opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: NARAMALLI SIVAPRASAD, KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 689

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2017/ AGRAHAYANA 28, 1939 (SAKA) ANDHRA PRADESH REORGANISATION ACT

689.    DR. NARAMALLI SIVA PRASAD: SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  status  report  on  implementation  of  the  promises  made  to  the  State  of Andhra Pradesh in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014; and
- (b)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  for  implementation  of  the promises made in the Act?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) & (b): The  Andhra  Pradesh  Reorganisation  Act,  2014  (APR  Act)  contains many  provisions  for  overall  development  of  the  successor  States  of  Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Various Ministries are implementing these provisions. So far  different  Ministries  have  released  a  total  amount  of  ₹12191.78  crores  as assistance to the State of Andhra Pradesh under different provisions of the Act.

Furthermore,  Section  93  of  the  APR  Act  provides  that  the  Central  Government shall take all necessary measures as enumerated in the Thirteenth Schedule for the  progress  and  sustainable  development  of  the  successor  States  within  a period of ten years from the appointed day. Thirteenth Schedule contains various educational institutions and infrastructural projects  that are to be  taken up by the Central  Government  in  the  successor  States  of  Andhra  Pradesh  and Telangana. Some of these projects have a long gestation period. Being the nodal Ministry,  implementation  of  these  provisions  of  the  Act  is  being  monitored  by Ministry of Home Affairs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 688 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: PoS Devices
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: SANTOSH AHLAWAT, RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA, SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 688 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 19.12.2017

## PoS Devices

688.    SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT: SH R. DHRUVA NARAYANA: SH. SUMEDHANAND SAWSWATI:

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

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  there  are  lots  of  fertilizer  retailers  who  are  selling subsidised  fertilizers  at  market  rate  due  to  unavailability  of  Point  of  Sale (PoS) device and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has set any deadline for installation of PoS device by retailers; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  THE  MINISTRY  OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS  & FERTILIZERS

## ( RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a) : No,  Madam.  The  fertilizers  are  sold  at  subsidised  prices  throughout  the country.

(b) & (c): As per the proposed action plan, deployment of PoS machines is to be completed before the State is covered under DBT Scheme. The Department of Fertilizers has issued instructions to all State Governments and Fertilizer Companies  wherein  the  sale  of  Fertilizers  through  PoS  devices  has  been  made mandatory. Any Sales transactions other than through PoS devices by retailers will not be eligible for subsidy. Presently this is implemented in respect of states that have gone live under the DBT System.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 686 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: National Policy for Senior Citizens
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: MOHAMMAD SALIM, MAUSAM NOOR, MD. BADARIDDOZA KHAN, M. I. SHANAVAS

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 686 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2017

## NATIONAL POLICY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

## 686. SHRI MOHD. SALIM:

SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN:

SHRI M.I. SHANAVAS:

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

(a) whether the Government is aware of the recent report by the United Nations Population Fund observing  that  the  number  of  elderly  persons  is  set  to  grow  to  173  million  by  2026  and  the number of elderly women is more than that of elderly men;

(b)  if  so,  the  reaction  of  the  Government  thereto  along  with  the  increase  registered  in  the population of elderly persons over the years, State-wise;

(c) whether it is a fact that almost 80 per cent of the elderly persons do not have access to basic facilities, health care and support and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether the Government intends to formulate a national policy for the care and welfare of the elderly single woman and if so, the details thereof; and

(e)  the  time  by  which  the  new  National  Policy  for  senior  citizen  is  likely  to  be  finalised  and implemented?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA )

(a): Yes, Madam.

- (b): Keeping in view the changing demographic pattern, feminisation of ageing, socio-economic needs  of  the  senior  citizens,  social  value  system,  advancement  in  the  field  of  science  and technology over the last decade, as well as based on the Report of the United Nations Population Fund  (UNFPA),  necessary  modifications  in  the  draft  National  Policy  for  Senior  Citizens  are being made.
- (c)  to  (e):  The  draft  National  Policy  for  Senior  Citizens  envisages  mainstreaming  of  issues concerning  senior  citizens,  creating  an  inclusive  barrier-free  and  age-friendly  environment, promoting the concept of 'Ageing in Place', providing special attention to the needs of the oldest of  the  old  and  elderly  women,  protecting  senior  citizens  from  neglect,  abuse  or  exploitation, health care and support, shelter, financial  independence etc. In view of the fact that the Policy encompasses various aspects of welfare of senior citizens and would be finalised shortly.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 685 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: World Food India Conference
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: SHER SINGH GHUBAYA, BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN, RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 685

ANSWERED ON 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## WORLD FOOD INDIA CONFERENCE

## †685:   SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA: SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN: DR. RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Government has recently organized a World Food India Conference in the country in which 30 global countries, 50 global CEOs and 27 States participated and if so, the details thereof ;
- (b) whether the event attracted foreign investment to the tune of Rs. 10 billion dollars ahead of the World Food event in the country's Food Processing Sector and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  more  investment  in  Food  Processing  sector  is  anticipated  post  World  Food  India Conference and if so, the details thereof, country-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a) to (c): The World Food India 2017 organised by Ministry of Food Processing Industries saw participation of 61 countries, 27 States of India and 60 global CEOs among others.

The World Food India event has attracted investment intent of about USD 13.56 billion from domestic and foreign investors.

This will have multiple ripple effect as the sector witnessed great interest from investors across the globe during the course of the event.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 681 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Trade Margins on Medical Devices
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: ANANDRAO  ADSUL, Shrirang Appa Barne, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, DHARMENDRA YADAV, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 681 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  December, 2017

## Trade Margins on Medical Devices

681. SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

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

- (a) whether the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had capped stent and knee implant prices after studies by it revealed huge trade margins and if so, the facts thereof;
- (b) whether the American medical device companies has alleged that the Drug Price Control  Order  discriminates  in  favour  of  drugs  and  devices  developed  in  India and  the  department  of  pharmaceuticals  also  promotes  the  growth  of  domestic drug and device industries;
- (c) if so, the response of the Union Government thereon;
- (d) whether no Government support exists in the country for domestic manufacturers of drug and medical devices on the lines of the 'Buy American' policy in the USA and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  and  save  the  domestic manufacturers and reduce the import bill?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)  published trade margin involved in  the  coronary  stents  and  orthopedic  knee  implants  on their  website  before price cap. The trade margin of coronary stents before price cap was upto 654% and the trade margin for knee implants was upto 449% before price cap.
- (b): As  per  provision  of  the  Drugs  (Prices  Control)  Order,  2013  (DPCO  2013),  no distinction is made between the importer and manufacturer.
- (c): In view of (b) above, does not arise.

(d): The Government has issued Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017 on 15.06.2017 as part of the policy of the Government of India to encourage 'Make  in  India'  and  promote  manufacturing  and  production  of  goods  and  services  in India.  This  Order  allows  preferential  purchase  of  Medical  Devices  in  Government procurement.

(e): Earlier,  Government  vide  notifications  number  4/2016-Customs  and  5/2016Customs  dated  19.01.2016  has  rationalized  the  customs  duty  structure  for  medical devices to promote domestic manufacturing.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 677 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Loss due to Natural Calamities
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, HEMAMALINI, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, T.G. VENKATESH BABU, NARANBHAI KACHHADIA, JITENDRA CHAUDHURY, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., SUDHEER GUPTA, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, HARI BABU KAMBHAMPATI, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, P.K.SREEMATHI TEACHER, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, P.R. SUNDARAM, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 677

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2017/ AGRAHAYANA 28, 1939 (SAKA)

## LOSS DUE TO NATURAL CALAMITIES

## 677.    KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH:

SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI:

SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

SHRI JITENDRA CHAUDHURY:

SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR:

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

DR. KAMBHAMPATI HARIBABU:

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRIMATI P.K. SREEMATHI TEACHER:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

## Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  various  natural  calamities  like  heat  wave,  heavy  rain,  floods, landslides and earthquakes  have  played havoc  resulting in huge  loss of life/livestock, damage to crops, destruction of property worth crores of rupees in various parts of the country in the recent months;
- (b) if so, the losses suffered as a result thereof during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
- (c) whether a central team visited some parts of the flood hit States to get a first hand impression of the extent of damage caused by the calamities and if so, the outcome thereof;

## L.S.US.Q.NO.677 FOR 19.12.2017

- (d) the number of persons rehabilitated due to natural calamities and the amount of relief provided by the Government to the affected States, State/UT-wise; and
- (e) the efforts made by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams for rescue and relief  operations  and  the  number  of  people  rescued  along  with  the steps taken/being taken by the Government to evolve permanent mechanism to deal with such calamities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (e): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Long Term Plan for Rohingya Refugees
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, A.P. JITHENDER REDDY, KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO, HARIOM SINGH RATHORE, ASHWINI KUMAR, ALOK SANJAR, MEKAPATI RAJAMOHAN REDDY, ANTO  ANTONY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 676

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2017/ AGRAHAYANA 28, 1939 (SAKA)

## LONG TERM PLAN FOR ROHINGYA REFUGEES

676.    SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

SHRI A.P. JITHENDER REDDY:

SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO:

SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE:

SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR:

SHRI ALOK SANJAR:

SHRI M. RAJA MOHAN REDDY:

SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Rohingya Refugees identified and deported till date along with the  reasons for  lapses  which  led  to  their  large  scale  illegal  immigration  in  the country;
- (b) the measures taken to ensure the human rights of detained immigrants;
- (c)  whether  any  assistance,  financial  or  otherwise  is  being  provided  to  the Rohingya Refugees and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to establish a framework or commission to look into the issue of protection and regulation of asylum seeker/ refugees in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the long term plan of the Government to deal with the Rohingya Refugees issue?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a): The entry of illegal migrants is clandestine and surreptitious and therefore accurate figures are not available on the number of such illegal migrants.  As per

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 676 FOR 19.12.2017

an  estimate,  the  figure  could  be  around  40000.  However,  no  Rohingya  migrant has been deported so far.

(b): Though India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention on the  Status  of  Refugees  and  the  1967  Protocol  thereon,  India's  track  record  in dealing with or providing protection to refugees has  been  internationally acclaimed.

(c): No, Madam.

(d) & (e): No Madam.  There is no legislation to deal with refugees and asylum seekers in India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 672 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Utilization of Pulses from Buffer Stock
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Government of India Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 672

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2017

## UTILIZATION OF PULSES FROM BUFFER STOCK

## 672. SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government has agreed to utilize a part of stock of pulses in the buffer  for  meeting  the  protein  component  under  various  schemes  of  Union Government providing nutrition to various target groups/beneficiaries; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b) : Yes Madam. Government has enabled provision of pulses in 'kind from the buffer consisting of tur, urad, chana, masur and moong for meeting the protein component under schemes providing nutrition to various target groups/ beneficiaries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Revision of Drug Prices
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: RAJESH KUMAR DIWAKAR

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 670

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  December, 2017

## Revision of Drug Prices

670. SHRI RAJESH KUMAR DIWAKER:

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

- (a) whether it was decided that the price of a drug should not be revised before five years,  except  in  case  of  increase  in  WPI  or  on  an  application  made  by  the company itself or on the orders of a competent court;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether it is a fact that the Government has laid down the norms related to price capping powers of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Pursuant to the announcement of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2012  (NPPP-2012),  Government  has  notified  Drugs  (Prices  Control)  Order,  2013 (DPCO, 2013) on 15/05/2013. As per the provisions of DPCO, 2013:-
- (i) The revision of ceiling prices on the basis of moving annual turnover value shall be carried out, inter alia, as and when the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) is  revised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or five years from the date of fixing the ceiling price under this Order whichever is earlier;
- (ii) The Government shall revise the ceiling prices of scheduled formulations as per the  annual  wholesale  price  index  (WPI)  for  preceding  calendar  year  on  or  before  1 st April of every year and notify the same on the 1 st day of April every year.
- (c): The price of drugs is fixed by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) as per provisions laid down in paras 4, 5 and 6 of DPCO, 2013.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 665 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Special Police Battalions
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: SURESH KODIKUNNIL

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 665

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  DECEMBER, 2017/ AGRAHAYANA 28, 1939 (SAKA)

SPECIAL POLICE BATTALIONS

665.    SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  policy  on  setting  up  of  Special  Police Battalions (SPBs) in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the total number of such SPBs functioning in the country; and

(d)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  set  up  new  SPBs  in  the  country  including Kerala and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (d):   The Special Police Battalions are set up and maintained by the State

Governments and no data is maintained centrally.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 664 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Higher Education Loans for SC and OBC Students
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: NEELAM SONKER

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †664 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2017

## HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS FOR SC AND OBC STUDENTS †664. SHRIMATI NEELAM SONKER:

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

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  providing  interest  free  higher  education  loans  to  the  students belonging to SC and OBC;

- (b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years, State-wise;
- (c) the criteria for providing such loan to the students belonging to SC and OBC; and
- (d) the number of banks against which action has been taken for not providing loans during the last  three  years  and  the  current  year  along  with  the  number  of  complaints  received  by  the Government and the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)

(a)  to  (d)  :  No  Madam.  The  Ministry  of  Social  Justice  and  Empowerment  does  not  provide interest  free  higher  education  loans  to  the  students  belonging  to  SC  and  OBC.  However,  the Corporations  under  the  Ministry  namely  National  Scheduled  Caste  Finance  and  Development Corporation,  National  Safai  Karamcharis  Finance  and  Development  Corporation  and  National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation provide concessional education loans to the target population.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 663 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-19
Subject: Rehabilitation of Beggars
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 663 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2017

## REHABILITATION OF BEGGARS

## 663. SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:

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

- (a) whether the Government is planning to bring any new laws or amendments in any beggary law to rehabilitate beggars;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  decriminalize  begging  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) the status of implementation of anti-beggary laws in the country; and
- (e) the  amount allocated and utilised to  check  beggary  and  rehabilitate  beggars  in  the  country during the last three years, scheme-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA )

- (a): No Madam.
- (b): As per the 7 th Schedule of the Constitution of India and under serial no. 9 of State List, the subject matter of 'Relief of the disabled and unemployable' comes under the purview of State List.
- (c): No Madam.
- (d):  As  per  available  information,  20  States  and  2  Union  Territories  have  either  enacted  their own anti-beggary  legislation  or  adopted  legislations  enacted  by  other  States/UTs.  Most  of  the State/ UTs have adopted 'The Bombay Prevention of Begging Act 1959'.
- (e): The details of fund allocated and utilized for rehabilitation of beggars are as follows:

(In crore)

| Year    |    BE |   RE |   Expenditure |
|---------|-------|------|---------------|
| 2014-15 | 11    | 1    |             0 |
| 2015-16 |  0.01 | 3.01 |             0 |
| 2016-17 | 10    | 1    |             0 |

*****