficient defence purchases that lead to high costs and outdated technologies; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) No, Madam.
- (b) Does not arise.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Army at Elphinstone Bridge
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PRASUN BANERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1591 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## ARMY AT ELPHINSTONE BRIDGE

1591. SHRI PRASUN BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the rule under which the Army has been roped in to build the Elphinstone foot over bridge; and
- (b)  the  details  of  the  circumstances  under  which  Army  is  ordinarily deployed for civilian construction works?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b): In order to give immediate relief to railway passengers, work of  construction  of  Foot  Over  Bridge  at  Elphinstone  Road  and  some other railway stations of Mumbai Suburban area has been entrusted to Indian Army. The Indian Army has ample stock of pre-fabricated bailey bridges  which  may  reduce  the  time  required  for  tendering  and fabrication of girders.  Hence, the work has been entrusted to Indian Army.

*****