opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2871 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Change in Designation of Postman
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2871 TO BE ANSWERED ON 2 ND   AUGUST, 2017

## CHANGE IN DESIGNATION OF POSTMAN

2871. DR. UDIT RAJ: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  change  the  designation  of  Postman distributing letters in villages to Postmaster; (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and whether the  said  change  is  likely  to  be  done  at  national  level  and  if  so,  the
2. (c) details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No  Madam.  There  is  no  proposal  to  change  the  designation  of  Postman distributing letters in villages to Postmaster.
- (b) & (c) In view of (a) above, does not arise.
- ************
Lok Sabha Question No. 2869 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Closeness of Russia, Pakistan and China
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BHEEMRAO BASWANTHRAO PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2869 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## CLOSENESS OF RUSSIA, PAKISTAN AND CHINA

## 2869. SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which India looks at Russia, Pakistan and China coming closer and closer;
- (b) whether  it  is  because  of  India  moving  towards  the  United States of America (USA) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the result of newer combinations and how India is planning to go ahead with formation of such new group?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## ANSWER [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) to (c) Government of India's relationship with each country is independent  of  its  relations  with  third  countries.    With  a  view  to safeguard its security, Government of India pursues an independent foreign policy based on our national interests.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2868 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Foreign Telecom Manufacturers
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  2868

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 02.08.2017

## FOREIGN TELECOM MANUFACTURERS

## 2868. DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD :

Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state: -

- (a)   the number of investments made in Telecom Equipment Manufacturing by foreign manufacturers in the country during the last three years and the current year, yearwise, company-wise;
- (b)     the details of profits earned by these plants;
- (a) whether there is any regulatory mechanism overseeing functioning and manufacturing in these plants; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to  (d):  As  per  Department  of  Industrial  Policy  and  Promotion  (DIPP),  year  wise Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows in Telecom sector in last three financial years is as under:

| S. No   | Year              | FDI (in US$ million)   |
|---------|-------------------|------------------------|
| 1       | 2014-15           | 2,894.94               |
| 2       | 2015-16           | 1,324.40               |
| 3       | 2016-17           | 5,563.69               |
| 4       | 2017-18 (Apr-May) | 7.36                   |
|         | Grand Total       | 9,790.40               |

Government  is  taking  initiatives  to  promote  manufacturing  in  the  Telecommunication sector in the country. Electronics and Telecommunications manufacturing is one of the 25 focus  sectors  of  the  Make  in  India  programme,  which  seeks  to  transform  India  into  a global  design  and  manufacturing  hub.  Foreign  direct  investment  (FDI)  up-to  100%  is allowed in manufacturing of Telecom products under the automatic route.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2867 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: CCAMLR
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: POONAM  MAHAJAN

- (a)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2867 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2017

## CCAMLR

## 2867. SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will the Minister of Earth Sciences be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  acceded  to the  Convention for  the Conservation    of  Antarctic    Marine  Living    Resources    (CCAMLR) appended  to the Antarctic  Treaty;
- (b)
- if  so, the  details thereof; and
- (c) the  details  regarding  programmes  of  research  and  application  of conservation    measures    undertaken    by    the    National    Centre    for Antarctic  and Ocean Research  under  the  aegis  of  CCALMR?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY)

- Yes, Madam.
- (b) India has acceded to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) on 17 th  June 1985 and entered into force with effect from 17 th  July 1985.
- (c) National  Centre  for  Antarctic  and  Ocean  Research  (NCAOR),  an autonomous  Institute  of  Ministry  of  Earth  Sciences,  has  carried  out multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research activities addressing various key scientific questions related to hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry,  biodiversity,  air-sea  interactions,  etc  in  Southern Ocean. India supported the proposal in CCAMLR for formation of Marine protected area (1.55 Million sq. km area of the Ross Sea) with special protection from human activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2865 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Redeveloping Silk Route
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Adhikari Dibyendu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2865 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## REDEVELOPING SILK ROUTE

2865. SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Sri Lankan Government to re-develop the 'Silk Route' for trade exchange hub;

(b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  whether the Indian Government proposes to set up a combo business hub therefor; and

(c) if so, the details of ongoing bilateral ties and projects with Sri Lanka?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) No.

(b) & (c) Does not arise. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2864 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Financial Crisis of Doordarshan
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2864

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017)

## FINANCIAL CRISIS OF DOORDARSHAN

2864. SHRI RAJU SHETTY

## Will the Minister of Information and Broadcasting be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  operating  cost  of  Doordarshan  is  increasing  continuously whereas its revenue does not reflect any significant increase if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (b)  the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  bailout Doordarshan from financial crisis?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE  MINISTRY  OF  INFORMATION  AND BROADCASTING {COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)}

- (a)    Prasar  Bharati  has  informed  that  there  has  been  a  gradual  increase  in  the operational costs of Doordarshan primarily attributable to hike in staff salaries in the wake  of  implementation  of  recommendations  of  7 th   CPC.  However,  the  other operating expenses have decreased due to strict financial prudence. The declining revenue trend over the recent past has also been arrested which has increased by about 10 per cent last year. The financial details are as hereunder:

(Rupees in Crore)

|         | Doordarshan            | Doordarshan                                               | Doordarshan    | Doordarshan                               |
|---------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------|
|         | Operating Cost         | Operating Cost                                            | Operating Cost | Revenue earned (Exclusive of Service Tax) |
| Year    | Salary (Govt. Support) | Other Operating Expenses Excl. of Service Tax (from IEBR) | Total          |                                           |
| 2014-15 | 1064.05                | 751.17                                                    | 1815.22        | 911.01                                    |
| 2015-16 | 1173.98                | 698.94                                                    | 1872.92        | 755.79                                    |
| 2016-17 | 1418.51                | 669.66                                                    | 2088.17        | 831.88                                    |

- (b)  The  Government  is  providing  Grants-in-aid  to  Prasar  Bharati  (AIR  &  DD)  for 100% salary support & Central Sector Scheme (erstwhile Plan grant) for Creation of Capital Assets and Content Development for Kisan Channel.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2862 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Passport Fee
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: OM PRAKASH YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2862

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## PASSPORT FEE

† 2862.

SHRI RODMAL NAGAR:

SHRI OM PRAKASH YADAV:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reduced the passport fees upto 10 per cent for those passport applicants who are below eight years and above 60 years of age;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which this decision is likely to be implemented; and
- (c) the number of persons who got benefitted by this scheme?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) & (b) With  effect  from  24  June,  2017  a  new  scheme  under which senior citizens of the age of 60 years and above and minor children upto the age of 8 years would be given a discount of 10 per cent on the applicable passport fee on fresh application for passports.
- (c) The  break-up  of  the  number  of  applicants  who  have  been benefitted under this scheme from 24 June, 2017 to 26 July, 2017 is as follows:

| Applicant                             | Applicants benefitted   |
|---------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Minor of 8 Years and Below            | 53,841                  |
| Senior Citizens of 60 Years and above | 31,582                  |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2861 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Summoning Pak High Commissioner
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2861 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## SUMMONING OF PAK HIGH COMMISSIONER

- † 2861. SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  times  India  has  summoned  Pakistan's  High Commissioner to lodge its protest over ceasefire violations by Pakistan army and killing of Indian soldiers and citizens; and
- (b)
- the reaction of the Pakistan thereto?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) & (b) Government  regularly  lodges  its  protest  with  Pakistan authorities  over  all  unprovoked  ceasefire  violations  by  Pakistani forces  and  loss  of  lives  of  Indian  nationals  in  such  violations, through  the  established  mechanisms  of  hotlines,  flag  meetings, weekly talks between the Directorate Generals of Military Operations, as well as  through diplomatic channels  including, summoning of the High Commissioner and other officials of Pakistan High  Commission  in  India.  Since  2014,  the  High  Commissioner  of Pakistan to India has been summoned five times so far. It has been repeatedly  emphasized  to  Pakistan,  including  at  the  highest  level, the need for it to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu  and  Kashmir  as  its  obligation emanating  from  the  Simla  Agreement  and  the  Lahore  Declaration. Pakistan  has  been  consistently  called  upon  to  adhere  to  the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Control and International Boundary.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2860 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: App Installation and Smartphone Share
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2860

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## APP INSTALLATION AND SMARTPHONE SHARE

## 2860.     SHRIMATI  K.  MARAGATHAM:

Will the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that there has been an increase of 49 per cent in app installation in India since 2014, in contrast to the US and UK that have experienced a 9 per cent and 38 per cent decrease respectively;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there would be 46 per cent increase of India's share in the world's smartphone share by 2018; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof, and the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR   ELECTRONICS AND  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  and  (b):  According to Cellular Operators  Association of  India (COAI), as per a study by Yahoo's Flurry Analytics, usage of mobile applications in  India  grew by 43% in 2016, with entertainment  and  finance  categories  witnessing  highest  traction,  while  globally,  app  usage grew by 11%  only. Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/trend-tracking/app-usage-inindia-grows-43-study/articleshow/57823591.cms
- (c)  and  (d):    As  per  Indian  Cellular  Association  (ICA),  the  estimated  smart phone market in India vis-à-vis the world's smart phone market is as under:
*  Estimated

| Year   |   Indian Smart phone market (Million Nos.) |   World's Smart phone market (Million Nos.) |   Indian Smart phone market share over World's Smart phone market (%) |
|--------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2016   |                                        130 |                                        1470 |                                                                   8.8 |
| 2017*  |                                        170 |                                        1550 |                                                                  11   |
| 2018*  |                                        210 |                                        1640 |                                                                  12.8 |

As  per  the  above,  India's  share  in  the  world's  smart  phone  market  is  estimated  to  grow  to approx.  12.8%  in  2018,  compared  to  8.8%  in  2016,  thereby  registering  a  growth  of  approx. 45%.

Smart phones are one of the key devices for implementation of Government of India's Digital India  programme  and  various  financial  inclusion  initiatives  related  to  digital  payments,  eGovernance, etc. Several steps have been taken to promote domestic manufacturing of cellular mobile  handsets  (including  smart  phones),  which inter-alia includes    imposition  of  Basic Customs Duty (BCD) of 10% on imports  of mobiles phone.

- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2859 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Evening Courts
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA, RAMA DEVI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE)

## L O K    S A B H A UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2859

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 2 ND AUGUST, 2017

## Evening Courts

## † 2859.  SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA: SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has discontinued the evening courts which used to be held in High Courts and subordinate courts;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the impact of the above decision on the pendency of cases in the said courts;
- (d) the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Government to resume the sitting of evening courts?

## A N S W E R MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  to    (e):  The  setting  up  of  the  subordinate  courts  which  inter  alia  includes, evening courts and their continuance or discontinuance fall within the domain of the State Governments who in consultation with the concerned High Courts take appropriate decisions as per their need and resources.

After the conclusion of the tenure of the 13 th Finance Commission and in  accordance  with  the  resolution  passed  in  the  Conference  of  Chief  Justices  in April, 2015 and also endorsed during the CM/CJ Conference held on 24 th April, 2016, morning and evening courts have been discontinued in all but three states (Delhi, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).

It was resolved in the Conference of the Chief Ministers of the State Governments and Chief Justices of the High Courts held on the 24 th April, 2016 that the existing judicial infrastructure of the State judiciaries be utilized for setting up of morning /Evening or Holiday Courts, as the case may be, with retired judges as  well.    These  courts  may  be  constituted  to  deal  with  cases  relating  to  petty offences,  such  as  traffic  cases  and  legal  aid  cases  at  the  discretion  of  the  High Courts.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2858 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Legal Advisor for ECI
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: P. C. MOHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2858

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 02 ND AUGUST, 2017

## LEGAL ADVISOR FOR ECI

†2858. SHRI P.C. MOHAN:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to appoint legal advisors in Election Commission of India (ECI);
- (b) if so, whether the Government has received any communication from Election Commission in this regard;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard till date?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

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

- (c) & (d):  Do not arise.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2857 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Railway Rake
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SONA RAM CHOUDHARY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2857 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2017

## RAILWAY RAKE

† 2857.  COL. SONARAM CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to stop entire rake at Jaisalmer by not shunting 14661/14662 Delhi-Sarai Rohilla-Jodhpur passenger train at Jaisalmer and 12462/12461 Jodhpur-Delhi-Madhor Express at Barmer;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to clear the above proposals; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) No, Madam. At present, there is no such proposal.
- (b) to (d) Do not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2856 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: State Funding of Election
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2856

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 02 ND AUGUST, 2017

## STATE FUNDING OF ELECTION

†2856. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE: Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken/ proposes to take steps to enact proper law to pave the way for comprehensive electoral reforms to introduce system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote  thereby making it  mandatory  on part  of the  States to provide funds to the political parties for contesting elections;

(b) if so, the details thereof as on date; and

- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): No proposal to introduce system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote thereby making it mandatory on part of the States to provide funds to the political parties for contesting elections is under consideration of the Government.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2855 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-08-02
Subject: Condition of Employees in Judiciary
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2855

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 2 ND AUGUST, 2017

## Condition of Employees in Judiciary

## 2855   SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the lower cadre of employees working in subordinate courts across the country are in repressive conditions;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has received any suggestions or recommendation report regarding the judiciary administrative staff to cater to their welfare needs;
- (c) the proposal of the Government for systematic redressal of their grievances; and
- (d) the  details  of  vacancies/recruitment  and  appointment  proposals  of  the Government court-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE & ELELCTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  to  (d):  The  administrative  control  including  recruitment  and  terms  and conditions of service of employees working in Subordinate Courts falls within the domain of State Governments and respective High Courts. The Government of India has no role in this regard.

-.-.-.-.-.-