opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5303 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: NH Projects in Economically Backward Regions
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  National  Highways  projects  completed  in  the  economically  backward regions across the country including Bundelkhand during the last three years; and
- (b) the time by which the remaining pending projects are likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a) About 1026 numbers of the National Highways projects have been completed across the country including economically backward region and Bundelkhand during the last three financial year 2013-14, 2014-15 & 2015-16.
- (b) All the ongoing National Highways projects are likely to be completed by May 2019.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5303

ANSWERED ON  6 TH  APRIL, 2017

## NH PROJECTS IN ECONOMICALLY BACKWARD REGIONS

5303.  SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सडक परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 5302 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: MoUs with Chinese Companies
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: R.P. MARUTHARAJAA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 5302

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## MoUs WITH CHINESE COMPANIES

## 5302.   SHRI R.P. MARUTHARAJAA:

Will the Minister of NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  Indian  companies  are  in  the  process  of  signing  Memoranda  of  Understanding (MoUs)  with  the  Chinese  companies  worth  over  $22  billion  on  proposed  investments  in renewable energy infrastructure;
- (b) if so, the details of the project proposals in this regard and the places where these projects are proposed to be set;
- (c) whether the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and France have shown their interest to invest in the new and renewable energy sector in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) & (b): No Madam.

(c) & (d): Presently Government of India, through Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),  has  MoUs  with  the  United  Arab  Emirates  and  France  in  the  area  of  financing/ investment in the identified areas of new and renewable energy sector. Details of Line of Credit (LoC), availed by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd from   Agence Francaise De Development (AFD) from France  is given below:-

| Name   |         |   Year | Amount        |   INR Eq. Crore |
|--------|---------|--------|---------------|-----------------|
| AFD    | LoC-I   |   2010 | € 70 million  |          446.76 |
|        | LoC- II |   2014 | € 100 million |          726.07 |

Out of € 100 million, € 41.76 has been utilized.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5301 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Open Defecation
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

## Government of India Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5301 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06-04-2017

## Open Defecation

## 5301. SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

Will the Minister of DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION be pleased to state :

(a) whether any study has been initiated to adopt innovative methods to bring awareness in regard to open defecation;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

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

(c)  Under  Swachh  Bharat  Mission  (Gramin),  upto  5%  of  total  resources  can  be  spent  on Information,  Education  and  Communication  (IEC)  for  State  and  District  level.  3%  of  the resources  can  be  used  at  the  Central  level  for  the  same  purpose.  Further  for  creating awareness about sanitation and generating demand for sanitation facilities, including toilets, a Sanitation  and  Hygiene  Advocacy  and  Communication  Strategy  Framework  has  been adopted  by  this  Ministry  for  activities  under  Information,  Education  and  Communication (IEC). The States are preparing and implementing through its district level IEC Plans based on  this  strategy  framework.  Massive  media  campaigns  have  been  started  at  National  level using Audio Visual (TV) and Audio (Radio). The States are also carrying out IEC campaign including interpersonal Communication ( IPC).

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5300 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Air India Flight Delays
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

5300.

## GOVERN[IEN'f  OF INDIA MIN IS'TRY 0F CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QLiESTIO)  \,O. : 5300

(To be answcrcd on the 6tn April 2017)

## AIR INDIA FLIC;HT DELAYS

SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION ilrE fttrtrdri{

be pleased to statc:-

- (a) whether Air lndia passengers were the worst hit in the country in July b1' flight delays of more than two hours owing to technical  reasons;
- (b) if so, the details  thereof;
- (c) whether this issue can be addressed effectively only if older aircrafts are replaced;
- (d) if so, the details of the older aircrafts being used by Air India as of now; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Govcrnment in this regard?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry  of CML AYIATION trdpfuddlixrdsfr$;qJifl

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

- (a)  &  (b): Total 99 flights were delayed  by more than two hours owing to technical reasons from 0t.07.2016 to 31.07.20t6.
- (c) : The Technical  Delays are not necessarily attributed  to age of the aircraft.
- (d) : The number of operating older fleet:

874740G. 4 (Age 20.3 to 23.2 years) A320 - I  (Age 22.3 to 27.8 years)

- (e) : Aircraft is considered airworth]' provided the maintenance is as per approved  schcdule/ program and all mandatory modifications/ lnspections stipulated by the DGCA/ Vendor/ Aircraft manufacturer  as well as the

regulatory  authorities of the aircraft manufacturing country is carried odt.. The economic dcsign goal for every type of aircraft is decided by thc' manufacturers/ regulatory authoriti€s  of the State of manufacturers. Beyond this, if the aircraft has to be kept in airworthy  condition, the operators  are required to carry out life devclopment modifications/ airworthiness inspections/ airryorthincss directives etc. as recommended by the manufacturers/  regulatory authorities of the State of manufacturers.  The above inspections  are made mandatory by DGCA also. All the aircraft in Air India fleet are maintained  to the highest airworthiness  standards and meet all the requirements of the regulatory  authorities. Air India Limited has started the process of replacing the older aircraft in a phased manncr.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5299 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Water Shortage
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: PREM DAS RAI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5299

ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## WATER SHORTAGE

5299.

SHRI PREM DAS RAI

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the acute water shortage in Leh; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to improve water availability in upstream areas?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) & (b)  Yes, Madam.  Government of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that certain areas of Leh District are facing acute water shortage.

Water being a State subject, steps for distribution, conservation and efficient management of water resources including improvement of water availability are undertaken by the respective State Governments.  In  order  to  supplement  the  efforts  of  the  State  Governments,  Central  Government provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments through various schemes/programmes.  Some  of  such  initiatives  taken  by  Central  government  in  this  regard  are  as follows:

The lgophey Irrigation Project benefitting Leh District (with Ultimate Irrigation Potential of 4373 hectare (ha.)) was included under Accelerated Irrigation benefits Programme (AIBP) during the  year  2000-01.  Cumulative  Central  Loan  Assistance/Central  Assistance  of  Rs.  9.63  crore  was released to the project and it was completed in 2006-07.

Similarly,  5  Small  and  Medium  Irrigation  (SMI)  schemes  from  Leh  district  with  an estimated cost of Rs. 13.4147 crore and irrigation potential of 991.00 ha. were included under AIBP during 2013-14. So far Central Assistance of Rs. 6.289 crore has been released towards these schemes and an irrigation potential of 413.00 ha. has been created.

Earlier, 11 SMIs (at estimated cost Rs. 59.62 crore and irrigation potential of 4400 ha.) and 15 SMIs (at estimated cost of Rs. 46.84 crore and irrigation potential of 3831 ha.) from Kargil and Leh districts were included under AIBP in 2009-10 and 2008-09 respectively. So far central assistance of Rs. 47.510 crore was released and irrigation potential of 700 ha. was created in respect of 11 SMI schemes. Whereas in respect of 15 SMI schemes, central assistance of Rs. 41.92 crore was released and 10 schemes were completed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5297 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Insurance Coverage for Handloom Weavers
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.5297 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HANDLOOM WEAVERS

## 5297. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंरी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  a  decision  to  increase  the insurance coverage for  Handloom Weavers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the expected increase in the number of persons under the increased insurance coverage net?

## उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र मंरी ( श्री अज )

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

- (a) to (c): Yes  Madam.  Ministry  of  Finance,  Government  of  India  is coordinating  with  concerned  Ministries  to  converge  all  Insurance  Schemes including Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY) Pradhan  Mantri  Jeevan  Jyoti  Bima  Yojana  (PMJJBY)  and  Pradhan  Mantri Suraksha  Bima  Yojana  (PMSBY)  (in  which  insurance  coverage  is  more) from the next financial year and planning to cover more handloom weavers under the insurance coverage.

*****

to
Lok Sabha Question No. 5296 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Scope of Ground Mounted Solar Exploration
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Adhikari Dibyendu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 5296

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## SCOPE OF GROUND MOUNTED SOLAR EXPLORATION

## 5296.   SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the scope of ground mounted solar exploration and achievements of the targets since 2012;
- (b) the  detail  of  achievements  on  grid  connections  and  setting  up  of  small  power  plants  projects against  the  targets  fixed  during  2013-2017  in  the  second  phase  of  Jawaharlal  Nehru  National  Solar Mission; and;
- (c) the  plan  to  achieve  40  per  cent  cumulative  electric  power  capacity  from  non-fossil  fuel  based energy resources with a target of 175 GW by 2022 with the help of international finance including from Green Climate Fund thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a): India  has  abundant solar  power  potential,  which  has been  estimated  to  be  748 GW.  Details  of cumulative solar power installed capacity since 2012  is given below:-
- (b): As  on  21.3.2017,  a  total  grid  connected  solar  power  capacity  addition  of  8489  MW  has  been achieved against the target of 9000 MW  in the second phase of National Solar Mission ( 2013-7)
- (c): Government of India in its submission to the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change on Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) has stated that India will achieve 40% cumulative Electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost International Finance including from Green Climate Fund. The Government has launched several schemes and is providing fiscal and promotional incentives such as capital subsidy, tax holiday on the earnings for 10 years, accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding (VGF), financing solar rooftop systems as part of home loan, concessional custom duty and exemption on excise duty, preferential tariff for power generation from renewables, and Foreign Direct Investment up to

|   SI. No. | Year    | Cumulative capacity (MW)   |
|-----------|---------|----------------------------|
|         1 | 2012-13 | 1686MW                     |
|         2 | 2013-14 | 2632MW                     |
|         3 | 2014-15 | 3744MW                     |
|         4 | 2015-16 | 6763MW                     |
|         5 | 2016-17 | 10176MW (as on 21.3.2017)  |

100 per cent under the automatic route etc. for promotion of renewable energy.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5295 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Setting up of Textile Parks
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5295 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## SETTING UP OF TEXTILE PARKS

## 5295. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of textile parks proposed to be set up by the Government in various States including Jharkhand and the difficulties being faced in finalization of projects, State-wise; and
- (b) the steps being taken by the Government in removing these difficulties?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंरी ( श्री अज )

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

- (a) & (b) : The      Scheme  for  Integrated  Textile  Park  is  a  demand  driven scheme  where  proposals  to  set  up  Textile  Parks  are  initiated  by  group  of entrepreneurs  and  industry  associations.    Textile  Parks  face  difficulties  in getting various approvals from State Governments.  Government holds periodic reviews of Textile Parks with all stakeholders including State Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5294 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Quality of Drinking Water
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: K. C. VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5294 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## Quality of Drinking Water

5294. SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether action has been taken by the Government to tackle the deteriorating quality of drinking water in States like Kerala which have maximum density of population due to the unbridled growth of business establishments including Hotels;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- c) the action taken by the Government to monitor the discharge of effluents into drinking water bodies?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING   WATER AND SANITATION (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

- (a) & (b) Rural  Water  Supply  is  a  State  Subject.    Under  the  National  Rural  Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), States are vested with powers to sanction, implement and monitor water supply projects.  Up to 67% of NRDWP funds allocated to States, including Kerala,  could  be  utilized  for  coverage  and  tackling  water  quality  problems.    Further,  for monitoring quality of water, States can utilize 3% NRDWP Water Quality Monitoring and

Surveillance funds. It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  respective  State  Pollution  Control  Board  to  monitor provisions  of  Water

- (c) discharge of effluents into drinking water  bodies  as per the (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5291 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-06
Subject: Online Purchase of Turbines
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5291 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017

## ONLINE PURCHASE OF TURBINES

5291. ADV. JOICE GEORGE:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  allow  purchase  of  power  plant turbines from any online market place;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether this is likely to save at least 10% on every transaction; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a)  to (d) :   As  per  Section  7  of  the  Electricity  Act  2003,  any  generating company may establish, operate and maintain a generating station without obtaining  a  license/permission  under  this  Act,  if  it  complies  with  the technical  standards  relating  to  connectivity  with  the  grid.  Accordingly, sanction of the Government is not required for setting up of thermal power projects (TPP).  However, for setting up of Hydroelectric Power Projects, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are required to be submitted for concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Therefore, there is no restriction/stipulation  from  the  Government  regarding  the  process  to  be followed by the developer of power plants for procurement of power plant turbines. However, the process needs to be transparent and competitive.

***********
Lok Sabha Question No. 460 (STARRED), answered on 2017-04-05
Subject: 5G Networks
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.460 TO BE ANSWERED ON 5 TH   APRIL, 2017

## 5G NETWORKS

*460. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the BSNL has partnered with any company for 5G networks in the country by 2020; and

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) & (b) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Contd/elipsis/elipsis.2/-

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) & (b)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.460 FOR  5 TH  APRIL, 2017 REGARDING '5G NETWORKS '.

(a) & (b) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU)  with  M/s  Nokia  Solutions  and  Network  India  Private  Limited  on 28.02.2017.  The  objectives  of  the  agreement  include  discussions  and  conducting  of workshops on the network evolution to 5G and internet of things (IOT).  Nokia will share 5G technology concepts, new product launches and innovations available in the public doman. The discussion sessions can be in form of periodic workshop and presentations and to share BSNL feedback and view of latest innovation trends.  Nokia and BSNL will discuss on the use cases for e.g. Rural connectivity, connected health care, industrial automation etc.

The MoU is effective from 28.02.2017 to 31.12.2017, thereby extendable upon mutual agreement between two parties.

Despite the outcome of the set objectives, either parties namely BSNL and Nokia shall not be responsible to pay any cost, make any payment or investment or obliged for any legal commitment by virtue of entering into this MoU.

**************************
Lok Sabha Question No. 459 (STARRED), answered on 2017-04-05
Subject: Lokpal and Lokayukta Act
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 459

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.04.2017)

## LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA ACT

## *459. SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has implemented the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of the Lokpal and Lokayukta appointed so far; and
- (c) if not, the reasons for delay in setting up Lokpal and Lokayukta?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

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

*****

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED QUESTION NO. 459 BY SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY FOR 05.04.2017 REGARDING ' LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA ACT'

(a) to (c) :  The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 came into force w.e.f. 16.01.2014. The institution of Lokpal is yet to become functional, since the Act needs some amendments, inter alia, to resolve certain issues relating to appointment of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal, etc.  in  the  absence  of  a  Leader  of  Opposition  recognized  as  such  in  the  Lok  Sabha. Accordingly,  Lokpal  and  Lokayuktas  and  other  related  law  (Amendment)  Bill,  2014  was introduced  in  Lok  Sabha  on  18.12.2014.  The  same  was  referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice which has  submitted  its  report  on  07.12.2015  in  the  Parliament.  The  recommendations  are  under consideration.

Further, as per the provisions of Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:

'Every State shall establish a body to be known as the Lokayukta for the State, if not so established,  constituted  or  appointed,  by  a  law  made  by  the  State  Legislature,  to  deal with  complaints  relating  to  corruption  against  certain  public  functionaries,  within  a period of one year from the date of commencement of this Act.'

Thus, Section 63 of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 stipulates that it is the sole prerogative of  State  Government  concerned  to  enact  law  in  this  regard.  So,  establishment  of  the institution of the Lokayukta including any appointment therein falls within the domain of the States.

*****